Rescue Mission

I love the Mekons for long, long years. The first time when I have taken notice from them was as they published their first single Where where you'. A short however intensive treatise about unfulfilled love. I felt so much with the words Jon Langford sung in this song. 

Formed in the late 1970s, they are one of the longest-running and most prolific of the first-wave British punk rock bands. Through the years, the band's musical style has evolved, incorporating aspects of country music, folk music, alternative rock and even occasional experiments with dub. These days, The Mekons are often described as a post-punk, cowpunk and/or alt country band.

Although most of them live in the United States they join for some concerts in Europe. When they visit Germany on their tour they will alway play in a small club close to the place where I stay. It was a few month ago that they showed up again and it was still great to see them live again. I was there with Ed trying to introduce The Mekons to him - and he was surprised about the great gig they played. Before the concert started I had a longer conversation with Sally Timms at the bar and after the concert we talked a long time to all the members of the band. All in all - we had a real good time together and we will watch out for the next concert they will play close to our place.

This song is more an adoption of a letter that a woman read out to her mate about what happened to close members of her family. Put under with a straight sound of an accordion sound Tally Simms reads the letter and tell us more about life in Britain in the 1980s than most stories in the newspaper.

The Mekons - Rescue Mission 

Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick

I don't know why but these afternoon I remembered Ian Dury. He was an English rock and roll singer, bandleader, artist and artist who intitially rose to fame during the late 1970s, during the punk and New Wave area. He's best known as founder and lead singer of the Blockheads. Still can remember when this small and handicapped man hit the stage, telling us songs about sex and drugs and rock and roll. He also combined funk with his punk attitude. Great songs, great sound - worth to remember him. He was awesome and died too early in 2000. His first record will have his place in history forever. His influence might be shown as Robbie Williams covered his 'Sweet Gene Vincent'.

Small Hours

Lovely sunday afternoon. Just came back home from a Turkish brunch at our local Turkish pub. Alladin did all well and served us a unbelievable mix of Turkish and continental brunch. Our bellies are filled and we need to a little rest. Therefor I grabbed out John Martyn's classical record 'One World'. Easy and superb tunes just to relax. Probably one of the best records ever - sadly less placed in someones Top. But anyway - enjoy your Sunday. Working week is ahead tomorrow.

John Martyn - Small World

Angry Eyes

Seems like the summer arrived yet and will stay for more than two days. It's the time to sit outside on your balcony, patio or Beer Garden with your family, friends or mates. That is exactly the time to listen to some relaxed music. Loggins and Messina is an American singer/songwriter duoconsisting of Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina (former member of the country rock bands Poco and Buffalo Springfield) who achieved their success in the early to mid-1970s. Mostly know for their country/pop-songs they showed on their live record 'On Stage' what they are able to play. Some rocking tunes filled up with some Caribbean flavor and longer improvisations can make a sunny and warm day even better.

Kenny Loggins quit playing with Jim Messina to start a solo career. Loggins also wrote the song 'What a Fool Believes'with Michael McDonald. Each man recorded his own version of the song, with McDonald's recording his version as a member of The Doobie Brothers. Loggins's version was released first, but the Doobie Brothers' version achieved greater success, scoring No. 1 on the popular music charts and earning Loggins and McDonald the 1980 Grammy for Song of the year." Later he was successful writing songs for soundtracks like 'I'm Allright' from Caddyshack. Hits followed with 'Footloose' from 'Footloose' and 'Danger Zone' from 'Top Gun'.

Loggins and Messina - Angry Eyes

Live At Leeds

Last weekenc was the Glastonbury festival. Lot's of people discussed if it was good or not that The Rolling Stones played the first time there. Some comedians thought that it might be funny to believed to have to show up them because they are too old for the festival. But if they need this short applause - let them go for it. I remember one of my favorite live recordings ever by The Who. Live at Leeds shows them at their best. A wonderful rhythm group in Keith Moon plays percussion incredibly full of pressure and energetic plays, John Entwistle keeps the rhythm straight and Pete Townshend plays incredible guitar. Most of the songs on this record are reduced to a minimum of rock and roll or where played in longer versions. I think they never reached that level again.

The Who - Magic Bus

Sonic Boom Boy

Westworld is a British three-piece band aktive in the late 80s. Named after the sci-fi film, Westworld (in which Yul Brynner appeared as a robot in a funpark going mad), they were formed in 1986 by the former Generation X guitarist Bob Andrews, and American vocalist Elizabeth Westwood. The line up was completed by drummer Nick Burton.

Musically they were a blend of classic 1950s rock and roll with twanging guitars, glam an punk, updated with beatboxes  and sequenzer. They had an early success with their debut single, "Sonic Boom Boy", which reached #11 in the UK Singles Chart in February 1987.

Not that it is real great song but still it feels good to hear it again. Reminds me a little bit at Sigue Sigue Sputnik. I think about what a good remix could be made from this song.

Half of the working week is nearly over - so keep looking forward to Friday.

Cheers, Walter

Westworld - Sonic Boom Boy

Taxi Driver

A few days ago I watched Martin Scorsese's movie Taxi Driver once again. Watched this movie first back in 1976 and was impressed about Robert De Niro playing Travis Bickle, an honorably discharged U.S. Marine, living as a lonely and depressive man in Manhattan, NY who becomes a taxi driver in order to cope with chronic insomnia, driving passengers every night around the boroughs of New York City. It was also a story about helping a 12-year-old prostitute to get rid of her pimp and sending her back to her parents and also about a little love affair to a volunteer for one who is running to be the next president. There a two remarkable scenes in this movie.

First is when he buys  an album for his volunteer after she describes him, quoting a phrase form 'The Pilgrim, Chapter 33' by Kris Kristofferson: 'He's a prophet, he's a pusher, partly truth and partly fiction, a walking contradiction'.

Second is the dialog when he trains his body looking into the mirror speaking: 'Yeah. Huh? Huh? Huh? You fucking son of a bitch. I saw you comin', fuck you. I'm standing here- You make the move. It's your move. Don't try it, you fuck. You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? Well, I'm the only one here. Who the fuck do you think you're talking to? Listen you fuckers, you screwheads. Here's a man who would not take it anymore. A man who stood up against the scum, the cunts, the dogs, the filts, the shit. Here is ... You're dead'.

I think they don't make movies like this any more.

Kris Kristofferson - The Pilgrim, Chapter 33