Montag, 30. Juni 2014

Don't Let Me Go



We were out yesterday in a pub nearby to watch the final round in the FIFA World Championship Netherlands vs. Mexico. Before the game started the waiter used to play some house music. A few days ago he copied a mix on my USB-stick. As I listened to it last week on my way to the office I had to admit that he did a very good job. So I asked him where he learned it. He told me that in his younger days he worked as a DJ in several clubs in Spain, Italy and Germany. Now he stopped doing his DJ-job for serving in a pub because he built up a family. He's available on Sonundcloud as Daniele Cesaro. It's a real nice House track - hope you enjoy.

Sonntag, 29. Juni 2014

From The Inbox


As told, I get regularly new music from artist they present her music on the Internet to a wide audience. Recently I listened to an American band located in Seattle. They describe them with those words: Taigá is a psychedelic / folk / prog band led by musician and songwriter Jonathan Spruance. Drawing on influences ranging from 60s Swedish psychedelia and classical sitar music to early 90s alternative / indie rock with subtle jazz undertones, the music embodies a rich tonal tapestry that bubbles, flows, melts, and congeals into one cohesive whole. I really like what they do. Their songs were pretty good arranged. No instrument is too much - even when you hear a sitar in the background. I would like to give them a little space  in this blog, because I know that there are some people out there they are in this kinda sound.

Enjoy

Taigá - Enter The Flow
Taigá - Ride


Samstag, 28. Juni 2014

Bobby Womack 1944 - 2014


Just got the news that another great great singer/songwriter and musician died. Bobby Womack moved in different kind of genres like pop and rock but he got famous as a vocalist throughout the soul years in the seventies. Younger people may know his song Across 110th street by the opening and closing scene from Quentin Tarantino's movie Jackie Brown. He had a great voice and I think I will check out his legacy again. Though the cause of his death is currently unknown, he had a number of health issues including diabetes, prostate cancer, heart trouble, colon cancer an pneumonia.

RIP, Bobby


That's What I Watched On TV Years Ago # 4


If you follow this little series you might think that I almost watched British TV series. It may sounds funnily, but the series with those I irreparably are connected were produced by the BBC. While in America series were produced which were smooth as much as possible and were in the foreground in their morality and emotionalism, the BBC tried something absolutely contrary. One of these series were The Professionals from the late 70s.

The series is located in London in the 1970s. The Swinging Sixties with her sickly pink ease had given way Margaret Thatcher to sombre decade, without work and perspective, to bloody IRA terror and the "Iron lLdy". The economy which went brook under it, which threatened state bankruptcy, and the English football-national team - in 1966 still world champion - was just about to miss again the qualification for a world championship. It was hopeless.

The Professionals were politically incorrect, long before the expression was invented. It was criticized by its violence and self-justice. The starting point of the series was a conference of the British Ministry of the Interior with members of the police, the army and the Secret Service. To go forward against the growing wave of violent crime in Great Britain, the Scottish ex-major and MI-5 boss George Cowley (Gordon Jackson) suggests putting up a new Task-Force existing of different units which should take up the fight against the crime and is released, besides, from legal regulations extensively. Thus the new special unity CI5 (Criminal Intelligence 5) is founded, the Cowley projects as a boss. His best people are the agents 4.5 and 3.7: the ex-mercenary William Andrew Philip Bodie (Lewis Collins) and the ex-policeman Raymond Doyle (Martin Shaw). Bodie is in the duet that which is in habit to solve the problems with fight mind and physical application. The ex-soldier is known for his rebellious behaviour towards leadership people and his mistrust compared with all and everybody. He inclines to exaggerations and bad jokes. Doyle takes over the part of the reasonable and weighing team colleague, indeed, he still often gets in burnt situations and is often injured.

Doyle and Bodie were real Buddys, carried on man's conversations poor in adjective in her Ford Capri, while they rumbled about kerbstones or the vehicle rear by hand brake turnaround. They teased and scuffled and also hit themselves sometimes on the knob. They were high-spirited, immature oafs which made fun of her senior Cowley. Doyle and Bodie were like us, although they were at the age of our parents - become adult without giving up the childhood. What brilliant plan.

Lewis Collins, the actor of Bodie, came at close range from Liverpool where England was always especially grey and rough. He worked as an apprentice with a ladies' hairdresser and played alongside percussion. When in August, 1962 a local Liverpool band searched a new drummer, a mate believed about Collins, nevertheless, he should audition sometimes. But the 16-year-old preferred to conclude his education. He dreamt of own hairdresser's. What respectable just. And thus certain Ringo became a new drummer with these Beatles. Stupid chance, but anyhow typically: Collins often took the wrong fork. Then about the detour as a Roadie, encyclopaedia shop assistant and truck driver he landed in the show business and trained from 1968 in London to the actor. Collins had only few expressions. One was the lowered head with the upwards sparkling eyes, in addition a fierce smile as if he deceives a colossal paper clip around his lips. With this look he overpowered gangster and women equally. He was simply infinitely cool. Therefore, in 1982 he was under discussion as a successor for Roger Moore as James Bond, but anyhow he vegetated again because he struck the producers as "too aggressively".

It's a series I should look for on DVD, truely.



And the main theme is a great one.

And in the end: Here it goes to the result 'Klansmen' those of the BBC was forbidden:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56E3tlYfER0&oref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D56E3tlYfER0&has_verified=1


Freitag, 27. Juni 2014

The Foreign Correspondent Returns - Stories About German Rock Music # 30


Over the last month I featured a lot of bands from Germany and our close neighbors Austria and Switzerland. Today I would like to talk about a band that was originally from England. As far as I know they were more successful in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal than in their native country. Fischer-Z was a band formed by John Watts, David Graham, Steve Skolnik and Steve Liddl in the late 70s. They started their career during the New Wave era with short little pop songs dominated by the voice of John Watts. After two acceptable albums they got big success in Germany with their third album Red Skies Over Paradise. On this record they got more and more inspired by reggae music and sounded like the poor mans Police. Many songs on this record got hooks you will remember days after. According to my opinion her success deals basically with her politcal statements. They have provided with her statements against the cold war and for the disarmament of cruise missiles for a lot of attention in the political stamped society at the beginning of the 80s. Fischer-Z was one of the less bands a lot of people could agree with - the punk and new wave scene as well as the ganja smoking reggae nerds and the singer/songwriter addicted ones. After all the years it's good to hear them again.

Enjoy and have a good weekend.

Fischer-Z - So Long
Fischer-Z - Marlies
Fischer-Z - Room Service
Fischer-Z - Berlin
Fischer-Z - Red Skies Over Paradise

Donnerstag, 26. Juni 2014

Cooking Up A Quiet Storm


I compiled a new mix for one of my favorite sites on mixcloud. It's a bit of electric music, slow groove and reggae. I think it might be a good sound for sitting in the garden on a warm summer night, having some drinks with your friends and probably watching the FIFA World Championship in Brazil. You'll find this mix here.

Enjoy and maybe give me some comments about what you think about it.

What Happened To Pub Rock # 16


Nearly two week ago George from Jim McLean's Rabbit posted a song by the Welsh Prog-Rock band Man. Because up to this time he knew nothing or only a little of this group I have promised more about this group to post. Here we go:

The band is based in South Wales and they played a very own mixture of West Coast psychedelia, Prog-Rock, Blues, Country and Pub-Rock. I feature them because the were an excellent live band and well known for the extended jams in their liver performances. You can read the whole story of this band here. I became aware on this group in the early 70s as Jörg Gülden in SOUNDS (one of the best music magazines at this time) swarmed about this group has. His euphoric criticism has made me to myself buy a record. And I was not disappointed. Only a few songs on each side showed the possibilities the band had. Based on a perfect and steady beat the guitars pushed the songs forward. Man were always a live-band and the best record for me is Maximum Darkness from 1975 featuring John Cipollina as special guest. He was the founder and famous lead guitarist from the West Coast band Quicksilver Messenger Service. He had his own style playing the guitar and this collaboration makes this record something special.

Man - 7171-551
Man - Codine
Man - Bananas

Mittwoch, 25. Juni 2014

Inflammable Material - First Records That Impressed Me Much # 1


While I have written my series '40 records in 40 years' if I have bumped over and over again into the debut albums of artists that for me are unforgettable and also even today worth are to be heard (again). So I decided to start a new series about those records. Therefore, I will continue in irregular distances this series - unless, nobody would like to read this.

In 1979 Stiff Little Fingers a Belfast based punk-band release Inflammable Material - and the name was program. It stands in the classical tradition of the Clash, the Lurkers or the Ruts. The tracks are raw, however, partially a little bit haltingly produced, look by the teamwork of two guitars more full than some other album of this time. As with almost every classical punk group is the song material of a little bit different goodness: Classical single tracks with catchy tune quality like Suspect Device, Barbed Wire Love or Alternative Ulster"are mixed with rather average material. Their lyrics were mostly in the tradition of this time like 'Here we are nowhere - nowhere left to go'. They got more politically in songs like White Noise when the sung about the hostility to foreigners in the UK or Alternative Ulster, stamped by her North-Irish descent. Of course they learned by The Clash to put a reggae song on your record. And they did it - the covered Bob Marley's Johnny Was. However, differently than other punk bands they do not play reggae with the means of a punk group, no they take tempo out, adapt the title, however, to an almost classical rock song which is marked by the teamwork of both guitars. Not softly and melodically like with Wishbone Ash, but rough and roughly and with an irresistible drive. The intro is White Noise more than one minute to built up dynamic and it takes seven minutes more until they come to an end. It's a monolith.

Stiff Little Fingers - Suspect Device
Stiff Little Fingers - White Noise
Stiff Little Fingers - Johnny Was
Stiff Little Fingers - Alternative Ulster

Dienstag, 24. Juni 2014

From The Inbox


Got some artists during the last weeks in my inbox. There was one that I really enjoyed. Chris Hornsby describes himself as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist originally from the wilds of Northumberland and now living in South London. His songs are lyrically inventive and cinematic, influenced by classics such as Leonard Cohen and Dylan but also by the contemporary folk composers Billy Bragg and Richard Thompson. A hint of Nirvana and Uncle Tupelo add a certain amount of alternative edge to the mix. He does have a very pleasant and accented voice urgently has not to shout. And really his songs have melodies and certain something that one rehears with pleasure. 

So enjoy

Chris Hornsby - Star Girl

Twanging Tuesday # 31


Chris Spedding is not the typical one that plays a real twanging guitar but he is one that could play it when necessary. Last Tuesday he celebrated his 70th birthday and I think that it is a good reason to pay some tribute in this way. He is one of these musicians who have become known not for own work, but for the support of other artists with her works. He is one of Britain's most versatile session guitarists. Throughout his career he played nearly every style of rock & roll and some jazz as well. One of his first appearances as a session guitarist was on Jack Bruce's first solo album Song for a tailor. His qualities are described best if you imagine with which musicians he has played and toured: John Cale, Roy Harper, Roxy Music, Brian Eno, Tom Waits, Elton John, Nick Mason .... And don't forget that he was a member of Mike Batt's Wombles. He also produced the the first Sex Pistols demos. Although he reached the carts with Motor Bikin most of his other musical output missed the masses. Not that they are important in history of rock they are some pieces you ought to know if you are a bit into good guitar sound.

So listen and enjoy.

Chris Spedding - Nervous
Chris Spedding - Hurt By Love
Chris Spedding - Get Outa Ma Pagoda
Chris Spedding - Motor Bikin


Montag, 23. Juni 2014

Blue Boy


It looks thus as if Ghana my yesterday's post has read. If I have still said yesterday that no African team has the possibilities to come to the final round, I must correct myself now. Watching the game between Ghana and Germany showed what can happen if a team is willing to fight and to run. It was maybe the best second half during the last couple of tournaments. I have seldom seen a game like this when both teams get rid of their tactical orders and just trying to win the game. After all I have to admit that Germany won one point and I am sure that Ghana is able to beat Portugal. But it's different to tell which teams will reach the final round. It's possible that Germany will be fruitless against the United States. Anyway, I'm looking forward to this game watching together with my American brother in law.

Today's track is from the new album by Mac DeMarco released this year. He is a Canadian and plays a guitar-based music with much influence by early glam-rock, Ray Davis and Jonathan Richman.

Mac DeMarco - Blue Boy

Sonntag, 22. Juni 2014

Love Letters


As well as it looks the FIFA World Championship developed itself to an internationally reinforced Copa Sudamericana. Great and likeable teams had to home. Spain and England failed on team like Chile, Uruguay and Costa Rica; teams from the African continent and the Asian participants don't have the abilities to reach the final rounds. What has the rest of the participants still to muster to break the dominance the South and Central American? The Netherlands and France of course - and Italy and Germany as well. But it's my opinion that the next champion will come from South America. Until then, let's watch some great games like Switzerland against France last Friday.

Today song is by Metronomy and it's from their new album released this spring. For me this album is one of the best and most interesting ones which were published this year. It is full of good ideas and good songs filled with references to the best of the last 40 years. Imagine a sound that combines 80s David Bowie with some West-Coast harmonies or some Doo-Wop. And sometimes you can hear The Smiths shimmering through the songs (Month of Sundays).

Metronomy - Love Letters


Samstag, 21. Juni 2014

That's What I Watched On TV Years Ago # 3


I remember very well the Sundays in the early 1970s. Mostly me and my father left home after lunch to watch the football game of our local team (often we supported our team as well on their away matches). When we came home round tea-time we used to watch TV. There was one series we both loved to watch. It was Softly, Softly (in German known as Task Force Police). It is a British television drama series showing us the work of regional police crime squads. The series took its name from the proverb 'softly, softly, catchee monkey', motto of Lancashire Constabulary Training School. What has impressed me in this series mostly, was her humanity and that it has acted of 'normal' people and their destinies. It not always had to be a murder and manslaughter which have tied up me. I remember very much with pleasure Superintendent Watts, to Barlow, to P.C. Snow, to Hawkins, also to the plump Welshman. Maybe this is the a reason that I am drawn to Britain. I was fascinated by the normal criminal offences, "real" investigating activity, real tempo, tone without constant din or music in the background. I can still remember well an episode in which it was about football hooligans. Till then it was completely unknown to me that there can be violence in the football. Even more astonishingly it was for me like the investigators the motives of these hooligans questions have. I would like to see this series again but I think it's impossible because German TV deleted this series (I don't know how this can happen) and a lot of series got lost by a fire at BBC.


Freitag, 20. Juni 2014

The Foreign Correspondent Returns - Stories About German Rock Music # 29


When I started this series I didn't thought that I will write so many contributions. Of course I could write about some bands that are real famous in Germany as well as these bands were popular throughout the New German Wave era. Nearly everything that was published by groups like Hubert Kah or Peter Schilling was garbage although millions have loved it. Other ones like BAP from Cologne stood for political correctness. While they sung their songs in in the Cologne dialect, the upraised forefinger has always been present. The whole hype annoyed me around this group and their singer Wolfgang Niedecken because everybody suddenly his opinion have represented and I it seemed to me already that there is a new Führer will uprise. But I have to admit that he did some good love songs when he was older and maybe wiser. Anyway, my intention was to feature some bands from my country that are worth to be listened or had a great influence and inspiration for todays music or just means a lot to a smart ass like me.

The band I will feature today is totally different from them. Kettcar was formed in 2001 by Marcus Wiebusch und Frank Tirado-Rosales. Both had their roots in a band that played hard punk music with political lyrics. called ...But Alive. Their music could be described as indie-rock or guitar-pop. I have become attentive for the first time to Kettcar when they have published their first EP to the free download on her homepage. Since then I can't get this song out of my mind:

Kettcar - Wäre Er Echt

Since then I followed them. With their second album they made their masterpiece. Von Spatzen und Tauben, Dächern und Händen (From sparrows and pigeons, roofs and hands - they mostly had that kind of weired titles for albums) was on my heavy rotation in 2005. The contents of the album are covered by the subject areas love, friendship, dreams, hope and everyday situations. The songs are often intimate and telling something about the struggle of life. That they act politically is shown on the oping song Deiche (dykes) with the words: Ein Volk steht wieder auf - na toll - bei Aldi brennt noch Licht / du weißt: Deiche brechen richtig - oder eben nicht (people get up again – fantastically – in Aldi light / still burns you know: Dykes properly break - or just not)

Kettcar - Deiche
Kettcar - 48 Stunden
Kettcar - Balu

And as a bonus: One of their most popular songs in an unplugged version. Recorded in a small club in Hamburg - that's why you hear the audience.

Kettcar - Landungsbrücken Raus

Enjoy and have a good weekend people.

Donnerstag, 19. Juni 2014

What Happened To Pub Rock # 15


As already is mentioned it is a tightrope walk if you write about bands from this times. One are already ascribed the punk or New Wave scene other are to be assigned unambiguously the pub rock scene. What is common, however, to all that they had their roots in the pubs where had to be played live. Todays artist Elvis Costello has definitely his roots in the pub rock scene. But he is also the link to the upcoming punk and new wave scene in Great Britain. There are many words written about him and his career, his collaboration with other great musicians and his affinity to the classic Country Music to bore you with more words. I would only like to say that he is an artist I follow over more than 25 years now. And there are so many songs I would like to post. But which one should I select? Shipbuilding with Chet Baker on trumpet? Something from his jazz influenced Almost Blue? Some of his mid/end 80s records? I decided to give you some songs you might know well. They are from his debut My Aim Is True. For me it is one of the best debut albums ever (I am thinking about a new series about debut albums that impressed me much). On this record he showed us what talent he has in writing songs and performing them. Sadly I didn't see him live yet - but I've got a ticket for his concert in October this year. And I am looking forward to it.

Elvis Costello - Miracle Man
Elvis Costello - Alison
Elvis Costello - Less Than Zero
Elvis Costello - I'm Not Angry
Elvis Costello - Waiting For The End Of The World

Mittwoch, 18. Juni 2014

Twice



These days The Robster wrote about what music means to him. I found so many words I can agree to. I seldom read a text about music and what it can mean which sums up a lot.For mor e than 40 years music accompanied me in different ways. Music makes me feel better when I am  down, gives me the power to continue and inspires me to many things. It is not just one kind of music I like and I don't stand too close to one kind of genre. Many of my friends still think in musical categories and are not ready to open their ears for new or another kind of music. When I started to follow some blogs a lot of you out there opened my ears for a very different kind of music and introduced me to some kind of music I didn't know before. For example Dirk posted some gems which are fantastic and I only knew a few of them. That's what I like - give me still more inspirations. There will be more music outside that should be worth to listen to. All in all: I can't imagine a life without music. The final words I borrowed by The Robster (sorry) 'You know what, my boy? You've actually had quite a lot of fun and some amazing experiences. Now stop moping and put some music on, you grumpy old bastard'.

Today's song is from the superb new album by Hollie Cook, the daughter of the Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook. She's a very clear voice and the songs fit absolutely to a warm summer night sitting together with a few friends and a fine bottle of wine.

Enjoy

Hollie Cook - Twice

Dienstag, 17. Juni 2014

Twanging Tuesday # 30



I just came back from the first game of German playing their first game in the FIFA World Champion Ship against Portugal. Me and my mate were happy about our team played and Christiano Ronaldo got no chance to be part of the game. We'll look forward to to the upcoming games and we were sure right now to get get the final games. I hope deeply that the English team will win again against Ururguay this week. I watched the game against Italy these days and was astonished about your right wing offender Sterling. I thought about several times, what to show up today in this series. The finally conclusion was a track by Jason and the Scorchers. They were a band playing cowpunk in the 90s. I liked them these days for their power and physical presence. This song was was covered a lot of times. And I think this version shows the abilities of this song.

Enjoy to one more song from Mr. Dylan as a version.





Montag, 16. Juni 2014

Back On The Blog


Hello comrades, I started a little break the week before because there were so many other things to do and to arrange that I wasn't able to write my daily posts. I would like to thank you all for your warm words and be sure it means a lot to me. In the last ten days I worked on our divorce, fixed the selling of our apartment, supported my former wife because she can't control and direct our son any more, had some guests in our apartment and, in addition I had a difficult and extensive job to do. Sometimes I haven't know what things should be first done or arranged. Now I hope you understand that I needed some time for a break.

Anyway, for God's sake there are some things that fetched me back on the ground again. First was watching the games of the FIFA World Championship in Brazil, playing pool with my mates and music of course. So I try to keep running this blog as you might know it. I still have some ideas for the upcoming weeks and to continue my series.

Normally my co-worker arrives almost three hours later in the office as I usually do. So I have plenty of time to play my music alongside. Last week happened that within half an hour three songs appeared by the random list with one subject. All songs trade of the fact that a man calls the person or to call tries he loves to persuade them of it as importantly it is to him that he can meet them once again.

The first one is Sylvia's Mother by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show.The song is an autobiographical song in which  the author Shel Silverstein to his own unsuccessful love. Always I have loved the suffering voice of Ray Sawyer trying to get Silvia on the phone again and her mother blocked telling him him that his love moves away with an other man. I remember my hairs stood up when I first heard him begging 'Please Mrs. Avery, I got to talk to her only for a while'. I can feel the sadness when her mother said 'And Sir, won't you call back again'. And always the operator cuts in to ask for more money throughout the conversation.

Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show - Silvia's Mother

The singer doesn't really suffer but he tries to get a date over the telephone. It's the 1959 hit single from J.P. Richardson better known as The Big Bopper. He was on of the other guys who died in an airplane crash together with Buddy Holly and Richie Valance. I started reading about rock music in the early 1970s with Nic Cohn's Pop History. I will never forget what he wrote about this song: He stands in a telephone box, calls a girl and must create like mad to move them to an engagement. He sweats, he giggles, he babbles and dribbles. One feels how his fat shoulders twitch like in the delirium. His stupid suit wraps up him wei a tent, his eyes overflow and his lower lip hangs down limpy. 'Chantilly lace and a pretty face, pony tail hanging down, wiggle in her walk, giggle in her talk. Lord makes the world go round ... Makes him feel real loose, like a long-necked goose'. And all the time he melts away.
And if nothing reaches, of course not, but he does not surrender, nevertheless, and roars and shouts like a democrat from the south with an election rally. The result makes no difference anyway, but the acting achievement counts. 'Ohh Baby' he howls 'You know what I like, You know'. And at this moment he explodes, resolves.

The Big Bopper - Chantilly Lace

The last one is from a band that was famous during the German New Wave. I hate it if they are called in the same breath with bands, they've basically have produced musical garbage which achieved unfortunately commercial success. Trio aren't that way - they were more punk and radical then a lot of others. Anyway, they adapted this theme with spoken words on a simple melody. A guy calls his former girlfriend late at night (probably drunk) to get in contact again with her while he listen to their former song. I've to admit that I listened to a song that was recorded by Dombrowski as the girl speaking in this telephone call and I wasn't in the mood to convert my vinyl. So enjoy the video from German TV.

http://www.myvideo.de/watch/7791603/Trio_Sabine_Sabine_Sabine_1982

Hello, Sabine
(Sabine Sabine Sabine Sabine Sabine)
er how are you 
pay attention sometimes
(Sabine Sabine Sabine Sabine)
is on the radio
and er they had this music on the radio
and er there I had to think of course of you
(Sabine Sabine Sabine)
because you had said also last sometimes
I should call quietly again
(I love you I love you)
however, nevertheless, you have said, nevertheless
however, determines certainly
and then this music you know
yes, and then thought I call, nevertheless, sometimes
what, hello, hello, Sabine
I thought only
(Sabine Sabine Sabine Sabine Sabine)
yes, how like how er oh
nevertheless, you know
(Sabine Sabine Sabine Sabine)
this I don't see in such a way
this is not necessary 
(Sabine Sabine Sabine)
nevertheless, you know this now, nevertheless, is
nevertheless, you and I know you like last sometimes
(I love you I love you)
why? don't understand this now
last times you have spoken quite differently
so what
exactly exactly
and there you have said this would be everything smells
and this would go quietly thus and er
(Sabine Sabine Sabine Sabine Sabine)
what oh hear, nevertheless, is even not true
oh god and and generally this is
(Sabine Sabine Sabine Sabine)
no if thus is then fits me also not
what
this would be clear even smells and würd me
(Sabine Sabine Sabine)
yes, or, nevertheless, what
no because, nevertheless, I mine this everything is so important not
Central issue you and I
and together and feel fine or
(I love you I love you)
cuddle, nothing with cuddle
it's finally over with cuddling
(I love you I love you)
then forget this shit
okay everything clearly everything clearly
It don't have to be
(I love you I love you)
then is clearly you call again
or ... it's all okay
(I love you I love you)
okay bye

Donnerstag, 5. Juni 2014

Time for a little break


Sorry you mates out there but I've got to take a little break from my daily posts. There are too many things in my mind that I have to sort to continue. But don't think I am too far down - it's just a period. I've got to sort my life an future. In this way I am almost not able right now to post some things that may be worth to know. Give me some time to get back on the track I was use to walk.

This is from one of my favorite record this year: Ellis Island Sound.

Enjoy and have a good time with the ones you love!

Ellis Island Sound - Ubu Goes To Town

Mittwoch, 4. Juni 2014

That's What I Watched On TV Years Ago # 2


One of my earliest recollections of a TV serial is The Prisoner. Therefore, I remember so well that I have not understood this series. In addition, I was also irritated about the equipment and the acting figures. It's typical for the late 1960s that British television tried to go new ways in making series. Starring and co-created by Patrick McGoohan, it combined spy fiction with elements of science fiction, allegory and psychological drama. Because of the controversial subjects – like permanent control, conformance compulsion, to drug experiments, torture, the idleness of democratic elections and other – all 17 results were not emitted everywhere. Thus the first entire radiation occurred in Germany only in 2010. Over the years I forgot this series until our cultural transmitter showed all 17 episodes in a row over summer period.

This is the plot like Wikipedia tells us:
The series follows an unnamed British agent who abruptly resigns his job, apparently preparing to go on a holiday. While packing his luggage, he is rendered unconscious by knockout gas in his apartment. When he wakes, he finds himself held captive in a mysterious seaside "village" that is isolated from the mainland by mountains and sea. The Village is further secured by numerous monitoring systems and security forces, including a mysterious balloon-like device called Rover that recaptures – or kills – those who attempt escape. The agent encounters the Village's population, hundreds of people from all walks of life and cultures, all seeming to be tranquilly living out their lives. They do not use names but instead are assigned numbers, which give no clue as to any person's status (prisoner or warder). Potential escapees therefore have no idea whom they can and cannot trust. The protagonist is assigned Number Six, but refuses the pretence of his new identity.
Number Six is monitored heavily by Number Two, the Village administrator acting as an agent for an unseen "Number One". A variety of techniques are used by Number Two to try to extract information from Number Six, including hallucinogenic drug experiences, identity theftmind controldream manipulation, and various forms of social indoctrination. All of these are employed not only to find out about why Number Six resigned as an agent but to extract other dangerous information he gained as a spy. The position of Number Two is filled in on a rotating basis; in some cases, part of a larger plan to confuse Number Six, while other times as a result of failure in interrogating Number Six.
Number Six, distrusting of anyone involved with the Village, refuses to co-operate or provide answers. Alone, he struggles with multiple goals: determining for which side the Village works, remaining defiant to its imposed authority, concocting his own plans for escape, learning all he can about the Village, and subverting its operation. His schemes lead to the dismissal of the incumbent Number Two on two occasions, despite their failure to facilitate his escape. By the end of the series the administration, becoming desperate for Number Six's knowledge and fearful of his growing influence in the Village, takes drastic measures that threaten the lives of Number Six, Number Two, and the rest of the Village. A major theme of the show is individualism versus collectivism.

If you ever get a chance to watch this series - go for it.


And in addition a gem from 1968:

Dienstag, 3. Juni 2014

Twanging Tuesday # 29



Todays track is one from The Shades. I searched the internet for some more informations about the artists. But I found some informations about an English band from Yorkshire. But they aren't the same. I think it must be one the forgotten bands that played long long time ago. I took this from a sampler I bought a few years ago. Rockabilly from Hell is a sampler with instrumental rockabilly tunes. Most of them are close to Link Wray and his Rumble. There are a lot of gems on it. If you are able - get this album.

The Shades - Strolling After Dark

Montag, 2. Juni 2014

Visions


Yesterday I played some very old albums that I nearly forgot that I have them in my collection. So I grabbed out Stevie Wonder's 1983 album Innervisions once again. It took me back to these days and I've to admit that this record is full of classics with his fantastic voice.

I searched in the web for something more information about this record and stumbled over a short review. Playboy once wrote about this album:

"Stevie Wonder's Innervisions is a beautiful fusion of the lyric and the didactic, telling us about the blind world that Stevie inhabits with a depth of musical insight that is awesome. It's a view that's basically optimistic, a constant search for the 'Higher Ground', but the path is full of snares: dope ('Too High'), lies ('Jesus Children of America') and the starkly rendered poison of the city ('Living for the City'). Wonder seems to say that all people delude themselves but have to be well to pay their dues and existentially accept the present. 'Today's not yesterday,/And all things have an ending' is the way he puts it in 'Visions,' the key tune of the album—pretty yet serious, harmonically vivid. There's a lot of varied music here—Latin, reggae, even a nod to Johnny Mathis ('All in Love is Fair')—but it's all Stevie, unmistakably.

These wise words are enough - enjoy and have a good week.

Stevie Wonder - Visions

Sonntag, 1. Juni 2014

Lazy Sunday


Yesterday was our annual music event. 79 bands and DJ's played in different locations until the morning comes. Me and a couple of friends joined till early morning. Therefor I won't say too many words and give myself a rest for the day.