It was the UK's NME (New Musical Express), that introduced me to Nils Lofgren, way back when I was a much, much, younger person in the second half of the 1970's.
I was so impressed I went about purchasing his earlier material with 'Grin', and feel a strange personal satisfaction that has been such a key member of Bruce Springsteen's 'E Street Band'.
This then is Nils Lofgren and band, back on the 30th May 1977, at the Pink Pop Festival, Geleen, Holland.
Source: Local FM radio broadcast.
Sound Quality: Very Good quality FM Stereo off air recording converted to 320kbps MP3.
Genre: Rock, Blues Rock, high quality guitar and vocals.
Set: Part of the festival set (as far as I know), for FM broadcast featuring key songs.
Set List:
1.Incidentally it's over. 2.Like rain. 3.Code of the road. 4.Keith don't go. 5.Moon tears. 6.I came to dance.
Total Playing Time 38:01
Links: Official Site (very good) HERE. Informative Wikipedia entry HERE.
Comments: Nils Lofgren's 1976 album release 'Cry Tough' remains a personal favorite of mine. The massive punk backlash emerging at the time here in the UK, was never aimed at the likes of Nils Lofgren, indeed he was considered amongst my peers at the time, as a great example of how rock music should develop.
In reality he was doing his own thing to a very high standard, which fared well, outside of all the music industry shenanigans, and struck a chord with your average rock music fan, tired of the self indulgence of those who had made a fortune playing the rock superstar.
Download link in comments below - or just click on the picture above.
Who can forget the legend that was Ron, Dirk, Stig, and Barry?
The 'Prefab Four' remain in our hearts forever, a legend in their own lunchtime, always to be remembered as The Rutles.
OK I hope you know the story, and some of the music, if not, and if you like The Beatles and love a good laugh this is the perfect parody.
This particular recording is from The Rutles pre tour rehearsals, not sure where, its great music though, and also known as 'Sweet Rutles Tracks'.
Source: Studio rehearsals 1978.
Sound Quality: Good quality stereo (studio rehearsal 'live' recording).
Genre: Parody, comedy, musically think The Beatles.
Set: Part of studio rehearsal's with some archive Rutles video soundbites.
Set List:
We've Arrived3:25
Now She's Left You1:41
Number One2:40
Love Life3:23
Goose-Step Mama2:34
It's Looking Good1:56
I Must Be In Love2:17
Baby Let Me Be2:44
Good Times Roll3:08
Let's Be Natural2:25
Get Up And Go4:45
Blue Suede Schubert2:35
Between Us2:14
Piggy In The Middle2:47
Living In Hope2:39
Double Back Alley Plenty Of Time
Touring Band.
Neil Innes — piano, guitar and vocals;
John Halsey — drums; Mark Griffiths — bass guitar and vocals; Mickey Simmonds — keyboards and vocals; Ken Thornton — lead guitar J.J. Jones — percussion.
Links: Official Site HERE. More factual stuff on Wikipedia HERE.
Comments: I always remember when I first watched Rutland Weekend Television (on BBC Two as it happens), itself in part a parody of then British commercial TV station London Weekend Television, and similar TV channels. As a fan of Monty Python I could not stop laughing at what seemed at the time to be a perfect antidote for Pythons TV demise.
The Rutles were first seen in the series during a 1975 sketch, that was in keeping with the overall parody of the comedy series.
It made sense that The Rutles continued both within the TV show and as a recording and performing act in their own right.
The musical takes on The Beatles are often sublime, to the point of record company litigation that led to John Lennon and Paul McCartney being credited as co-authors on some official music releases.
Free:(If you require it to play this) - Nero Music Player HERE.
Download link in comments below - or just click on the picture above.
Purchase: MP3's from Amazon UK, (there are some gems here) The Rutles
This Rockpile live in concert collection was originally circulated on bootleggers 'Great Live Records' (GLR 9235).
It is in fact an edit from two concerts, predominately the latter part of two gigs, both most likely to have been recorded in New York, USA, towards the end of Rockpile's fourth USA tour.
Source: Most likely from two FM broadcasts, King Biscuit Flower Hour recorded their final tour show, (however this specific concert does not appear on their site), so their is some guessing on the set list sources below, (any music detectives out there who know more?).
Sound Quality: FM stereo, all good listenable standard, you will note a change in audio levels on the last four tracks.
Comments: Rockpile were Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe, Billy Bremner, and Terry Williams, the music very much good time rock'n'roll. That's the easy bit, finding out the background on this bootleg was a little tricky, and I am only still guessing the concert venues, still never mind, judging by the audience and band this was a great tour, and well worth a share.
Having taken a rather long break from this site for the latter part of last year, I still have a rather sizable backlog of musical recommendations to share, however lets start with something brand spanking new !
Pree, (pictured) led by May Tabol (formerly of Le Loup) emerged onto the DC (USA) music scene with a 'string of compelling and intimate shows' during the summer of 2008.
The Washington Post describe them as 'a cross between Joanna Newsom and Modest Mouse', for my part I would also relate them to Regina Spektor, however all of that said, they have a unique sound, and to put it simply, having listened to their forthcoming release last night, they are superb.
Their debut release 'A Chopping Block' (5 song EP), is officially released on March 24th. Take a listen to 'In The Parlor' for a flavour of this exciting band.
Amazing Baby are currently mixing their debut album in New York. I received this song (Bayonets) a couple of weeks back, it was my first listen to the band, and on the strength of this, I guess I will be checking them out a lot more in the coming weeks.
No comparisons, just turn up the volume and enjoy layers of great music from yet another superb Brooklyn band.
OK as something of a catch up, lets take a random stroll through some of the music that has caught my attention in recent months.
Mother Mother are a five-piece Canadian indie rock band originally from Quadra Island, now based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The band consists of Ryan Guldemond on guitar and vocals, Molly Guldemond on vocals, Jasmin Parkin on keyboard and vocals, Ali Siadat on drums, and Jeremy Page on bass. You may already be fully aware of them, however rather than ramble on all I will say is 'go on - give them a listen'.
I came across Dakotafish last autumn on another music blog, comparisons with Thom York's vocals, and Radiohead caught my immediate attention. Mike Fish is behind the band, and I have to say the comparisons may be there, however this is really fine music in it's own right, and highly worth a listen at the very least.
Bowerbirds are a nu-folk band from Raleigh, North Carolina. The band members are Beth Tacular, Phil Moore and Mark Paulson. Their debut album was, Hymns For a Dark Horse (Burly Time Records, 2007), which received favourable reviews.
Any band that has accordion and violin as prominent instruments kind of gets my attention. Add to that excellent vocals, a really definitive sound and charming songs, and I am one happy person.
I have to say I was a little dubious of what to expect from last years The Fireman album 'Electric Arguments', however after reading many positive reviews gave it a listen and was likewise very impressed.
Paul McCartney's vocals reminded me in part of the early Beatles, and the work he has done with Youth, is really adventurous, so if like me you 'were or are' not quite sure, take a listen.
M83 have been around for a few years, however last years 'Saturday = Youth' album was my personal introduction to them. Their sound has been categorised as Electronica, Dream Pop, and even shoegazing, I think it's fair to say the music is distinct, and whats more I jolly well like it!
Seasick Steve remains an absolute 'breath of fresh air', his story well documented, his blues superb, and last years album worthy of every accolade it rightly received. If you have not (why not???), got round to listening to Steven Gene Wold, here's another chance.
I know I have unashamedly plugged Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS) in the past, but what better way to wrap this edition up. Last summers album 'Donkey' remains a favorite and so enjoy Brazil's finest band.
Genre: Rock, from 60's psychedelic to Boogie and Blues.
Set: Edited to 45.30 minutes - vinyl album running length, there are a few 'harsh' edits between some tracks.
Set List:
01. Magic Carpet Ride 3:47
02. Sookie Sookie 3:28
03. Five Finger Discount 4:38
04. Hey Lawdy Mama 3:40
05. The Pusher 3:51
06. News I Can Use 5:05
07. Monster 9:03
--> a) Monster --> b) Suicide --> c) America
08. Nothin Like It 3:52
09. Hot Summer Night 3:18
10. Born To Be Wild 4:43
This is a very good copy of the classic Mott The Hoople bootleg, known on a double (original version vinyl) album as 'Rest In Peace' and on CD as 'Flash And Crash'.
The 'boot' notes suggest the concert recording was performed on the 13th April, however the poster from the gig, gives the concerts (matinee and evening or was it evening and very late evening?) as Friday 12th April 1974, perhaps they performed over two days at this venue.
The venue itself, was definitely the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, USA.
Whatever! it was a long time ago, mind you, the support act seems familiar...
Source: FM Radio Broadcast (stereo local station).
Sound Quality: Very good - and as I understand from CD rip, hey just listen).
Genre: Rock, Hard and Boogie, Glam Rock (ouch I hate that expression).
Set:Not complete. This version of the show was edited to accommodate the Cd's running time, and omits the Jupiter intro, Here Comes The Queen (with guitarist Ariel Bender on vocals) and Born Late 58 (with bassist Overend Watts on vocals).
Set List: (this edition).
1. American Pie
2. Golden Age Of Rock 'n' Roll
3. Sucker
4. Roll Away The Stone/Sweet Jane
5. Rest In Peace
6. One Of The Boys
7. Hymn For The Dudes
8. Marionette
9. Drivin' Sister/Crash Street Kidds
10. Violence
11. All The Way From Memphis
12. All The Young Dudes
13. Walkin' With A Mountain
Links:The 'official' site recently developed for the bands 40th anniversary London gigs scheduled (and sold out) for October 2009, has a great selection of other links, and of course is of interest in it's own right. - Just click HERE. Wikipedia history HERE.
Comments:This has been copied from a Mott The Hoople fan site.
The show (the second that day!) finds Ian struggling with bronchitis, but this is only noticeable at the start of the set. Sucker bristles with menace as always, and the Roll Away The Stone/Sweet Jane coupling is always a delight. Hymn For The Dudes is another delight before the band launch into Marionette - brutal on record and visually totally stunning. They then crank up the octane even more for the medley Drivin' Sister/Crash Street Kidds/Violence.
The same article goes on to recommend this concert as the best bootleg available for Mott The Hoople, in terms of sound quality and content.
Was it just five short years (1969 - 1974) that Mott The Hoople did their thing ? As reforming goes, you have to hand it to them !
Reloaded - 29/May/2015 - download link in comments. Buy mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Mott The Hoople
This is The Sugarcubes, arguably Iceland's most successful 'contemporary' music band, and as I am sure you already know, inclusive of Bjork, who within and outside of Iceland, has gone on to even greater musical success.
Recorded at Manchester University Student's Union, Manchester, England on the 14th May 1988, this is part of The Sugarcubes gig that night, that was then broadcast on BBC Radio One.
Source: FM Radio Broadcast (BBC Radio).
Sound Quality: Very Good stereo 'off air' recording, converted to 320kbps mp3 quality.
Genre: Alternative Rock, popular in both Europe and on USA College radio at the time.
Set: Live recording for BBC Radio - as I understand part of the nights gig. (Total playing time 29:48 minutes).
Links: The Sugarcubes have very low commercial or informative web presence. To check out their discography use Bjorks official site HERE. The Sugarcubes record label (One Little Indian) pages are HERE.
Comments: The Sugarcubes were far more than just Bjork, you only have to listen to their music to know that, and yet without Bjork a key element of their chemistry and sound, would be missing.
I would imagine that I, along with many people in the UK, became aware of The Sugarcubes through John Peel's late night BBC radio show, and having listened, bought and enjoyed their music as a direct result. Their seemingly untimely conclusion was a disappointment.
However Bjorks solo debut album, built very naturally on their 'then' sound, and was very real compensation.
That said The Sugarcubes unique and adventurous sound should never be under estimated, as I am sure Bjork would continue to endorse.
Download link in comments below or click the picture.
This isMidnight Oilperforming live at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, on the 23rd June 1993.
Source:Soundboard.
Sound Quality:Excellent stereo at 192kbps
Genre: Rock, Alternative Rock.
Set:Live acoustic performance, duration of recording: 00:53:54
Set List:
01 - Feeding Frenzy
02 - The Dead Heart
03 - My Country
04 - Blue Sky Mine
05 - Sell My Soul
06 - Truganini
07 - Warakurna
08 - Short Memory
09 - Beds Are Burning
10 - Earth And Sun And Moon
Band Line Up:
Bones Hillman: Bass, Vocals
Martin Rotsey: Guitars, Vocals Robert Hirst: Drums, Vocals
Peter Garrett: Lead Vocals
Jim Moginie: Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals
Links: The official (record label) site HERE, and another comprehensive Wikipedia entry HERE.
Comments:This concert first surfaced as a bootleg in September 1993, titled 'Acoustic 1993'. The recording was notable for the excellent sound quality, which for acoustic sets makes all the difference.
Midnight Oil are one of Australia's finest rock bands in my personal opinion, both in the studio and in concert, this little gem, gives some insight into one aspect of the band, I have another 'electric' performance, that will follow in due course to provide the 'balance'.
Reloaded - 29/May/2015 - download link in comments. Buy DRM free mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Midnight Oil
This is Steve Earle & The Train Band live in concert at the Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA, USA, on the 30th November 1995.
Source: Very low generation copy of stereo soundboard recording.
Sound Quality: Excellent (very clean, slightly remastered when transferred to digital).
Genre: From Country to Rock (very diverse & hard to categorise at times in his career).
Set: Full concert including encores.
Set List:
Part One:
1. Mystery Train Part II 2. Hometown Blues 3. The Devil's Right Hand 4. Tom Ames' Prayer 5. Angel Is The Devil 6. Sometimes She Forgets 7. You Know The Rest 8. Goodbye 9. Band intros 10. The Other Kind 11. My Old Friend The Blues 12. Someday 13. South Nashville Blues 14. Ellis Unit One
Part Two:
1. I Ain't Ever Satisfied 2. Rivers Of Babylon (Dowe/McNaughton) 3. Nothin' Without You 4. When Will We Be Married? (Trad) 5. Ruby Ridge (Rowan) * 6. Free Mexican Air Force (Rowan) * 7. I'm Looking Through You (Lennon/McCartney) 8. White Freight Liner Blues (Van Zandt) 9. Jordan Am A Hard Road To Travel (Emmett) ** 10. Northern Winds (Blake) 11. Ben McCulloch 12. Copperhead Road
Encores:
13. Guitar Town 14. Down The Road
* with: Peter Rowan on lead vocals ** with: Norman Blake on lead vocals
Train Band Line Up: Peter Rowan - vocals, guitar. Norman Blake - vocals, guitar. Roy Husky Junior - upright bass.
Links: A concise summary of Steve Earle's eventful career to date HERE. Official website (kept up to date) HERE.
Comments: If you are a fan of Steve Earle's music, you will love this, if not, this makes a pretty good starting point.
This concert took place around a year after Steve had been released form jail (for fire arms and drug offences). He kicked his long standing drug habit in prison, and when released set about recording and touring.
His music diversified and the live performances improved substantially.
Steve continues to be a very active, this concert is just a point in time, and as previously mentioned a good point to discover the man.
Download links in comments below.
Buy Steve Earle mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Steve Earle
This is a classic Madness bootleg originally circulated on CD as 'Aqua Folies' no doubt, as a result of the concert taking place at 'The Pier', Hudson River, New York City, USA.
This was part of their late summer (1983) USA tour, the actual gig took place on the 22nd August 1983.
Source: FM stereo broadcast, with advertisements and presenter links removed.
Sound Quality: Superb, 320kbps mp3 stereo version, fans and audio 'buffs' will not be disappointed.
Genre: Two Tone (how many record labels becomes a genre?), English Ska, OK it's great pop, that stands the test of time.
Set: Full set including encores, nicely edited as mentioned above.
Set List:
1. House Of Fun 2. Disappear 3. Close Escape 4. My Girl 5. Night Boat To Cairo 6. Tomorrows Dream 7. Razor Blade Alley 8. Tomorrows Just Another Day 9. Grey Day 10. Shut Up 11. Madness 12. Baggy Trousers 13. Our House 14. Madness (Is All In The Mind) 15. It Must Be Love 16. Primrose Hill 17. One Step Beyond Links: A reasonably well rounded Wikipedia summary HERE. My Space (with forthcoming tour details) HERE.
Comments: I have only seen Madness live once, (in London, UK), and much later on than this.
I was absolutely 'blown away' by the fun, musical quality, showmanship, energy, and commitment, along with the fact that the audience very soon became a part of the whole event.
This concert does justice to that memory. There's probably a little more adrenalin and raw talent, and a tad less 'audience interaction' than they get on home soil, but all in all, it confirms to me they have been a consistently great band since those early, ground breaking days in the latter 1970's.
Download links in comments below.
Madness albums can be purchased at Amazon.co.uk - Madness
It was the UK's NME (New Musical Express), that introduced me to Nils Lofgren, way back when I was a much, much, younger person in the second half of the 1970's.
