This Rockpile live in concert collection was originally circulated on bootleggers 'Great Live Records' (GLR 9235).
It is in fact an edit from two concerts, predominately the latter part of two gigs, both most likely to have been recorded in New York, USA, towards the end of Rockpile's fourth USA tour.
Source: Most likely from two FM broadcasts, King Biscuit Flower Hour recorded their final tour show, (however this specific concert does not appear on their site), so their is some guessing on the set list sources below, (any music detectives out there who know more?).
Sound Quality: FM stereo, all good listenable standard, you will note a change in audio levels on the last four tracks.
Comments: Rockpile were Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe, Billy Bremner, and Terry Williams, the music very much good time rock'n'roll. That's the easy bit, finding out the background on this bootleg was a little tricky, and I am only still guessing the concert venues, still never mind, judging by the audience and band this was a great tour, and well worth a share.
Having taken a rather long break from this site for the latter part of last year, I still have a rather sizable backlog of musical recommendations to share, however lets start with something brand spanking new !
Pree, (pictured) led by May Tabol (formerly of Le Loup) emerged onto the DC (USA) music scene with a 'string of compelling and intimate shows' during the summer of 2008.
The Washington Post describe them as 'a cross between Joanna Newsom and Modest Mouse', for my part I would also relate them to Regina Spektor, however all of that said, they have a unique sound, and to put it simply, having listened to their forthcoming release last night, they are superb.
Their debut release 'A Chopping Block' (5 song EP), is officially released on March 24th. Take a listen to 'In The Parlor' for a flavour of this exciting band.
Amazing Baby are currently mixing their debut album in New York. I received this song (Bayonets) a couple of weeks back, it was my first listen to the band, and on the strength of this, I guess I will be checking them out a lot more in the coming weeks.
No comparisons, just turn up the volume and enjoy layers of great music from yet another superb Brooklyn band.
OK as something of a catch up, lets take a random stroll through some of the music that has caught my attention in recent months.
Mother Mother are a five-piece Canadian indie rock band originally from Quadra Island, now based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The band consists of Ryan Guldemond on guitar and vocals, Molly Guldemond on vocals, Jasmin Parkin on keyboard and vocals, Ali Siadat on drums, and Jeremy Page on bass. You may already be fully aware of them, however rather than ramble on all I will say is 'go on - give them a listen'.
I came across Dakotafish last autumn on another music blog, comparisons with Thom York's vocals, and Radiohead caught my immediate attention. Mike Fish is behind the band, and I have to say the comparisons may be there, however this is really fine music in it's own right, and highly worth a listen at the very least.
Bowerbirds are a nu-folk band from Raleigh, North Carolina. The band members are Beth Tacular, Phil Moore and Mark Paulson. Their debut album was, Hymns For a Dark Horse (Burly Time Records, 2007), which received favourable reviews.
Any band that has accordion and violin as prominent instruments kind of gets my attention. Add to that excellent vocals, a really definitive sound and charming songs, and I am one happy person.
I have to say I was a little dubious of what to expect from last years The Fireman album 'Electric Arguments', however after reading many positive reviews gave it a listen and was likewise very impressed.
Paul McCartney's vocals reminded me in part of the early Beatles, and the work he has done with Youth, is really adventurous, so if like me you 'were or are' not quite sure, take a listen.
M83 have been around for a few years, however last years 'Saturday = Youth' album was my personal introduction to them. Their sound has been categorised as Electronica, Dream Pop, and even shoegazing, I think it's fair to say the music is distinct, and whats more I jolly well like it!
Seasick Steve remains an absolute 'breath of fresh air', his story well documented, his blues superb, and last years album worthy of every accolade it rightly received. If you have not (why not???), got round to listening to Steven Gene Wold, here's another chance.
I know I have unashamedly plugged Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS) in the past, but what better way to wrap this edition up. Last summers album 'Donkey' remains a favorite and so enjoy Brazil's finest band.
Genre: Rock, from 60's psychedelic to Boogie and Blues.
Set: Edited to 45.30 minutes - vinyl album running length, there are a few 'harsh' edits between some tracks.
Set List:
01. Magic Carpet Ride 3:47
02. Sookie Sookie 3:28
03. Five Finger Discount 4:38
04. Hey Lawdy Mama 3:40
05. The Pusher 3:51
06. News I Can Use 5:05
07. Monster 9:03
--> a) Monster --> b) Suicide --> c) America
08. Nothin Like It 3:52
09. Hot Summer Night 3:18
10. Born To Be Wild 4:43
This is a very good copy of the classic Mott The Hoople bootleg, known on a double (original version vinyl) album as 'Rest In Peace' and on CD as 'Flash And Crash'.
The 'boot' notes suggest the concert recording was performed on the 13th April, however the poster from the gig, gives the concerts (matinee and evening or was it evening and very late evening?) as Friday 12th April 1974, perhaps they performed over two days at this venue.
The venue itself, was definitely the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, USA.
Whatever! it was a long time ago, mind you, the support act seems familiar...
Source: FM Radio Broadcast (stereo local station).
Sound Quality: Very good - and as I understand from CD rip, hey just listen).
Genre: Rock, Hard and Boogie, Glam Rock (ouch I hate that expression).
Set:Not complete. This version of the show was edited to accommodate the Cd's running time, and omits the Jupiter intro, Here Comes The Queen (with guitarist Ariel Bender on vocals) and Born Late 58 (with bassist Overend Watts on vocals).
Set List: (this edition).
1. American Pie
2. Golden Age Of Rock 'n' Roll
3. Sucker
4. Roll Away The Stone/Sweet Jane
5. Rest In Peace
6. One Of The Boys
7. Hymn For The Dudes
8. Marionette
9. Drivin' Sister/Crash Street Kidds
10. Violence
11. All The Way From Memphis
12. All The Young Dudes
13. Walkin' With A Mountain
Links:The 'official' site recently developed for the bands 40th anniversary London gigs scheduled (and sold out) for October 2009, has a great selection of other links, and of course is of interest in it's own right. - Just click HERE. Wikipedia history HERE.
Comments:This has been copied from a Mott The Hoople fan site.
The show (the second that day!) finds Ian struggling with bronchitis, but this is only noticeable at the start of the set. Sucker bristles with menace as always, and the Roll Away The Stone/Sweet Jane coupling is always a delight. Hymn For The Dudes is another delight before the band launch into Marionette - brutal on record and visually totally stunning. They then crank up the octane even more for the medley Drivin' Sister/Crash Street Kidds/Violence.
The same article goes on to recommend this concert as the best bootleg available for Mott The Hoople, in terms of sound quality and content.
Was it just five short years (1969 - 1974) that Mott The Hoople did their thing ? As reforming goes, you have to hand it to them !
Reloaded - 29/May/2015 - download link in comments. Buy mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Mott The Hoople
This is The Sugarcubes, arguably Iceland's most successful 'contemporary' music band, and as I am sure you already know, inclusive of Bjork, who within and outside of Iceland, has gone on to even greater musical success.
Recorded at Manchester University Student's Union, Manchester, England on the 14th May 1988, this is part of The Sugarcubes gig that night, that was then broadcast on BBC Radio One.
Source: FM Radio Broadcast (BBC Radio).
Sound Quality: Very Good stereo 'off air' recording, converted to 320kbps mp3 quality.
Genre: Alternative Rock, popular in both Europe and on USA College radio at the time.
Set: Live recording for BBC Radio - as I understand part of the nights gig. (Total playing time 29:48 minutes).
Links: The Sugarcubes have very low commercial or informative web presence. To check out their discography use Bjorks official site HERE. The Sugarcubes record label (One Little Indian) pages are HERE.
Comments: The Sugarcubes were far more than just Bjork, you only have to listen to their music to know that, and yet without Bjork a key element of their chemistry and sound, would be missing.
I would imagine that I, along with many people in the UK, became aware of The Sugarcubes through John Peel's late night BBC radio show, and having listened, bought and enjoyed their music as a direct result. Their seemingly untimely conclusion was a disappointment.
However Bjorks solo debut album, built very naturally on their 'then' sound, and was very real compensation.
That said The Sugarcubes unique and adventurous sound should never be under estimated, as I am sure Bjork would continue to endorse.
Download link in comments below or click the picture.
This isMidnight Oilperforming live at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, on the 23rd June 1993.
Source:Soundboard.
Sound Quality:Excellent stereo at 192kbps
Genre: Rock, Alternative Rock.
Set:Live acoustic performance, duration of recording: 00:53:54
Set List:
01 - Feeding Frenzy
02 - The Dead Heart
03 - My Country
04 - Blue Sky Mine
05 - Sell My Soul
06 - Truganini
07 - Warakurna
08 - Short Memory
09 - Beds Are Burning
10 - Earth And Sun And Moon
Band Line Up:
Bones Hillman: Bass, Vocals
Martin Rotsey: Guitars, Vocals Robert Hirst: Drums, Vocals
Peter Garrett: Lead Vocals
Jim Moginie: Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals
Links: The official (record label) site HERE, and another comprehensive Wikipedia entry HERE.
Comments:This concert first surfaced as a bootleg in September 1993, titled 'Acoustic 1993'. The recording was notable for the excellent sound quality, which for acoustic sets makes all the difference.
Midnight Oil are one of Australia's finest rock bands in my personal opinion, both in the studio and in concert, this little gem, gives some insight into one aspect of the band, I have another 'electric' performance, that will follow in due course to provide the 'balance'.
Reloaded - 29/May/2015 - download link in comments. Buy DRM free mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Midnight Oil
This is Steve Earle & The Train Band live in concert at the Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA, USA, on the 30th November 1995.
Source: Very low generation copy of stereo soundboard recording.
Sound Quality: Excellent (very clean, slightly remastered when transferred to digital).
Genre: From Country to Rock (very diverse & hard to categorise at times in his career).
Set: Full concert including encores.
Set List:
Part One:
1. Mystery Train Part II 2. Hometown Blues 3. The Devil's Right Hand 4. Tom Ames' Prayer 5. Angel Is The Devil 6. Sometimes She Forgets 7. You Know The Rest 8. Goodbye 9. Band intros 10. The Other Kind 11. My Old Friend The Blues 12. Someday 13. South Nashville Blues 14. Ellis Unit One
Part Two:
1. I Ain't Ever Satisfied 2. Rivers Of Babylon (Dowe/McNaughton) 3. Nothin' Without You 4. When Will We Be Married? (Trad) 5. Ruby Ridge (Rowan) * 6. Free Mexican Air Force (Rowan) * 7. I'm Looking Through You (Lennon/McCartney) 8. White Freight Liner Blues (Van Zandt) 9. Jordan Am A Hard Road To Travel (Emmett) ** 10. Northern Winds (Blake) 11. Ben McCulloch 12. Copperhead Road
Encores:
13. Guitar Town 14. Down The Road
* with: Peter Rowan on lead vocals ** with: Norman Blake on lead vocals
Train Band Line Up: Peter Rowan - vocals, guitar. Norman Blake - vocals, guitar. Roy Husky Junior - upright bass.
Links: A concise summary of Steve Earle's eventful career to date HERE. Official website (kept up to date) HERE.
Comments: If you are a fan of Steve Earle's music, you will love this, if not, this makes a pretty good starting point.
This concert took place around a year after Steve had been released form jail (for fire arms and drug offences). He kicked his long standing drug habit in prison, and when released set about recording and touring.
His music diversified and the live performances improved substantially.
Steve continues to be a very active, this concert is just a point in time, and as previously mentioned a good point to discover the man.
Download links in comments below.
Buy Steve Earle mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Steve Earle
This is a classic Madness bootleg originally circulated on CD as 'Aqua Folies' no doubt, as a result of the concert taking place at 'The Pier', Hudson River, New York City, USA.
This was part of their late summer (1983) USA tour, the actual gig took place on the 22nd August 1983.
Source: FM stereo broadcast, with advertisements and presenter links removed.
Sound Quality: Superb, 320kbps mp3 stereo version, fans and audio 'buffs' will not be disappointed.
Genre: Two Tone (how many record labels becomes a genre?), English Ska, OK it's great pop, that stands the test of time.
Set: Full set including encores, nicely edited as mentioned above.
Set List:
1. House Of Fun 2. Disappear 3. Close Escape 4. My Girl 5. Night Boat To Cairo 6. Tomorrows Dream 7. Razor Blade Alley 8. Tomorrows Just Another Day 9. Grey Day 10. Shut Up 11. Madness 12. Baggy Trousers 13. Our House 14. Madness (Is All In The Mind) 15. It Must Be Love 16. Primrose Hill 17. One Step Beyond Links: A reasonably well rounded Wikipedia summary HERE. My Space (with forthcoming tour details) HERE.
Comments: I have only seen Madness live once, (in London, UK), and much later on than this.
I was absolutely 'blown away' by the fun, musical quality, showmanship, energy, and commitment, along with the fact that the audience very soon became a part of the whole event.
This concert does justice to that memory. There's probably a little more adrenalin and raw talent, and a tad less 'audience interaction' than they get on home soil, but all in all, it confirms to me they have been a consistently great band since those early, ground breaking days in the latter 1970's.
Download links in comments below.
Madness albums can be purchased at Amazon.co.uk - Madness
This is Nick Loweand His Cowboy Outfit (featuring Paul Carrack), Live at The Ritz Theatre, New York, on the 19th October 1985.
Source: WNEW 102.7FM stereo broadcast.
Sound Quality: Stereo very good 'off air' recording - first generation.
Genre: Pub Rock, New Wave, from rock to country to soul to pop.
Set: Majority of concert (cannot confirm if WNEW edited out any stage of the gig).
Set List:
1. Raging Eyes 2:37 2. She Don't love Nobody 3:43 3. Cracking Up 2:41 4. Mary Provost 2:58 5. One Woman Man 2:11 6. Saint Beneath The Paint 3:26 7. Your My Wildest Dream 3:06 8. Shake And Pop 4:03 9. Tempted 4:03 10. Cruel To Be Kind 3:43 11. Rose Of England 3:30 12. Darling Angel Eyes 2:41 13. Seven Nights OF Rock 3:12 14. I Knew The Bride 3:10 15. I Need You 3:28 16. How Long 6:44 17. Half A Boy 2:59
Links: Very good Wikipedia synopsis HERE. Official site HERE.
Comments: Nick Lowe is one of those artists, that I assume is always busy doing something.
Either touring, producing, creating, always an individual, busy in the very 'engine room' of rock'n'roll.
These day's he can fill London's Albert Hall for live shows rather than a sweaty, smoke filled pub venue, somewhere in the suburbs.
Take a look at the Wikipedia article if you have five minutes, and remind yourself of his creative achievements, influence, and down to earth pretentious free career. If only more rock'n'roll stars were like this !
Download link in comments below.
A selection of Nick's CD's are available at Amazon - Nick Lowe
Amy Macdonald understandably made the most of the 'consistently warm reception' she received in Germany last year, clearly enjoying performing live, as we can hear on two specific gigs she along with her excellent band, had recorded for German radio networks.
She also made a number of promotional appearances for both TV and radio in Germany, and was filmed in Berlin towards the end of 2008.
These particular recordings have been circulated as 'The German Radio Broadcasts 2008 (FM)' either on double CD or as FLAC files on a few file sharing forums.
Source: Radio Broadcasts from WDR 2 and Radio Bremen.
Sound Quality: Excellent stereo recordings converted to MP3 @ 320kbps, very high quality.
Genre: Indie Pop - acoustic plus band.
Sets: In three parts:
Part One: Four promo recordings (from February 2008), with intros by Amy MacDonald, acoustic solo sets for WDR 2 recorded at the radio station and subsequently broadcast during the month.
01. This Is The Life 02. Poison Prince 03. Mr. Brightside 04. Mr. Rock & Roll
Part Two: Live in concert recorded at Kleiner Sendesaal, Cologne, on the 1st June 2008, for WDR 2 - Musikclub, and subsequently broadcast on the 15th June 2008.
01 Poison Prince
02 Mr Rock & Roll
03 Youth Of Today
04 This Is The Life
05 Mr Brightside
06 Footballers Wife
07 Barrowland Ballroom
08 Dancing In The Dark
09 Road To Home
10 Caledonia
11 Run
Part Three: Again live in concert (recorded on the 18th September 2008), for the 'New Pop Festival 2008' at Kurhaus, Baden-Baden, Germany. This appears to be a new syndicated venture for some European major radio groups, this copy broadcast on Radio Bremen (programme Bremen Vier Intensiv) on the 12th November 2008.
01 Poison Prince
02 L.A.
03 Youth Of Today
04 Mr. Rock'n'Roll
05 Next Big Thing
06 Footballers Wife
07 Mr. Brightside
08 Run
09 Dancing In The Dark
10 This Is The Life
11 Let's Start A Band
This is Neil Inneslive in concert at Maxwell's Club in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA in the summer of 2001 with Yo Le Tango as the backup band.
Neil's pedigree as I am sure you well know, includes The Bonzo Dog Band, The Rutles, along with plenty of solo projects down the years. He is of course also known for his collaborative work with Monty Python.
Source: Audience recording - don't be put off, this is well beyond 'collectors' only.
Sound Quality: As audience goes - 'superb quality' with low audience noise and the sound levels are solid and consistent. I have left it as a Nero music file, you may want to convert to mp3 or download a free Nero media player.
Genre: Parody, Rock, Comedy, Wonderful - very British.
Set: Full concert to my knowledge.
Set List:
1 - I'm The Urban Spaceman3:52
2 - Goose Step Mama2:42
3 - Between Us2:56
4 - Real World4:16
5 - Piggy Bank Love4:24
6 - Under The Electric Sun5:33
7 - Crystal Ball6:17
8 - Godfree Daniel3:12
9 - L'amour Perdue3:53
10 - Double Back Alley5:19
11 - Humanoid Boogie4:40
12 - Song For Europe3:02
13 - Shangrila6:01
14 - I Want To Be With You3:15
15 - Ouch!2:06
16 - I Must Be In Love4:04
17 - Let's Be Natural 4:00
18 - Mr Apollo5:13
Links: Official Website HERE. Doo Dah Diaries (a project to compile the complete history of the Bonzo's HERE.
Comments: This boot was originally circulated on a CD as 'Piggy Bank Love' a 'Bonzo Dog Band' song reference. I will as requested keep the source of this particular version to myself, however, I now know there are many other fans with great archive material, both sides of the Atlantic ocean.
Neil Innes performs solo, Bonzo's and Rutles material during this performance, with his own distinctive interaction with the audience.
Reloaded - 20/May/2015 - download link in comments. Purchase Amazon mp3's - Neil Innes
This is X-Ray Spex playing live at CBGB's in New York USA, on the 17th March 1978.
X-Ray Spex were one of the few female (Poly Styrene) fronted punk bands from that era and were summed up more recently by John Lydon as follows - "Them, they came out with a sound and attitude and a whole energy - it was just not relating to anything around it - superb."
Source: Possibly soundboard (levels and audience noise suggest this is the case).
Sound Quality: 1970's punk - come on don't expect Hi-Fi - highly listenable good quality stereo will have to do!
Genre: Punk (UK) - New Wave
Set: Full live concert
Set List:
1 - Artificial
2 - I'm obsessed with you
3 - Let's submerge
4 - Identity
5 - Plastic bag
6 - I live off you
7 - Germ free adolescents
8 - I'm a poser
9 - Genetic engineering
10 - I'm a cliche
11 - The day the world turned dayglo
12 - Oh bondage up yours!
13 - Artificial
14 - Identity
Comments: They never took themselves to seriously, had enough ability and unique attributes to get noticed, and if there had of been a punk charter for the time they could have been the model - (a few singles, one album, perform live after just the one rehearsal, and have a point of view).
X-Ray Spex played a short residency at CBGB's from which I understand this was liberated. Amongst those who turned out to see them were members of Blondie and Richard Hell from the Voidoids. In true punk spirit they were there to play, no single or album to plug, just some energetic live nights on stage.
You can read a little more through the above links, and for those of us of a certain age take a little saunter down memory lane.
New file link in comments below - Re-uploaded 2012 (Stealth project). Purchase mp3's Punk Memories
With one of Scotland's (UK) finest female vocalists, it's easy to forget that Garbage are primarily an American band from Madison Wisconsin.
This is Garbage back on the 15th October 1998 live in concert at the Bronco Bowl, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Source: I am uncertain, the originator of this copy suggests soundboard, however it may be from local FM (anyone shed some light on this?).
Sound Quality: Highly listenable (soundboard?) good stereo at 160kbps.
Genre: Indie / Alternative Rock
Set: Full live concert
Set List:
1. Temptation Waits 2. Not My Idea 3. I Think I'm Paranoid 4. Special 5. My Lover's Box 6. Hammering In My Head 7. Thirteen 8. #1 Crush 9. Stupid Girl 10. Vow 11. Wicked Ways 12. Queer 13. Push It 14. Only Happy When It Rains 15. You Look So Fine 16. Milk 17. Trip My Wire 18. When I Grow Up
Links: Official Website HERE MySpace site HERE and Wikipedia HERE.
Comments: It seems likely Garbage have run their course, which is preferable to releasing a tired new album for the sake of it.
In more recent times Shirley Manson has been working on some solo material and in the course of this departed Geffen Records who appeared to want a 'pop hit', (now there's a surprise).
Anyway this is a feisty performance as you would expect from a band of Garbage's calibre, so enjoy.
(Download link is in comments below - go to second link).
Amy Macdonald performed close to one hundred gigs last year, along with a host of promotional appearances.
This is Amy in concert on the 29th October 2008, live at Debaser Medis, Stockholm, Sweden.
Source: Audience recording, front area, close to centre.
Sound Quality: For audience - excellent! stereo (mixed as a labor of love - just listen) low audience noise - highly listenable.
Genre: Indie Pop - acoustic plus band.
Set: Full live performance with two tracks missing in action, lets hope they make it home.
Set List:
01 Bag pipe introduction 02 Poison Prince 03 L.A. 04 Youth of Today 05 Barrowland Ballroom 06 Footballers Wife 07 Mr. Brightside (08 I wish for something more - sorry missing from this edit) 09 Mr. Rock and Roll 10 Next Big Thing 11 This is the Life 12 Hallelujah 13 Troubled Soul 14 Run 15 'Crowd encore' (16 Dancing in the dark - sorry missing from this edit) 17 'Band presentation' 18 The Road to Home 19 Let's Start a Band
Links: Official site HERE, MySpace music site HERE.
Comments: OK, as previously mentioned I am a fully fledged fan of Amy's music, so expect no impartiality here.
Not only has she slogged the live circuit, and done the publicity stuff, most importantly of all, she writes great songs, performs them with vigour and heart, and does covers in a very personal style that you might believe she has composed them herself.
If you like myself, are usually put off, of downloading 'audience' recordings, this one is surprisingly good quality, and well beyond 'enthusiasts' material.
During December & early January a number of music sites and magazines, indulge in the 'best of' the year passing, often with top 10's 20's 50's and so on.
Nothing wrong with all that, indeed it can be a great way of discovering bands and artists that otherwise may pass you by.
This got me thinking about some of the issues recently, regarding whole postings being deleted on various music sites (including this one) thanks to our friends in big record companies.
I took a quick look through the latter part of 2008, to remind myself of some of the bands and artists that I had discovered thanks in particular to other music bloggers.
Yes some are now already 'established', some yet to release an album, however I wonder if I would have given them any attention if it was not for those enthusiastic postings. The chances of a lot of these artists getting prime time exposure on UK radio, is limited, and in some cases any exposure is unlikely, for the profit driven, play safe industry.
Here are just five examples randomly selected:
Hajen (pictured above) was first featured on Swedesplease, an excellent source for new music from such a vibrant and musically diverse country. Known as Hajen which translates as Shark, Amanda Bergman for me, is one to watch out for in the coming year, to use the well worn cliche 'a breath of fresh air'.
Land of Talk are a Canadian indie rock band from Montreal, Quebec. The band consists of singer and guitarist Elizabeth Powell, bassist Joe Yarmush and drummer Eric Thibodeau. Their first full length album, Some Are Lakes, was released in October 2008. For me they have a real buzz, along with a distinctive sound, very accessible.
Okkervil River are an indie folk band from Austin, Texas. Formed in 1998, the band takes its name from a short story by Russian author Tatyana Tolstaya. The band released their fifth album The Stand Ins on September 9th 2008, from which the song below lead to my coming across this really fine band.
First Aid Kit are another superb act from Sweden, who have an EP 'Drunken Trees' available through their My Space site. They are in my humble opinion one of the bands to watch out for this year (yes I know), see what you think.
Amy MacDonald is now doing very well, and deservedly so, she has an exceptional style, and her songs are just far to catchy ! I expect most of you are familiar if not to finish this brief round up feel free to check out Amy here.
This is John Prine performing live for BBC Radio One, back in 1973 at the BBC Radio Theatre in London.
Source: One of BBC Radio 1's, 'In Concert' series from this era, originally recorded 'off air'.
Sound Quality: FM stereo, good clean quality.
Genre: Country, Folk, Protest, significant influence for recent Americana.
Set: Full BBC performance.
Set List:
01 Spanish Pipe dream 02 Illegal Smile 03 Donald and Lydia 04 Sam Stone 05 Pretty Good 06 Rocky Mountain 07 Hello In There 08 Everybody Needs Somebody
Links: Official stuff is pretty average, probably best represented by 'official' fan site HERE.
Comments: Back in 1972, Atlantic records released the album 'sampler' The New Age Of Atlantic', a phenomenal album that introduced many 'rock' fans to John Prine and others (check HERE for more album details).
John Prine's inclusion was the song 'Sam Stone' which put concisely by 'Wikipedia' can be interpreted as, a reference to the phenomenon of morphine addiction among war veterans (at that time the Vietnam war) as a result of its use to treat crippling and painful injuries, and its often lifetime repercussions.
Personally I think the song is as relevant today, and on many levels, as when it was originally written and performed by John Prine. Despite my young age at the time (honest), it made a lasting impression on me, but above all it's such a wonderful piece of observational music.
If you would rather just listen to Sam Stone, hit play below, the concert download link is in comments for this posting.
Lets kick off 2009, with some heads down, no nonsense, mindless boogie, from rock monsters Status Quo !
Source: Concert soundboard.
Sound Quality: Excellent mixed stereo direct recording.
Genre: 1970's Rock'n'roll, hair, flares, and axe heroes.
Set: Performed on the 24th November 1971, at the Koncerthuset, Stockholm, Sweden, this is possibly just the second part of the gig.
Set List:
1. Juniors Wailing 3.36 2. Some one's Learning 8.00 3. Umleitung 7.58 4. In My Chair 3.17 5. Railroad 5.37 6. Roadhouse Blues 8.07
Line Up:
Francis Rossi - Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica Rick Parfitt - Guitar, Vocals Alan Lancaster - Bass John Coghlan - Drums Plus - Bob 'Bandie' Young - Harp
Links: Status Quo's excellent, comprehensive and well updated, official site HERE.
Comments: 1971 saw the band release the album 'Dog Of Two Head' thus confirming their natural shift to 'rockers'. Three tracks from the album are performed on this boot, Some one's Learning, Umleitung and Railroad.
Remaining ever popular Status Quo have long passed the 'parody of their own selves' stage, into 'cultural' rockers, whose often predictive sound, still sells out concert after concert, along with a lot of product.
This Rockpile live in concert collection was originally circulated on bootleggers 'Great Live Records' (GLR 9235).
