Rowan Atkinson - "Interview with Elton John"

Since I'm a couple of days behind with my blog posts, here is a quick catch up post. This is classic Rowan Atkinson from 1991.

April March - "Le Temps de l'Amour"

"Le Temps de l'Amour" is a Francoise Hardy song covered here by an American francophile named April March. Born Elinor Blake, she showed an interest in all things French at a young age and that is the inspiration for most of her musical output. Even a lot of her songs in English were translated French songs. The most well known one was Serge Gainsbourg's "Laisse tomber les filles" which she translated to "Chick Habit." The "Chick Habit" EP is where her version of "Le Temps de l'Amour" came from. The surf guitar is from a special guest named Jonathan Richman. After I had discovered Serge Gainsbourg and Francoise Hardy and became a francophile myself, April March was my next stop and she didn't let me down. The fact that she isn't French is not an issue when you sound this authentic... and having Bertrand Burgalat produce her later in her career is testament to that. Ye Ye, Yay!



The original by Francoise Hardy

Still Corners - "Cuckoo"

Lush dream-pop soundscapes are abound on the debut album 'Creatures of an Hour' from London band Still Corners. The whispered vocals from Tessa Murray on "Cuckoo" create a spooky ambience... like a dreamier 'Stereolab' or a more cinematic 'Broadcast.' Check out the single "Don't Fall in Love" as well.

UNRESTFUL MOVEMENTS - "ANTITREND"

Wellington (via Rotorua) punk band 'Unrestful Movements' have finally had their early 80's material released digitally... as part of Jayrem Records 35th Anniversary in 2011. "Antitrend" was one of my favourite punk songs from that era. So I am pleased to finally add it to Bitter FM playlists. A lost punk classic!

Stan Ridgway - "Camouflage"

April 25 is Anzac Day, of course, here in New Zealand and in Australia. It is the day we commemorate the members of the (ANZAC) Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli during World War 1. So I personally think we should have something to honour those soldiers... and the greatest modern war song will do, thank you very much. Or should I say? The greatest modern 'ghost' war song. That song is "Camouflage" by Stan Ridgeway (formerly of Wall of Voodoo fame)... Now I do realise that "Camouflage" is about the Vietnam war - but does that really matter? No, of course it doesn't. "Camouflage" tells the story of the ghost of a marine who saves the life of a private. Best heard in full.
Lest We Forget.



Lyrics

I was a PFC on a searchpatrol, hunting Charlie down.
It was in the jungle, wars of '65.
My weapon jammed and I got stuck way out and all alone
and I could hear the enemy moving in close outside.
Just then I heard a twig snap, and I grabbed my empty gun
and I dug it scared while I counted down my faith.
And then a big marine, a giant with a pair of friendly eyes
appeared there at my shoulder and said: "Wait"
When he came in close beside me, he said: "Don't worry son, I'm here..
if Charlie wants to tango, now he'll have two to dodge.
I said: "Well, thanks a lot". I told him my name and asked him his.
And he said"The boys just call me Camouflage"

Woohoohoohoo Camouflage,
things are never quite the way they seem.
Woohoohoohoo Camouflage,
I was awfully glad to see this big marine.

Well I was gonna ask him where he came from,
when we heard the bullets fly,
coming through the brush and all around our ears.
It was then I saw this big marine, a lotta fire in his eyes.
And it was strange, but suddenly I forgot my fears.

Well we faught all night, side by side, we took our battle stands.
And I wondered how the bullets missed this man.
Cus they seemed to go right through him, just as if he wasn't there
and the morning we both took a chance and ran.
And it was near the riverbank when the ambush came on top of us
and I thought it was the end, we were had.
Then a bullet with my name on it came buzzing through a bush
and that big marine, he just swat it, with his hands.
Just like it was a fly.

Woohoohoohoo Camouflage,
things are never quite the way they seem.
Woohoohoohoo Camouflage,
This was an awfully strange marine.

And I knew there was something weird about him,
cus when I turned around he was pulling a big palmtree
right up out of the ground and swatting those Charlie's with it,
from here to Kingdom Kong.

When he lead me out the danger, I saw my camp and waved goodbye,
he just winked at me from the jungle and then was gone.
And when I got back to my H.Q. I told them about my night,
and the battle I've spent with a big marine named Camouflage.
When I said his name, the soldier gulped, and a medic took my arm
and lead me to a green tent on the right.
He said: "You may be telling true boy, but this here is Camouflage.
And he's been right here since he past away last night.
In fact he's been here all week long.
But before he went he said: "Semper Fi", and said his only wish,
was to save a young marine caught in a mirage.
So here, take his dogtag, son. I know he'd want you to have it now"
And we both said a prayer for a big marine named Camouflage.

Woohoohoohoo Camouflage,
things are never quite the way they seem.
Woohoohoohoo Camouflage,
This was an awfully big marine.

So next time you're in a junglefight, and you feel a presence near
or hear a voice that in your mind will lie,
just be thankful that you're not alone and you've got some company,
from a big marine, the boys called Camouflage

Woohoohoohoo Camouflage,
things are never quite the way they seem.
Woohoohoohoo Camouflage,
This was an awfully big marine.
(X2)

whoho Camouflage
whohoo Camouflage

Emily Wells - "Passenger"

Emily Wells is defined as a musician who blends classical music with hip-hop rhythms and I can't disagree with that. Her previous album 'The Symphonies: Dreams Memories & Parties' was more classical... small symphonies with her violin layered and layered along with some vocals and hip-hop beats. But the classical element was strong. Her new album 'Mama' has more of a song structure. The violin is still there as her preferred instrument but it blends more with the hip-hop rhythms rather than dominating. She has always used the loop pedal to layer her violin live but now she has perfected the process and adds an array of musical instruments including toy pianos, glockenspiels, melodicas, old synths and just about everything else. "Passenger" is from 'Mama' and is supported by a video she made herself. Here comes another obsession. "Passenger" Live

The Clash - "Guns Of Brixton"/ Beats International - "Dub Be Good To Me"

"Guns Of Brixton" was from The Clash's 'London Calling' album and was written and sung by bassist Paul Simonon. Simonon was originally from Brixton and was fully aware of the problems in the Brixton area of London that were allegedly provoked by the actions of the police.... although this song does pre-date the Brixton riots. Paul Simonon's bass line on "Guns Of Brixton" is so good that Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) sampled it for 'Beats International's "Dub Be Good To Me" (see below)....... . . Beats International - "Dub Be Good To Me" . "Dub Be Good To Me" was a worldwide hit for Norman Cook's 'Beats International' in 1990 which sampled Paul Simonon's bassline from "Guns Of Brixton" (without permission) and was a cover of 'The S.O.S. Band's hit "Just Be Good to Me" from 1983. Paul Simonon took the sampling as a compliment. Although they did come to a financial arrangement, there was obviously some sort of mutual respect between the two of them. .

The Tweeds - "I Need That Record"

It is Record Store Day today and I live in a town without a record store (yes, we have a CD store) and I feel like I'm missing out on so much fun. To be fair, not many towns have record stores anymore. They are even dying out in the major cities... which is why we have such a thing as 'Record Store Day' in the first place. Here is a great song to celebrate the beautiful vinyl record format. "I Need That Record" is something I've too often heard myself saying.



A trailer for the Documentary film about the decline of the Record Store....




Finally, what is better? The smell of fresh coffee, the smell of a new record removed from it's sleeve for the first time or the new car smell. Fuck the new car smell. Too close to call for a vinyl junkie and coffee snob.

Heartless Bastards - "The Arrow Killed the Beast"

Heartless Bastards have a new album 'Arrow' out now. It is their debut release for new label Partisan Records... after a few albums with Fat Possum Records. This album could hopefully pull in a few more fans, even though it is not much different to previous releases, in regards to song structure. But I think the songs are stronger than their last album and, once again, their strength is Erika Wennerstrom’s powerful vocal delivery. Her singing style sometimes reminds me of Jolie Holland's exaggerated or unusual vowel sound phrasing. Beeaauutiful.

The Phoenix Foundation - "Bright Grey"

"Bright Grey" is from The Phoenix Foundation's 2007 album 'Happy Ending.' It is a personal favoutite from an album full of great songs. Colourful!

Beach House - "Myth"

Baltimore dream-pop duo 'Beach House' just got dreamier. "Myth" is from their forthcoming album 'Bloom.' The album is scheduled to be released on the 15th of May... now how many sleeps is that?

TOY LOVE - LIVE 16.06.1979

It is Record Store Day on Saturday (21st April) and Real Groovy Records in Auckland have a limited edition double 12" LP of 'Toy Love - Live at the Gluepot' especially for the occasion. Limited to only 400 copies and available in Black or Pink vinyl. Recorded in 1980... this would be a great addition to any vinyl collection. But not mine... I went to Auckland last week and I'm working this Saturday. Fuck! I've got to plan my trips better.

Pulp - "Common People"

"Common People" would have to be the ultimate indie-pop classic. Most of you will already know about this masterpiece from Pulp's 1995 album 'Different Class' so I won't rave on too much... in fact, it just needs to be heard. The message is clear - a privileged art student decides she wants to slum it and "live like common people" and she goes further - with the line "I want to sleep with common people like you", to which the reply is "Well what else could I do - I said "I'll see what I can do." Jarvis Cocker's all round performance is just brilliant. Genius!



(Lyrics)

She came from Greece she had a thirst for knowledge,
she studied sculpture at Saint Martin's College,
that's where I,
caught her eye.
She told me that her Dad was loaded,
I said "In that case I'll have a rum and coca-cola."
She said "Fine."
and in thirty seconds time she said,

"I want to live like common people,
I want to do whatever common people do,
I want to sleep with common people,
I want to sleep with common people,
like you."

Well what else could I do -
I said "I'll see what I can do."
I took her to a supermarket,
I don't know why but I had to start it somewhere,
so it started there.
I said pretend you've got no money,
she just laughed and said,
"Oh you're so funny."
I said "yeah?
Well I can't see anyone else smiling in here.
Are you sure you want to live like common people,
you want to see whatever common people see,
you want to sleep with common people,
you want to sleep with common people,
like me."
But she didn't understand,
she just smiled and held my hand.
Rent a flat above a shop,
cut your hair and get a job.
Smoke some fags and play some pool,
pretend you never went to school.
But still you'll never get it right,
cos when you're laid in bed at night,
watching roaches climb the wall,
if you call your Dad he could stop it all.

You'll never live like common people,
you'll never do what common people do,
you'll never fail like common people,
you'll never watch your life slide out of view,
and dance and drink and screw,
because there's nothing else to do.

Sing along with the common people,
sing along and it might just get you through,
laugh along with the common people,
laugh along even though they're laughing at you,
and the stupid things that you do.
Because you think that poor is cool.

I want to live with common people,
I want to live with common people etc...

Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams - "You're Still Standin' There"

I've been away for a week and unfortunately I had to put this blog on hold. While I was away I went to the Lucinda Williams concert at the Auckland town hall. She was touring her 'Blessed' album from last year but covered a lot of her back catalogue as well... including her 'Car Wheels On a Gravel Road' album. It was her most successful album and she explained how she heard the rough mixes of Steve Earle's 'I Feel Alright' album while she recorded a duet "You're Still Standin' There" for the album and she was so impressed that she wanted her 'Car Wheels On a Gravel Road' to be produced by Steve Earle. Time tells us it was a great decision. Anyway, after explaining the Steve Earle connection the man himself walked on stage to join her for the aforementioned duet, which was a fantastic surprise (he happened be be touring NZ as well and was playing in Auckland the next night). "You're Still Standin' There" is played regularly on Bitter FM but I never ever expected to experience it live with both of the artists on stage. Priceless!

The Mint Chicks - "Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!"

I can't believe I haven't had The Mint Chicks on this blog yet. They were the ultimate Kiwi experimental-rock (or troublegum) band up until their demise in 2010. The band consisted of brothers Kody and Rubin Nielson, Michael Logie and Paul Roper... who were all attending Orewa college at the time they formed. The three studio albums they released 'Fuck the Golden Youth' (from 2005), 'Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!' (from 2006) and 'Screens' (from 2009), were all met with critical acclaim. 'Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!' won many awards in NZ and was the album of the year with most critics here in 2006. They relocated to Portland, Oregon in 2007 and that is where Rubin Nielson is still based with his new band 'Unknown Mortal Orchestra'. Kody is back in New Zealand and has a new project 'Opossom' featuring former bandmate Michael Logie and Bic Runga.
Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! Brilliant? Yes!

THE MINT CHICKS - "Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!" from -_- on Vimeo.

Viva Voce - "Analog Woodland Song"

Viva Voce are a Portland duo consisting of husband and wife Kevin and Anita Robinson. "Analog Woodland Song" is from their latest album 'The Future will Destroy you' and it runs along like a smooth engine.

Sparklehorse - "Dark as a Dungeon"

Sparklehorse's version of "Dark as a Dungeon" is even darker than a dungeon. "Dark as a Dungeon" was written by Merle Travis but is often mistakenly thought of as a Johnny Cash song after it was featured on the Johnny Cash album 'At Folsom Prison'. It has also been covered by so many other artists from all genres. Sparklehorse provides an eery and unsettling atmosphere to this classic.

Kenneth Bager - "Fragment Eight (The Sound of Swing)"

Kenneth Bager is a Danish Producer/musician. His debut album "Fragments From A Space Cadet" was released in 2006. All twelve tracks are titled "Fragment Zero" through to "Fragment Eleven". Downbeat electronica with a list of guest vocalists including Julee Cruise and Camilla Munck. "Fragment Eight (The Sound of Swing)" features a school choir with the coolest name... 'The Hellerup Cool School Choir' and they don't tarnish their reputation one bit.

Velocette - "Bitterscene"

English Indie/Pop band Velocette released their debut album 'Fourfold Remedy' in 1998. I don't know how I was one of the few people who actually took any notice, but grateful, all the same. On "Bitterscene" they play tribute to Phil Spector's wall of sound... with a well crafted slice of retro pop.

Lucinda Williams - "Jailhouse Tears" featuring Elvis Costello

On "Jailhouse Tears" Lucinda Williams and Elvis Costello put on a performance that could rival Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl's bickering on The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York". A hilarious tale of a drunken criminal and his downtrodden lover. The song paints a picture of this hapless couple so well... you just have to add a dingy bar - they will add the twang. "Jailhouse Tears" is from Lucinda's 'Little Honey' album.