Focus - The Paris Theatre - London 1972

Having vivid, exciting, and first hand memories of the punk revolution, that was the mid 1970's, I remain surprised that the expression 'progressive rock' remains, as a use-able tag.

I suppose one of the saving graces of 'prog rock' from those heady late sixties and early seventies days, was the fact many of the performers were very capable musicians.

From a very English perspective, I never really thought of Focus as 'prog rockers', after all they were from Holland !

Those quirky alto flute riffs, accordion presence, 'different' guitar and drum solos, whistling, nonsensical vocals, falsetto singing, and yodeling, were a by product of being Dutch.

Focus remain to this day, and appear comfortable with the 'prog rock' tag, however I would venture to say, that however much my collection of old 'prog albums' grows, I cannot say for certain they belong there.

Rock they are, different they are, Dutch they remain, but their old music, has a timeless edge these days, that many first generation 'prog rockers' have sadly lost.

For your pleasure this is Focus - live at the Paris Theatre, London, England on the 20th July 1972.

Originally for a BBC FM broadcast, hosted by presenter Bob Harris ( of Old Grey Whistle Test fame), this is the whole session uncut.

1. Bob Harris Intro
2. Anonymous II
3. Brief Bob Harris Announcement
4. Focus I
5. Focus III
6. Answers Questions...
7. Focus II
8. Brief Bob Harris Announcement
9. Hokus Pokus

Band line up was:

Jan Akkerman - Guitars
Bert Ruiter - Bass, Backing Vocals
Pierre Van Der Linden - Drums
Thijs Van Leer - Keyboards, Flute, Vocals

Quality is very good (FM stereo or soundboard) and despite the odd 'Bob Harris' moment this is an outstanding performance, all the better for remaining unedited.

THE DOWNLOAD LINK FOR THIS FILE IS IN COMMENTS BELOW (COPY AND PASTE TO YOUR WEB BROWSER).

Some of the early Focus albums can be found on Cd HERE in the Beehive Candy Store along with Kraftwerk, Can, Earth and Fire, Gong and other great seventies European bands.

The Bangles - California USA - 1983

This is The Bangles live a couple of years before they hit the big time, with 'Manic Monday'.

Having morphed from The Bangs (for legal reasons), the band was part of the so called 'Paisley Underground' scene in LA, which featured groups that played a mixture of 1960s influenced folk-rock and jangle pop with a more modern punk/garage band undertone.

This is the band performing in Valencia, which a quick google suggests, is a pretty up market and wealthy location, sorry I do not know the specific venue.

In actual fact the band played two shows on this date, and I am pleased to have both of them to share, hence some songs appear twice, however they are very much to individual performances.

This is The Bangles - Valencia, CA, USA on the 27th May 1983.

Set lists are as follows:

Early Show:

Mary Street
Hazy shade of winter
I'm in line
Where were you when I needed you
Restless
Live
Dover Beach
The Real world
All about you
Tell me
Want you
How is the air up there

Late Show:

The Real world
Getting Out Of Hand
Restless
I'm in love
Dover Beach
Tell me
Outside Chance
Renaissance man
Mary Street
Steppin' Out
Want you
7 and 7 is
Pushing too hard

This is a good soundboard recording of both performances.

New file link in comments below - Re-uploaded 2012 (Stealth project).

Some Bangles goodies in the Beehive Candy Store including 'The Best Of' at a crazy low price.

Whats Up Doc - Number Six - February 2008

I am not a number !! - I am a free man !! - welcome to number six of 'Whats Up Doc' (fans of the sixties TV series The Prisoner, will know what I am on about).

The Drive By Truckers new album 'Brighter Than Creation's Dark', is the top choice for both of the UK's leading music monthlies, Uncut and Mojo Magazine, for their album reviews, in the March 2008 publications.

Not surprising, this is one incredible album.

Based in Athens, Georgia, though three out of five members (Mike Cooley, Patterson Hood, and Shonna Tucker) originally hail from The Shoals region of Northern Alabama, this is 'southern rock / Alt Country' at it's finest, I cannot recommend this album enough!

From the album check out:

Links Removed - MP3 Policy.

Drive By Truckers - Self Destructive Zones (07).mp3

Here is a live version (unofficial) recorded in Athens, Georgia a month ago, of another track on the new album.

Drive By Truckers - 3 Dimes Down (Live Version - 12th Jan 08).mp3

Buy or discover more HERE.

Serious fans of indie rock are no doubt already aware of Vampire Weekend, whose self titled debut album is now released.

Ignore the hype, this band are talented, and they do not rely on their 'Brooklyn New York' pedigree, in fact they just get on with playing what comes naturally to them, a nice mix of intelligence, street wise awareness, and energy.

The indie blogs are putting them about - here are the four main mp3's getting plugged.

Vampire Weekend - (02) - Oxford Comma.mp3
Vampire Weekend - M79.mp3
Vampire Weekend - (04) - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa.mp3
Vampire Weekend - (10) - Walcott.mp3

Bet they exit the year, a whole lot better known.

Check out the new album with discount purchase options HERE.

Nick Cave's 'Grinderman' venture last year, has understandably led to a new 'Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' album.

The Grinderman album and subsequent live performances, seem to have lifted a weight off of Nicks shoulders, and this new 'Bad Seeds' album, has that edge, I have selfishly come to expect.

Check out the title track:

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Dig, Lazarus, Dig.mp3

Buy the album (inc discount) with 54 page booklet, including writings, lyrics, and photos HERE.

You have to be brave/mad/inspired/indulgent etc, to undertake an entire album of Dusty Springfield greatest hits covers.

Shelby Lynne has proven to be both inspired and highly respectful of Dusty, and has produced a lesson for anyone inclined to undertake a 'stripped down' or 'unplugged' version, of such a major and much missed artist.

Like many (I expect) I assumed this would be awful. It is not, it is emotional, yet so fresh and clean, go on, check these two songs, and differ if you must.

Shelby Lynne - How Can I Be Sure.mp3

Shelby Lynne - (02) - Anyone Who Had A Heart.mp3

Buy 'Just A Little Lovin' by Shelby Lynne HERE.

Following on from the Goldfrapp Glastonbury concert recently provided on the Beehive, and the 'A&E mp3' provided from their brand new album, here are a couple more tracks, to ensure as many visitors as possible, buy this superb release.

Goldfrapp - Happiness.mp3
Goldfrapp - Caravan Girl.mp3

Buy the new Goldfrapp album 'Seventh Tree' (deluxe CD/DVD plus generous discount) HERE.

These are just a taste from 'Seventh Tree' - Goldfrapp never cease to astound, and the album is an absolute pleasure.

In keeping with 'Whats Up Doc' the usual 'final song' or in this case couple of songs, are as ever for no other reason than, they are currently getting played in my car, and bringing back memories, some more recently then others...

JJ72 - Snow.mp3
Lee Marvin - I Was Born Under A Wandering Star (from 'Paint Your Wagon')).mp3

More HERE.

Until next time - Whats Up Doc?

Dresden Dolls - Live In St Louis USA - 2008

Something tells me, we need a little more current music, and from an act, to young to remember the last couple or so of postings, first time around.

Yep 'old timers' we need to take our 'recent tablets'.

The Dresden Dolls are a musical duo from Boston, Massachusetts USA.

Formed in 2001, the group consists of Amanda Palmer (vocals, piano, harmonica, ukelele) and Brian Viglione (drums, percussion, guitar, vocals).

This is the important bit!

The two describe their style as 'Brechtian punk cabaret', a phrase invented by Amanda Palmer because she was terrified that the press would invent a name that would involve the word Gothic.

Now any band that includes punk and cabaret along with another word that means nothing to me, as describers of their music gains my attention.

Seriously they are very good. Having enjoyed their music for a couple of years, I was delighted to receive the following concert from their recent series of live dates in the USA.

Along with their own 'Brechtian punk cabaret' originals, they will often perform a cover song, and this concert is no exception.

This is the Dresden Dolls, live at The Pageant, St. Louis, MO, USA, on January 6th, 2008.

The set list is:

1. In the Flesh (Pink Floyd cover)
2. Girl Anachronism
3. Missed Me
4. Sex Changes
5. Ultima Esperanza
6. Glass Slipper
7. The Gardener
8. Golden Age (Beck cover)
9. Fight For Your Right To Party (Beastie Boys cover)
10. Coin Operated Boy
11. Sorry Bunch
12. Mandy Goes To Med School
13. Astronaut
14. Mein Herr
15. Gravity

The sound quality is good - however I do not know the stereo source.

TO DOWNLOAD GO TO COMMENTS BELOW FOR THE LINKS.

As mentioned they perform some excellent covers, and here are a couple more examples, to enjoy.

Dresden Dolls - 2005-04-26 - Life On Mars.mp3 (David Bowie).

Dresden Dolls - 2005-05-31 - Karma Police.mp3 (Radiohead)

For a host of other Dresden Dolls goodies, and the opportunity to share a dollar or two with them in exchange for some excellent songs go to their official site HERE.

Check out their own 'official boots' that you can download for free, (and make a real contribution to the band whilst cutting out the 'middle man').

Jimi Hendrix - Koln (Cologne) Germany 1969

I was still a little to young to appreciate what Jimi Hendrix was all about at the time.

I guess by the time I started to really appreciate rock & blues music, Jimi was already a casualty.

My clearest recollection of Jimi Hendrix was seeing him performing live on Lulu's BBC Saturday night show 'A happening For Lulu' on January 4th 1969.

Fittingly this bootleg is from a performance just nine days later in Germany.

On the day Jimi attended an autograph session at Studio Du Monde Book & Record Shop.

Part of the event was filmed and later featured as part of the German television program Beat Club.

In the evening The Jimi Hendrix Experience performed two shows with support 'Eire Apparent' at Studio Dumont in Cologne, Germany.

This then is one of those shows from the 13th January 1969. It is a very good quality soundboard recording.

The set list is:

01- Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)
02- Foxey Lady
03- Red House
04- Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
05- Fire
06- Spanish Castle Magic
07- Hey Joe
08- Sunshine Of Your Love
09- Star Spangled Banner
10- Purple Haze

TO DOWNLOAD CLICK ON COMMENTS BELOW FOR THE LINK.

A few Jimi Hendrix CD options HERE.

Bootleg Originals Part Eight - Joni Mitchell - Cambridge, MA, 1968

Joni Mitchell first played Club 47 in Cambridge, MA (USA), in December 1966, she returned for a second time in late April 1967.

While she was playing one night during November 1967 at 'The Gaslight South', a club in Florida, David Crosby walked in and was immediately struck by her ability and her appeal as an artist.

He took her back to Los Angeles, where he set about introducing her and her music to his friends.

David convinced a record company to agree to let Joni record a solo acoustic album without all the folk-rock overdubs that were in vogue at the time, and his clout earned him a producer's credit in March 1968, when Reprise records released her debut album, Song to a Seagull.

It is therefore likely that Joni Mitchell's third appearance at Club 47, a three night set of performances, from the 8th to 10th January 1968, were just prior to the recording of her debut album.

It is really something then, to have a good quality recording of an artist with the pedigree of Joni Mitchell, prior to their debut album, and from back in the 1960's.

This is Joni Mitchell live at Club 47, Cambridge, MA, USA, on her final night there back on the 10th January 1968.

Set List:

01. Cactus Tree
02. Morning Morgantown
03. Conversation
04. Gift Of the Magi
05. Chelsea Morning
06. Song To A Seagull
07. I Had A King
08. Night In The City
09. Ballerina Valerie
10. Pirates Of Penance
11. The Way It Is
12. Dawn treader
13. Both Sides Now

Sound: This is a very good sound board recording.

Reloaded 21/June/2015 Link in comments.

Steve Miller Band - Live in New York 1975

Ahead of the 1976 release of the very popular album 'Fly Like An Eagle' Steve Miller spent a reasonable part of 1975 touring.

Having gone to Knebworth Park in England, in the summer of 1975, along with 100,000 other fairly typical 'raving and drooling' Pink Floyd fans, I was absolutely 'blown over' by the final band of the day prior to Pink Floyd, namely the Steve Miller Band.

This was my introduction to Steve Miller, and I have been after live material from that year, or tour ever since.

I have a recording of the Pink Floyd element of Knebworth 75, however the audio is very 'low tech' and I wonder if this particular festival is designated for the memories of those fortunate enough to have attended only.

Therefore I am delighted to have obtained a copy of Steve Miller live, from earlier in 1975 and in superb quality. I am not sure if this is a 'King Biscuit' FM broadcast, whatever it is an excellent recording. This then is The Steve Miller Band - Live At The Beacon Theatre, New York City, USA, during April 1975.

Source: Soundboard or FM stereo.

Sound Quality: Very good mp3@192kbps.

Set List:

1. Fly Like An Eagle 7:00
2. Wild Mountain Honey 5:00
3. Come On In My Kitchen 4:10
4. Goin' To The Country 3:12
5. Nothin' Lasts 3:28
6. Goin' To Mexico 4:09
7. The Joker 5:38
8. Take The Money And Run 4:15
9. Gangster Of Love 2:52
10. Your Cash Aint Nothin' But Trash 4:09
11. Shu Ba Da Ma Ma Ma Ma 6:14

Band Line Up:

Steve Miller: Guitars/Vocals
Gary Mallaber: Drums/Percussion
Lonnie Turner: Bass
Norton Buffalo: Harmonica
Joachim Young: Keyboards
David Denny: Guitars

Official Steve Miller Band material is available from their exclusive store HERE.

It's a rather ironic 'touch' that the bootleg cover above is 'lifted' from the following years album release, some say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, however you view it, this is an excellent show.

Replacement download link in comments (3rd January 2011).

Sparks - A Little Live In London - 1995

Is the glass half full or half empty?

Lets go for half full on this occasion.

Sometimes broadcasters only cover or transmit part of a concert, and I am guessing (having as a Sparks fan, tried to check this one out) this is what occurred here.

Contractual obligation, a lack of appreciation on the part of the producer or presenter, other more 'current favorable artists', and of course available 'air-time' in the 'pre-digital' age, may have resulted in Sparks being cut down to just a thirty minute broadcast on this occasion - who knows?

If I had a pound, a dollar (US or any other) or a Euro, for every artists song that has 'lifted' some of Sparks unique style and creativity, I reckon I would be doing very well financially.

There are more complete Sparks bootlegs out there, this one stands by the audio quality, and the actual performance on the day.

1994 saw the brothers Mael return with the release of 'Gratuitous Sax and Senseless Violins', in turn providing the hit singles "When Do I Get To Sing My Way?" and "When I Kiss You (I Hear Charlie Parker Playing)".

Recorded live at the quite unassuming Mile End Stadium, in East London on the 17th June 1995, this is Sparks touring after the 1994 album release.

The element recorded is:

1.No.1 Song In Heaven / Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth.
2.Let's Go Surfin'.
3.When I'm With You.
4.This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us.
5.Beat The Clock.

Total Playing Time 28:49

This is a BBC stereo recording @ 320kbps

TO DOWNLOAD CLICK ON COMMENTS BELOW FOR THE LINK.

Some Sparks CD's are in the Beehive Candy 'Amazon' affiliate store HERE.

Goldfrapp - Glastonbury 2004 (plus new album preview)

Goldfrapp have a new CD album release (Seventh Tree) due out here in the UK on the 25th February 2008.

I am an unashamed and somewhat 'gushing' fan of Goldfrapp.

No doubt (and based on the last three albums) I will buy the deluxe CD/DVD version of the album for my collection, regardless of the freebie mp3 versions that arrive.

Every album they have released, contains a healthy amount of 'new direction' whilst retaining the very essence of Goldfrapp, which is a unique style that skips across genres and keeps music cretins (sorry critics) on their feet.

From the fourth coming album here is the initial 'single' release:

Goldfrapp - A & E.mp3

Back in 2004 Goldfrapp played Glastonbury, and thankfully a reasonable part of their show was recorded for broadcast, on either MTV or the BBC who were both present at that years event.

This is one continuous segment of the performance (except for the first song which opened the show and is edited on).

The performance starts with Utopia, and ends with a sublime and quite sensitive version of Black Cherry.

What lies between I noted down and subsequently mislaid, so just enjoy the show as it was originally ripped, and discover for yourself the superb remainder.

This is a very good stereo recording.

TO DOWNLOAD CLICK ON COMMENTS BELOW FOR THE MEDIAFIRE LINK.

The Beehive Candy 'Amazon' affiliate store includes all Goldfrapp's releases and the forthcoming album - click HERE to view.

The Monkees - Live in Japan 1968

In the early days of The Monkees, there was some fuss over the fact that session musicians played on their first couple of albums.

Add to this the fact that they had been brought together for a TV series, any thought of artistic integrity or status was a definite no.

However they were fun, their fan base included The Beatles, and repeats of the TV series, still appear time and again on cable and satellite channels.

However by 1968 the TV series was over, the band completed a far east tour, the last with Peter Tork as part of the band at that juncture, and their very alternative and psychedelic film 'Head' was released.

This is from the 'far east' tour, and captures a band that at least live, probably still had something to prove.

You can also enjoy a couple of 'hot rocking' Japanese DJ's whose voice overs, bring a huge smile to my face, somehow I think this was pretty serious stuff for them.

Clearly from a radio broadcast of the show - FM thankfully - but remember this was 1968, so don't expect audio heaven, that said it is highly listenable, after the initial intros.

This boot is apparently called 'Made In Japan - 1968' and the actual concert was at the Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan, on the 4th October 1968.

Set list is:

01 - Last Train To Clarksville
02 - I Wanna Be Free
03 - DW Washburn
04 - Daydream Believer
05 - Cuddly Toy
06 - Salesman
07 - It's Nice To Be With You
08 - Mary, Mary
09 - Cindy, Cindy
10 - Peter Percival Patterson's Pet Pig Porky
11 - Johnny B Goode
12 - Gonna Build A Mountain
13 - I Got A Woman
14 - I'm A Believer
15 - (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone

Band line up was:

Micky Dolenz: Drums, Vocals
Davy Jones: Percussion, Bass, Vocals
Michael Nesmith: Guitar, Vocals
Peter Tork: Bass, Organ, Banjo, Vocals

Reloaded 21/June/2015 link in comments.

Jeff Buckley - Live at WNEW - 1995

Having posted a number of Jeff Buckley live performances last year, I will try hard not to repeat myself.

The previous boots are still available, and continue to be downloaded, I guess by new visitors to the Beehive, and a few who discover us through Googling Jeff etc.

This is Jeff live at WNEW (Sony Studios) with a very fortunate audience, who also got to 'enjoy' his wine, as well as the music - it will all become clear when you listen.

It is so good to hear him in such a fantastic mood, and the intimacy of the event really makes this performance special.

WNEW-FM were at this time just into a new music format, that was promoting, less mainstream 'alternative rock' artists, and Jeff fitted in well to these aspirations. It's a great shame the station did not stick at this, but at least they are back to music these days, rather than the horrendous 'talk radio' set up, that existed a few years back.

This then is Jeff Buckley live at WNEW, Sony Studios, New York City, USA, on April 6th 1995.

Set List:

1 Dream Brother
2 So Real
3 Mojo Pin
4 Grace
5 Lilac Wine
6 Last Goodbye
7 Eternal Life/Kick Out The Jams
8 Lover, You Should've Come Over

(Kick Out The Jams is of course an MC5 cover).

Sound Quality: Good quality FM recording.

Reloaded - 03/June/2013 - download link in comments.

OMD - Live in Glasgow 1983

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark or OMD as they are more conveniently referred too, emerged from the Wirral Peninsula in the north west of England.

Their live debut was in October 1978, close to home in nearby Liverpool.

By the time this concert took place less than five years later, they had already notched up six top twenty singles and three top ten albums in the UK.

Not bad for a band, whose electronic and partly Kraftwerk influenced music, was often very different from the mainstream at that time.

In fairness founders Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys had an ear for a good tune, and with the likes of former Gong bassist Mike Howlett producing some of the material, they had every chance of the success they achieved.

When I first heard 'Messages' I was blown away, having been a fan of the likes of Germany's Can, Kraftwerk, and Amon Duul, at last an English band with enough personal originality was coming up with really classy electronic music, yep this band bring back fond musical memories for me.

Live the band are really good, a little more funky, with a closeness to the original songs, without allowing the technology to dampen a live concert buzz.

This recording of OMD is from The Glasgow Apollo, Glasgow, Scotland, recorded live on the 28th April 1983.

The set list is:

01 - Genetic Engineering (3:36)
02 - Messages (4:42)
03 - She's Leaving (4:05)
04 - Georgia (3:49)
05 - Julia's Song (4:44)
06 - Joan Of Arc (3:25)
07 - Maid Of Orleans (3:26)
08 - Romance Of The Telescope (3:29)
09 - Souvenir (3:42)
10 - Telegraph (3:48)
11 - Radio Waves (3:37)
12 - Bunker Soldiers (2:53)
13 - Enola Gay (4:20)
14 - Silent Running (4:05)

The sound quality is very good - an FM stereo recording.

REPLACEMENT DOWNLOAD LINK IN COMMENTS OR CLICK ON THE PICTURE (10TH SEPTEMBER 2009).

The Beehive Candy Store has some OMD Cd's in stock - click HERE to check out.

Whats Up Doc - Number Five - January 2008

You may have noticed, January 2008 has arrived.

Well although it can be a lean month for new music, I have two bands that I reckon can be pretty big this year, mind you - the competition will be tough.

Just look at some of the established acts with new albums lined up, and these are just the ones I am looking forward to right now!

In no particular order... Emmylou Harris, Marianne Faithful, Franz Ferdinand, CSS, Madness, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, The Black Crowes, Billy Bragg, Guillemots, Martha Wainwright, Drive By Truckers, REM, David Byrne, Moby, PJ Harvey, Primal Scream, Supergrass, Counting Crows and The Pogues.

Musically that's quite a taster for the year to come.

However if you want a recommendation right now, then if you have not yet enjoyed No Fixed Abode, can I be the first to share this superb band with you.

Their roots may be in folk (predominately modern), however as I listen I hear so many inspirations (The Waterboys, Bruce Springsteen, Fairport Convention and a host of others) that said, this really is a refreshing current sound, and I love it!

Check out these two songs, and if you are attracted by them, the album builds superbly on these.

On a personal note, this really is a band I would urge you to tell your friends about.

No Fixed Abode - 02 - Kebab.mp3

No Fixed Abode - 05 - Absent.mp3

You can buy their album HERE along with a chance to read independent reviews, or sample the whole album first.

Also the No Fixed Abode My Space site is HERE.

Next we are off to Brooklyn, New York, for a band that yes are already featured on other blogs - MGMT.

They are, I understand on the David Letterman show in the USA today, and touring in the USA right now.

It's a simple case of 'I like their music'. OK I am old enough to be their collective father, but they have an energy that translates into great music. The proof is in the eating so enjoy these tracks from their wonderfully titled 2007 Oracular Spectacular album:

Links Removed - MP3 Policy.

MGMT - Electric Feel.mp3

MGMT - Kids.mp3

MGMT - Tiime to Pretend.mp3

You can find out more HERE at their My Space site, along with link details for purchasing their music.

Finally I am going back to a time, when not only was I not old enough to be anyones father, I was in some cases not even born.

I tend to avoid main stream compilation albums, as they often include the same old boring songs, that have made much of todays radio, so predictable and boring.

However despite the clearly defined marketing for December purchasers, and a few of the usual suspects, Dreamboats and Petticoats, is a wonderful trip back to a time when a very young me, wondered what all the fuss was about ( and then along came Radio Caroline).

A few examples from this compilation to help explain:

Links Removed - MP3 Policy.

John Leyton_Johnny Remember Me.mp3

Helen Shapiro - It Might as Well Rain Until September.mp3

Connie Francis - Who's Sorry Now [50s Oldies].mp3

Mike Sarne & Wendy Richards - Come Outside.mp3

Connie Frances - Lipstick On Your Collar.mp3

Find out more from this really diverse but rather aged double album along with purchase options HERE.

OK so I started off talking about the year to come and new artists, and somehow I have dragged you back to the late 1950's and early 1960's!

Lets hope that musically the year 2008 delivers, it does not look so bright on the other horizons does it?

Finally the random 'Whats Up Doc' mp3, and why not?

Lighthouse Family - Lifted.mp3

Whiskeytown - Live at Cats Cradle 1995

Whiskeytown only released three albums, and yet they are often cited as one of the key elements in the development of the alternative country rock scene or 'Americana' during the 1990's.

Ryan Adams and Caitlin Cary were the only two members of Whiskeytown to see the whole adventure through, indeed Ryan Adams had a reputation of being difficult to work with during the bands history, and therefore the overall turnover of members was quite high.

Formed in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1994, the bands first album was released in 1996.

Describing this era the entry in Wikipedia states:

Faithless Street, released on Mood Food Records in 1996, established the band as one of the genre's leaders, thanks to glowing reviews in publications such as No Depression, and helped the band score a major-label record deal with the Geffen Records imprint Outpost.

Faithless was re-released on the imprint in 1998 with nearly a dozen bonus tracks from the era, some of which are new, and others of which showed up on Stranger's Almanac, Rural Free Delivery, and other early EPs in different versions. One track, "Oklahoma," was removed. Adams claimed that the reason for the re-release was the muddy sound of the original version and his distaste for "Oklahoma," which was added to the album despite his objections.

The liner notes to the re-release provide some insight to the band's dynamic at the time, referring to the lineup as "this version of Whiskeytown" and featuring a quote from Adams regarding the 1995 recording sessions: "In retrospect, I knew that was the last optimism I was gonna have for a long time."

All of which makes this particular recording poignant.

Recorded 'relatively' close to the bands hometown of Raleigh North Carolina, at Cats Cradle a highly established venue at 300 East Main Street, Carrboro, North Carolina, USA, this is a fascinating concert before their debut album was released.

It also captures the band in their early stages of development and comfortable to play a few diverse cover songs along with their own material.

This then is Whiskeytown at Cat's Cradle, Carborro, NC, on the 25th May 1995

The Set list is:

01. Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart
02. Lucky Me
03. Drugstore Truck Driving Man
04. Don't Take Your Guns To Town
05. Tennessee Square
06. Desperate Ain't Lonely
07. Top Dollar
08. Midway Park
09. Western Stars (Chris Isaak)
10. Blank Generation (Richard Hell)
11. Way Down In The County
12. This May Be The Last Time (Staple Singers)
13. Faithless Street
14. Encore Break/Interlude
15. Drank Like A River
16. If He Can't Have You

The band line up is:

Ryan Adams
Caitlin Cary
Phil Wandscher
Steve Grothmann
Skillet Gilmore

The sound quality is exceptional, it is most likely a direct stereo soundboard copy.

THE REPLACEMENT DOWNLOAD LINK IS AVAILABLE IN COMMENTS BELOW (3rd September 2009).

Whiskeytown, Ryan Adams, and Caitlin Cary, material is available HERE in the Beehive Candy Amazon affiliate store.

Pink Floyd - Studio Out Takes & Demos 1971 - 1972

Pink Floyd out takes and demos from 1971 and 1972.

There is plenty of Pink Floyd material around from this era, including studio out takes.

I plan to feature a couple of live concerts from the seventies in due course, however decided to start with these out takes for one specific reason.

The quality is really good, all mp3's are at 320kbps, and the journey from the original masters is a limited one, retaining much of the initial quality.

I am personally fascinated by the first track 'On The Run' and where this piece of music may have originally gone, alas - as with all musical history from bands like Pink Floyd there remain so many 'what ifs'.

Track listing is:

1. ON THE RUN (OUTTAKE) 1.44m
(Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, November 1972)

2. TIME (DEMO) 6.05m
(Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, June 1972)

3. MONEY (ACOUSTIC DEMO) 1.38m
(Recording location unknown, 1971)

4. US & THEM (DEMO) 5.27m
(Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, June 1972)

5. BRAIN DAMAGE / ECLIPSE (DEMO) 3.24m
(Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, June 1972)

6. BRAIN DAMAGE (OUTTAKE, PART 1) 1.24m
7. BRAIN DAMAGE (OUTTAKE, PART 2) 2.18m
(Both recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, November 1972)

8. ONE OF THESE DAYS (DEMO ONE) 4.50m
9. ONE OF THESE DAYS (DEMO TWO) 6.49m
(Recording studios unknown - 1971)

Reloaded - 03/June/2015 - download link in comments.

The White Stripes - Live In London 2007

I hate the expression 'back to basics'.

Yet The White Stripes even when enlisting the bag pipes as part of their sound, have such a raw primal energy, they takes rock'n'roll music 'back to b...

I cannot think of another two piece band that generates such an impact (actually I am struggling to think of another two piece rock band as I write this - go on, shame me with the obvious).

This is The White Stripes earlier in 2007, performing live for BBC Radio One, in front of an audience of very fortunate fans.

Unfortunately there is a little bit of Radio One 'speak' early on, however once the band get going, its all good stuff.

Set list:

01 Icky Thump
(Performed for Jo Whiley Live Lounge - followed later by Zane Lowe hosting the remaining full show)
02 Let's Shake Hands
03 Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground
04 The Denial Twist
05 I'm Slowly Turning Into You
06 Effect and Cause
07 The Same Boy You've Always Known
08 I Think I Smell A Rat
09 Ball and Biscuit
10 Wasting My Time
11 You're Pretty Good Looking
12 A Martyr For My Love For You
13 Hotel Yorba
14 Blue Orchid
15 Hello Operator
16 We're Going To Be Friends
17 I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
18 Seven Nation Army

The performance was at the Maida Vale Studios, Maida Vale, London, and originally broadcast live on the 13th June 2007.

This is a very high quality recording of the show - fully mixed stereo soundboard, with digital post production.

Reloaded - 03/June/2015 - download link in comments.

Alanis Morissette - Miss Thing (1996)

Back in July, I ran a piece on the 1991 'Alanis' album, and the rather dated 1980's 'disco' sound. This was rather cruel considering how young she was at the time (1991 that is, not last July!).

I am, I hope in my own small way, something of an advocate for some of the excellent artists that have come out of Canada and achieved international recognition.

Alanis Morissette is no exception, indeed as previously mentioned, she was absolutely fantastic when I saw her live in London some years ago.

So in order to address the balance here is a concert of Alanis from 1996.

This is from a CD boot that seems to have emerged from the Czech Republic on 'Oxygen' records.

The album title is 'Miss Thing' which considering that the CD back cover, claims to have 'art direction and design', makes me wonder about the creativeness amongst bootleggers in that part of the world, (anyway is is now digitized and free of charge).

This is Alanis Morissette live at the Melkweg, Amsterdam, Holland on October 17th 1996.

The set list is (I think) as follows - it is different to the CD cover, so much for 'design':

1. All I really Want (7.07)
2. Right Through You (3.39)
3. Not The Doctor (7.39)
4. Hand In My Pocket (4.46)
5. Mary Jane (6.24)
6. Ironic (4.29)
7. You Learn (5.27)
8. Forgiven (6.02)
9. Wake Up (5.28)
10. You Ought'a Know (7.21)
11. Head Over Feet (4.30)
12. Perfect (3.27)
13. You Ought'a Know (4.28)*

* track 13 was recorded live during the MTV Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall, New York City, NY, on the 7th September 1996.

The material is good soundboard quality, and captures the energy and adrenalin of Alanis back in these heady days!

Reloaded August 2015 see comments.

A Trip With The Beatles - The Alternate Sgt Pepper and a Little More

The Beatles - The Alternate Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and A Little More, was released by Dolphin Productions (CDP 790103 - 2 CD set) in 1997.

Like a lot of bootleg CD releases, the packaging attempted to make the album look official, however the back cover failed to list the track contents accurately, and the front shown here was a little predictable.

However the music is the key factor, and on this occasion the album is something of a gem to put it mildly.

For nearly every track there's the mono mix at some stage in production, and a few stereo versions along the way.

There are a lot of fragments from 'The Making Of Sgt. Pepper's' with George Martin playing back the individual tracks and explaining things.

There's Anthology stuff, snippets from interviews, songs previously released on the Unsurpassed Masters series by Yellow Dog, tracks from 'The Lost Pepperland Reel' (like the Good Morning Good Morning animal noises) and more.

In summary these Cd's seem to be a complete overview of the making of the Beatles' Sgt Pepper, with commentary from George Martin, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon.

The studio quality, and 'the story with music' production, is well thought out, it is a collectors 'must have', and of real interest for anyone with just a passing interest in The Beatles, and the development of popular music in the '1960's.

The complete track listing is I believe as follows:

Disc 1

1. George Martin & Paul McCartney - about Sgt. Pepper
2. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - mono remix 3 from take 10
3. With A Little Help From My Friends - mono remix 15 from take 11
4. Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite - mono remix 4 from take 9
5. Only A Northern Song - remixed mono version from take 3 and 11
6. Fixing A Hole - mono remix from take 2
7. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (one) - remix 11 from take 7
8. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (two) - mono remix 4 from take 8
9. Getting Better - mono remix 3 from take 15
10. She's Leaving Home - mono remix 6 from take 9
11. Strawberry Fields Forever (one) - John demo tape and the songs development
12. Strawberry Fields Forever (two) - trumpet & cello development
13. Penny Lane (one) - overdub sessions
14. Penny Lane (two) - remix 11 from take 9
15. Joking - like! your having a laugh !

Disc 2

1. Within You Without You (one) - the basic track was recorded 15th March 1967
2. Within You Without You (two) - mono remix from take 2
3. When I'm Sixty-four - mono remix 8 from take 4
4. Lovely Rita - mono remix 15 from take 11
5. Good Morning Good Morning (one) - rough stereo mix of take 8
6. Good Morning Good Morning (two) - mono remix 2 of take 11
7. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) - rough mix of take 5
8. A Day In The Life (one) - rough mix of take 5 (five)
9. A Day In The Life (two) - early mix of take 7
10. Everywhere It's Christmas - excerpt from fourth fan club xmas flexi disc
11. Excerpts From The Family Way Soundtrack - George Martin Orchestra (written by Paul McCartney - 1966)
12. All You Need Is Love - take 58 - with pre-recorded rhythm track take 11 (basically the ‘live’ version)
13. It's All Too Much - from the alternative ‘magical submarine tour’ CD
14. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - Jimi Hendrix Version

Although not all the material ended up on Sgt. Pepper there is a chronological order to the album in terms of the work undertaken by The Beatles at the Abbey Road Studios between November 24th 1966 and June 25th 1967, hence the 'Little More' referring not only to the commentary. The Jimi Hendrix cover at the end does seem out of place, but hey - it's Hendrix!

Reloaded - 03/June/2015 - download link in comments.

Devo - Live in Boston USA 1982

The Devo credentials 'are all there'.

The pivotal moment for the formation of Devo was the first hand witnessing by one of the bands founders Gerald Casale of the Kent State University shootings of May 4, 1970.

The first form of Devo was the 'Sextet Devo' which performed at the 1973 Kent State performing arts festival.

They are 'discovered' by David Bowie and Iggy Pop in 1976, and subsequently record 'Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!' which was produced by Brian Eno.

They are referenced as 'punk', 'new wave', 'post punk', 'art rock', and into the 1980's as the acceptable face of 'synth pop'. That's not a bad selection of street credibility references in any ones books is it?

There is so much to Devo, that I am going to take the easy way out, and provide a link HERE to wikipedia.

Actually I have read through it and learned a lot more, and of course been reminded of the fantastic visual appearance(s) they have created down the years.

This is Devo coming towards the end of their initial success story.

Within the next couple of years although they would remain firm favorites of music critics, they would see a drop in record sales and a three year hiatus began from late 1984.

So from their 'golden days' this is Devo Live at The Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA, USA, on the 11th November 1982.

Set List:

1. Time Out For Fun (4:18)
2. Patterns (2:57)
3. Speed Racer (2:39)
4. Big Mess (2:43)
5. Peek-A-Boo (4:33)
6. Out Of Sync (3:31)
7. That's Good (3:36)
8. Freedom Of Choice Theme (2:39)
9. Whip It (2:37)
10. Girl u Want (4:52)
11. Planet Earth (2:29)
12. Deep Sleep (3:32)
13. Jocko Homo (3:07)
14. Uncontrollable Urge (1:05)
15. Gates Of Steel (3:11)
16. Smart Patrol / Mr. Dna (7:05)
17. Gut Feeling (3:41)

'Jocko Homo' and 'Uncontrollable Urge' have been edited, I know not why! 'Beautiful World' was also performed at this gig, but is missing from the bootleg.

The sound quality is superb. Without wanting to get technical here are the notes that came with this recording.

Soundboard to 'unknown' to Nakamichi Dragon to Turtle Beach Pinnacle Pro to Sound forge to
FLAC front end to mp3. Average bitrate: 266kbps, channels: stereo.

The final editors comments are 'Even though there are a couple analog generations on this one, this is easily the best sounding DEVO boot that I've heard. The only modifications I did was a slight hiss reduction in soundforge'.

I understand this level of detail pleases some, so if I have it, I am happy to share it. I will just settle for what my ears tell me, oh! and those tiny voices that follow me around from time to time, what? you don't hear them ???

Reloaded - 29/May/2015 - download link in comments.

The Beehive Candy store has official Devo material HERE to purchase if you please.

Procol Harum - WPLJ Live - New York 1971

First of all the radio bit. WPLJ became in late 1970, a '100% live free form' rock format station.

By September 1971 they had developed into the very first AOR (adult orientated rock) station in the USA.

The station would play the music of artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Deep Purple, Rod Stewart, and The Allman Brothers. The station would also play more 'popular' songs from artists such as James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Carly Simon.

All in all, and compared to the 'AOR format' in later years, at least the music was new or relatively new back then, and throughout the 1970's WPLJ was one of the most successful stations on the planet!

Procol Harum sat comfortably in WPLJ's 'free form' rock format, back in April 1971. Having moved on from the psychedelic pop music phase that was 1967's 'A Whiter Shade of Pale', Procol Harum were a well respected band, whose quite unique sound, made them difficult to pigeon hole into a specific genre.

'A Salty Dog' remains a personal favorite of mine, both the album and the single release.

Procol Harum produced a unique sound that emphasized Gary Brooker's melancholy vocal style and an evocative mix of his eclectic piano, Matthew Fisher's elegant church-like organ, B.J Wilson's dramatic drumming and Robin Trower's searing guitar, with frequent black humour and a penchant for experimentation.

Musically from the late sixties until 1971, Procol Harum was split between Robin Trower's guitar driven blues rock style and Gary Brooker's and Matthew Fisher's structured classical rock sound.

The group often combined the two into a dynamic fusion, but by mid 1971 the disparities in style became too great; the end of an era was marked for Procol Harum, with the release of their fifth album Broken Barricades, and subsequent departure of Robin Trower to form his own power trio band.

All of which helps understand why this particular bootleg is often known as 'Robin's Last Stand'.

Recorded live with an audience by WPLJ this is Procol Harum at WPLJ Radio Studios, New York, NY, on April 12th 1971. The show was broadcast on FM stereo.

The set list is:

1. Memorial Drive
2. Still There'll be more
3. Nothing that I didn't know
4. Simple Sister
5. Luskus Delph
6. Shine On Brightly
7. Whaling Stories
8. Broken Barricades
9. Juicy John Pink
10. A Salty Dog
11. Whisky Train
12. Power Failure

As regard the songs performed only two were from 'A Salty Dog', four were from the album 'Home' and five were from 'Broken Barricades' the final album to include Robin Trower.

Line up was :

Gary Brooker : piano, vocals
Keith Reid : words (organ)
BJ Wilson : drums
Chris Copping : bass, organ
Robin Trower : guitar, bass

DOWNLOAD THIS BY CLICKING ON COMMENTS BELOW, SCROLL DOWN FOR SECOND (REPLACEMENT) LINK

This is a soundboard stereo recording of the show.

The Beehive Candy Amazon affiliate store includes three great Procol Harum Cd's, click HERE and scroll down to view.