1959

On this day 57 years ago I was born and each year that passes brings me closer to 60. I am far away of moaning but more and more I think about the past and the future. Looking back in my life I still enjoy the great things that happened and what life gave to me. Looking forward I recognize that retirement will come to me in several years. Anyway, life is fantastic gift with all the worries that will come and go. As long as I have a few friends, books and music I will have a good time. Later these day I'll go to my local pub to meet some friends in the beergarden to have lunch and some beer.

Enjoy the day as much as I do.

A few days ago CC made a post about Rod Stewart's second LP Gasoline Alley. This record was one of the first I bought and it's still a favourite to me. Rod was the king of sentimental ballads in these days and only a few could transport emotions later like he did.

Rod Stewart - Only a Hobo
Rod Stewart - Jo's Lament

Looking what the future will bring I am exited for the release of the new record by The Kills. Also the second song of their new record is worth to be played at this place

Country Friday

I am everything but not a huge fan of country music. For a few times in my life I grab out some records of this genre and listen to them with amusement - mostly later in the evening with a last drink. And I won't call me an expert though I know who is who in this kind of music. A few days ago a record came to my appearance and from the first time I listened to it I was fascinated from this artist. Karl Blau is an indie rock and folk musician from near of Washington. He released music different records during the last 20 years. His latest recording Introducing Karl Blau is (for me) a little gem in a genre called country music. The songs are stamped by his sonorous voice and arrangements that are not typical for what you'll call country. I spent a few evenings listening to his songs. Sometimes they remembered me to Kurt Wagner, sometimes to Kris Kristofferson and sometimes to old fashioned country singers. He also covered songs by the Bee Gees and Townes van Zandt in his very special way and this versions were not too bad. What impressed me most was the way he interprets country music nowadays. It is played based on tradition style but also had influences by music made during the last decads. All in all a record you might listen to when you are alone to finish the day.

Karl Blau - Falling Rain
Karl Blau - If I Needed You
Karl Blau - Let The World Go By

The Age Of Glam

I am not sure if this will be a new series or not but glam rock was the music of my youngest days. It was in these days when you sat in front of the TV watching the latest groups appear. And it was also in these days in the early 70's when bands performed to playback. If it was on German television or BBC. These bands made me step into music and they are the reason why I am still addicted to music. There should be no discussion about quality or musical relevance about this songs. For me it is a part of my musical education - nothing more or less. For me it makes fun to investigate the old songs from this era and I enjoy it from time to time. Most of this songs are classics and probably hidden favourites of you all. So be surprised what will happen the next.

One of my first steps into music was the music of Slade. I don't know any other band based on Wolverhampton (what are the Wonderers doing now?). They started their career when they appeared as skinheads and tried to force their career assosiciated to football hooligans. I liked Noddy Holders voice and Dave Hill's guitar in these days. And it is still fun to listen to their songs decades after.

First Steps

This is post number 1.000 and almost 200.000 visitors today. A couple of years ago I searched and visited a lot of music blogs and some day the idea grown up to do like that on my own. Before I opened this blog I was a little afraid I someone will understand what I was posting and if my English will be good enough to communicate with someone. After the first 50 posts I get rid of this fears and walked the way you might know. Retrospective I have to say that it was a very good decision to start this blog. Sometimes it was hard to continue but all your comments are keeping me going keeping on. And not least I found some mates who are addicted to music like I am. Not every day on the same common you all inspired me a lot. I won't miss you in further days. Thank you all for visiting this site and I hope we will go on with this fucking crazy communication.

Have a good time.

These were my first words back in September 2012:

Hi there,

these are my first steps as a blogger. Please have some indulgence, that some things will not grammatically perfectly reproduced. After a busy week I relax with the creation of this blog. The name of the blog is inspired by Jeb Loy Nichols former Band the Fellow Travellers. It was there second record published in 1992. I still remember their gig in Stuttgart on an incredible hot Sunday evening. There were only two dozen people watching the concert but the band did a very good job. I can't remember any other concert being that peaceful and relaxed.

The Ice Saints are gone and the summer is still not in sight. In Germany and other parts of continental Europe it is a popular belief that in a period of May the last days of night frost is falling on the feast days of certain saints and after these days summer will appear. Now it's Whitsuntide and looking out of the window I can only see rain and cold outside. Like many others I have enough of the cold and wet days and looking forward to brighter days. Otherwise you weren't led to outdoor activities and you have time to read a good book or listen to your music.

Cavern Of Anti-Matter are a Berlin based krautrock-inspired band featuring Tim Gane and Joe Dilworth both from Stereolab. A few months ago they released their latest record and now I got the time to listen to it closely. There sound is based on the synths of Holger Zapf. He prepared the ground for guitars and drums. It is psychedelic, krautrock and modern. Of course they learned by Can, Neu and Kraftwerk - but this weren't the worst teachers.

Blue And Yellow Light

The Duke Spirit returned after several years of absence with a new record Kin. Still playing an alternative rock without frills and adding some blues to it. This song is based on some guitar riffs and forward moving drums. But over all it is this crystal clear voice that makes this song listen again and again.

It's A Small Line Between Indie-Rock and Power Pop

During the last days I rediscovered Pete and the Pirates, an Indie-rock band from Reading. They released their first full length album Little Death in 2008. It is pure fun listening to the music they made years ago. NME named their music perfect pop without pretence. For me it is a perfect combination of new-wave ingredients, classic British rock and Power Pop at it's best moments. I think you should listen to this song driving in an open sports car hiding to sundown.

Pete and the Pirates - Ill Love
Pete and the Pirates - Knots
Pete and the Pirates - Bright Lights