Clap Your Hands

 

In 1983, Katrina and the Waves released one of the best pop songs of the early 1980's. It was written and composed by Kimberley Rew, who had already shown a knack for such songs whilst with the Soft Boys, although none of them were ever as successful as this one. 

There’s not much more to be said about the Boomtown Rats’ biggest hit and what inspired it. It’s sad enough that, even nearly 50 years later, pupils are still killing people with semi-automatic weapons in American schools.

In 1978, Chic released one of the biggest disco hits of the time, featuring a sensational guitar riff. The story behind its creation is also fascinating. Wiki tells 

On 30 December 1977, the two musicians Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers received a phone call from the singer Grace Jones, who asked them if they wanted to meet her at the New Year’s Eve party at Studio 54 in New York, where Jones was performing. When the two arrived at the club’s backstage door, the bouncer didn’t believe them and turned them away, saying, ‘Fuck off.’

Annoyed, they returned to Rodgers’ flat, which was very close to Studio 54. They let off steam during an impromptu jam session, singing “Fuck off – Fuck Studio 54” over an improvised riff. As they immediately liked the sound and the melody, they changed the lyrics and turned it into “Ah, freak out – Le freak, c’est chic”. The lyrics also include the line “just come on down to 54, find a spot out on the floor” as a reference to the song’s origins.

Another Rediscovery

 

Whilst packing away my records, I came across an album by Ducks Deluxe. DD were formed in the early seventies by Sean Tyla, Nick Garvey and Martin Belmont, and were one of the last pub rock bands. Despite having many good songs, they never achieved commercial success, which was perhaps because glam rock and the relics of a bygone musical era were still calling the shots at the time. Robert Christgau once said about them The music is pure rock and roll, maybe too pure, combining the Rumour's spirited intensity and the Motors' cheerful manipulation at a more primitive stage. There is nothing more to add to that.

Ducks Deluxe - Daddy Put The Bomp

Ducks Deluxe - Here Comes The NIght

Ducks Deluxe - Coast To Coast

Monday's Long Song

 

Whilst I was packing my record collection into boxes in preparation for the upcoming move, I came across a record that I hadn’t listened to in ages. A Dead Horse is the fourth album by The Golden Palominos from 1989. They aren’t a band per se, but rather a project by Anton Fier, the former drummer of The Feelies. The only permanent members were Bill Laswell on bass and Nicky Skopelitis on guitar. Apart from that, Fier regularly brought together leading figures from the New York nu-wave/nu-jazz scene to create his own blend of alternative, country and electronic music. 

The Golden Palominos - A Letter Back

New Song On Sunday

 

This isn’t the first time that Panda Bear and Sonic Boom have been featured on these pages. The collaboration between the two Portugal-based musicians continues and reaches another high point with their recently released album, A ? Of When. With this album, they have taken a big step towards a contemporary revival of the Beach Boys. Pete Kember crafts psychedelic fragments on the guitar, and Noah Lennox harmoniously weaves them together in the studio with flutes and alarm sirens. The result is a minor masterpiece of pop history that is simply a joy to listen to, thanks to its positive vibes.

The German Correspondent Returns

 

Years ago, this page featured a long-running series entitled The Foreign Correspondent. It's intention was to draw attention to German bands that caused a stir and provided inspiration, particularly in the 1980's. From time to time, I have revived the series under the title The German Correspondent Returns, and I intend to continue doing so at irregular intervals in future.

Get Well Soon is the project of German singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Konstantin Gropper. He recorded his first albums on his own in his bedroom, as he couldn’t afford a studio. His debut album, which was well received by the critics, depicts village life during his youth. Get Well Soon are nothing less than the German equivalent – in terms of introspection and sensibility – of Conor Oberst, the anti-hero of the American Midwest. 

A few months ago, he released his latest album, Minus The Magic, and – having spent years composing film scores – recorded an album with a band for the first time. The result is a classic indie rock album, featuring powerful guitar riffs and brilliant melodies that can certainly hold their own against The Editors. All the tracks were recorded live in the studio and perfectly capture the indie spirit of the early 21st century.

Clap Your Hands

 

Another episode in this series begins in 1969. Norman Greenbaum wrote this psychedelic-style hit. Handclaps are a key element of the track’s driving, gospel-style rhythm and were added in the studio alongside backing vocals from the Oakland-based gospel trio, the Stovall Sisters.

Mott The Hoople released several good, albeit unsuccessful, albums in the late 1960's and early 1970's, and were on the verge of splitting up in 1972. One of their fans was David Bowie, who wrote and produced All The Young Dudes for them, turning it into a glam rock classic.

‘Dog Days Are Over’ is the opening track on Florence + The Machine’s debut album from 2009. On this album, Florence Welsh has achieved a remarkably successful blend of alternative, art-pop and soul.

From the ashes of the doo-wop group Dion and the Belmonts, their lead singer rose to unprecedented heights as a solo artist and had several hits. Something for those with a nostalgic streak.

Netbacks

 

Every month, Duncan Grey releases a new track on his tici taci label. This month it’s Netbacks, a rather uncharacteristic track for him. He’s clearly found his niche in funk. A catchy bassline forms the backbone, to which several guitars are then layered and enhanced with a whole host of effects. A brilliant piece of music that really sticks in your head.