Free - Isle Of Wight Festival - 1970

The 1970 Isle of Wight festival was the third and final year of the early festivals history.

With an estimated 600,000 people in attendance both the organisers and the islanders had enough after this event.

Free were a young band who first came together to rehearse at the Nag's Head pub in Battersea, London, on April 19, 1968.

Bass player Andy Fraser, was only 15 years old while lead singer Paul Rodgers, lead guitarist Paul Kossoff, and drummer Simon Kirke, were also still teenagers.

It would have been hard to imagine that just over two years later they would perform to such a large audience.

Just three years later in 1973 the band disbanded, however they left classics such as 'All Right Now' and 'Wishing Well' along with some superb album tracks for posterity.

This is Free live at East Afton Farm, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, England, the home for the third festival, on Sunday 30th August 1970.

Set List:

01 Ride on a Pony
02 Woman
03 The Stealer
04 Be my Friend
05 Mr Big
06 Fire and Water
07 I'm a Mover
08 The Hunter
09 All Right Now
10 Crossroads

This is a stereo soundboard @ 192Kbps and for the year is excellent.

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

A Flock Of Seagulls - Brighton 1983

Mike Score (lead vocals, keyboards) formed A Flock of Seagulls with his brother Ali (drums) and Frank Maudsley (bass) in 1980, adding guitarist Paul Reynolds several months later.

The group released its debut EP early in 1981, and while the record failed to chart, its lead track, 'Telecommunication' became an underground hit in Euro-disco and new wave clubs.

The band signed a major-label contract with Jive by the end of the year, and their eponymous debut album appeared in the spring of 1982.

'I Ran (So Far Away)' was released as the first single from the album, and MTV quickly picked up on its video, which featured long shots of Mike Score and his distinctive, cascading hair.

The single climbed into the American Top Ten, taking the album along with it. In the U.K., 'I Ran' didn't make the Top 40 (highest position 43), but 'Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)' reached number ten later that year.

Which in commercial terms was the high end of the bands success.

Mike Score continues to tour under the band's name with a new line-up, but the other original members have retired from music.

However the lasting quality of some of their material, and those haircuts, those wonderful 1980's haircuts, have preserved the band in rock history.

This is from the period that etched the band into the memories of many.

Recorded in Brighton, England on the 5-1-1983, the music is fresh and the band in the ascendancy.

Set list.

1. The Fall
2. Space Age Love Song
3. D.N.A.
4. Electrics
5. Messages
6. Standing in the Doorway
7. The Traveller
8. Committed
9. Man Made
10. You Can Run
11. Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You)
12. I Ran (So Far Away)

Comments.

Source is probably BBC FM stereo, sound quality is warm and very good.

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

Whats Up Doc - Number Seven - March 2008

Welcome to this months 'Whats Up Doc'.

They have been called 'pop surrealists' and 'new wave kooks', their original 'trade mark hairstyles' clearly have had an influence on this blog, whatever, they are The B52's, and in these dark times, any band that can pick up sixteen years after they left off, with some fun music gets my vote!

The new album 'Funplex' is due out later this month, and here are two songs and two versions of the title track including a CSS remix, (CSS are just one of numerous bands to happily admit the positive impact The B52's have had on their music).

Links Removed - MP3 Policy.

The B-52s - Funplex.mp3
The B-52s - Funplex (CSS Remix).mp3
B52s - Hot Corner.mp3

Album details and purchase option HERE.

Another favorite band of The Beehive are The Black Crowes, who finally have their new album 'Warpaint' out, as of yesterday.

Recently insulted by Maxim magazine who reviewed and graded the album without even hearing it! The Black Crowes have released a fine album, that as you would expect, has their genuine rock'n'roll, low slung guitar sound, with Chris Robinson's vocals as consistent as ever.

It is just rock music, that's what they do, this will be played by many grateful fans of the band, that does not know how to sell out!

Listen to the opening track:
Black Crowes - Goodbye Daughters Of The Revolution(1).mp3

Official website HERE Beehive Candy Store CD option HERE.

Baltimore duo Beach House are a superb 'ethereal mood' music act.

Well I think they are superb, they are one of those bands I discovered by chance, along with a dozen of other music bloggers by the looks, in my case I had an indie music stream running in the background and their song shone out immensely (did I just type that?).

The album 'Devotion' is out now, please give them a listen if you have not done so as yet, hopefully you will see where I am coming from.

Beach House - 01 Wedding Bell.mp3
Beach House - 07 Heart Of Chambers.mp3
Beach House - 08 Some Things Last a Long Time.mp3

Album details and CD purchase option HERE.

Supergrass have literally grown up playing music, and at an average age of thirty years per band member, they are at some levels 'elder statesmen' of British post 'Britpop' music.

I have enjoyed every album they have released, and sense that in the cynical music press here in the UK, they have a rather unique position of pleasing both critic and your average punter, because they remain so very relevant.

The new album 'Diamond Hoo Ha' is to put it in Supergrass terms a stonker, with the usual energy levels and craftsmanship that makes this very British band so internationally fine.

Supergrass - 01 Diamond Hoo Ha Man.mp3
Supergrass - 07 Rough Knuckles.mp3

Check the new album out and the best of HERE.

I am conscious that this month is very UK and USA orientated, so lets finish with Sweden's The Cardigans, who have a 'Best Of' recently released.

Just one well known track to share, go buy the album, you may be surprised on the goodies you have missed out on, unless your a fan in which case you already know!

The Cardigans - Lovefool.mp3

Check out the best of album including a comprehensive bonus disc, fans are saying this is one of the best 'best of' albums ever released, not convinced then click and read the reviews HERE.

I hope this review has been of use, and as always I leave you with a song that has no relevance to the above at all.

The Korgis - Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime.MP3

So many mp3's so little time...

Echo And The Bunnymen - Kilburn National 1997

Echo & the Bunnymen formed in Liverpool in 1978 making them a whopping thirty years old this year, and as always reminding me of my own state of aging!

Their original lineup included vocalist Ian McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant, who both continue to be, the main stays of the band.

The band are scheduled to play a sell out show in September this year at London's Royal Albert Hall, complete with an orchestra to perform the album 'Ocean Rain'.

A little removed from their 'post punk' beginnings in Liverpool three full decades ago.

Anyhow, this is from just one decade ago and features Echo and The Bunnymen live at The Kilburn National, in London on the 17th October 1997.

This concert was broadcast by the BBC, and this is a good quality FM stereo recording of the gig.

Set list is:

1. Rescue.
2. I want to be there when you come.
3. Baseball Bill.
4. The Cutter.
5. Just a touch away.
6. Crocodiles.
7. Forgiven.
8. I'll fly tonight.
9. Seven seas.
10. Villiers Terrace.
11. Altamont.
12. Lips like sugar.
13. Ocean rain.
14. Nothing lasts forever.

THE DOWNLOAD LINK IS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW THIS POST.

A few Echo and the Bunnymen Cd's in the Beehive Store HERE.

Lets hope the London gig later this year is made available, for those of us just a little curious to here the band complete with orchestra!

Madonna - Barcelona Spain - 1990

This is Madonna live on the 1990 Blond Ambition Tour.

This particular show from the 31st July 1990 was performed at the Estadi Olímpic, Barcelona, Spain, and featured a seven minutes long extravagant fireworks display after the show.
The show apparently had a few glitches.
Numerous technical mistakes included Madonna forgetting part of the lyrics to "Sooner or Later" and "Material Girl," and getting her monocle caught on her head-microphone at the beginning of "Express Yourself".

Not realizing that her headset microphone was still live as she exited the stage after "Where's the Party," resulted in her command at a backstage crew member to "Get the f### out of my f#####' way" and complaints about the oppressive heat to be broadcast to the audience while the dancers performed during the closing of the number.
Also, at the end of "Holiday" a man came on stage and put a shirt on Madonna to promote a product as Madonna commented "Anybody gonna arrest this man?"
Later, in the beginning of "Keep It Together", she told her audience, "Strange people walk on my stage, they put s### on me, I can't hear myself...I'd like to f####g kill somebody."
All this and the fact the overall tour was controversial in its own right - Marvelous stuff !!!

Sound quality: The show was taped and aired on television in Europe and Australia, and this is a pristine audio stereo soundboard copy of the show for your pleasure.

Set List:

01. Express Yourself
02. Open your Heart
03. Causing a Commotion
04. Where's the Party
05. Like a Virgin
06. Like a Prayer
07. Live to Tell
08. Oh Father
09. Papa Don't Preach
10. Sooner or Later
11. Hanky Panky
12. Now I'm Following You
13. Material Girl
14. Cherish
15. Into the Groove
16. Vogue
17. Holiday
18. Keep it Together

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

Heart - Chicago USA 1976

This is Heart Live in Chicago, USA, on the 3rd August 1976.

This boot has been called 'Heart'n'Zeppelin' for obvious reasons, tracks one, three, and five are all Led Zeppelin covers, which for Heart fans would, I imagine, make this something of a collectors item.

This recording was from a single CD, with some obvious editing, however this remains a feisty performance with an excellent collection of songs.

Band line up was:

Ann Wilson - lead vocals
Nancy Wilson - guitar and vocals
Roger Fisher - lead guitar
Howard Leese - guitar
Michael Derosier - drums
Steven Fossen - bass guitar

Set list:

1. Rock 'n roll
2. Heartless
3. The Battle Of Evermore
4. White Lightning & Wine
5. The Rover
6. Devil's Delight
7. Magic Man
8. Crazy On You
9. Barracuda

The recording is stereo soundboard sourced and good quality.

REPLACEMENT DOWNLOAD LINK IN COMMENTS BELOW (29/05/2010).

The Cult - Live In London 1985

This is a live concert from The Cult, from 1985, the year they broke through to mainstream success in the UK.

In March 1985, The Cult recorded their fourth single, "She Sells Sanctuary", which charted at Number 15 in the UK charts.

It re-entered the charts at Number 56 in September 1986, spending 41 consecutive weeks on the charts.

The song has also been voted Number 18 in one of VH1's Top Indie 100 charts.

For me The Cult were one of the defining bands of the 'post punk' era.

The clear impression was of a band that played what they wanted to play, with a refreshing energy, and enjoyment for good old rock music.

Just to demonstrate how 'time flies' (as if the 1985 concert date was not enough) it was nearly two years later that The Cult, toured the USA as headliners, with a widely unknown band called Guns'N'Roses.

This is The Cult at The Hammersmith Odeon, London, on the 31st October, 1985.

The set list is:

1.Love.
2.Nirvana.
3.Christians.
4.Hollow man.
5.Big neon glitter.
6.Brother wolf sister moon.
7.(Here comes the) Rain.
8.Dream time.
9.She sells sanctuary.
10.Go west (crazy spinning circles).
11.Horse nation.
12.The Phoenix.

Recorded from a BBC Radio broadcast in FM stereo.

THE DOWNLOAD LINK IS IN COMMENTS BELOW THIS POST - JUST COPY AND PASTE (TO YOUR WEB BROWSER).

The Beehive Candy Store includes Cd's from The Cult HERE.

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