Pavement - "The Killing Moon"

"The Killing Moon" is a great 'Echo & the Bunnymen' song from their 1984 album 'Ocean Rain'... it was them at their finest. A big ask for anyone willing enough to cover it... why bother really? Well, that is what I thought until I heard Pavement's 1999 version from their 'Major Leagues' EP. They didn't try to reinvent it... Stephen Malkmus sang it in the same style he sings his own 'Pavement' songs and the band played on as per usual... but the result was spectacular. Indie rock from the 80's and the 90's could be explained by this song alone.

R.L. Burnside - "Someday Baby"

Mississippi blues singer R.L. Burnside first recorded in the early 60's but it wasn't until the 90's for him to really take charge and tour extensively to promote his albums. By this time R.L. Burnside was starting to get hip with the garage rock/blues artists like Jon Spencer... being on the cool Fat Possum Records label probably helped. His last album 'A Bothered Mind' was released in 2004, a year before his death. 'A Bothered Mind' is blues for the dancefloor and includes many guests with some remixing, hip-hop and modern effects added. "Someday Baby" was produced by 'Lyrics Born' to great effect. A great album for the casual blues fan or the blues purist with an open mind.

Poly Styrene - "Talk In Toytown"

For New Zealanders and Australians the 25th of April is a day of remembrance for all who served in the military, particularly the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (of which ANZAC was named) who battled at Gallipoli, Turkey during the 1st World War. This year, although it coincided with Easter Monday, still had a huge turnout at all of the dawn parades and memorials. For me, and all punk/new wave era music fans, the 25th of April will now be remembered for another sad event... the loss of a punk icon. Poly Styrene (Marianne Elliot-Said) died at the age of 53 after suffering from breast cancer. She was the vocalist in X-Ray Spex (we have already had one of their songs "Oh Bondage, Up Yours!" on this blog) and formed the band after seeing 'The Sex Pistols' live, a similar story to many other punk bands. They did have the punk attitude but had a few differences like the prominence of the saxophone in their music and also, what was probably quite anti-punk, was Poly s Styrene's day-glo clothing. She was certainly an unconventional front person even within the punk scene. After X-Ray Spex disbanded she released her debut solo album 'Translucence' in 1980 and "Talk In Toytown" was a single from that album. By this time she was a real hero to me... I can remember buying the 45 single at Marbecks and I was obsessed with this song.... the sax and the shouting were both gone and the melody had been increased. I don't know if the album was not released in NZ or only as an import , which were hard to get then, but it eluded me... I just couldn't get it anywhere. I finally got a CD copy of the album, only a few years ago, and I started another obsession with "Talk In Toytown" but this time I was happy to be able to share my obsession with the Bitter FM listeners.
I wonder if Bitter FM is the only radio station that has "Talk In Toytown" on regular playlists? There is something wrong with this world if that is the case. April 25 will always be ANZAC day but another ceremony for me will be the 'Translucence' album blasting in remembrance of Poly Styrene.
"Oh Bondage, Up Yours!"

Husky Rescue - "Diamonds in the Sky"

'Husky Rescue' are from Finland and they play a brand of electronica with a definite pop sensibility to it. "Diamonds in the Sky" has a lot of airy atmosphere... it can initially sound mellow and reasonably sparse, and suddenly you realise, there is so much more going on. "Diamonds in the Sky" sounds great during the day but really shines in the wee small hours.

Dusty Springfield - "Son of a Preacher Man"

In the 60's Dusty Springfield was the queen of blue-eyed soul. Her career peaked with her 'Dusty in Memphis' album from 1969, which featured "Son of a Preacher Man" although, it had already been released as a single in 1968. "Son of a Preacher Man" will be remembered as one of the great soul songs from the 60's and even Aretha Franklin regretted initially turning the song down, after she heard Dusty Springfield's version... she did record it a year later but the popularity of the Dusty Springfield version was not to be surpassed.... even though Dusty had thought Aretha's version was superior.... whether that was self deprecating or not, it became clear during the recording of 'Dusty in Memphis' that she was a little in awe of the legendary musicians at the memphis sessions and was quite insecure about being compared with the soul legends. This may have contributed to the fact that her final vocal recordings were done in New York. Regardless of the difficulties and insecurities of the recording, it was to be a landmark album and "Son of a Preacher Man" was a big part of that.

Cat's Eyes - "I Knew It Was Over" (Performed Live at the Vatican)

How many bands can say they played at the Vatican? Not many, if any. 'Cat's Eyes' is a side project for indie rock/punk band 'The Horrors' vocalist Faris Badwan and Canadian soprano, composer and multi-instrumentalist Rachel Zeffira. It all started with a mutual love of 60's girl-group music and Phil Spector and Joe Meek productions. They have just released their self titled debut album after an EP earlier in the year. It was through the classical music contacts of Rachel Zeffira that allowed them the use of the church organ at the Vatican for their performance there. Ironically, it was Badwan who was the vocalist and not the the soprano Zeffira, although, I must add that it wasn't an opera song... maybe she told the cardinals it was going to be a classical/opera performance to get them in there. Regardless, it's all history now... and quite a nice piece of history for them.

Thom Yorke - "Analyse"

What more can I say about Thom York that hasn't been said before or even needs to be said? His output with 'Radiohead' speaks for itself. He released a solo album 'The eraser' in 2006 and it was as good as most Radiohead releases.... well, for those of us that also loved 'Kid A'. Enough said.

The Sundays - "Here's Where The Story Ends"

'The Sundays' attracted my attention at the time of this release partly because the jangly guitar sound reminded me of 'The Smiths' and also because Harriet Wheeler had such a nice voice. They released this single "Here's Where The Story Ends" from their debut album 'Reading, Writing and Arithmetic' in 1990. They have only released a couple of albums since the debut, as Harriet Wheeler and her partner, guitarist and founding member David Gavurin, are focusing more on raising their children.... they have built a home studio so we haven't heard the last from them at all. They actually had their biggest hit a couple of years after this with "Summertime" but my favourite is definitely "Here's Where The Story Ends" which brings all their skills to the fore... great vocal range, but more importantly, how sweet the vocals are... great guitar playing and intelligent songwriting. This is the standout track from a seriously good album. If you have this album somewhere in your collection... get it out now and rediscover it... more than 20 years on, it hasn't lost any of it's charm.

Headless Chickens - "Gaskrankinstation"

New Zealand band 'Headless Chickens' were quite innovative with their use of samples at a time when not many alt-rock bands were adding an electronic element to their sound... in NZ, anyway. "Gaskrankinstation" was a single from their second album 'Body Blow' released in 1993. The album featured Fiona McDonald who shared vocal duties with founding member Chris Matthews and she added a little bit of lightness to their traditionally dark material. "Gaskrankinstation" is definitely from their darker side with an industrial edge underneath Chris Matthews' monologue. The protagonist 'Ivan' speaks positively about his job and sounds like any Ivan in any neighbourhood... but he soon reveals his resentment towards his wife and while he tries to gloss over his despair, he only reinforces it as he continues his monologue. A Kiwi classic.

The Kills - "Last Day of Magic"

The Kills are a duo featuring Alison Mosshart (vocals) and Jamie Hince (guitar)... one of them is about to marry Kate Moss and the other is a member of 'The Dead Weather' with Jack White and I don't think I need to explain who is doing what. Anyway, the two of them got together as The Kills in 2000 after various projects separately. "Last Day of Magic" was released as a single from their third album 'Midnight Bloom' in 2008. "Last Day of Magic" is as sexy as rock music gets.... garage rock for a new generation.

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - "I See a Darkness"

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy is one of many stage names for Will Oldham. He has also recorded under Palace Music, Palace Brothers and other variations of Palace and also under Will Oldham. In 1999 he released the album 'I See a Darkness' which ,at times, takes his somber music to an even darker place. The sparse title track is as noticeable for his fragile singing as it is for the melancholy atmosphere. Johnny Cash covered it brilliantly on his 'American III' album and featured Will Oldham on backing vocals. "I See a Darkness" is a country-goth folk song that might scare the country purists but this is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs you will ever hear. Possibly a tale of depression... with emotion you can feel.



Johnny Cash's version


(Lyrics)
Well, you're my friend, (that's what you told me)
And can you see (what's inside of me)
Many times we've been out drinking
And many times we've shared our thoughts
But did you ever, ever notice, the kind of thoughts I got
Well you know I have a love, a love for everyone I know
And you know I have a drive to live I won't let go
But could you see its opposition comes arising up sometimes
That its dreadful antiposition comes blacking in my mind

And then I see a darkness
And then I see a darkness
And then I see a darkness
And then I see a darkness
And did you know how much I love you
Is a hope that somehow you, you
Can save me from this darkness

Well I hope that someday buddy
We have peace in our lives
Together or apart
Alone or with our wives
And we can stop our whoring
And pull the smiles inside
And light it up forever
And never go to sleep
My best unbeaten brother
This isn't all I see

Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
And did you know how much I love you
Is a hope that somehow you, you
Can save me from this darkness

Faye Blais - "Something's Changed"

Canadian singer/songwriter Faye Blais has toured extensively over the last few years and she even toured New Zealand recently... unfortunately she slips under the radar so often that even I, as a fan, somehow missed out about that one. "Something's Changed" came from her second album 'Two Pieces' released in 2008. It is a melodic upbeat song about getting over a lost love and moving on... this is the song for anyone sick of pining over an ex and ready to let it go. Catchy indie-pop at its best.

John Vanderslice - "Sea Salt"

John Vanderslice enlisted a 19 piece chamber orchestra for his latest album 'White Wilderness' released earlier this year. The help came from the 'Magik*Magik Orchestra' and they add more than strings to the sound, with woodwinds, piano, pedal steel and even drums. The orchestra adds so much atmosphere to his music but his vocals are still out front and haven't been compromised one bit. "Sea Salt" is the collaboration's masterpiece. Magik!!

Medium Medium - "Hungry So Angry"

English post-punk band 'Medium Medium' released one of my favourite songs of that genre or era... it was "Hungry So Angry" from 1981 and was released on the influential Cherry Red indie label. It is one of the few rock songs where sax actually works well... in my opinion, although, sax was used quite prominently during the post-punk era. This was possibly around the time punk and new wave started to get funky. Dance music was starting to work it's way slowly into the punk ethos and was eventually accepted by the fans. "Hungry So Angry" was even a minor hit on the disco charts.... but check out the finger popping bass and you will have to agree it deserved that chart placing.

Porno For Pyros - "Pets"

After the demise of the legendary late 80's-early 90's alt-rock band 'Jane's Addiction' the lead singer Perry Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins formed 'Porno for Pyros'. Their first single "Pets" was released in 1993 and it was as good as anything from 'Jane's Addiction'. The subject matter of "Pets" is about the self destruction of the human race and furthermore about how we would make great pets to any aliens that invaded earth. More than satisfying for the 'Jane's Addiction' fan base.



(lyrics)
children are innocent
a teenager's fucked up in the head
adults are even more fucked up
and elderlies are like children

will there be another race
to come along and take over for us?
maybe martians could do
better than we've done
we'll make great pets!

my friend says we're like the dinosaurs
only we are doing ourselves in
much faster than they
ever did
we'll make great pets!

Tubeway Army - "Are 'friends' electric?"

Gary Numan's shift to synth based music for his second album' Replicas' with 'Tubeway Army' was a masterstroke and they scored the first synth based hit single in the UK with "Are 'friends' electric?" in 1979 and that was basically the template for what was to follow. They released "Down in the Park" earlier but without success... however, after topping the charts with "Are 'friends' electric?" and the album, it was only a matter of time before that song got the respect it deserved. Gary Numan's live performances were famous for his motionless robot-like stage presence but he admitted years later it was his way of dealing with stage fright. That was another clever move because it emphasized the robot/android-like connection with the music. "Are 'friends' electric?" was a crucial song during a time of immense change.

Chow Hsuan - "The Wandering Songstress" (Remix)

From the 1920's and up until the communist rule in 1949, Shanghai was known as the 'Paris of Asia' and also the 'Hollywood of the East' for its thriving music and movie industries. Shanghai prospered artistically because of the large international settlements there, which combined all the Western and Eastern influences of the British, French, American, Russian and Japanese with their own culture to create a modern cosmopolitan city. Pathe (which became EMI) recording studios in Shanghai opened in 1916 and by the 1930's it had changed from recording children's educational Mandarin records to recording a huge roster of contemporary Chinese artists and also recordings from the flourishing movie industry. The Shanghai lounge divas were a big part of those exciting times. One such diva was Chow Hsuan... the biggest singing and movie star at the time. One of her biggest hits was "The Wandering Songstress".
In 2003 EMI Hong Kong commissioned Ian Widgery to remix some of the original Pathe recordings and the result was an album 'Shanghai Lounge Divas' (Original 1930's sessions remixed for today) with a bonus CD of the original recordings. The remixes are more downbeat than hard-out house remixes which respects the original recordings and doesn't put them into the background. A great insight into a music scene that I had little knowledge of previously.

Remix


Original

Beastie Boys - "Hey Ladies"

After the huge success of their debut album 'Licensed to Ill' the future was looking bright for Beastie Boys... they then fell out with producer Rick Rubin and the Def Jam label but eventually signed to Capitol and recorded their second album 'Paul's Boutique' with the Dust Brothers. What resulted was a more experimental (less Led Zep and more Beatles) album that got mixed reviews initially but the momentum grew and it is now regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever. The big single was "Hey Ladies" which had a similar style to the debut album material except the beats and samples were now setting the standard for the genre. It was as groundbreaking as it was brilliant.

The Teenagers - "Starlett Johansson"

French electro-pop band 'The Teenagers' released their debut album 'Reality Check' in 2008 and like many French artists before them, Serge Gainsbourg in particular, the songs are all about sex, lust, girls and more sex... but being French, they get away with it completely. They even have a tribute to Scarlett Johansson named "Starlett Johansson" which is as much about obsessiveness as it is about lust. Sleaze always sounds good in a French accent.

Minuit - "Fuji"

From what started as a rock band, with vocalist Ruth Carr on drums, suddenly became an electronica/dance band after a sampler was purchased by Ryan Beehre and that change alone gave them the opportunity to move Ruth Carr from the drum kit to out front as the vocalist. It was a great move because she has such a stage presence. "Fuji" was from their second album 'The Guards Themselves' from 2006... an album so consistently good that most of the songs were added to Bitter FM playlists. Ruth Carr's vocal style is quite unique and the lyrics are sometimes hard to decipher... so I've added the lyrics to "Fuji". I have to admit, after the 100's of times I've listened to this song, the lyrics are not what I thought I was hearing.


(Lyrics)
Here's to those who thought you knew me
I'm like 36 views of Mount Fuji
Ashamed of this way that I behaved
Call me what you like
Call me what you like
Call me what you like
Call me what you like
Call me what you like

Prepare for an assault by air
This is hi-tech advanced audio warfare
We are now gaining ground by this that you hear
Call it what you like
Call it what you like
Call it what you like
Call it what you like

I'm like a nomad and this is my tribe

Golden Silvers - 'True Romance (True No. 9 Blues)'

London band 'Golden Silvers' released "True Romance (True No. 9 Blues)" as a single in 2009 and also on their debut album 'True Romance'. It is the ultimate radio song for a not so conventional radio station and I'm surprised it didn't get much attention even in their homeland. There are more ideas going on here than a light bulb factory... guitar free but bass heavy synth/dance pop with glam undertones and a pinch of funk. You are either getting the idea by now or I've completely lost you. Best you check it out... and I'm sure there are more sub genres to add. This needs to be on your next party playlist.

Blanche - "What This Town Needs"

Blanche are an alt-country/folk/gothic band from Detroit led by Dan John Miller and his wife Tracee Mae along with Dave Feeny, Lisa "Jaybird" Jannon and "Little" Jack Lawrence. Dan John Miller was formerly in '2 Star Tabernacle' with Jack White before White started 'The White Stripes'. Banjo/autoharp player Jack Lawrence is also a member of The Greenhornes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather... and the list of the contributions to other projects, by all members, goes on and on. In fact, Blanche were also the backing band for Loretta Lynn's 'Van Lear Rose' album produced by Jack White. "What This Town Needs" is from their second album 'Little Amber Bottles' and it features Dan and Tracee on vocals in a "Nancy and Lee go country gothic" kind of way. There is even a Johnny and June subtlety to it... maybe it's the vintage dresses that Tracee Mae wears. The best of the new Detroit alt-country combined with the ghosts of country's past.

Anji Sami - "El Dorado"

Auckland singer/songwriter Anji Sami may now be lesser known than her actress sister Madeleine but she has got an EP out there that she should be proud of. 'The El Dorado EP' was released in 2006 and I'm a bit disappointed we haven't had a follow up from her. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree at Otago University where she studied under the one and only Dr Graeme Downes from Dunedin band 'The Verlaines' and had regularly played with David Kilgour of 'The Clean' around that time. The title track to her 'El Dorado' EP is a nice country tinged indie folk tune that deserved much more exposure. Anji and Madeleine have a younger sister Priya and the three of them play live occasionally as 'The Sami Sisters' and that is one live act I wouldn't mind seeing. Abounding talent.

Grandaddy - "Summer... It's Gone"

Daylight Saving Time has just finished... Autumn is in the air... the temperature is about to drop drastically and Grandaddy have the song for the change coming our way. "Summer... It's Gone" comes from their swan song album 'Just Like the Fambly Cat' and was prior to Jason Lytle's move from Modesto, California to Montana. So it was probably more about the life changes and demise of the band... but we'll take it more literally here.

The Skids - "Into The Valley"

Scottish punk band 'The Skids' had their biggest single in 1979 with "Into The Valley" which made the UK top 10 and was only surpassed by guitarist Stuart Adamson's next band 'Big Country' a few years later. Stuart Adamson's guitar playing was rated highly by John Peel who called him Britain's answer to Jimi Hendrix... and that was confirmed with his bagpipe sounding guitar style in 'Big Country'. Sadly he took his own life in 2001 and music lost a legend. I enjoyed his 'Big Country' output but nothing could ever rival "Into The Valley" although, I must acknowledge that while Adamson was the key member regarding their sound, some credit should also be given to co-writer and vocalist Richard Jobson.