The Crack

It was in 1979 when amongst many other fantastic albums The Ruts released their first and groundbreaking album The Crack. It was very unique these days because they were one of the first that combined the speed and the enthusiasm of punk with reggae influences. This record was on heavy rotation 40 years ago at my place and I still love to hear this music. As I got the news that the rest of the original band (former forming member Paul Fox died too early at cancer) announced to play at my place to celebrate the 40 year anniversary of The Crack I was very excited to see them live again after decades. It was in a small club in Stuttgart last Friday and I have to say that they didn't lost their live attraction. Of course older and maybe wiser they played all the old songs we expected and some new ones. All in all they are still available to play a good set.

The Ruts - In A Rut (Peel Session)
The Ruts - Staring At The Rude Boys (Peel Session)

L'Amourir

It seems like these days a lot of anniversary edits from albums that was released ages before are released. So I heard that there is a new release of L'eau Rouge/Red Water by The Young Gods is available now. The Young Gods are a Swiss industrial rock band from Fribourg and they had their big times in the late 80's. I can't explain why but a lot of people could agree with their brilliantly arranged combination of guitar riff samples/loops and powerful drumming with snaky bass-lines. The roaring voice might not be everyones pleasure but it fits perfect to this raw sound. Another step back in history to music that was important for me in these days.

The Young Gods - L'Amourir

Monday's Long Song

In 1987 Prince released his masterpiece Sign O' The Times. Only sometimes I agree to critical acclaim to an album because it is often a kind of hype to me. But the many warm words to this album are more than correct and true. I loved this album from the first time I listened to it.. I don't know any album from the late 80's that stood the test of time like this. Prince was at the height of his songwriting abilities and less double albums are worth to be listened in a row. His way of combining  different kind of music influences like electro-funk, soul, psychedelic rock, gospel, blues and folk is still unmatched.

Prince - It's Gonna Be A Beautiful Night

Lost And Found

In 1994 American singer/songwriter Harry Nilsson died on a heart attack at the age of 53. He was known for some chart achievements in the 70's and the collaboration with John Lennon and Ringo Starr. I like some kind of his stuff and featured him at this place. Now and album was released he worked on when he died. Together with his son the producer Mark Hudson released this album. Truthfully not the one you need to have but it shows the artist in a good condition and full of ideas. I took this release for going back to his former output.

- True New Sound

It is only one week to work until I get my usual time-out over the turn of the year and I am looking back what music touched my soul this year. Making a list is difficult but I am sure I will finish it these days and present the result to you all. Listening to this years music I also got aware of music that I used to listen to 40 years ago. That is the cause I came back to one of the first and probably groundbreaking bands off early punk and pre-post-punk. Siouxsie and the Banshees were the project formed in 1978 by Siouxsie Sioux and Steve Severin under the influence of the very early punk movement. Their first album The Scream was one of those albums that lead me into a new kind of music. Weird sounds, somehow a bit of industrial, cold and without soul when you listen the first time to it were groundbreaking and influenced many other bands that referred to this sound. It is still a pleasure listening to them after all this years and getting goose bumps.

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Metal Postcard (Mittageisen)
Siouxsie and the Banshees - Jigsaw Feeling
Siouxsie and the Banshees - Suburban Relapes

A few years later she released probably one of the best ballads from these days.

Siouxsie and the Banshees - The Last Beat Of My Heart

Living On The Ceiling

Blancmange named by a sweet dessert is one of the earliest bands that tried the step to a new danceable sound in the late 70's/early 80's. With their synth-pop they climbed the charts and made some great pop songs. Sadly they were forgotten in musical history and I have to admit that I did the same. I seldom listened to their songs during the last years but in a sentimental mood I crawled back to them and I have to say that their songs are still over the average of many outputs by bands you could compare in these days.

Blancmange - Living On The Ceiling (Richard Norris Remix)

Powderfinger

40 years ago Neil Young released an album a lot of folks could agree too. Live Rust was probably the link from the punk and new wave addicted to the old school Rock 'n' Roll. This record was the swansong to the old times that were forgotten now that we had much more new and fantastic music to explore. It showed him at a top level to say good bye to the music he made for many years. From this time on he was a still companion to my musical education. A friend from my younger days that I don't want to miss.

Neil Young - Powderfinger