Monday, 2 January 2012

I get delirious whenever U're near. Lose all self-control, baby, just can't steer. Wheels get locked in place. Get a stupid look on my face


Pick of the Week

“Delirious” by Prince (1982)

So today we will look at a simple recipe. See if you can prepare some yourself. It is fast and easy!

Power Soul Stew: Minneapolis recipe

In one large pan, sear 4 Tbsps of pounded Jimmi Hendrix guitar riffs and ½ lb of James Brown’s funk. Then shred some Michael Jackson moves and vocal styles and stir in (3-4 Tbsp to taste), increasing the heat until a rolling boil; at least 120 beats per minute. Next, chop up some Chuck Berry riffs and stir in. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. While this is simmering, in a separate pan blanche some Joni Mitchell and some ‘Atlantic-era’ songs in the water of the Minneapolis sound. Combine all ingredients. Sprinkle with a bit of Miles Davis. Serve to cool people.

If I was only allowed to use one word to describe Prince it would be ‘prolific’. Boring you say?

Thursday, 29 December 2011

A little Rockabilly to see you through...

Elvis - The Early Years

Stray Cats - Built for Speed

Ritchie Valens - Greatest Hits.

Eddie Cochran - The Story

Friday, 23 December 2011

Human League - Don't you want me 1982

You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar when I met you...

Quick HIt

“Don’t You Want Me” by the Human League (1982)

The human sea of people at the malls this time of year drives me crazy. I have been checked out of the way a couple of times already this year - once by an old lady, who did to her credit say “Sorry, dear” after she hip checked me into the metal tubular poles at the check-out line.

The United Nations now estimates the population of the earth at over 8 billion people. I believe it with the day I had at the grocery store!

So the story goes two very lucky girls were dancing at the Crazy Daisy Nightclub in Sheffield on a Wednesday night when a desperate Phil Oakey, in search of a backup singer found them.

Wednesday, 21 December 2011

Avoid the elevator muzac: Listen to some classic rock!

Rob Stewart - Downtown Train

Pnk Floyd - The Division Bell

Steely Dan - Pretzel Logic

The Doors - Strange Days

Sunday, 18 December 2011

Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning

The time has come to say fair's fair. To pay the rent, now. To pay our share.


Pick of the Week

“Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil (1987)

Australia is a tough land and always has been. It is a land of extremes: Extreme heat. Extreme tragedy. Extreme beauty. To name a few.

The hardship of Australians over the last few years with bush fires across Victoriaand floods in the beautiful north and then in Victoria have been horrendously difficult to deal with. Ongoing problems of water shortages and reduced tourism due to the world economy only tend to compound their problems. With all this going on, in a harsh land, the resilient spirit of the Australians as always, prevails and even thrives as they have done for some two hundred years.  They are a very tough, yet soulful and proud people. And hey, they have the coolest accents of the English speaking world. This spirit is often reflected in their music.

For a country that has a fairly small population it has blessed the world with many a gifted musician

Saturday, 17 December 2011

Who - Won't get fooled again 1971

We'll be fighting in the streets with our children at our feet and the morals that they worship will be gone


Songs Everyone Should Know

“Won’t Get Fooled Again” by the Who (1971)

It started as being an extension of the statement made by the hippies. “We Won’t Get Fooled Again”. By What? By Who? Let the entrenchment of the boomers begin. Are the new leaders any better than the old leaders?

It was the loudest band in the world. The thunderous drums of Keith Moon, the driving bass of John Entwhistle, the crashing guitar of Pete Townshend and the instantly recognizable vocals of Rodger Daltrey blended at the time of male-dominated rock and roll. With fellow Brit bands Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones, they were all over the airwaves in the early ‘70’s. The so-called ‘holy trinity’ of British bands (with the Beatles and the Stones) is filled out by the Who.

Friday, 16 December 2011

Rick Derringer - Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo (1973)

I couldn't stop moving when it first took hold.It was a warm spring night in the ol' town hall There was a group called The Jokers, they were layin' it down. Don'tcha know I'm never gonna lose that funky sound.


Quick Hit

“Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” by  Rick Derringer (1973)

When I was in my early teens I would babysit the odd time for a bit of spare money. I remember this song was on a K-tel record that I took with me babysitting one time. This couple I babysat for had a grand piano. The guy could play like there’s no tomorrow and I thought that was pretty cool - although you wouldn’t know it from looking at him. He looked like your typical business man.

Anyway he let me use his stereo when I was over babysitting and encouraged me to bring my own albums to play (although he had a few good ones). His stereo was pretty high end. To me this seemed a bit odd. He was paying me to hang out and listen to records while his sons slept and I ate bar-b-qued potato chips and drank 7-Up. Not a bad deal!

Sunday, 11 December 2011

Big Boss man can you hear me when I call?

Sunday, back to work tomorrow...

Hall & Oates - Private Eyes

Bruce Cockburn - Nothing but a Burning Light

The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions

Fleetwood Mac - Mr. Wonderful