Forgotten songs

Leon Russell - Live at the Fillmore East (1970)

2012-02-07T13:11:00.001-08:00

This concert was recorded before the Elton John's one at the Fillmore East. John was a great fan of Leon Russell and logically invited him to open his shows. When comparing this concert to the one recorded, 3 years later, for Leon Live (here), similarities and differences are striking. Similiraties since it's the gospel-that-rocks that all Leon's admirers love to hear, but differences since the set was more sober and tighter that the quite indulgent later ones. I doubt any Dr John - Elton John or any-John-you-want won't be enthusiasts in listening to such a great performance. Nothing better to listen to when you're down and out. It makes you imagine life's worth the living. Measure the miracle. Note that this set was never released officially but that the sound is very good. It's in one part only and I don't have the patience to cut it in songs but I doubt that anyone wants to listen to songs separately. Enjoy it here. I tried to do a correct cover sleeve. I admit I used a "Best of" to create it. Below, the concert in streaming.

Al Kooper - Act Like Nothing's Wrong (1977)

2012-02-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

In the destructive (self and others one) state of mood I'm in tonight, all I can imagine listening to is extreme hate sludge or easy listening white soul. This is the latter I chosed with this Al Kooper's LP, released a year I had the head elsewhere (punk time, the Sex Pistols occupied all my attention) and which was the swansong of his career since he did not release anything else over the next 17 years (!!!), except the collaborative album called Championship Wrestling in 1982. It's mainly a soul album, very influenced by the Motown sound (the one of the Temptations, all periods), and it's (sometimes) mellow and naive approach of the genre still spread this little charm that Al Kooper (with Todd Rundgren) have when they do it. But there are various styles in it (even Little Feat-influenced country-rock with "In My Own Sweet Way",and Harrison-influenced "Hollywood Vampire"). There are some great tunes in it that makes it an underrated album. I'm not sure the cover sleeve helped to sell the LP (actually, I'm rather sure it didn't). Add this one to your Al Koollection. Enjoy it here.

Deviniance - Samsara EP (2009)

2012-02-02T14:49:00.000-08:00

A little break from the seventies stuff (but stay online, more to come for you oldies diggers). And more atmospheric drony-sludge-post-rock for those among you who don't fear to have a listen to more contemporaries stuff. Don't know anything from this band (disbanded since this EP) from Sweden (some have formed In the Hearts of Emperors it seems) that I had missed 2 years ago. This 3-track EP mixed great atmospheric sludge ("Postponed. End") with pure drone ("Samsara") and post-rock ("Is This Where We Started") but this makes a sort of tryptic that you can drown in when outside it's cold and dark. This kind of music is the most consolating for lonely souls I've ever listened to in my long life, the reason why it surely will be the only one (with Peter Perrett and Schubert) that I'll finish my life with. Sad they did not offer us more. Meanwhile, put this little gem in your musical treasure store. Enjoy it here.

Capillaries - Into the History of Light (2012)

2012-01-31T14:49:00.001-08:00

It's been a long time that I didn't fall for a math-post-rock band. I tend to keep stuck on Foxhole these days. But here, maybe my state of mind, in search of some intelligent and peaceful music, I found what I was looking for with these American musicians (from Atlanta), grouped under the name of Capillaries. It's intrumental, less sludgy than Pelican, less complex than Don Caballero, less etheral than Slint, less all this but finally more pleasant to listen to. I'm sure this will do your winter evenings too. Enjoy it here and then buy the stuff on their bandcamp (here) to help them to go on and record something more.

Family - Live at the Paris Theatre (1973)

2012-01-29T11:34:00.000-08:00

This concert was recorded by the BBC in January 1973 during a set at the Paris Theatre. It was the beginning of the Mk VII line-up of the band, with Tony Ashton on keyboards. Any usual Family fan can be surprised when listening to this concert. When they are electric, they sound like Procol Harum (when they are electric too) due to the organ of Tony Ashton, and when they are accoustic, they sound like the Faces (Ronnie Lane's ones). Of course, with Roger Chapman, they still sound like Family. The group is tight and compact and is no more this experimental semi-prog outfit. The concert was done some days after their sublime "My Friend The Sun" single (unfortunately not a hit). If there's a problem in this concert recording, it's this stupid idea to add fake audience shouting and clapping, always the same between all songs, and this is really unpleasant. However, enjoy it here.

Peter Perrett & The One - Live at the Mean Fiddler (1994)

2012-01-28T13:48:00.000-08:00

Before the release of the Woke Up Sticky EP and LP in 1996, Peter Perrett and his One had done several concerts since 1994 and this is one of them. Very strange for an Only Ones fan as I am to listen to such a different way to back Peter Perrett. Actually, it's not totally different but it's clear that the band does not have this rocking decontraction and efficiency, either in the rockiest or the most dramatic sides, that was (and still is) the mark of the famous secular trio. In particular John Perry is really difficult to replace (but the drumming of Mike Kellie is too). Here the band is however quite good (maybe they play too much notes for me) and in no way it's one of these pathetic concerts that too often rock 'n' roll junkies have done for their comebacks. Peter Perrett has not lost his voice and his ability to make us shivers even if here it seems he's less "in it" than with the Only Ones, surely a little bit of stress and less confidence in his backing band. Some sound options (notably on keyboards) and playing options (on bass) are doubtful and don't fit with Perrett's universe but not often enough to be a problem. Interestingly, some songs here have never been released in studio versions ("Hearts on fire", "You gave birth", "Skin like armour", "Daughter"). This concert has been released twice (in 1999 by Dwarch/Vengeance and in 2000 by Burning Airlines), both under ugly cover sleeves. So I decided to do one more relevant (at least to my view) with the climax of the Peter Perrett's song. Enjoy it here.

At The Graves - II (2010)

2012-01-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

Another band I had missed when their stuff was released. They are from Baltimore and they play this kind of dirty and atmospheric sludge I love so much (with a touch of stoner). It's poweful, raises a notion of strange grandeur even if the smell of mud and rotten corpses is the main sound perfume. It's heavy, electric and wild as few others are and they stand proudly next to the chiefs of the genre. They seem to be in the process of release new stuff this month. I'll keep you informed. Between 2 mad and freaky oldies, don't forget to listen to the today's madness and freakishness (is it English?). Enjoy this great second opus here (but take care, it's not for everyone ear, and bleeding eardrums are to fear). Their bandcamp there.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://atthegraves.bandcamp.com/album/ii"&amp;amp;amp;gt;II by At The Graves&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Family - Sweet Desirée / Drink To You (1973)

2012-01-25T09:42:00.001-08:00

Sad to end this Family singles story with one of their weakest, "Sweet Desirée" (released as the single extracted from the It's Only A Movie LP released the same month, Septembre 1973) being really a second-hand song (à la Dr John) according to the band's standards, but it seems that it was no more their ambition to be an exploratory reference with this new line-up. So, this single (the 11th) is only interesting because he has a B-side, but since it's a weak song too, this does not add much interest. But it's the last so here it is. And after all, "Sweet Desirée" can be hummed on mornings under the shower and helps to make the day less bleak to face. Later, I'll post some live shows and the complete BBC sessions.

Cathode Ray Eyes - There are sounds in your head that need to get out (2012)

2012-01-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a really unexpected surprise for me: falling for a brit psychedelic record. A side-solo project from the guitarist of The Cult of Dom Keller, this lo-fi EP could be one of the rare non-doom and non-70's and non-Peter Perrett-derived thing to heat my old soul during this sinister winter. If you're in the most lo-fi Robyn Hitchcock, TV Personalities, Primal Scream and even Grahma Coxon solo stuff, you will dig this sonor-UFO coming from some other mind's madness. Actually this had to go out of his head to fill ours. The bandcamp here. Go and support the man buying his stuff. Try it here. PS. I love the cover sleeve.

Peter Perrett - Falling / My Sweet Angel fake 7" (1996)

2012-01-22T06:17:00.000-08:00

Here's what should have been a Peter Perrett (and the One) single. Why? Because it's clear when listening to "Falling", that the song was conceived and played on the model of "Another Girl Another Planet" and I doubt this was not in the perspective to release it in single. Why was it shelved for the less commercial "Woke Up Sticky" I don't know but I'm sure that "Falling" would have made much more impact at the times. It's a tonic one, not reaching the genius level of its ancestor, but without hesitation a song that would have surfaced as the best of 1996. To venge it, I therefore created this fake single, putting the hidden song of WokeUp Sticky (the album) on the B-side. It's a wonderful ballad as few others than Peter Perrett has ever been able to compose, play and sing. A perfect single that the net allows me to make almost real 15 years later. Enjoy it here.

Some girl promising me
She said "you can have all that you see"
That's something, I'll keep it in mind
Know that feeling from a previous life
I'm falling in love
I'm falling in love
Right now I don't know who to trust
To be alive I know that I must
I feel like an innocent abroad
At the mercy of the ravaging hoards
I'm falling in love
I'm falling in love
It's no way for me to carry on
I feel like I'm in love with everyone, everyone
I feel sick in the stomach with nervous excitement
But is it love?
I feel my temperature rises
I've been fired up on you
But is it love that's coming to me?
Or is it sorry and confused like it used to be?
I feel like an innocent abroad
At the mercy of the ravishing hoards
I'm falling in love
I'm falling in love
I'm falling for her charm
Surely it won't do no harm
A brief exchange of view
Something shiny, something new

My sweet angel
She fell down from heaven
She got sweet dreams
I must go and get some
I want our time again
We'll be right as rain the next time round
As we kiss the skies fall in on me
I can't resist her sweet voice calling me
And my sweet angel
Can't complete a sentence
She got sweet dreams
And a sidereal presence
Time again
It seems like we're through
I remember when I had plans
For me and you
I've been lying here all night long
Waiting for her

Family - Boom Bang / Stop This Car 7" (1973)

2012-01-19T13:55:00.000-08:00

In April 1973, the band had Tony Ashton on keyboards and Jim Gregan on bass and released their first single in this formation, the great and underrated "Boom Bang", a song in line with Alice Cooper's "Hello Hooray", T. Rex's "Metal Guru" or Roy Wood Wizzard's "This is the story of my Love". Saturated with horns and screams, it's a Spector's influenced song such as there were several between 1972 and 1974 (and not so much since then). This is with this song I went back to the band after leaving them after Anyway. Sad it was not a Hit and not even entered the Charts. The B-side was not on the future album and can be found only rarely on CD. A "Ronnie Lane goed country" style that shows the evolution the band was taken with Ashton now in. Not one of their best but interesting anyway. Enjoy it here.

Sick and tired, all hay-wired, fever that's for sure
Moon, lune girl erection for a cure
Boom bang, shotgun man
I said I feel as if I'm dead
Cos I got those TV nudes
Running through my head
Scratch scratch, old Tom cat
Screaming every night
He's going round smelling every one-eyed she-cat in sight
Full grown, big yellow moon
Excite me awful bad
But it make all the girls come running
Cause they like it mad
Sick and tired, all hay-wired, fever that's for sure
Moon, lune girl erection for a cure
Wang dang, pocket man
Couldn't even raise a thought
So while passing he would flash till he got caught
Horned toad, rooster crow
But it all add up to just one thing
When the men specie get hot
Then they sure do sing
Boom bang, shotgun man
I said I feel as if I'm dead
Cos I got those TV nudes
Running through my head

The Body - All the Waters of the Earth Shall Turn to Blood (2010)

2012-01-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

I don't want to be too often apologetic since you finally won't believe me anymore but The Body is really what I'm desperately and enthousiastically in search of when I'm travelling on the web, in quest of something exciting to listen to. You'll say that I'm quite late this time since the 3xLP vinyl was released in July 2010 and I agree I'm not the most vigilant and trusty blogger for experimental music, but after all, the worst would have been not to discover them. They are 2, they are from Rhode Island, and they do one of the most inovative music since Khanate or Gnaw Their Tongues. As said one blog (here) "you could write a master's thesis on how awesome this album is". I definitively agree and it would much less boring shit than most of the theses. Consisting in 7 tracks that make us travel through incredibly various and unusual sonor universes, this would have been without hesitation in my Top 10 of 2010 if I had discovered it before. It's a rather tuff experience to endure, but it deserves to be tried. We have only one life after all. And as Bataille said, "without extreme life doesn't worth it". If, like me, you had missed it, enjoy it here. And please, don't keep stuck to the old 70's stuff, really, this kind of masterpiece is the great music of our times. If you like music, how comes you can't appreciate the one of our times. Do you imagine Bach's fans not appreciating Shostakovitch? (wrong example since I think there are many). Their myspace here.

Peter Perrett & The One - Woke Up Sticky EP (1996)

2012-01-16T13:10:00.001-08:00

At the onset on June 1996, this wonderful EP hits the stores and tears our hearts. At last Peter Perrett was officially with us again. When you listen to this 4-song collection, you take the measure of what a songwriter this guy actually is. If I doubt "Woke Up Sticky" was a good choice for an A-side (I'll post later a fake single with what I consider the song that could have been the "Another Girl Another Planet" of the The One), it's hard not to find that to have 3 non-LP songs of such quality than "Transfixed", "Wildlife" (nothing less that one of the greatest song ever written by Peter Perrett) and "Dead Love Syndrome" is exceptional. But it's true that the perspective to do a hit with a song in which the chorus says "Woke up sticky / Must have been dreamin' of you" was tempting. Unfortunately, the single (and the EP) was not a hit, and I think it was not a good news for the possibility of a long-term come-back of our hero. But now that more than 15 years are over, it's a cult one. And maybe, if this blog still floats in the virtual ocean in many years from here, even after I'm dead and gone, one will read this and still consider it's a history classic. Enjoy it here. You can learn more on this EP here. Below I also put "Wildlife" in streaming, just for this song to be heard by the most of visitors. Just click and tell me if you ever heard a more elegant vocal melody.

Noddin' Out, white light
Shadowy figures approach with the night
Strange hands carry me away
I resist in a catatonic way
You were sweet, no doubt
I fell asleep, you melted in my mouth
No point tryin' to hide the stain
I woke up, went back to sleep again
Woke up sticky
Must have been dreamin' of you
Woke up sticky
Don't know where I've been or who I've been through
They went and put the light on me
They examined every part of me
They put the light on me
They examined every part of me
More speed, less haste
I repeat myself 'til I'm blue in the face
I came down in a meteoric shower
The speed of sound turns decades into hours
Out of place, out of time
I return interior re-designed
They got me up against the wall
Maybe it's best not to wake up at all
Woke up sticky
Must have been dreamin' of you
Woke up sticky
Don't know where I've been or who I've been through
They went and put the light on me
They examined every part of me
They put the light on me
They examined every part of me

The predatory approach to love
Is something you must rise above
Your trampled victim's had enough
But given time they should recover from you
You like to leave your mark
In the wildlife park
I never, I never would've known
I never, I never would've known
Please deliver it to me
The priceless gift of harmony
I can't explain to you
Why I couldn't have gone without you
Why delay the truth?
It only causes me to doubt you, baby
You like to leave your mark
In the wildlife park
I never, I never would've known
I never, I never would've known
Please deliver it to me
The priceless gift of harmony

Wreck of Hesperus - Terminal Dirge (2004)

2012-01-14T02:55:00.000-08:00

Yes I know, some of you were maybe rather satisfied not to see anymore true rough and raw doom posted on this blog. It was only a brief absence since here this you-think-it's-boring-I-think-it's-stunning genre is back again with a rather ancient demo from an Irish band I had in my stock for quite a long time and that I can't imagine not to post here for those who are in old-school doom, the one mixing Sleep and Autopsy (but some others too). Its the first of a series of releases from them I'll try to post here since they deserve it. I didn't find a better quality cover sleeve so I kept it small. But the music is great. Their fb page here. This great first shot there.

Family - My Friend The Sun / Glove 7" (1973)

2012-01-12T14:17:00.001-08:00

I won't hide that "My Friend The Sun" is surely my fave Family song, and one of the songs that yields shivers and tears the most easily in me. With its Ronnie Lane's Faces mood, its one of the greatest folk song ever written and Roger Chapman sings it with an unrreal "delicatesse". Strange release actually since in January 1973, the band was no more the same than during the recording of this song, Poli Palmer and John Wetton having quitted for other horizons and Jim Gregan and Tony Ashton being in. Sad it was not a hit but surely the era was not appropriate for such a delicate and melancholic song that reaches the standards of the best Ray Davies, Macca or Brian Wilson ones. When you think that "Glove" is also a masterpiece, you can bet this single is one of the greatest ever released. Enjoy it here. The cover sleeve's definition is not very good but I didn't find better one and I don't have the single.

Well, I know that you're lonely, come in from the cold
Your shoes they need mending, your clothes they look old
Won't you pick up your pieces, it's never too late
Though it's never early to make a mistake
As soon as you wake
Although there's been rain and it's coming again
Change has to be here obviously
Though my friend the sun looks well on the run
He's there in the distance if you care to see
Well, I know that you're waiting, come out from your shell
There'll come a time you'll remember it well
When you take all the good times from chances you've had
Chances you've made and what you've learnt from the bad
It's never so sad
Although there's been rain and it's coming again
Change has to be here obviously
Though my friend the sun looks well on the run
He's there in the distance if you care to see - see
If the season were reason, then there'd be no doubt
A sequel of changes worth putting you out
But on the question of whether you heard a lie
Answer yourself looking straight in his eyes
Don't you realize
Although there's been rain and it's coming again
Change has to be here obviously
Though my friend the sun looks well on the run
He's there in the distance if you care to see - see

Peter Perrett & The One - Cultured Palate (1994)

2012-01-09T13:03:00.001-08:00

Twelve years after The Only Ones died in a total mess, Peter Perrett was finally out from nowhere and back among the livings with a new band called The One. Not that a possible Perry-Perrett come-back had not been on the way, actually they had recorded several tracks together (where are they and who will one day release them por favor?) but it seemed Peter Perrett and the people around him preferred to start from nothing and try a palingenesis. Musically, it will be a complete success, but commercially unfortunately not. This first EP was not intended to be released and was only a demo. It will be the weakest release of the band (there will be 2 EPs and 1 LP) but it's still a collection of 4 great songs and it was clear that Peter Perrett was still one of the most gifted and touching songwriter of his generation (in this period, there was Dave Kusworth who was in a same mood). The sound is not polluted by any bad production habits of the times, but the bad era was over, killed by grunge. The band is competent even if not brilliant, playing often as the Who (on "Twilight World" for example). And the shivering machine always in the voice's modulation of our hero. So, enjoy it here.

Drear - s/t (2007)

2012-01-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

You saw that We Will Use Your Blood For Fertilizer was in my 2011 top (forgo)10 (here) although recorded in 2009 but released last year. So, if you credit me of some judgement in matter of music, maybe you listened to it, and if you loved it, here their previous recording (don't know how to call these 3-track MP3 formats with 30 min on). I don't like the name of demo. For me, it's a finished work and could stand proudly next to so-called officially released LP with 60 min of rubbish or previously-heard-1000-times music. If this first shot is not totally the masterpiece of Fertilizer, it's still one of the best thing in the Khanate-influenced doom domain mixed with black metal I ever heard. Hope they'll be out of their relative unotoriety and become famous (and remove one day my file calling me a thief like do most of those who meet success even if blogs have first help them to be heard). Meanwhile, enjoy it here, you won't regret your travel in terror, anguish and chaos, specially the incredibly menacing "Paramount Crematorium"

Family - Burlesque / The Rocking R's (1972)

2012-01-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

In August 1972, one month prior to the Bandstand LP release, the band issues this single with the A-side a band like the Faces would have dreamed to compose. Very Stonian, it's a hit, and should have reached an higher place in the charts than this modest n°13 (but it stayed 12 weeks in them). It is to note that if John Wetton plays on the song, he left the band in June to join Robert Fripp and Bill Bruford in a new avatar of King Crimson (and the best in my eyes). The B-side in a non-album track, so is interesting although not particularly worthwile. Enjoy it here. Since there was no cover sleeve, or, in some countries, an ugly one, I did one from the song title, trying to keep the general visual ambiance surrounding the band's imagery at the time. Note that the first video below is from the vinyl version when the one in the rar file is from the digitally mastered one.

The Devil's Blood - The Thousandfold Epicentre (2011)

2012-01-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

As a fan of Shocking Blue and doom, it's no surprise I definitively dig The Devil's Blood (could call themselves The Shocking Red) who often sounds as Shocking Blue turning doom. Both are from Nederland, the real 3rd country for music. But more than that, the band succeeds in creating real fucking good songs, and, as for Uncle Acid & the deadbeats, this deserves to be saluted. If we lived on a planet where people had still functional ears, this LP would have been one of the biggest seller of the year. We're far from this reality unfortunately. Here, you got 10 songs that I wouldn't expect a contempory band to be able to compose. OK, it's close to nostalgia but I don't care. Moreover, the singer, Farida Lemouchi has a voice I really like, a mix between (of course) Mariska Veres (on "Fire Burning") and PP Arnold, imagine my jubilation. And if all the sexist comments of the metal reviewers about her body silhouette could stop, it would be a real relief. Personally I think she's gorgeous. I missed them recently in Paris and I'm very angry against me. I must be more vigilant on the concerts in this city of no-fun. So here WAS their last offer SINCE THE FILE WAS REMOVED FOR VIOLATION OF MF TERMS OF SERVICE. I SUPPOSE IT WILL BE MORE AND MORE THE CASE IN THE NEAR FUTURE WITH THE INCREASED VIGILANCE OF THE SHARING HUNTERS AND AT TERMS, I THINK I WILL CLOSE THIS BLOG, I HAVE NO TIME TO WASTE IN THIS CAT AND MOUSE PLAY. Some of the below pictures were taken from here.

Family - Live at the Playhouse Theatre (1971)

2012-01-02T13:20:00.000-08:00

Captured in December 1971, 2 months after the release of their Fearless LP (and during the tour supporting the album, and supported by America, flyer below), the band here is strangely in an inbetween soundland. There's still traces of their Anyway period, but no more the raw and rude approach of songs, and there's not yet the tighter and more compact approach of their future Burlesque period. John Wetton is on the bass and it's a welcome addition. But too often the band weakens its music with the classic impro overindulgence of this era. Released under the name of Family Live on Mystic records in 2000 with a rather ugly cover sleeve (mine is not first class but quite better anyway), this concert recorded by the BBC is an interesting testimony of the band state of mind at this period. Enjoy it here. Below too, some videos of the band in the second part of 1971.

The Only Ones - Live at the Electric Ballroom (1980)

2011-12-31T02:39:00.000-08:00

Here we find the band 6 months after the Paradiso concert (here) but it's a rather different band. Tensions are strong between members (some of them want to "place" their songs and begin to be unease with the position of sole composer of Peter Perrett... they were wrong actually, it was a good thing) and desillusion begins to grow (Baby's Got A Gun album was badly produced by a producer mandatory sent by the label, it sells rather poorly, no single succeeded in the charts and drugs were beginning to eat every bit of motivation). The concert is very different from the one played at the Paradiso. Faster (they sometimes seem to call for a quick end), tighter (Peter Perrett plays much better and the band seems to behave as a whole and unique entity), it's a dynamic set with some ups (the songs from Baby's Got A Gun, here in their truly Only Ones versions) and some downs (some older songs, sometimes botched or with bad options, for example what the fuck is this half-reggae version of "Miles From Nowhere"?). This concert was captured on 2 nights at the Electric Ballroom of Camden and released in 1989 on Mau Mau label under the name of Live (I did another cover sleeve cos' I thought the official album one, a close shot ot Peter Perrett's face, was rather unappropriate). Note that it was wrongly suggested on the back cover sleeve to be captured at the Speakeasy in 1977. Among my interrogations, is this strange (and scandalous) fade at the end of "Why Don't You Kill Yourself". If someone could tell me WTF. To conclude, I would say that this concert, in spite of all its low parts, is for me the symbol of what I would have dreamed to do on stage with a band. Yes, nothing can be more close to this dream than this concert. Therefore, you understand the fixation I do about this band. More to come. Meanwhile enjoy it here. A good way to finish the year. Hoping this blog will reach the end of next one (but I know predators are here to kill it so I'm not sure)

DMCA is back again

2011-12-30T13:17:00.000-08:00

I received that " Mf has received a notification per the Digital Millennium Copyright Act that the following file is claimed to be infringing material. The fil e417.3__(-_-)__(2011).rar identified by the key (be07eee5761o99e) As a result of this notice and pursuant to Section 512(c)(1)(C) of the DMCA, we have suspended access to the file. The reason for suspension was: Copyrighted media relating to 'Sigur Rós'"

What happened is that I cited Sigur Ros as an influence for the Russian band called 417.3. Muso, who engages legal actions for this band, has not read the post, but only saw Sigur Ros in the post and that was enough to imagine I proposed to freely dl a product from their music-makers. It isn't. They should verify before asking to remove the link. Here a message for them: "You can be reassure, I'll never post anything by Sigur Ros, I've never liked the soporific music played by these icelanders, it's not good enough to be provided here freely. If some want to lose their money to buy such shit, it's their problem, but get out of this blog please. I'll never ever cite the name of this band on this blog anymore. And now piss off."

If any band wants their stuff remove, they leave a comment and I do it instantly. My aim is only to enlarge their audience and that they can sell more virtual or solid supports of their music. For old stuff, the aim is explained in the introduction statement of the blog.

Forgo10 Songs - 10 Faves of 2011

2011-12-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

A great year for music to my ears. If I was a little bit stuck to 70's and doom-sludge-dark metal, and surely have missed some stoner, mainstream rock, folk or pop gems (but I was not inclined to appreciate it this year), there was enough in this style to satisfy my ear appetite. Not sure they are the best albums (or EPs) of the year, but those I listened to the most or found the most impressive.

1. The Unthanks - Last (UK)

This album made almost half of my year. I was not hardly able to listen to anything else the months that followed its release. There was in it all that I was longing to find in the same album. The best of Rock Bottom and of Magic Lady, and this particular mysterious melancolic perfume that these 2 ladies can suggest with their voices. Their cover of "Starless" (here) is for me the musical peak of this year. I am so fixed on this album that I didn't find the courage to listen to their last one, covering Robert Wyatt and Anthony & The Johnsons, afraid to be deceived. To not find Last in the Best Albums lists of so-called musical specialists supports (for example Mojo, who put the last PJ Harvey as n°1 LP, is it a joke?) is for me the sign that all these guys and girls do not have any musical judgement anymore.

2. Uncle Acid & the deadbeats - Blood Lust (UK)

I didn't think it was possible to do a nostalgic, old school and revival doom LP and create an instant classic. Uncle Acid and the deadbeats did it. In mixing their Black Sabbath "fond-de-sauce" with Let's Active, they realized one of the best album of the first decade of the XXIst century. There are in this albums some classic songs that will be played by revivalists of the future. Post here.

3. An Autumn For Crippled Children - Everything (Nederland)

Another album I couldn't stop to listen to this year. Imagine Xasthur meeting the Cure with some gothic wings to fly over all the rubbish that makes our lives, and you got this incredible band who offers us here some of the most celestial music ever played. I would have imagined they were from very nordic landscapes but they are from flatlands. I can't wait to listen for more from them. Post here.

4. Battle Path - Storm and Stress (USA)

Each year, there's a massive, monstruous album of sludge doom that sticks you on the wall. This year, it was not far to be Guiltless from Indian but this US band had this something more that really did the difference for me. I know it's a high position for a new band, but each time I listen to this LP, I'm sure it's one of my year's faves. Note that they changed their name during the release of this album and that you can find it under the name of Black Majesty and then Battle Path. Post here.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://battlepath.bandcamp.com/album/storm-stress"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Storm &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Stress by Battle Path&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

5. Dark Castle - Surrender to all Life beyond (USA)

If the band really deceived me on stage, their LP was, after a period I didn't appreciate it, a highpoint for me this year. Once again, same as the 4 previous LPs (not of the band, but of this list), it was one of this album that I couldn't help to play again over and over, even if I don't think everything on it is a total success and if there were better albums musically speaking. But sometimes, there's something in an album that vibrates deeply with your inner self and this album has it. Post here.

6. Big Hurt - Comfort (USA)

I wouldn't have imagined to find anymore the excitation I felt when listening to the Bastards or the Hot Snakes some years ago. But Big Hurt (actually more a one-man band) was able to offer it to me. I used this short LP anytime I wanted to canalize my anger and my secret feeling to kill someone. Each song is a winner. And losers sometimes love to win. Post here.

7. Frequency of Butterfly Wings – The Butterfly Effect (Iran)

This year was the year I (rather lately) discovered Lifelover. And the year they lost their guitarist-composer and stop. A pity for sure. Meanwhile, in Iran (yes), Frequency of Butterfly Wings was proposing their Lifelover version of music and I love it. Free of any dogmatic categorization, they play what they want. This freedom, very few occidental bands show it. Maybe none. Deserves its place here. Post here.

8. Murkrat - Drudging the Mire (Australia)

When it comes to real funeral and medieval doom, Murkrat are for me the best. The music Carl Dreyer would have loved to backed his Dies Irae. The former LP was quite lo-fi but this one fulfils all expectations. You don't listen to such an album, you embark on a river of no-return. The lady conducting this project deserves to be considered as one of the great priestess, a sort of Nico of our times. Post here.

9. Dyskinesia – Dalla Nascita (Italy)

Once again, this album is here because of the excitation, jubilation and impression it made on me when listening to it the first time. Wild and mad, but also innovative and complex, it's anything you can dream post-rock could be. I don't see any other band, even those I really dig and posted on this blog, that could compete with this album. Post here.

10. Drear - We Will Use Your Blood For Fertilizer (UK)

Not very different from Dyskinesia, this UK duo provides the most intense and devastative EP of the year. Composed in 2009 but only released this year, it's difficult to imagine more electrocufying music. Khanate meets Skullflower. A must. Post here.

The Wounded Kings - In The Chapel Of The Black Hand (2011)

2011-12-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

I don't want to see a wave where there's none, but with Blood Ceremony (from Canada), Devil's Blood (from Nederland) and this new version (they have a female singer with this LP only) of The Wounded Kings (from UK), it seems that in 2011 a certain 60's-influenced doom female vocally-driven revival is on the road to glory. What's incredible is the fact that they don't give birth to second-rate albums, rather obsolete and nostalgic, but first-class ones, strangely relevant, even if the demoniac and sulfurous satanic background is no more than a delicatessen imagery in which it's orgasmic to drown in. This 4 track-LP has really something of the 60's italian version of Black Sabbath. More Atomic Rooster (when they were doom) than the Iommi outfit actually. Sometimes, Curved Air is not far (but Curved Air was never doom). The voice of Sharie Neyland is priestess as you can imagine. And there's a little nasal sound in it that increases its thrilling power. Not a weak track, a weak part, thick as fog in the Hammer horror films. The title track is a complete masterpiece. All in all, one of the best LP of the year in a category I'm sure there will be a lot of emulation next year and maybe a big public breakout if one song suddenly made it in the Charts (actually internet). Enjoy it here. Their facebook page is here. You got all you need to buy the album and support them so that they'll offer us more more.

417.3 - _(-_-)_ (2011)

2011-12-27T13:11:00.000-08:00

Under this numerological name is a Russian post-math-rock band in the vein of Foxhole and a rather soporific band from Iceland I'm not authorised to say the name without fearing to see my file remove, with reminiscences of Polyphonic Spree in the background melodies but also with a doom dimension that you don't find in all the influences (real or supposed) I proposed above. If I post them it's because it's not usually my fave style to listen to (too much manierism for me) but here, I don't feel this arty posture and it's really one of the greatest record in this style I've ever listened too. And I'm sure it will be for you too. So, don't miss this duo (they are backed by various musicians but it seems these two guys are the creative nucleus of the band judging by the pictures). And buy it everywhere you can. Russia needs that we support what will make of us all the same human community, and art contributes strongly to it in making us share the same emotion. Now feel a little russian as I feel when I read Boulgakov or I listen to Shostakovitch. Their myspace here, their facebook there. Enjoy the album here (new link)

Family - In My Own Time / Seasons (1971)

2011-12-23T13:43:00.001-08:00

With this 7th single, released in June 1971, Family will at last reach the crest of the chart wave, peaking at n°4 in September, but more triomphantly, staying 13 weeks in this ocean of hits and misses. It is surely the peak of their career. This song (I mean "In My Own Time") has all I madly appreciate in the music of that 70-71 period. Something very basic, sometimes even rudimentary, not far from a back to prehistoric era approach, mixing trad. US music with some English folk reminicences. Think of Jethro Tull (Aqualung period), T. Rex ("Ride A White Swan" period), the Kinks ("Lola" and Muswell Hillbillies period) but also "Cuz I Luv You" from Slade or even Mungo Jerry's "In The Summertime" or "Gonna Step On You Again" from John Kongos and you got the flavor of the period. But Family was much less commercial in its way to play this song and this is all the more respectable. Notice that the electric piano solo on the bridge will serve for Cockney Rebel on Mr Soft (funny when you think that the only member who will be in both groups, Jim cregan, was not on any of these songs). The B-side is a great one too, and the outro totally unexpected and amazing. You can't do to yourself no harm in listening to it here. Interestingly, none of these songs were on any album. It is to note that on the Top of the Pops appearance, John Wetton is on the bass, John Weider having quit some weeks before.

Lay down easy, stars in my eyes
Try not telling too many lies
Wake up feeling, not foolish or wise
And life goes with me, no matter what size
Now some seek Jesus, of flags they can wave
Won't touch nothing, unless it's been saved
But I say your neighbor deserves much more faith
And answer to yourself when you misbehave
You may think I'm wasting my time
Think what you think, you know I don't mind
But if I don't pick up what you choose to find
I'll be with you in my own time
I'll be with you in my own time
Mine is my freedom you take, I'll defy
Laugh till I'm tired, sing till I cry
Cause life is a moment you pass with a sigh
Never comes back sure as yesterday's by

The Only Ones - Live at the Paradiso (1979)

2011-12-22T12:38:00.000-08:00

After England's Glory, let's go back to the Only Ones. After their singles, previously posted, some posts about their live recordings. This one was recorded at the Paradiso, the famous Amsterdam's concert hall, and captured on the 3rd of November 1979, some months before their last LP Baby's Got A Gun was released. It was apparently broadcasted by a Dutch radio but I don't know which one. If the playing is far from being perfect and often Peter Perrett seems a little elsewhere (not too much vocally, but his guitar is quite erratic and John Perry must do all the job), there are some stunning versions of "Big Sleep" or "The Beast" where one can understand why for some of us the Only Ones will remain was of the greatest and most exciting and moving band of our lives. This concert was released on CD on various labels according to countries (on Jungle in UK) but the cover sleeves were rather basic and ugly so I decided to do mine. Not a chef d'oeuvre but somewhat nicer I think. Enjoy this live gem here. Below some videos that caught the band in 1979 (sorry for the French TV doc, with the speaker (Antoine De Caunes) covering the intro of "Another Girl Another Planet", he deserved some kickass.

Meth Drinker - s/t (2011)

2011-12-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you find a critics that say things much better anything you could ever think of. This is the case with this incredible album. A guy called IxI Killing wrote (here) "Have you ever put a record on and thought to yourself, “Since when did people inside insane asylums get to use instruments and why does it sound so fucking great?”. If you have thought that, believe me when I say you are not alone in this because when I listen to Meth Drinker’s self-titled debut full-length “Meth Drinker”, I get the same exact thoughts". And I had the same thought too. Honestly since the peak times of EyeHateGod or Autopsy I had not felt so disturbed by a band. Of course there has been some insane music proposed in the 2 last decades, more adventurous than this one (think of Khanate or Runhild Gammelsaeter for example), but here you can hear what's so specially fucking demential in sludge-doom, a sense of extreme terrorized vision of the world. It's crime being committed not related you feel to listen to. They are from New Zealand, a land that gives us more and more great bands and photographers and models. Impossible to miss if you're in real hate music. One of the highlight (actually lowdark) of this fucking awful year. Enjoy (not totally appropriate but I use it each time so let's go) it here.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://methdrinker.bandcamp.com/album/s-t"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;s/t by Meth Drinker&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

John Cale - Live at the Lyceum (1984)

2011-12-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

Often, talking about the Island years of John Cale is tantamount to the 1974-76 period. But there was another Island years period between 1982 and 1984, with 3 more albums, Music For A New Society, Caribbean Sunset and Comes Alives, the latter consisting of 8 songs recorded live at the London Lyceum on the 26 February 1984 and 2 studio versions of new songs, rather awful ones actually, more cos' of this terrible 80's sound than because of their inherent quality. For many, John Cale was only the shadow of himself on stage during these times but listening to this live testimony proves it was not. And it can be confirmed when looking at the Rockpalast concert that was boradcasted and easy to find on internet or in DVD. If the playing is not the one we were used to when Chris Spedding was in, you'll be surprised to discover how strong and powerful are the versions here of "Leaving It Up To You", "Fear" or "Heartbreak Hotel" (this one in a piano version that is one of the best I heard). But there's nothing to be ashamed in this set, at least in the part we are given to listen to. If I didn't post the original album (never released on CD) it's because the cover sleeve was hideous, and the association with the 2 studio songs are a nonsense and weakens the whole. So I created a cover sleeve with pictures taken during this concert and imagined this fake album. Enjoy it here.

Family - The Weavers Answer / Strange Band / Hung Up Down single (1970)

2011-12-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

With this 3-song single (an EP actually but since it was only released in small format, I still call it a single), Family enters in a new period of its life, rawest, wildest, a mix between folk and Led Zeppelin's way to approach heavy rock, but keeping an experimental dimension, more in the use of unusual intruments than in the song structures, rather classic. What's not classic here is the fact that the song that was supposed to enter in the charts ("Strange Band") and written in capital letters on the cover sleeve is on the B-side, just before the 3rd song of the lot. Strange band indeed. This version is not the usual live version that will feature on Anyway 3 months later. Not even the alternative live version that was included in the BGO double CD reissue of Anyway. It can be found on the A Family Selection by Rhino records. Is it useful to add that these 3 songs are strong and still as excitating today than 40 years ago? I don't think it is. So enjoy it here.

2011-12-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry. Difficulty to upload cos' of shitty connexion. They take the money and leave me their rubbish.

Space Bong - The Death Of Utopia (2009)

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you listen to dozen of bands that leave you cold as death and wondering if anyone has still some ambition in the world of stoner sludge doom or death and black metal, and if specialized blogs really do think all the good things they say about most of the rubbish they post, when you suddenly freeze these bad thoughts, sure that you found THE band you were looking for after more than 3 hours. This band is Space Bong (not a good name if you ask me but you don't), they're Australians and they're what I call a "larger than life" band, this life being rather death actually. Imagine a mix between Khanate when they play not too slow and Autopsy when they play slow, you have something of the incredible unsane climax rising from the musical tomb of this band. Honestly, if I had discovered this album when it was released, it would have been in my Top 5 of 2009, no hesitation. Actually, it was recently made available on bandcamp if I judge by my informations, but I'm not sure. What I'm sure of is that it's impossible, if you like true pure and extreme doom, to miss such a monstruously good band. If you're in Thou for example, this will be (if it's not since I'm a bit late this time) you're second fave present band. Enjoy it here and then support them on their bandcamp there. They deserve it. Note that it's their second LP, but the previous was quite different. Available too on bandcamp.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://spacebong.bandcamp.com/album/the-death-of-utopia"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Death of Utopia by Space Bong&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Family - Today / Song For Lots 7" (1970)

2011-12-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

In April 1970, while the band was intensively touring, they released this non-album 2 songs single that will fail to capitalize on their growing live notoriety. Honestly, it's not a great lot and it's hard to understand the excitation for this band if one judges only by this single (that did not chart). Since I post here the band's singles in their temooral order, this one had to be posted but it's true it's a weak link. Try it here. The only cover sleeve I found (on the Bandstand site entirely consacred to the band) show the B-side "Song For Lots" as the A-side but it was not the case in UK.

John Cale - Guts (1977)

2011-12-11T06:18:00.000-08:00

Few official compilations can pretend to reach the status of a great normal album. Most of them compile the hits (or at least, the most famous songs) and add some unissued ones as bonus tracks to trigger the buying reflex of the fans. It's not the case of Guts and although Island was not kind with John Cale at the end of his contract, one must recognize that they didn't cash on him with a low conceived compilation since, from the cover sleeve to the playlist, everything is prime choice here (except that it could be a little longer). What's so singular is that Island gathered the wildest and most violent part of Cale's production during his years in this label. Since these songs were recorded between 1974 and 1975, it could have been actually a real album, if Cale had the wish to offer a rude and raw music load to us. It could have been since he was feeling quite insecure and unwell during these 2 years although he was very creative. Since the production and playing is not si different between his 3 albums, it provides a complete homogeneity to this LP. Moreover, US fans could find "Leaving It All Up To You", removed from the US version of Helen of Troy because of the mention of Sharon Tate (what a ridiculous way to act, censors are really the scum of the earth) and "Mary Lou" an unreleased track from the Helen of Troy sessions. With all that, you have one of the most intense and burning musical album of history. Enjoy it here.

England's Glory - The Ultimate Session fake EP (1973)

2011-12-10T02:48:00.000-08:00

This is the ultimate (since the last has been wrongly entitled so in a CD reissue) session by England's Glory, although the band is no more the regular one, but an occasional gathering consisting in Pretty Things guitarist Gordon Edwards, a keyboard player called Mick Kemp and Harry Kakoulli, the only survivor of the previous band line up. Contrary to the liner notes of The first and last sessions CD, I think this session is much better than the previous one (here). More Stones influenced, sure it could have been a possible development for the band. Moreover, "Trouble in the World" (same title but nothing to do with the future Only Ones song) is a diamond that would have deserved to be given another chance. I don't have anything else to post from this period but if you know some, thanx to tell me. For the cover sleeve, I took an image from Franz Fiedler. Enjoy it here.

Family - No Mules Fool / Good Friend Of Mine (1969)

2011-12-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

In 1969, between Entertainment and A Song For Me (and included in neither of these albums) and after Ric Grech was replaced by John Weider (for the better), the band released this superb single whose both sides deserved to be hits. The A-side, "No Mules Fool" is the perfect example of what English bands could do with traditional American music in the sixties and the seventies, I mean recreating them entirely and extracting what was non seculiar in this music to britishize it (the Stones and the Kinks did that splendidly too but many others too). The Chapman's voice is a delight and there's something in this song that announces bands like the Pogues or the Waterboys (and of course the Undertones). The B-side is demonstrated the drama ability of Chapman, making him a brother of singers such as French Ferré and Brel, or Scottish Alex Harvey and English Kevin Coyne. All fabulous interpreters of our most tormented inner souls. Here begins a fantastic period for Family, in musical terms at least. And this music strangely survives without being too much affected by the effects of time. Enjoy it here.

Oxbow - Songs For The French (2009)

2011-12-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

More than being only one of my favorite band, Oxbow is one of the greatest rock band of history.His Narcotic Story LP is one of my all-time fave 5 LP, and I listened to quite a lot in my 5 life decades. Don't break my ball with your all-time 60's and 70's classics, none can compete compared to this masterpiece. At least, this is what I think and I'm too old to be influenced by anybody who'll disagree. Here is a live testimony of their 2009 European tour released 2 years ago. It's stunning of course. I was in the Paris concert but they were programmed before 2 other bands and it was a total fucking scandal to see them only 30 min. How the hell organisers have accepted such a thing, I still wonder but in this country most of them are dumb and deaf. So, while waiting for their next opus in January (2012 won't be a total shitty year if there's an Owbow LP, they have only done 6 in 22 years !!!). Enjoy this live souvenir here (only released in vinyl). PS. It's more and more difficult to upload with my shitty connexion. And I pay for that. Numericable you thiefs.

Fire Walk With Us - Carriers (2011)

2011-12-04T06:02:00.001-08:00

The Netherlands are now a land of high profile for the music I love. Recently it was An Autumn for Crippled Children, now it is Fire Walk With Us (and a land for long bands' names). Here we are in the soundlands of Isis, Pelican or Omega Massif, but when many fail to find their own singularity, FWWU succeeds and there is a subtle way to approach this genre that make it for me. It's instrumental, it's contemplative but it's talking to our inner anguish soliloquies. Music to swim in, sometimes to drown in too. Not to miss. You can support them in dl this album on their bandcamp here. Their site there. Don't keep stuck to the 70's, enjoy this contempory hot shit here.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://firewalkwithus.bandcamp.com/album/carriers"&amp;amp;amp;gt;Carriers by Fire Walk With Us&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Family - Second Generation Woman / Hometown 7" (1968)

2011-12-03T03:42:00.001-08:00

Sorry not to have posted lately, I got some home problem, quite funny when you consider that today's post is a rare one consisting in the B-side of a Family single released in October 1968 (midway between Doll's House and Entertainment albums) called "Hometown". Actually, you can find this song on a lot of compilations or as bonus track of CD reissues but when you listen to it, it's always the re-worked version featuring on Old Songs New Songs (with the violin) that you hear, even when the liner notes say it's from the single. So, I had to find and buy the single (I didn't own it) to pursue my Family singles series. Sorry for the quality sound, not as good as the seller told it was on his/her description, cracks are quite invasive but I did my best to lower them while keeping the sound quality of the voice (often there's a choice to do between the 2, I don't know why). It's a nice song but not a great one. Better than the awful A-side, due to Ric Grech, who will leave shortly after the band, not before having laid some of the weakest tracks on their next LP. I'm quite severe but honestly, compared to the Whitney-Chapman tandem, he didn't exist. Enjoy this 7" here.

Walk Through Fire - Walk Through Fire (2008)

2011-11-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

Four months ago, I'd posted the last EP/LP (difficult to say) from this great Sweden band (here)? But the previous one, released in January 2008, was also a stunning beginning, more experimental than the second one but no less thrilling. Don't need to add anything. Just take it here, shiver with the music and then support the band there.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://walkthroughfire.bandcamp.com/album/walk-through-fire"&amp;amp;amp;gt;walk through fire by Walk Through Fire&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

England's Glory - Predictably Blonde fake EP (1973)

2011-11-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

In May 1973, Peter Perrett's England's Glory has lost his guitarist, gone under other skies (and lost from view since then) and tried a new formula with a female guitarist called Julie (nobody seems to remember her surname, sexist world the rock 'n' roll one for sure). Unfortunately, her style won't fit with Peter Perrett's songs and this rare testimony demonstrates it. Funny to hear that she was 4 years ahead of her times since her playing is quite punk actually. But Peter Perrett needed elegant stylists such as John Perry to serves his songs correctly. None of these 4 songs would appear in his future repertoire. It's true that often, they are not far from Lou Reed plagiarism. Not sure "Predictably Blonde" would have been the title track of the lot if it was released in EP (but EPs were rare in 1973) but it's an hypothesis. Enjoy it here. PS. There'll be one more session, that will be posted here. Stay vigilant.

John Cale - Animal Justice EP w bonus track (1977)

2011-11-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

After leaving Island (I'll post later on some of his wonderful work from this era) John Cale had a difficult period concerning his solo work. Between 1975 and 1979, he would release only one EP, called Animal Justice, our today's post, a rather provocating affair and one of the few records from old artists that I bought that year cos' it seemed to me it fitted perfectly to the atmosphere of the punk era (much more than many others of his seventies mates). With it's fantastic cover sleeve, this EP featured 2 cult songs. The first is "Chicken Shit", based upon what is sometimes called the Croydon Chicken Incident (see here the story), a live set during which Cale cut the head of a chicken with a meat cleaver, the volatile having been freshly killed previously backstage. In this song, Cale is quite sarcastic about the reaction of his bassist and drummer who immediately quitted the stage and the band. The other cult song is "Hedda Gabler", based on the character of the Ibsen theatre play. Strangely, the keyboard theme is not without similarities with "Give My Compliments To The Chef" from SAHB. But it's a great song with a sublime climax. This EP has only been included on the Sabotage (Live) CD re-issue in 2000. Thanx to the anonymous visitor who sent me a link to this CD. Yesterday I had posted a ripped vinyl version I did but today I substitute for these CD versions, much improved on a sound level. Enjoy it here. And find the lyrics for Chicken Shit here and for Hedda Gabler there. Added on the 11/26/2011. I added a song recorded during the same session (in Chalk Farm) and not included in the EP. It's called Jack The Ripper and was included in the Seducing Down The Door Rhino compilation on which you can also find "Hedda Gabbler" and "Memphis". A fifth song was recorded ("Ton Ton Macoute") but seems not to have been released in any format. I'm not a total Cale connoisseur in terms of discography, this is why my Cale's posts are rather evolutive.

A picture of the Croydon Chicken Incident on April 24 1977

A picture turning in derision this episode taken in 1979

John Cale - The 1975 John Peel Session (1975)

2011-11-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

After the end of the Slow Dazzle sessions and 2 onths prior to its release, John Cale was invited with his band (featuring the great Chris Spedding) to record a session for the great John Peel (3 great guys in the same place). The session has never been properly released (except "Fear..." on Kats Caravan - The History of John Peel on the Radio in 2009) and here it's only the bootleg version. Not too bad sound but not the one you'd expect from an official recording. In this session, John Cale seems quite calm and far from the extreme behavior and singing mode he will adopt during the year, culminating in Orange (France) in August (I was there) when he left his band on stage and quit for who know where. But the version of "You Know More Than I Know" is quite gorgeous. And on "Fear", he's mad as we love it (listen to the final scream and tell me what your spine makes to you). So, a rare testimony of what sounded the John Cale band at their beginnings, before they were experimented enough to explore more intense ways. Enjoy it here. The cover sleeve is my responsability.

Standing waiting for a man to show Wide eyed one eye fixed on the door This waiting's killing me, it's wearing me down Day in day out, my feet are burning holes in the ground Darkness warmer than a bedroom floor Want someone to hold me close forever more I'm a sleeping dog, but you can't tell When I'm on the prowl you'd better run like hell You know it makes sense, don't even think about it Life and death are just things you do when you're bored Say fear's a man's best friend You add it up it brings you down Home is living like a man on the run Trails leading nowhere, where to my son? We're already dead, just not yet in the ground Take my helping hand I'll show you around You know it makes sense, don't even think about it Life and death are just things you do when you're bored Say fear's a man's best friend You add it up it brings you down

Petrychor - Dryad (2010)

2011-11-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's rather pure black metal for this blog, but the folk parts make me shiver like those on the 3rd opus of Led Zeppelin, and the Xasthur dimension of the music is what unload me from the heavyness of life these days (with John Cale, in another style). Here's the first demo of this one-man band apparently from California (when you remember this was the land of the Grateful Dead and other psychedelic peace and love combos in the sixties, it shows you times have changed). I'm not totally fond of the way this talented young man plays his solo (a little too much virtuoso for me) but this is not embarassing enough to preclude me to post this 3 track EP cos' it is very strong. Issued in February 2010, it was followed in May 2011 by a full lenght LP called Effigies and Epitaphs (it sounds as a King Crimson album title) that I'll post here later. It seems there was 2 cover sleeves, the more recent being the B&W one with the girl's silhouette, the brown wood the oldest. I discovered recently this man/band through the Chris Alfieri's (from Vattnet Viskar) mixtape posted on American Aftermath here. Enjoy it here. And support him there.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://petrychor.bandcamp.com/album/dryad"&amp;amp;amp;gt;Dryad by Petrychor&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Peter Perrett - The 1972 tape (1972)

2011-11-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

In the summer of 1972, Peter Perrett, aged 20, records some songs with his friends John Newey and Harry Kalouli to show to a putative new member aimed for guitarist in a new band (then called Peter & the Pets or England's Glory) how were his songs. Newey was beating time on a biscuit box and Harry Kakoulli slapping his bass (this comes from the Nina Antonia Perrett's biography). The result is surprising since here Peter Perrett is closer to his Only Ones period than to the short England's Glory one. He doesn't imitate so much Lou Reed than in their demo-LP of the further year. The most thrilling for any Only Ones fan, is to hear "Inbetweens" 6 years before it will appear on record. Some weeks later, there will be another "session", allowing to discover other new songs from this phoenix that honestly, has few chances in 1973 to be recognized as a major composer given the music featuring in the charts. So here is this testimony, released under the name of England's Glory in 2005 in a compilation called "The First And Last". I did the cover sleeve from 2 pictures I found on the net. I think it's rather appropriate.

Peter Perrett in 1972

John Newey in 1972

John Cale - I Keep A Close Watch / You and Me Fake 7" (1975)

2011-11-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

In November 1975, Island releases the album Helen Of Troy against Cale's wish, who didn't like some of the songs and considered it was still a demo-to-improve versions of the other ones. More incredible, among them was what will remain one of the best songs of his career and one of the best love songs of music history: "I Keep A Close Watch", and nobody in this record company thought it was necessary to issue it in single. It's true that between 1975 and 1977 Island will not hesitate to litterally assassinate some of their artists by arbitrary and stupid decisions. Cale will be one of the numerous victims. "I Keep A Close Watch" is a gorgeous and moving love song, orchestrated with the grandeur of the best Barry Ryan or Scott Walker songs. Lyrics, melody and arrangements make it one of these great achievements of the history that make you cry and shiver every time you listen to it. It was actually release in single some years later (in 1982), but in a new version that won't reach the summits of this original one. Cale would have liked the song to be covered by Frank Sinatra but I doubt it would have had the emotive power of Cale's version. On the B-side, I added an non-album song only released on the Island Years compilation and called "You& Me". It was recorded during the Helen Of Troy sessions and surely that Cale would have liked to see it on the album rather than some weak song. Very raw, more in the Pablo Picasso vein, this You-Really-Got-Me-riff-based song does a contrasted but welcome addition to the romantic A-side. Enjoy it here.

Never win and never lose There's nothing much to choose Between the right and wrong Nothing lost and nothing gained Still things aren't quite the same Between you and me I keep a close watch on this heart of mine I keep a close watch on this heart of mine I still hear your voice at night When I turn out the light And try to settle down But there's nothing much I can do Because I can't live without you Any way at all I keep a close watch on this heart of mine I keep a close watch on this heart of mine

The Reverend Of Despair - Spirit Writing (2011)

2011-11-17T14:28:00.000-08:00

Here what the so-called Reverend of Despair (his real name is Victor Fisher and he's from a band called Shroud of Delirium) wrote on Encyclopaedia Metallum to present this album: "I have been working on this new solo project due to the absence of my band. Although plagued by mediocre production (alternate: although blessed with obscure production) I though this may interest some of you. It's doom-based eclectic madness! Heavy music has done me plenty of good. Maybe if even a single odd fellow will enjoy this effort it was well worth it.". So here is my answer. I'm among the ones to consider that this kind of production is a bless and not a plague. Moreover I not only enjoy this effort, I consider it as one of the best surprise of the year, and I listen to quite a large amount of music in doom-sludge-black metal-atmospheric post rock and other experimental delirium. But here, I litterally found in love with this unexpected mix of so much genres, styles and sounds that nobody had the idea to telescope. It's Black Sabbath meeting Roky Erickson meeting Buzzcocks meeting whatever has some sense of melody in doomland and even Nikki Sudden. And the fact that there is a real feeling of artisanal humanity that flows from it make it not only a worth but a mandatory acquisition. That'll be my last word. Do some more in the future please, we need such albums in our dull lives. Here's the bandcamp. Here the album. Moreover his favorite citation is said to be "In heaven all the interesting people are missing." from Nietzsche, and honestly, he's right. And visiting his facebook page, it seems to be politically quite rough and citing Stalin and Proudhon, not common in this country. Support.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://reverendofdespair.bandcamp.com/album/spirit-writing"&amp;amp;amp;gt;Spirit Writing by The Reverend of Despair&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Eno - The Lion Sleeps Tonight / I'll Come Running To Tie Your Shoes (1975)

2011-11-16T14:35:00.001-08:00

This is the last testimony of the glam Eno, and actually he can be considered to be in his next period, pre-newavesque, since it was released in August 1975 and precedes by only 1 month his Another Green World album (the B-side is driven from it) that shared nothing with the previous glam sophistication. In this cover (composed by Solomon Linda in 1939 and sung by his band the Evening Birds), there is still the sparkling and weird approach of music of his 2 previous albums that, for me, will remain his musical peak (I'll surely be considered as a stupid ignorant but I don't care anymore of what others may think of me, in particular people I won't never meet, and even those who I meet and who make my living a hell). Since this A-side was only released on the vocal boxset, I think it can be interesting to some to get it here. My connexion is so slow these days (my provider is called Numericable and their stuff is shit, thief and robbery) that I'm not sure to have the patience to upload many things in the near future.

Alkahest - Milk and Morphine (2011)

2011-11-14T14:02:00.001-08:00

It's time to get back to sludge & doom again. When time will come to select the best albums (or EPs) of the year (not long before this ritual from now), few should omit the last Alkahest. I had posted their previous EP here but actually this album gathers the 3 tracks from this EP with 2 new ones. The result is stunning. Everybody tells that they're playing Isis-like music but it's far less boring than most of the Isis stuff. If you want to try, take it here and then please go buy it there if you only want virtualcopy and there if you want hardcopy. It's only 9$ and for such a masterpiece, it's nothing at all. A must have.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://alkahest.bandcamp.com/album/milk-morphine"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Milk &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Morphine by Alkahest&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Kim Fowley - Son Of Frankenstein (1981)

2011-11-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

Between 1973 and 1981, Kim Fowley put his solo career into brackets and kept busy with his Runaways project and various collaborations. Only one album, Sunset Boulevard (that'll be posted on this blog soon) was released, in a rather general indifference. In 1981, this LP, recorded with Rich La Bonte, was created and released without raising more interest from both the press and the public. Strange since this album is really great, and offers a novative approach of the usual weird rock 'n' roll experimentations of Mr Fowley. Apparently split in 2 sides, an 'Alcoholic' and a 'Psychedelic' ones, it is actually split in 2 songs styles, songs being spread across both sides. The first style is a sort of smoothie rock 'n' roll (the sound here is totally idiosyncrasic and can be recognized intantly when, like me, you've listened to this album since its release), not far from what Chris Spedding was proposing in a song like "Lone Rider" on Hurt, and includes "Face on the Factory Floor", "Zero Zero" and "Shades". The second style (most of the other songs) is totally experimental, with Fowley's narrative apparently mad storytelling on various musical background, from space rockabilly to cosmic synth ambiances. Strangely, it works when it should make you run away (OK, it's a little easy but I couldn't resist). There is also a Dylanesque ballad like Kim Fowley is the only one to do this well ("Destination Judy"). I took the source on the Bad News From The Underworld CD but unfortunately it's a vinyl rip off, not better than the ones you could find on some blogs (I hesitated to do mine, since I got the LP, but I'm not sure to do a better job than the ones available on the net, for example here so I didn't. Enjoy it here.

Eno - Seven Deadly Finns / Later On 7" (1974)

2011-11-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

Here's the first of some posts about Brian Eno, when he was only named Eno and he was the sophisticated glamster archetypal specimen. We have been some to believe we had our British Todd Rundgren, the genius we were waiting for, but 2 years later he was going in one of the most musical nonsense of the century (at least to my ears), I mean ambiant muzak. So, here is his first solo single, released some months after the Here Come The Warm Jets LP (only some months after he quited Roxy Music) still an album in my top 100 all periods, but there's a long time I didn't write a Top 100 list I must say. Not that the song on this single is one of his best, but it's a real forgotten one, not even included as bonus track on the reissues of HCTWJ. Moreover, it's in good sound quality since it was taken from the Eno Box II - Vocals. The B-side was an outtake from the Fripp/Eno Pussyfooting LP (see comment below),an album that can be considered as the ancestor of drone (if you're in Nadja it should be a shock to hear that it was already done in 1973, although not with the same achievement). Personally, I've never been able to listen to it, although I'm quite used to experimental and extreme music. But this one always bored me. Yesterday I was not able to include this B-side in the rar file but a visitor (see comments below) gave the link to do it (in a vinyl rip) so now the single is complete. Enjoy it here . Some more from this period... later on.

Oh oh the french girls with the string of pearls Think it’s such a fucking shame That the local boys with their country joys Never make them daisy chains hey’re swapping disappointing incidents While at the docks another ship pulls in And suddenly the door breaks down (ooh la la) It’s the seven deadly finns Oh oh oh soldiers and sailors Have all been here before Gigolos and governments Have stumbled through that door Because they need all those french girls with all their kiss curls And powder in their guns And the seven finns with their deadly grins Tend to measure beauty in tuns The first is a freak with a masochistic streak And the second is a kitten up a tree The third is a flirt with an awful print skirt And the fourth is pretending to be me The fifth wears a mac and never turns his back The sixth never shows his eyes But the seventh deadly finn is so tall and slim He shoulda never been with those guys Although variety’s the spice of life A steady rhythm is the source Simplicity’s the crucial thing Systemically of course (work it all out like norbert wiener)So if those french girls say to you ’would you like your ashes piped ? ’ You’ll have to take their word for it It’s the only thing to take

The ChristPunchers - Conduit (Deprogramming In 3 Phases) (2011)

2011-11-09T13:38:00.001-08:00

I've said all my euphoric excitation for this band from Detroit here. Think MC5 meet Black Sabbath meet the Melvins meet Pelican meet whatever can make your balls (or ovaries) torsated in pain and pleasure and you got the ChristPunchers. They don't hesitate to make their tracks long labyrinthic and atmospheric pieces of music truncated by drone waves, talking excerpts and other prime cut shit. This is all we ask music to be. Direct, rough, violent but also metaphysical. Don't miss them, they are stunning. Here their last EP with 3 tracks in one (you can listen below). Their facebook page's here. Enjoy them here and then go to buy their shit as they say on their site first page (there).

Slade - Mama Weer All Crazee Now / Man Who Speeks Evil (1972)

2011-11-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

In August 1972, Chas Chandler decided to send in the charts the new single of his "protégés" directly to n°1. So, he provided the single to the radios before releasing it (a common way to do since this time) but it failed and the single reached n°2 the 1st week, having to wait for a week more to get to n°1. Actually, it's the beginning of the Slade routine, the song being a T. Rex rip off (of "Telegram Sam") with a little Beatles flavour (of "Savoy Truffle"), and the formula would then become a little tedious. But I still post it for the B-side, a non-album track being here a rip off of ... "Rip Off" from T. Rex too !!! Although it is played in a sort of Led Zeppelin goes glam way. A good one indeed with a rather dark lyrical content about politicians. One of the last time Slade would be a normal rock band. So enjoy it here.

His mind is hurt so with grief He sits and watches the grass or leaves He can tell when a new one grows he can And watches as maggots flee from the throat of a dead man Across two seas he can hear, And grabs your words before you speak them He hears the sound of drinking grass he does An the Arctic moves its gigantic load for his owner's sake? He's a man who speeks evil, he's a man who is evil He looks on evil as a good thing He can speek evil, he can hear evil, he really really lives it He can feel that all his thoughts are changing That all his thoughts are changing by the hour, he can feel This man is hurt so with grief, he sits and watches the grass or leaves He talks to them all an' they grow, he does And wanders like a God, made deep inside-out, down below you know He's a man who speeks evil, he's a man who is evil He looks on evil as a good thing He can speek evil, he can hear evil, he really really lives it

Uncle Acid and the deadbeats - Blood Lust (2011)

2011-11-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure of many things in life, but one is that this album will be in many many lists of the best LP of the years amongst a lot of doomsters. And surely mine. It's rather incredible to listen to a newly released album thinking it's an instant classic that will last and travels throughout time. But Uncle Acid and his too acolytes (a girl and a boy) have succeeded in recording an album that, released in 1970, would be considered now as an immortal cult one. Of course, one can question the interest to record in 2011 an album that could have been done 40 years ago. But if this question comes in my mind for 99% of those who sacrifice novelty to this kind of nostalgia, it's not the case here for at least 2 reasons. First because the songs are all first choice and justify their necessity in being so wonderfully melodic and instrumentalized. Second because the Black Sabbath influence (and sometimes it's not far from imitation) is sublimized by a pop crossover that sounds as Mitch Easter (from Let's Active) had composed and sung the songs. I never had thought that a mix between Black Sabbath and Let's Active would have given such a great music. Of course, there's also something of Budgie in it, a band who had previously tried a mix between the Sabbath doomy approach of hard rock with something more lightweight. But in some songs, the Stooges and even Kyuss (on "I'll Cut You Down") are rather obvious influences. All I can say it's that if you have an LP to buy this month, it's surely this one. Try it and then go buy it. They are from UK and it's great to see this country is not totally drowned in second-hand pop à la Coldplay. Enjoy it here.

England's Glory - Self Titled Album (1973)

2011-11-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

In January 1973, Peter Perrett records his songs with his band called England's Glory, featuring John Newey on drums, Harry Kakoulli on bass and David Clarke on lead guitar. He decides a very audacious bet in recording an LP completely, until the acetate is done and distributed to the various labels. This LP has never been released and the fact that David Clarke left the band and that no correct replacement was found sealed the destiny of the band. Only 3 years later (after living on dealing drug) he was able to form another one, the fabulous Only Ones with 3 incredibly great musicians. Not that England's Glory was bad either. There's in it some of the charm that will be germinates so radiously in the Only Ones, but the music is too down on the ground, and even underground given the strong influence of the Velvet on it. Often, one could imagine it's Lou Reed singing and even if Dylan was the supposed to be the main influence on Peter Perrett's songwriting, nothing here can attested it. Two future Only Ones songs are here in their first version ("City of Fun", much more punk oriented than the final one, strange since it was recorded 3 years before punk, and "Peter & The Pets" that lacks the genius of the further version). My fave song here is the fantastic "First Time I Saw You" and it's sad Peter Perrett did not propose it to the Only Ones. If I post this non-bonus tracks version of the LP is that because I think interesting to listen to the album as it was recorded. However, I'll post all the unissued songs on a further post (I mean unissued at the times, since now 2 CDs have gathered them). Here is therefore the initial LP as it was, and as it has been released by 5 Hours Back label (distributed by Revolver Cartel in 1987). Enjoy it here.

Family - Me My Friend / Hey Mr. Policeman (1968)

2011-10-31T16:11:00.001-07:00

The second Family single was released on Reprise on 5 July 1968, some days prior to their first album, the very psychedelic-oriented Music in a Doll's House, one of the best album in a genre that is now quite dated and has not aged well. Strangely, in this plethoric album (16 tracks) the 2 selected songs for the single (no unissued B-side here) were not really in the psychedelic mood. "Me My Friend" is a classic, with something that makes me think of the French chanson tradition. I would like to know what was the influence for this song. Anyway, it's really a strong one. The orchestration is plenty of horns and raises shivers in the spine. It was not a hit but the critical welcome was rather enthusiastic. On the B-side, Family offers a bluesy brass one that ondulates as Ray Davies' version of New Orleans swamp. Rather sapid. Enjoy this second shot here. Sorry for the bad quality of the cover sleeve. Didn't find a better one on the net since I don't have the single personally. Below a version of "Me My Friend" filmed by French TV (I think it was Pop 2 from Antenne 2 channel but I have not verified so I may be wrong).

Me My Friend. Me my friend, I have seen many lands, me my friend I have been far and wide I have sailed many a tide I have rolled many a ride But I wish, me my friend, I could sail to the stars Have the gift to transport my whole being, my whole thought To a world of dreams, my friend Me my friend, I have loved many girls, me my friend I have told many lies I have asked many whys I have whispered many sighs But I wish, me my friend, I could have till the end Someone to love and hold Through the warmth and the cold Of my lonely years, my friend

Drear - We Will Use Your Blood For Fertilizer (2011)

2011-10-30T12:50:00.001-07:00

Yesterday evening, I was trying to kill my anguish and sadness with something new to hear, and I despaired also to find anything that may seem to me of enough strenght and intensity to be noticed. When I thought it was over for the night, I met this incredible demo from a UK duo who seem to have recorded it 2 years ago and released it only last June. It's a fantastic piece of music, consisting in 3 tracks melting post-rock to sludge, black metal, industrial (à la Godflesh) and Khanate-influenced doom, with an hellish heavyness and a terrific frightening atmosphere and constant changes (except "Madness & Civilisation" which is a sort of bridge between the 2 main tracks) precluding any boredom. In particular the voice, which is far from the pseudo-poetic approach of some post-rock descendants of Pelican or Isis. No doubt it's one of the most impressive thing I heard this year. And today, still high in my sadness-will-prevail state, it was (with a French singer called Barbara) the only thing that helped me to reach the evening without jumping through my window (and I'm living quite high). Make me a favour. Listen to this EP, dl it here, and then support this band there, we need (at least I) them to make other impressive records like this one.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://drearwindow.bandcamp.com/album/we-will-use-your-blood-for-fertilizer"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;We Will Use Your Blood For Fertilizer by Drear&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Sound up. Lights off. Full screen. Drink on.--- First we captured the earth, then set motion to an unending process of cultivation. Now we consume. Master and conquer till nights are starless, till birds are singing at 3am, till the world is just "scenery" and the noise of machinery never goes away.Capture. Cultivate. Consume.

Family - Scene Through The Eye Of A Lens / Gypsy Woman (1967)

2011-10-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

Today, the first post of a series about the Family singles discography. After Kim Fowley found their name and recorded some demos for them (unfortunately unissued to this day), Family took their future in their hands and recorded for Liberty this single released in September 1967. Clearly in the psychedelic post-"Strawberry Fields Forever" style, rather under the influence of Traffic (the band had released their 2 first singles), the A-side shows that the band is far from being a naive and mellow one as too many were in this movement, and the inner violence can be felt under the psychedelic arabesques (really dated when listening to them now). The B-side is also Traffic-influenced, but more by the soul side of Steve Winwood. A rather difficult to find couple of songs, only released on the 1999 See For Miles collector limited edition of Music In The Dolls House/Entertainment re-issue. So 2 forgotten songs for sure. Enjoy them here. Since the single had not cover sleeve, I did one based upon the lyrics, at least considering what I can understand to them. Below is a picture of the band who recorded this single. Note it's Harry Overnall on drums (only time he would be on a Family recording). Note also that it's a much better quality version of "Scene...." than the ones you can find on the web (don't thank me, I'm only doing my (unpaid) job.

Lifelover - Dekadens (2009)

2011-10-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Somewhere, a blogger wrote about the 3 first Lifelover albums that it was a "perfect trilogy". Not far to be true and honestly this band is one of my most cherished (late) revelation of the last decade. Actually, it's true too that this EP, following the 3rd LP (Konkurs) is rather a deception. Much more fist-in-the-face oriented, it seems the band decided to dig its metal dimension and to omit almost completely their experimental explorations that gave them this so idiosyncrasic aura. Of course, it's only an EP, recorded in the BBC studios, and the objective was maybe to break the European market, but it was the first time the band did not fulfil expectations. Sometimes there are some traces of Ministry, sometimes of Sisters of Mercy, sometimes the band uses black metal gimmicks, but all this does not add to their grandeur. Since I decided to post all their work in order to make them known by the more people possible, I post this one too. It's still good and there are some great moments in it. Enjoy it here (it took me 2 hrs to upload with my snaily connexion).

Family - Live Anyway fake LP (1970)

2011-10-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Fake but not impossible this is the way this album should have been released in November 1970. Actually, the band had planned to release a double live LP but seems not to have enough material of good quality to do it. So, for their 4th album, they decide to do what's the worst, an hybrid LP with a live side and a studio one. Don't have any souvenir that such an album was a success in terms of homogeneity (remember Cactus Ot 'n' Sweaty for example). Three years ago BGO released on double CDs Anyway and A Song For Me. On the Anyway CD, there were 3 live bonus tracks, 2 of them that could have been from the Fairfield Halls set that gave the Anyway live side. Not sure but since these songs were on the studio side, I take the risk to conclude that a Live Anyway could have consisted of these 6 songs. Not that live "Part of the Load" and "Lives and Ladies" are totally convincing, being somewhere between long Canned Heat jams and long Traffic improvisations, but they would have provided a more consistent LP after all. For the cover sleeves, I created a sort of demarked Anyway cover with the same Da Vinci drawing. The pictures (on the back sleeve and below) are ones of the band in the correct period since they tended to change quite often of personal during their career. I'll post all their singles later on this blog. Stay vigilant if you'd like to discover them, there's much to savour. Enjoy this Live Anyway here, there are "Good News -Bad News" and "Strange Band", 2 of the strongest songs, not only from Family but from the whole Seventies.

Slade - Tak Me Bak 'Ome / Wonderin' Y (1972)

2011-10-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Some weeks after the success of their live LP (a challenge to release a live LP so soon for a band, but a real good idea in the case of Slade), the band releases their 7th single in May 1972, their 7th but the first of what will become their "marque de fabrique" as we say in France, in other words their style, stompin' rock 'n' roll quite screamy and easy listening. This is a rather good one (I mean "Tak Me Bak "Ome") but the interest is the B-side again, a Beatles-flavoured song (more specifically Paul McCartney) that shows that in 1972 the band had not lost all its musical ambition (actually they never totally lost it but it became more and more difficult to see where it was on their production). A classic for those who love fine 4 fab-influenced melodies. Enjoy it here. PS. Sorry its hard to post these days cos' m y connexion is slower than a snail (thx numericable, the stealers that provide shit connexions). Hope it'll improve soon. Don't abandon the blog.

Wonderin' Y. Here I am in the same old clothes Looking back on my life 'cos I'm left alone Left out here without a home Take no chance, read between the lines Don't accept a way When she always cries Just read between the lines I tried to love you, now I'm here Taking things as I find them Now I'm here wasting time Thinking of me Looking back on my life Wonderin' Y It's hard to see and to understand Just a what it's like To be pushed around Kicking stones along the ground I don't think it will ever change Can I find a way To the front again And have another chance to spend My life with you and now I'm here Taking things as I find them Now I'm here wasting time Thinking of me Looking back on my life Wonderin' y

Today is the Day - Temple of the Morning Star fake EP (1998)

2011-10-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

If I repost this fake EP it's because honestly I don't want to post anything unrelevant with my present state of mind, and I don't want to let the blog down too long. So I uploaded it on mediafire (here) for those who have some difficulties to dl on rapidshit. Below, what I wrote in the post last May. I can add that I saw Today is the Day play live again last spring and it was pretty terrific once more, although the version of this song has no more the strenght it had when it was composed. It's really a sort of hymn for some of us and, although I won't, as some, tattoo the word on my skin (that I left the way it was when I came to life, except what time has done to it), I'll surely try to make it appear somewhere on my grave or in any personal relics, except of course if I die in some shithole where nobody will find my cadaver.

Let's begin again with what I consider one of the most powerful and moving songs in rock history and which gave its name to an album 13 years ago. The author is Steve Austin, the leader of Today is the Day and only surviving member, the band's constant line up change being not far the Fall's one. I've seen them live 10 days ago here in Paris, and it was, as always, stunning, acoustically deafening and emotionally strong. Now Steve Austin is 45 years old and it's good to see he has crossed all these years and is still as intense as ever when so many mellow with age. I gathered here, under a self-made cover sleeve taken from a fantastic pix by I don't remember who, 4 versions of this song, 2 in their acoustic ones, 2 in their electric ones, all from the 1997 period of its creation. Can't imagine something illustrating more clearly some inner states at night when you feel you will give up and leave this fucking tedious and oppressive world. Don't stay on your old music models. Genius is here too. Enjoy it here.

Temple of the Morning Star. I wake in cold sweat / And there is no one who cares / This life / No life / It's killing me / I am slowly dying / I can't be what you want me to be / I am dead

The ChristPunchers - Black Lung In The Age Of Crime (2011)

2011-10-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

I discovered this Detroit band from Stonerobixxx (here) with their one-track EP released last January (Conduit (Deprogramming in 3 Phases)) and quite a masterpiece. But I'm totally stupefied by this other one-track EP that was "offered up as a mail-order only bonus CD-R to folks who purchased the "Cold Hands" 7"" and which has been updated last March. It's in the same time pure rock, pure doom and pure post-metal. And more than that, with a sound loudness I've rarely heard in my life (and I heard quite a lot of things believe me). It's massive as was some LP such as Migration's Buried at Sea for example. One can hear the reminiscences of ancient Neurosis or Melvins (they were much more Melvinian some years ago) and even Godflesh, but again, with a little rock supplement I've never heard in this genre. Instrumental, it's moreover full of windy atmosphere that gives to it a rather spacey feeling. In other words, this band is one of the greatest on the planet these days. Don't miss it. Go to buy their stuff here and if you want to be sure beforehand, dl this gem there. More posts to come for sure, it's a revelation for me.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thechristpunchers.bandcamp.com/track/black-lung-in-the-age-of-crime"&amp;amp;amp;gt;Black Lung In The Age Of Crime by The Christpunchers&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Georges Brassens - Supplique pour être enterré à la plage de Sète / La non-demande en mariage (1966)

2011-10-22T05:17:00.000-07:00

If some may ask me who are the greatest French composers/singers of the XXth century, I would not be very original and cite what we call the 3B (Barbara, Brel and Brassens). Some may think I could add Ferré (Léo) but honestly I've never really shared the enthusiasm of many (except for some masterpieces) for him. Of course my affection and admiration also go to Christophe, Alain Z Kan, Jean-Claude Vannier or Alain Bashung, but there's something in the 3B that make them reach some universal and trans-temporal status. Here a post around Georges Brassens, a sort of national cross between Woody Guthrie and Bod Dylan but this comparison is more theorical than real cos' Brassens is a mix between a libertarian-anarchist French tradition and a more reactionary right-wing vision of society, primary concerned by individual freedom and less by societal progress. In 1966, he's 45 and maybe a sort of paternal and populist figure of anti-authority, more appreciated by middle-aged French people than by youngsters who are more in Léo Ferré and other real anarcho-revolutionarist singers. But on the song quality side, he's on the top of his art, and more specifically with these 2 songs, in no way linked to any political preoccupation but only to death ("Supplique pour être enterré à la plage de Sète") and love ("La non-demande en mariage"), subjects finally more relevant to everyone now than the anti-bourgeoisie incantations which often were expressed with formulations rapidly out-of "fashion". Yes, these 2 songs are among my favorites any style, any period. Of course, understanding the lyrics would help to see why since Brassens was maybe the best song lyricist of the history, not far to be the equal of our greatest French poets (although they are songs lyrics and can't be appreciated as poems). Someone (thanx to him) did the job here and I encourage every non-French speaking visitor interested by this post to read the text whilst listening to the song. On the B-side, the song is again a masterpiece needing to have the lyrics under the eyes, and on the same site, the translation has been made there. Both songs were on the 11th Brassens' LP, called IX because the LP format was changed from 25 cm to 30 cm in the beginning of the sixties and previous LPs were re-released with more songs on them. For the cover sleeve (this is a fake single although "La non-demande en mariage" was released as the A-side of 3 track-single in 1966, but without "Supplique" on it), I chose a painting called "La plage de Sète", from a painter called François Knopf (site here), not really my painting style but I really dig this one (complete format here) and found it relevant. So now, it's up to you (only 10% of this blog's visitors are French, so I don't know if the 90 other % may be interested by such a national singer). Enjoy it here. PS. The version of "La non-demande en mariage" below is live whereas in the rar file (and therefore this fake single) it's the studio one.

Bongmoth - 1.618 (2007)

2011-10-21T14:31:00.001-07:00

One of the rare stoner band I'll post here. If I've really been in stoner during Kyuss career and the first years of the movement (with Acrimony and some others), I've been quickly bored with the constant recycling of the same old cooked riffs and the increasing testosterone-trend of the genre. Here is an incredibly interesting band (surely disbanded since I didn't find anything new about them even on their myspace and this LP was quite difficult to find for dling). It's completely instrumental, and is a novative mix of stoner and post-rock. They're (actually were) Australians. The last track "Illumination" listen below on Soundcloud), the longest, has a stunning harmonica on it and is for me one of the strongest stoner track ever played in history. It's even doom in it's slowness and atmosphere. Not to miss. A must hear. Enjoy it here. Thanx to Drowning Earth for the revelation.

Bongmoth - Illumination by Black Sun Audio

Slade - Look Wot You Dun - Candidate (1972)

2011-10-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

In January 1972, contrary to the expected Cuz I Luv You album, there was another single. And if this was not the same major hit than its predecessor, it still reached n°4 in the UK charts, not bad for sure. It's true the song had not the catchy power of "Cuz I Luv You" but it's nevertheless one of the best of the band, with something of the Beatles' greatness in it. But the single, once again, is now a must-have for it's B-side, a Lea/Powell song which not less laid the foundations of what the Undertones would play on their 2 last albums. Moreover, it has one of the rare political content in the whole band's career. Although the Beatles influences are clear (some say Lennon's, I'd said Harrison's), it paved the way for the new wave in it's pop development. It will surprise all those of you who think Slade was only able to play they stomping rock 'n' roll funny stuff. Enjoy this gem here.

The Only Ones - Complete Remains (1984)

2011-10-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

In 1984, the French label Closer released a so-called Only Ones compilation (so-called since songs on it are actually not played by the Only Ones) of lost vaults from various sessions, notably Baby's Got A Gun's ones. This release consisted of a 10 songs LP and a 4 songs "free" single. Actually, it seemed that some of the songs dated from before the Only Ones ("Watch You Drown", "My Rejections", "Counterfeit Woman" with an incredible great solo from Glenn Tillbrook, "Broken Arrows" and maybe some others from the single). In 1993, Anagram label released a CD featuring most of the songs from this album+free single except 2: the Small Faces cover "My Way Of Giving" and "Broken Arrows", probably an England's Glory's song (the band formed by Peter Perrett in 1974 prior to the Only Ones). However, they added 2 bonus songs "Silent Night" and "Don't Feel Too Good" that are from the Only Ones since Perry, Mair and Kellie play on them. Here, at least, I gathered songs from the 3 sources to provide the complete Remains songs. I ripped the 2 non-CD songs from my vinyls, but it seems Anagram had done the same with their CD (cracking is obvious). Got no place to talk about the quality of the content. It's uneven but there are several great moments on it and the influences (Lou Reed, Neil Young) are much more obvious than on the official releases. No Only Ones fan should ignore this sixteen pack. So enjoy it here.

The Small Faces cover

Bell Witch - Self-Titled (2011)

2011-10-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

From Seattle, this band (actually, they are only 2) offers an haunting piece of doom. Imagine Sleep crossed with Khanate with something of the loudest and "rootest" sludge. Imagine Black Sabbath who would have sacrificed their hard rock wing to fly only with their most funeral and slow one. Imagine Electric Wizard who would have not decided to become groovy. And you got one of the most "down under the ground" band of this era. It's slow, very slow (not far from the 1st Orthodox or Moss, but more old school and far easier to listen). They don't fear to play very few notes and let the gloomy atmosphere spread it's tentacles around the listener. It's audacious, risqué and it works. With only a dirst demo they install themselves as a seminal force of our rotten times. Hope they'll keep this uncompromised approach and will not put any stoner in their sonic beverage. It is said to be a demo but for me it's a self titled EP that's all. And a great, very great one, believe me. Enjoy it here and then go there to their bandcamp support in buying it (sad there's not solid format to buy), then go to their blog there to catch news. PS. Some informations about this Bell Witch of Tenesse who gave her name to the band here.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://bellwitch.bandcamp.com/album/bell-witch-demo-2011"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Bell Witch Demo 2011 by Bell Witch&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Slade - Coz I Luv You / My Life Is Natural (1971)

2011-10-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

This is no less than one of my fave single of last century. If only for the A-side, a classic among the classics, for a reason I couldn't explain, the genius of the simplicity, the evidence of the arrangements, the kind of songs you feel you could find joy to live listening it with a beer in one hand, your beloved next to you and a crowd of singing drinkers around you. But the B-side, "My Life Is Natural" is also a masterpiece, not in the same discipline since here we have the mix between Led Zeppelin (the acoustic guitar), the Who (the electric guitar), Humble Pie (the voice) and the Beatles (the bridges). What else to require from a so-called unidimensional band such as Slade. I doubt any of you will still have the heart to call them a second-zone band once the song finished. We were in October 1971. The band was breaking the charts for the first time and culminated at the top. Strangely, the associated studio album was posponed, shelved and finally never released. Don't know why but there must be an explanation in some biography maybe. Meanwhile, enjoy this great single here.

I played the sands of time and I loved and lost They give their bodies to two time whores They gambled every thing they got A greedy mind cut out the cards They even loved with another man's wife They even loved her with other men They've also drank a lot of wine Some men have even had a good time My life is natural, hey, hey, hey My life is natural, I said, I said, I said My life is natural, whoa, whoa, whoa My life is natural Maybe tomorrow a change in the life Of the man in the street's gonna come Maybe tomorrow hope it`s tomorrow You got the sands of time and got 'em high They've done their best to wreck their mind Instead of joke they told a lie They started wars so men could die now They try to sus their bodies evil And what is good will take a mind brighter than mine To start to setting the world to right Would take another Christ now My life is natural, hey, hey, hey My life is natural, I said, I said, I said My life is natural, whoa, whoa, whoa My life is natural Maybe tomorrow a change in the life Of the man in the streets gonna come Maybe tomorrow - hope it`s tomorrow

Dyskinesia - Dalla Nascita (2011)

2011-10-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry for those coming here for old 70's stuff but I can't wait posting this extraordinary post-rock droney sludge album (these classifications become quite boring but they help to define quickly what we(re talking about musically) from an Italian band formed 4 or 5 years ago and who seemed to have evolved quite recently in one of the most powerful and imaginative atmospheric derelicted post-rock of the planet. They offer here a wide rainbow of emotive landscapes, mostly dark and bleak but who escape the usual arty posture and conceptual shit that this style often drains. An unmissable record if you want to fly over your everyday filth. Enjoy it here. You can dl the album for free here and then donate for the band is able to release the CD.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://frohike.bandcamp.com/album/dalla-nascita"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Dalla nascita by FROHIKE&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Lifelover - Konkurs (2008)

2011-10-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

First, I was deceived. Production was improved but I thought it was more unidimensional, too much gothic and less inventive than the 2 previous ones. I was wrong. Some weeks later, I think it's a pure masterpiece. I must say I discovered the band quite recently, with Pulver, and decided to discover their discography progressively. And some days ago, I learned that B, the member of the band that was responsible for most of the material, died after a show. I must say that I've rarely been more affected by the death of a musician (by Kossoff, Alex Harvey and Marc Bolan ones of course, but not many more). And to know there won't be another Lifelover album makes me more angry than sad. There are some incredible songs on Konkurs. Specially the instrumentals. Like the previous albums, songs become more and more experimental and atmospheric on what would have been the B-side on a vinyl record. I can't imagine something more crucial to dl that such an album. As specified earlier on the posts for Pulver and Erotik, this band is a mix between Amon Düll II, goth-rock, black metal, Paradise Lost Gothic period, and even TV Personalities, but so many more I can't name them all and I would probably miss a lot. In the end, it becomes Lifelover and all these influences are far beyond and buried in memory. Do me a favor: dl it here. And then go to buy it for the great booklet.

Can't Fake Nature - You... EP (2011)

2011-10-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Ribs Out (here) has uploaded 15 new albums/EPs from various styles, mostly post rock, ambient, drone or math rock. I took some times to listen to most of them and I was immediately stucked by this Croatian band, who play something like post-rock, not totally innovative I must say, but whose climate alleviates a little of my inner anguish and it's a welcome relief. This EP has been mastered by James Plotkin, which is a quality sign. If you're in Omega Massif or Witchblade (but I know that Isis, Pelican and Mogwai invented the genre), you can jump on it without apprehension, it's for you. Enjoy it here. And then go to their bandcamp there buy the CD (a nicely composed box).

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://cantfakenature.bandcamp.com/album/you-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;You...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; EP by Can't Fake Nature&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Tinsel Teeth - Trash As The Trophy (2010)

2011-10-07T11:56:00.001-07:00

The band posted it's (great) last album (Trash is the Trophy, released in May 2010) on bandcamp, and you can listen to and buy it here. This band is the wildest descendant of Jesus Lizard and Stephanie the most stunning performer of the planet. So, no use to add that this album is a must. If you absolutely want to dl it free, do it here, but then please support them in buying their stuff.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://tinselteeth.bandcamp.com/album/trash-as-the-trophy"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Trash as the Trophy by Tinsel Teeth&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Slade - Get Down And Get With It / Do You Want Me / Gospel According To Raspoutin (1971)

2011-10-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

With this 4th single and it's A-side sounding as the Beatles playing Little Richard, Slade will find the path to the charts in May 1971 (n°16 in UK). But the interest is the couple of songs on B-side. Actually, there are 2, and really great ones. The first is a doomy blues in the vein of Ten Years After and the Beatles. The second is a heavy rock prog that would have been cherished by fans of all the obscure bands that became cult in the late 20 years. Not far from the Groundhogs approach of this genre but one can hear a lot of Led Zeppelin too (it seems Jim Lea would have loved to have been in Led Zep). All in all, a great offer. The band succeeded in entering the charts with it's more ambitious single to date. Unfortunately, it wouldn't last. Enjoy it here.

Kutkh - Earth Without Light (2011)

2011-10-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

Amazing how worldwide, bands offer novative, uncomplexed and free ways to mix various styles. After Lifelover in Sweden, Frequency of the Butterfly Wings in Iran, Godstopper in Canada, Autumn for the Crippled Children in Nederland, today Kutkh in Russia, who provide a long track (18:35) in which we travel throughout an incredible variety of atmospheres. No taboo, it could be the Velvet Underground (or let's say Slint) and 2 minutes later Ramesses. It's exciting to see that Black Metal, Doom and Sludge's avatars aren't stuck in the boring repetition of formula such as Stoner or Death metal. An exceptional band. Enjoy it here and then, support them there.

The Only Ones - Oh Lucinda (Love Becomes A Habit) / The Big Sleep Fake Single (1979)

2011-10-04T13:07:00.001-07:00

In 1979, the Only Ones are on a slipping ground, more and more digging their band's grave in drugs. And CBS becomes quite embarassed with this band they don't know how to manage and how to sell. For their 3rd album, they ask that the band choose a producer. Their choice is for Martin Hannett, the famous mancunian producer of Joy Division. But the only session they would do together at the Advision studios will only result in 2 songs later on their Baby's Got A Gun album (produced by the more mainstream Colin Thurston). In the Nina Antonia biography of the band, it's clear that the day was first used for other occupations than music, specially for Peter Perrett, John Perry and Martin Hannett. So, here are these 2 songs, and if the Lucinda version is rather weak (but still has some commercial appeal), "The Big Sleep" version, maybe the greatest and most moving song from all the songs the Only Ones created, is not far to reach the live version on the BBC session, and the great album version too. Actually, the 3 are to possess cos' they show how a great song can provide complementay emotions when played by a great band. For the cover sleeve of this fake single, I chose a Zen Sen picture, this photograph (Polish I think) being maybe one of those who provide the imagery the most relevant to the Peter Perrett's universe. More on him on Scoptophilia here. Enjoy this session single here. PS. Interesting to watch how the junkie habit begins to be clear on the Perry's and Perrett's faces on the picture below.

Take the crutch away from you And watch you fall down It's a shame about a girl like you Always falling down (Aha) I see the way you're looking It's a silent rhapsody (Aha) I know there's something cooking I know I seen that film before The end is so predictable You gotta learn to live again That's the final twist I really hate to see my friend Cease to exist (Aha) The enemy we're fighting He's inside of you and me (Aha) Please stop crying I know you used to smile before I know it's not impossible You took my picture off your wall Oh Lucinda (you're funny, you're so funny) Only tried to tell you You're heading for a fall Oh Lucinda (Aha) It's good to see you winning I always did have faith in you (Aha) The end is the beginning I know, I've seen it in the war (Aha) Get to your battle-stations It's a crime against our nation Get to your battle-stations It's a crime against our nation Love becomes a habit If you see it, you gotta grab it You gotta grab it Grab it

You woke me from a big sleep You taught me how to think cheap You woke me from a big sleep When you kissed me... oooohh On the cheek I don't ever wanna sleep again Now that I've found love I don't ever wanna sleep again Now that I've found love (I've found love) As soon as someone showed me There's no such thing as glory Changed my life completely Now it's a whole different story I don't ever wanna sleep again Now that I've found love I don't ever wanna sleep again Now that I've found real love Oh in case you're wondering if I been struck dumb I'm cold inside and my heart is numb In case you're wondering if it's too late I won't hibernate, whoah woohoo na na na na I don't have the strength to break an empty shell And I surely don't have the strength to mend it Well, I don't ever wanna sleep again Now that I've found love I don't ever wanna sleep again Now that I've found love

Enslaved - Thorn 7" (2011)

2011-10-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

Never anything from this band (from Norway, formed 20 years ago) had really any impact on me previously (maybe I should try again), but this new 2 tracks single is one of the best thing I heard this autumn (and there are a lot of weak things released unfortunately, with blogs strangely enthusiastics for an amount of mediocre old school stoner or doom clichés). Based on black metal, with a rather slow and basic drumming, "Disintegrator" has a wonderful melody that makes you fly upon this shitload reality as few others can do it. And the B-side is great too. It's good to see an old band like this produces such an uncompromised music. Hope they'll pursue in this style. Enjoy it here.

Only Ones - Fools / Castle Built On Sand (1980)

2011-10-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

A sign that the 80's were strange times, this single seemed to me a good idea when it was released in May 1980, one month after Baby's Got A Gun was issued (with both sides from the LP) when now it seems to me a total mistake, providing an awful image (the cover sleeve is a disaster) of Peter Perrett. Just a sign of how in the 80's things went wrong. Actually, it was more a Peter & Pauline (Murray, from Penetration) single than a true Only Ones one. Except for the B-side. "Fools" is a cover of a rather average song and should have been better avoided. It seems that CBS has projects for the band to release a cover albums (some remains are to be found on the album of the same name, later on in its complete version on this blog) but not sure it was a good idea. A very bad way to end the Only Ones first era since they'd never release officially another one. More to come. Enjoy (at least the B-side, a fine little tune) it here.

Slade - Know Who You Are / Dapple Rose (1970)

2011-09-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

Released in September 1970, 2 months before their Play It Loud album, this single is maybe one of their most forgotten ones although the songs are not rare, both included on the album. In this single, the Beatles influence is very pregnant, but the Cream and Ten Years After influences are easy to find on "Know Who You Are". On the B-side, it's not being rude to say the song is a plagiarism of McCartney but with a Bee Gees flavour (the band of the sixties, not what they became once turned disco). All in all, a totally commercial miss but a testimony of the ability of the band not to be only a stomping and funny bunch of glamsters. To note that during these months, the band had a skinhead look that would have allowed them to play unnoticed during the punk's era. Enjoy it here. PS. The single was released without cover sleeve so I did one with a picture of the times

Funeral Mourning - Drown in Solitude (2006)

2011-09-27T13:02:00.001-07:00

This Australian one-man band is actually, like Malefic for Xasthur, the project of Desolate, who seems to do almost everything on it. It's surely one of the most deep, intense and moving funeral doom LP ever released, at least to my ears, or should I say to my sadness, since this music can't be really judged like another one. What the fuck is to say that it's good or not when the only criterion is whether it touches your own despair. Despair is not an objective parameter. Of course, many can laugh and mock this obsession of digging black thoughts and depressive ideas. But we can't help being sad by the world and our own fatal condition can we? Let's wait for their agony's hour, they'll be less swanky. Meanwhile, there is here everything I like in this music when it's done seriously and with taste. To try to describe it is useless with o' so pathetic English. There are many sites who made more efficient panegyrics of this album over the last 5 years that I could ever dream to write. So, the best is that you drown your solitude, like me tonight, in this ocean of tears and distorsions here (as usual, it's 320 kb, found on mf). No news from Funeral Mourning since this LP. Too sad. Below, the 17th century engraving called "The Mirrour which Flatters not" by John Payne that provides the cover sleeve and many other ones.

The Only Ones - Trouble In The World / Your Chosen Life (1979)

2011-09-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

The 4th Only Ones single (actually there was an EP between the previous and this one, with "Out There In The Night" on A-side and "Peter & The Pets" / "Lovers Of Today" on B-side (ie., the 1st single), but no real interest to post it here since the A-side was from the Even Serpents Shine LP and the B-side songs were posted with the 1st single there). Released in November 1979, 5 months before their last album (Baby's Got A Gun), the A-side was intended to place the band in the wake of the new wave invasion (worst than crickets' one) with an appropriate production (due to Colin Thurston). Appropriate to the period maybe, but not to the Only Ones since it rather ruined the song, as it would ruin the album. More dramatically, it was in vain cos' the single was not a hit. Note that the lyrics are maybe the blackest, doomest and most desillusioned of the history of singles, not a good way to reach the pop market. I think that most of funeral doom bands could make Perrett's words them without any change. On the B-side, there was a song that would stay unissued on the album, and a long time non included on various compilations for unknown reasons. Too bad cos' "Your Chosen Life" is a good one and would have deserved to be on the album more than some weak ones that finally found the path to the LP. Lyrically, this time it's maybe one of the rudest words told to a girlfriend ever written with the final "... sudden revulsion to think my mouth touched your stinkin', filthy cunt". Not the usual new wave lyrics content. The cover sleeve of this single has a strange history. Actually, it had to be the picture of the band around the table with the crucifix on the wall, but for a reason not quite clear, CBS didn't like it and preferred the parody of the Doors album (even without the song title on it). Bad idea, the former was much better. A third one, totally ugly, with the band in front of a sort of stone carvern, was also often found. That's why I chose the crucifix to illustrate the post (what a surprise?). Enjoy the Only Ones trouble here.

Everybody thinks that they're the one Everybody thinks they're stronger than everybody else They see what happens to their friends They don't believe that's how they're gonna end If you do happen to be stronger It only means you gonna take longer to go under That's the trouble in this world The trouble in this world The trouble is At first you got the upper hand When people warn you, you just don't understand You say it's an old wives' tale And everybody's gonna die anyway This marriage was doomed from the start She's don't wanna have money she just rips out your heart When you part, when you escape from The prison You say he wrote you a message You're superstitious, you know you shouldn't break the chain Don't be scared to have children Anyone would have thought it was pre-ordained If you do happen to be stronger It only means you gonna take longer to go under That's the trouble in this world

Who do you think you are? You can't get away with The kind of things you're saying Must be something wrong with you Remember who you're talking to Nobody's ever treated me that way And escaped unharmed Escaped unharmed The first thing you learn Is people Aren't always half They all could be Go back to your chosen life You shouldn't venture this far I think your bluff lasted it now He opens his mouth And everybody falls to the floor Don't think I'm complaining I've got the feeling for what I hunt If there's a sudden revulsion To think my mouth touched your Stinkin', filthy cunt

Iron Witch - Single Malt (2011)

2011-09-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Happy to see these English release a full lenght-EP after their demo posted on this blog with cheers (find it here). They carry on with a mix of EyeHateGod, UpsideDownCross and Buzzov.en that seems really to come from the moisty climate of Louisiana but comes from the smoggy UK. It's first class, first choice hatred, exactly what I needed tonight, being full of disgust for human species, specially specimens living in my country, my city, my workplace, and even those who say to be my friends and beloved and who let me leave in complete solitude. What the price of affection or love if you leave those you say to love rot in their loneliness. Don't know if it's what are singing about these guys but this is exactly what their music tells me. No contest it's the best sludge record of the year. Find their bandcamp here and please buy their stuff on CD or support in dl the mp3 against some cash. Before, try it here.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://ironwitch.bandcamp.com/album/single-malt"&amp;amp;amp;gt;Single Malt by Iron Witch&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Halfnelson - A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing (1968)

2011-09-24T03:01:00.000-07:00

Before Sparks, there was Halfnelson, and before the first officially released album of Halfnelson, there was this album called A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing, a title that the band will use again for the first Sparks album (is it clear?). This album was worth releasing and it's a shame it was not and that it's now a forgotten one, cos' there are many excellent songs among the 12 featuring on it. Some will resurface later such as "Saccharin and the War" or "Roger", but in rather more sophisticated versions. What is clear is that the band had the british pop in the DNA of their songwriting, except for a strong Beach Boys influences. For the sleeve, as many, I was inspired by this information that "Ron Mael designed a sleeve depicting someone flying pas the Eiffel Tower on a surfboard in front of a bright moon". I didn't find the visual material to reproduce the original idea but tried to provide something not too ugly (others have done it, and I did a new one only for the pleasure, not cos' I thought I was doing better). Moreover, the sound version here was found on this site, a much improved sound compared to the vinyl rip you can find elsewhere. You can have all the informations you need on each song of this album here. Enjoy here this testimony of what a great duo was the Mael brother since the beginning of their long lasting career.

Vrangsinn - Phobia (2009)

2011-09-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Vrangsinn has a long history in the black metal world, and notably with Carpathian Forest (but also more than 10 different bands). This Norwegian is much more than a simple bassist of black metal bands, but a versatile artist (writing, filming, drawing) not afraid to be also a character, what our times are lacking so much. Profoundy anti-religious (welcome to the club, I can say that since I'm older than he is), here he offers a totally strange and unexpected album which has nothing to do with metal, but has more to do with Nick Cave. But although I don't appreciate our famous Australian icon, here I find the proposed songs totally my taste, since they have the despaired and delericted flavour that you won't find in Cave's work, who is in the classic artist format. What is the most striking in this LP, is that Vrangsinn often sounds vocally as a drunken Robert Smith, and I can't imagine any Cure's fan, specially of the most delirious periods of the band, not caught by this album. This music is like a poison. You can find it a little bitter for a while, but soon you listen to it again and this bitterness begins to taste sweet. If I post this album now, it's also because we're waiting for his new album, and the some songs that can be heard make me think it will be quite a masterpiece. Meanwhile, enjoy it here. Lyrics included in the rar file. More on this LP there. The whole album was associated with videos you can watch below.

Melanie - Sunset And Other Beginnings (1975)

2011-09-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

1972-1975 is not a good period for Melanie musically. She seemed much more concerned by her children than by songwriting and recording and the 4 albums she would release are among her most uneven, this one being one of the weakest (and the cover sleeve quite ugly). The worst in it are the musical arrangements, with this fake funky flavour that ruined some of the best attempts. And when songs are ballads, there is a pathos in the vocals and sound that destroy the emotion. If I post it, it's because this album is no more available on CD (and never has been really easy to find) and because many versions found on the net are the US and not the UK version, the latter including a reworked version of "Ol Man River" which is finally one of the best thing of the whole playlist. Other good songs are "Perceive It", the cover of "I Got My Mojo Working" (second track on the US version, seven on the UK version, don't take the sleeve below for reference, it doesn't respect the original UK order of the playlist) and "Where's The Band". Not a lot considering there are 13 songs. Sad to say that (and maybe Melanie's fans will disagree but there is nothing more boring than fans), but it's a rather dispendable album. The poor rework of "You Can't Hurry Love" has nothing to do in Melanie's repertoire and was a failure in single. And the version of "Almost Like Beign In Love" failed too to make any impact although she appeared in some TV shows (see below). Since I'm here to provide a wide view of the artistic life of this great lady, there is no way I would miss to post it. Importantly, all the songs of the US LP were taken from CD version in 320 kb so nothing to do with lo-qual sources that you can find here and there on the net. Enjoy it here.

Head of the Taurus - self titled (2011)

2011-09-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

This band from Germany offers one of the strongest warrior sludge doom (don't ask me what it means, I invented this expression for this band) I heard for a long time. Something of High on Fire and Sleep (something of Mike Pike in other words) but totally recreated, with an atmospheric Neurosis flavour (I'd said Omega Massif since I'm a fan of this latter band). This is a must-hear for all the amateurs of this post-rock instrumental sludgy doom that provided so many mediocre bands and some exceptionnally good as is this one. I appreciate particularly the absence of grandiloquence, so frequent in this genre. Here they keep their feet in the rawness and muddy ground of sludge and don't adopt the usual larger-than-life attitude of so many of their colleagues. A band to count on. It's an EP but I hope it will be successful enough to allow them to record a full LP on a label. Their bandcamp here. Their facebook page there. Enjoy this fantastic EP here.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://headofthetaurus.bandcamp.com/album/demo-2011"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Demo 2011 by Head of the Taurus&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Chartreuse - You Really Got Me / Rock And Roll Rules (1977)

2011-09-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

Today, quite a rarity I think, and a really forgotten song. Actually, not the song since it's a cover of one of the most famous one in history, the Kinks' "You Really Got Me". But this cover is usually not cited in the lists of bands having played it. Chartreuse is the band created by 2 ex-Cockney Rebel members, bassist Paul Jeffreys and keyboardman Milton Raeme James, after being briefly in Bebop Deluxe in 1975 (but never recording anything with Bill Nelson). This single was issued quite late, since in 1977, the glam times were over. I must say I was quite enthusiast when I saw this single in 77, but deeply deceived listening to it. Belonging to no clear style, there is something of Devo and Sparks in it, but rather weak, even on the original B-side song. The band will be short-lived, and both musicians (other members of Chartreuse seem to be those of the band Violins, Jeff Faulkner on guitar and Malcolm Ashmore on drums with vocalist Rob Elliott) would form the also unsuccessful Warm Jets the next year, a much more punk and new wave band this time. Ironically, the "You Really Got Me" cover by Van Halen would be a massive hit the year after. This difficult to find and expensive to buy 7" has never been issued on CD or on MP3 before I think. I ripped my vinyl for this post. I think the sound is quite good. A document for completists of music made by various Cockney Rebel members. Enjoy it here. There was no cover sleeve on the original issue so I created one, based on my interpretation of the Chartreuse beverage and physical love described in the lyrics of the song. There is no available picture of this band neither.