The Patrick Hamilton Appreciation Society discussion
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Five for Friday
Mod
If push came to shove, what is your favourite album?
Mod
It's Friday and here's my five...
Todd Terje - Johnny and Mary (featuring Bryan Ferry)
Dubblestandart - Golden Life feat. AmA
Van Morrison - Astral Weeks
Tackhead - Stealing
J Mascis - Where Are You
Read all about it and watch, listen and learn....
http://nigeyb.tumblr.com/post/8096037...
If push came to shove, my favourite album is...
"Hunky Dory" by David Bowie
If push came to shove, what is your favourite album? Nigeyb, you are a cruel man. That question is the road to madness.
My Five this week are all alternate versions of iconic songs.
Riders On The Storm - The Lounge-O-Leers
Purple Haze - Melanie
Sunshine Of Your Love - Ella Fitzgerald
Sway - Jesse Malin
The Boxer - Jerry Douglas
Bonus tracks
It Ain't Me Babe - Nancy Sinatra
Kiss - Richard Thompson
^^^Liking all this^^^Since I'll be going to see Leah Abramson tonight, Lose Lose by The Abramson Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LwSY4...
Because I've just cycled 9 miles across the city in a shower, Rain by The Beatles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aOJGJ...
Since this is a site dedicated to the talented fella who liked a drop, Patrick by Gerry Rafferty (written about the multi-talented John 'Patrick' Byrne). I prefer the original, but this still oozes class
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJA-zz...
Because the rather attractive young lady at the company next door has appeared with a sporty new car this week, Little Deuce Coupe by The Beach Boys (great intro)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6DrMk...
And since it's football day tomorrow, here's a classic unknown song by my late inspiration Michael Marra, telling how Queens Park FC changed football by passing the ball to each other
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGx8Iu...
Favourite all-time album? Today I'll say Abbey Road, but it'll be something different tomorrow!
Do that weekend thing, Hamiltonies.
Nigeyb wrote: "In addition to, or instead of, your next Five For Friday, and any time you have the time and inclination, please also answer the following question....
If push came to shove, what is your favouri..."
I'm With Greg on this. You may just as well ask a parent to pick their favourite child...
The Webb Brothers - Liars Club
Serge Gainsbourg - L'anamour
The Stones - Lets Spend the Night Together
Linda Thorson - Here I Am
Silver Jews - Friday Night Fever
If push came to shove, what is your favouri..."
I'm With Greg on this. You may just as well ask a parent to pick their favourite child...
The Webb Brothers - Liars Club
Serge Gainsbourg - L'anamour
The Stones - Lets Spend the Night Together
Linda Thorson - Here I Am
Silver Jews - Friday Night Fever
David mentioned the Beach Boys and Abbey Road.Nigeyb, I've been trying to pick, at-a-pinch I was thinking of Abbey Road as a favourite album. Also Nashville Skyline, Ry Cooder's Paradise and Lunch,, Jethro Tull's Stand Up, CSNY's Deja Vu or Stephen Stills first solo album. The Beach Boys song Surfer Girl is a favourite.
I may be politely (or rudely) asked to leave after I've said this but what the hey. I just don't get the Beatles. My Beatle gene is missing. My wife is a massive fan of them but they leave me cold and I've been known, if my wife isn't with me, to turn the radio off if they come on.
Is there something wrong with me and can anybody recommend a Doctor?
Is there something wrong with me and can anybody recommend a Doctor?
Greg, have you ever tried explaining to a member of the generation who have no concept of vinyl, the beauty that is the McCartney/Martin stitched-together song cycle that is "side 2 of Abbey Road"? Right, off to carry that weight of capitalist endeavour for the rest of the day.
CQM, if my husband switched off Paul McCartney he would be out of the door and he knows it!
Susan wrote: "CQM, if my husband switched off Paul McCartney he would be out of the door and he knows it!"
That's why I'm smart enough not to do it in front of my better half.
That's why I'm smart enough not to do it in front of my better half.
That's the spirit, Susan!I think that somewhere, deep in the legal mish-mash of matrimonial law, there is enshrined the right to withhold certain privileges from a Beatle-neutral partner.
"For richer or poorer, better or worse, Paperback Writer or Mean Mr Mustard, in sickness and in health, Past Masters and the Star Club bootleg, do you take this woman", I think it said when I pledged my troth to the current spouse All Those Years Ago.
She came with Frampton Comes Alive, The Songs Of Leonard Cohen and the Lennon Shaved Fish collection as some sort of dowry and at the same time became the co-custodian of my then pristine vinyl collection. I did OK out of the deal getting her charm, generosity and beauty. She has had unlimited listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Dexys in return. Everyone wins.
It's all iPods and mp3s now. Romance is dead.
Bless him, he's very good. He can turn George or John off, just not Paul :)It was my 18th wedding anniversary last weekend, so it can't bother him too much.
Susan wrote: "Bless him, he's very good. He can turn George or John off, just not Paul :)
It was my 18th wedding anniversary last weekend, so it can't bother him too much."
Ringo?
It was my 18th wedding anniversary last weekend, so it can't bother him too much."
Ringo?
Mod
It's just personal taste CQM. Undeniably the most influential band of all time, but do I listen to them much? Hardly ever. That said, one night about 10 years ago I went to a club that was running a Beatles v Stones night. One track by the Beatles, one by The Stones, and so on. That was an epiphany for me. Hearing classic Beatles tracks over a decent club sound system was completely joyous and I danced from start to finish (a good three hours).
The Beatles v Stones outcome? A draw.
Nobody can turn Ringo off - he's too likeable. Even the other Beatles left him out of their arguments.
I think you've hit on important point there, Nigey, one made by the blessed David Hepworth during a Word magazine podcast, namely,"We rarely play our favourite records".
Admittedly, I spend much of my listening time assimilating the joys (or not) of review CDs, but rarely play Dexys, The Beatles, Free, Rory Gallagher or The Who (among hundreds of others) when I'm not in review mode.
I think it's because I know they're always there if I need them. I also enjoy discovering new stuff and Spotify has been a godsend for that.
My latest recommendation is Bronwynne Brent's album Stardust, out in the middle of next month.
Nigeyb wrote: "If push came to shove, what is your favourite album? "Without hesitation, 'Funhouse' by The Stooges. It's everything that's ever been great about music, distilled to its most primal. No matter what mood I'm in when I approach it, as soon as the needle drops, I'm in the precise mood that band intended to put me in.
I'd be remiss to ignore a few honourable mentions, namely 'Tender Prey' by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and 'Here Come The Warm Jets' by Eno.
I can't even decide on a favourite artist, but here are a few favourite chill-out albums:"Meddle" - Pink Floyd
"Santana" - Santana
"Talking Timbuktu" - Ali Farka Toure with Ry Cooder
"Logos" - Tangerine Dream
"K and D sessions" - Kruder and Dorfmeister
"Come With Us" - Chemical Brothers
Whatever and Ever Amen - Ben Folds Five
Mod
http://www.dexysonline.com/view-7-36
'Nowhere Is Home' a brand new film about Dexys and their recent live shows for the 'One Day I'm Going To Soar' album is set to premiere on May 9th at NFT1 on the Southbank, London.
Directed by recent BAFTA winner Kieran Evans and Paul Kelly (the first time the pair have collaborated since 2003's Finisterre) the film documents Dexys celebrated residency at the Duke Of York's Theatre in London last spring. Nowhere Is Home captures songs from those theatrical shows with a striking visual style and a real sensitivity to the performances onstage.
Interspersed throughout the film is an honest, revealing and touching interview with Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson that details the remarkable story of the band. Nowhere Is Home frames the motivation and desire that oversaw the artistic triumph of the bands recent album 'One Day I'm Going To Soar' and the live performances that subsequently developed from its narrative.
This premiere screening forms part of the BFI's Sonic Theatre Season. The film will start at 8.45pm on May 9th and will be followed by a Q&A session with both directors plus Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson from the band.
Trailer...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m7m3W...
An hour-shorter good morning Nigey. Yes, the Dexys film's been trailed for some time now and I hope that our local film cinema might deliver it for the Strong Devoted of the AB postcode area. I don't think. I can spare the time to go to London for the premiere any time in the next six months.
I'd imagine that film cinemas all over will run it, so good luck anyone who is curious as to what the genius Kevin Rowland is up to in finding a screening.
For anyone who draws inspiration and succour from swaggering brassy soul, the new Stone Foundation album is splendid. I've been given the pleasure of interviewing frontman Neil Jones for our next issue.
Online review here:
http://flyinshoes.ning.com/profiles/b...
Mod
I suspect the film will also be available to stream online for a small fee, and to download. It's the modern way. Though that said, Heavenly, who made "Lawrence of Belgravia" have yet to do any of those things for that film - though, according to the Facebook page, a DVD is in the offing.
Paul Kelly's other Heavenly films, that he made with Saint Etienne are on DVD though. I've got the DVD and have yet to watch them which I must put right - they are all about London.
Thanks for the Stone Foundation tip. I shall follow that up.
David wrote: "Greg, have you ever tried explaining to a member of the generation who have no concept of vinyl, the beauty that is the McCartney/Martin stitched-together song cycle that is "side 2 of Abbey Road"?..."I regularly play some favourite albums. Abbey Road is one.
David, I agree. Is Abbey Road the grand joke of album covers? The most un-pedestrian album ever! This is the Beatles at the height of their powers. They wrote songs about anything, they could do anything, all so easily. A mix of songs on this album, masterpiece pop, beautiful ballads, children's songs, - and then to finish the album off with that three guitar all-too-brief jam at the end, just to put on notice that they can cook-it.
I think they were just aware it was their last album. Plus George Martin, not Phil Spector (who Paul loathed) back in control. I drive past there often and there are always fans around - drives the locals mental!
Susan wrote: "I think they were just aware it was their last album. Plus George Martin, not Phil Spector (who Paul loathed) back in control. I drive past there often and there are always fans around - drives the..."You're right Susan. After the disaster and conflict of the Twickenham sessions, where both George and Ringo 'left' the band, they approached George Martin to ask to make one final album. His condition was that they do things as they had always done and they disciplined themselves to that. You can tell by the lightness, affection and humour on it.
John gave Spector the Twickenham tapes, probably as much to annoy Paul as anything and the sketchy, conflict-riddled mess that is Let It Be was the result. I'm not sure that the "Naked" version released in the early 00s is much better, so it was good that they ended on a high note.
I listened to it on Saturday night in the car on the way to a gig and was harmonising with Here Comes The Sun and grinning like a fool as if I was hearing it for the first time. Always the mark of a timeless icon.
Once, when Spector arrived st the Grammy' s, Paul walked out. I think he will be muttering darkly about the strings on A Long and Winding Road forever :)I played Band On the Run on the school run today and sung loudly, and tunelessly, as I was alone in the car!
If you look at the comments further up this thread about Ronnie Spector, Susan, you'll see why we all bear a grudge against him for even worse behaviour than inappropriate Macca string saturation.
Oh, I've read all about Mr Spector... Very odd man. Although, recently I was watching, "Lennon and McCartney, Composing Outside the Beatles," (vol 4!) and Klaus Voorman was talking about the "Imagine" sessions. I think he's the only person I've heard interviewed who had something nice to say about him - mostly, he was saying how patient he was with Yoko (who was stressing the other band members out) and that he brought humour and patience to the situation. I am sure though that (had he not eventually ended up in prison with the worst ever alibi I have ever heard - surely my seven year old could have come up with something better?) wife beating, gun waving and temper tantrum antics aside, Paul still holds the unwanted strings as his worst crime!
Mod
Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop by Bob Stanley
I'm up to page 315 and absolutely loving it. Susan, of this parish, has read it and rated it five stars. Jamie, another Hamiltonian, rated it four stars.
From Bob Stanley's perspective, modern pop began in 1952 when the first British chart was published and the first 7" singles were released. It ended in 1995 when Robson and Jerome reached the top of the charts with the first number one not to be available on vinyl since 1953. The digital age coinciding with the death rites of over 40 years of pop.
Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop is like being in the company of a passionate, informed, opinionated music lover who wants to take you on a whistle stop tour of everything interesting that happened during that period. It's fantastic. Six decades of magical music. So far as I know, this book is the first to attempt to the track the whole story from pre-rock n roll to house and techno via numerous sub-genres.
I am loving every page. It's a great achievement and one I recommend to anyone who loves pop music.
I loved it, although I got a bit bored once I reached the end of the Seventies (music wise). Another book I really liked was The Restless Generation. I am currently reading Cider With Roadies, which is funny, but a bit laddish.
Mod
I really enjoyed Cider With Roadies, and indeed Pies and Prejudice: In Search of the North. On a similar tip, the Mark Radcliffe book are enjoyable too,
I will investigate Mark Radcliffe afterwards then. The Pete Frame book is brilliant about early British rock music. I always think a biography of Larry Parnes would be fascinating.
Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop does certainly sound a must read, thanks Nigeyb. From a comment last week on fave albums that don't get played very often, I was motivated to play UMMAGUMMA which has been a joy playing both the live and studio albums all week.
My Five for Friday are -
Walk On - Neil Young. From a favourite album 'On The Beach'.
Levon - Elton John
Charlie Darwin - The Low Anthem
It Ain't Necessarily So - Grant Green
All This Crazy Gift Of Time - Kevin Ayers
The Kevin Ayers track is on a compilation album I've been playing this week also. This delightful album, THE QUIET REVOLUTION, came with a MOJO magazine in 2006. This is a much loved album, 15 tracks inc. Akron-Family, Diane Cluck, Vashti Bunyan, Pentangle, Woven Hand, Shelagh McDonald, James Yorkston, Josephine Foster, John & Beverley Martyn, Bert Jansch, Espers, Davy, Graham, Sweet Billy Pilgrim, and Pete Brown & Piblocto!
I remember an album from the past by Pete Brown & Piblocto titled 'Thousands On A Raft', I remember the cover photo was a piece of toast with baked beans on it.
Now I have internet speed back I can check out those links above. Cheers.
Mod
So it's Friday. Let joy be unconfined. Here's my five...
Frankie Knuckles - Your Love
Lemon Pipers - Green Tambourine
Slade - Mama Weer All Crazee Now
The Beatles - Rain
The Smiths - Girlfriend In A Coma
Have a great weekend.
Lovely weekend all, here's hoping spring is finally sprung...First outdoor/patio drinks of the season today. :)Hey Mr that's me up on the jukebox - James Taylor
Stage fright - The Band
The road - Jackson Browne
Seven year ache - Rosanne Cash
Chinese cafe/unchained melody - Joni Mitchell
PS - thanks for mentioning the new Tackhead, Nigeyb, I picked it up...won't listen til this weekend though
All excellent choices as ever.Totally at random, as I relax on a rare day off:
Strawbs - Benedictus
The Byrds - Chestnut Mare
The Trammps - Disco Inferno
David Bowie - The London Boys
Tim Buckley - Dolphins http://youtu.be/LtU-9EMSYu0
Off to a country retreat for a weekend of R&R after months of intensive RnR, although if there's a live band within 20 miles I'll undoubtedly be there.
Be true to your school and don't forget your raisin', Hamiltonies.
Mod
I love 4/5 of your choices however had never heard one of the five..
Strawbs - Benedictus
Time to do some research...
"Benedictus" is a song by English band Strawbs featured on their 1972 album Grave New World.
After the departure of Rick Wakeman, band leader Dave Cousins consulted the I Ching asking what to do next. The answer from the coins, "Humble must he constant be, where the paths of wisdom lead, distant is the shadow of the setting sun", forms part of the first two lines of the lyrics of the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRvybG...
I'll give it a few listens over the next few days.
http://youtu.be/IRvybG1pqk4We discussed Amen Corner a while back. Blue Weaver who piloted the Hammond B3 for them had joined Strawbs to replace Wakeman by Grave New World's recording and the stentorian Hammond chords that introduce Benedictus so impressively are his.
Nigeyb wrote: "Seeing as this is where we like to talk music, I thought I'd mention that I am currently working my way through the 776 page...Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop by [autho..."
Did you hear Bob Stanley on the Today Programme on Radio 4 this morning at about 8.20, talking about Britpop?
Mod
Mod
Here's yer five...
The Clash - White Man In Hammersmith Palais
Fleetwood Mac - Albatross
Patti Jo - Make Me Believe In You
Joy Division - Decades
Dexys Midnight Runners - Plan B
http://nigeyb.tumblr.com/post/8236568...
^^^^My favourite Clash song and my 6th favourite Dexys' song. I will investigate the mysterious Pattie Jo.Good work Mr B.
On the soulful side today:
Drunken Nights In The City - Frankie Miller http://youtu.be/-oTuj8JXdxQ
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - Donny Hathaway http://youtu.be/7HFDAp8XVrk
Melting Pot - Blue Mink http://youtu.be/zAWn4FO1MOw
Games People Play - Joe South http://youtu.be/5znh58WITU8
Rainy Night In Georgia - Tony Joe White http://youtu.be/D2uZh4ezBtM
The weekend's for weekend things, Hamiltonies. Go to it.
Excellent work chaps, great choices. Inspired by last weeks Nigeyb's Lemon Pipers, this week I picked a little psychedelic touch with Crimson & CloverDavid, Tony Joe White and Joe South, great songs.
I tip my hat to Miss M's selection last week, April 4
Here's my Five
Crimson & Clover - Tommy James & The Shondells
No Regrets - The Walker Brothers
Midnight - Peter Green (from Twang! a tribute to Hank Marvin)
Blue Railroad Train - Jorma Kaukonen
Transylvania Boogie - Frank Zappa
Great choices everyone. I was watching Classic Albums yesterday - the Sex Pistols first - which also featured heavily in the Stuart Maconie book I read. So, I think I will have a punk/seventies theme this week! Something nice and loud to get us ready for the weekend:The Sex Pistols: Pretty Vacant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6GDd...
The Jags: Back of Your Hand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUlU1...
Dave Edmunds: Girls Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTkhB...
Nick Lowe: Cruel to be Kind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWdJd...
Elvis Costello: Radio, Radio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1beJc...
Mod
So today I received a lovely postcard signed by Pete and a signed copy of "See" both with effusive personally signed thanks from the man himself to me.
And here's confirmation from Pledgemusic...
FOR PLEDGERS ONLY 19:36 06 APRIL, 2014
We're there
Thanks everyone so much.With your help we did it, we hit %100, I'm just back from recording in Sheffield and can tell you I'm irridescent with excitement (like a cuttlefish, livid with colour)and very proud of the 12 cuts we have.I'm going to start fulfilling the Pledges that I can, over the next couple of weeks and Im looking at a May release. There's still a way to go on the record with more vocals,some strings and Gob iron(harmonica)as well as a special guest and friend that has agreed to contribute to it,but it wont be long now.So many, many thanks to you all,keep spreading the word.
best love
Pete
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/p...
The Patrick Hamilton Appreciation Society
Books mentioned in this topic
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Shock and Awe: Glam Rock and Its Legacy (other topics)
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The Restless Generation (other topics)
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Pete Frame (other topics)
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Nigeyb wrote: "If Julian Cope's novel is anything like as good as his two autobiographies Head On/Repossessed then we're in for a treat."
Maybe not everyone's cup of Earl Grey but One Three One: A Time-Shifting Gnostic Hooligan Road Novel is sounding better and better to me...
When drugged-up Time Traveller and '80s musical burnout Rock Section and his fellow English hooligans get kidnapped during Italia '90, there are ruinous implications. But now Rock has returned to Sardinia one final time to settle some scores and uncover the truth. He believes only Dutch cult leader Judge Barry Hertzog, still incarcerated on the island for the crime, can provide the answers. But through prescription drugs, the persistence of his driver Anna and a quest for the hidden ancient doorways strewn around Sardinia's only highway, the 131, Rock will discover that a greater truth awaits him. Judgement, consequences, hoodwinking on a grand scale, Gnosticism versus agnosticism...131 is a Gnostic whodunit that pursues readers' memories of all previous fiction into a peat bog and impales them with seven-foot-long pikes.