Surfari's Stomp. The Story of The Surfari's....Show # 237 (Surf Show)

Known as the band that created the surf anthem "Wipe Out," The Surfaris formed in Glendora, California in 1962. The band was originally made up of Jim Fuller (lead guitar), Bob Berryhill (rhythm guitar), Pat Connolly (bass), and Ron Wilson on drums. After one of their first recording sessions (one that produced "Wipe Out" the song "Surfer Joe"), Jim Pash was added to their ranks as a saxophone player. Ken Forsai would also play bass for the group, as would Jack Oldham from 1966-1967. The Surfaris wrote "Wipe Out" in 1963, their biggest and well known song in the studio on the spot. It was an instrumental song that was composed by the original four members of the group and at first was going to be titled "Switchblade". The drumming in the song is seen as an energetic and well known drum solo performance by Ron Wilson. The song went to # 2 on the music charts. The B-side of "Wipe Out" was a song titled "I'm A Hog For You Baby," which has been covered by The Kinks and can be found on their Picture Book box set. The single that followed "Wipe Out," was "Point Panic," which did not do as well chart wise. The Surfaris recorded a number of albums, but by 1966 they broke up. Although they have broken up, The Surfaris have reunited on more than one occasion and as of 2008, are still playing with a slightly different line up.

As a bonus, Greg of the band The New Waves has made his song Macabre Surf" available for download via his website, The Ugly Vision. The song was composed by Greg himself, and is definitely a track worth checking out.

Surf Play List:

1. The Squiers - The Sultan
2. The Beach Boys - Heads You Win, Tails I Lose
3. The Gamblers - Moon Dawg!
4. The Tornadoes - Bustin' Surfboards
5. Fabulous Playboys - Cheater Stomp
6. Richard Allen - The Rising Surf
7. Burnin' Sands - Typhoon
8. Reverb Syndicate - Lunar Attack
9. The Eradicators - Friends & Enemies
10. The Robots - Robots Rock
11. Ramontures - She's The One
12. Surf Punks - My Beach
13. Surfdusters - Save the Waves
14. Phantom Surf - Banzi Run
15. Rotations - Heavies
16. Snow Men - Ski Storm
17. Fender IV - Malibu Run
18. Mongols - Nautoloid Surf
19. Astronauts - Montezuma
20. Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet - Bennet Cerf
21. The Treblemakers - The Grudge
22. Atomic 7- Phantom 101
23. The New Waves - Macabre Surf
24. Modelos - Tidal Wave
25. The Wipeouters - Rocket Full of Power
26. Los Straitjackets - Calhoun Surf
27. Surfaris - Point Panic
28. Surfaris - I'm A Hog For You Baby
29. Jack Nitzsche - The Lonely Surfer
30. Dick Dale & His Deltones - The Victor
31. The Ventures - The 2000 Pound Bee (Parts 1 & 2)

This Is Radio Clash...The Clash Special Part Two (1980-1985)...Show # 236

This week I did part two of my special on the UK band The Clash. This weeks show focused on the later stages of the band from 1980-1985. In 2007, I did an extensive history on the Clash for this blog. The following links are to my three part history on the band:

All The Young Punks: Story of The Clash Part One
Revolution Rock: The Story of The Clash Part Two
Ghetto Defendants: The Story of The Clash Part Three

Here is an interesting interview and some performances that The Clash did in 1981 for the Tom Synder Show. This was just after the release of Sandinista! and during the Bond's concerts that the band did in New York.







Clash Play List Part II (1980-1985):


1. The Magnificent Seven (Sandinista! 1980)
2. The Leader (Sandinista! 1980)
3. Rebel Waltz (Sandinista! 1980)
4. Louie Louie (Sandinista! Outtake 1980)
5. Know Your Rights (Combat Rock 1982)
6. Overpowered By Funk (Combat Rock 1982)
7. The Beautiful People Are Ugly Too (Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg 1982)
8. Radio Clash (This Is Radio Clash Single 1981)
9. Midnight To Stevens (Clash On Broadway 1991)
10. The Call Up (Sandinista! 1980)
11. This is England (Cut The Crap 1985)
12. Somebody Got Murdered (Sandinista! 1980)
13. Sound of the Sinners (Live US Festival 1983)
14. Bankrobber (Live At Bonds 1981)
15. Charlie Don't Surf (Sandinista! 1980)
16. Police On My Back (Live at Shea Stadium 1982)
17. Should I Stay or Should I Go (Alternate Version) (Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg 1982)
18. Straight To Hell (Combat Rock 1982)

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on February, 16th 2009. Part one of my Clash special can be found here:
Clash Special (1976-1979)


Next week will be my third annual surf show, it will also be my final themed show for the month of February. If there is anything you would like to hear, leave a comment so I can play it on next week's show.

Clash City Rockers ...The Clash Special 1976-1979...Show #235

This week I did part one of my special on the UK band The Clash. This weeks show focused on the early stages of the band from 1976-1979. I played recordings that were released or originally recorded between the time frame of 1976-1979. So for example, I played "London Calling" Live at Shea Stadium, but the song was originally recored in 1979. In 2007, I did an extensive history on the Clash for this blog. The following links are to my three part history on the band:

All The Young Punks: Story of The Clash Part One
Revolution Rock: The Story of The Clash Part Two
Ghetto Defendants: The Story of The Clash Part Three

As a bonus, I found an interesting article that Clash guitarist Mick Jones did for Gibson guitars in 2007. He discusses his musical influences, the beginning and end of The Clash, and his guitar gear. A very interesting read:

From the Archives: Stay Free: The Gibson Interview with Mick Jones of the Clash!

Clash Play List (1976-1979):

1. London Calling (Live At Shea Stadium 1982)
2. 1977 (The Clash 1979)
3. Tommy Gun (Give'Em Enough Rope 1978)
4. Jail Guitar Doors (The Clash 1979)
5. White Riot (The Clash 1977)
6. Deadly Serious (Live 1976)
7. City of the Dead (From Here To Eternity 1999)
8. Hateful (London Calling 1979)
9. One Emotion (Clash On Broadway 1991)
10. Safe European Home (Give'Em Enough Rope 1978)
11. (Whiteman) In Hammersmith Palais (The Clash 1979)
12. The Man in Me (London Calling: 25th Anniversary: The Vanilla Tapes 2004)
13. Oh Lonesome Me (London Calling: 25th Anniversary: The Vanilla Tapes 2004)
14. Stay Free (Give'Em Enough Rope 1978)
15. Spanish Bombs (London Calling 1979)
16. Koka Kola (London Calling 1979)
17. Janie Jones (The Clash 1977)
18. Remote Control (The Clash 1977)
19. I'm So Bored With the USA (The Clash 1977)
20. Career Opportunities (The Clash 1977)
21. Police & Thieves (The Clash 1979)
22. Guns of Brixton (Live NYC Palladium 1979)
23. I'm Not Down (London Calling 1979)
24. Capital Radio Two (Cost of Living EP 1979)

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on February, 10th 2009.

Part two of my Clash Special can be found int he link below:
The Clash (1980-1985)

Vancouver Rocks!...The Story of Northwest Company and Vancouver Special...Show #234

This week I did a show focusing on music that has come from Vancouver, BC, in Canada. I played a mix of old and new music coming from this coastal city ranging from 60s garage rock groups, 70's punk/new wave, and more modern bands.


The band Northwest Company came from Vancouver in the late sixties. The band were known originally as The Bad Boys, but changed their name upon the suggestion of a local Vancouver radio DJ. The name Northwest Company came from a 19th Century Canadian fur trading company. The band consisted of Ray O'Toole (lead guitar/vocals), Vidor Skofteby (rhythm guitar), Gowan Jorgenson (bass), Richard Stepp (drums/vocals), and Rick McCartey on lead vocals. Coming from Hanley in Vancouver, the band were known for their raucous garage sound and their stage show. In 1967, the band recorded five songs that would be used as singles. The band recorded songs such as "Eight Hour Day", "Get Away From it All", and "Hard to Cry". These tracks were very raw and "Hard to Cry" even sounds fueled by the influence of The Kinks.

In 1971, Northwest Company recorded two more singles, one of them being "Rock N' Roll Lover Man". This song would be known as their signature song and has a Small Faces influence. Despite releasing several singles, the band did not get recognized on a larger scale. After releasing one more single, Northwest Company called it quits in 1983. Several of the bands songs have been featured on early Canadian garage rock compilations such as The History of Vancouver Rock and Roll. More Recently in 2003, Northwest Company released Eight Hour Day on Neptoon Records. The album is a collection of all of the bands material, including demos, unreleased recordings and live performances. It can be found on the Neptoon Website.

Play List:

1. Shades - New Clientelle
2. Active Dog - Nothing Holding You
3. Collectors - We Can Make it
4. Northwest Company - Hard To Cry
5. Northwest Company - Eight Hour Day
6. One Way Street - Listen To Me
7. William Tell & The Marksmen - Mary Jane
8. The Worst - I Don't Want You
9. Upper Crust - (We're the) Upper Crust
10. Exxotone - Big Shot
11. Young Canadians - I Hate Music
12. DOA - I Hate You
13. No Fun - Mindless Aggression
14. Private School - Rock & Roll Radio
15. Rude Norton - Sea Cruise
16. Dishrags - Past is Past
17. Wasted Lives - Wirehead
18. The Organ - Oh What A Feeling
19. Duotang - Broken Rule
20. New Town Animals - Three Steps Backwards
21. New Pornographers - Letter From An Occupant
22. Pluto - Cool Way To Feel
23. The Pack AD - Gold Rush
24. The Jolts - DXM
25. Smugglers - Barkerville
26. The Evaporators - You Got Me into This, Now You Get Me Out!
27. The Furies - What Do You Want Me To Be
28. Modernettes - Barbra
29. Pointed Sticks - Real Thing
30. Pointed Sticks - The Witch

* Note on "Broken Rule" by Duotang. The band Duotang recorded their first release for the Vancouver based label Mint Records, but the band originates from Winnipeg.

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on February, 2nd 2009.

Northwest Video:

Rock and Roll Music

Next week I will be a show focusing on the early stages of The Clash. Leave a comment if there is any song you would like to hear. Also in addition to next weeks show, I will be doing a show focusing on the later stages of The Clash on February 17.

Hey Amigo...The Havana 3am Story and Show # 233

In 1986 a year after The Clash broke up, Paul Simonon formed a group known as Havana 3am. Taking their name from a 1950s album by Cuban artist Perez Prado, Havana 3am consisted of Paul Simonon on bass, Gary Myrick on guitar, and Travis Williams on drums, and Nigel Dixon on vocals. The band took their influences mainly from Reggae, Latino music, and Rockabilly music. The band recorded an album and released it in 1991. Havana 3am, contained tweleve tracks and the song "Reach the Rock", was a small radio hit. Their album mixed a variety of styles, resulting in an eclectic sounding album. After a long tour supporting the album, singer Nigel Dixion passed away in 1993. Paul Simonon also left the group around this time to have a career in art (which was his first interest before joining The Clash). Havana 3am released one more album in 1996, with a different band line up. Myrick went on the purse a solo music career.


In additon to his paintings, Paul Simonon has designed album covers for Big Audio Dynamite, and The Good, The Bad & The Queen's album cover Herculean. In 2007, Paul Simonon also played bass on the project known as The Good, The Bad & The Queen, which was a side project of Damon Albarn. In 1986, Simonon participated in sessions for the Bob Dylan album Down in the Groove. In 2008, Paul Simonon began having exhibitions for his paintings once again.

Next week I will be doing a show focusing on music that has come from Vancouver, Canada. Every show in February will have a theme. February 10th, and 17th, will be shows focusing on The Clash, and on February 24th will be my third annual Surf music special.

Play List:


1. Howlies - Sea Level
2. The Craft Economy - The Tonic
3. Hooded Fang - Fall Leaves
4. The Magnificents - Ring Ring Oo Oo
5. The Cinch - Mystery Train
6. Joe Strummer - Love Kills
7. 101ers - Letagetabitarockin'
8. Demics - The 400 Blows
9. Teenage Head - Disgusteen (Alternate Version)
10. Vapids - Johnny Ramone
11. Surf City - Records of a Flag Pole Skater
12. Magazine - Sandwiches (My Mind Ain't So Open Demo)
13. Havana 3am - Surf in the City
14. The Good The Bad & The Queen - Kingdom of Doom
15. Ellen Foley - MPH
16. Topper Headon - Time is Tight
17. The Fiends - Gravedigger
18. Carbon/Silicon - Gangs of England
19. Big Audio Dynamite - The Globe
20. Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Techno D-Day
21. The Clash - White Riot (Demo)
22. Latino Rockabilly War - Trash City

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on January, 27th 2009.

Havana 3am and other Paul Simonon related videos:

Havana 3am - Reach the Rock (Music Video)
The Good The Bad & The Queen - Kingdom of Doom
The Good The Bad & The Queen - Nature Springs (Live Henry Rollins Show)

Scratches & Needles...The Nils Story and Show # 232

Coming from Montreal, Canada The Nils formed in 1978. The band was founded by Alex and Carlos Soria (they were brothers, Alex being twelve years old). Alex was the singer/guitarist/main songwriter, and Carlos was another guitarist. The band was a mix of punk and power pop, they never did achieve mainstream success, but are often seen as a very under rated group. Their sound is said to be influenced by the likes of The Replacements and Husker Du. The band also took influences from Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned, and in fact those early band caused the Soria brothers to start a group. After a series of line- up changes, the group became a three piece.

The bands first EP came in 1985, it was titled Sell Out Young and was released on Psyche Industry Records. In 1986, an EP titled Paisley was released. After the release of two EP's and being featured on two compilations (Something to Believe In (1983), and Primitive Air Raid (1984)), The Nils were offered to record a full length album for the New York independent based label, Rock Hotel/Profile Records; They of course accepted the offer and signed a contract. In 1987, The Nils was released. The album did get the band some recognition, but for some reason they never really took off. After touring in Canada and The USA, the bands label folded. When this happened Carlos Soria, left the group and got a job. Alex formed and played with other groups, but The Nils reformed in the 90's. They did not release anymore recordings (they are said to have done some demo recordings).


In 1996, a retrospective compilation titled Green Fields in Daylight was released. This collection featured 29 tracks, and included material from the bands EP, full length, along with rare and live recordings. The band quit in 1994, Alex went on with the group Chino, who never really took off either. In 2003, The Nils played some reunion shows. In 2004, Alex Soria passed away. Some have called him Canada's answer to Paul Westerberg (of the Replacements), and he has been called one Canada's most underrated writers. More information on the band can be found on the Magwheel Band History website, on The Hour Music Hall of Fame Website, and on The Nils Myspace page.


songs played:

1. Exploding Hearts - Shattered (You Left me)
2. The Pack - Com' On
3. Television - Friction
4. Rock n' Roll Bitches - Wild West
5. Mutators - What Cuts What
6. The Robots - Ride The Surf
7. The Nils - Freedom
8. Gang of Four - Return the Gift
9. Luger Boa - Don't Talk To Me
10. XS Energy - Imaginary
11. Mark Inside - Lime Green Monkeys
12. Relief Maps - The Water Song
13. Relief Maps - Stamp Out Fatigue
14. Action Makes - Buddies (Rough Mix)
15. Wire - Map Ref. 41°N 93°W
16. Nick Lowe - So it Goes
17. Klark Kent - Ritch in A Ditch
18. The Stranglers - Tank
19. Talking Heads - The Book I Read
20. Public Image Limited - Analisa
21. Devo - Freedom of Choice
22. XTC - Science Friction

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on January, 20th 2009.

Nils Videos:
Freedom (Music Video)

Dirty Power...The Story of Luger Boa and Show # 231

In 2006, New Zealand garage rockers The D4 announced that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus. Guitarist and vocalist Jimmy Christmas began working on material for what to was become Luger Boa. Recorded in Auckland, New Zealand and parts of Australia, over the course of approximately 18 months songs began to take shape for what was to become the album Mutate or Die! The material for this album was actually written before a band was put together. For this album the line up featured Manny Bourakis on bass (from the band The Galvatrons), Karl Kippenberger on drums (from the band Shihad) and Jimmy Christmas did the vocals and guitar. The album was also produced by Barry Palmer (who also did some guitar work on the album).

Released in November of 2008, Mutate or Die!, deals with a variety of subjects such as evolution, confusion, isolation, and resolution. Musically the album shows influences of the likes of T-Rex and David Bowie, while keeping true to the intensive energy that was displayed with The D4. The album opens with the song "Please Please", the song chugs along with intensity, a theme that does not disappear on this album. "Mutate or Die!" appears next with a robotic voiced intro, lyrically it portrays elements of evolution, while musically it twists and bends its way into your head, with chunky guitar riffs and one note keyboards.


The dark and melodic "What is Real?" displays themes of confusion and isolation, but is easily one of the most interesting tracks on the album. "On My Mind", is a slow and melodic song, complete with salty acoustic verses and roaring choruses. "1000 Hooks" comes next. Released as a single in the summer of 2008, this was the first song made available to the public. "1000 Hooks" is a catchy rock song, the guitar work is choppy and greasy at the same time. Other interesting tracks on Mutate or Die! are "Only A Moment Away", a catchy attack and release song, "Humans Rule", a song celebrating humanity, and the slightly funky "Don't Talk To Me". Some editions of the album include the bonus track "Dirty Power".

Overall Luger Boa draws in influences of glam rock, some 70's rock and more. It is definitely worth checking out. Currently the line up for the band contains former D4 drummer Beaver Pooley on drums, Ryan Thomas on guitar, Sam Lockley on guitar, and Simon Nicholls on bass. The band has already played live dates around the New Zealand area and plays Big Day Out in 2009, with plans for a more nationwide tour after that. More information on the band can be found on the Luger Boa myspace page.

Play List:

1. Stooges - Lost in the Future
2. Destroy All Monsters - Bored
3. New Race - Gotta Keep Movin'
4. New Order - Rock'n Roll Soldiers
5. Wylde Rattz - Rosalyn
6. 49th Parallel - Things You Do
7. Ugly Ducklings - Hey Mama (Keep Your Big Mouth Shut)
8. Ride Theory - I'm On Board
9. Gruesomes - Ain't Got Nothing
10. Adverts - We Who Wait
11. The Damned - Problem Child
12. 222s - First Studio Bomb
13. The Polymorphines - Constant Reminder
14. Sloan - Waterfalls
15. T-Rex - Jeepster
16. New York Dolls - Trash
17. The D4 - Little Baby
18. Luger Boa - Only A Moment Away
19. Luger Boa - Dirty Power
20. Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers - One track Mind
21. Generation X - Day By Day
22. Nickel Eye - This is the End
23. The Strokes - New York City Cops
24. The Sonics - Money (That's What I Want)
25. Elvis Costello & The Attractions - No Action

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on January, 13th 2009. (Note: My show starts 30 minutes into the first download and the last part of my show can be found by downloading the 12:00 PM file - you will also get part of the show after mine, known as Not in My Backyard.)

NOTE: If you are looking for this show, check the comments section.

Luger Videos:

1000 Hooks (Music Video)
What Is Real? (Music Video)
On My Mind (Music Video)
I Wanna Girlfriend (Music Video)
Red Bull Sessions (What is Real?/Humans Rule/Please Please/I Wanna Girlfriend/1000 Hooks/Only A Moment Away)

Stooges Guitarist Ron Asheton 1949-2009

it is sad news to report that today on January 6th, 2009 Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton was found dead in his Ann Arbor home. At 60 years old, Ron was known for his inspiring guitar techniques that he developed with The Stooges. While The Stooges did not reach commercial success, they have since their incarnation grown in underground/cult status. The Stooges released three albums starting in 1969. Ron Asheton along with drummer and borther Scott Asheton, joined forces with Iggy Pop and Dave Alexander to form The Stooges in the late 60s. The Stooges took a long break after their 1973 album Raw Power, where Ron played bass.

Ron was also involved in various musical projects such as the short lived band he formed with Scott Asheton New Order, Destroy All Monsters, The New Race (which also contained members of the Australian band Radio Birdman), The Empty Set, and Dark Carnival. He also formed a one off side project known as The Wylde Rattz, which contained Mark Arm (Mudhoney), Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), Mike Watt, and Steve Shelley. This group recorded a bunch of songs for the movie Velvet Goldmine and would be featured on its soundtrack. The Stooges reformed in 2003 for an Iggy Pop solo album known as Skull Ring. In 2007, The Stooges released their first full length album since 1973's Raw Power. The Weirdness was produced by Steve Albini. The Stooges toured heavily through out since their reformation. The Stooges last played live in Moscow on September, 24th, 2008.

More information on this can be found in the following links:

Ann Arbor News
Iggy Pop's Official Website
Billboard

Next weeks program will feature a block of songs featuring Ron Asheton.

Confused Teenagers...The Story of The Hot Nasties and Show # 230

Warren Kinsella (bass/vocals), Pierre Schenk (guitar), and Alan McDonald (drums) formed a group known as The Hot Nasties in 1976; The band would also contain Wayne Ahem on rhythm guitar and Tom Edwards on drums (he would take over for McDonald who would go onto another Canadian punk band The Sturgeons). Coming from Calgary, Alberta, the band originally went by the name The Social Blemishes. In 1977, they changed their name to the Not Nasties, naming themselves after a triple x rated film.

In 1980, the Hot Nasties released their Invasion of the Tribbles EP. The EP was released on Social Blemish Records, Kinsella's own label. The Ep contained three songs, the chugging punk of "I Am A Confused Teenager", the hectic "Invasion of the Tribbles", and the slow and chunky "The Secret of Immortality". The band would release a full length album of songs on cassette (which is extremely hard to find now), shortly after the release of their first EP. In 1981, the band split up.

In 1994, the bands Invasion of the Tribbles EP was featured on the Canadian punk rock compilation Smash the State Volume 1. Besides playing bass in a punk band in the late 70s/80s, Warren Kinsella would go onto become a Canadian Lawyer, author, and politician. In 2005, he formed a new band called Shit From Hell, releasing an album and Kinsella also released a self titled album as well. The Hot Nasties are a short lived Canadian punk band and while they only have had a few releases they are still known as part of Canadian punk rock history.

More information on the band can be found on the following websites:

Hot Nasties History on Wikipedia
Hot Nasties on Punk History Canada

Play List:

1. Sex Pistols - Bodies
2. The Replacements - Pool & Dive
3. The Urinals - I'm A Bug
4. Modernettes - Teen City
5. Zro4 - Give Me Attention
6. Lowlife - Thinking Naturally
7. Animal Kingdom - Tension
8. Essential Logic - Aerosol Burns
9. kleenex - You
10. Siouxsie & The Banshees - Mirage
11. The Ettes - Marathon
12. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Cold Light
13. Love Me Nots - Move In Tight
14. Hot Nasties - Barney Rubble is My Double
15. Stolen Minks - Bring it (6015 Willow Session)
16. Marble Index - All That I Know
17. The Revelers - Hey Hey Hey
18. The Alarm Clocks - No Reason to Complain
19. Velvet Underground - Run Run Run
20. Luger Boa - Humans Rule
21. Luger Boa - Mutate or Die!
22. The Saints - Know Your Product
23. Hoa Hoas - I Saw You
24. Blur - Chinese Bombs
25. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Oh
26. XTC - Statue of Liberty
27. The Diodes - Noise
28. Ramones - Come On Now

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on January, 6th 2009.

2008 Highlights...Show # 229

This week my show was comprised of releases from 2008. While I did play some music that technically isn't a new release (Buzzcocks - A Different Kind of Tension Special Edition, Undertones Anthology, and The Kinks Picture Book Box Set), they were released in 2008, but did not qualify for my top eight of 2008 list. The Following are my favourite releases from 2008:

1. Sloan - Parallel Play



This was Sloan's ninth album. Despite having so many releases, every new Sloan album never seems to disappoint. After last years 30 song Never Hear the End of it, Parallel Play cuts down the track list to just 13 songs. As usual each band member contributes their own material. Each band member (Patrick Pentland, Chris Murphy, Jay Ferguson, and Andrew Scott) have three songs on the album, with the exception of drummer Andrew Scott who has four songs to contribute. The album is strong and shows off Sloan's different style of pop. It is an excellent release from one Canada's finest exports, Sloan.


Favourite Tracks:

Down in the Basement
Believe in Me
Witches Wand
I'm Not A Kid Anymore

2. The Clash - Live At Shea Stadium

Live At Shea Stadium was actually recorded in 1982, but not released in full until 2008. These live recordings were originally discovered towards the end of the year 2000 by Joe Strummer, but instead of releasing the full concert at that time the band released a live compilation album titled From Here to Eternity. This show would also feature original Clash drummer Terry Chimes on drums. The album shows The Clash playing an interesting mix of material.




Favourite Tracks:

Police On My Back
Tommy Gun
I Fought the Law
London Calling

3. Luger Boa - Mutate or Die!



Released in November of 2008, Luger Boa was formed by Jimmy Christmas previously of the New Zealand garage rock band, The D4. This album contains great rock songs, and was heavily influenced by T-Rex and David Bowie. Mutate or Die! has songs such as "1000 Hooks", "Only A Moment Away", and "What is Real?" brings energy and excitement back to the world of rock music. Expect to hear more from them not only on upcoming radio shows, but also on this blog.





Favourite Tracks:

1000 Hooks
Only A Moment Away
What is Real?
Humans Rule
Mutate or Die!

4. Young Rival EP



Formerly known as Ride Theory, Young Rival released their first EP containing music under their new band name. The Hamilton Ontario based band, shows off their influenced of 60s rock and hooks you with their catchy basslines and lyrics. While the EP only contains six songs, it leaves you wanting to hear more. An excellent release by and excellent Canadian band.




Favourite Tracks:

Another Nobody
Too Hip
The Haunt
Your Island

5. Elvis Costello & The Imposters - Momofuku



Originally released only on vinyl and for digital download, Momofuku was so in demand it had to be released on CD format. The album shows Elvis Costello & The Imposters rocking out and in different styles. The album, which was recorded in eight days sounds like an album from the days of Elvis Costello & The Attractions. After so many releases by Costello with other artists/collaborators, Momofuku is back to basics, simple, and enjoyable to listen to.




Favourite Tracks:

Go Away
American Gangster Time
Stella Hurt
No Hiding Place


6. Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely



Consolers of The Lonely was the follow up to Raconteurs first album Broken Boy Soldiers. This album takes the band in a different direction, having more of a hard rock influence and less of a 60s pop influence. Consolers of the Lonely shows Brandon Benson stepping up as a song writer within the group and Jack White stepping into Bob Dylan territory on the song "Carolina Drama". On this album The Raconteurs move forward as a more cohesive unit.




Favourite Tracks:

Consoler of the Lonely
Attention
Carolina Dram
Many Shades of Black


7. Dirty Pretty Things - Romance At Short Notice



The second and unfortunately final album by The Dirty Pretty Things was titled Romance At Short Notice. while Waterloo To Anywhere, the bands first album was a punk fuelled album, Romance At Short Notice adds more depth to the bands sound. Carl Barat and crew bring in influences of pop, expanding the bands sound and capacity as a unique British group.





Favourite Tracks:

Plastic Hearts
Hippy's Son
Tired of England
Best Face

8. Supergrass - Diamond Hoo Ha

Recorded in Berlin, where David Bowie recorded some of his work, Diamond Hoo Ha is the sixth album by British rock group Supergrass. The album was also produced by Nick Launay, who has previously worked with groups such as Public Image Limited, Gang of Four, and Nick Cave. The album is seen as a return to a more traditional Supergrass style. The bands previous album Road To Rouen, was more experimental. The band has also finished their contract with EMI records and plan to record and release music independently.




Favourite Tracks:

Bad Blood
Diamond Hoo Ha Man
Rebel in You
345

Other good releases from 2008 included David Bowie - Live in Santa Monica '72. This live album which features The Spiders From Mars as Bowie's backing band, existed as a bootleg for years, finally it got a proper release in 2008. Mudhoney released The Lucky Ones, which was a return to the old fashioned dirty Mudhoney style, The Subways also released their second album All or Nothing. Last and not least, The Kinks released the Picture Book box set. This set is a six disc set compiling well known Kinks songs, with outtakes, demos, and previously out of print hard to find material.

Play List:

1. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Today's Lesson
2. David Bowie - Queen Bitch (Live at Santa Monica 72)
3. The Pack AD - Build
4. Stolen Minks - Peppy Twist
5. Mudhoney - New Meaning
6. The Subways - Obsession
7. The Bicycles - Oh no, it's love
8. Caesars - In My Mind
9. Bloc Party - Halo
10. XX Teens - B-54
11. Wire - Are You Ready?
12. Albert Hammond Jr. - G Up
13. Golden Hands Before God - The Ladder
14. Teenage Head with Marky Ramone - You're the One I'm Crazy For
15. The Kinks - Don't Ever Change
16. Buzzcocks - Everybody's Happy Nowadays
17. Undertones - Nine Times Out of Ten (Demo)
18. Supergrass - Bad Blood
19. Dirty Pretty Things - Kicks or Consumption
20. Raconteurs - Five On the Five
21. Elvis Costello & The Imposters - American Gangster Time
22. Young Rival - Your Island
23. Luger Boa - 1000 Hooks
24. The Clash - Career Opportunities (Live at Shea Stadium)
25. Sloan - Too Many


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

Revolution Rock Christmas Special Show # 228

Since my show was so close to Christmas, I did a show comprised entirely of Christmas themed songs. Some information about these songs can be found below:

The Mysteriods - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (1982)

 
In 1982 The Revillos (who formed after the band The Rezillos broke up), went into the studio and recorded two Christmas songs for a 7 inch single. When the band were recording these tracks, they used the name The Mysteriods. The reason for this is because they thought some people might think that they were uncool for doing these songs. Both the songs are great and can be found on the compilations Attack of the Giant Revillos and From The Freezer.

The Yobs - Silver Bells (1980)

The Yobs, were actually a British punk band known as The Boys. They recorded and released several Christmas songs as The Yobs (Boys backwards), The cover of the Christmas classic "Silver Bells" can be found on their 1980 album The Yobs Christmas Album. What's interesting is that this album was written and recorded in a total of two days at a studio of Pete Townshend's (The Who), Eel Pie Studios.

Keith Richards - Run Rudolph Run (1978)


In 1978 Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards released his first single as a solo Artist. Both songs that would be featured on the single were cover songs. The A-Side was a cover of a Chuck Berry song titled "Run Rudolph Run", the B-Side was a cover of Jimmy Cliff song "They Harder They Come". Keith redoes Chuck Berry's song with greasy rock n' roll style. "Run Rudolph Run" has been reissued on itunes, with a cover of a Toots and Maytals song "Pressure Drop" from 2003. While Keith's first single may have been covers they are both excellent and well worth hearing.

The Kinks - Father Christmas (1977)


In 1977, The Kinks released the single "Father Christmas". The song, which is not like your average Christmas song, is about a gang of poor kids who beat up a department store Santa Claus, asking him for money instead of toys. The song was originally released prior to their 1978 album Misfits, and after their 1977 release Sleepwalker. The song can be found on the remastered edition of The Kinks album Misfits.

Several of the other songs played on my show come from Christmas compilation albums. Songs by the bands Atomic 7, Ramblin' Assassins, The Smugglers, and The Evaporators can all be found on It's A Team Mint X-mas Volume 2, which was released through the Canadian based label Mint Records. The punk songs played by The Damned, The Ravers, and Stiff Little Fingers can be found on the compilation Punk Rock X-mas, which was released in 1995. Next week I will have a show consisting of releases from 2008.

Information about my 2009 Christmas special can be found here.

Christmas Song Play List:

1. The Ravers - (It's Gonna Be A) Punk Rock Christmas
2. The Mysteriods - Santa Claus is Coming to Town
3. The Yobs - Silver Bells
4. Hot Hot Heat - Christmas Day in the Sun
5. Pointed Sticks - Powerpop Santa
6. Pointed Sticks - Xmas Time Again
7. Atomic 7 - Senor Santa El Es El Monstruo
8. Ramblin' Assassins - Don't Fear The Reindeer
9. Beach Boys - Christmas Day
10. Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas
11. Leadbelly - Christmas is-a Coming
12. Johnny Cash - I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day
13. The Smugglers - Lonely Christmas
14. The Evaporators - Who Are You
15. The Gruesomes - Santa Claus
16. The Sonics - Santa Claus
17. The D4 - Don't Believe in Christmas
18. Ramones - Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)
19. The Damned - There Ain't No Sanity Claus
20. The Kinks - Father Christmas
21. Keith Richards - Run Rudolph Run
22. The Hives & Cyndi Lauper - A Christmas Duel
23. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - All I Want For Christmas
24. White Stripes - Candy Cane Children
25. Stiff Little Fingers - White Christmas
26. Pearl Jam - Someday At Christmas

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on December 23rd, 2008. (Note: My show starts thirty minutes into the first download)

Nothing From Today...The Vipers Story and Show # 227

Drawing on influences from the 60's such as The Lyrics, and Chesterfield Kings, The Vipers formed a garage rock based group in 1984. Based out of New York the group consisted of Jon Wiess (Saxophonist from The Fleshtones), guitarist David Mann, second guitarist Paul Martin, bassist Graham May, and drummer Patrick Brown. The bands first album was released in 1984 and was titled Outta The Nest. The albums songs were influenced by the likes of The Standells, and The Electrics Prunes, to name a few. The song "Nothing From Today" was a fuzzy guitar track sounding influenced by the 50's era Byrds, "Telling Those Lies" contained aggressive vocals and surf rock style organ. The album aslo contained songs such as "Borrowed Time", "Cheated and Lied", and "Ain't Nothing Like Her". There was also two cover songs by 60s garage groups, one of them being The Standells ("Medication"). The album, which is viewed as their best, never really gained any popularity at the time of its release. That did not stop the group, the continued until 1993 releasing four more albums of garage rock influenced albums. The albums were How About Somemore? (1988), Not So Pretty...Not So New (1988), Nest in Peace (1989) and Venom in 1993. While they did not gain mainstream popularity, they are still known as a great garage rock group from the 80s.

This Weeks Play List:

1. MC5 - Ramblin' Rose (Live)
2. Compulsive Gamblers - Way I Feel About You
3. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Don't Die
4. 101ers - 5 Star Rock N' Roll Petrol
5. The Small Faces - Patterns
6. The Faces - Poor Hall Richard
7. Ride Theory - Can't Get it Right
8. The Worst - I Don't Want You
9. The Vindicators - Thinking of Birds
10. 14th Wray - Your Face in My Mind
11. The Upper Crust - (We're The) Upper Crust
12. The Stooges - 1969 (Alternate Vocal Take)
13. Awesome Color - Already Down
14. John Lennon - Well Well Well
15. Them - I'm Gonna Dress in Black (Version 2)
16. Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Long Shadow
17. Great Scots - Lost in Conversation
18. Big Town Boys - August 32nd
19. 409 - They Say
20. The Vipers - Ain't Nothing Like Her
21. The Early Birds - Why Oh Why
22. The Strokes - Take It or Leave
23. The Checks - Take Me There
24. Supergrass - Diamond Ho Ha Man

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on December 16th, 2008. (Note: My show starts thirty minutes into the first download)

You Know You Can't Help It...A Different Kind of Tension Special Edition and Show # 226

In October of 2008, Buzzcocks re-issued their first three albums (Another Music in A Different Kitchen, Love Bites, and A Different Kind of Tension) in special edition format. All of the Special Editions feature two discs containing the original album. non album singles/B-sides, demos, live recordings and outtakes. In celebration of these releases Buzzcocks will play Another Music and Love Bites back to back on a small UK tour. This week on my show I played a block of songs featured on the A Different Kind of Tension Special Edition.

Released in 1979, A Different Kind of Tension was different than Buzzcocks previous two albums. It was recorded at a time when the band were battling a vicious cocktail of difficulties with record companies, drugs, and financial issues. The cover of the album features different shapes and the colour scheme of orange yellow and purple. Inside the centre triangle is a silhouetted picture of the band, surrounded by a purplish light, they look like they are from a different planet. This album was once again produced by Martin Rushent, and musically it sounds both spacious and cramped, staying true to the title. The band are sharp and precise which was most likely due to the tour that they had just come off of. Lyrically Shelley questions just about everything, the lyrics are also darker in nature. Guitarist Steve Diggle also supplies the album with high quality songs to help make this album great. The first single in 1979 for the band was "Everybody's Happy Nowadays", the song went to # 29 on the UK singles charts. "Harmony in My Head" was another non album single released by the band, it reached # 32 in the UK. The song was sung and written by Steve Diggle, apparently prior to recording the vocals to this track Diggle smoked 20 cigarettes to get a harsh sound from his voice. The other singles released for this album were the songs "You Say You Don't Love Me", and "I Believe", they were also featured on the album A Different Kind of Tension. On the album charts A Different Kind of Tension went to # 26 in the UK and # 163 in the US.

The Special Edition contains a plethora of bonus tracks. Not only does it contain the bands Parts 1,2,3 EP, but it also contains the bands last track with their classic line up, "I Look alone". If that isn't enough you also get all the associated singles ("Everybody's Happy Nowadays", "Why Can't I Touch It", and "Harmony in My Head"), Peel Sessions, and demos. What's interesting about the demos is that there are versions of songs such as "I Don't Know what To Do With My Life" with an extra verse, and slower early versions of "Mad Mad Judy", and "Harmony in My Head". You also get four unused songs that were made for A Different Kind of Tension. "I Don't Know" (an instrumental), and "Run Away From Home" both written by bassist Steve Garvey, and "Jesus Made Me Feel Guilty", and "The Drive System" (written by guitaris Steve Diggle). This special edition perfectly collects songs from the last moments of the this period of Buzzcocks (from 1977-1981). After this album they would split in 1981, but reform in 1989.

A full band history of the band can be found here. The A Different Kind of Tension Special Edition can be purchased on the Amazon UK website or the Amazon.com website.


In other news, this week I played a song by a new upcoming band known as The Stanley Blacks. Coming from Guildford in London, England the band is currently working on an EP and Gary of Always Searching For Music was kind enough to notify me of this, and supplied me with a track to play on my show. The band has made this track available for download as well, so you can download it here. They are also looking for feedback so if you'd like to comment on the song, you can head over to ASFM and leave a comment.

Stanley Blacks - In Sight
Stanley Blacks Myspace

Play List:

1. Buzzcocks - Paradise
2. Buzzcocks - Run Away From Home
3. Buzzcocks - Mad Mad Judy (Demo)
4. Buzzcocks - I Don't Know What to Do With My Life (Peel Session)
5. Sturgeons - Punk Rock Virgins
6. The Jury - Who Dat?
7. Don Norman & The Other 4 - Low Man
8. Young Rival - Your Island
9. The Magic - The Harder Way
10. The Stanley Blacks - In Sight
11. Gang of Four - Glass
12. Public Image Limited - FFF
13. Big Audio Dynamite - London Bridge
14. Wire - Sand in My Joints
15. Luger Boa - What is Real?
16. Clap Clap Riot - Don't Want Your Baby
17. The Jam - A Bomb in Wardour Street
18. Golden Hands Before God- Communist Party
19. Locust Have No King - Trench Song
20. The Kinks - Picture Book
21. Jakob Dylan - Evil is Alive and Well
22. Neil Young - Everybody Knows This is Nowhere
23. Lou Reed - Crazy Feeling
24. Dirty Pretty Things - Come Closer
25. Dirty Pretty Things - Faultlines

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on December 9th, 2008. (Note: My show starts thirty minutes into the first download)

Nostalgia...Love Bites Special Edition...Show # 225

In October of 2008, Buzzcocks re-issued their first three albums (Another Music in A Different Kitchen, Love Bites, and A Different Kind of Tension) in special edition format. All of the Special Editions feature two discs containing the original album. non album singles/B-sides, demos, live recordings and outtakes. In celebration of these releases Buzzcocks will play Another Music and Love Bites back to back on a small UK tour. This week on my show I played a block of songs featured on the Love Bites Special Edition. Next week I will feature a block from the A Different Kind of Tension Special Edition.

Released in September of 1978, Love Bites was a transition album for the band. It was an album where the Shelley fronted Buzzcocks began to evolve into a new sound of their own. While musically the album sounds very punk influenced, it also had more of a pop and power pop production style. Around the time of this release, the world in which was known as punk was changing. Lyrically Shelley addresses topics that can be seen as directly relating to that period of time. With song titles like "Real World", "Nostalgia", "Sixteen Again", and "Nothing Left", this theory is evident. The lyrics can also be identified as relating to other subjects such as love, and real life in general, but the lines are blurred. The album was produced by Martin Rushent, and was the bands second full length album. Not only was it their second album, but it was also released in the same year as the bands first album Another Music in A Different Kitchen. The album would feature the song "Love is Lies", which is the first song to feature lead vocals by guitarist Steve Diggle. Bassist Steve Garvey is credited for the instrumental track "Walking Distance", and the whole band gets credit for the song "Late For the Train". Pete Shelley is credited for the rest of the songs on the album as the bands main composer, with the exception of the song "Just Lust". The albums first single was the non album track "Love You More". The song went to #34 on the UK singles charts. It was followed by the song "Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't Have), which went to #12 on the UK singles charts and was also featured on Love Bites. The third single was another non album track, "Promises" (#20 in the UK). The album itself went to #13 on the UK album charts.

The special edition of this album features the original eleven track album, with non album tracks and B-sides ("Love You More", "Noise Annoys", "Promises", and "Lipstick"), Peel Session tracks, demos and a live concert from July, 21st 1978. The Peel Sessions feature the first performance of the instrumental song "Late For the Train", which was apparently written for the show, but re-recorded for Love Bites. It also features a different arrangement of the song "ESP". The demos feature the song "Raison D'etre" which would be a song on the bands third album A Different Kind of Tension. There is also an early version of the song "Promises", it is called "Children". Finally the demos include the joke song "Mother of Turds", which is a fun song that is not only humorous to the listener, but to the band as well because they cannot stop laughing through out the recording. What's interesting about the live concert is that it really shows off the band in their prime. Steve Garvey plays the bassline to the song "Breakdown" different, and better than the original in my opinion, giving it melody and depth. He also helps sing on the song "Autonomy".

A full band history of the band can be found here. The Love Bites Special Edition can be purchased on the Amazon UK website or the Amazon.com website. Next week my show will have a feature on the third Buzzcocks Special Edition release A Different Kind of Tension.

Play List:

1. The Nerves - Hanging on the Telephone
2. Gruesomes - Cave In
3. Stolen Minks - Black Widow
4. Sacred Sailors - I Can't Stand It
5. (International) Noise Conspiracy - Washington Bullets
6. Waking Eyes - Wolves At the Door
7. Marble Index - We Can Make It
8. Ugly Ducklings - Do What You Want
9. The Clues - Footsteps
10. Velvet Underground - I Can't Stand It
11. RTT - Frustration
12. Ian Hunter - Lisa Likes Rock N Roll
13. Cut Copy - Unforgettable Season
14. Bloc Party - Waiting For the 7:18
15. Kaiser Chiefs - Can't Say What I Mean
16. The Clash - Revolution Rock
17. Neil Young - Stupid Girl
18. Will Curie and The County French & Sloan - Push Pins
19. Buzzcocks - ESP (Peel Session Version)
20. Buzzcocks - Nostalgia
21. Buzzcocks - Raison D'etre (Demo)
22. Buzzcocks - Breakdown (Live July 79)
23. Radio Birdman - Murder City Nights
24. Guided By Voices - Shocker in Gloomtown
25. Standells - Rari
26. Young Rival - Too Hip

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on December 2nd, 2008.

Videos:

Interview + What Do I Get (Live in Toronto 1979)

Music From A Different Kitchen...Show # 224

In October of 2008, Buzzcocks re-issued their first three albums (Another Music in A Different Kitchen, Love Bites, and A Different Kind of Tension) in special edition format. All of the Special Editions feature two discs containing the original album. non album singles/B-sides, demos, live recordings and outtakes. In celebration of these releases Buzzcocks will play Another Music and Love Bites back to back on a small UK tour. This week on my show I played a block of songs featured on the Another Music in A Different Kitchen Special Edition. Next week I will feature a block from the Love Bites Special Edition and the following week a block from A Different Kind of Tension.

Another Music in A Different Kitchen was first released in 1978. The album featured the first recordings of Buzzcocks second line up (their original line up featured Howard Devoto on vocals). The result was an album that featured a catchy punk/pop style unlike any other. The albums title was inspired by the title of artwork done by Linder Sterling called Housewives Choosing Their Own Juices in A Different Kitchen. Apparently the band was going to also use artwork by Sterling for the cover which was of a salad bowl with eyes inside, but decided against this. Prior to the albums release the band released two singles "Orgasm Addict" (which failed to chart due to its subject matter) and "What Do I Get?" (which went to # 37 on the UK singles charts). The only single released from the album was "I Don't Mind", which went to # 55 on the UK singles charts.

The Special Edition features demos of almost every song on the album, some BBC Sessions and a never before released live concert. There are 14 demos in total, they are a mix of songs that would appear on the Another Music album, non album tracks and one song not used at all, "Boredom" with Pete Shelley on vocals; Previously the song "Boredom" was recorded for the bands Spiral Scratch EP with Howard Devoto on vocals. Some of the demos are quite different from the finished versions. The BBC Session tracks are "Fast Cars", "(Moving Away From) The Pulsebeat", and "What Do I Get?". The tracks were originally recorded for a John Peel Session in 1977. Finally the live concert featured on the album is one from 1977. A full band history of the band can be found here. The Another Music in A Different Kitchen can be purchased on the Amazon UK website or the Amazon.com website. Next week my show will have a feature on the second Buzzcocks Special Edition release Love Bites.

Play List:

1. Elvis Costello & The Imposters - Stella Hurt
2. Cause Co-Motion! - Baby Don't Do It
3. Ex-Po - Tasty Bites
4. Young Knives - Stand and Deliver (XFM Session)
5. Pigeon Detectives - Take Her Back
6. The Craft Economy - Menergy
7. Relief Maps - Hair Play
8. XX Teens - My Favourite Hat
9. David Byrne & Brian Eno - Strange Overtones
10. Talking Heads - Pull Up the Roots
11. David Bowie - D.J.
12. Roxy Music - Serenede
13. Luger Boa - Mutate or Die!
14. The Visitors - Sad TV
15. The Government - Acute Angle
16. XTC - Respectable Street
17. Modelos - Tidal Wave
18. Subhumans - Pissed Off For A Good Reason
19. Pointed Sticks - The Real Thing (Demo)
20. The Cure - Freakshow
21. Buzzcocks - I Don't Mind (Demo)
22. Buzzcocks - Whatever Happened To? (Demo)
23. Buzzcocks - Sixteen
24. Buzzcocks - Fast Cars (BBC Session Version)

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on November 25th, 2008.

Three Minute Heroes...The Selecter Story and Show # 223

The Selector's first single was an instrumental B-Side released with a song from the 2 Tone Ska revival band, The Specials. The song "Selecter" was featured on Gangsters Vs. The Selector single in 1979. It was also the first 2 Tone records single to be released. Coming from Coventry, England The Selector formed originally with Neol Davies (guitar) and John Bradbury (drums); Bradbury would leave and become the drummer for The Specials. The band stood out from the rest of the Ska revival bands due to their female lead singer Pauline Black, the band also had numerous other members. Compton Amanor would provide additional guitar, Arthur Hendrickson (additional vocals), Charley Anderson (bass),Charley Bembridge (drums), and Desmond Brown on keyboards.

Too Much Pressure, the bands first album was released in 1980 on 2 Tone and Chrysalis Records. The bands next four singles were the songs "Three Minute Hero", "The Whisper", "Missing Words", and "On My Radio". Some of these songs were featured on Too Much Pressure. The album also featured several cover songs "Everyday" (Buddy Holly), Owan Gray, Justin Hinds, and a cover of the James Bond theme song. It went to #4 on the UK album charts when it was originally released in February of 1980. Celebrate The Bullet was The Selecter's second full length album. The band would not be on the 2 Tone label, they left releasing it only on Chrysalis Records. "The Whisper" was the last single to feature drummer Charley Anderson and Desmond Brown, they would leave after this single and were replaced by Adam Williams (bass), and James Mackie (keyboards). The album went to # 41 on the UK album charts. The band would break up in 1982.

Although The Selector did not chart in the US, they were an interesting Ska revival band. Pauline Black went on to pursue a career in acting. They would reform in 1991 and record several more albums with a slightly different line up. The Selecter toured and recorded up to 2006. Neol Davies also recorded two solo albums Box of Blues (1998) and Future Swamp in 2003.


Play List:

1. Brian Wilson - Heroes and Villains
2. Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet - Shadowy Countdown
3. Models - Freeze
4. The Damned - Neat, Neat, Neat
5. Brian James - Why Why Why
6. Captain Sensible - (What'd Ya Give) The Man Whos Gotten Everything?
7. The Crabs - Lullabies Lie (Live At The Roxy)
8. The Flesh Columns - Time's Up
9. The Spys - Underground
10. The Red Squares - Ottawa Today
11. New York Dolls - Pills
12. The Lurkers - Ain't Got A Clue
13. The Adverts - Gary Gilmore's Eyes
14. The Specials - Too Much Too Young
15. The Selecter - James Bond
16. Madness - One Step Beyond
17. A Block of Yellow - Are You Sure?
18. Hot Nasties - I Am A Confused Teenager
19. Rock and Roll Bitches - Broad Daylight
20. Bureaucrats - The Game
21. The Scabs - Amory Building
22. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Down At The Rock and Roll Club
23. Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers - Get Off The Phone
24. The Saints - Champagne Misery

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on November 18th, 2008.

Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere...The Story of The Who and Show # 222

In the early 1960s, a traditional Jazz band was formed. They were known as The Confederates and featured Pete Townshend on banjo and John Entwistle on the French horn. After meeting Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle agreed to join his band The Detours, he brought along Pete Townshend as an additional guitar player. The Detours were an American influenced R&B group, they also played a bit of country. Roger Daltrey was on lead guitar, Pete on rhythm, John on bass, Colin Dawson on vocals, and Doug Sandom on drums. Dawson would leave the group resulting in Daltrey taking over the vocal duties, Pete moved to lead guitar. For a short period of time the band went by the name, The High Numbers and even recorded a single titled "Zoot Suit/I'm the Face", it did not chart. The music reflected the ongoing mod scene in Britain.

The band changed their name to The Who in 1964, after getting a new drummer. Keith Moon was an energetic, chaotic drummer. He had a unique style, as did other members of The Who. On stage Pete Townshend would jump around, often smashing his guitars, doing windmills on his guitar (an idea he got from Keith Richards), as Keith Moon would explode on the drums behind the band, Roger Daltrey would twirl around his microphone, and John Entwistle would stand still barely moving at all, holding down the foundation of the band. The Who's style would combine elements of R&B, Soul music, Jazz, and would also combine elements of Pop Art. The bands first single was "I Can't Explain". It was released in 1965 and produced by American producer Shel Talmy, known for his work with The Kinks. Being a big fan of The Kinks himself, Townshend has said that "I Can't Explain" was influenced largely by the early Kinks sound. The song went to number ten on the UK singles chart, and got its first play on a US radio station in Flint, Michigan on WTAC AM 600. The song has since then been a staple of the bands live set, usually being the opener to their set. The bands next single was "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" a song that features guitar distortion and is the only song written by both Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. In 1965 The Who also released their first album titled My Generation; it was called The Who Sings My Generation in the US.

The Who's first album featured a lot of cover songs, but it also featured some original compositions such as "My Generation" which was a song that is said to have many different origins such as being written on a train after an encounter with the Queen Mother in England. She was apparently offended by Townshend’s Packard Hearse which was parked on the street (used to transport equipment) and had it towed. It is also said to have been inspired by the Mose Allison song "Young Man Blues". The best description of the song can be best described by a quote from Townshend in Rolling Stone magazine which stated that, "'My Generation' was very much about trying to find a place in society." "Out in the Street", "The Good's Gone", "The Kid's Are Alright" and "Legal Matter" are other good tracks on the album. The US version of the album had a different track listing, it included the song "Circles". The first album went to number five on the UK album charts. The song "Substitute" was released as a single in March of 1966, it was a song about being labelled a fraud. "I'm A Boy" came next, the song can be seen as one of the first conceptual songs that Townshend wrote. Lyrically the song was about a boy born in the distant future that was supposed to be a girl, so he is dressed as a girl because that is what the mother wants. "Happy Jack" was next, it was a different style compared to early Who songs, it was more campy and lyrically was about a mentally confused young man.


The album A Quick One was released in 1966. The album was a departure from The Who's early Mod/R&B sound. It featured songs written by each band member. Daltrey wrote the song "See My Way", Keith Moon composed "I Need You" and the instrumental fireball track titled "Cobwebs and Strange", John Entwistle wrote "Whiskey Man" and "Boris the Spider", the rest of the albums tracks were written by Townshend. His songs included "Run, Run, Run", "Don't Look Away", "So Sad About Us", and "A Quick One While He's Away". This track was a mini-rock opera song. It was nine minutes long and was basically four or five short songs weaved into one, telling a story of infidelity. In the USA the album was named Happy Jack and featured the song as well, because it was a top forty hit; In the UK the song was a single only. Like the bands previous album, A Quick One charted in the UK (#4) and not in the US. The album was produced by Kit Lambert. He would encourage Pete Townshend to write more mature songs, he also had a background in classical music. Lambert would be the bands manager and producer until 1971. Chris Stamp was also a co-manager and producer for the group.

In 1967, The Who Sell Out was released. This album had a concept, all of the songs were interspliced with fake old fashioned radio jingles, also some of the songs were about products that you buy such as deodorant, or baked beans. The albums cover featured Pete Townshend with an over sized deodorant bottle and Roger Datlrey in a tub with an over sized can of Heinz baked beans. The back cover featured Keith Moon with an over sized zit and ointment cream, and John Entwistle in a Tarzan outfit. The album contained songs such as "Mary Anne With the Shaky Hand", "Odorono" (a song about deodorant), and "I Can See For Miles". "I Can See For Miles" was a song that Townshend was saving and when the band recorded it, he hoped it would go to number one everywhere. It went to #10 in the UK, and #9 in the US. The song itself was a unique composition. It featured the energetic drumming of Keith Moon, twisty guitar lines played by Townshend, and layered vocal melodies. When the single failed to reach number one, Townshend was disappointed about the record buying public and focused on writing a different type of album. The result would be Tommy.

In 1969, Tommy was released. It would be known as a rock opera. The album told the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy. The album was unlike any other upon its initial release. It also featured some of the best songs The Who has ever recorded. "Pinball Wizard" was the first single from the album. The song featured flamenco style guitar techniques and a bassline that sounds like a pinball machine. Other interesting tracks from Tommy include, "Sparks", "Go To the Mirror!", "Tommy Can You Hear Me?", "The Acid Queen", "I'm Free", and "See Me Feel Me". When performing live the who played the album almost in its entirety, omitting a few tracks. The story of Tommy was inspired and written by Townshend after the teachings of Meher Baba. The album would go on to be a giant commercial success for the band going to number four on the US Billboard album charts and number two in the UK. In the same year as Tommy's release, The Who also played at Woodstock. In 1970, The Who released the live album, Live at Leeds. The album has been named by many as one of the best live rock albums of all time. It is a loud energetic and frantically paced album capturing not only the true spirit of rock and roll music, but of The Who as well. Initially the album featured only seven songs, but since then has been re-issued with several bonus tracks.

For the bands next album, Pete Townshend intended to record another rock opera, a science fiction story known as The Lifehouse Project. The Who began working on material for a new album based on this concept, but stopped before completing it in favour of a more traditional rock album. The result was Who's Next in 1971. While the album had numerous elements based on The Lifehouse Project, the ideas were worked on further and used on other Who albums/songs, (Odds & Sods, Who Are You, Who By Numbers, and solo Townshend material) it wasn't released in any complete form until Townshend adapted it for BBC radio in 2000. Who's Next was produced by Glyn Johns was an even bigger success for the band. It went to number four in the US and number one in the UK. The album would feature songs that the band is consistently known for such as "Baba O'Riley", "Bargain", "Behind Blue Eyes" and "Won't Get Fooled Again". The album expanded the bands sound utilizing synthesizers (on "Baba" and "Won't Get Fooled"), it also featured more unique song writing. "Behind Blue Eyes" was a song that builds staring off with an acoustic intro, before becoming a full out rock song; a brilliant ballad. The album also featured interesting songs such as "My Wife" written and sung by bassist John Entwistle, "Going Mobile", and "Love Ain't For Keeping".

Tommy (1969) & Quadrophenia (1973)

In 1973, The Who released another rock opera titled Quadrophenia. This time the albums story focused on the Mod movement in the sixties in England. It was a semi-autobiographical story that revealed the battle between two group’s rockers and mods. The album would feature what some call The Who at their best. The album featured some of the best bass playing by Entwistle, drumming by Moon, guitar and song structures by Townshend, and we can't forget the singing of Roger Daltrey. The album features songs such as "The Real Me", "The Punk and The Godfather", "5:15", and "Love Reign O'er Me". The album went to number two in the US and in the UK. If you liked Tommy, you will love Quadrophenia.

1975 saw the release of Who By Numbers. This album was different than other Who albums. Lyrically it was darker in subject matter and musically it was a back to rock basics type album. There are exceptions to the dark subject matter in songs such as the acoustic-pop "Squeeze Box". Other interesting tracks include "Slip Kids", "However Much I Booze", "Success Story"(written by Entwistle), and "Blue, Red and Grey". Another interesting fact about the album is that its cover, which features a cartoon version of The Who was drawn by John Entwistle.


In 1978, Who Are You was released. The album showed the band going back to a more conventional sound. It did very well in the album charts and featured songs such as "Who Are You" and "Sister Disco". The musical style of the album was written in an attempt to bring together Progressive Rock and Punk Rock fans. The album was the last to feature drummer Keith Moon. He would pass away in his sleep due to an overdose of Heminevrin on September 7, 1978. Kenny Jones of The Faces would step in to fill Moon's shoes. In 1979, the Who documentary The Kids Are Alright was released along with the movie version of Quadtrophenia (Tommy was made into a movie starring Roger Daltrey in 1975). The Who continued on touring and recorded two albums with Kenny Jones on drums, Face Dances in 1981 and It's Hard in 1982. The albums produced the hit songs "You Better You Bet", and "Eminence Front". In 1982, the band did a farewell tour.

The Who reformed for several occasions, but in 1999 and early 2000's they began touring more regularly. They were well received and they discussed recording a new album (they would get drummer and Ringo Starr's son Zach Starky to play drums). On June 27th, 2002 John Entwistle died in his Las Vegas hotel room of heart failure. The band was in the middle of a tour, but continued on in tribute having bassist Pino Palladino fill in as replacement. In 2004, Endless Wire was released, The Who's first album since 1982's It's Hard. Townshend once again tackled the rock opera successfully. In 2007, Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who got released. The DVD was an extensive documentary on the band. Numerous Live Who DVDs have since been released. The band continues to tour intermittently.

The Who were a band that came out at the time of the British Invasion in the mid sixties. They stood out from all the rest, due to a number of factors. The song writing of Pete Townshend and the chemistry of each member in the band created a unique and vicious combination. They had the power to put all the frustrations and anger of youth into the form of song. There is just something about The Who when you see them or hear them, it makes you want to jump around and play guitar. They truly are one of the loudest and most energetic bands ever.



The Play List:

1. Generation X - Your Generation
2. Sex Pistols - Substitue
3. John Entwisle - Cinnamon Girl
4. The Cryptics - You're Evil
5. Teenage Head - Little Boxes
6. Modernettes - Won't Have to Worry
7. Ride Theory - On Fire
8. (International) Noise Conspiracy - Arm Yourself
9. Greenhornes - Mary Anne With the Shaky Hand
10. The Jam - So Sad About Us
11. The Waking Eyes - Get Me To The Doctor
12. Gruesomes - You Gotta Believe Me
13. The Surfdusters - The Reef
14. The Who - Barbara Ann
15. The Who - Doctor, Doctor
16. The Who - The Punk and The Godfather (Live Maryland 1973)
17. The Clash - I'm So Bored With USA (Live in New York 1979)
18. Flaming Lips - Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere
19. Ramones - Substitute
20. Pearl Jam - The Real Me (Live VH1 Rock Honors)
21. The Hives - Outsmarted
22. The Kinks - Rats
23. The Kingsmen - Mashed Potatoes
24. The D4 - Mysterex

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

Who Videos:

My Generation (Intro to The Kids Are Alright Documentary)
Daddy Rolling Stone (Shindig! 1965)
I Can't Explain (Promo Video)
Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (Live 1965)
Happy Jack (Promo Video)
Pictures of Lilly
A Quick One While He's Away (Live Rock n' Roll Circus)
So Sad About Us (Live 1967)
Heat Wave (1967)
The Seeker
Pinball Wizard (Live Isle of Wight 1970)
Tommy Can You Hear Me?/Smash The Mirror (Promo)
Baba O'Riley (Live 1977)
Won't Get Fooled Again (TOTP 1971)
Call Me Lightning (Promo)
Join Together (Live OGWT)

Family Entertainment...Undertones An Anthology and Show # 221

In September of 2008, The Undertones released an anthology. Titled Undertones: An Anthology, the set stands out from all other Undertones "best of" compilations for one reason, the second CD that is included in this set. It compiles 27 previously unreleased demos, rare unheard recordings, and live tracks. Disc one compiles a 29 song set of songs from the bands career. This includes a large majority of songs from the bands first two albums (Undertones (1979), and Hypnotized (1980)). It also includes a few selections from the bands later albums, which veered from their original sound. While people can make complaints about some songs missing from the first disc (there aren't any I can complain about), really is there any point you are getting 29 songs? If there are some songs missing that you enjoy, go out and purchase the original albums; You won't be disappointed.

Disc two is for the Undertones fanatics, 27 previously unreleased songs. It really is interesting to hear alternate takes and early demos of your favourite Undertones songs. Some of my favourites demos are "My Perfect Cousin", "I Don't Wanna See You Again", and "Do the Fast"(from their original demo tape), "Teenage Kicks", "Emergency Cases", "The Love Parade". The version of "Love Parade" and a few other demos that were featured on the bands album The Sin of Pride, have the advantage of good production, there are no 80's effects here. Disco two also features live recordings from The Lyceum in 1978, and two live recordings form the bands 1981 tour. If that isn't enough for your there is also the song "Party, Party", which was a song written for a soundtrack, but was not used. In the booklet guitarist Damien O'Neil describes the song as The Undertones trying to do a Motown song.


After you sift through all of the recordings, there is also the linear notes. Written by guitarist Damien O'Neil, he goes into details of the bands career, from signing their recording contract with Sire Records, to their last official gig with singer Feargal Sharkey in 1983. The Undertones: An Anthology, is a very interesting set of songs, you get a collection of greatest hits and a collection of demos, outtakes, and rare recordings. If you do not live anywhere in the UK, the album will most likely have to be ordered on import. It can be found on Amazon.com, and Amazon UK. A complete history of the band that I wrote can be found in my True Confessions post.

Other interesting upcoming releases that will not only be featured on this blog, but also my radio show will be the deluxe editions of the first three Buzzcocks albums; They were released in the UK at the end of October 2008. Check this site for more info on that and you can listen to my show on CJAM 91.5 FM in the Windsor/Detroit area from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, or elsewhere online from cjam.ca.

Play List:

1. Dead 60s - A Different Age
2. The Cigarettes - Can't Sleep At Night
3. Rezillos - Glad All Over
4. Lost Patrol - That's Your Style
5. Dry Heaves - Portable
6. The Spys - Welcome To the Crule World
7. Lowlife - Think Naturally
8. Cheetahs - The Only One
9. Stop Starts - Metronome
10. The Talks - Boys Toys
11. Joey Ramone - Don't Worry About Me
12. The Philbys - Freefalling
13. The Government - Sponge (Live)
14. Diodes - Plastic Girls
15. Dylan James - Talking To Yourself
16. X - The New World
17. The Evaporators - Desolation Sound
18. Golden Hands Before God - The Ladder
19. The Clash - Spanish Bombs (Live At Shea Stadium)
20. Dead Boys - Sonic Reducer
21. Television - Double Exposure (1974 Demo)
22. Undertones - Tearproof
23. Undertones - My Perfect Cousin (79 Demo)
24. Undertones - Do The Fast (78 Demo)
25. Undertones - Girls Don't Like It (78 Demo)
26. Undertones - The Love Parade (82 Demo)
27. Buzzcocks - Harmony In My Head

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on November 4th, 2008.