Thursday, 12 March 2009

The Tubes - Darted In My Own Armchair - 1976

My first memories of The Tubes, was hearing Radio Caroline play 'Don't Touch Me There' back in 1976, at a time when BBC Radio & the UK's fledgling commercial stations bent over backwards to ban anything that was remotely risque, or questionable... well anything!

A number of The Tubes band members were students at the same high school in Phoenix, Arizona, as Alice Cooper, what were they putting in the water back there and then?

This recording was made at a time when The Tubes were arguably moving towards their first creative peak, which was both visual and musical.

This then is The Tubes live at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, USA, on the 26th June 1976.

Source: Tricky one this. I thought it was definitely an expanded version of a King Biscuit Flower Hour recording, however their site partly contradicts this, any how it's a professionally mixed recording.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo soundboard quality @ 192kbps.

Genre: Rock, from Pop Rock to New Wave.

Set: Fifty minutes - predominately the latter part of the concert.

Set List:

1a. Young and Rich - Grandiose Instrumental Overture
1b. What do you Want From Life.
2. Tubes World Tour.
3. Love will Keep us Together.
4. Pimp.
5a. Mondo Bondage
5b. Don't Touch me There.
6. Boy Crazy.
7. Stand up and Shout.

Band:

Rick Anderson - bass
Michael Cotton - synthesizers
Prairie Prince - drums
Bill Spooner - guitar, vocals
Roger Steen - guitar, harmonica, vocals
Re Styles - vocals
Fee Waybill - lead vocals
Vince Welnick - keyboards

Links: Official Site HERE.

Comments: This bootleg recording originally circulated on a vinyl album entitled 'Darted In My Own Armchair' it was subsequently released on CD in Italy in 1991 as 'The Tubes In Concert 1976'.

The Intro to 'Love Will Keep Us Together' is the Captain Beefheart tune 'Gimme Dat Harp' featuring Roger on blues harp.

The band released their second album 'Young and Rich' in 1976, and following a one month residency at Bimbos, San Francisco, continued with 'The Tubes World Tour 1976'.

Download link in comments below - or just click on the picture above.

Purchase: MP3's - The Tubes

Tuesday, 10 March 2009

Nils Lofgren - Pinkpop Festival 1977

It was the UK's NME (New Musical Express), that introduced me to Nils Lofgren, way back when I was a much, much, younger person in the second half of the 1970's.

I was so impressed I went about purchasing his earlier material with 'Grin', and feel a strange personal satisfaction that has been such a key member of Bruce Springsteen's 'E Street Band'.

This then is Nils Lofgren and band, back on the 30th May 1977, at the Pink Pop Festival, Geleen, Holland.

Source: Local FM radio broadcast.

Sound Quality: Very Good quality FM Stereo off air recording converted to 320kbps MP3.

Genre: Rock, Blues Rock, high quality guitar and vocals.

Set: Part of the festival set (as far as I know), for FM broadcast featuring key songs.

Set List:

1.Incidentally it's over.
2.Like rain.
3.Code of the road.
4.Keith don't go.
5.Moon tears.
6.I came to dance.

Total Playing Time 38:01

Links: Official Site (very good) HERE. Informative Wikipedia entry HERE.

Comments: Nils Lofgren's 1976 album release 'Cry Tough' remains a personal favorite of mine. The massive punk backlash emerging at the time here in the UK, was never aimed at the likes of Nils Lofgren, indeed he was considered amongst my peers at the time, as a great example of how rock music should develop.

In reality he was doing his own thing to a very high standard, which fared well, outside of all the music industry shenanigans, and struck a chord with your average rock music fan, tired of the self indulgence of those who had made a fortune playing the rock superstar.

Download link in comments below - or just click on the picture above.

Purchase: MP3's Nils Lofgren

Monday, 9 March 2009

The Rutles - Rehearsals

Who can forget the legend that was Ron, Dirk, Stig, and Barry?

The 'Prefab Four' remain in our hearts forever, a legend in their own lunchtime, always to be remembered as The Rutles.

OK I hope you know the story, and some of the music, if not, and if you like The Beatles and love a good laugh this is the perfect parody.

This particular recording is from The Rutles pre tour rehearsals, not sure where, its great music though, and also known as 'Sweet Rutles Tracks'.

Source: Studio rehearsals 1978.

Sound Quality: Good quality stereo (studio rehearsal 'live' recording).

Genre: Parody, comedy, musically think The Beatles.

Set: Part of studio rehearsal's with some archive Rutles video soundbites.

Set List:

We've Arrived 3:25
Now She's Left You 1:41
Number One 2:40
Love Life 3:23
Goose-Step Mama 2:34
It's Looking Good 1:56
I Must Be In Love 2:17
Baby Let Me Be 2:44
Good Times Roll 3:08
Let's Be Natural 2:25
Get Up And Go 4:45
Blue Suede Schubert 2:35
Between Us 2:14
Piggy In The Middle 2:47
Living In Hope 2:39
Double Back Alley
Plenty Of Time

Touring Band.

Neil Innes — piano, guitar and vocals;
John Halsey — drums;
Mark Griffiths — bass guitar and vocals;
Mickey Simmonds — keyboards and vocals;
Ken Thornton — lead guitar
J.J. Jonespercussion.

Links: Official Site HERE. More factual stuff on Wikipedia HERE.

Comments: I always remember when I first watched Rutland Weekend Television (on BBC Two as it happens), itself in part a parody of then British commercial TV station London Weekend Television, and similar TV channels. As a fan of Monty Python I could not stop laughing at what seemed at the time to be a perfect antidote for Pythons TV demise.

The Rutles were first seen in the series during a 1975 sketch, that was in keeping with the overall parody of the comedy series.

It made sense that The Rutles continued both within the TV show and as a recording and performing act in their own right.

The musical takes on The Beatles are often sublime, to the point of record company litigation that led to John Lennon and Paul McCartney being credited as co-authors on some official music releases.

Free: (If you require it to play this) - Nero Music Player HERE.

Download link in comments below - or just click on the picture above.

Purchase: MP3's from Amazon UK, (there are some gems here) The Rutles

Wednesday, 4 March 2009

Rockpile - Live In Concert 1979

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.

Genre: Rock, Rockabilly, Pub Rock.

Set: Ten songs split over two gigs.

Set List:

(Probable Palladium New York 20th August 1979)

1. Crawling From The Wreckage 3:03

2. Girls Talk 3:34

3. Cruel To Be Kind 3:07

4. I Hear You Knocking 2:29

5. Cracking Up 2:46

6. Jailhouse Rock 2:34


(Possibly Bottom Line New York 1979).


7. Deborah 2:46

8. No More Mr Nice Guy 2:48

9. Ju Ju Man 3:15

10. Heart Of The City 5:09


Links: Official Dave Edmunds Site HERE.

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.

Free: Nero Music Player HERE.

Download link in comments below - or just click on the picture.

Purchase: MP3's. Dave Edmunds

Tuesday, 3 March 2009

New (and not so new) Music Round Up - March 2009

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.

Listen:



MP3: In The Parlor
Web Link: My Space
Pre-Order - Kora Records

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.

Listen:



MP3: Bayonets
Web Link: My Space.

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'.

Listen:



MP3: Body Of Years
Web Link: Official Site, My Space.
Buy: Mother Mother 2008 release

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.

Listen:



MP3: Land Locked.
Web Link: My Space.
Buy: Dakotafish Music.

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.

Listen:



MP3: Dark Horse
Web Link: My Space.
Buy: Bowerbirds.

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.

Listen:



MP3: Nothing To Much.
Web Link: Official Site.
Buy: The Fireman.

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!

Listen:



MP3: Highway Of Endless Dreams.
Web Link: Official Site.
Buy: M83.

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.

Listen:



MP3: Started Out With Nothing.
Web Link: My Space.
Buy: Seasick Steve.

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.

Listen:



MP3: How I Became Paranoid.
Web Link: My Space.
Buy: CSS.

Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Steppenwolf - Live In London 1972

This is Steppenwolf live in London, at some point in the summer of 1972. This concert has circulated on vinyl and Cd as 'Five Fingered Discount'.

Source: Possibly soundboard, however the recording sounds more like FM, sorry cannot confirm.

Sound Quality: Stereo 320kbps mp3 (Good clean sound).

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

Links: Official web site HERE.

Comments: There are few details regarding this particular concert.

John Kay toured Europe as The John Kay Band in 1972, and also as Steppenwolf on the same bill, John Kay fronting both groups.

It is therefore likely to be from one of these gigs, and so, this might be the complete 'Steppenwolf' show, from the tour (are you still with me?)...

Whatever this is a feisty performance with the London audience clearly loving every minute.

Reloaded August 2015 see comments.

Monday, 23 February 2009

Mott The Hoople - Santa Monica Civic Auditorium - 1974

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

Friday, 20 February 2009

The Sugarcubes - Live In Manchester - 1988

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).

Set List:

1.Motorcrash.
2.Tidal Wave.
3.Planet.
4.Deus.
5.Traitor.
6.Water.
7.Sick For Toys.
8.Birthday.
9.Delicious Demon.

Band Line Up:

Björk Guðmundsdóttir (vocals, keyboards)
Einar Örn Benediktsson (vocals, trumpet)
Sigtryggur Baldursson (drums)
Þór Eldon
(guitar)
Bragi Ólafsson (bass)
Einar Melax
(keyboards)

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.

Buy DRM free mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Sugarcubes

Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Midnight Oil - Acoustic 1993

This is Midnight Oil performing 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

Sunday, 15 February 2009

Steve Earle & The Train Band - Live in Atlanta 1995

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

Wednesday, 11 February 2009

Madness - Aqua Folies - New York 1983

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

Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Nick Lowe - Live In New York - 1985

This is Nick Lowe and 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

Friday, 6 February 2009

Amy MacDonald - Live in Germany - 2008

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

Links: Official site HERE,

Comments: All these performances were captured in top quality audio, more importantly the music and performances are sharp and feisty.

Amy's interaction with the audience makes for a great time for those who were fortunate enough to be there, and those of us who can listen again now.

Reloaded August 2015 see comments.

Monday, 2 February 2009

Neil Innes - Live at Maxwell's New Jersey - 2001

This is Neil Innes live 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 Spaceman 3:52
2 - Goose Step Mama 2:42
3 - Between Us 2:56
4 - Real World 4:16
5 - Piggy Bank Love 4:24
6 - Under The Electric Sun 5:33
7 - Crystal Ball 6:17
8 - Godfree Daniel 3:12
9 - L'amour Perdue 3:53
10 - Double Back Alley 5:19
11 - Humanoid Boogie 4:40
12 - Song For Europe 3:02
13 - Shangrila 6:01
14 - I Want To Be With You 3:15
15 - Ouch! 2:06
16 - I Must Be In Love 4:04
17 - Let's Be Natural 4:00
18 - Mr Apollo 5:13

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

Wednesday, 28 January 2009

X-Ray Spex - Live at CBGB's 1978

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

Links: Official Website HERE, and Wikipedia HERE.

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

Monday, 26 January 2009

Garbage - Dallas Texas - 1998

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).

Purchase DRM free mp3's by Garbage - Garbage MP3's

Sunday, 18 January 2009

Amy Macdonald - Live In Stockholm - October 2008

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.

(Download link is in comments below)

Buy Amy Macdonald - Amy Macdonald DRM free mp3's at Amazon

Watch this space - Live soundboard & FM stereo Amy Macdonald material planned to follow, (with superior quality versions of the missing tracks).

LeVolume - Clint Wilson - Pam Ross - Chad Price Peace Coalition

LeVolume - LeVolume (Album). LeVolume is a new project for its members Jenny Whiteley, Joey Wright and Julian Brown. "That Was Then, T...