Mr Drayton's Favourite Records, 2012.

Alex Collier made this - alex@oddballmedia.com for all your poster needs.

It’s that time of year. Anorak on, head down, list of fifty albums of the year. It’s a time of contention. For the die hard list-feeder each proclamation brings either euphoric vindication or crushing, bone crushing, splintering defeat.

I do like a list, but I most certainly don’t have the time to listen to 50 new albums a year, so, here’s a list of elpees released this year that I bought and played over and over again until their mysteries were revealed unto me.

Rob Heron and The Teapad Orchestra - Money Isn't Everything. CD. Having a knees up this christmas? Rolling out the barrel? Soundtrack it with this slice of home made joy. The beauty of this record is how they’ve captured much of what they do live. Infectious. And they’re all only 13 years old.

Port St Willow - Holiday. DL. Brian Eno recommended this in Mojo magazine, so I gave it a punt. I’ve had it for a week now and have listened to it, start to finish, five times. It’s a wafting cloud of electronic melancholy. Possibly the best new thing I’ve heard for years.

Gojira - L’Enfant Sauvage. DL.

Mathematical Gallic Metal.
Stonking.
Even better live.

Efterklang - Pyramidia - LP. A slice of Danish wonder. The vinyl version is beautiful,  just what a record should be. From start to finish, a wonderful place to be.
Even better live.

Dexys - One Day I’m Going To Soar. LP. Bands reflecting on past glories doesn’t really do it for me, they can stay behind. Dexy's though are a marvel. It's rare to have a band that you've always known were brilliant, and when they come back they are again. With knobs on.
She’s Got A Wiggle is the single of the year, even though it was never released as a single.
Even better live.

Elton John vs Pnau - Good Morning To The Night - DL. Elderly EJ fan finds comfort in modern day studio jiggery pokery and old Elton songs.

Liabach - Reproduction Prohibited. DL.
Who said you can’t have compilations in a top ten? More adventurous, surprising and mindboggment going on here than anything in a BMX bike riding, arse showing, hipsters Top 50.

Blunderbus - Jack White. LP.
It’s Jack White. What do you expect, Boring?

LCD Soundsystem - Shut Up and Play the Hits. DVD.
Ok, so it’s not an album, it’s a live DVD of their last ever gig, but if you just listen to it, it’s the greatest live album ever.
Even better live.

Be Strong - The 2 Bears. CD.
The most played album of the year.
Cool and groovy, warm and friendly, and funny too.
Great songs.
It’s a toe tapper and no mistake.      

Welcome back my friend, I wasn’t expecting you here: Fleetwood Mac - Rumours. LP.

A Record Player favourite. I hated the ‘Mac during the punk rock revolution. After sharing this with a packed and jigging room at The Record Player, my mind was changed.
It’s got everything you might ever need from a record. 




SINGLE of 2012 - Lightning Bolt - Jake Bugg.  At 2.33 this is everything a single should be. Snappy, catchy and with no caterwauling winsome lass bellyaching all over it.  Rockin'.


Well, if you made it thus far, Thankyou. If this list inspires you buy any of these albums, do let me know what you think of them.

If you're at a loose end, The Record Player is here: Tyneside Cinema, we're on til the 20th Dec, which final one of the season, a right royal blow out - is the Christmas Singles Club. It will be very christmassy, I promise.

Finally, I have a Christmas Day show on BBC Newcastle - Mr Drayton's Christmas Record Box.
Currently it's scheduled to run 19.00 - 21.00. A selection of festive fun you wouldn't normally hear on the radio.

My current favourite xmas song is Sufjan Stevens version of Little Drummer Boy. Beautiful.
  

Norman Wisdom, Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee, Good Times...

High on Record Player Goodness, two lovely people.

It's been quite a year for The Record Player. From it's first faltering steps with the Tyneside Cinema, it's gently been oozing out across the region. Shows have taken place in the Dome at Spanish City, The Sage (I played a record at the Sage!) and The Baltic, with the recent foray with a different format, again at the splendid Tyneside Cinema  with the Punk Off! The one abiding thing that makes these evenings so worth while is just how sociable they are.

For many years I've worked, then dabbled, then worked in comedy. For me there are two major moments at a comedy gig. Post good gig goodness and post bad gig badness. The feeling of being on stage being just one step ahead of an audience, riding the laughter is sublime. Ditto the feeling being two steps behind and audience, but with added fear and self loathing.

Record Player evenings don't echo these events, what they do bring is that lovely shared experience, that joy in sound. It's one of the most sociable things I've ever done. It sweeps across the generations, all the divides, in fact I'm going to suggest it to the UN to help sort out global unrest, it's that good.
If everyone sat down to an evening of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours on the Gaza Strip there would be no more bother, I can assure you.

Fridays Punk Off was an interesting one - extending the format to 45's, spoken word and general messing about, after a faltering start it really took off, and the beauty of it is that the audience are as integral to the groove of the evening as the muppets are who run the show. It may have been the lateness of the hour, the drink and/or the music, but by 11.00 o'clock we had a room full of love. It was great.

Lady Annabel and an actual Punk Icon, Lady Pauline of Penetrationshire.

None of this would work if we attracted a bunch of cloth eared herberts, or groups of Stags and Hens. People come to listen and enjoy. I am eternally greatful to the RP 'Bromley Contingent'. These hardy souls who come along week in, week out, just for the crack - even if they don't like what's being played ('I have to say that I hated that, it was awful' Bruce Bax on Murder Ballads).
Then we have those who love a particular album, come along not knowing what expect and leave beaming.

Finally, none of this would have been possible without the help and assistance of Tyneside Cinema. They have been impeccable, kind and gracious in their generosity and support of what is basically a bloke playing records. Thankyou good Tyneside Cinema folk, you know who you are. Love.

Next year there will be a few news things to enjoy - in the planning stages - a Glam Slam! enjoying the fab glam sounds 71-75, audience curated album evenings and the Alternative Lindisfarne Gospels.

If you've an album you want to hear, think there's an audience for it, then please leave a comment or email therecordplayer@yahoo.co.uk

Ladies, Read Me Now

We need a lady. Sheena Revolta and I are holding an evening of Punk Rock finery on November 23 at the Tyneside Cinema. 

One of the sections of the show is called Punk Rock Icons, where carefully selected contributors tell of their Chosen One in three minutes or under. 

So far we have a top writer, a swinging duo, me and sheena and an actual real life Punk Rock icon. We need one more contributoress. 

If you're a lady and fancy your chances please tweet me with who you would represent and why. There's a pair of tickets and a drink in it. 

And a bloody good night out. Thankyou for your time.

Baltic Fog on The Tyne - A Very Special Event

The Record Player is very proud to present a Special Unique Event.

On SUNDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER 2012 at 19.00 we give you a unique opportunity to hear the classic 1971 Lindisfarne album, on vinyl,  at the River Terrace in the Baltic, Gateshead.

 We can't guarantee Fog on the Tyne, as the album plays, but you will experience dusk over one of the finest views in the world.

Perfect.

This will be followed by a Q&A with drummer and man about town Ray Laidlaw.

Tickets are limited, they cost £5.00 and can be reserved - (pay for them on the door, cash, no cards, sorry), by emailing therecordplayer@yahoo.co.uk.  

I will then confirm your booking by return email.

Please book early, we expect there will be a great deal of interest.

This a Record Player/Baltic collaboration.

All hail the new colour scheme!!!

We're back!

Starting from the 20st September, in the beautifully appointed Digital Lounge at the Tyneside Cinema, at only £5 per person.

Please note, we'll be starting 15 minutes later at 7.30 on Thursdays.

Here's the Autumn Season for the Record Player. Taking suggestions for the New Year Season, so please leave in comments or email me: therecordplayer@yahoo.co.uk
tweet @mrstevedrayton

This seasons listings, I do hope you approve.

Sept 21^st

Wham Bam Thank you Mam! It's a Glam Slam!

Electric Warrior Vs Transfomer - T.Rex Vs Lou Reed.

Who wins? You Decide!!!!

Sept 28th

The sweet, sweet sounds of Langley Park…

Steve McQueen - Prefab Sprout

Oct 4th

California Dreamin' with…

Rumours - Fleetwood Mac

Oct 11th

All that scratching is making me itch….

Endtroducing - DJ Shadow

Oct 18t

The great lost Dexy's album…

Don't Stand Me Down - Dexy's Midnight Runners.

Oct 25th

Bristol, home of Trip Hop

Blue Lines - Massive Attack

Nov 1st

Ghosts and Ghoulies - Halloween special

Murder Ballads - Nick Cave + Your Scariest Songs.

Nov 8th

I feel so sexy I want to kiss myself…

Purple Rain - Prince

Nov 15th

The third greatest Bowie album ever…

Aladdin Sane - David Bowie

Nov 22nd

STYLUS BREAK

Nov 29th

Sci-Fi Rock Spectacular

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots - The Flaming Lips

Dec 6th

UK vs US Hippy Burn Out

Solid Air - John Martyn Vs. After The Goldrush - Neil Young

Who Wins? YOU DECIDE !!!!

Dec 13th

Lively up yourselves…

Exodus - Bob Marley

Dec 20th

Ding Dong Merrily on High

It's the Record Player Christmas Singles Club. Ten stories, ten songs.

Who wins? YOU DECIDE!!!!

I do hope you can make it along, it would be nice to meet you.

Best,
Mr. Drayton

How's about that then?

How's about these for a possible autumn Record Player line up at Tyneside Cinema from September?*

Any add ons in comments below, will endeavour to please as many folk as possible.

The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Beatles - the White Album
Prefab Sprout - Steve McQueen
Bowie - Aladdin Sane
Bob Marley - Exodus
Marvin Gaye - What's Going On?
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Don't Stand Me Down
Glam Slam! Lou Reed Transformer vs T.Rex Electric Warrior
The Jam - That's Entertainment
Art Punk Wigout - Talking Heads '77 vs XTC White Music
Electro Clash- Rubicon - Tangerine Dream vs Burial No Exit
Rumours - Fleetwood Mac
Massive Attack - Blue Lines
DJ Shadow - Endtroducing
Roxy Music - Roxy Music vs Avalon
Nick Cave - Murder Ballads + Scary songs
Neil Young After the Gold Rush vs Bon Iver - For Emma Forever Ago
Dave Brubeck - Take 5
Christmas Singles Club
UK Prog Wigout Yes - Fragile vs Moody Blues - Days of Future Past

The Second Bi-Annual Singles Club

This Thursday sees two monumental events in the cultural world happen on the same day at the same time and in the same venue, with some of the same people.

Firstly, it's the second Singles Club.
The rules are simple.
Ten 7" Singles, ten stories.
Each spinner has up to two minutes to tell the audience about their chosen song. We then play the single. The audience vote for their favourite and the winner takes home a top prize, of a trophy and Five English Pounds.

Having just completed the slide shows for the respective entries, I can promise a very interesting, funny and eclectic evening of music. Here's the winner of the first singles club, Mr. Jeff Brown with his trophy.

Tickets for the first Singles Club sold out.
The second Singles Club is this Thursday 7th June, Digital Lounge, Tyneside Cinema.
7.30 start. £5.00.
If you're planning on coming, I'd book a ticket:
https://www.tynesidecinema.co.uk/whats-on/diary/weekly#2012-06-07
You ought to, it's good fun.


Secondly, It's the end of Side One of The Record Player. An evening dedicated to listening to a record. Started back in September, rolled long gathering it's own odd momentum. We've had some fab albums, and if you've missed them, more fool you. You can always find time in your day to have a listen rather than a shuffle. It's great.

The good people of the Tyneside Cinema deserve a special mention here, they invited me in, and keep asking me back. They've been very kind, and, with the exception of Ken the projectionist coming in and turning Abbey Road down quite unceremoniously, very polite and lovely.
Thankyou Tyneside, you're great. Tyneside is good for films as well.

The Record Player is making a couple of trips out over the summer.
The Sage and The Americana Festival has invited us over for Saturday 21st July, a special bit of Johnny Cash, and War of the Worlds will be spun at Spanish City on Sunday 12th August. More details to follow.

A final big thanks to the guys and gals who have supported the RP through the good times and bad. They know who they are, they're good enough to come along to albums by bands they hate (F***ing U2?) Thank you folks.
The RP returns on the 21st September 2012

The Flotsam and Jetsam of Pop

In recent weeks I've crossed the paths of several pop stars. In their heyday three of them were Number One Top of the Pops, the other, a trier, an also ran. Of the four, only one disappointed, and that was, for me, a grave moment, I expected more, which probably says more about me than them. 

Gary Numan was booked to record a down the line interview for the radio show I produce. I had asked the lad who brokered the deal if he would forward an email, asking if Gary would tell me about a significant song for the Singles Club. The email was never forwarded, but come the day, I jumped in on the interview and explained myself . Not a problem, in fact he was concerned that the song he had chosen contained swearing and wouldn't be suitable. He was affable, honest and very warm, several million miles away from the image touted around at the height of his fame. Once that went he lived in a bedsit with a knackered old settee watching a black and white telly that belonged to his grandad. The woman who would become his wife kept him afloat. He's now an electro pop pioneer. Good on yer Gary I say, I'd buy you a pint or some batteries for your electric friend.

I'm not one for comebacks or reunion tours. I'm firmly of the opinion that the hertiage rock acts should stay exactly where they came from. I don't want to see an over weight former teen star dragging their sorry ass around an O2 singing the hits in the wrong key. New Order without Peter Hook? Like Joy Division without Ian Curtis, The Undertones without Fergal Sharkey? The Sugababes without Mutya....oh, fuck...well you know what I mean. 

I am however prepared to get off my pop high horse when it comes to Dexy's Midnight Runners. Never a band to compromise, it's been a chequered career and one that has required patience. Seeing Dexys recently was one of the greatest moments in my pop life. It was the third meeting we've had, and although I've never met him, I feel as though I know alot about Kevin Rowland. Part music hall, part soul revue, part pop explosion, nothing is watered down with Dexys. Those who don't know can deride until the earth stops spinning. They'll always be wrong. Always.

My sister Louise was a David Cassidy fan. I'd had the glad eye for Susan Dey in The Partridge Family, so Dave got into my pop blood . Daydreamer is one of my all time favourite singles. We had an interview scheduled with Dave, my presenter was late, so I jumped in. I asked him if he'd say Happy Birthday to my sister, what with her once being a fan. He began talking, taking the piss, mumbling, repeating the questions he must have been asked a million times. During this I got up, swapped seats with the interviewer Simon and went off to do my business. On editing the interview I discovered he hadn't even noticed the swap. I don't know if he was suffering from some pop star jet lag or if he just has a different reality, but I have to say that I came away thinking he was a bit of a tool. Shame, but there you go. 

Little Jimmy Osmond had more humility.

Lawrence from Felt/Denim and Go-Kart Mozart won't even be a footnote in most people's book of pop. He's more indie now than when indie was cool. He's released tons of songs, he plugs away at being a pop star, waiting for the fickle finger of fame to touch his shoulder. He's been homeless, addicted, lost and found. His guitar is in hock. There's a rather groovy film about him, Lawrence of Belgravia. He came along to a screening at the Tyneside Cinema. Afterwards he was gently honest, I bought his single "New World In The Morning", a Roger Whitaker song. It's lovely. He signed it and we shook hands. I went home on the bus with a single, like I did when I was a kid. Lawrence was gentle and self effacing, I wouldn't want to get in an arguement with him though.

What Do You Fancy?

Shaping up a Record Player programme for the Autumn, my thoughts below. Anything you fancy adding to the list please post in comments below, or email therecordplayer@yahoo.co.uk.

Once I've got some suggestions they go to a public vote.

Here's some of my thoughts:

Kate Bush - The Kick Inside

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin 3

Prefab Sprout - Steve McQueen

The Human League - Dare

Dexy's Midnight Runners - Too Rye Aye

Roxy Music - For Your Pleasure

David Bowie - Diamond Dogs

Dave Brubeck - Take Five

Singles Clubs

Christmas Singles.

Halloween/Bonfire Night Special - Scary Songs/Explosive Songs

The Saddest Songs Ever

Themed Nights

California Dreaming Night - Rumours vs Hotel California

Wiggy English Prog Night - Threshold of a Dream vs Fragile

Electro Then and Now Night - Tangerine Dream vs James Blake or Burial

Mr Drayton's Album of 2012 (it's landed already)

Neil Young - Harvest vs Harvest Moon

Wiggy Punk Night - Talking Heads '77 vs XTC White Music

Whilst you're thinking on, here's some pictures of the Singles Club Crew, Thurs 12 April, 2012.

With Champion Jeff Brown holding his well deserved trophy.

The Singles Club - Sophie's Choice

Back in the olden days, before colour TVs, sex and computers, people made their own entertainment.

This entertainment often consisted of gathering to eat, drink and listen to records, not unlike these young people (left).

These records were called 'singles' and were first introduced by the RCA Victor label in 1947. The format was simple - two songs, both running around the three minute mark were released and our grandparents would buy these records in record shops.
When rock and roll burst forth, this 45rpm format was perfect for the adrenaline rush of Elvis, Chuck Berry and The Beatles.

Millions of singles have been sold over the years, though with the introduction of the Compact Disc their popularity waned.

The Record Player loves the 7" vinyl format, and so decided to pay tribute to their circular beauty by holding the first ever 'Singles Club' at the Tyneside Cinema on Thursday 12th April 2012. Ten contestants have all chosen a significant single, and they will be playing these to the audience - the audience who then vote for their favourite single of the evening.

The Record Player has decided to join the fray, but oh, what a palaver. After several days the choice has been narrowed down to 12. I now face the awful task of one single single to play to an unsuspecting audience. Which shall it be? There's only one way to find out, by joining a group of music lovers including a comedian, an artist, a TV presenter or two, a theatre maker and, on tape, an electro-pop pioneer.

There can only be one winner, and you can help decide who that person will be.

Tickets are £5, and are limited, show starts at 7.15 in the digital lounge at Tyneside Cinema.

Go here for details. Book early.
https://www.tynesidecinema.co.uk/whats-on/mr-draytons-record-player

Places I Love. No 3. Runswick Bay.

I discovered Runswick Bay when I was employed as lead actor in a huge corporate advertisement.
I portrayed a Pirate.
In a foam cup commercial.

It was directed by a bloke I vaguely knew, on the beach in March and it was perishing.
I was reasonably warm, being dressed as a pirate afforded me the comfort of a vest, the Dolly Bird (Directors term, honest) in a bikini was giving it chapel hat pegs, the poor thing.

Anyways, over the years I've had some rare old times there. I've slept in three different houses and one campsite in the village, I've been there with my all my friends and family, and you can spread my ashes, behind the chair on the path that runs just above the white house on the top right of the picture. That'll do me.

Places I Love. No 2.

No 2. The Cumberland Arms, Byker.
In the late 80's, due to some daft housing mix up, I scored a hard to let flat in Byker Buildings, which was just along from The Cumberland Arms. 


At the time it was managed by a bloke called Billy. The tip of Billy's nose was plastic. It looked as though someone had bitten it off in a fight. 
Come to think of it, Billy looked like he could have  bitten his own nose off in a fight with himself. Despite this, regular visits brought about a warm familiarity. 




The same could not be said of the barman, whose name was quite inappropriately, Tommy Cooper. He was a sour man. I only ever once saw him outside the pub, walking down Shields Road. It was wrong seeing him out of context and in daylight. Daylight didn't suit him. He died in the end. Probably of sourness.


One of the great things about the Cumberland was the upstairs room. It was free to use. Just about anyone who had an interest in comedy and music played here. It was a bit shabby, and you could do whatever you wanted. At one show we were playing, and, this still haunts me to this day, I hit Phil Hinsley, from the stage, on the head, at full swing, with a Blue Peter annual. Really hit him hard. There were cartoon birds flying round his bonce. I'm sure I had good reason to, but it was a big surprise when it happened. 

These days, thanks to some canny management, The Cumberland is still going strong. When twatty pubs the length and breadth of the country are being closed down, this simple, friendly no frills pub goes from strength to strength. It's a testament to all who frequent the bar, a bar that still supports local talent and, on sunny days, brings round sun cream to ensure you don't get burnt whilst in your cups. If they could just sort out the staffing to calm endless bar queues on busy days it's be the best pub in the world. Oh, fuck it, it is the best pub in the world. 

Places I Love.

Just a slight swerve, from the music.
Some places in Newcastle that I love.

No 1. Scotts Gentlemen's Hairdressers, The Side, Newcastle.

I've been going here for 25 years. I was first taken here by Steve Lynch, one of the worst drummers I've ever had the pleasure of being in a band with.



It was 1985, and the height of checky-shirt-flat-top-mania. I'd already got a good flatty after getting my hair fettled by the barbers that Madness frequented on Camden High Street. In a new town, I needed a new gentleman barber, and I found one.

There were queues into the street to get your hair cut, especially on a Saturday.  They close at 12.30 on a Saturday morning, but followed the golden rule, if you're over the threshold, you get your haircut. Quite often people would be there a couple of hours later.

Nowadays it's a little quieter, but the crack is just the same. There's Dave, Shaun and Barry. Shaun's the new boy, he's been there a couple of years, his cut is top notch, he takes really good care. Barry is a grumpy young man, he left for a while, but came back in the end. Dave is the boss, he's a little mellower these days. When I first started going there, I thought him to be quite ferocious.
He knows all about me and my family, and I love the fact that he asks after them. That's him there talking. And talking. And talking.

In 25 years I've only had my haircut in three different places. They never got it right. At Scotts they do. It's a great place to spend half an hour, and you always come out looking smart, and it's still less than a tenner to get a haircut. 

Yesterdays Sounds Today.

The first evening in the second season was a beauty. A full house of music fans old and new, great see the returnees and the new folk too. It still surprises and heartens me how taking in the music makes for a bit of a chill, sitting and saying nothing, just taking in the music.

My favourite moments were the 'Shheeeee' part of She's Leaving Home and learning about the animal sound effects at the end of Good Morning.  Oh and the piano at the end of A Day In The Life......

The Queen Is Dead on Thursday, I think it's going to be a humdinger.

On a modern note, I've been back in the record shops again, I don't even bother with ordering online or downloads these days, I want product. Maybe I didn't really need those Charlie Williams and Kenny Lynch elpees, but at a pound each - be daft not to.

I've also been getting all modern, with these three really catching my attention. Early days yet, but they're all worth a listen if you like something new and worth an explore.

Django Django - Django Django.

This could be a real car crash, but it's not, it's quite brilliant. I've only heard it about three times in full so far, there are a couple of stand out tracks, Default being an absolute stonker, the guitar part is especially fine.

Gillian Welch - Harrow and the Harvest

I think this came out last year, it was a fiver in Fopp, so I had to buy it,  just because.  It needs some quiet and in the wrong mood it could be a bit of a wind up.

At the right time it's lovely, I've had a Sunday afternoon with it. It was sweet.

Explosions In The Sky - Take Care, Take Care, Take Care.

I know they've been a round for a while, but they're new to me. I saw that Lanterns on the Lake were supporting them, so had a 5 pound each way bet on this. It's a proggy thing, no stranger to melody. It sounded good this afternoon on the A1 in the sunshine.

Hello, Hello, it's good to be back!!!

It’s Back!!!

After well-deserved stylus break The Record Player returns to the Tyneside Cinema on Thursday 1^st of March with a little known Beatles record entitled Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. I’m sure everyone will enjoy it, it’s bound to be a swinger.

It’s an extended season with some new features – two themed nights Blue night with Joni Mitchell and Miles Davis and New York Punk night with Patti Smith and Television.

Later in the season there’s a couple of experiments in the shape of ‘The Singles Club’.

Eight guests will be popping along to try and persuade you that their chosen single is the best. The audience decides who wins the five English pound prize.

After being in retro-limbo last year, I decided to make a real effort in listening to new sounds from today’s hit makers! When possible, I’ve taken my self to a record shop on a Monday to buy the latest grooves. Here’s what I’ve bought and what I think of them.

The Lions Roar – First Aid Kit.

I loved the lead song, the title track, so I was very excited about this. It’s not bad, but does feature quite a few middling tunes. They’re Scandinavian country singers, which just about highlights were it goes awry. There are three stand out tracks, but nothing that has really blown my socks off.

Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose.

Beth Jeans Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny. I’m a big fan of supporting local talent and BJHatHoD are local. Bloody hell it’s hard work. She’s had press darling attention and has great PR, but no matter how post modern and wacky one gets, if there’s nothing under the glitter, we are left with an empty vessel scenario. Alarm bells rang with that title. Not very good. I may go back to reconsider later. Also, Beth shares intials with 1970’s bores Barclay James Harvest, so that’s her career fucked round ours.

It Starts Hear – Peter Broderick.

Only had this a week, so can’t really give it a full prognosis, so far though, it’s lovel. Bloody gorgeous, in fact.

Young Man In America – Anais Mitchell.

I loved Hadestown, her last album, live she’s a treat, so this has much to live up to. It has done the job. Her voice can be mildly irritating, but the ambition in her writing more than makes up for that. She’s coming to Newcastle soon, if I were you I’d get a ticket, sharpish.

Be Strong – The 2 Bears.

The first record I’ve bought in ages that stands up to play after play after play. Part Hot Chip, part another bloke, The 2 Bears bring maximum dance floor up lift with a big sense of humour and most importantly – tunes. Tunes by the yard, barrow load and bucketful. Album of 2012? A major contender. Love it to bits.

Tomorrows Sounds Today.

                                


Those are the three albums I would take with me from last year. Of the three I played James Blake the most, especially when I first bought it. There was lots to discover there.

Sadly, most everything else sounded the same.
That's got a lot to do with age, these old fellas ears do get tired of hearing, especially when it all sounds the same, all the time. I work on a radio station and I hear quite a small handful of songs, over and over and over and over...
I've also been past-wards with The Record Player, getting down to swinging sounds of the songs from yesteryear. There's nothing wrong in listening to a brilliant album in a dark room with 30 strangers, now is there?
Spend time with these albums, and the new things have to be really good things.
I think.

I've always enjoyed searching out the new, but it all sounded the same.
Sorry to have to repeat myself.

Here's the rub though, it's January 25th, I have already heard some songs that I quite liked.
So much so in fact, I went off to buy the albums - even though, get this! - one of them isn't out until Monday!!! Crazy.

Here's my review of  First Aid Kit's The Lions Roar.
It's very good so far.

Next week I'll review 2 Bears.
Good Luck!!!

The People Have Spoken

Over the New Year period, I had time on my hands and mischief on my mind. Then I found Survey Monkey.  Using this fantastic modern invention I came up with nine questions that would investigate the minds of modern people in a busy world. Over 100 people took part, for which I thank you one and all,  you will all go to heaven, if you want to.

Here are the results:

Question 1: For a good while, most folk would wanted to drown out the sounds of Bryan Adams with earplugs and love making, but at the final count, 38% of you preferred getting it on, sans earplugs, the carnal urge overriding any notions of cool. That means many of you are happy to have a knee trembler sound tracked by ‘My Heart Will Go On’. Ughh.

She Started It.

Question 2 :  In a situation where a fire is raging through your house 22% would grab Nana, 56% named important others to grab: computers came first, followed by various cats, the wife, one of the twins, signed Scunthorpe United shirts and a signed picture of Peter Beardsley.

Question 3 : On meeting the school bully several years down the line and finding them in dire straits, 30% forgave and forgot, 8% stabbed them with a compass and 48.5% thought they were not worth a tinkers cuss.

That's you that is.

Question 4: Whilst at a party on finding no paper after a visit to the lavvy 59.2% would use a face flannel to clean up, and then wash it thoroughly. I don’t know what this says. 13% would use the flannel and not wash it afterwards. I know what that says. Dirty Buggers.

Scum. Playing Hey Jude.

Question 5: On the question of Amplified buskers, 43.9% want them to turn it down abit, while a disappointingly small number - 17% wanted them publicly eviscerated.

I don't know what you're looking
so pleased about.

Question 6: On keeping up with youth, 70% decided that youth is for the young, being older is cool.

They were always such nice boys.

Question 7: When your former favourite group stays at your hotel and behaves appallingly 62% carry on as normal, with 24.5% joining in, copping an unwanted pregnancy and herpes along the way.

The Future, yesterday.

Question 8: 64.3% see no point in stressing about the future. 19% hope it’ll be a bit like Space 1999.

Suck it up loser.

Question 9: 60% of you are happy to let a 6 year old thrash you a Frustration. 23% relish the thought of beating the arse of them and rubbing their snivelling noses in it.

Not one person emailed to take part in the free draw to win FIVE ENGLISH pounds.

I shall spend that money on sweets and crisps.