Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Paris, France - 1998

This is Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds performing live for the Black Session, a radio show broadcast on France Inter (French radio station) on this occasion recorded at Le Reservoir, Paris, France, back on the 19th May 1998, with a studio/location audience.

Source: Live 'Black Session' recorded for France Inter in Paris, re-broadcast on the 30th May 2006.

Sound Quality: Very good FM stereo @192kbps mp3.

Genre: Alternative rock, post-punk, roots rock, and above all, Nick Cave with one of the best bands to surface in Australia.

Set: This is the full Le Reservoir live session.

Set List:

01 Lime Tree Arbour
02 Let Love In
03 Stranger Than Kindness
04 Red Right Hand
05 Nobody's Baby Now
06 Do You Love Me (Pt 1)
07 Into My Arms
08 The Ship Song
09 The Mercy Seat
10 Brompton Oratory (Encore).

Links: Official My Space site HERE.

Comments: This is very good audio quality, that demonstrates just how good Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are live.

I have collected most of their releases, (I am an unashamed fan of their music), and to the left of me right now, are a couple of boxed sets of their material, to my right most of the individual CD releases (I kid you not).

It's strange but when I really like an artist or band, I think quite seriously as to whether I should share the material, not particularly selfishly, more along the lines, does it do them justice, will it be deleted by their label, does the band object to bootlegs and so on, at the end of the day we are all just human.

Looking at their official site & the fact they catalogue known bootleg releases hopefully this is not the case with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.

On this occasion, the Black Session host Bernard Lenoir, who for this re-broadcast had his comments added some eight years after the original performance, has been edited out.

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

Purchase: MP3's (DRM free) through Amazon.co.uk: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Earth and Fire - Holland & Germany 1972 & 74

This is Dutch band Earth and Fire performing live on two occasions in the early 1970's.

Earth & Fire were commercially popular in Holland, with a number of hit singles, which were played to a larger audience through offshore radio station Radio Northsea International (RNI) and subsequently Radio Caroline upon their return to air in the early 1970's.

These platforms developed a growing British following, it is also clear the band were enjoyed in other neighboring country's.

Earth & Fire were primarily a 'prog' rock band, that crossed over into the popular mainstream, because basically they made some superb individual songs.

I occasionally describe some music as 'timeless' in other words the music sounds as fresh today as when it was first conceived, some of Earth & Fires songs fall comfortably into this bracket.

The following material is from two separate gigs, the first live in Ijmuiden, Nederland (Holland), on the 17th June 1972.

The second part is best described as a semi official bootleg (apparently it had limited 'official' circulation somewhere, in 1999, I have no idea where), anyway the concert was recorded live at Zur Grille, Germany, on the 21st March 1974.

Source: 1972 concert: audience recording or mono soundboard. 1974 concert: soundboard or FM recording.

Sound Quality: 1972 concert: good quality (if audience - very good). 1974 concert: very good quality, both concerts are highly listenable the second is however the better of them. (both MP3 @ 320kbps).

Genre: Prog Rock, Classic Rock, Quality Pop.

Set: Two concert recordings, I cannot confirm if either are entire sets.

Set List:

Live in Ijmuiden, Nederland, 17 June 1972.

1. In the mountains (3:49)
2. Storm and thunder (7:17)
3. Memories (4:03)
4. Song of the marching children (21:38)
5. From the end til the beginning (4:31)
7. Semi touch (5:13) unreleased.
8. Schluuss parts 1-4 (instrumental) (21:31) unreleased.

Live at Zur Grille, Germany, 21 March 1974.

1. Atlantis theme / In the mountains / Atlantis reprise (7:06)
2. Song of the marching children (22:06)
3. Fanfare (6:21)
4. Memories (4:44)
5. Storm and thunder (8:45)

Band Line Up:

Jerney Kaagman (voice)
Chris Koerts (guitar, voice)
Gerard Koerts (organ, mellotron, piano, keyboards)
Ton Van der Kleij (drums)
Hans Ziech (bass)

Links: Dutch (official?) site HERE. English language fan site HERE.

Comments: The first concert was cleaned up, clearly as a labour of love from a fan, who unfortunately did not include his name with the accompanying notes to the recordings.

The notes are:

First show came to me labelled "Ijmuiden 1974" but this is very doubtful because they only play tracks from their 1972 album ("song of the marching children") and none from their 1973 "Atlantis" album. Plus the band is heard introducing : "In The Mountains from the last LP...." which was released on "song of the marching children" in 1972. And last, I was able to find pictures of Earth and Fire live in Ijmuiden in 1972 on the official earth & Fire website. So, this should be it, a vintage early Earth & Fire show from 1972. Probably recorded from the audience, but the sound is so good...
This show is also special for the unreleased instrumental pieces, with much jamming, very unusual for this band when you think Jerney's voice was its most famous element. But hey, without Jerney's, they're still rocking ! you may even hear some ELP's influences...

There were big issues with this recording :

- speed was much too slow. Jerney, the wonderful singer, seemed to struggle to sing the right notes as if she caught bronchitis. By restoring the right speed, you can hear she was a real good live singer.

- There were so many little dropouts with the sound. Every two or three seconds, the sound went down and up very quickly, as if there was a "hole". This was probably due to damages on the original tape. I corrected every dropout, which took me hours, but the result was worth it.

Second show is the semi official bootleg "Storm and thunder" live in Germany 1974 which was issued in 1999. Sound is also very good (claims to be soundboard but the sound is as good as the preceding 1972 concert).
Notable for the sensational extended rendition of the title track !

My thanks and credits to the provider of this material!

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

Purchase: CD's through Amazon.co.uk - The Ultimate Collection (3 CD Box Set).

May Music Selection - 2009

Having failed in April to present any new music recommendations, I will try and make up for that this month, so hopefully this is just part one.

I first came across The Mummers late last year, and thought to myself, I must keep an eye on this act, and promptly forgot all about them.

To my delight I was reminded with their appearance last month on Later With Jools Holland (BBC2 TV). Since then I have listened to everything available from them, and cannot recommend them highly enough.

Fronted by the delightful Raissa (Khan-Panni), and with a superb collection of musicians , I would be surprised and very disappointed if The Mummers do not get much wider recognition this year. From Brighton, England check out The Mummers !

Listen:



MP3: March Of The Dawn.
Web Link: Official Site, MySpace.
Buy: The Mummers

Descending Ivory are an three piece all girl group from Uppsala, Sweden, who I discovered through Swedesplease, a site that continues to throw up so many great new and not so new acts, and fantastic music.

They list a lot of influences, but I have to say, have a distinct sound and loads of great raw energy.

Listen:



MP3: Blast From The Past.
Web Link: MySpace.
Buy: No direct link check HERE for more.

Cymbals Eat Guitars were also featured not to long ago on another site (MP3 Hugger), and again struck a chord with me.

I have sat here now for a few minutes trying to think how to describe their sound and am struggling. It is also distinct, however having used that for the last band, lets just say give them a listen, if you like your music loud, energised, with swirling melodies and more.

Listen:



MP3: Indiana.
Web Link: MySpace.
Buy: InSound.com

I deliberately separated The Mummers from Bat For Lashes, with a couple of other tracks, for good reason.

For a start Brighton, England is home town for both acts, and I have noted comparisons between the bands on a number of reviews, however in my opinion they are both quite different, and have very unique elements.

Bat For Lashes is Natasha Khan with some great musicians, I got to see them last summer (supporting Radiohead), and with a new album just out, thought I would give her a justifiable recommendation.

Listen:



MP3: Pearl Dreams.
Web Link: Official Site.
Buy: Bat For Lashes

Finally for this time around, for some time I have been after an old Four Tops song 'Still Water (Peace)',

I have the original on vinyl, however it was rather crackly to say the least. Recently a decent copy of the original album came my way, so I have decided to finish this round up off with the song, for no other reason than it's wonderful.

Listen:



MP3: Still Water (Peace).
Web Link: Classic Motown.
Buy: Four Tops

Bob Dylan - Live In Canada 1962

Having just released his thirty third solo album 'Together Through Life', which has received some very positive reviews, I thought it would be interesting to wind the clock back some 47 years!

This is Bob Dylan back on the 2nd July 1962, live at the Finjan Club in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, a venue that I have no further details of, however judging from the audience, I would imagine it was quite an intimate affair.

This is taken from the Yellow Dog, CD version (Cat No YD010), probably the best bootleg version of this show.

Source: Soundboard recording

Sound Quality: Very good, this version 192kbps (MP3).

Genre: Bob Dylan (early, acoustic, folk period).

Set: Full set (cannot confirm).

Set List:

Death Of Emmett Till
Stealin' (Trad - Memphis Jug Band arr)
Hiram Hubbard (Trad)
Blowin' In The Wind
Rocks and Gravel (Brownie McGhee)
Quit Your Lowdown Ways
He Was A Friend of Mine (Trad )*
Let Me Die In My Footsteps
Two Trains Runnin' (McKinley Morganfield)
Ramblin' On My Mind (Robert Johnson)
Muleskinner Blues (Jimmie Rodgers)

* Traditional song that was registered to Bob Dylan in the US copyright office

Links: Official site HERE. Highly informative 'Bobs Boots' site HERE.

Comments: Bobs Boots summary of this recording is spot on, they say:

The incredible Finjan tape belongs in every collection. Period. This particular CD release is the one to own. Few if any other releases of Finjan can compare to this gem. Some of the other releases have edited out the in between song talking, mistakes, and false starts (which sometimes seem as long as the songs themselves). Nothing is edited here.

The CD captures the moment the recorder was turned on and left to run. This has always been a nice quality soundboard recording, but Yellow Dog has brought it to pure perfection. The audience is pin drop quiet. So much so that this could be a studio recording. The tape is so clean that several times you can hear the guitar case snaps etc. when the stage hand opens it to retrieve harmonicas and a capo. Turn up the stereo, and suddenly Dylan is in the room with you.

This really is a great historical time capsule of Bob Dylan, enjoy.

Reloaded 23/02/2016 link in comments.

Bonnie Raitt - Wolf Trap 1977

This is Bonnie Raitt live at Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia 22182 USA), way back on the 20th July 1977.

However a CD version of this gig, gives Washington DC as the location, and puts the show back a month to August.

You can often spot a money orientated boot, I guess that was one, however keeping with the Beehive Candy tradition, we share free every time, and withdraw any material if officially requested (we occasionally like to restate that fact, out of personal interest).

Source: WLIR-FM Broadcast Reel Master (digital copy).

Sound Quality: Extremely good stereo MP3 @192kbps.

Genre: Blues, Country, and Rock (unique crossover of styles).

Set: Full set (sorry cannot confirm).

Set List:

01 Concert Introduction
02 What Do You Want The Boy To Do
03 Under The Falling Sky
04 Walk Out The Front Door
05 My Opening Farewell
06 Love Has No Pride
07 Kokomo - Walking Blues
08 Give It Up Or Let Me Go
09 Women Be Wise
10 Too Long At The Fair
11 About To Make Me Leave Home..
12 Sugar Mama
13 Three Time Loser
14 Home
15 Runaway
16 Bluebird

Links: Official site HERE. Wikipedia HERE.

Comments: Bonnie Raitt remains a superb singer and musician, consistently surrounded by extremely good fellow band members.

She should be recognised for a considerable amount more as well.

Bonnie has been environmentally conscious for decades and, also aware of the importance of preserving her American musical heritage that has inspired her own music.

I think we can safely call her an activist on many fronts, this site is however all about the music, an area I feel on more comfortable ground with, therefore I am more than pleased to recommend Bonnie to anyone yet to discover her music.

Oh and she has won Grammys and other awards on a very regular basis.

I am sometimes puzzled as to why this side of the Atlantic (Europe), Bonnie has not gained the same amount of recognition.

Probably because when you check out her track record, she could be mistaken as one of us, or is that just wishful thinking?

Whatever this is one fine recording, and hopefully garners some new fans for Bonnie outside of the USA.

link in comments 23/02/2016.

Jeff Buckley - Live In Hamburg 1995

It has been well over a year since Jeff Buckley last appeared on this site, my love for his music has not diminished.

I guess in a way it's cyclical, time goes by, and for all types of reasons I am drawn back to playing one of his albums or songs.

Because Jeff has already appeared a number of times on the Beehive, it has been easy to put this to one side, also some of the tracks can be streamed on Last FM.

However this is a great concert recording, and with Jeff's passing almost twelve years ago (one month from now), lets remember him again as he was, a fabulous artist, a joy to listen to.

This is Jeff Buckley recorded live at the Logo Club in Hamburg, Germany, on the 22nd February, 1995.

Source: Pre FM (DAT clone).

Sound Quality: Very good stereo quality.

Genre: Alternative Rock, Folk, Singer songwriter.

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

01 -Announcer Intro
02 -Dream Brother
03 -So Real
04 -Last Goodbye
05 -What Will You Say
06 -Lilac Wine
07 -Mojo Pin
08 -Grace
09 -Eternal Life
10 -Lover, You Should've Come Over
11 -Will The Circle Be Unbroken (traditional)
12 -Hallelujah
13 -Kanga-Roo

Links: Official site HERE. Wikipedia HERE.

Comments: A CD boot circulated as Black Roses (CD: 1998 Head Records), this was incomplete, as is the current material on Last FM.

The notes that came with this complete version sum the whole show up extremely well.

'This is an amazing show including stunning versions of Dream Brother, Lilac Wine, Mojo Pin and Kanga-Roo; an amazing medley of Lover You Should've Come Over and All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun (which is first of the two performances of this song, the other being on 1996-03-01 at Selina's, Sydney, Australia, 1996-03-01, as far as I know); the one and only performance of the traditional song "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" (which is also sang by Bob F***ing Dylan, as Jeff Buckley calls him); one of the best performances of Hallelujah with extra lyrics which are slightly different than the version on the Bataclan show, adding even more to the uniqueness of this show'.

For any fan, or any interested party, I hope you enjoy.

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

Purchase: MP3's (always DRM free) from Amazon.co.uk - Jeff Buckley

The Beat - Live in Amsterdam 1980

Known in the USA as The English Beat, and elsewhere simply as The Beat, this is the band live at the excellent concert venue, The Paradiso in Amsterdam, Holland, on this occasion back in 1980.

One of the original 2 Tone bands, The Beat along with the likes of The Specials, helped revive Ska in the UK, and appealed to many who had got back in to music, through punk and new wave.

Source: FM radio broadcast (Sorry not much info accompanied this boot).

Sound Quality: Very good FM stereo mp3 @320kbps.

Genre: 2 Tone, Ska, Reggae, New Wave.

Set: Most of set, however may have been edited for broadcast (total Playing Time 44:34).

Set List:

1.Two Swords.
2.Tears Of A Clown.
3.Twist And Crawl.
4.Rough Rider.
5.Mirror In The Bathroom.
6.Best Friend.
7.Whine And Grine / Stand Down Margaret.
8.Noise In This World.
9.Big Shot.
10.Hands Off She's Mine.
11.Jackpot.
12.Click Click.
13.Ranking Full Stop.

Concert Band Line Up:

Ranking Roger - vocals
Dave Wakeling - vocals
Andy Cox - guitar
David Steele - bass
Everett Morton - percussion
Saxa - saxophone

Links: Official site HERE. Wikipedia HERE.

Comments: This was from the tour supporting their first album release (I Just Cant Stop It), the band having already scored chart success with their excellent cover of 'Tears Of A Clown'.

Their official site concisely describes the coming of The Beat, so well in fact that I notice some sizable copy and pasting to Wikipedia, well if it's OK for others...

'Formed in the working class suburbs of industrial Birmingham in England in 1978 The Beat arose at a time of high unemployment and social upheaval. From the outset the band offered messages of hope and peace with an insight into sociopolitical topics would later alongside The Specials see them heralded as forerunners of the whole 2-Tone Ska movement'.

Better still get your two tone outfit on and try keeping your feet still, as you listen to this classic performance.

Download link in comments below, or click on the picture.

Purchase: MP3's (always DRM free) from Amazon.co.uk - Beehive Candy presents: The Beat - The Platinum Collection

Tom Waits - My Fathers Place - 1977

This is Tom Waits live at Club Roslyn, Long Island, New York, USA, or as the venue is more affectionately remembered 'the homely and homey music club - My Fathers Place' (at 19 Bryant Avenue in Roslyn).

Indeed it is easier to talk about the venue than to know where to start with Tom Waits.

I know I often use this as a get out clause, and I will unashamedly do so again now.

For fans this is a must have recording, for those not familiar with Thomas Alan Waits, this captures said gentleman some 32 years ago, with the 'bourbon soaked' voice, on fine form at a wonderful venue.

Source: Pre FM copy of WLIR recording.

Sound Quality: Extremely good stereo MP3 @192kbps.

Genre: Should be a personal genre called Tom Waits, however he ranges across, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, Experimental, and we can throw in Vaudeville for good measure.

Set: Possibly full set, cannot confirm (track numbered from 2 CD version).

Set List:

01 Standin' On The Corner
02 I Never Talk To Strangers
03 Pasties And A G-String
04 Invitation To The Blues - Eggs And Sausage
05 Depot, Depot
06 Jitterbug Boy
07 Step Right Up

01 I wish I Was In New Orleans - Small Change
02 The Piano Has Been Drinking
03 Emotional Weather Report
04 Muriel
05 Medley: Jack & Neil - California, Here I Come Set II
06 Tom Traubert's Blues

Concert Band Line Up:

Tom Waits: vocals, acoustic guitar, piano.
Frank Vicari: tenor saxophone.
Danny Trifan: upright bass.
Chip White: drums, percussion & vibes.

Links: Official site HERE. Excellent fan site HERE. Comprehensive Wikipedia content HERE.

Comments: I know there are a number of good quality live recordings for Tom Waits in circulation, to my knowledge this has not been freely circulated on the web, its good material and does the artist justice.

I was listening to a Tom Wait's concert from last year a couple of days back (will share another time), its great that he has sorted out the bar room image, from his actual lifestyle, and he can still create that unique sound, atmosphere, and overall mood.

I was late getting in on the music of Tom Waits, that's my loss, still it remains great catching up.

Download link in comments below (Replaced 15 September 2011).

Purchase: MP3's (DRM free) from Amazon.co.uk - Tom Waits

The Pretenders - Live In Amsterdam 1980

I remember Chrissie Hynde from her days writing for the NME (New Musical Express - UK weekly publication) back in the mid 1970's.

It was only a matter of time before her musical ambitions came to fruition, and after a couple of false starts, she eventually surfaced in late 1978 with a very up and ready band called The Pretenders.

Their debut album remains a firm favorite of mine, it has that timeless feel that great songs and albums have, no logical reason and maybe just a state of mind.

To come across a live concert boot (31st May 1980 to be precise) from that era obviously made my day.

Source: Stereo radio broadcast (off air recording).

Sound Quality: Extremely good MP3 @320kbps.

Genre: Post Punk, New Wave, Indie Pop/Rock.

Set: Radio edit, most likely majority of the gig, (total playing time 51:39).

Set List:

1. The Wait.
2. Precious.
3. Talk of the town.
4. Cuban slide.
5. Private life.
6. Space invader.
7. I go to sleep.
8. Brass in pocket.
9. Kid.
10. Up the neck.
11. Mystery achievement.
12. Stop your sobbing.

Concert Band Line Up:

Chrissie Hynde
Martin Chambers
James Honeyman-Scott (deceased).
Pete Farndon (deceased).

Links: Official Pretenders site with details of their 2008 release HERE. Very good Wikipedia entry HERE.

Comments: It is a sad rock'n'roll fact that drugs really can hurt any individual and/or band, even in their prime, as was the case with The Pretenders.

A concise and realistic appraisal from Wikipedia reads as follows:

At this early peak of the band's success and potential, Hynde kicked ex-lover Pete Farndon out of the group for ongoing drug problems. Two days later, 16 June 1982, Honeyman-Scott was dead of a cocaine overdose. While the band tried to regroup in the following year, Farndon overdosed on heroin and died on 14 April 1983.

It tends to put the whole rock - drugs thing in perspective, and it is a delight that The Pretenders did regroup back then, and are still touring throughout 2009 (worth seeing if you get a chance).

Reloaded 23/02/2016 Link in comments.

Lucinda Williams - Live in Switzerland 2007

This is another superb live recording of Lucinda Williams, on this occasion in Basel, Switzerland, at the Festsaal Messe, AVO session on the 13th November 2007.

Although Lucinda was promoting her 'West' album at the time she covered a range of other earlier material, that for me, seems a great introduction for anyone unfamiliar with one of the foremost modern country rock or alternative country artists.

Source: FM stereo live broadcast on DRS3 radio Switzerland

Sound Quality: Very good FM Stereo DAT conversion.

Genre: Alt Country, Folk, Rock.

Set: Full live performance see notes below.

Set List:

01 Passionate Kisses (Broadcast started during the second part of opening number)
02 The night's too Long
03 Crescent City
04 Sweet Old World
05 Pineola (fade out) **
06 (fade in) Pineola ending
07 talks with the audience
08 Lake Charles
09 Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
10 Can't Let Go
11 Steal Your Love (fade out) **
12 Essence
13 Righteously - band intro
14 Real Live Bleeding Fingers and Broken Guitar Strings
15 Unsuffer Me
16 talks with the audience
17 West

** there were two nasty and long drop outs on the radio broadcast (32 seconds during "Pineola" and 30 secs right after "Steal your love") thus the taper had to apply some fading's to leave out those unexpected moments of silence.

Lucinda's Band:

Doug Pettibone: pedal steel, guitars, mandolin, harmonica
Chet Lyster: steel, guitar, keyboards
David Sutton: bass
Butch Norton: drums

Links: The ever improving and comprehensive official site HERE.

Comments: I love a few of these songs so much, that you cannot expect an impartial review for this particular boot.

It's also rather pleasing to know of an artist, who has really lived the country rock lifestyle, and still looks and sounds so great (especially as I am a little younger - hope for me yet, if you get my drift).

Download link in comments below, or click on the picture.

Purchase: MP3's (DRM free) through Amazon.co.uk - Lucinda Williams

Catatonia - Live and in Session 1998

I remember seeing Catatonia in London back in 2000, they were really entertaining, and new how to play live, this recording was therefore a pleasure to get hold of.

Performing at The Newport Centre, Gwent, in Wales, on Thursday 26th March 1998, Catatonia were on this occasion supporting Travis (Idlewild were also on the bill), nonetheless they played a full set.

Also included is material from a BBC Radio One session.

Source: FM Stereo recording.

Sound Quality: Very good mp3 @192kbps.

Genre: Indie Rock & Pop

Set: Full live performance

Set List:

International Velvet
I am the Mob
Game On
You've Got a Lot to Answer For
No Stone Unturned
Way Beyond Blue
Don't Need The Sunshine
Goldfish and Paracetamol
Mulder and Scully
Part of the Furniture
Road Rage
Jump or be Sane
Bleed

BBC Radio One session:

International Velvet
Mulder and Scully
No Stone Unturned
Strange Glue
Mulder and Scully

Links: No official sites, Wikipedia with some additional links HERE. Cerys Matthews official site HERE.

Comments: The live element may have circulated as 'Land of our Fathers' on CDR, beyond that I do not know much else about this gig. There's something a little bit special about great Welsh bands playing to a Welsh audience, maybe it's a Celtic thing.

Listening to this performance I think I know who the real headline act was on the night!

Download link in comments below, or click on the picture.

Purchase: MP3's (DRM free) through Amazon.co.uk - Catatonia

The Sisters Of Mercy - Amsterdam 1983.

This is the second of five mainland European dates The Sisters Of Mercy performed, during their 'Trans Europe Excess Tour'.

The band who started performing live in 1981, had already developed a strong following with several independent single and EP releases, often being 'hailed' in the UK indie press of that time.

Playing at the excellent venue The Paradiso, Amsterdam, on the 28th August 1983, this boot has apparently also circulated as 'Napalm Gods', 'Possession', and 'Live In Amsterdam', along with this copy entitled 'Beware The Ghost'.

Source: Sound board recording.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3 @ 320kbps.

Genre: Post punk, Gothic Rock.

Set: Majority of concert (cannot confirm if full set).

Set List:

1. Burn.
2. Valentine.
3. Anaconda.
4. Heartland.
5. Alice.
6. Emma.
7. Temple of Love.
8. Floorshow.
9. Adrenochrome.
10. Gimme Shelter.
11. Kiss the Carpet.
12. Body Electric.
13. Lights.
14. Sister Ray / Louie Louie / Ghost rider.

Total Playing Time 70:43

Band Line Up - 1983.

Andrew Eldritch, vocals, keyboards, guitars
Gary Marx, guitars, vocals on one early track
Ben Gunn, guitars
Craig Adams, bass
Doktor Avalanche, drum machine

Links: Official site HERE.

Comments: By the time of this tour The Sisters Of Mercy had already developed and honed their unique and somewhat haunting layered sound.

Their version of the Rolling Stones classic 'Gimme Shelter', remains one of my all time favorite cover versions.

The band are touring again this year, and who knows ! although their recorded album output is pretty intermittent, their site suggests that perhaps we will see something new later this year.

Download links in comments below.

Purchase: MP3's (DRM free) through Amazon.co.uk - Sisters Of Mercy

Cocteau Twins - Live Black Session 1994

The Cocteau Twins are one of my all time favorite acts.

I will resist the inclination to give an over the top and gushing review and just say, for any fan this is a must have.

For anyone not familiar with them, and at the risk of being accused of musical heresy, their recorded material is a much better starting point, then you will just want more, and settle for any bootleg, bearing in mind the principle that one persons pleasure, is another's poison...

Live on the 4th February 1994, this is Cocteau Twins live in studio 105.

Source: Live 'Black Session' recorded for France Inter (French radio station) in Paris, Maison de la Radio, Studio 105, (with studio audience).

Sound Quality: Very good FM stereo @192kbps mp3.

Genre: Dream pop / Ambient (1986-1997), Ethereal (1983-1986), Gothic rock / Post-punk (1979-1983).

Set: This is the full studio concert.

Set List:

01 - Pur
02 - Road River and Rail
03 - Bluebeard
04 - Heaven or Las Vegas
05 - Whales Tails
06 - Carolyn's Fingers
07 - Iceblink Luck
08 - Summerhead
09 - Ella Megalast Burls Forever
10 - Blue Bell Knoll
11 - Pink Orange Red
12 - Aikea-Guinea
13 - Sugar Hiccup

Links: Official site HERE. 4AD site (also very good detail) HERE.

Comments: I have always been a fan of the Cocteau Twins music, from the first time I heard them in the first half of the 1980's, until now.

Like all good fan's I live in hope of more, although that is probably unlikely and unfair, still us fans are like that.

This is a good live boot of the band, (theirs some awful stuff out their), the audio quality needs to be good for them, however as is often the case with their live material, Elizabeth Fraser's vocals are a little to low in the mix (in my opinion), that said, this is still a must for any one who has an interest in the band (and yes - yet another band from Scotland).

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

Purchase: MP3's (DRM free) through Amazon.co.uk - Cocteau Twins

Golden Earring - Live in The Hague - 1989

Considering Golden Earring formed in the mid 1960's, and have enjoyed popularity in Holland and a number of European countries ever since, it's great to see them still touring and recording right up to date, and with gigs scheduled into 2010!

They scored their biggest UK and USA success with the classic rock song 'Radar Love', which in some ways over shadows a considerable amount of other great material they have produced down the years.

For your enjoyment this is Golden Earring live in concert at the Parkpop Festival, Den Haag (The Hague), Holland on the 25th June 1989.

Source: FM radio broadcast (this is from a later 're-broadcast').

Sound Quality: Very good, 320kbps stereo 'off air' recording.

Genre: Rock (from 'classic' to 'prog' to 'Nederland beat')

Set: This is the full broadcast material, it excludes the first two songs from their performance (Back Home & To Much Women), the total recorded time was 51:28 (117mb).

Set List:

1.When the lady smiles.
2.Distant love.
3.Weekend love.
4.Long blond animal.
5.Turn the world around.
6.Can do that.
7.Twilight zone.
8.Radar love.


Links: Official website, in English language - oh how 'the cloggies' look after us, HERE.

Comments: If you live in Holland or within travelling distance Golden Earring are continuing to tour throughout the year. If your a native fan in Holland chances are you already have a copy of this concert, as I understand, it has been broadcast on a number of occasions, if not, its well worth a listen.

Considering Radio Caroline's close relationship with Holland in the 1970's & 1980's (there were Dutch language stations from their radio ships in both decades), it's no surprise Golden Earring resonate with many people in the UK, as they got plenty of air play here down the years.

Download links (two files - total 117mb) in comments below.

Purchase: Through Amazon.co.uk a selection of CD's - Golden Earring

The Rezillos - BBC & WFMU Radio Sessions

Here's another example of just how many great bands have come out of Scotland.

The Rezillos formed in Edinburgh, Scotland, back in 1976, and were quickly associated with the punk and subsequent new wave movement in the UK, with their panache for short, sharp, three minute pop gems.

The band toured constantly with the likes of The Ramones and The Undertones, by 1979 it was all over.

In 2001 they reformed for a one off gig, and reignited, leading to their continuing and welcome musical presence in 2009.

Source: BBC and WFMU Radio sessions - Total Playing Time 44:43.

Sound Quality: Very good 'off air' stereo mp3 recordings @ 320 kbps

Genre: Punk, New Wave, Power Pop.

Track List:

1-6 BBC Radio Mark Lamarr Session 14th February 2009

1.Out Of This World.
2.Yesterdays Tormentor.
3.Ambulance.
4.No 1 Boy.
5.I Can't Stand My Baby.
6.River Deep Mountain High.

7-8 BBC Radio Session 31st March 2006

7.No 1 Boy.
8.(My Baby Does) Good Sculptures.

9-12 WFMU Radio Session June 27th 2002

9.Can't Stand My Baby.
10.(My Baby Does) Good Sculptures.
11.Pressure Cooker.
12.Flying Saucer Attack.

13-14 BBC Radio - John Peel Session 12th December 1977

13.(My Baby Does) Good Sculptures.
14.Fight among yourselves.

Links: New Official site HERE. Wikipedia also with details of The Revillos HERE.

Comments: The majority of these sessions are from the reformed band, which are as spontaneous as the early days, however its great to include some early material from a session on the legendary John Peel show.

Download links is in comments below.

Purchase: Their latest mp3 release, No1 Boy - The Rezillos and... there's more - The Rezillos on CD

Love - Live At The Fillmore West 1970

Love started out playing the L.A. club scene in April 1965, and by the time of this concert in 1970, had already experienced a turbulent history, with line up changes, problematic tours, and the ravages of drug excesses.

The one constant was the late Arthur Taylor Lee, along with some superb sixties albums and singles.

This then is Love with both the early and late shows at the Fillmore West, San Francisco, USA, back on the 21st November 1970.

Source: Concert soundboard.

Sound Quality: Very good, 320kbps stereo (a few glitches due to age, that do not distract).

Genre: Psychedelic rock, garage rock, sixties west coast.

Set: Early and Late show performances.

Set List:

Early Show:

01 Product Of The Times
02 Stand Out
03 Keep On Shinning
04 Andmoreagain
05 Singing Cowboy / Good Times

Late Show:

06 Stand Out
07 Product Of The Times
08 Bummmer In The Summer
09 Gotta Find Somebody
10 Signed D.C.
11 Slick Dick
12 Always See Your Face
13 Singing Cowboy

Links: Excellent fan site HERE. Official Arthur Lee and Love site HERE.

Comments: This live concert material shows off the rockier edge of Love, and the style was quite different to the early performances, much tighter, less tune ups between songs, and overall a much more polished live act.

I was surprised how much I liked this, as I tend to associate the band to songs such as Alone Again Or, and The Red Telephone, which have a much gentler feel to them. This is well worth a listen, and again a nice piece of Fillmore West history.

Download links in comments below or.

Purchase: MP3's (DRM free) from Amazon - Love

Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash - Sessions 1969

This is hardly making it's Internet bootleg debut here, however the Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash sessions from 1969, remain elusive for many collectors, and I am happy to do my bit to help.

The often asked question regarding these sessions is, why have they never been officially released ?

The musically historical importance, audio quality, and perhaps the actual performances themselves, make that a reasonable question, however in all honesty forty years on, the 'cats out of the bag' if you get my drift?

The contents of the sessions are detailed in track lists below, if you have just passing interest in either of these two artists, I would suggest that the recordings are well worth a listen.

Source: Taken from an early generation silver CD.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo soundboard, studio and auditorium.

Genre: In all fairness Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash will suffice.

Track List:

BS studios, Nashville, TN, USA - February 17th -18th, 1969.

01 Good Ol' Mountain Dew (Lunsford / Wiseman)
02 I Still Miss Someone (J Cash / Roy Cash)
03 Careless Love (Trad)
04 Matchbox (Carl Perkins)
05 That's Alright Mama (A. Crudup)
06 Big River (J Cash)
07 Girl Of The North Country
08 I Walk The Line (J Cash)
09 You Are My Sunshine (Davis / Mitchell)
10 Ring Of Fire (Carter / Kilgore)
11 Guess Things Happen That Way (Clement)
12 Just A Closer Walk With Thee (Trad)
13 Blue Yodel #1 (T for Texas) (J Rodgers)
14 Blue Yodel #2 (J Rodgers)

Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN May 1st, 1969.

15 I Threw It All Away
16 Living The Blues
17 Girl Of The North Country

Nashville Skyline Quadraphonic Mixes.

18 Nashville Skyline Rag
19 I Threw It All Away
20 Peggy Day
21 Country Pie
22 Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You

Unknown source - not on all bootleg versions.

23 One Too Many Mornings (1)
24 One Too Many Mornings (2)

Links: Official Bob Dylan HERE, official Johnny Cash HERE,

Comments: The very thorough Bobs Boots site had the following to say regarding this material.

'The outtakes are great fidelity studio recordings, but the performances are very loose, first time trys. This is a 'must-have' disc for historical reasons, but it will probably not be one that you will want to play every day'.

That is a reasonable summary, however I played a few tracks again earlier today, and my first thought as I went on to other matters (work as it happens), was I must listen to this all the way through again!

The studio sessions were of course linked to Bob Dylan's work on his ninth 9th proper studio album 'Nashville Skyline'.

Quoting wikipedia verbatim:

When sessions resumed on February 17, "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You" was the primary focus, and a master take was selected from a total of eleven takes. An instrumental, titled "Nashville Skyline Rag", was also recorded at the beginning of the session, and it was later included on the album.
Sometime during that session, country legend Johnny Cash stopped by to visit. A friend and label-mate of Dylan's as well as an early supporter of his music, Cash had been recording next door with his own band. The two wound up recording a series of duets, covering Dylan's "One Too Many Mornings" and "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" as well as Cash's own "I Still Miss Someone." None of these were deemed usable, but Cash returned the following day to record more duets.
The session on February 18 was devoted exclusively to duet covers with Cash. "One Too Many Mornings" and "I Still Miss Someone" were revisited, and rejected, yet again. "Matchbox", "That's All Right Mama", "Mystery Train", "Big River", "I Walk the Line", and "Guess Things Happen That Way", all made famous by celebrated Sun recordings performed by Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Cash himself, were all attempted on February 18, but none of these were deemed usable. Covers of Jimmie Rodgers' "Blue Yodel #1" and "#5", Cash's "Ring of Fire" (written by his wife, June Carter and Merle Kilgore), "You Are My Sunshine", "Mountain Dew", the traditional ballad "Careless Love", the traditional hymn "Just A Closer Walk With Thee", "How High The Water", and "Wanted Man" (a song written by Dylan specifically for Cash) were also attempted, and all were rejected. There was little enthusiasm for any of these tracks, but one duet of Dylan's, "Girl From The North Country" (which originally appeared on The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan), was ultimately sequenced as the album's opener.

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

Purchase: MP3's (all Amazon DRM free) - Bob Dylan and of course Johnny Cash

Curtis Mayfield - Live & Studio Rarities

This is a wonderful collection of Curtis Mayfield rarities, that was released as a bootleg entitled 'Keep On Keepin' On'.

I think the original version came into circulation on silver disc, not that long after Curtis passed away ( ten years, this coming December).

Since 2003 it has appeared predominately on a limited number of Soul, R&B, and Funk enthusiasts web pages.

However Curtis Mayfield had a message that went way beyond just musical style or genre.

Part of the Wikipedia entry for him states:

'Curtis Mayfield is remembered for his introduction of social consciousness into R&B and for pioneering the funk style in the 1970s. Many of his recordings with the Impressions became anthems of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and his most famous album, Super Fly, is regarded as an all-time great that influenced many and truly invented a new style of modern black music'.

It is the case that his 'social consciousness' in the 1970's drew me to his music.

Radio Caroline played 'We Got To Have Peace' on a good number of occasions, the presenters on board the radio ship at the time, clearly supporting that aspiration, as they struggled to remain on air, for simply having the audacity to play music the limited number of 'other' UK radio stations chose to ignore.

Source: From the CD edition (Original Silver), ripped via WAV to MP3 in this case, the original material was either studio soundboard, or FM radio broadcast.

Sound Quality: Stereo (extremely good) @ 192kbps.

Genre: Soul, R&B, Funk, Chicago Soul, Psychedelic Soul.

Track list:

Old Grey Whistle Test London England, January 1972:

01. Keep On Keepin' On
02. We Got To Have Peace (Omitted from this rip - see below)
03. Curtis on Discovery (interview)

Radio City Music Hall, New York NY, July 6, 1972:

04. Stone Junkie
05. Pusherman

In The Studio - 1972:

06. Freddie's Dead
07. Eddie, You Should Know Better
08. Curtis on Songwriting (interview)

The Push Expo - Chicago 1972:

09. We People Who Are Darker Than Blue
10. Give Me Your Love

The Midnight Special - Los Angeles CA, 1972:

11. Superfly
12. Freddie's Dead
13. Curtis on Superfly (interview)

The Midnight Special - Los Angeles CA, June 8, 1973:

14. Superfly
15. Back To The World
16. Curtis on Politics (interview)

1st Annual Black Caucus Benefit, Washington DC, September 25, 1974:

17. Give Me Your Love
18. Curtis on Curtis (interview)

The original source for this specific copy of the boot, has deleted track two, as this was released on the 'Old Grey Whistle Test DVD Vol. 1' in 2001. That's fine as the whole thrust of this bootleg was the rarity of the material.

Links: Wikipedia is to the point, and well edited on this occasion, it's a good reminder on the legacy of Curtis Mayfield - HERE.

Comments: What you have not got, you cannot pass on, ironically 'We Got to Have Peace' was a key track in my own personal discovering of Curtis Mayfield.

Sadly Curtis Mayfield was badly injured and suffered many health problems for much of the last decade of his life.

His music for me however, fits comfortably in to the very limited and hard to gain entry 'timeless' category.

Replacement download link in comments below - October 2011.

Purchase: A wondeful selection of over one hundred and fifty DRM free MP3's - Curtis Mayfield

Groucho Marx - I Never Kissed An Ugly Woman

This is wonderful, a bootlegged vinyl album of Groucho Marx, predominately singing songs, as only this comedy legend could have (no apology for using the over used legend word, in this case).

As I understand it, the actual vinyl bootleg album is very rare, so if you have one keep hold of it!

If you were a fan of The Marx Brothers, or indeed just Groucho, then this is a must have.

If you just like nostalgia, or appreciate comedy old and new, then this is a must have.

If you are just someone who must have, must haves then this is a...

Source: I do not know the specifics, I am guessing mainly from CBS radio programmes.

Sound Quality: Direct vinyl rip (1st generation), warm and old, with a few crackles, and so very, very listenable for fans, and interested parties a like (its stereo in places).

Genre: Comedy and musical styles from a bygone era.

Track list:

Hooray For Captain Spaulding
Just Wait To I Get Through With It
I Want My Shirt
Omaha, Nabraska
The Country's Gone To War
Go West Young Man
Dr Hackenbush
I'm Against It
Everybody Say's I Love You
Lydia, The Tattooed Lady
Fathers Day
Show Me A Rose

Links: Groucho Marx article from Wikipedia HERE. More free mp3 material available at the excellent Internet Archive Organisation HERE.

Comments: Ripped from the 'Amazing Kornyfone Record Label's' vinyl release, this really is pure comedy nostalgia.

A small amount of the material has also surfaced on a CD release entitled 'Gratuitously Groucho', back in 1993, however the audio quality is no better than this material.

My thanks to Mark for this wonderful (weird) rarity.

Free: You might need this, most players can handle the format, however - Free Nero Music Player HERE.

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

Midnight Oil - Wembley Arena, London, 1990.

This is the second Midnight Oil live recording presented on 'Beehive Candy', this one a 'full on electric gig' that captures the band live in concert at The Wembley Arena, London, back in 1990.

Source: FM stereo recording from the Westwood One Show, broadcast on WHFS Annapolis, MD, USA, in 1990.

Sound Quality: Very good FM stereo, this is first generation from the TDK Cassette SA76 Dolby C recording (WMA 9.1 Rip CBR @ 96kps).

Genre: Rock, Alternative Rock.

Set: Majority of live concert.

Set List:

01 King Of The Mountain
02 Dream World
03 River Runs Red
04 Warakurna
05 Read About It
06 Read About It Cont.
07 The Dead Heart
08 Best Of Both Worlds
09 Kosciusko
10 Power and The Passion
11 Beds Are Burning
12 Bedlam Bridge, Forgotten Years
13 What's So Funny About Peace Love And Understanding
14 Hercules
15 Know Your Product
16 Blue Sky Mine

Links: The official (record label) site HERE.

Comments: Keeping it up to date in 2009:

By ROD McGUIRK, Associated Press Writer – Thursday March 12th 2009.

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia's environment minister swapped the political stage Thursday for one he trod in a former incarnation — as the country's loudest anti establishment rock star.

Peter Garrett, the front man for Midnight Oil, broke up the band in 2002 and pursued a career in politics that brought him into government just under two years ago.

But band members have come together to perform at a concert to raise funds for victims of Australia's worst wildfires, which killed more than 210 and destroyed thousands of homes in southern Victoria state last month.

Once known as champions of Aboriginal rights and the environment, Midnight Oil has not played a gig since their singer became a minister. Garrett has toed his Labor Party's center-left policy line, and tries to avoid questions about his former views.

Now, Garrett may have a dilemma on his hands because lyrics in some of the band's most popular songs do not fit comfortably within the political mainstream.

"Can Midnight Oil field 20 whole minutes of material that wouldn't get Mr. Garrett sacked if he were to read it out in Parliament rather than shrieking it while twitching violently to guitar music?" Sydney Morning Herald columnist Annabel Crabb wrote recently.

The band's 1987 breakthrough album "Diesel and Dust" called for Australia to be handed back to the Aborigines. U.S. and British imperialism were also favorite targets during the band's 26 years together.

They famously played an impromptu concert on a flatbed truck outside the Manhattan headquarters of Exxon Mobil Corp. in 1990 to protest the company's response to the ecological disasters caused by one of its tankers in Prince William Sound.

Standing six foot four inches (193 centimeters) tall and with a head shaved bald as it was throughout his music career, Garrett still stands out from his government colleagues even when in a gray suit and tie.

Garrett has insisted there will be no compromise on the play list.

"We won't be choosing songs on the basis of whether or not they're considered by political commentators to be political songs or not, we'll play songs for the fans," he told Australian Associated Press Wednesday.

Gary Morris, a longtime manager associate of the band, said Thursday there will be no satisfying some fans who contend the songs will have been picked specifically to keep the government happy.

The band opened a warm-up concert Thursday with the uncontroversial "Redneck Wonderland" from the 1998 album of the same name and Garrett played harmonica for a rendition of "Blue Sky Mine," a song about asbestos miners suffering lung disease.

Midnight Oil will perform another warm-up Friday. Two big concerts take place Saturday — one in Sydney, with Coldplay headlining, and the other in the Victorian capital of Melbourne, featuring Garrett's band.

Garrett's new career has created some friction with the band. Instead of rehearsing in Canberra on Wednesday, Garrett was representing Australia at coral conservation talks in Papua New Guinea.

Morris said that when he had recently protested about the double-booking, Garrett had replied: "I don't work for the Oils anymore. I work for the Australian government."

"I used to be able to persuade him after about an hour of discussion to do various things that he was reluctant to do, but when he pulled that line on me, I couldn't beat that one," Morris laughed.

Garrett flew into Canberra on Thursday morning and attended the final session of Parliament for the week before making the short journey to the theater.

Thursday's concert was the first time he has sung in public since 2005 when the band performed at a fund raiser for victims of the 2004 Asian tsunami.

Download link in comments below or click the picture.

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