Great Sounds Great...The Story of The Clean and Show # 246

Forming in 1978, The Clean were an influential band from Dunedin, New Zealand. Brothers David Kilgour (guitar) and Hamish Kilgour (drums) joined forces with Peter Gutteridge (bass) and Doug Hood on vocals. This was one of the early incarnations of the band, they would go through a changing line-up until they settled on bassist Robert Scott after 1979 (Gutteridge would leave the group). The Clean soon created their own sound which was a mix of strange sounds, Ramones chords, and heavy organ sounds.

The first Clean single ("Tally Ho!") was released on Flying Nun records in 1981. The label was started by 1980 by a Clean fan named Roger Shepherd. The single went to # 19 on the New Zealand singles charts. When the band decided to record their first full length album, they ran into some difficulty. Since most record producers did not care for the bands sound, they recorded a four track EP titled Boodle Boodle Boodle themselves. Recorded with New Zealand musicians Chris Knox and Doug Hood, the album went to number four on the New Zealand charts. 1982 saw the release of the Great Sounds Great EP. The actual title of the EP was a bit longer, it's full title was Great Sounds Great, Good Sounds Good, So-so Sounds So-so, Bad Sounds Bad, Rotten Sounds Rotten. The Clean released one more single titled "Getting Older", which was also their loudest single at that point in their career before taking a break.

David Kilgour would leave the band shortly after this, with Robert Scott following soon afterwards. Hamish Kilgour would move to Dunedin and Hamish Kilgour moved to Christchurch, where the head offices of Flying Nun Records were located. Bassist Robert Scott formed his own band called The Bats. It wouldn't be long before Hamish started writing/working on his own material. David Kilgour would come up to help with the recording and the result was an album in the folk/acoustic musical direction. They named themselves The Great Unwashed (a pun on the name The Clean) and released the album titled Clean Out of Our Minds. They toured to promote this album, bringing Peter Gutteridge back into the music mix. While on tour, the band played quite a lot of material that was written by Gutteridge. They would in turn record another EP titled Singles, which came out in 1984. During this time the band would get a new bass player (Ross Humphries) since both Gutteridge and David Kilgour could play guitar. The Great Unwashed would break up and not last very long. They broke up with in a year of the bands formation.


Hamish Kilgour would form a new group called Bailter Space, Gutteridge formed Snapper and David Kilgour stopping making music for a couple of years. That would not be the end of The Clean though. The group would reunite for a few live shows in 1988, and record yet another EP. The Clean then embarked on a world tour. A full length album would follow in 1990 titled Vehicle. The album was more of a pop influenced album than their previous efforts. After another world tour the band would split again. They would reform yet again in 1994 and record another album titled Modern Rock. The Clean continue to record and produce music. They released Unknown Country in 1996, Getaway in 2001, and numerous other compilation albums. They also have numerous live compilations/EP's and as of 2008 have been working on material for a new album. Mister Pop was released in 2009.

While The Clean have done very well on the charts in New Zealand, they are virtually unknown in the US and other places of the world. They became part of Flying Nun Records which helped create the Dunedin, New Zealand sound. This included bands such as The Bats, The Chills, The Verlaines, and Sneaky Feelings. Flying Nun is New Zealand's biggest independent record company and have released several compilations featuring hard to find Clean material.

More information on The Clean can be found at:

The Clean - Anything Can Happen
The Clean Myspace Page

This Week's Play List:

1. White Stripes - The Union Forever
2. Sports - Warn Me
3. Neil Young - Fuel Line
4. The Clean - Point That Thing Somewhere Else
5. 3-D's - Hey Seuss
6. The D4 - Little Baby
7. Luger Boa - Don't Talk To Me
8. Clap Clap Riot - Thief
9. Valina - Idiom's Palace
10. 40 Thieves - Bangarang
11. The Unicorns - I Was Born (A Unicorn)
12. The Fresh & Onlys - Fog Machine
13. Ex- Boyfriends - To The Lowest Bidder
14. Sloan - Judy Is A Punk
15. The Killers - I Just Wanna Be Me
16. The Gears - Let's Go To The Beach
17. Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet - Run Chicken Run
18. Atomic 7 - Chock Full O' Notes
19. Los Straitjackets - Kapt'n Krunch
20. Randy - Punk Rock High
21. The Takeover UK - Never Been So Sick
22. The Demics - The News
23. Jack O & The Tennessee Tearjerkers - Switchblade Comb
24. The Pointed Sticks - All That Matters
25. The Strokes - New York City Cops

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on April, 28th 2009.

Canadian Voodoo...The Story of Deja Voodoo...Show # 245

In 1981, Tony Dewald and Gerard Van Herk formed the group known as Deja Voodoo in Montreal, Canada. Influenced by Rockabilly, Punk, Garage Rock, Blues and bands such as Link Wray and The Cramps, Deja Voodoo came off sounding different than most bands. Using 50's horror imagery (like The Misfits have done), Deja Voodoo helped to create a new genre that was known as Sludge-a-billy. Their music was primal and dirty, Tony Dewald would be the drummer and Gerard Van Herk would cover guitars and vocals. There would be no bass player. Deja Voodoo can be seen as Canada's answer to The Cramps.

In the early 80s, numerous bands were popping up all over Montreal, in turn making it difficult for Deja Voodoo to find a label. While they were popular amongst the Montreal communities, they decided to form their own label in 1983 called Og Records. Deja Voodoo released their first album Gumbo on Og Records in 1983; It was released on cassette only. The album sold relatively well by independent record standards, but it did not find mainstream success. The band continued to release their own albums and other bands on their label. In 1984, Cemetery was released. Being the bands third album it sold well in Canada and in parts of the US and Europe; It was also the bands first album to be released on vinyl. Og Records would release a total of twenty nine albums in its seven year run. The label also released a series of compilation albums featuring Montreal artists such as The Gruesomes. There were five volumes of the It Came From Canada series.

Deja Voodoo toured in parts of Canada and Europe once Og Records started doing well. They toured places such as Greece, Finland and Scandinavia. This was seen as being unheard of at the time. For an underground Canadian band to reach audiences in Europe this was a great achievement. As a result they built cult followings. They started putting on special outdoor events such as "Voodoo BBQ's". These were held mainly in Montreal and drew in large crowds. The last Voodoo BBQ was in 2008.

Despite doing relatively well in their musical aspirations, Tony and Gerard split up Deja Voodoo in 1990. They pursued other careers. Gerard Van Herk became a Linguistics professor and Tony Dewald opened his own brewery on the West Coast. While Deja Voodoo did not achieve mainstream success, they were a well known one of a kind Canadian band that helped define a genre known as Sludge-a-billy. More info can be found on their Myspace Page.

Play List:

1. The Golden Hands Before God - The Ladder
2. Bob Dylan and the Band - Odds & Ends
3. The Troggs - I Can't Control Myself
4. The Count Bishops - Teenage Letter
5. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Going Going Gone (Time Version)
6. Bad Brains - Sailin' On
7. The Heartbeeps - My Flash On You
8. The Charms - Action
9. The Haunted - Eight Hour Day
10. The Gruesomes - Leave My Kitten Alone
11. The Replacements - Takin' A Ride
12. The Replacements - I Will Dare
13. The Ettes - I Get Mine
14. Compulsive Gamblers - X-Ray Eyes
15. Rolling Stones - Complicated
16. The Leather Uppers - Say It In French
17. Young Rival - Poisonous Moves
18. Deja Voodoo - Shoobedy Hey
19. Deja Voodoo - My Girlfriend
20. The Cramps - She Said
21. Queens of The Stone Age - Battery Acid
22. The Locust Have No King - Goodman On A Strange Horse
23. Gun Club - She's Like Heroin To Me
24. The Stooges - Not Right
25. The Howlies - Sea Level
26. Black Lips - Drugs
27. The Collectors - We Can Make It
28. Libertines - I Get Along

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on April, 21st 2009.

Hungry Beat...The Fire Engines Story...Show # 244

Forming in Edinburgh, Scotland, The Fire Engines were an important part of the Scottish post punk music movement. They were playing at the same time amongst bands such as Orange Juice, Joseph K, and The Scars. Three of the band members (Davy Henderson (guitars/vocals), Russel Burn (drums), and Graham Main (bass)) were originally in the band called The Dirty Reds. Adding one more member (Murray Slade (guitars)), the band took on the name The Fire Engines, which was from a 13th Floor Elevators song. Their sound would not be as conventional as their musical contemporaries. They preferred anger and noise instead of pop hooks and melodies.

Their first release was the single Get Up and Use Me in 1980. It was backed with the song "Everything's Roses" (the single was # 9 on the UK Indie singles charts). Their first full length album was titled Lubricate Your Living Room (Background Music For Action People!). It was also released in 1980, and went to # 4 on the UK Indie Singles charts. What followed next was a series of singles in 1981. "Candyskin" would show off Henderson's unique nasally vocal style and featured a string section. It also did well on the UK Indie charts, but following the bands next single "Big Gold Dream", The Fire Engines broke up. In 1981, the band released a compilation album in the US titled, Aufgeladen Und Bereit Fur Action Und Spass. It featured live and studio tracks.


They have also released several other compilation albums. In 2004, the band released a split single with Franz Ferdinand. The single featured The Fire Engines covering Franz Ferdinand's "Jacqueline" and Franz Ferdinand covering The Fire Engines song "Get Up and Use Me". A compilation of demos and live material was released in 1995, titled Codex Teenage Premonition. A US compilation was made titled Hungry Beat in 2007. It compiled studio recordings from the band, that were previously unavailable in the US. Following the break up of The Fire Engines, Henderson and Russel Burn formed the group Win. David Henderson also had a group called Nectarine No. 9, in the 90's.

Play List:

1. New York Dolls - Vietnamese Baby
2. Ugly Ducklings - I Wish You Would
3. The Soft Pack - Bright Side
4. Dry Heaves - Portable
5. Metallica - The More I See
6. Black Sabbath - Wicked World
7. Motorhead - Tear You Down
8. John Doe and The Sadies - Detroit City
9. Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash - Guess Things Happen That Way
10. 13th Floor Elevators - (I've Got) Levitation
11. Lou Reed - Nowhere At All
12. Pretty Things - Come See Me
13. Big Town Boys - August 32nd
14. King Bees - What's Your Name
15. 49th Parallel - Citizen Freak
16. The Thermals - Now We Can See
17. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll
18. Drums and Wires - Basement
19. The Government - Complications
20. Condofucks - The Kid With The Replaceable Head
21. Fire Engines - Get Up and Use Me
22. The Scars - Horrorshow
23. Rezillos - Top of the Pops
24. Franz Ferdinand - Bite Hard

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on April, 14th 2009.

The Beatles To Re-issue Entire Catalogue

If you haven't heard the news already, it was recently announced that The Beatles will be re-issuing their entire catalogue on September 9, 2009. The albums have been remastered in stereo and will include new and extended liner notes. In addition to this the CD's will also include mini documentaries on the making of each album that is re-issued. The remastering and re-issuing of The Beatles catalogue is long overdue, in my opinion and it's good to hear that they are finally doing it. They spent a long time on the remastering of the catalogue to make sure that it was done right and now it is finally ready. There will be 14 albums released in September, including the Past Masters I & II, which will now be one CD set. In addition to all this, all of the CD's can be bought in boxed set form. There will also be a Mono mix version released in boxed set form for die-hard Beatles fans. The Beatles also plan to released their material digitally, but they are still in talks at the current time.

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

The Beatles Official Website
Billboard

Just Play Music!...The Story of Big Audio Dynamite...Show # 243

In 1984, one year after being fired from The Clash Mick Jones formed a new group. Big Audio Dynamite would blend elements of Punk, Pop, Hip-Hop, Funk, Reggae and Dance into their music. The band can be seen as an extension from the work that Mick Jones recorded on The Clash's Combat Rock. Recruiting friend Don Letts to do vocals and sound effects, Mick Jones assembled the first incarnation of what was to be known as Big Audio Dynamite. Leo "E-Zee Kill" Williams would play bass, Greg Roberts the drums and Mick Jones would cover guitar, vocals and song writing duties. "The Bottom Line" would be the bands first single. Their first album This Is Big Audio Dynamite would follow shortly after in 1985. The album would debut at # 27 on the UK album charts and # 103 on the US album charts.

"E=MC2" would be the bands next single. The song employed sampling techniques and is often seen as one of the first songs to take advantage of sampling technologies. Lyrically the song made reference to the film Insignificance by Noel Roeg. Chart wise the song did not do well in the UK, but in the US it went to #11 and # 37 on the dance charts. Other great songs contained on the BAD's first album include "Medicine Show" and "Sudden Impact". The music video that was made for "Medicine Show", features former Clash members Joe Strummer and Paul Simonon, and Johnny Rotten of Sex Pistols/Public Image Limited. The bands next album would contain producing and song collaboration with former Clash member Joe Strummer. No. 10 Upping Street, would be released in 1986. The albums title was a pun on the residency of the UK Prime Minister, whose address is 10 Downing St. Singles from the album would be "C'Mon Every Beatbox", "V.Thirteen", and "Sightsee MC". The album did well on the UK album charts (# 11), but was in the low 100's on the US album charts. It should also be noted that despite the low charting on the US album charts, it did well on the US singles charts.


Tighten Up,Vol.88 came next in 1988. The album used more free form song writing techniques as opposed to the earlier BAD albums. The albums first single "Just Play Music!" went to # 1 on the US album charts. The album artwork for Tighten Up,Vol.88 was also designed by former Clash bassist Paul Simonon. Megatop Phoenix followed in 1989. This would be the last album containing the original band members. The album would also produced by Bill Price (of Sex Pistols/Clash producing) and would have two high charting US singles, "James Brown" and "Contact". The album's title would be a reference to a near death experience that Mick Jones had during the recording of this album, which he successfully recovered from. In November of 1990, Big Audio Dynamite II (which was Big Audio Dynamite with new band members, with the exception of Mick Jones) recorded a song titled "Free", which was featured on the soundtrack to the movie Flashback. The song would be re-worked and re-titled "Kickin' It". The re-worked version of "Free" would be featured on the bands album Kool-Aid. The album was released in the UK only in 1990.

In 1991, The Globe was released. With the new line up (which featured two guitarists - Nick Hawkins and Mick Jones), the music took on more of a rock influence, while still keeping true to BAD's sampling techniques. The first singe from the album was the song "Rush". The song went to # 1 on the US Modern Rock charts. It should also be noted that around this time The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go" went to # 1 as well, due to it being featured in a Levi's jeans commercial. "Rush" was placed as the B-Side to the Clash single. The album contained songs in edited or altered state from the UK only release Kool-Aid, it also contained the song "The Globe". "The Globe" was essentially a remix of the Clash song "Should I Stay or Should I Go". It went to # 1 on the US Modern Rock charts, and # 8 on the Australian singles charts. Next Mick Jones shortened the bands name to Big Audio and released the album Higher Power in 1994. The band acquired two additional members for this album, Andre Sharp on Keyboards and Michael "Zonka" Custance as DJ/background vocalist. Higher Power was not well received and did not do as well as the previous album released by Big Audio Dynamite. It did however contain the reggae track "Harrow Road". Following this release the band left their label (Columbia Records).


In 1995, Mick Jones changed his bands name once again to Big Audio Dynamite and released F-Punk on Radioactive Records. This album was not well recieved at all. Despite the negative comments that have been printed about F-Punk, it contains some hidden gems. Songs such as "I Turned Out A Punk", "Gonna Try", "Got It All From My TV", and "Singapore". As a bonus, there is even a hidden track, a cover of David Bowie's "Suffragette City". This would be the last official full length album release for Big Audio Dynamite.

The bands next album was titled Entering A New Ride, but the bands record label at the time refused to release it. The band line up at this point, also included Rankin' Roger of The Beat. In order to get the songs and the album out to the public, Mick Jones set up a website and made the songs available for download for free. It was one of the first albums to be made available for download for free (it was in 1997/1998). After this the band basically dissolved. There would be a few compilation releases for the band, but only two after the band stopped playing. They were greatest hits compilations, Plantet Bad (1995), and Super Hits (1999). In 2007, a live DVD featuring the BAD II line up was released. Following his BAD days, Mick Jones would produce albums/bands, most notably his work with The Libertines. In 2002, Mick Jones formed a new group with Tony James (Generation X, Sigue Sigue Sputnik) called Carbon/Silicon. They have made several recordings available for free via their official website, and released one full length album titled The Last Post in 2007.

Also CJAM is still accepting votes for the 2009 Jammy awards (they will be until April 15th, 2009). If you are a listener of Revolution Rock or just a visitor of this blog, a vote would be greatly appreciated. You can vote by clicking this link.

This Weeks Play List:

1. The Saints - Lipstick Collar
2. Luger Boa - A Lonely Story
3. I Was King - Not Like This
4. Wavves - So Bored
5. The Nils - Fountains
6. Diodes - Cat Walker
7. 222's - Hold Up
8. Crash 80's - Waiting For The Heat
9. The Pretenders - The Phone Call
10. X - Adult Books
11. X-Ray Spex - Identity
12. Hot Hot Heat - Get In or Get Out
13. XX Teens - Only You
14. Lost Patrol - Commanche
15. Rudeboy - Midnight To Moscow
16. The Specials - Nite Klub
17. Dead 60s - Too Much TV
18. Wreckless Eric - Veronica
19. Magazine - Touch and Go
20. Siouxsie & The Banshees - Hong Kong Garden
21. Gang of Four - Why Theory?
22. Big Audio Dynamite - Gonna Try
23. Big Audio Dynamite - Get It All From My TV
24. Bob Dylan - Beyond Here Lies Nothin'
25. Radio Birdman - Crying Sun
26. Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Johnny Appleseed

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on April, 7th 2009.

BAD Videos:

The Bottom Line
Medicine Show
C'Mon Every Beatbox
V. Thirteen
Innocent Child
Looking For A Song
I Turned Out A Punk
Rush

Related posts:

A Carbon/Silicon History
Hey Amigo: The Havana 3AM Story
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

Alright...The Story of The Subways...Show # 242

The trio known as The Subways formed in 2002 in Welwlyn, Garden City, in England. The group contains two brothers Billy Lunn (who uses his mothers maiden name) on guitar/vocals, Charlotte Cooper bass/vocals, and Josh Morgan drums (the actual brother of Billy). The group started out playing gigs in 2003 in Essex and went by a few different names before settling on The Subways. They were at one point known as Mustardseed, and Platypus. The brothers grew up listening to the likes of The Beatles, AC/DC, Ramones, and T-Rex. When Billy saw Oasis performing "Supersonic" on Top of the Pops, he began to take guitar more seriously. It was also around this time that he met Charlotte and they connected with similar musical tastes such as Nirvana, Mudhoney, and Sex Pistols. Charlotte learned to play bass and Josh learned the drums and the group was formed.

During their initial beginnings the band recorded many demos and EP's selling them at their gigs. They also played cover songs too such as Nirvana and various punk songs. Since the band did not have much money they bought their own recording equipment on which to record. Billy put up a website (thesubways.net) to put the songs online. The band won an unsigned band competition in 2004 and played at the Glastonbury Festival in front of 10,000 people. After this the band went on to play a few more big festivals in the UK and around the end of 2004, the band got signed to City Pavement & Infectious Records.

The band then began work on their first album Young For Eternity with producer Ian Broadie (Lightning Seeds). The bands first single "Oh Yeah" reached number 25 on the UK charts. The album was released in 2005 in the UK and in February of 2005 in the USA. The band made an appearance on the popular TV show the O.C. where they performed two songs "Rock & Roll Queen" and "Oh Yeah". They also had songs on the soundtrack for the show as well as on TV adverts for Kate Moss in the UK and even in the movies Live Free or Die Hard and Charlie Bartlett.

The album Young For Eternity itself was a mix of loud punk and pop inspired rockers mixing styles of Nirvana and Brit pop such as Oasis and Supergrass. It opens with the song "I Want To Hear What You Have Got Say", an acoustic and distorted rocker. "Holiday" is a roaring punk fuelled song that treads during the chorus as the drums and bass jump up and down. "Rock & Roll Queen" echoes elements of Nirvana, slow verses and loud chorus's. Other loud rockers include "Young For Eternity", the pop punky "Oh Yeah", and the loud and catchy "With You". The slower songs which are very poppy and British include the sun drenched-sounding "Mary", "Lines of Light", the mellow "No Goodbyes", the dreary "She Sun", The album ends with the song "Somewhere", which is a mix of floating verses and heavy roaring choruses. The album continues at the 9:23 mark with the hidden track "At 1 AM".

Young For Eternity (2005) & All Or Nothing (2008)

The band toured in 2006, but had to postpone some gigs because Billy had nodules in his vocal cords. He made a full recovery and the band returned playing a secret gig in their hometown under the alias The Audrey Hepburns. When the band hit America in the summer of 2006 they appeared on the talks shows Late Show with David Letterman, and Late Night With Conan O'Brien. After playing Lollapalooza they also appeared on The Late Late Show With Craig Fergusson. The band opened for Angels & Airwaves as well as Taking Back Sunday while on their US tour.

In June of 2007 the band began work on their second album with Butch Vig (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins) producing. The band went in with twenty five tracks worth of material and recorded the album in two instalments at Conway Studio in Los Angeles. After leaving to perform in the UK the band returned again to LA to finish up the new album. The bands second album is titled All or Nothing and was released in June of 2008. Many of the songs to appear on All or Nothing were actually performed at live shows before the band even started to work on the album. The songs reflect a new sound in the bands career, being at times more melodic and heavier sounding than Young For Eternity. The songs also reflect the break up of Billy Lunn and Charlotte Cooper who were seeing each other since 2003.

All or Nothing opens with the arpegiated and chunky rocker "Girls & Boys". "Kalifornia" is a dirty grungy rock song with a chorus that transcends into Brit Pop style, "Alright" was the first single from the album. It has more melody than any other previous Subways track. The heavy tracks include "Shake! Shake!", "I Won't Let You Down", "Turnaround", and the lyrically dark "Obsession". The album also contains more acoustic/mellow themed tracks such as "Strawberry Blonde", "Lostboy", and "All or Nothing" (which is pop punk track that sounds similar to Green Day at times). Overall All or Nothing shows The Subways maturing without losing their rock edge from their debut; It also features more dual vocals from Billy and Charlotte and even one track sung by drummer Josh Morgan ("All or Nothing"). The album went to # 17 on the UK album charts.

It's time once again for CJAM's annual Jammy awards. Once a year voting takes place so that the people that listen to CJAM can vote for their favourite shows. Voting does not take very long and it gives you a chance to have a say in what your favourite CJAM shows are. This year my show (Revolution Rock) is nominated in the Indie/Alternative/Rock Category. Show your support by voting for your favourite CJAM shows. You can vote by clicking this link.

Play List:

1. The Kinks - The Contendors
2. Booker T. - Potato Hole
3. The Sinners - In With The New
4. Spiral Scratch - Streetfighter
5. The Hippies - How You Gonna Live
6. The Regulators - What's in the City
7. The Perks - Escape
8. Blur - We've Got A File On You
9. His Mischief - Veins
10. Plunt - Boner
11. The Strange Boys - Woe is You and Me
12. Anagram - Leads To Nowhere
13. Drive Like Jehu - Luau
14. Pluto - Thirsty
15. The Subways - Holiday
16. The Subways - Oh Yeah
17. Mudhoney - Judgment, Rage, Retribution & Thyme
18. Nirvana - Very Ape
19. Japandroids - Wet Hair
20. Dirty Pretty Things - Chinese Dogs (Demo)
21. The Howlies - Sweet Denise Vs Road Rage Rhonda
22. Hater - Zombie Hand
23. Soundgarden - Ty Cobb
24. The Saints - Lipstick On Your Collar

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on March, 31st 2009.

So It Goes...The Story of Nick Lowe....Show # 241

Nick Lowe is known as a solo artist, multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, harmonica, piano), and record producer. He formed Brinsley Schwarz 1965 (originally they went by the name Kippington Lodge until 1968). The band would be known as pub rockers, but would also play blues rock and country music. With this group Lowe would compose some of his best known compositions, "(What's So Funny Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding", and "Cruel To Be Kind", the group would last until 1975. "(What's So Funny Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" would become a hit in the UK when it was covered by Elvis Costello & The Attractions in 1979. "Cruel To Be Kind" would be re-recorded in 1980 for a Nick Lowe solo album and become a UK charting hit as well.

Around this time Lowe began producing bands. He would produce the likes of Dr. Feelgood and Graham Parker. Since Lowe was still under contract that was signed while he was still in his pub rock band Brinsley Schwarz, Lowe composed several singles that were intended to not only flop, but get him kicked off the label. After releasing singles such as "Bay City Rollers We Love You" (which ironically did very well in Japan) and "Let's Go To the Disco", Lowe was dropped from the UA label. The music that Lowe composed around this time was also very different from his pub rock days with Brinsley Schwarz, they were more pop. After leaving UA Lowe signed to Stiff Records as an artist and their in house producer.

In 1976 Lowe released the single "So It Goes" backed with "Heart of the City". The single was seen as a proto-punk single, it did not chart well but received a lot of acclaim. In 1977 the Bowi EP was released. The four track EP's title was a joke in response to the David Bowie album Low. Lowe would also begin producing a lot of bands around this time. He did The Damned's Damned, Damned, Damned, Elvis Costello's My Aim is True, and The Rumour. Nick Lowe's early production style earned him the nick name "Basher". He was called this because the artists would bash out the song then fix it up later. If that wasn't enough he also became a member of the band Rockpile, who were Dave Edumund's touring band. They would also become Nick Lowe's backing band. After touring with the Stiff package tour, which featured Stiff Records artists, Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello left the label and went to Radar Records.

Jesus of Cool and Pure Pop For Now People (1978)

In 1978, Nick Lowe recorded his first solo album which would be titled Jesus of Cool. The album would address themes such as the greed and commercialization of music as well as how shallow pop music can be. The album featured songs such as "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass" (# 7 on the UK singles charts), "Heart of the City", So It Goes", and "They Called it Rock". While lyrically the album contained many thought provoking and at times humorous themes, the music reflected new wave music. When the album was released in the US, it was retitled Pure Pop For Now People, and had a slightly different track listing. In 1979, Labour of Lust was released. It would contain a re-recording of a Brinsley Schwarz song "Cruel To Be Kind". The song would be Lowe's only top ten US hit. At this time Lowe would also produce The Pretenders single "Stop Your Sobbing" (which was actually a cover of a Kinks song) and marry the step daughter of Johnny Cash. He would produce two Carlene Carter albums Musical Shapes in 1980 and Blue Nun in 1981.

In 1979, since Lowe and Edmunds were still in Rockpile together, they toured together to support each others solo albums. Rockpile would be a double fronted group (by both Lowe and Edmunds), but they would only release one album under the name Rockpile. Seconds of Pleasure was released in 1980, but Rockpile would be the backing band for two Dave Edmunds solo albums (Tracks On Wax 4 and Repeat When Necessary) and on the Nick Lowe solo album Labour of Lust in 1979. In 1980 they would split up. Lowe would do another solo album in 1982 titled Nick the Knife. The album did well on the album charts in the US and the UK, but no singles charted that high. The only exception was the song "Stick It Where the Sun Don't Shine" which was a top 40 hit in Canada. After releasing one more solo album under his pop musical style format (The Abominable Snowman in 1983) he would then go into more of a country music oriented direction. In 1984 he released Nick Lowe & His Cowboy Outfit . The bands 1985 album Rose of England, produced some of Lowe's last high charting hits in the UK ("Half a Boy and Half a Man") and the US ("I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock and Roll)).

In 1986, Nick Lowe began producing other bands again. He produced Elvis Costello and The Attractions album Blood & Chocolate. He would also produce work by The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Paul Carrack, and John Hiatt. Lowe would also become a member of the studio band Little Village. This group of musicians which included Ry Cooder and Jim Keltner played as the backing band on John Hiatt's album Bring the Family. Released in 1987, the album was Hiatt's first album to chart on the Billboard 200 (it was in fact his 8th studio album). In 1992, Lowe's song "(What's So Funny Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" was covered by Curtis Stigers on the Bodyguard soundtrack. As a result Nick Lowe received a lot of financial compensation due to song writing royalties; The soundtrack sold more than 15 million copies.


In the mid 90s Lowe returned with the Country album Impossible Bird. He also toured to support this, which was his first tour in five years. In 1998, he released Dig My Mood. It received good reviews. The Convincer came in 2001, Untorched Takeaway in 2004 (it was a live album), followed by At My Age in 2007. The albums are seen as a trilogy (starting with The Convincer) in a Country/Rock music format. Lowe is now on Yep Rock Records in the US. Jesus of Cool was remastered/re-issued in 2008 with bonus tracks. In 2009 they released a double CD greatest hits collection titled Quiet Please...The New Best of Nick Lowe.


Play List:

1. The Hentchmen - Psycho Daisies
2. The Strange - East Side Crush
3. Obits - Pine On
4. Lowlife - Leader
5. Private School - I Wanna Know
6. Bureaucrats - Today & Everyday
7. Ex-Boyfriends - The Secret of Immortality
8. Nick Lowe - Heart of the City
9. Nick Lowe - When I Write the Book
10. Radiohead - Talk Show Host
11. The Slickers - You Can't Win
12. Joe Strummer - The Harder They Come
13. Flag of Convenience - Shut Out The Light
14. The Teardrops - Colours
15. Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love
16. Grape Digging Sharon Fruits - Shouting At Cars
17. Supergrass - Mansize Rooster
18. Evaporators - Shakin' With the Shaggy Shaker
19. The Spys - I Wanna Be Be Like You
20. Sloan - Living With the Masses
21. Sloan - Emergency 911
22. Raconteurs - Headin' For the Texas Border (Live)
23. Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers - I Wanna Be Loved
24. The Hives - No Pun Intended
25. The D4 - Exit To The City

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on March, 24th 2009.

Lowe Videos:

Heart of the City (Live 1977)
So It Goes (Live 1978)
Cruel To Be Kind (TOTP 1979)
I Love The Sound of Breaking Glass (TOTP)
Teacher, Teacher (Rockpile 1980)
I Knew The Bride (Rockpile)
(What's So Funny Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding (Live Jimmy Kimmel 2007)
Hope For Us All (Live 2007)

Justa Nother Rebel...The Outcasts Story....Show # 240

Forming in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1977, The Outcasts started out playing cover songs by bands such as The Clash, The Damned, Sex Pistols, Ramones. The band consisted of the Cowan brothers, Greg on bass/vocals, Colin on drums, and Martin on rhythm guitar and Colin Getwood on lead guitar. Initially the band had Blair Hamilton on vocals, but he left the group shorty after its original formation. The band, who apparently got their name by being turned down at numerous live venues, released their first single "Frustration" in 1978. This would in turn catch the attention of Good Vibration Records, who would release their second single "Justa Nother Rebel" in November of 1978. In 1979, Self Conscious Over You, The Outcasts first full length album was released. Just before the albums release, Gordy Blair replaced Greg Cowan on bass due to the fact that he was involved in a automobile accident and was unable to play bass. The band also got a new drummer at this time, Raymond Falls. The band would then be dropped from Good Vibration Records, but this would not stop them. The Outcasts released their next single "Magnum Force" independently on their own label GBH in 1981.

Following the "Magnum Force" release, The Outcasts had their first appearance on John Peel radio show. An EP titled Programme Love came next. In 1982, The Outcasts single "Angel Face" charted on the UK indie charts at number 21. Following this brief success the band was struck with a shock when Colin Cowan was killed in a automobile accident. Greg Cowan cited that his brother Colin was not only the person who gave the band their name, but also a key member to the band in the beginning. The band played a tribute gig shortly after this and received such a positive reaction, that they decided to carry on. The band then recorded another session for the John Peel radio show, and another album which would be titled Blood and Thunder. Released in 1983, Blood and Thunder came out on Abstract Records. The album climbed to number 20 on the UK Indie album charts. The Outcasts released a few more single and the Seven Deadly Sins album in 1984, but the band was essentially over. In 1985, The Outcasts official split and three members of the band formed another group called Time To Pray; They were only a band for one year. In 2003, Greg Cowan formed another band with other members from Irish punk bands.

Play List:

1. MC5 - Tutti Frutti
2. The Bohemians - I Need You Baby
3. The Meligrove Band - Monkey Mask
4. The Outcasts - Justa Nother Teenage Rebel
5. Undertones - One Way Love
6. Stiff Little Fingers - Gotta Get Away
7. Ruffians - I Never Will Marry
8. The Pogues - If I Should Fall From The Grace of God
9. The Wolfmen - Cecile
10. XTC - No Thugs in Our House
11. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Deanna
12. The Locust Have No King - Anna's Smoke
13. Dishrags - Bullshit
14. Active Dog - Fun While It Lasts
15. The Diodes - Time Damage
16. Cardboard Brains - Living Inside My Head
17. The Government - Zippers Of Fire
18. Talking Heads - Mind (Alternate Version)
19. The Police - No Time This Time
20. Klark Kent - Office Girls
21. The Normals - Almost Ready
22. Elvis Costello - Less Than Zero
23. Ramones - Surf City
24. Sex Pistols - Don't Give No Lip Child
25. Wire - 12 X U
26. Damned - Fanclub (Live Paris Theatre, London 1977)

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on March, 17th 2009.

Built For Speed... The Stray Cats Story...Show # 239

The Stray Cats formed in 1979. Consisting of Brian Setzer (vocals/guitar), Slim Jim Phantom (drums), and Lee Rocker on bass, the band originate from Long Island, New York. The Stray Cats were influenced by bands such as Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, Bo Diddley, Eddie Cochran, and Chuck Berry. The music of the band was heavily influenced by 50's rock, but this did not go over well in New York. With and emerging 50's revival scene going on in the UK, The Stray Cats moved there. Along with the Teddy Boy youth subculture (which was a 50's revival scene there), The Stray Cats fit right in. Drawing all these influences the group played their rockabilly music with the energy of punk that was also emerging in the UK at this time.

While in London, the band met Dave Edmunds after a gig. Known for his work with Rockpile and for being a roots rock enthusiast, Edmunds offered to help the group record and album, they accepted. The result was Stray Cats, released in 1981 in England on Arista Records. The album was a hit. It contained three of the bands best known songs, "Stray Cat Strut" (#11 on the UK singles charts), "Rumble in Brighton", and "Rock This Town" (#9 on the UK singles charts). The album also contained "Runaway Boys", which was a hit in the UK (#9 on the UK singles charts). The band released Gonna Ball in 1981 next. The album did not do very well and was not as successful in the UK. Despite this fact, this was enough proof for EMI to sign the band in America.


Built for Speed was released in the US in 1982. The album was a combination of songs from the bands first two UK albums. The album took six tracks from Stray Cats ("Rock This Town", "Stray Cat Strut", "Rumble in Brighton", "Jennie, Jennie, Jennie", and "Double Talkin' Baby"), and five tracks from Gonna Ball ("Baby Blue Eyes", "Little Miss Prissy", "You Don't Believe Me", "Rev It Up & Go", and "Lonely Summer Nights"). The album also included the title track "Built For Speed", which at the time wasn't available in the UK. The album was a big hit in the US, "Rock This Town" went to #9 on the US singles charts, and "Stray Cat Strut" went to #3 on the US singles charts; The band also got a lot of airplay on MTV. The bands second album released in the US was Rant 'n Rave with the Stray Cats. Released in 1983, the album produced a top ten hit with the song "(She's) Sexy + 17".

In 1984 after the band had experienced their new success, tensions and conflicts built amongst band members. This would lead to the band splitting up the very same year. The band would go onto to other musical projects, but in 1986 they reformed. They recorded an album primarily consisting of cover songs called Rock Therapy. The album did not sell very well and the group would split up again going on to their previous post-Stray Cats musical projects, but it would not last long because the band would reunite yet again in 1989. They recorded the album Blast Off and supported it with a tour. The band released an album in 1990 titled Let's Go Faster (it was the bands first album not released on EMI America). In 1992, the band released Choo Choo Hot Fish, and a covers album Original Cool in 1993. The band called it quits again after this, but have reunited sporadically ever since. In 2002, Forever Gold was released, it was an album of live tracks and acoustic recordings. In 2004, Rumble in Brixton was released which was an album of live recordings taken from their 2004 European tour. The Stray Cats are an energetic exciting Rockabilly band that continue to tour.

Brian Setzer released his first solo album The Knife Feels Like Justice in 1986. In the 90's he formed The Brian Setzer Orchestra, they are a big 17 piece band who had a hit in 1998 with the song "Jump, Jive, an' Wail!". Setzer has continued to release both solo albums and Brian Setzer Orchestra albums sporadically. Other Stray Cats members have also been in other groups. Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom formed the Swing Cats and have both released solo material. In addition to this Phantom also plays drums in 13 Cats, who are a rockabilly band. He has also played with the band The Head Cats, with Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead) and Danny Harvey (13 Cats).

Songs Played This Week:

1. Them - I Can Only Give You Everything
2. The Remains - Don't Look Back
3. The Count Five - People Hear What I Say
4. The Black Lips - Take My Heart
5. The Howlies - Dirty Woman
6. The Velvet Underground - What Goes On
7. Painted Ship - Little White Lies
8. Tom Northcott Trio - Just Don't
9. 49th Parallel - You Do Things
10. Main Line - Don't Wait Around
11. The Haunted - Shake
12. Lilly Allen Featuring Mick Jones - Straight to Hell
13. The Rapture - Heaven
14. The Kooks - Victoria
15. The Kinks - Don't Ever Let Me Go
16. The Beatles - If You've Got Trouble
17. The Cramps - Garbageman
18. Vince Taylor & His Playboys - Brand New Cadillac
19. The Stray Cats - Runaway Boys
20. The Ugly Ducklings - Gaslight
21. The Gruesomes - You're Not the Boss of Me
22. The Hellacopters - Gotta Get Some Action Now!
23. The Stooges - Down On the Street
24. The 13th Floor Elevators - You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone
25. New York Dolls - Trash
26. The Pretty Things - Midnight To Six Man

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on March, 9th 2009.

Stray Cat Vidoes:

Rock This Town (Live Fridays 1981)
Baby Blue Eyes (Live Fridays 1981)
Stray Cat Strut (Live 1981)
Rumble In Brighton (Live Rockpalast 1981)
(She's) Sexy + 17
Look At That Cadillac

This Fire...The Story of Franz Ferdinand....Show # 238

Forming in Scotland in 2002, Franz Ferdinand had its beginnings amongst other bands. Alex Kapranos (who would be the lead singer/guitar in Franz) was at one point in a local Scotish group called Yummy Fur with Paul Thomson (who would play drums with Franz). The two began to write songs together and Kapranos would teach a friend (Bob Hardy) to play bass. Nick McCarthy then came into the picture. He returned to Scotland after studying classical piano and double bass. The seeds of the group began to grow and then the band named themselves after Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Franz Ferdinand is cited as a major cause for World War One. Originally the groups name was inspired by a race horse name The Archduke, after some discussion with other groups members, their conversation drifted towards the discussion of The Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The group thought that the name Franz Ferdinand sounded good and that a bands name should sound good, as should a song.

The band then rented an abandoned house where they would rehearse and have big parties celebrating music and art. In the summer of 2002, Franz Ferdinand had an EP's worth of material that they intended to be release themselves. Word of mouth spread as did the bands reputation, and in 2003 Franz Ferdinand signed to Domino Records. Darts of Pleasure was released in September of 2003 in the UK and November in Canada and the US. The EP contained three songs "Darts of Pleasure", "Van Tango", and "Shopping For Blood". The bands sound has often been described as post punk influenced. Listening to their early material an ominous Gang of Four influence is present, but the bands sound is more elaborate than that. They also draw in influences from David Bowie, Joy Division, The Fall, Talking Heads, Sparks, The Kinks, Buzzcocks, and electronic music.


In 2004, Franz Ferdinand released their first self titled album. The album was recorded in Malmo, Sweden with producer Tore Johansson (The Cardigans). "Take Me Out" did very well in the UK (#3 on the singles charts) and was one of the first singles to be featured from the album. Other singles from Franz Ferdinand were "This Fire", and "The Dark of the Matinee". Other interesting tracks include "Jacqueline", "Auf Achse", "Cheating On You", and 40". The album received high critical acclaim and eventually climbed the US Billboard charts. Franz Ferdinand incorporated intelligent literary topics into their music along with the music itself to create a unique, catchy combination of words and music. The band also has an art element to their music. Their videos have displayed this as well as their album artwork, which often reflects Russian Avant-garde imagery. Critics have gone on to say that Franz Ferdinand has the same feel as albums from bands such as The Beatles, Roxy Music, Wire, Blur, The Who, Duran Duran who all started bands influenced by art school. The album has since then gone on to sell over 3 million world wide.

In 2005, Franz Ferdinand released their second album You Could Have it So Much Better. Produced with Rich Costley at the bands own studio in Glasgow, the album took on more of a rock based influence as opposed to the bands first album which had elements of disco within the music. The first single "Do You Want To" was more reminiscent of the bands earlier sound, while the bands second single "Walk Away" was a more morose track. "The Fallen" was a song that is a good representation of the album, loud fast, and catchy. Other great tracks on the album include "This Boy", "Evil and A Heathen", and "You're the Reason I'm Leaving". Apparently the song is believed to be about a rivalry between former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and the current UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The album is a personal favourite of mine, it definitely takes on a 70s punk/post punk influence. The album debuted at #1 on the UK album charts and in top ten all over the world. The album was not only the first number one for the band, but also for Domino Records. The album art for this album reflects the artwork of Russian Avant-garde photographer Alexander Rodchenko.

After a long tour and a break the band reconvened to begin work on their third album. The band had material written in 2005 in preparation for their next album, but scrapped the songs because Kapranos wanted the band to take their time and develop the songs more. Beginning in 2007, Franz Ferdinand worked on material for what to was become Tonight. They worked with producer Dan Carey (initially the band was going to work with producer Brian Higgins before switching to Carey). The album was released in January of 2009 and all of the songs are based loosely, around the concept of a night of partying and the morning after. The first single from the album was the song "Ulysses". The song is apparently about someone who is lost (it also draws upon the literary reference to the story by James Joyce titled Ulysses). Other interesting tracks include "Turn it On", "Bite Hard", "Lucid Dreams", "What She Came For", No You Girls", and "Kiss Me Katherine". The album draws more on the bands earlier sound, bringing in elements of electronica, dub/reggae, 80's synthesizer music. The album debuted in the top ten on album charts across the world and was well received by critics and fans of the band. The album artwork was made to look like crime scene photos and comes off having a very Berlin-era David Bowie vibe.

Franz Ferdinand are a band that mix musical influences of post punk, 70s punk, disco, electronica, dance, indie rock, and elements of art into their music. They currently have touring plans which has included the Glastonbury Festival and Coachella music festival.

The Play List:

1. Beck - Leopard Skin Pill-Box Hat
2. Polymorphines - Call of the Sparrow
3. The Perms - As You Were
4. Chuck Berry - Beautiful Delilah
5. James Brown - I'll Never Let You Go
6. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Get Ready
7. REM - See No Evil
8. Hot Nasties - This is Unlove
9. Ride Theory - Parking Ticket
10. Mink Devile - She's So Tough
11. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Going Going Gone (Time Version)
12. The Real Kids - All Kindsa Girls
13. The Tighe Brothers Band - Thinking Too Much
14. The Mark Inside - Carousel
15. The Marble Index - We Can Make It
16. Hairspray - The Ridge
17. Dum Dum Boys - Let There Be Noise
18. White Stripes - Jolene
19. The Steps - Cold Floors
20. Von Bondies - Shut Your Mouth
21. Franz Ferdinand - Call Me
22. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Sheena is A Punk Rocker
23. Franz Ferdinand - Send Him Away
24. Franz Ferdinand - Turn it On

To download this week's show visit the CJAM archives and select the files 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on March, 3rd 2009.

Franz Videos:

Take Me Out
Darts of Pleasure
Michael
The Dark of the Matinee
The Fallen
Walk Away
Eleanor Put Your Boots On
Do You Want To
Ulysses

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)