Beehive Recommends - The Morakestra

If I have some new music that I want to listen to I expect I am not alone in listening whilst doing something else like surfing the net or whatever.

The Morakestra were playing in the background yesterday and I was trying to write an article and in the end I had to turn them off. Not because there was anything wrong, quite the opposite actually as they are so catchy, tuneful, and full of great guitar hooks and songs that they became a total distraction.

Which of course is a joy as I love those moments when you realise you are listening to something that connects home. OK the band themselves have been around for a while, indeed their web site adds 'Founders and key creative minds David and Will Mora are twin brothers who were proudly born and raised in the West Texas border city, El Paso, Texas. Fellow El Pasoan Jim Ward contributed to the rebirth of Morakestra via production and recording of the band's latest album, Witness to Connection, out June 2nd, 2009 on indie label Stratking Records'.

Listen:
'Tell You Something'



Websites: MySpace, Official.
Buy: The Morakestra

It was Texan guitar legends Mario Otero and Charles Teitsworth who first pushed the Mora brothers to turn their early compositions into a polished collection of songs, and before long, the boys had a debut album, “Live from Moraq.” Released in 2007, it showcased a variety of impressive session musicians, but it was the Moras themselves who handled all of the guitar work and vocals, and ultimately produced the album. The brothers spent the following months playing gigs with an ever-changing band to back them up, and buzz grew around the talented twins, who became known as “dueling guitar players.”

"The Morakestra's biggest selling points on Witness To Connection are the addictive guitar riffs that populate every track…Songs show both pop sensibility and a unique style that belongs solely to The Morakestra…Witness To Connection is a powerful effort." - Atlanta Music Guide

Stray Cats - Live In North America 1982.

Are you ready to rumble? There is nothing like a blast of rockabilly and a blues belter or two, to clear the cobwebs and the Stray Cats certainly know how to liven things up as was the case here back in the early 1980's

Now I am a little confused over the venue or even city that this gig was actually from. The silver disc boot says the band were live in Los Angeles on April 28th 1982. It's just that the song 'Rumble In Brighton' keeps on having the lyrics changed to 'Rumble in Toronto' something the audience seems to appreciate.

That aside this is one rocking concert from the band at the peak of their musical journey. It's not until 'Lonely Summer Nights' that the band slow things down a little, showing how well they could recreate 1950's rock'n'roll in differing styles.

Source: Soundboard.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@320kbps.

Genre: Rockabilly.

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

1. Baby Blue Eyes (4:22)
2. Double Talking Woman (3:47)
3. Rumble In Brighton (3:55)
4. Drink That Bottle Down (5:25)
5. Built For Speed (5:57)
6. Foggy Mountain Breakdown (1:42)
7. Jeanie Jeanie Jeanie (3:39)
8. Stray Cat Strut (5:38)
9. Lonely Summer Nights (3:55)
10. Rev It Up (3:08)
11. Come On Everybody (3:46)
12. Runaway Boys (5:09)
13. Oh Boy (2:41)
14. Something Else (4:24)
15. Fishnet Stockings (3:15)
16. Rock This Town (6:45)

Links: Official site HERE.

Comments:

The group, whose style was based upon the sounds of Sun Records artists from the 1950s and heavily influenced by Bill Haley & His Comets, had little initial success in the New York music scene. When Setzer heard that there was a revival of the 1950s Teddy Boy youth subculture in England, the band moved to the UK. The band found themselves in the midst of a nascent rockabilly revival, with youth wearing drape jackets, brothel creepers and updating the 1950s look by using hairspray instead of grease to style their hair and by wearing bright, "loud" colours.

After a gig in London, Stray Cats met producer Dave Edmunds, well known as a roots rock enthusiast for his work with Rockpile and as a solo artist. Edmunds offered to work with the group, and they entered the studio to record their self-titled debut album, Stray Cats, released in England in 1981 on Arista Records. They had three hits that year with "Runaway Boys", "Rock This Town," and "Stray Cat Strut." The UK follow-up to Stray Cats, Gonna Ball, was not as well-received, providing no hits. But the combined sales of their first two albums was enough to convince EMI America to compile the best tracks from the two UK albums and issue an album (Built for Speed) in the U.S. in 1982.

Download links (two) in comments below.

Buy: Mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Stray Cats

Beehive Recommends - Daisy McCrackin

We are reliably informed that Daisy McCrackin was born in San Francisco and now lives in Los Angeles.

So what else can I add, well having read her bio on MySpace her original move to LA was to develop an acting career, with some notable Hollywood credits to her name including 3000 Miles To Graceland (with Kurt Russell and Kevin Costner.) She also had the honor of being one of Michael Myers teen victims in a Halloween sequel from 2002 (no wonder she switched over to a music career), however clearly her artistic yearnings eventually led her away from LA for a while as she slowly developed her song writing and guitar skills.

Having listened to her debut release 'Rodeo Grounds' I have to say there is something special about Daisy and her music. I would imagine she will appeal to both folk and indie fans alike, the comparisons are there (from Joni Mitchell to Beth Orton) however she has a unique and very intimate style that has a personal and charming edge.

Listen:
'tell her'



Websites: MySpace, Official.
Buy: Daisy McCrackin

Her bio goes on: Back in Los Angeles, Daisy moved to the fabled Rodeo Grounds arts collective in Topanga Canyon, where she bathed in the deep and salty waters of authentic expression daily. Inspired by the eclectic community of artists living by the beach, serving as a muse and creating by the moment, Daisy took up painting, and continued to labor at the guitar. Immersed in a supportive environment that encouraged her artistic exploration, Daisy wrote songs and improvised instant ballads ‘round the famed campfire, holding her fellow creatives captive while dazzling them with hilarious impromptu outpourings of quirky lyrics, sung to sweet, simple melodies. Still too shy to share her “serious” songs, Daisy stuck to modeling by day, and making her cohorts laugh by night. Finally, after an intense song-writing jag Daisy sang a somber, personal song to a close friend who advised her to quit her day job and dedicate herself full-time to music. She played her first live show in 2006, and was dubbed “an instant rock star” in an LA Weekly review, which reported that Daisy “stole the show.”

Sandy Denny - Newcastle Guildhall 1972

This is the second in our new occasional series under the banner 'Rarities and Collectors Items' where the audio might not be first class but the interest factor is likely quite high.

It's over thirty years since Sandy Denny passed away, and yet her influence as a folk singer and artist has remained down the years, her ability to interpret anything from traditional folk too folk rock setting the benchmark for those that have followed.

This is a beautiful set recorded by a member of the audience who edited out the gaps and some applause however retained her conversation with the audience along with the songs. Being a small venue and with a respectful audience the intimate nature of the concert can be felt and heard.

Performing on October 12th 1972 at the Guildhall, Newcastle, England this is the much missed Sandy Denny.

Source: Audience recording

Sound Quality: Very good for audience recording and era mp3@320kbps.

Genre: Folk, Electric Folk.

Set: Majority of set.

Set List:

01. Itll Take A Long Time
02. Bushes And Briars
03. Sweet Rosemary
04. It Suits Me Well
05. Late November
06. Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood
07. The Sea Captain
08. The Sea
09. The Lady
10. John The Gun
11. Late November

Comments:

From wikipedia:

Sandy Denny (6 January 1947 – 21 April 1978), born Alexandra Elene Maclean Denny, was an English singer and songwriter who has been described by Allmusic's Richie Unterberger as "the pre-eminent British folk rock singer". She emerged in the mid 1960s while still a teenager, performing on the folk revival scene where she displayed her mastery of traditional singing and interpretation. Her song, "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?", written during these early years, has been covered by numerous artists and is regarded as a classic of its type.

Sandy Denny's renown grew after her death, and her songs have been covered by many other artists. She is considered a founder of the British folk rock movement and perhaps its most important female singer and personality. It has been suggested that her effortless and smooth vocal delivery still sets the standard for many of today's female folk-based singers.

Over a ten year career Sandy Denny left an extensive legacy and remains influential. She is remembered for the crystal-clear purity but also the strength of her voice as well as her pivotal involvement with the British folk rock movement, where, as a member of Fairport Convention, she moved the band away from west coast American cover versions and into performing traditional material and original compositions. She is also noted for her duet with Robert Plant on Led Zeppelin's fourth album in 1971, on the song "The Battle of Evermore", and to date she remains the only guest vocalist on a Led Zeppelin album.

Download link in comments below or click on the picture.

Buy: Mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Sandy Denny

Beehive Recommends - Julian Shah-Tayler

Julian Shah-Tayler is a solo artist who writes, produces and performs his own music. His EP - "Un Ange Passe" (dedicated to the memory of Christine Shroy-Hull) is released on 1st January, 2010. His debut album, “Coito Ergo Sum” is due for release spring 2010 on Impossible Thing Records.

Julian has played guitar in 'Whitey' co writing the smash hit “Wrap It Up” which has been featured in Whip It, GTA 4, Sopranos, Kyle XY and CSI Miami. He has also played keys & sang with Siobhan Fahey (Shakespear’s Sister), and played keyboards & sang on Joaquin Phoenix’s solo album among others!

Having listened to a number of his his songs, I reckon he could well break through in 2010, which would be deserved as his song writing and performance is quite stunning. The melodies and variety of styles he uses along with first class production have really gained my attention.

Listen:
'Communication'



Websites: MySpace
Buy: Impossible Thing Records

The debut solo EP “Un Ange Passe” in tribute to Christine Shroy-Hull who left us on the 6th September 2009 and features on the cover.

It will be released on iTunes , all download sites and special edition CD mail order via Impossible Things Records on 1st January 2010

Anyone that buys the special edition EP CD from the Impossible Things Records website will also get a new recording for them by Julian. It might be a specially recorded song, a live favourite, a version of a song from the EP or something else, but available to no-one else in the world (unless they upload it themselves.. Ask for something specific, but be careful what you wish for!!

Some reviews so far:

“Wetter is Massive, It will make (Julian) a star” – Alan McGee (Oasis/Primal Scream/My Bloody Valentine)

“Very Impressed” – David J (Bauhaus/Love and Rockets)

“This guy has massive talent” – Boom Boom Chik

“An infectious solo release..steps away from acclaimed success” – Mojophenia

Shirley Bassey - Electric Proms 2009

This is Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey, performing live with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Electric Proms, Roundhouse London, England on the 23rd October 2009.

One of the aims of Beehive Candy has been to provide variety and diversity in musical styles and genres. This has ensured that those who contribute tend to listen to music they might otherwise just pass by. Shirley Bassey is a superb live performer and this concert both reminds us of some of her wonderful hits across decades and that really good artists can appeal to audiences across different generations.

It was announced in July 2009 that Shirley Bassey was recording a new album, with David Arnold as producer. By September 2009 artists who had written songs for the album included Manic Street Preachers, Gary Barlow, KT Tunstall, Pet Shop Boys, Kaiser Chiefs, John Barry and Don Black. The 11-track album, entitled The Performance, was released on the 9th November 2009.

Shirley Bassey headlined at the BBC Electric Proms in her only full live set of 2009.

Source: FM Radio Broadcast.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@256kbps.

Genre: Popular Music.

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

01 - Introduction by Paul O'Grady
02 - Diamonds Are Forever
03 - I'm Still Here
04 - Talking With Audience
05 - Apartment
06 - Never Never Never
07 - Kiss Me Honey Honey
08 - Almost There
09 - After The Rain
10 - What Now My Love
11 - Big Spender
12 - Talking With Audience
13 - The Lady Is A Tramp
14 - Talking With Audience
15 - Performance
16 - As Long As He Needs Me
17 - Something
18 - Light My Fire
19 - Talking With Audience
20 - The Girl From Tiger Bay
21 - I Am What I Am
22 - Talking With Audience
23 - Goldfinger

Links: Official site HERE.

Comments:

Quoting from the BBC electric Proms website: "BBC Electric Proms was proud to present a true British legend. Dame Shirley Bassey graced the Roundhouse stage with a unique performance celebrating 50 years at the top of show business. Dame Shirley was joined on stage by the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Mike Dixon, performing some of her most famous tracks alongside new songs from her forthcoming album, 'The Performance'. The show will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2.

Britain's most successful female artist ever, Dame Shirley Bassey is rightly famous for her commanding renditions of classics Big Spender, Light My Fire and Something. Her Bond themes - Goldfinger, Moonraker and Diamonds Are Forever - are perhaps the finest in the series. This evergreen artist continues to influence a new generation of musicians. In 2007, at Glastonbury festival, Arctic Monkeys paid tribute to the Dame performing a version of Diamonds Are Forever. The same song was reworked by Kanye West for his hit Diamonds From Sierra Leone.

At the Roundhouse, Dame Shirley Bassey was joined by Tom Baxter, Richard Hawley and the Manic Street Preachers' James Dean Bradfield. Dame Shirley treated the Roundhouse to numbers from her much-loved songbook whilst premiering new work. Said the artist, "What I'm most looking forward to at the BBC Electric Proms is performing songs from my new album 'The Performance' for the first time - it really will be a special moment for me." It is worth noting that this was Dame Shirley Bassey's only live show this year. BBC Electric Proms is delighted that she chose to celebrate 50 years of song with this very special intimate concert".

Download links (two) in comments below.

Buy: Mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Shirley Bassey

Aerosmith - The End Of The Summer Nights 1988

This is Aerosmith on the final night of their US 1988 tour. The gig took place at the Pacific Amphitheater, Costa Mesa, CA, USA back on the 15th September 1988.

The album 'Permanent Vacation' was released in September 1987, becoming a major hit and the band's bestselling album in over a decade (selling 5 million copies in the U.S.), with all three of its singles 'Dude (Looks Like a Lady)', 'Rag Doll', and 'Angel' reaching the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100.

The group went on a subsequent tour with label mates Guns N' Roses who have cited Aerosmith as a major influence. The tour was reportedly 'intense at times' because of Aerosmith's new struggle to stay clean, amidst Guns and Roses well publicized rampant drug use.

Source: Soundboard.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@192kbps.

Genre: Rock.

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

Disc 1
01 Rats In The Cellar
02 Same Old Song And Dance
03 Heart's Done Time
04 Let The Music Do The Talking
05 Permanent Vacation
06 Lord Of The Thighs
07 Rag Doll
08 My Fist Your Face

Disc 2
01 Come Together
02 Milk Cow Blues
03 Perry Solo
04 Draw The Line
05 Dream On
06 Dude (Looks Like A Lady)
07 Sweet Emotion
08 Mama Kin (with Axl Rose & Slash).

Links: Official site HERE.

Comments:

Circulated as a double 'silver disc' CD, this was the final night of the tour and Axl Rose & Slash guesting on the final number. This version was rather fittingly entitled 'The End Of Summer Nights'.

Reloaded 21/June/2015 link in comments.

Beehive Recommends - City Light

Shamelessly copying and pasting from their MySpace site here's the background on another band to watch out for in 2010.

'City Light was started by Seattle singer songwriter Matt Shaw with long time friend and bay area producer Nick Andre, who's releases have featured Gift Of Gab, Lateef, Lyrics Born and more. As the project progressed they called upon musician and producer Denver Dalley from Desaparecidos, Statistics, and Intramural and Seattle singer songwriter Andy Fitts from Airport Cathedral and Aqueduct. Together the four of them worked to create one record from three corners of the country that mixed genres of indie-pop, rock , and hip hop. The end result is a dark and unique pop record full of catchy tunes, experimental electronica, and driving beats'.

The album 'Burned Out Bright' is due for release on the 26th January 2010, and having just listened through, this one is going on my personal play again list. You can also here more over on their MySpace site. More album release details in due course.

Listen:
'Someday Maybe'



Website: MySpace

Their PR adds 'Blending gritty, earnest vocals (ala Bright Eyes) with sunnier, subdued melodies and driving beats, City Light has struck the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. BURNED OUT BRIGHT is sure to please City Light’s existing fan-base, and will undoubtedly bring the group much deserved attention over the next year'.

“Expect hooks, melodies and reluctant angst of a highly enjoyable nature.” – Noise Pop

“…an album that will knock you on your ass.” --
Exoduster.com

Warren Zevon - Live in London 1988.

Time flys by and it's is already over six years since the passing of Warren Zevon. There has been some dispute over the source of this broadcast, Warren clearly mentions the venue as London and the BBC did indeed broadcast his London concert in 1988 however the song order slightly differs. As far as I can gather this is a rebroadcast of the London show by a Dutch radio station, who may have edited the original a little.

Leaving the detail aside this is an excellent concert from Warren Zevon accompanied by a superb band. The original performance was on the 25th January 1988 at London's Hammersmith Odeon.

Source: FM Broadcast.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@256 & 320kbps.

Genre: Singer Songwriter, Rock.

Set: Edited Broadcast Set.

Set List:

1. Lawyers, Guns & Money
2. Detox Mansion
3. Boom Boom Mancini
4. Johnny Strikes Up The Band
5. Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner
6. Reconsider Me
7. Excitable Boy
8. Sentimental Hygiene
9. Accidentally Like A Martyr
10. Werewolves Of London
11. Play It All Night Long
12. Ain't That Pretty At All

Links: Official site HERE. Informative Wikipedia HERE.

Comments:

If you visit Warren Zevon's official site please consider signing the petition for his much overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. This particular concert has traded in the past as 'Ain't That Pretty At All'.

Download link in comments below or click on the picture.

Buy: Mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Warren Zevon

Beehive Recommends - Patrick and Eugene

Now I like quirky and different, and mention the likes of the Bonzo's or Monty Python and my 'musical radar' tends to activate! Patrick and Eugene are yet another reason to keep an eye on whats new in the world of music, especially in these troubled times where record companies are inclined towards nicely packaged conformity or well controlled and marketable rebels.

The UK press has stated "Banjos, bongos and alarm clocks, '20s jazz and '60s pop and sampled insect noises, Patrick & Eugene's irrepressibly eccentric summer romp has got it all." - NME

"Whimsically English songs where Dixieland jazz intermingles with Afro-Cuban rhythms." - Q

The Patrick & Eugene sound is comprised of banjos, ukuleles and sunshine pop vocals combined with whistles, bells and bongos to produce unique but accessible music for post-modern vaudevillians, with nods to Monty Python, Derek & Clive and even Woody Allen. Try to imagine Noel Coward on stage with the Duke Ellington Band at the Monterey Pop Festival and you’re getting close.

The album’s title track is currently being featured in a year-long TV campaign by Payless Shoes, and has been heard over the end credits of ABC’s Weeds and in Grey’s Anatomy. The opening song “The Birds & The Bees” got enormous exposure via a very successful VW Rabbit TV advertising campaign a couple of years back and the YouTube comedy hit “To Do List.” Patrick & Eugene’s songs have also appeared in the Coen Brothers’ Burn After Reading and the Mr. Bean trailer.

Listen:
'A Dogs Tale'



Website: MySpace
Buy: Tummy Touch Records

Their PR adds: Patrick Dawes (who found fame playing percussion for Groove Armada and Richie Havens) & Eugene Bezodis (who is infamous for setting fire to Patrick when one of his on stage magic tricks went horribly wrong) are two talented originals. Combining stellar musical ability, devil-may-care delivery and an innate desire to entertain, the duo's recordings and live performances are delivered with a passionate amateurism that belies their virtuosic talents.

Highlights from the band’s previous releases Postcard From Summerisle, and Everything And Everyone include impious but infectious versions of Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love”, Simon & Grafunkel’s “59th Street Bridge Song” and The Arctic Monkey’s “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor.” Their imaginative reworking of Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” is included on Altogether Now (Birds Bees Flowers Trees).

Their last album was picked by Paul Heaton (The Beautiful South & The Housemartins) as his choice for the months 'Buried Treasure' feature in Mojo magazine. He described it as the "wild and comic sound of inner-child music and movement” and admitted that this was The Beautiful South’s favourite album to take the stage to!

Altogether Now (Birds Bees Flowers Trees) is the U.S. debut release from the UK’s Patrick & Eugene. The album was produced by band member Patrick Dawes and it’s being released by the Tummy Touch Music Group, distributed by ADA/WEA.