CJAM Pledge Drive, Halloween Theme Show # 220

This week is CJAM's annual pledge drive which runs once a year. This year it runs from October 24th-31st. The station relies on contributions from listeners, and without the support of people like you, we wouldn't be able to bring important news/spoken word/ cultural/ music programming not offered by mainstream radio to the area.

CJAM has an overall goal of raising $25,000 and is well on your way, but we need your support. If you feel compelled you could make a donation. You can pledge online securely using paypal at www.cjam.ca, or by calling 519-971-3630, or 313-963-6112 extension 3630. We've got some really nice incentives this year as well, which you can check out on the website.

Back to the show, as I did last year I gave my show a general theme during pledge drive. The theme was Halloween, so anything that could be seen as scary or relating to Halloween was played. I only played a small amount of songs due to CJAM's pledge drive, but next week I will return to my regular scheduled programming.

This Week's Play List:

1. Ramones - Chainsaw
2. The Damned - I Fall
3. The Horrors - Sheena is a Parasite
4. The Cramps - Zombie Dance
5. Gruesomes - Hip-No-Tyzed
6. Young Rival - The Haunt
7. The Misfits - Halloween
8. Sonic Youth - Death Valley 69
9. Devo - Race of Doom

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on October 28th, 2008.


Some Videos to check out:

The Horrors - Sheena is a Parasite
Queens of the Stone Age - Burn the Witch
The Clash - Charlie Don't Surf (Live Tokyo 1982)
The Clash - Brand New Cadillac (Live Tokyo 1982)

What Went On...The Velvet Underground Story and Show # 219

The initial beginnings of The Velvet Underground are rooted in the meeting of two people Lou Reed and John Cale. In late 1964, Lour Reed then a song writer for Pickwick records met John Cale. Cale a Welshman who moved to New York to study classical music, developed an interest in rock music via Reed and the two formed a group called The Primitives. Cale and Reed had similar musical connections, both willing to experiment with music. Prior to meeting Reed, Cale worked with composers John Cage and LaMonte Young who were known for their experimental musical compositions. Two Lou Reed compositions were released via Pickwick Records as the band The Primitives. The band contained Lou Reed (guitar/vocals), John Cale (bass/viola/organ/vocals), Sterling Morrison (guitar), and Angus MacLise on drums. The two singles the band recorded were "The Ostrich", and "Sneaky Pete", both released in the fall of 1964; The group also went by the names The Warlocks and The Falling Spikes initially.

Before even playing their first gig drummer Angus MacLise left the group stating that accepting money for art was being a sellout, they quickly got a new drummer Maureen Tucker (who was a sister of a friend of Morrison). The group would settle on the name The Velvet Underground after John Cale found a book of the same name when moving into his New York City Apartment. The book itself was by Michael Leigh and about the sexual underground in the 1960s. In 1965, the group recorded a demo tape which Cale gave to Marianne Faithful so that she would give it to Mick Jagger. Nothing ever came of this exchange, but the demos did appear on the bands 1995 box set Peel Slowly and See.

The band were quite different for their times. First Reed's compositions lyrically and musically were like nothing anyone had ever heard before ranging from topics such as urban life, drug use, to sexual exploits. Musically the music reflected Reeds and Cale's love of experimentation drawing on influences of pop and garage rock; Reed also was a fan of Jazz. The bands early sound would later be known as an early incarnation of what to was become punk rock. While Cale and Reed would experiment with different tuning to develop droning sounds, drummer Maureen Tucker also had a style of her own, which is an important factor of the bands sound. Her drum kit was not the usual kit you would find a drummer playing. Her bass drum was upturned, she mostly played the toms, and hardly used cymbals. Tucker played drums not only with drums sticks, but also with mallets. Her style was influenced by early Bo Diddley and Babatunde Olatunji. It can be described as simple and enticing.

After witnessing Velvet Underground perform live, artist Andy Warhol became the groups manager. Warhol assisted the group in getting a recording contract with MGM and also used them in his travelling arts and music ensemble known as the Exploding Plastic inevitable. Andy also encouraged the group to let Nico (female model/singer/actress) join. She appeared on the group first album singing on three tracks ("All Tomorrow's Parties, I'll Be Your Mirror", and "Femme Fatal"). The album, which would be titled Velvet Underground & Nico was recorded in April of 1966. Three songs were later re-recorded when the band signed to a subsidiary of MGM Records, Verve Records ("I'm Waiting For the Man, "Venus in Furs", and "Heroin"). The album was officially released n March of 1967. The album contained eleven tracks such as "I'm Waiting for the Man", "Sunday Morning", "Venus in Furs", "Run, Run, Run", and "There She Goes Again", all showcasing the bands new and experimental rock form. The albums artwork was done by Warhol, it was a yellow banana with a peel slowly and see tab on it. When peeled a pink banana lay underneath. The album did not do well commercially due to its unconventional sound and a legal dispute with artwork on the back cover of the album. A lawsuit was filed when a picture from film maker/Cinematographer Eric Emerson sued the band stating that he did not give permission for them to use a still from his film Chelsea Girls. Eventually the case was settled, but the result was the album being pulled off of the shelves ruining any chance at commercial success for the group. The Velvet Underground & Nico is often known as "the banana album".

After the bands first album, Velvet Underground's relationship with Andy Warhol and Nico worsened. As a result after their 1967 tour the group fired both Warhol and Nico. During live performances the band experimented with jams which would have a large influence on their next album. White Light/White Heat was recorded in two days in 1968 and was noticeably different compared to the bands debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico. The album sold poorly, but did manage to make it into the Billboard 200, at #199. The album musically was a distorted, rough, and dirty sounding album. The album featured songs such as "White Light/White Heat", a song about amphetamines, "The Gift" an eight minute distorted jam, with a short story recited over top by Cale in a Welsh accent, "Here She Comes Now" was an avant-garde pop song, "I Heard Her Call My Name" is a distorted song that sounds not unlike the Stooges, and the sixth and final track on the album was "Sister Ray", a 17 minute jam.

Both Covers for White Light/White Heat released in 1968

The albums cover featured a faintly visible skull in the background, the rest of the album was covered in black. The background was actually a picture of a tattoo of a skull on someones arm. The photo was taken and distorted by Billy Name, a friend of Warhol's. An alternate cover was made for the UK featuring abstract toy soldiers on a white background. Around this time tensions were growing amongst the bands two key song writers Lou Reed and John Cale. It was not just their lack of commercial success, but also the different directions that both Cale and Reed wanted to go in. After one more recording session in 1968, Cale was fired and the group continued without him. The bands third album would be titled The Velvet Underground and was released in 1969. It would feature Doug Yule as replacement for John Cale. The albums sound differed. Without Cale the experimental element of the band was not as dominant and it came off with more of a pop sound. Another reason for the albums change in sound could be related to the fact that all of the bands Vox amplifiers and guitar fuzz box pedals were stolen while they were on tour, resulting in them having to buy new equipment. The album is viewed by some to contain Lou Reed's best compositions. Songs such as "Candy Says", "Pale Blue Eyes", and the rocking "What Goes On". Other interesting tracks include "Murder Mystery" an almost nine minute song with a story read over top, similar to "The Gift".

The album also had two mixes since the album was produced by the band themselves and an engineer, Val Valentin. The first mix was done by Reed and called "The Closet Mix" by guitarist Sterling Morrison, the other mix was done by engineer Val Valentin. Reed's mix of the album was used for initial US releases of the album and Valentin's mix was used for the UK releases. After the albums initial pressings all other issues of White Light/White Heat used Valentin's mix. The complete "Closet Mix" can be found on the Peel Slowly and See box set. The albums artwork was a picture of the group, taken once again by Billy Name. The album failed to chart, it would also be The Velvet's last album for MGM.

The band spent a large amount of 1969 touring, and going in and out of the studio. These recordings would later be issued on outtake compilations (VU (1985) and Another View (1986)), and on the Peel Slowly and See box set. It should also be noted that the majority of the recordings on the outtake compilations VU and Another View, were recorded while the band were still on MGM Records and were originally intended for a fourth Velvet Underground album that was to be released in 1969. When the band switched record labels, the tracks were forgotten about. These recordings feature John Cale on some tracks and Dog Yule on some tracks. Also some of these songs were later re-recorded by Lou Reed for some solo albums. The band also recorded a live album titled 1969: The Velvet Underground Live, but it wasn't released until 1974. The bands next album would be titled Loaded.

MGM Records president Mike Curb wanted the label to be rid of any bands that had references to drugs so he dropped Velvet Underground and some other groups too. As a result the band signed to Atlantic Records. The album was titled Loaded because the label said that they wanted an album loaded with hits. So the band attempted to do so. The album was not a commercial success, but like the other three Velvet Underground albums, it was unique and original. The album contained songs such as "Rock & Roll", "Sweet Jane", "Head Held High", and "Oh, Sweet Nuthin". The album would not feature Velvet Underground drummer Maureen Tucker because she was pregnant. Instead the group used Doug Yule, Billy Yule (his brother) and a variety of session musicians for the albums drum tracks; Tucker is credited on the album despite her absence. Like all of The Velvet's albums, the artwork for Loaded was another interesting aspect of their album. The artwork was done by Stainslaw Zagorski. The cover was a picture of pink and green smoke rising from a subway entrance. Some have said that the change in artwork featuring pink smoke instead of a banana or a faint skull in the background, also represented the bands change in musical direction. Whatever was said about the album it is still a unique Velvet Underground album that shows the world that they had commercial capabilities without straying far from their original vision.

Reed quit the band just before the albums release. This was due to a number of factors, one being the lack of development within the band, the other being pressure put on by the bands manager Steve Sesnick. Reed has also stated that he was unhappy with the way the album was edited. The album was reissued in 1997 with several bonus tracks and outtakes. In 1995 the band released a comprehensive box set titled Peel Slowly and See. Reed would pursue a more successful solo career and The Velvet Underground would continue shortly with Doug Yule fronting the group, they would last until 1973.

In 1993 the original line-up reformed (including Cale) for a European tour and live album. The band would quickly disband due to Reed and Cale disagreements/arguments. In 1995 guitarist Sterling Morrison passed away and the band reformed once more for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. At their induction the group performed a song written for Morrison titled "Last Night I Said Goodbye to my Friend".

While The Velvet Underground did not achieve commercial success during their time as a band, the effect that they have left on the world cannot go unnoticed. They have been said to have influenced more people to start up bands of their own than sell their albums. Since they have disbanded they have gone on to influence rock music greatly, not only with their music, but lyrics too. The band have been cited as a major influence on the 70's punk and new wave movement and were a band that were definitely ahead of their time.

To view a post that I did on Lou Reed, you can visit my Rock n' Roll Animal post.

Songs played this week:

1. Iggy & The Stooges - Search and Destroy
2. Neon Boys - That's All I Know
3. The Sonics - Boss Hoss
4. Ugly Ducklings - Nothin'
5. The Jury - Who Dat?
6. Those Rogues - Girl
7. Underworld - Go Away
8. Gruesomes - Dementia 13
9. Minisnap - Crooked Mile
10. The Velvet Underground - I"m Waiting For the Man
11. The Velvet Underground - One of These Days
12. The Velvet Underground - Head Held High (Early Version)
13. The Who - Circles
14. Billy Bragg - A New England
15. 101ers - Keys to Your Heart (Version 2)
16. The MC5 - Looking At You
17. Compulsive Gamblers - Don't Haunt Me
18. The Mark Inside - You Can't Take Her With You
19. The Hoa Hoa's - Mixed
20. The Organs - Let the Bell's Ring
21. The Pretenders - Boots of Chinese Plastic
22. The Clash - Police on my Back (Live at Shea)
23. Pointed Sticks - The Witch
24. The Pixies - Here Comes Your Man
25. Nirvana - Son of a Gun

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on October 21, 2008.

Velvet Videos:

I'm Waiting For The Man
Sunday Morning
Venus In Furs
White Light/White Heat
Sweet Jane (Live 1993)
Last Night, I Said Goodbye to my Friend

Also Next week CJAM will be having it's annual pledge drive. CJAM is a non-profit campus and community based radio station, if you would like to show your support for CJAM you can make a pledge by visiting CJAM's home page.

Wondering...The Dirty Pretty Things Story and Show # 218

In September of 2005 Carl Barat (former guitarist/singer/song writer in the UK band The Libertines) formed the group known as Dirty Pretty Things. Signing to a UK label (Vertigo Records) Barat assembled a band with Gary Powell (ex-Libertines drummer) on drums, Anthony Rossamando on guitar (who was a fill-in for ex-Libertine Pete Doherty on some of the bands last tour dates), and Didz Hammond on bass (he left the group Cooper Temple Clause to join). Originally Barat's new group went by the name The Bearded Clam Lovers Experience, but changed names to Dirty Pretty Things. In October of 2005 Dirty Pretty Things began playing live gigs in France and Italy. The bands sound was not like the Libertines, it had much more of a punk edge/influence.

The band then entered a studio in Los Angeles, California with producer Dave Sardy to begin recording material; They also recorded material with producer Tony Doogan in Glasgow, Scotland. The first evidence of DPT material was the song "You Fucking Love It". The song was made available on a CD that came with the UK magazine NME in April of 2006. The song itself was a fast-paced raging punk song. Shortly after in April, DPT released their first official single "Bang Bang You're Dead". The song begins with a trumpet intro and then launches into dirty guitar riffs and travelling basslines. Initially people thought that because of the lyrics that this song was about former Libertine Pete Doherty, but this was later proven wrong by Carl Barat in an interview; It went to #4 on the UK singles charts. The album itself came out in May of 2006 in the UK and did very well on the British album charts reaching #3; It was titled Waterloo To Anywhere.


The album contained twelve tracks. It starts of with the song "Deadwood", which would also be the bands second single; It reached #20 on the UK singles charts. Other great tracks included "Blood Thirsty Bastards", "Doctors and Dealers", "Gin & Milk", "The Gentry Cove", and "Last of The Small Town Playboys". One of my favourite tracks is the song "Enemy". The song itself is dominated by chunky basslines in the verses and in the choruses the guitars come in roaring with energy. It also contains the brilliant lyric "Isn't it time you washed your face/It looks like a burnt out fireplace", while the chorus states that "The enemy as I know it is right inside my head". Lyrically the album is dark and witty, while the music blares with the energy of 70's British punk. Waterloo To Anywhere was released in the US in August of 2006; It charted at #200 on the US albums charts. The third single from the album was the song "Wondering"; It went to #34 on the UK singles charts.

The band toured intensively behind this album playing the South By Southwest Festival, Isle of Wight Festival, and T in the Park to name a few. They also toured with the likes of Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Hurricanes, and The Paddingtons. In the summer of 2006, Barat broke his collarbone due to a fall from a motorbike. To continue touring Barat put his arm in a sling and got Paddingtons guitarist Josh Hubbard to play his guitar parts, while Barat sang. A DVD release came next in October of 2006. Puffing on A Coffin Nail which was a live performance plus documentaries of the band and bonus live material. In September of 2007, DPT contributed the song "Radio Song" for the film soundtrack Run Fatboy Run. The song was a more pop influenced track that came off sounding heavily Clash influenced. They also contributed the acoustic-dreary song "9 Lives" to the Love Music Hate Racism compilation.

In June of 2008 Romance At Short Notice, Dirty Pretty Things second full length album was released in the UK. The title of the album is believed to be a reference from the short story The Open Window by British writer Saki. Originally the album was rumoured to be titled This is Where the Truth Begins. The first single from the album was the nostalgic pop song "Tired of England". The song itself is said to have a chorus similar to the Smiths song "Panic"; It went to #54 on the UK album charts. The album reached #35 on the UK album charts. Despite the fact that the album did not do as well chart wise in the UK as did Waterloo To Anywhere in no way takes away from the quality of DPT's second album. It is uniquely crafted album mixing styles of British Pop, Garage Rock, Mod and 70's Punk; It sounds heavily influenced by early Pink Floyd in my opinion. It starts off with the song "Buzzards and the Crows" which is twisting rock song that sounds like it is being played at a carnival. "Hippy's Son" comes next it is a heavy dragging rock song. Other great rockers include "Kicks Or Consumption", and "Best Face". The album isn't all rock, it also features songs such as "Plastic Hearts" one of the catchiest songs every written by DPT. Acoustic numbers such as "Come Closer", "The North" (written with and featuring vocals from guitarist Rossamando, and bassist Hammond), "Truth Begins" and "Blood on My Shoes". Currently Romance At Short Notice is not available in the US and it is unlikely that it will be.


On October 1st, 2008 Dirty Pretty Things announced that after their current tour commitments, they would be splitting up. The statement was as follows on the bands official website:

It is with some sadness we announce the farewell of the Dirty Pretty Things. It's been a glorious three years which we all would gladly live out again, but it is time for us to try new things. (not The Libertines). We are reluctant to give up touring but will give the last waltz everything. We have and are determined to go out as we came in, after which we all have other ventures to be getting on with and splendid future plans. Heartfelt thanks to all who made it what it was, much love and we'll see you on the road.

While Dirty Pretty Things seem to be ending I urge you all to check out the two albums that they have released. They were an interesting British rock band. While some critics and fans refuse to let Carl free from the shackles of his days with the Libertines, he has provided the world with music (in my opinion) that is just as interesting, exciting, and amazing as his previous efforts.

For more information on the band you can visit:

Dirty Pretty Things Official Website
Dirty Pretty Things Myspace Page

This Week's Play List:

1. Dirty Pretty Things - Buzzards & Crows
2. Dirty Pretty Things - The Weekenders
3. Dirty Pretty Things - 9 Lives
4. Dirty Pretty Things - The Enemy
5. Pastels - Ditch the Fool
6. Pavement - Date With Ikea
7. Arctic Monkeys - From the Ritz to the Rubble
8. Franz Ferdinand - Shopping For Blood
9. The Rapture - Coming of Spring
10. Radio 4 - Caroline
11. Slander - Peticoat Junction
12. Gentlemen of Horror - Overhead Projector
13. The Smugglers - Luau!
14. The Cinch - She's Cracked
15. Guided By Voices - Teenage FBI
16. The Libertines - Last Post On The Bugle
17. Marble Index - I Believe
18. Young Rival - Another Nobody
19. The Nines - Take What You Want
20. The Subways - All or Nothing
21. Raconteurs - Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)(Live Austin City Limits)
22. The D4 - Baby in a Box (John Peel Session)
23. Sloan - Ana Lucia
24. Supergrass - Rush Hour Soul

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on October 14th, 2008.

Dirty Pretty Videos:

You Fucking Love It
Bang Bang You're Dead
Deadwood
Wondering
Tired of England
Gentry Cove (Live Jools Holland)
Plastic Hearts (Live At the Wireless 2008)
Bang Bang You're Dead (Live on Letterman)
The Enemy (Live)

As a bonus I found this wonderful mini-concert The Raconteurs did in September that is really cool.

The Raconteurs - Live Austin City Limits September 17, 2006:

1. Level
2. Together
3. Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)
4. Blue Veins
5. Headin' For the Texas Border

Show # 217

Revolution Rock Play List for Show # 217:

1. Subway Sect - Ambition
2. Siouxsie & The Banshees - Hong Kong Garden
3. The Government - Fire Escape
4. Private School - Sci-Fi
5. Lowlife - Leaders
6. Silicone Injections - Agro
7. Spys - Underground
8. Talking Heads - Warning Sign (1975 CBS Demo)
9. Modern Lovers - Girlfriend
10. Only Ones - Language Problem
11. Rezillos - I Can't Stand My Baby
12. Ultravox! - Sat'day Night in the City of The Dead
13. Gang of Four - Armalite Rifle
14. The Clash - English Civil War (Live at Shea Stadium)
15. The Clash - (Whiteman) In Hammersmith Palais
16. The Poles - Prime Time
17. The Action - Do the Strangle
18. XX Teens - Only You
19. Wire - One of Us
20. Public Image Limited - 1981
21. Roxy Music - Street Life
22. The Cure - Fire in Cairo (Chestnut Studio Demo)
23. Klark Kent - Too Kool To Kalypso
24. Devo - Gut Feeling/(Slap Your Mammy)
25. Elvis Costello & the Attractions - Lipstick Vogue

Bored Teenagers...The Adverts Story and Show # 216

The Adverts were formed in 1976 by TV Smith (real name Tim Smith) (vocals), Gaye Advert (bass), Howard Pickup (real name Howard Boak)(guitar), and Laurie Driver (real name Laurie Muscat) on drums. The band began playing gigs in London, England at The Roxy in 1976. Michael Dempsey became their manager after seeing them support Generation X in 1977. The Averts also caught the attention of Damned guitarist Brian James, who let the band open for them, they got signed to Stiff records as a result. The bands first single was titled "One Chord Wonders". After barely playing a handful of live shows, The Adverts went on a tour with The Damned. The promotional tour posters read "The Adverts know one chord, the Damned know three. See all four at…"

The band then released their second single "Gary Gilmore's Eyes". They song went into the UK top 20, but was seen as controversial. The lyrical subject matter made reference to an American Murders wish to have his eyes donated to medical science after his execution. Their next single was "Safety in Numbers"", it did not chart. Their fourth single would crack the UK top 40, bringing the Adverts back into the charts; The song was "No Time To Be 21". In February of 1978 Crossing the Red Sea The Adverts first full length album was released. It featured three of the bands first four singles and debuted at number 38 on the UK albums chart. Many feel that their first album is their best. It is seen as a strong debut by many and all of the songs were composed by vocalist TV Smith.


In 1979, Cast of Thousands was released. The album produced three singles "Television's Over", "My Place", and "Cast of Thousands". It also featured a different sound compared to Crossing the Red Sea, once again all songs were composed by TV Smith. It was seen as a poor effort by many and soon after a gig in October of 1979 and the accidental electrocution of their manager Michael Dempsey, The Adverts split up. TV Smith was seen as a song writer who captured the spirit of the times in his music, Gaye Advert was seen as one of the first female punk icons. Not only a bassist, she also had a style that would influence female punks for quite some time. After the Adverts finished, TV Smith went on to form TV Smith's Explorers and The Cheap. In the 90's he would create music as a solo artist.

The Play List:

1. Wire - The 15th (Live Rockpalast 1979)
2. Proud Scum - I Am a Rabbit
3. Terrorways - Short Haired Rock n' Roll
4. Suburban Reptiles - Saturday Night Stay At Home
5. The Victims - Television Addict
6. Celibate Rifles - 24 Hours (sos)
7. Modernettes - Barbra
8. Diodes - Noise
9. Evaporators - Gassy Jack
10. Forgotten Rebels - I'm Surfin' On Heroin
11. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - New Pleasure
12. Killing Joke - Eighties
13. The Adverts - One Chord Wonders
14. The Unknowns - teenage Terrorist
15. 63 Monroe - Media Junkie
16. Sinners - No Brains Required
17. 222's - Hold Up
18. Hot Nasties - Get Away From Me
19. Wreckless Eric - A Pop Song
20. Radio Birdman - Hand of Law
21. The Jam - The Place I love
22. Franz Ferdinand - Jaqueline
23. Dead 60s - All Over By Midnight
24. The Clash - Somebody Got Murdered (Live Reitle Festival, France 1980)
25. Buzzcocks - A Different Kind of Tension
26. Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers - Do You Love Me?

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Septemberr 30th, 2008.

Videos:

One Chord Wonders (1977)
Gary Gilmore's Eyes (Top of the Pops 1977)
Live At the Vortex 1977 (On the Roof, New Day Dawning, No Time to be 21)
Bored Teenagers (OGWT 1978)

Live at Shea and 1000 Hooks...Show # 215

This week i'll be talking about some new releases. First the new Clash release (which comes out on October 7) and second some Luger Boa news.


Recorded in October of 1982, Live at Shea Stadium showcases the Clash playing live just after the release of their album Combat Rock. The concert would feature original drummer Terry Chimes due to the fact that drummer Topper Headon was kicked out for drug addiction at the time. The show was proposed for release in the late 90's when Joe Strummer found the tapes during a house move. He proposed that they release Shea in it's entirety, but the record company released the live compilation From Here to Eternity instead in 1999. The album comes with a limited edition booklet. The concert was one where the band opened for The Who, and was recorded at a time when The Clash were gaining a larger following. The Clash would fire guitarist Mick Jones shortly after, and then they would split up in 1984 after an attempt at one more album.

Live at Shea track listing:

1. Kosmo Vinyl Introduction
2. London Calling
3. Police On My Back
4. Guns Of Brixton
5. Tommy Gun
6. The Magnificent Seven
7. Armagideon Time
8. The Magnificent Seven (return)
9. Rock The Casbah
10. Train In vain
11. Career Opportunities
12. Spanish Bombs
13. Clampdown
14. English Civil War
15. Should I Stay Or Should I Go
16. I Fought The Law

Shea Stadium Teaser



Secondly, New Zealand band Luger Boa will release their album in November. The band contains former D4 member Jimmy Christmas and have recently released a video for their first single "1000 Hooks". For more info you can visit their Myspace page.

Luger Boa - 1000 Hooks Video



This Weeks Play List:

1. Magazine - Because You're Frightened (BBC)
2. XTC - Are You Recieving Me?
3. New York Dolls - Chatterbox
4. Pretty Things - Come See Me
5. Them - Just a Little Bit
6. Main Line - Don't Wait Around
7. 49th Parallel - Citizen Freak
8. Young Rival - The Haunt
9. The Oblivions - Trouble
10. Television - Ain't That Nothin'
11. Teenage Head - Top Down
12. The Squires - I Wonder
13. Neil Young - Don't Cry No Tears
14. Dirty Pretty Things - Plastik Hearts
15. Mother Mother - Body of Years
16. Big Audio Dynamite - Got it All From my TV
17. Wild Fits - Just Lust
18. The Damned - Liar
19. Ramones - I Don't Want You
20. The Hives - Return the Favor
21. The Kinks - Come On Now
22. The Saints - New Center of the Universe
23. Sex Pistols - Did You No Wrong
24. Stolen Minks - Bring It
25. Luger Boa - 1000 Hooks
26. Subways - At 1 AM
27. D4 - No Antidote (John Peel Session)

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Septemberr 23rd, 2008.

Cherry Kicks...The Caesars Story and Show # 214

Coming out of Sweden, The Caesars originally formed in 1995. The band also went by several names, at first they were known as Caesar's Palace, they were also known as Twelve Caesars in some countries. The band currently goes by the name The Caesars. The band was originally made up of Cesar Vidal (vocals), David Lindquist (bass), Joakim Ahuland (guitar), and Jens Örjenheim on drums(he would be replaced by drummer Nino Keller in 2000). The band was influenced by bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Sonics, Billy Childish, and the 13th Floor Elevators; It should also be noted that the bands sound is also heavily laced with experimentation's of Farfisa organ. Their first release was and EP titled Shake It, which was a collection of early demos. After releasing a few singles, the band released their first album Youth is Wasted on the Young in 1998; In the US it was released under the band name Twelve Caesars.

Their next release came in 2000, it was titled Cherry Kicks; This time they went by the name Caesar's Palace. The album Cherry Kicks would also feature a song titled "Punkrocker", which would also be recorded by guitarist Ahuland's other band Teddybears. The bands 2002 release Love For the Streets was an album that did them well in Sweden. The album went gold in Sweden and also won them a Swedish Grammy award. The album would also contain a song that would be a huge hit for them, "Jerk it Out". It is a organ filled pop song. A compilation album was then compiled for the US and UK markets in 2003, it was titled 39 Minutes of Bliss (In An Otherwise Meaningless World); Released as The Caesars. The band then toured Japan, Europe and the US in 2003, they also began work on a new album.


In 2004/2005 the song "Jerk It Out" would be featured in an Apple ipod TV commercial. This would bring the band recognition, the song would enter them in the charts, and would be featured in a remixed form on their next album Paper Tigers; "Jerk It Out" was also featured in many US video games. Paper Tigers did well in Sweden, and was released in 2005. The album also featured other interesting songs such as "May the Rain", "Soul Chaser", and "It's Not the Fall that Hurts". In 2008, the band released Strawberry Weed. The album is actually a double album, but when it was released in the US, it only featured twelve songs. The Caesars are a Swedish band who mix elements of 60's garage rock, pop, and organ creating a unique rock sound.

Next week my show will air Tuesday at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. My show will now be on Tuesday mornings on CJAM 91.5 FM.

Play List:

1. Ride Theory - Alright
2. The Dirtbombs - Shake!!Shiveree
3. The Buzzards - You Got Me Down
4. David Bowie - Waitin' For the Man (Live Santa Monica 1972)
5. The Pogues - Dirty Ol Town
6. The Dials - All I Hear
7. Dry Heaves - I Can't Puke
8. Rock and Roll Bitches - Broad Daylight
9. Buzzcocks - I Don't Mind
10. Mach Kung Fu - Teach A Chick To Dance
11. Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet - Bennet Cerf
12. Atomic 7 - Phantom 101
13. Brian Wilson - Morning Beat
14. Raptors - Running Away
15. Crosstown Rivals - Bright Idea
16. Call the City - Don't You Wish
17. Bloc Party - One Mouth Off
18. The New Odds - Cloud Full of Rocks
19. Caesars - Turn it Off
20. Bruce Springsteen - Roulette
21. 14th Wray - Your Face in my Mind
22. Rolling Stones - Walkin' the Dog
23. 101'ers - Keep Taking the Tablets (Live)
24. Guided By Voices - Postal Blowfish
25. Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen in Love
26. Blur - Movin' On

Videos:

Jerk it Out
It's Not the Fall that Hurts
We Got To Leave
Paper Tigers
(I'm Gonna) Kick You Out
No Tomorrow
Boo Boo Goo Goo

They're Gonna Get You... The Count Five Story and Show # 213

Coming out of San Jose, California, The Count Five went through several line up and name changes before settling on the name The Count Five. Previously known as The Renegades and The Squires, The Count Five were born when their previous drummer Skip Cordell and their organist Phil Evans quit The Squires. Drummer Craig "Butch" Atkinson joined future band members John "Sean" Byrne (vocals/rhythm guitar), John "Mouse" Michalski (lead guitar), Roy Chaney (bass), and Kenn Ellner (harmonica/vocals) in 1964. The band around this time would begin working on a song that would later be known as "Psychotic Reaction" during their live shows. They also were known for performing live with Count Dracula styled capes. The band went to various record labels and were turned down. After reworking the song Byrne brought to the group "Psychotic Reaction", the band got a record deal with an LA label, Double Shot Records.

Their full length album Psychotic Reaction was released in 1966. The album contained elements of bands such as The Yardbirds, Bo Diddley, and The Standells; They were known as a garage rock band and would not last very long. The single "Psychotic Reaction" is their best known song, it reached # 5 on the US single charts when originally released. While their album featured several garage rockin' originals such as "Double Decker Bus", "Pretty Big Mouth", and "They're Gonna Get You", it would not live up to the success of their hit single "Psychotic Reaction". The album would also feature two Who cover songs ("My Generation", and "Out in the Street") they were one of the first US bands to cover The Who. The band continued for a short while finally breaking up in 1969. The members of the group went back to College to get their degrees.

In 1972, Lenny Kaye released a compilation of 60's garage rock/psychedelic songs titled Nuggets. The compilation album would feature The Count Five's hit "Psychotic Reaction" re-introducing them to a new audience. The Nuggets compilation was re-released as and extended four CD set in 2004. The band reunited 1987, this was released as Psychotic Reaction Live. The band has since had numerous compilations released. Since they have spilt the band has been cited as an influence on the genre of punk that was to come in the late 70's. In the 90's bassist Roy Chaney formed a group called The Count (with former Count Five band member John Byrne) and released a CD titled Can't Sleep in 2002. In 1999, the Count Five drummer Craig Atkinson passed away. The Count Five will forever be known for their wonderfully executed garage rock hit single, "Psychotic Reaction".

On another note, my show Revolution Rock will be moving time slots from Wednesday night to Tuesday mornings. On September 23rd, 2008 my show will air at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. My last show at it's current time slot (9PM) will air next Wednesday September 17th.

Songs Played This Week:

1. The Standells - Dirty Water
2. The Express - Wastin' My Time
3. The Wailers - Out of Our Tree
4. The Munks - Long Time Waiting
5. The Haunted - Eight O'Clock This Morning
6. The Secrets - Cryin' Over Her
7. Painted Ship - And She Said yes
8. The Litter - Action Woman
9. The Brogues - I Ain't No Miracle Worker
10. The Seeds - Can't Seem To Make You Mine
11. The Kinks - You Can't Win
12. Young Rival - Your Island
13. The Sonics - Psycho
14. Ugly Ducklings - Just in Case You Wonder
15. Gruesomes - Leave My Kitten Alone
16. The Collectors - Eight Hour Day
17. Count Five - They're Gonna Get You
18. Count Five - Teeny Bopper, Teeny Bopper
19. Mojomatics - Miss Me When I'm Gone
20. The Weirdies - Let's Get Hot
21. Compulsive Gamblers - Way I Feel About You
22. Lou Reed - Nowhere At All
23. The Smugglers - That is Rock N' Roll
24. The Outsiders - Time Won't Let Me
25. Hentchmen - Yesterday's Trash
26. Young Rival - Too Hip
27. White Stripes - Black Math
28. The Strokes - When it Started
29. Rolling Stones - Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing in the Shadows? (Live 1966)

Videos:

Psychotic Reaction
Peace of Mind

In A Rut...The Ruts Story and Show # 212

Forming in early 1978, in West London The Ruts consisted of School friends. Paul Fox played guitar, Malcolm Owen did the vocals, John Jennings played bass, and Dave Ruffy played the drums. The bands sound was punk, reggae and dub influenced. The band also took on various political causes due to the nature of the times. They were known for playing for many anti-racist causes, this would be reflected in the bands lyrics. The Ruts first single was titled "In A Rut" and it was originally released in May of 1978. The B-side was an anti-drug song about Heroin, it was titled "H-Eyes". The single did not do very well, but was played frequently by BBC DJ, John Peel. The Ruts signed to Virgin Records in the Spring of 1979.

The single "Babylon's Burning" was recorded next. Released in 1979, the song was about the descent of Western civilization. It was also influenced by all the riots that were occurring in England around that time as well. The song reached number seven on the UK singles charts; The B-side was a song titled "Society". The bands next single "Something That I Said", would be released after they toured supporting The Damned. The song cracked the top 30 in the UK and the bands first full length album, The Crack would be released in October of 1979. The album was a mix of punk, reggae, dub, and had elements of Hardcore and Hard Rock. Another song featured on the album was the reggae/dub influenced track "Jah War". The song failed to chart, but was one addressing the issues of riots that occurred in Southall London. Due to it's controversial subject matter, the song was banned from the radio in Britain. Other interesting songs on The Crack were the anti-drug song "Dope For Guns" and "S.U.S", a song about the Vagrancy Act used by London Police.

Following a headlining tour, the band entered the UK charts again with the song "Staring At the Rude Boys". The band then began work for their second album and were preparing for another tour in the UK. Around this time lead singer Malcolm Owen, who had a long time Heroin addiction began using the drug more and more. He also was going through problems with his marriage. After the band completed the song "West One", they fired Malcolm. This seemed to help Owen clean up and get his act together, but in July of 1980 Malcolm died of a drug overdose. The song "West One" entered the Uk charts at #43 and in October of 1980, the band released Grin & Bear It. The album was a collection of the songs The Ruts had been working on before firing Owen and B-sides/Outtakes. In 1986, the bands BBC sessions were released titled The Peel Sessions. The remainder of The Ruts continued as Ruts DC, but would stop playing around 1983. In 1995, a compilation of the band was released titled Something I Said, and in 2001 EMI released a compilation of the band titled Bustin’ Out: The Essential Ruts Collection. The Ruts were a band from the UK known for their anti-racist and strong politcal stances. The band lasted for a very short while, but left behind interesting musical and political messages.

The Playlist:

1. The Banned - Little Girl
2. Red Squares - Ottawa Today
3. Active Dog - Rat Race
4. The Action - Downtown Boys
5. The Poles - CN Tower
6. Igenerants - Radio Interference
7. Pulp - Mis-Shapes
8. Stiff Little Fingers - Suspect Device
9. The Vibrators - Baby Baby
10. The Ruts - Babylon's Burning
11. Generation X - Kleenex
12. Johnny Thunders - Dead or Alive
13. The Ryvals - Time of Restraint
14. Infamous Scientists - American Bandstand
15. Stolen Minks - Reflexes
16. The Saints - No, Your Product
17. The Damned - Politics
18. Ramones - Surfin' Bird
19. Sloan - Emergency 911
20. Buzzcocks - Mad Mad Judy (BBC Session)
21. The Clash - Janie Jones (Live Boston 1982)
22. Nothing At All - Grand Central Station
23. Babyshambles - Delivery
24. Libertines - Up the Bracket
25. The D4 - Joe 90
26. The D4 - Get Loose

Rutty Videos:

In A Rut
Babylon's Burning (1979)
Something I Said (Music Video)
Jah War & Babylon's Burning (Live French TV 1980)
Staring At The Rude Boys (Top of the Pops)

Superfuzzy Mudhoney...The Mudhoney Story and Show # 211

 

Forming in Seattle, Washington in 1988, Mudhoney were essentially born out of the ashes of Green River. Green River was a band that contained future members of the Seattle band Pearl Jam (Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard) and Mudhoney (Mark Arm and Steve Turner). Due to different members in the band wanting to go in different directions Green River split after they completed two EP's and one full length album. Mark Arm wanted to take the band in more of a punk rock direction, while Gossard/Ament wanted the band to go in more of a hard rock direction. In 1988, Arm and Turner began playing with drummer Dan Peters. After adding Melvins bassist Matt Lukin to the line up, Mudhoney were born.

Taking their name from a Russ Myers movie, Mudhoney recorded a single for Sub-Pop titled "Sweet Young Thing Ain't Sweet No More". The single and it's B-side "Touch Me I'm Sick" were released on a limited edition 7" vinyl on August 1st, 1988. Even though fans favoured "Touch Me I'm Sick" over the A-side "Sweet Young Thing Ain't Sweet No More", The single defined Mudhoney's sound. It was distorted fuzz box fueled guitar played sloppily, with elements of metal, garage rock and the attitude of punk. The lyrics were sarcastic and at times humorous. The single would lead to a devout following of the band in the UK. For the recently starting independent label Sub-Pop Mudhoney propelled them from unknowns to a label with bands from a upcoming music scene that would eventually be labelled as "Grunge". In October of 1988, Mudhoney released Superfuzz Bigmuff EP. Named after Arm and Turners favouite distortion pedals for guitar (The Superfuzz and The Big Muff), the EP contained eight tracks and sold poorly. In the UK it did well remaining on the charts for quite sometime. It would lead them to a headlining UK tour and lots of press coverage, Mudhoney were hailed as the next big thing to come out of Seattle. In 1989, Mudhoney released their first full length album Mudhoney. 

Around this time other Seattle bands began getting notice due to Mudhoneys success on college radio and in the underground. Bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Tad. Mudhoney had another album in the can titled Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge, but due to Sup-Pop's financial troubles, it wasn't released until 1991. The album is a favourite of Mudhoney guitarist Steve Turner and brought in a more garage rock and punk sound than their previous releases. Due to the difficulties of Sub-Pop at the time Mudhoney would leave the label and sign to a major label, Reprise. At the time the band began looking for a new label Nirvana's Nevermind was released and set the world on fire making Seattle the new centre of the rock and roll universe. Other Seattle bands began getting major label record deals because of this and the Grunge phenomenon took over the world of music.

Mudhoney's first album for a major label was released in 1992, it was called Piece of Cake. The band did not let their new label alter their song writing skills, and Piece of Cake showed the band sounding more like a garage rock band than a Grunge band. The album contained songs that the band regularly featured in their energetic, often riotous live shows such as "Suck You Dry", "Acetone", and "Blinding Sun". Despite signing to a major label, the band's album sales did not do as well as other Seattle bands such as Nirvana and Soundgarden. In 1995, Grunge began to wind down and Mudhoney released their second album for Reprise. My Brother The Cow is considered one of the best albums the band has ever released. The album combined elements of their new sound with elements of their old. The band paid homage to some of their favourite bands in song titles in lyrics. Bands such as Bad Brains, Led Zeppelin, Captain Beefheart and The Stooges. The song "1995" can be seen as a homage to The Stooges song "1969". Other great tracks include "Judgement, Rage, Retribution and Thyme", "Today is a Good Day" and "Into Yer Shtik".

In 1996, the band appeared in the movie Black Sheep staring comedians Chris Farley and David Spade. They are shown playing live on stage for MTV and also talk briefly with Chris Farley's character backstage. Tomorrow Hit Today was released in 1998. The album kept the bands Grunge style sound, but also brought in an influence of Blues Rock. The album was produced with legendary Rolling Stones producer Jim Dickinson and was recorded in three different cities. After a long tour in support of this album, the band were dropped from Reprise and bassist Matt Lukin would leave the band. The reason he gave was his dislike for touring.

In January of 2000, March To Fuzz was released. This was aa compilation of the bands well known songs and b-sides/cover songs. When this was released many people thought that since Matt Lukin left the band and they released a career retrospective greatest hits, that they were going to call it quits; The band continued. Recruiting Guy Maddison on bass, Mudhoney played more live shows and returned to the label Sup-Pop. Recorded in eight days, Since We've Become Translucent was released in 2002. The album was the bands sixth studio album and brought in a change of sound for the band. The album featured less metal-like riffs. as did early Mudhoney and brought in horn sections and violins. The first track on the album "Baby, Can You Dig the Light?" (which is over eight minutes long) sounds like a lost track from The Stooges album Fun House. Other interesting tracks include "The Straight Life", "Our Time is Now", and "Inside Job". The band followed the release of this album with a South American tour.

In 2006, Under A Billion Suns was released. The album further expanded upon the new sound the band experimented with on Since We've Become Translucent. The album brought in more horn sections and the band expanded lyrically on political subjects. Songs such as "Hard-On For War" (originally recorded in 2003), "Empty Shells", "Where is the Future?", and "It Is Us" addressed political issues. The album is just as interesting as their 2002 release. The band toured again in 2007 and released a live album titled Live Mud. In 2008, Mudhoney released their ninth album The Lucky Ones. This album is seen as Mudhoney returning to their original sound and has been as hailed as their best album in years. It was recorded and mixed with overdubs within three and a half days. This superfuzzy and raw album was also released to coincide with Sub-Pop's 20th anniversary, and the band's. In May of 2008, Sup-Pop also re-issued Superfuzz Bigmuff. The re-issue expanded the EP into a deluxe edition adding twenty additional songs, demos, early singles, and live tracks.

In addition to having a long career with Mudhoney, Mark Arm and Steve Turner have been involved in many other side projects. They are involved in the garage rock and blues side project The Monkeywrench. The band has released several albums including their most recent one in 2008 titled Gabriel's Horn. They have been active since 1991, seeming to release an album every eight years. In 2000, Turner went on bass and along with Mark Arm (on guitar/vocals) and several other musicians (Dan Peters, Scott McCaughey, Tom Price and Bill Henderson) they formed the one off group The New Strychnines. This band released one album containing 16 covers of songs originally done by garage rockers, The Sonics; The album was titled The New Original Sonic Sound. Mudhoney are a band that kick started the Seattle Grunge scene, but unlike almost every band to have come from that time, they are still standing and most importantly still rocking.

The Play List:

1. Supergrass - Strange Ones
2. The Creepshow - Take My Hand
3. The Jolts - Hey, Alright!
4. The Caesars - Boo Boo Goo Goo
5. The Pack AD - Blackout
6. John Mayall's Bluesbreakers (With Eric Clapton) - Little Girl
7. Malibu Kens - Crude City
8. Bureaucrats - Vaccination
9. Diodes - Teenage Nation
10. The Clips - Space Kidz
11. Elvis Costello & The Imposters - American Gangster Time
12. Public Image Limited - Home
13. Wire - Map Ref. 41 Degrees N 93 Degrees W
14. Talking Heads - No Compassion
15. XTC - Are You Recieving Me?
16. Magazine - Give Me Everything
17. U2 - Touch
18. Mudhoney - Touch Me I'm Sick
19. Mudhoney - Today, Is A Good Day
20. Mudhoney - New Meaning
21. The Monkeywrench - Solar Revelations
22. Luger Boa - Mutate or Die
23. Nirvana - (New Wave) Polly
24. Pearl Jam - Spin the Black Circle

Mudhoney Videos:

Touch Me I'm Sick (Live 1991)
Into The Drink
Suck You Dry
Pump It Up
Generation Spokesmodel
It Is Us
Hate The Police (Live 2008)
New Meaning (Live 2008)
The Lucky Ones (Live 2008)

Beyond The Horizon...The Bob Dylan Story Part Two...Show # 210

Bob Dylan's next album would be released 1969, it would be titled Nashville Skyline. It was recorded in Nashville with a collection of Country sessions musicians. This album was meant to be a country album, it also featured at duet with Johnny Cash. The two recorded a considerable number of covers and songs together, but their version of the Bob Dylan song "Girl From the North Country" was the only one to be featured on Nashville Skyline. The album also featured Bob Dylan altering his voice into a mellow, deeper tone; It is best described as a Country Crooning voice. Nashville Skyline was successful it featured the top ten single "Lay, Lady, Lay". Dylan then appeared on Johnny Cash's TV show performing a few songs and appeared at the Isle of Wight Festival (Dylan would not really tour except for a few performances from 1968-1974). Despite the good sales, Nashville Skyline was criticized and had mixed reviews. The result of this would be apparent in Self Portrait, Bob Dylan's 1970 release. The album was a double and was a collection of folk and pop cover songs, live tracks (featuring The Band), and instrumental recordings. Bob Dylan later admitted the album as something as a joke, and something to get all the people off of his back, who were giving him labels. The album confused fans and even inspired a Rolling Stone critic to open his review of this album with "What is this shit?". Dylan's next release would be much better than the compositions on Self Portrait.

New Morning was released in 1970, four months after Self Portrait. The album featured a return to a more classic Dylan song writing style and went to #7 in the US and #1 in the UK. The album was actually recorded while Self Portrait was getting ready to be released. The album featured songs such as "If Not For You" (a song later covered by George Harrison and Olivia Newton-John), "A Day of the Locusts" inspired by an experience at Princeton University, and "Went to see the Gypsy" inspired by Dylan's first meeting with Elvis Presley. Other interesting tracks include the song "New Morning", the bluesy "One More Weekend" and "The Man in Me" a song that would later be featured in the movie The Big Lebowski; It was also covered by The Clash during the London Calling Sessions. Next Dylan would appear at the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971, write the soundtrack and appear in the movie Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid in 1972 and the album Dylan would be released; The soundtrack featured the hit single "Knockin' on Heaven's Door". Dylan would be a collection of outtakes from Self Portrait, which was released in 1973. In 1974, Bob Dylan released the album Planet Waves. The album featured The Band as his backing band and would feature the song "Forever Young". Dylan also signed a new contract around this time with Asylum a division of Geffen Records. Bob Dylan also returned to touring around this time. The tour to support Planet Waves, featured The Band and is one of the most successful tours in the history of rock music.

Blood on the Tracks came next, in 1975. The album featured a return to Bob Dylan's acoustic/folk roots; It was also inspired by his difficulties with his marriage. It also had David Zimmerman (Bob's brother) producing. Dylan also returned to Columbia Records at this time. The album would feature excellent tracks such as "A Simple Twist of Fate", "Idiot Wind", and "Tangled Up in Blue". The album went to #1 in the US and #4 in the UK. Dylan then embarked on a large on again off again tour called the Rolling Thunder Revue. During this time he also released the album Desire in 1976. The album has more of a world music feel, but features the song "Hurricane". "Hurricane" is a song over 8 minutes written about the boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. The song is a song of protest dealing with the murder trial Carter went through. Carter went to jail, but was released 20 years later. Other interesting songs include "Isis", "Mozambique", "One More Cup of Coffee", and "Romance in Durango". Desire reached #1 on the US Billboard charts. A majority of the songs on Desire were co-written with Jaques Levy. Dylan then embarked on another large tour in 1976.

Assembling yet another backing band, he also appeared at The Band's farewell concert which was documented in the film, The Last Waltz. Street Legal came in 1978, it was very different than any of Dylan's previous efforts. It featured a large big band, pop sound, with lots of female backing vocals. The album was seen as disappointment when it first came out. It would later be remixed and re-released in 1999. After a tour in 1978, Bob Dylan became a born again Christian and recorded a series of religious, Christian inspired albums. Slow Train Coming came in 1979, Saved in 1980, and Shot of Love in 1981. After a trip to Israel Bob Dylan recorded the album Infidels (he did not record the album in Israel) which would be released in 1983. He then toured in 1984 (he hadn't really toured since 1978, but he did tour in 1980-1981), released a live album of that 84 tour, Real Live and would release a comprehensive boxed set tiled Biograph in 1985. Bob also released another album titled Empire Burlesque in 1985. It was a mix of dance songs and rock songs.

Knocked Out Loaded was released in 1986 and in 1988, Bob Dylan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bob Dylan finished off the 80's by releasing an album titled Oh Mercy in 1989. The album was produced by Daniel Lanois known for his work with Peter Gabriel and U2's Joshua Tree. Dylan met Lanois in September of 1988 when he started his Never Ending Tour. This tour was a series of shows that was on and off through out the 80's and still continues today because Bob Dylan said he refuses to be a nostalgia act. He has reworked several of his older songs for the numerous concerts he has played since this tour began. In 1991 Under The Red Sky was released. The album received poor reviews, but featured several guest musicians such as George Harrison, Slash, Elton John, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and David Crosby. After this album Dylan would not release an album of original material until 1997.

Good As I Been To You was released in 1992, it was a collection of folk cover songs. World Gone Wrong was released in 1993, it was also a collection of acoustic folk covers. In 1994 Bob Dylan appeared on MTV Unplugged and in 1997 Time Out of Mind was released. Time Out of Mind was an album produced by Daniel Lanois and was the first album of original Dylan songs since 1991's Under The Red Sky. The album generated new interest in Bob Dylan, it got three Grammy nominations, and was #10 on the US and UK charts. Prior to the release of the album (but after it was recorded, mixed, and completed) Bob Dylan was hospitalized with Pericarditis, which made him seriously ill. As a result his 1997 tour was cancelled, but Bob Dylan recovered and was healthy once again within a year. Love and Theft came in 2001. This album was actually produced by Bob Dylan himself, under the named Jack Frost. The album was another chart topper (#5 in the US, #3 in the UK), it mixed styles of rockabilly, jazz and western swing music. The album also generated a bit of controversy because some of the lyrics on the album were similar to words found in the book Confessions of a Yakuza by Junichi Saga.

In 2003, Dylan made his own film titled Masked & Anonymous. Co-written Larry Charles, the movie featured many big name actors such as John Goodman, Jeff Bridges, Penelope Cruz. In October of 2004, Bob Dylan released his own autobiography titled Chronicles Volume One. The book was not in chronological order and instead focused on different aspects of his career. He devoted chapters to his arrival to New York City in 1961, but also to albums such as New Morning (1970) and Oh Mercy (1989). The book is excellently written and I recommended it to anyone, whether you are a Bob Dylan fan or not. The book was a best seller in the Non-fiction category. Currently Bob Dylan is working on volume two of Chronicles.

In September of 2005, Martin Scorsese released No Direction Home a documentary about the music of Bob Dylan. In August of 2006, Bob Dylan released Modern Times. The album debuted at #1 on the US Billboard Charts. In 2007, I'm Not There was released, it was a movie with six different actors portraying six different aspects of Bob Dylan's career. The soundtrack to the film featured several musicians covering Bob Dylan songs such as Willie Nelson, Tom Verlaine, The Black Keys, Eddie Vedder and more. Bob Dylan also began doing a radio show in 2006 titled Theme Time Radio Hour. The show, hosted by Bob Dylan features a different theme every week, he plays different types of music such as blues, to country, folk, rock, and pop. Bob Dylan is currently working on an album based on lost Hank Williams lyrics. The album is to feature collaborations with Jack White, Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, and more.

Bob Dylan still continues his Never Ending Tour and has had numerous compilations released. His Bootleg Series are excellent collections of rare Bob Dylan material from different points of his career. Bob Dylan is a musician that has lyrically and musically tore down the borders of music and created new styles of music that still influence artists today. While my favourite period of Bob Dylan is his mid sixties period, he also has interesting albums such as New Morning, Desire, Love and Theft, and Modern Times. Bob Dylan is truly an interesting musician that you should not ignore.

Part one of my Bob Dylan radio show special and musical history can be found in my post titled Ballad of A Thin Man.

Bob Dylan Playlist:

1. Thunder on the Mountain (Modern Times 2006)
2. You're No Good (Bob Dylan 1962)
3. Drifters Escape (John Wesley Harding 1967)
4. Day of the Locusts (New Morning 1970)
5. One Too Many Mornings (The Times They Are A-Changin' 1964)
6. Girl From the North Country (Nashville Skyline 1969)
7. Million Dollar Bash (The Basement Tapes 1975)
8. You Ain't Going Nowhere (The Basement Tapes 1975)
9. Where Teardrops Fall (Oh Mercy 1989)
10. Idiot Wind (Blood On The Tracks 1975)
11. The Man in Me (New Morning 1970)
12. From a Buick 6 (Highway 61 Revisited 1965)
13. Under Control (Tree With Roots 1967)
14. Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window (Biograph 1985)
15. Baby, Let Me Follow You Down (The Bootleg Series Vol.4: Bob Dylan Live 1966)
16. Hurricane (Desire 1976)
17. New Morning (New Morning 1970)
18. I'm Not There (Tree With Roots 1967)
19. Isis (Desire 1976)

Bob Dylan Videos:

Live on The Johnny Cash Television Show (I Threw It All Away, Livin' The Blues, and Girl From North Country)
Tangled Up in Blue
Oh Sister (Live 1975 John Hammond Tribute)
A Simple Twist of Fate (Live 1975 John Hammond Tribute)
Hurricane (Live 1975 John Hammond Tibute)
Visions of Johanna (Live 1966)
Thunder on the Mountain
Someday Baby
1965 Press Conference (San Francisco)
60 Minutes Interview Part 1
60 Minutes Interview Part 2

Ballad of a Thin Man...The Bob Dylan Story Part One...Show # 209

Bob Dylan was born as Robert Allen Zimmerman in May of 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota. While in High School he formed a rock and roll group called The Golden Chords. In 1959 he went to the University of Minnesota. While studying at University, he began to develop an interest in folk music. He also began performing acoustically at coffee houses and he started using the name Bob Dylan. Originally he wanted to call himself Robert Allen, but he eventually decided upon the name Bob Dylan. In 1960, Dylan went to Denver where he was said to have met Jesse Fuller who was a blues musician. He had a big influence on the style of Bob Dylan. He was also influenced by folk artist Woody Guthrie and Country artist Hank Williams. By January of 1961, Dylan dropped out of school and moved to New York City to become full time musician.

When in New York, Dylan went to visit Guthrie who was in a hospital in New Jersey. Dylan made repeated visits to see Guthrie who was dying of Huntington's Chorea (He would pass in 1967). He also began performing and developed a following. He opened for John Lee Hooker at Gerde's Folk City. A few months later Dylan received a positive review in the New York Times and was offered a recording contract by Columbia A&R man John Hammond. He was signed to Columbia in the fall of 1961. He released his first self titled album in 1962. The album was comprised of Folk and Blues covers and two original compositions. The album was recorded in two short sessions in November of 1961. When recording Bob Dylan recorded mostly in first takes and was produced by Hammond. The album did not make a huge impact (it sold about 5000 copies) and Columbia considered dropping Dylan from the label. He also recorded 12 songs under the name Blind Boy Grunt for the Folk magazine, Broadside Magazine.

in 1962, Bob Dylan legally changed his name to Robert Dylan and signed Albert Grossman as his manager (who would be his manager until 1970). Bob Dylan's next album would be released in 1963. The Free Wheelin' Bob Dylan contained two cover songs and the rest of the songs were Dylan originals. The album was comprised of political protest songs (lyrically). The album featured songs such as "Blowin' In The Wind", "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall", "Masters of War", "Girl From the North Country", and "Corina, Corina". Another interesting fact is that before its release Dylan recorded a rock single called "Mixed Up in Confusion". He also recorded several tracks with a backing band. The songs were described as having rock and rockabilly sounds. The sessions also produced numerous other outtakes, some of these songs can be found on The Bootleg Series or Biograph. The album did very well climbing to number 22 on the Billboard Charts. "Blowin' in the Wind" was seen as the anthem for the 1960 Civil Rights movement. Dylan's next album, The Times They Are A-Changing came out in 1964. On this album Dylan drew in more R&B and Blues influences and was lyrically influenced by poets such as John Keats and Arthur Rimbaud. In the same year Bob Dylan released Another Side of Bob Dylan. The album reached #43 on the US Charts and #8 in the UK. The album also showed Dylan changing his sound. This would be his last album that was recorded with just Dylan and his acoustic guitar. It was recorded in one session on June 9th, 1964.

Around this time the world was hit by the British invasion. Groups such as The Beatles and the Rolling Stones dominated the charts. Dylan would also change his musical style, grow a large afro and start wearing dark sunglasses. He Would began work on his album Bringing it All Back Home in 1965. The album featured two sides Dylan's rock side and his acoustic side. The album also saw a change in the lyrics that Dylan was known for. He drifted away from political stylings of "Blowin' in the Wind" and "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall". The album distanced his music from the folk community, which he had a large following. The album was a top ten US hit. It featured songs such as "Subterranean Homesick Blues" a song that addressed the issues of anti-establishment politics and was influenced musically by Chuck Berry's "Too Much Monkey Business". The music video for the song featured Bob Dylan with giant cue cards. "Maggie's Farm" was Dylan addressing his independence from the folk community, other interesting tracks include "Love Minus Zero/No Limit", "Outlaw Blues", "Mr. Tambourine Man" (originally recorded in 1964), "Gates of Eden", and "It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)".


In 1965 Dylan played at the New Port Folk Festival. This concert was seen as controversial by the folk community. Dylan was booed. The appearance of Dylan with an electric guitar and rock band (his backing band was the Paul Butterfield Blues Band) outraged his folk fans and was documented on film. The result was some fans were alienated, but Dylan continued with his electric rock backing band. As a result Dylan would gain more fans in the rock community.

Recorded entirely electric with a rock band Highway 61 Revisted sprung the single "Like a Rolling Stone". The song was one featuring heavy organ work and the unique and interesting lyrics of Bob Dylan, it was also originally intended to be used for a play. The song went to #2 on the US Charts, #4 in the UK. The album featured Mike Bloomfield (guitar), Harvey Brooks (bass), Al Kooper (organ), and Bobby Greg on drums; there were also other musicians featured on the album comprising Dylan's backing band. The title of the album can be traced to an actual place called Highway 61, which has been the subject in many blues songs. The album Highway 61 Revisited featured many interesting songs such as "Tombstone Blues" a song that musically has drums that sound like trash can lids crashing together, "Ballad of A Thin Man" a song about people that always ask questions (and an interviewer from The Village Voice), and the song "Highway 61 Revisited". The album went to #3 in the US and #4 in the UK. Other songs were recorded during these sessions. The song "Positively 4th Street", is seen as a comment on his former folk contemporaries which he had known during his club days on West 4th Street. "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window" was another song recorded during these sessions. It would later be re-recorded with The Hawks (later known as The Band) as Dylan's backing band.


In support of this album Dylan had to get new band members to make up his touring band, since most of his backing band from the Highway 61 Sessions would not go on tour. He assembled some of the Hawks Robbie Robertson, and Levon Helm to play two dates in the US. He then got the entire band The Hawks (who were an early incarnation of the Canadian band, The Band) to be his backing band for his 1965-1966 world tour. Dylan recorded his next album Blonde on Blonde in 1966 in Nashville and New York. The album would be a double album and reach #9 in the US and #3 in the UK. The backing band also contained some of the members of the Hawks. The album would be a mix of Blues, Rock, Folk, Country, Gospel, and more. The album was the last in the style Dylan created with Bringing It All Back Home, and Highway 61 Revisited. Blonde on Blonde contains wonderful songs such as "Rainy Day Woman #12 and #35", "Pledging My time", "Visions of Johanna", "I Want You", "Leopard-Skin-Pill-Box Hat", "Absolutely Sweet Marie", and "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands". Dylan toured in support of this album with The Hawks backing him and the last concert of the tour was in England at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. This concert was famously documented (released on The Bootleg Series Volume 4) The concert was played with incredible energy thanks to The Hawks.

After this tour in 1966, Dylan went into seclusion and was said to have been involved in a motorcycle accident. Some people believe this was just an excuse for Dylan to get away from all the pressures that were around him. In 1967, he recorded a large amount of material with The Hawks. He recorded covers, demos, originals. These would be documented on The Basement Tapes which were released in 1975. It featured selections from the sessions. Bootlegs exists of the complete sessions which are four sometimes five CD's long. In November of 1967 Dylan returned to a studio in Nashville to record John Wesley Harding. The album featured the song "All Along the Watchtower", and was different from Blonde on Blonde. It featured shorter songs and lyrically drew on subjects from the Bible and the American West. Musically it was acoustically and more traditionally based. It did very well going to #2 on the US charts.

Next Week I will do part two of my Bob Dylan history as well as part two of my Bob Dylan radio special. Leave a request in the comment section if theres anything you'd like to hear.

Bob Dylan Play List:

1. Outlaw Blues (Bringing It All Back Home 1965)
2. If You Gotta Go, Go Now (Or Else You Got To Stay All Night) (The Bootleg Series Vol 1-3 1991)
3. Everything Is Broken (Oh Mercy 1989)
4. I Can't Make It Alone (Tree With Roots 1967)
5. On A Night Like This (Planet Waves 1974)
6. Tough Mama (Planet Waves 1974)
7. Tombstone Blues (Highway 61 Revisited 1965)
8. Jokerman (Infidels 1983)
9. World Gone Wrong (World Gone Wrong 1993)
10. Santa Fe (The Bootleg Series Vol 1-3 1991)
11. Wallflower (The Bootleg Series Vol 1-3 1991)
12. A Simple Twist of Fate (Blood On the Tracks 1975)
13. Wicked Messenger (John Wesley Harding 1967)
14. Leopard-Skin-Pill-Box-Hat (Blonde on Blonde 1966)
15. Obviously 5 Believers (Blonde on Blonde 1966)
16. Odds and Ends (The Basement Tapes 1975)
17. I Wanna Be Your Lover (Biograph 1985)
18. Masters of War (The Free Wheelin' Bob Dylan 1963)
19. Dreamin' of You (The Bootleg Series Vol. 8: Tell Tale Signs 2008)

Some Videos:

Blowin' in the Wind (Live 1963)
Girl From The North Country (1964)
Chimes of Freedom (Live 1964)
Subterranean Homesick Blues (Music Video)
Like A Rolling Stone (Live 1966)
Leopard-Skin-Pill-Box-Hat (Live 1966)
All Along the Watchtower

Blank Numbers...Show # 208

For a change of pace this week I thought I'd talk about individual songs as opposed to my usual band history posts. 

 Richard Hell & The voidoids - Blank Generation

The song "Blank Generation" was Richard Hell's response to generation songs such as The Who's "My Generation". It is meant to be seen as a "Blank Generation" in terms of filling in the blank according to your choice. Essentially it's a song about the freedom of choice and about not being labelled by other people. The song is featured on the Voidoids first album, Blank Generation. The song was also featured on the Voidoids very first EP titled the Another World EP. The EP (released in 1976) contains three songs all of which differ from the versions found on the 1977 Blank Generation album. For example the song "Blank Generation" is titled "(I Belong To The) Blank Generation" and it is a slower version compared to the album version (but still great). The EP which is long out of print also contains the blues inspired track "You Gotta Lose" and "(I Could Live With You) In Another World". 

 Undertones - (You've Got My Number) Why Don't You Use It

One of my favourite all time Undertones songs. This track was recorded in 1979 and issued as a single in October of the same year. It went to # 32 on the UK Charts and was written by Undertones guitarist John O'Neil. The song can now be found on the remastered/re-issued version of the Undertones second album, Hypnotised. 

This weeks song selection: 

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) 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 

Next week I will be doing a show devoted to the music of Bob Dylan. It will be a two part special (next week being the first part). Leave requests in the comment section of this post if you would like to.

Gruesomania!...The Gruesomes Story and Show # 207

The Gruesomes formed in 1985 in Montreal,Quebec in Canada. The band took inspiration from Sixties garage rock and early punk. The band started off with very little musical ability and were also known for their on stage humour and energetic live shows. Their band name came from the TV show The Flinstones. The Gruesomes were the Flinstones scary neighbours. The band also created a band image which consisted of sixties style dress, moppy haircuts, and beatle boots. The original band consisted of John Davis (Guitar), Eric Davis (drums), Gerry Alvavez (guitar/vocals), and Bobby Beaton (guitar/vocals). The band released their first EP Jack The Ripper in 1986 and another EP titled Unchained in 1987. The bands sound fused together the snotty energy of 70s punk, with the primitive sounds of 60s garage rock.

The bands first full length album was titled Tyrants of Teenage Trash and it was released in 1986. By the time this album came out the band had built up a large fan base not only in Canada, but in the US and Europe also. The band would get a new drummer in 1987, John Knoll. He would bring the band into more of an R&B sound as opposed to Eric Davis who brought in more of a punk sound. The bands next album Gruesomania! came in 1987 and Hey! came in 1988. The band became Canada's biggest selling underground act and all over their albums did very well. In 1990, the band called it quits when they were at a high point in their career.

In 1999, the band reformed and recorded the album Cave In!, which was released in 2000. They also started touring again. They went to Europe for the first time, as well as going back to places in the US and Canada. The Gruesomes were a loud Canadian band from Montreal, they still perform live occasionally. In 2003, the band released a compilation called Gruesomology and in 2008 All three of the bands albums were re-released. In 2002 John Davis and Bobby Beaton of The Gruesomes formed a side project called Fuad and The Feztones. They recently released an album in 2008 titled Beeramid

The Play List:

1. The Jam - London Traffic
2. The Cramps - Human Fly
3. Golden Hands Before God - Communist Party
4. Albert Hammond Jr. - Rocket
5. Ugly Ducklings - Mama Keep Your Big Mouth Shut
6. Gruesomes - Unchain My Heart
7. Gruesomes - No More Lies
8. The Brigands - (Would I Still Be) Her Big Man
9. The Monks - Complication
10. Night Crawlers - Little Black Egg
11. Tricky Woo - Liberty Drawl
12. Young Rival - Master of None
13. The Stills - Snow in California
14. Neil Young - Drive Back
15. David Bowie - Hang on to Yourself (Live Santa Monica 72)
16. MC5 - Back in the USA
17. Futureheads - This is Not The World
18. The Outcasts - Magnum Force
19. Undertones - Mars Bar
20. Gang of Four - 5:45
21. Black Kids - Hit the Heartbreakes
22. Subway Sect - Paralell Lines
23. The Subways - Shake! Shake!
24. Radiohead - Bangers n' Mash
25. Elvis Costello & The Imposters - Go Away 

Videos:

Way Down Below (Music Video)
Hey! (Music Video)