The Bastard Fairies - "DIRTY SEXY KILL KILL"

The Bastard Fairies are an interesting alt rock band from LA. Basically a duo, consisting of Native American singer/songwriter Yellow Thunder Woman, as she is known, and expat Englishman guitarist/songwriter Robin Davey. They released their debut album 'Momento Mori' in 2007 and it is available as a free download on their website, on the condition you share it with your friends, either burn them a copy or send them a link... seems fair to me. So I'll do my bit.... here is the website www.bastardfairies.com
This song "Dirty Sexy Kill Kill" however, is from their new EP 'Man Made Monster' which was released in August this year. If you like this song as much as I do, you will have to pay for it... but $4.99 usd for the 6 track EP, they are still practically giving it away.

Neko Case "People Got A Lotta Nerve"

Neko Case released her 7th album (5th studio album) 'Middle Cyclone' in 2009. She is also a member of 'The New Pornographers' as well as other side projects. 'Middle Cyclone' was a real nature album.... her attachment to nature and animals came through as the main theme. "People Got a Lotta Nerve" is a great song on all levels. Musically, it is as good as anything she has written and lyrically, it is a clever lament to the poor animals that we have labelled as man eaters and the fact that we are surprised when they do eat us. She toured earlier this year and I couldn't miss that one... it was at the Bruce Mason theatre in Auckland, which was the perfect, reasonably intimate, venue for a concert that was as good as I had expected.

Luomo - "Love you all"

Loumo is the name Finnish producer Sasu Ripatti releases his experimental dance music under. But don't be fooled by the word experimental, there is nothing like the sound of vacuum cleaners or field recordings here. This song "Love You All" is from his 2008 album 'Convivial' on which he has many guest artists including 'Apparat' here on "Love You All". Berlin Electronic artist Apparat (Sascha Ring) has helped Luomo create a modern dance classic. His falsetto vocals are sensational. In fact, why the hell haven't I downloaded the whole album? Okay, that's it, I'm off to iTunes.

HOCKEY - "TOO FAKE"

Hockey are an American band that have been compared to LCD Soundsystem and the Strokes and this song confirms that completely. It certainly starts off with the indie rock/dance sound of LCD Soundsystem and then the chorus just turns full-on in a new wave/alt rock direction.... and what a chorus it is. "Too Fake" is from their album 'Mind Chaos' that was released last year and was produced by former 'Talking Heads' member Jerry Harrison.

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - "Come Undone"

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan were a surprise musical pairing at the time of their first EP in 2004 and three albums later... it now seems so normal and an obvious pairing. Isobel Campbell was originally in Scottish band 'Belle & Sebastian' and Mark Lanegan from grunge giants 'Screaming Trees' and both artists have been busy with solo careers, guest spots and a few side projects before and even during the collaboration. Their third album 'Hawk' has just recently been released and "Come Undone" is the first single. Their sweet and sour vocals, with her whisper and his deep harsh style come together so well on "Come Undone". It also has an atmosphere of contrasts with the beautiful strings and a soundtrack reminiscent of James Brown's "It's a man's man's man's world" along with a sad story of regret.




I stumble and I fall, your time is on my side
Don't make sense of it all, despite my foolish pride
It's got me on my knees, tearin' up my heart
I'm shakin' at my bones, tearin' me apart

When I can't get close to you
I come undone, I come undone
Come undone, babe, I come undone

Time will take its toll, time can break your heart
And if I had the chance, we'd never have to part
Took my only flame, took my one desire
Threw it all away when jumping in the fire

I can't get close to you
I come undone, come undone
Come undone, babe, I come undone

When the day is done I lay me down to rest
Everyone will see that I loved you the best
When all is said and done here simple and explain
And if I have the chance I'll do it all again

But I can't get close to you
I come undone, I come undone
Come undone, babe, I come undone

I'm not scared of the dark though you tangle and tease me
But worse than your bark you said you'd never leave me
The devil make everybody, don't please believe me
Oh love of my life, won't you let me down easy?

Undone, I come undone
Come undone, babe, I come undone
I come undone, I come undone
Come undone, babe, I come undone

Braxton Hicks - "Fake"

Braxton Hicks are a young band from Hamilton. We've been playing the single "Fake" since it came out in 2008. They sure keep a low profile, so I can't tell you much about them. But this self released single "Fake" speaks for itself. That's it today..... I know you want me to say something about Hamilton, but I won't.

Wilco - "California Stars"

In 1998 Billy Bragg and Wilco released a collaborative album 'Mermaid Avenue'. It was an exciting prospect for any fan of either or even both. But the icing on the cake was the Woody Guthrie connection. American folk legend Woody Guthrie left behind more than a thousand sets of lyrics, after his death in 1967.... all complete but without any music. His daughter Nora Guthrie had approached Billy Bragg about the project and he got Wilco onboard and the rest is history. They even recorded a second volume a couple of years later, due to the success and acclaim of this album. They decided to add their own contemporary style of music to the lyrics, rather than try to emulate Guthrie's folk style.... and the results were fantastic. "California Stars" is from Wilco and has Jeff Tweedy in top form vocally. A risky project that they managed to pull off.... twice.

The Slits - "Typical Girls"

I just heard that The Slits singer Ari Up died yesterday. Fuck, I'm devastated with that news. To me, she has always been a legend. She had her own unique style that many followed years later.... but she was so far ahead of the pack. The Slits debut album 'Cut' came out in 1979 and it wasn't just the album cover that made an impact... it was their reggae/punk hybrid sound that was so refreshing in a time when Frampton Comes Alive was still selling by the truckload. Ari Up was one of the the most original and charismatic lead singers in rock. Shit, this is such a shock.
Here is "Typical Girls" from a singer that was far from 'typical'. R.I.P.

Elastica - "Connection"

Elastica were such hot property when this came out, I can't believe it came to nothing. This single "Connection" came from their 1995 self titled debut album. It came out in the middle of the Britpop period and will now always be remembered as a song associated with that genre.... although, musically it certainly did fit within that style. The good thing about music is that even if you have a short existence, the music you leave behind is always there for all to enjoy. The key band members have moved on to other things in their lives, but they would have to be proud of this album.

The Fiery Furnaces - "The End is Near"

The Fiery Furnaces are a brother and sister duo from Chicago and formed the band in 2000. "The End is Near" is from their eighth album 'I'm Going Away' which came out in 2009. This piano led ballad is quite uplifting, considering the gloomy subject material. This is the most accessible they have been for a few albums, at least.... although it is not their move into the mainstream. Just a fantastic song by a couple of eccentric siblings.

Anna Coddington - "Hold You Here"

Anna Coddington came to my attention with her band 'Duchess' and their song "Raglan City", which is her home town. She started her musical career at a young age in 'Handsome Geoffery' before they broke-up and subsequently became Duchess. Duchess only released an EP, but that was enough to realize a great talent. Anna Coddington's debut solo album 'The Lake' came out in 2008 and it brought her a wider audience. It is packed full of beautiful melodic songs.... a debut album she can surely be proud of. "Hold You Here" was the first single and it is probably the catchiest... but in a way that you wont be sick of it quickly. For me, I couldn't get enough of it and it was also played on Bitter FM constantly.... and of course, I still love it now. The perfect song to launch a solo career.

Smiley Culture - "Cockney Translation"

London Reggae artist 'Smiley Culture' had one of the coolest singles of the 80's. If you could actually understand him, you were in for a treat. With his Jamaican heritage, he gives a lesson on the London dialect to his Jamaican brothers and sisters.... it is full of wit and over a nice dub soundtrack, albeit an 80's one. The greatest self help tape ever.... In fact, the Cassingle release of this song should have been in every library's Books-on-Tape section.

The Lyrics 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, It's I Smiley Cuulture with the mike in a me hand Me come to teach you right and not the wrong In a de Cockney Translation Cockney's not a Language it is only a slang And was originated yah so inna England The first place it was used was over East London It was respect for the different style pronunciation But it wasn't really used by any and any man Me say strictly con-man also the villain But through me full up of lyrics and education Right here now you a go get a little translation Cockney have name like Treey, Arthur and del-boy We have name like Winston, Lloyd and Leroy We bawl out YOW! While cockneys say OI! What cockney call a Jack's we call a Blue Bwoy Say cockney have mates while we have spar Cockneylive in a brum while we live in a yard Say we nyam while cockney gwt capture Cockney say guv'nor. We say Big Bout ya In a de Cockney Translation! In a de Cockney Translation! Well watch a man.............................. The translation of cockney to understand is easy So long as you don't deaf and you listen me keenly You should pick it up likea youth who find some money Go tell it to your friends also your family No matter if a English or a Yardy Ca' you never when them might buck up a cockney Remember warm dem dem deh man dem don't easy Dem no fire sling shot a me say strictly double B Dem run protection racket and control 'nuff C.I.D. Say cockney fire shooter, We bus' gun Cockney say tea leaf, We say sticks man You know dem have wedge while we have corn Say cockney say be first, my son! We just say Gwan! Cockney say grass, We say outformer man When dem talk 'bout iron dem really meam batty man Rope chain and choparita me say cockney call tom Say cockney say Old Bill, We dutty Babylon In a de Cockney Translation! In a de Cockney Translation! Well watch a man........................ Slam bam Jah man Hear dam Fashion Smiley Culture Origiantion But first let me tell you more about thr cockney Who live comfortably and have yacht by the sea And when it come to monry most of then have plenty But where dum spend it? In de bookie Lose it all on the dogs or on the gee gees Or paying off fe dem bribes to the Sweeney So dem nah go do no time fe no armed robbery Or catching antthing that fell off the back of a lorry Slam bam Jah man Hear dem Fashion Me strong Me long Me at the mike stand More time In a dance Me chat 'Pon a sound But sometimes me shake out and leave me home town And that's when me travel a East London Where I have to speak as a different man So that the cockney can understand So black man and white man hear dem fashion Cockney say scarper, We say scatter Cockney say rabbit, We chatter We say bleach, Cockney Knackered! Cockney say triffic, We say waaacked! Cockney say blokes, We say guys Cockney say Alright? We say Ites! we say pants, Cockney say strides Sweet as a nut...................... just level vibes. Seen? The ultimate cockney television show

Ween - "Push th' Little Daisies"

American Alt Rock band 'Ween' released this single in 1993 and it was a huge underground hit. The album was 'Pure Guava' which was their third album but first with major label Electra. Every student, college and alternative station was playing this in the 90's and it may have even crossed over to the odd commercial station for a short time. It was far from the grunge sound that was dominating the alt rock scene at the time.... particularly the helium vocals. They had self-released home taped recordings earlier in their career and retained a bit of the experimental element to their music right through to this major label release.... although this was much more polished. I will never tire of this song.

The Assembly - "Never Never"

The Assembly were a short lived project featuring former Depeche Mode and Yazoo keyboardist/songwriter Vince Clarke and sound engineer Eric Radcliffe. Their first single was "Never Never" released in 1983 and had Feargal Sharkey as a guest vocalist. The idea was to have a different vocalist for every song they recorded, but this turned out to be their one and only single. The synth pop sound is unmistakably Vince Clarke and he went on to form Erasure, which was about the time I lost interest. The Undertones had just broken up and Feargal Sharkey was about to start a solo career. In my opinion, this was his best post Undertones moment. The ultimate loner's anthem.

Faithless - "I want more"

I know this 'Hits and Myths' blog is all about the songs and the videos attached are an addition to complete the picture. However, todays blog is going to be more about the video. 'Faithless' have always released good dance/trip hop songs and "I Want More" is no different. In saying that, it is the video that is the star here. Faithless have to take some credit for adding this footage to their song before anyone else did the same thing.... and they also edited it well to fit with the music. The footage itself comes from a BBC documentary "A State of Mind" which was about the Pyongyang Mass Games in North Korea. It followed two child gymnasts for eight months as they trained for the event. I tracked down the DVD and it is such a wonderful insight into a country we know little about.... and one of the last remaining communist nations. The film was not too political, for obvious reasons (we wouldn't have the film at all if they had a political agenda)... but we still got a rare glimpse into what happens and the mindset of the North Korean people. After watching the film, I pitied them and envied them at the same time. Their undeniable love for their leader is absurdly fascinating as well. The mass games themselves are as regimented as their army and on such a large scale that only a communist country could pull it off. I encourage anyone with, at least, the slightest interest to track down the DVD of this... I've only ran into one other person that has seen it and we couldn't stop talking about it. So thanks 'Faithless' for bringing this film to my attention. While we are on the subject of Doco-Movies, another interesting film is one called 9/11 and this one has no Michael Moore propaganda and doesn't come from any angle at all. It is a documentary by a couple of French brothers, about fire fighters in New York. They are following a new recruit at Battalion 1 and after about a week or so in September 2001, he still hasn't been to a major fire or incident... that all changes when they are sent to a gas leak and they see (and film) a plane flying low in the city. In the distance they see it fly into the tower and they rush there.... while still not knowing what is going on. The footage is different to what we have seen over and over, for the sole reason that a lot of it was taken inside one of the towers. It is edited with complete respect for the the families of the victims, with no actual footage of the falling victims.... and there were more of them than I had realized. It is an emotional insight into the events of that day, as they unfolded.
Sorry, this song blog has turned into a movie blog... it will be business as usual again tomorrow.

The Stooges - "I Wanna Be Your Dog"

Nothing more really needs to be said about this. We all know The Stooges have legendary status and Iggy Pop is still doing what he was doing way back then... and with the same energy. We all know that "I Wanna Be Your Dog" has a killer riff and is a garage rock classic. We all (may not) know that Iggy practically invented stage diving. We all (may not) know that Iggy Pop and the Stooges are playing at the 2011 Big Day Out. Enough said.

The Sneaks - "I'm Lame"

The Sneaks are a cool indie band from Auckland that like to have some fun and don't take themselves too seriously. Their influences are all over the place but I like to think they are just happy doing their own thing. They describe their sound as "Someone gave some dorks some instruments. Plus handclaps". "I'm Lame" comes from their self titled debut album released in 2007. The video is very clever.... they get a NZ on Air grant to make the video and bet it on a horse, so they can make an even better video. Brilliant!

Manic Street Preachers - "Motorcycle Emptiness"

Welsh band Manic Street Preachers have been churning out everything from politically charged songs to rock anthems for about two decades now. They have had their fair share of controversies over the years as well. A couple of examples..... their appearance on Top of the Pops dressed in army regalia and a terrorist-style balaclava and their concerts in Cuba and their meeting up with Fidel Castro. They have always had a social consciousness to their lyrics, with Richey Edwards and Nicky Wire the main lyricists. It has been well documented that Richey Edwards was mentally unstable and developed an increasing habit of self harm that was starting to worry the other band members. He had even carved '4 REAL' on his arm with a razor blade during an NME interview to confirm their sincerity. I remember that issue, as I was a regular NME reader and I thought it was a bit wank. But, over time I realized he was for real and it wasn't some publicity stunt.... shit, it was quite a severe wound that needed seventeen stitches and really upset the interviewer at the time. Unfortunately, Richey's personal problems continued and he disappeared on the eve of a tour in February 1995 and has never been seen since. He was declared presumed dead in 2008. The Manic's 2009 album 'Journal For Plague Lovers' featured lyrics left behind by Richey Edwards.
"Motorcycle Emptiness" is from their debut album 'Generation Terrorists' and includes literary references, which was common within their songs.... this song being influenced by S.E.Hinton's 'Rumble Fish' book and also lifts a line or two from a poem 'Neon Loneliness'. As their musical career has progressed, this song is becoming more overlooked.... but, to me, it still stands out as one of their master works.

Coeur De Pirate - Comme Des Enfants (Le Matos Andy Carmichael Remix)

Coeur De Pirate is not a band but the stage name for young Quebec singer/songwriter Beatrice Martin. She released her eponymous debut album in 2008. She is just 21 now but the maturity in her songwriting shows an obvious early start in music.... taking up the piano at three years old is probably early enough. "Comme Des Enfants" was my first taste of her music and straight away, the Francophile in me said "she is the real deal". It is a piano lead ballad and the English translation is "Like a Child". The main version we play on Bitter FM is the "Le Matos Andy Carmichael Remix" which turns it into a dance floor epic.



A live version of the song is below (unmixed)

Gossip - "Standing in the Way of Control"

'Gossip' are a Washington band with one of the most powerful singers in the business. Beth Ditto can certainly belt out the numbers and "Standing in the Way of Control" is no exception. It is the title track of their 2006 album. They are a bit of a garage band and dance band hybrid. While Beth Ditto's voice is a big part of their success, you can't deny the brilliance of the band members... Brace Paine and Hannah Blilie on guitar/bass and drums respectively. A class act.

Belly - "Gepetto"

From the ashes of Alt Rock favourites 'Throwing Muses' came some spoils.... with some great solo material from Kristin Hersh and the formation of 'Belly' featuring the cover star of Alt Rock Tanya Donelly. I was lucky enough to see them live at the Powerstation not long after the release of their debut album 'Star' that featured this song. They were great live and the added bonus was having Juliana Hatfield touring with them as the support act. "Gepetto" was a single from 1992 and is full of hooks and melody.... enchantingly beautiful.
If you say you don't love this song your nose will grow.

Bat For Lashes - "Daniel"

'Bat For Lashes' is the vehicle for London singer/multi-instrumentalist Natasha Khan. She is a Music and Visual Arts graduate and the visual arts aspect certainly comes through in her live performances and videos. "Daniel" was a single taken from her second album 'Two Suns' released last year. Khan has stated that the Daniel from the title is based on a fictional character she fell in love with as a teenager.... the cover of the 7" has a painting of the Karate Kid character Daniel LaRusso on her back, so she wasn't being ambiguous with that statement. Her vocals are as good as ever and along with the dreamy instrumentation of synths, strings and beats, it is nothing short of sensational. The 80's influenced sound of The Cure shines through as well. The B-Side to the 7" is a cover of The Cure's "A Forest" which makes so much sense after hearing "Daniel". Any Bitter FM Listener would've heard that on air as well, I'm sure.

Stereophonics - "Handbags & Gladrags"

Stereophonics from Wales have been together since 1992 but it was 1996 when they became the 'Stereophonics'. They have always been big in the UK but really only got widespread exposure here in NZ after their "Dakota" single in 2005. "Handbags and Gladrags" was written by Manfred Mann singer Mike d'Abo in 1967 and was first released by Chris Farlowe in the same year and by Rod Stewart a couple of years later. The TV series 'The Office' also had a version as it's theme song. It is very much an easy listening standard and in most of it's recorded history it has been just that.... well, until this version from 'Stereophonics' was released in 2001. They didn't rock it up or do anything radical with the song at all. Whether it is straight faced irony on their part or not, it worked so well that it was added to their J.E.E.P album re-release in 2002. Kelly Jones nails it with his gravel rock voice and successfully takes MOR to a rock audience.

COUP D'ETAT - "Doctor I Like Your Medicine"

Coup D'Etat were an Auckland band from the early 80's and featured ex-Hello Sailor member Harry Lyon on guitar/vocals and Jan Preston on keyboards/vocals. In fact, Jan Preston was brought to Taupo very recently by 41 Above, which is a new concert promotion company and in my opinion, it's the best thing that has happened in this sports mad town of Taupo. I've been doing my bit to get more acts here over the last few years, partly from my frustration that most of our venue owners have a lack of interest in original music... but mainly because no-one else was doing it. So you wouldn't believe my excitement when I found about 41 Above and their contribution to the arts in this town and in such a short time since their inception. Okay, back to this song "Doctor I Like Your Medicine", which was a top 10 hit in NZ in 1980 and still sounds fresh today, while still having that distinctive 80's sound. Harry Lyon has stated that it is about the dangers of having too much fun. This Reggae/Pop song should bring back memories to any Kiwi old enough to remember it.

Paul Kelly - "From Little Things Big Things Grow"

"From Little Things Big Things Grow" is one of Aussie singer/songwriter Paul Kelly's greatest moments from a huge catalogue that dates back to about 1981. This song is from his 1991 double album 'Comedy'. Paul Kelly has always been a great story teller through his songs and this time the story is of aboriginal land rights. It was co-written with Kev Carmody, around a camp fire one night. It is an interesting protest song about Vincent Lingiari who led a strike of his Gurindji people from the stock stations that had taken over their own land and they were forced to work as stockmen. Their conditions and pay were a disgrace and when they walked off the land in 1966 they were protesting as much about their land rights as their conditions and pay. The strike lasted 7 years but what it subsequently led to was a land hand back in 1975 and the passing of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act legislation in 1976. A great story, told in the best way possible..... with a guitar, a harmonica and Paul Kelly on vocals.

Mary Margaret O'Hara - "Body's in Trouble"

Canadian singer/songwriter Mary Margaret O'Hara finally released her debut album 'Miss America' in 1988 after originally signing to Virgin in 1983. She was unconventional in her musical style and also in the studio, where the high standards she placed on herself resulted in years of delays and a few producers that would come and go.... until Michael Brook completed it with her. It turned out to be a fantastic album and was unlike anything else at the time. She has a unique vocal style, with sudden changes in tempo... sort of part jazz, part folk, part indie rock, part alt country but very much in her own style. Morrissey was one of many that was taken with her debut album and she added some vocals to his single "November Spawned a Monster". Now back to this song... "Body's in Trouble" is more of an indie pop song but it is also a good entry into the interesting world of this tortured genius.

The Smashing Pumpkins - "Today"

I just read about the Smashing Pumpkins reforming and playing in NZ again soon. I think I will keep my memories of their fantastic Auckland Big Day Out concert intact and give this one a miss. However, they are great live so I wouldn't want to put anyone off. Their appearance at the first Auckland Big Day Out in 1994 was when it was a true alternative music event with under 20'000 people and room to move. BDO took a few years to catch on and unfortunately it has now outgrown Mt Smart Stadium... but with no alternative venue, it is a bit too uncomfortable for us oldies. Although, I may be tempted to see Tool, Iggy Pop and M.I.A amongst others next year. Now back to The Smashing Pumpkins.... "Today" was a favourite of mine from their 'Siamese Dream' album of 1993. I actually thought it would be the perfect wedding song, a nice change from all the usual saccharine wedding songs. Great idea but not to be, when I did marry some years later. In hindsight, it would probably have been better served as my divorce song. Sorry, the cynic in me is coming out. To me "Today" was a cool love song but it turns out it was actually about depression and suicidal tendencies....I had no idea whatsoever. So maybe I'm not that cynical after all.

Unbelievable Truth - "Settle Down"

The Unbelievable Truth is an Oxford band with Andy Yorke as the lead singer. He has a famous brother named Thom from some other band... but they haven't really capitalized on that. "Settle Down" is from their debut album 'Almost Here' from 1998. The album is full of alluring pop songs and is consistent throughout. "Settle Down" is one of a number of tracks I could have chosen for this blog from the album.
Oxford 2, Cambridge 0.