AIN’T NO LOVE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY?
Another year, another bout of doubts as to whether to carry on with this bloody site. All my hopes for even a tad of interactivity have died with the introduction of my blog. Nobody comes, nobody reads, nobody comments and generally gets in touch. What with season greetings, let alone the rockets falling quite close to my house, no visitor of the site wrote in save for Jim Cregan and Rudy Sarzo, God bless their gentle souls. Basically, there’s a hit-and-run situation with more and more people coming to the site without showing their attitude – which is an attitude in itself but not a good one. Should I then, amidst all this economy situation and extra work that I have to do in order to keep my family afloat, continue? This question I ask myself time and again realizing there’s only two record labels have left working with this site, Angel Air and MoonJune, the great ones standing their ground – thanks a lot, messrs Purnell and Pavkovic, you’re fantastic. If I don’t have the music what the little satisfaction of running a site for the potentially deaf, dumb and blind kids would be? Oh yes, the interviews. Just tell me which other independent site has brought you the exclusive interview? There’s much more interviews in the works yet with no incentive and so little time it’s quite difficult to concentrate on these. And still, I’m carrying on – against all odds!
FLY ON, THE SWEET ANGELS
Our good friends at Angel Air have announced their tentative plan of releases for the first half of the year. As usual, great stuff whetting the appetite – the re-issues and rare and new stuff alike. Something fresh from the MOTT THE HOOPLE GUYS or Maggie Bell, isn’t it nice? That’s what the list looks like.
THE MONKS – Suspended Animation – January
Carlo Little’s ALLSTARS – Never Stop Rockin’ – January
HIGH SOCIETY – I Never Go Out In The Rain – January
KING EARL BOOGIE BAND – Loaded And Live – February
MOTT – By Tonight – Live 1975/76 – February
Rick Derringer – Rock Spectacular, New York 1982 – February
Eric Bell – Live Tonight Plus – March
ATOMIC ROOSTER – Anthology (2CD) – March
Jackie Lomax – The Ballard Of Liverpool Slim… Plus – March
BEAU – Edge Of The Dark – 1972-85 – April
IAN GILLAN BAND – Anthology: Sound & Vision (CD/DVD)
John Du Cann – Anthology – in production
Overend Watts – TBA – in production – summer
Verden Allen – TBA – in production – summer
Muddy Waters – TBA – in production
Maggie Bell – Belle Stars – in production
WHAT’S YOUR MOTT-O?
Speaking of MOTT THE HOOPLE is rather relevant as Overend Watts, Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs, Verden Allen and Dale Griffin are to be reunited to play two 40th anniversary shows at London’s Hammersmith on October 2nd and 3rd. Carry the news!
Any chance for the live recording and… perhaps… a new studio album, eh?
SHADOWS OF ANOTHER DAY
According to the DPAS, this year might see not only the 35th anniversary edition of “Stormbringer but also a re-issue of another DEEP PURPLE album, the one that they returned with in 1984. Yes, “Perfect Strangers. Roger Glover will oversee the remastering process for the 25th anniversary of this record and then for “House Of Blue Light” and “Slaves And Masters” which will arguably end the PURPLE re-issue programme that’s started back in 1995, as when the band left Polydor and recorded “The Battle Rages On” they did it digitally.
SPIRIT FLIES HIGH
Mario Parga‘s single “Spirit Of Night” – featuring both original instrumental piece off the wonderful Entranced album and the vocal version with ex-BLACK SABBATH Tony Martin singing – was one of the last year’s highlight. Now, it’s lent its title to a special compilation of the guitarist’s music including the aforementioned single as well as rare tracks such as “Valse Diabolique” from the various artists collection The Alchemists II and a couple of previously unreleased cuts – all themed nightbound and dark.
1. Spirit Of Night (with Tony Martin) 2. Spirit Of Night (original instrumental version) 3. Spirit Of Night (chilled solo) 4. Haunted 5. Solo In D 6. Valse Diabolique 7. Arpeggios For Shawna 8. Hourglass 9. Twilight Rose 10. Farewell |
THEY COULD BE (THEIR OWN) HEROES
War Child is one of the best charities around, the fact many musicians know all too well and some of them from time to time take part in the most interesting compilation albums the organisation makes. The new one, “Heroes”, must be out on February 16th and features young artists chosen by their idols to cover their own songs. Quite a great idea resulted in rather great combinations which will be a thrill to be listening to.
1. Beck – Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat (Bob Dylan) 2. SCISSOR SISTERS – Do The Strand (ROXY MUSIC) 3. Lily Allen – Straight To Hell (THE CLASH) 4. Duffy – Live And Let Die (Paul McCartney) 5. ELBOW – Running To Stand Still (U2) 6. TV ON THE RADIO – Heroes (David Bowie) 7. HOT CHIP – Transmission (JOY DIVISION) 8. THE KOOKS – Victoria (THE KINKS) 9. Estelle – Superstition (Stevie Wonder) 10. Rufus Wainwright – Wonderful / Song For Children (Brian Wilson) 11. Peaches – Search And Destroy (Iggy Pop) 12. THE HOLD STEADY – Atlantic City (Bruce Springsteen) 13. THE LIKE – You Belong To Me (Elvis Costello) 14. YEAH YEAH YEAHS – Sheena Is A Punk Rocker (THE RAMONES) 15. FRANZ FERDINAND – Call Me (BLONDIE) |
ANOTHER RUNNER IN THE NIGHT
Chris Thompson might be a tad trivial a name but one of the name’s owners is one of the greatest rhythm-and-blues singer England has ever produced (and certainly the best raised in New Zealand). Mostly known as Manfred Mann‘s sidekick in EARTH BAND, he’s had hits of his own and participated in some great projects such as Jeff Wayne’s “War Of The Worlds” or Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. Often heard and not so often seen, now Chris’ talent is to shine on “One Hot Night In The Cold”a new DVD, filmed last year in Norway and out in March 2009.
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1. Wasting Time 2. One Man Mission 3. Hot Summer Nights 4. Get Up And Dance 5. Redemption Song 6. Angel 7. Heart Of The Fire 8. Mighty Quinn 9. Burning Light 10. Blinded By The Light 11. Davy’s On The Road Again 12. For You 13. Back In Your Arms Again 14. Suburban Cowboy 15. You’re The Voice 16. Questions 17. Ain’t No Rain In The Farmyard |