Bring Your Own Vinyl Night #2

Posted on June 9, 2015 by platinumal

Bring Your Own Vinyl Night

Queen’s Head, Mold

Friday 29th May 2015

OK, you know the drill – it’s Bring Your Own Vinyl Night at the Queen’s Head pub in Mold. It’s the same great deal as last time – everyone gets a fifteen minute slot to play whatever they want, as long as it’s vinyl. Old or new, obvious or strange – any genre you like, bring along those wax platters and give them a spin.

As previous, it was a welcoming atmosphere in the pub, and it was great to hear the music played. There’s always some old favourites, as well as a few that make you scratch your head, then go away determined to explore that sound more.

We missed the last Vinyl Night, the gang and me, but this time we came fully stocked and prepared. So after a few beers, here’s what my set-list looked like:

Nirvana – Do You Love Me

This is a cover by the Seattle Grunge mega lords of a KISS tune, found on the Hard to Believe tribute album. This record featured several then-underground, independent punk rock groups covering KISS songs. Also on this disc you’ll hear such bands as the Melvins, All and the Hard-Ons (I love ’em all) – but it’s Kurt Cobain’s crew that are the novelty factor here. Pre-dating Nevermind, this isn’t the best Nirvana song (not by a long way) but it’s kinda cool to hear them cover some classic glam rock. I picked this up fairly recently at a Manchester jumble sale; I played it ‘cos it’s rare (apparently) and unexpected (very).

Butthole Surfers – The Wooden Song

No, I didn’t play this song because of the shock/comedy nature of the band’s name. I played because the album Independent Worm Saloon, which birthed this tune, is a work of under-appreciated genius. The album roams from full-on punk noise; to psychedelic eruptions; to folky, melodious charm. The Wooden Song fits in the last category, with a nice added dose of weird.

Jimi Hendrix Experience – The Stars That Play with Laughing Sam’s Dice

Taken from the Smash Hits album which I picked up on reissue around 1990. This song was always a favourite, I chose to play it as it’s a different (and better) mix than the one found on the South Saturn Delta CD. I love how the song’s funky little riff rolls on, as Jimi’s voice and a wall of guitar noise threaten to throw the whole thing overboard. Beautiful chaos.

Black Sabbath – Planet Caravan

This is one of my late at night, chill-out jams. You can find this track on Paranoid. I chose it to showcase just how great Black Sabbath were, the variety and depth of composition going far beyond what the trendy elite give them credit for. A mellow jazz trip into outer space, this song elegantly portrays the grandeur of the mighty Sabbath. ALL HAIL SABBATH.

So that was it from me. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, hope others liked it too. I was more confident this time with the turntables and felt that the whole experience was a step up from my previous effort.

Next up was Adam, with some gems from his ever expanding vinyl collection. It was Adam’s first tenure on the decks, he mastered it like a pro:

Guns’n’Roses – Bad Obsession
Prodigy – Poison
Beach Boys – God Only Knows

The final member of our crew was Ben the Swede, who travelled from far off Chester with his lady Janice to play some vinyl. Ben went for a Ritchie Blackmore theme with his choices, and damn fine they were:

Rainbow – Jealous Lover
Glen Hughes and Chad Smith – Maybe I’m a Leo
Deep Purple – You Can’t Do It Right By The One You Love

Thank you and good night – till the next Bring Your Own Vinyl Night!

The Halcyon Dreams blog is here, where you can find listed (very helpfully) all the songs played on the night.

The Halcyon Dreams Facebook page is here.

Stipe – Live at Alexander’s

Posted on May 12, 2015 by platinumal

Stipe

Friday 24th April 2015

Alexander’s, Chester

OK, so I know I’ve already written about this band once this year. But I went to see them again, and I think a brief write-up is in order.

The last time we saw Stipe – R.E.M. tribute band extraordinaire – you may remember, was in Chester’s Live Rooms. A larger venue than I’d seen them in previously. It was a great gig. This time around, we were back to Alexander’s, also in Chester, but a smaller, more intimate place. How did the band fare?

Well Alexander’s is hardly a downgrade. It’s a very cool, laid back venue with a positive vibe. Though in this smaller room, the close proximity of the band really makes the experience a welcoming one.

The music sounds clear, sharp, immediate. Stipe are not merely a carbon copy tribute band; even if I forget about the brilliant musicianship, they manage to accomplish much more than just replicate the music of R.E.M. There’s a love for the original material that can really be heard in this venue, and makes the songs that bit more true and warm.

Unfortunately there’s no keyboards, so still no “Nightswimming” (sad face Mrs Platinum Al). But the absolute total highlight for me is a sublime rendition of “Drive”, one of my favourite R.E.M. songs, delivered gracefully. Blinding version of “Losing My Religion”, too.

Another fine gig from Stipe. This band are authentic, sincere and able to create a genuine atmosphere. Thank you.

The Alexander’s website is here.

Stipe’s Facebook page is here.

Stipe’s website is here.

Saltwater Injection Single Release

Posted on March 31, 2015 by platinumal

Saltwater Injection

“Vinegar”/”Cuntryfile” (Antipop Records)

The new single from Saltwater Injection, “Vinegar”/”Cuntryfile”, succeeds in capturing their live ferocity and innate ability to smuggle a tune in with the noise. Like Henry Rollins wrestling an angry grizzly bear – for a laugh – this two-piece hurl out lead track “Vinegar” and drag, rather than invite, the audience along. Pounding, dirty bass; vicious drums and urgent vocals give the listener a couple of minutes of aggression that you can’t help but nod along to.

There is a school of thought that says times of austerity and right wing governments create the ideal environment for the best anti-establishment punk rock. Saltwater Injection’s “Cuntryfile” certainly upholds that premise. Just over a minutes worth of furious, filthy mouthed fun – this tune is ridiculously infectious. I defy you to not sing along!

For fans of Black Flag, the Melvins, and 1980’s cross over punk-thrash who also like a bit of tuneful Nirvana in their musical diet.

Out 30.03.2015

Available from iTunes, Amazon and Spotify

http://www.saltwater-injection.com

saltwaterinjection@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saltwater-Injection/134989273346640

https://soundcloud.com/saltwaterinjection

https://twitter.com/SaltWaterInject

Sci-Fi Weekender 2015 – part 2

Posted on March 29, 2015 by platinumal

Sci-fi Weekender 19th – 22nd March 2015

Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park, Pwllheli

Welcome back to part 2 of my Sci-fi Weekender 2015 update!

Saturday began in the usual manner for for my intergalactic crew mates and I – fairly lazy hanging around the caravan. The home comforts were pretty good t be fair; with a fridge stocked with beer, decent TV and plenty of space we had a good base for our weekend.

To be honest there was less of interest to me personally on this day. The highlight though was a Q&A with Judge Dredd creators John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra. The two were escorted on to the stage by a squad of mean looking Judges, and proceeded to tell the audience about their many years working in comics. All good stuff, though a bit less about the Dredd movies and more about the actual comics would’ve been preferable. But I guess that serves me right for not asking my own questions.

Dazzling outfit!

Rogue and Bucky

Green Arrow and Daryl

Girl from Mars

He-Man and pals

Constantine and Zatanna

Ripley and pals

Spidey and Stormtrooper

One Man Lord of the Rings was next, and not being a Hobbit geek (unlike Star Wars) I was off. I heard it was good though. Time to mill about round the various merchandise stalls, though there less of a science fiction theme to this year’s traders. With MCM Comic Con on the same weekend at Birmingham NEC, I guess most traders opted for that instead.

Another strange tweak to the event this year was that Hafan Y Mor was also hosting a Prog Rock event on the same weekend. Hence the large number of music related items on sale, perhaps. Though having these two events at the same time appeared to be a strange mutation at first, I decided to check a few bands out over the weekend and found some that were certainly worth hearing.

Back on Friday I witnessed the strange jazz prog of Knifeworld, which I enjoyed after my ears got used to it. “I want this music out of my head!” was the view of one of my gang.

On Saturday afternoon, I witnessed Landskap. They had an almost doom/stoner rock sound, with slow heavy guitar riffs – augmented by an almost Doors-like keyboard. Very, very good – saw the whole set and loved it.

Captain America and Agent Carter

Hawkman

Joker

Futurama

Superman and friends

Zoidberg

No black and white filter needed!

Shredder!!!

Next it was back to the Sci-Fi Arena to see the Cosplay preliminaries. As ever there were some amazing entries – well made, authentic, but also incredibly original. The best part was spotting characters from film and television that you just weren’t expecting to see. The Guardians of the Galaxy and Mad Max ensembles were both awesome. Lego movie Batman, Futurama robots and more were just amazing.

You can see some of the photos here, but there were also dozens of fans who were dressed up, and hadn’t even entered the competition. Plenty of people had obviously put a lot of thought and effort into their costumes, but were happy just to be part of the fun.

I did feel bad for one group, though – they were all in monochrome outfits (complete with make-up) to look like the old black & white Flash Gordon serial. However, they’d missed registration through no fault of their own.

Hot Fuzz

Futurama gang

Dark Jedi – nice blokes, actually!

Kick Ass

The winners!

Macho Man Randy Savage

Wilma – awesome idea!

Ant Man and the Wasp

The Cosplay was again a real highlight od Sci-Fi Weekender this year. So many fabulous and imaginative outfits, I couldn’t pick a favourite. My thanks to all who agreed to me to take a photo – you’re all superstars!

In the late evening, I popped over to the Prog Rock arena to see Rick Wakeman. Rick was performing on his own, with just a grand piano. Instrumental versions didn’t really appeal at first, though it turned out to be a fantastic set of lush, almost Classical songs. There was a Sci-Fi tie in with an absolutely wonderful recital of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars”, which Rick had preformed on originally. Plus the between song banter was hilarious!

Black Widow

Jedi

Lion-O

This is amazingly cool!

Black Cat and Maleficent

Village of the Damned

General Kala

Logan

Back to the Sci-Fi arena for the Cosplay finals – which saw a hard fought contest eventually won by the young Tim Burton character family! We ll done! Then it was party time, with characters from all conceivable franchises across the genre seeing the weekend out in style.

It was a long trip back to the real world. We met some awesome people, saw a few familiar faces from last year, and had a great time. Here’s to next year. If only I had a Tardis, I could do it all again…

I have dozens of photos left. I’ll do a bonus section as per last year in the coming weeks.

The Sci-Fi Weekender website is here.

You can find Sci-Fi Weekender on Facebook or follow on Twitter: @scifiweekender

The Prog Rock website is here.

Sci-Fi Weekender 2015 – part 1

Posted on March 26, 2015 by platinumal

Sci-fi Weekender 19th – 22nd March 2015

Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park, Pwllheli

Hard to believe it’s been a year since our last visit off-world to the magnificence that is Sci-Fi Weekender. But here we were again, for our second journey to the stars, with a guest list of thousands from the realms of science fiction and fantasy.

As a convention, what makes Sci-Fi Weekender stand out is that all the guests stay on site at the Hafan Y Mor holiday park in North West Wales. For one weekend each year, the geeks inherit the earth and take over in intergalactic style.

Hellboy and pals

Judges

Catwoman and Silent Bob

Something on your back…

Who ya gonna call?

Royal Guard

Harley behind bars

Joker

This year our band of explorers included Adam, Greeny, Kurt and myself as per last year, but with good buddy Ste along for his first voyage. Amongst the features on offer were all day gaming, merchandise for sale, props to view, films to see, and numerous luminaries being interviewed and partaking in Q and A’s.

Let it be said that the entertainments were many, and that much alcohol was consumed.

On the Friday, I was eager to see an interview with actor Julian Glover. He appeared as General Veers in The Empire Strikes Back so this was a pretty big deal. I have at least three different Star Wars figures of this guy, for a start. He also appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, For Your Eyes Only and Quatermass and the Pit, for good measure. Mr Glover was extremely interesting to listen to and seemed like a thorough gentleman.

Poison Ivy

Batman

Phoenix

Rorschach

Drag Leia and chums!

Scarlet Witch

Captain America

Ghost Rider

Next up was James Cosmo, who I remembered from Highlander (classic!) and as Ewan McGregor‘s dad in Trainspotting. He’s also appeared in dozens of other films and TV shows, not least Braveheart, so his Q&A was top notch.

I took a few photos and milled about a bit, we had some drinks and I caught the One Man Star Wars show. For the uninitiated, this is one bloke recreating all three films from the original trilogy (Episodes IV to VI, fact fans!) in an hour – on his own. There are no effects other than what can be recreated with his own voice and actions. I have to admit that this was very impressive. The audience laughed along, but me as a full on Star Wars nerd was engrossed in how he made the sounds. I need to learn that R2 whistle for my action figures! I AM A NERD!

The finale of the day was once again the genius of Darth Elvis and the Imperials. What do you get? A band of Dark Side troops, fronted by an Elvis Jedi, rocking the stage like a crazed Bantha herd. They look great, they sound awesome!

Elvis classics are re-worked to suit the Star Wars theme, so we get “Return to Endor” and “Viva Mos Eisley”, amongst many more. Brilliant! The band rock out and also put a huge Hutt-like grin on your face with the genuinely witty spin on various classics. Not just Elvis either – nice to hear some Faith No More in the set this year. Absolutely epic entertainment and a perfect end to the night. Hot Dang!

What’s more, I can personally vouch for the fact that the band are 100% decent folks. I got a signed poster! Greeny got a poster and a photo with the Dark King himself! I got excited and forgot to ask for a photo of myself with Darth Elvis! I AM A NERD!!!

Part 2 of our adventure to the stars soon…

Here’s the Sci-Fi Weekender website.

Check out Darth Elvis and the Imperials on Facebook or follow the Dark King on Twitter: @darth_elvis

The Urban Troopers are cool guys – follow them on Twitter: @yodasbitch

The Urban Troopers!

Me with two of my childhood heroes…!

St. Patrick’s Day Playlist

Posted on March 17, 2015 by platinumal

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

As a tribute, I have compiled the playlist below to celebrate some of the best Irish music.

Now before anyone gets upset, I know that the artists listed below are a mixture from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (as well as other countries). I understand that these are two separate countries and mean no offence by creating this list. This playlist is in honour of St. Patrick’s Day, so admittedly I have bundled them all together. No disrespect meant to either nation.

Anyway, the only offensive thing about this list is that Van bloody Morrison managed to weasel his way into my music collection. Still, at least it’s not “Brown Eyed Girl” (piece of crap song)…

Thin Lizzy – “Whiskey in the Jar”
Stiff Little Fingers – “Alternative Ulster”
The Dubliners & The Pogues – “The Irish Rover”
Therapy? – “Screamager”
Flogging Molly – “If I Ever Leave This World Alive”
Ash – “Burn Baby Burn”
Gary Moore with Phil Lynott – “Out in the Fields”
The Undertones – “My Perfect Cousin”
Imelda May – “Sneaky Freak”
The Answer – “Too Far Gone”
The Dubliners – “Seven Drunken Nights”
Van Morrison – “Madame George”
U2 – “Pride (In the Name of Love)”

Corrosion of Conformity Gig Review

Posted on March 11, 2015 by platinumal

Corrosion of Conformity

Saturday 7th March 2015

Manchester Academy 2

I’ve been a Corrosion of Conformity fan for a long time. Starting with a cassette copy of their hardcore punk/thrash crossover Eye For An Eye back in my early skateboarding days; through their major label success as a stoner metal band; and on. Never seen them live, though. Ridiculous, no?

All that was about to change: I decided to get my act together and go see the band in Manchester for their latest tour. The fact that vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan was back fronting the band, completing their Deliverance era line-up, was a nice little sweetener too.

The afternoon got off to a great start when, mere seconds from arriving in the car park next to the Academy, I spotted bass player Mike Dean walking along the road. I greeted him and wished the band well in a brief, pleasant conversation. I think I managed to remain cool and not look like a total weirdo.

A few beers were had in the early evening, before we made our way to the venue. Unfortunately we were in Manchester Academy 2, not the nice big main Academy building. The Academy 2 is the size of a sports hall and was too small for this band. People were crammed in tighter than a glam rockers spandex pants; it was not cool.

I only caught the end of the support bands slot, so I will pass judgement on Hang the Bastard at this time.

When Corrosion of Conformity hit the stage, there’s a genuine sense of excitement in the (tiny) room. They open with instrumental “These Shrouded Temples” from the Blind album, before charging into “Senor Limpio” and “King of the Rotten”. There’s hardly a breather between songs, and minimal banter – it seems COC are on a mission to destroy. Pepper leads the band confidently, like he’s never been away; whilst Woody throws down a barrage of guitar.

In keeping with the tour theme, there’s a healthy chunk of tracks from the devastating Deliverance album. This is fine with me. My sad fanboy credentials mean I love all their output, but Deliverance is the cream of the crop as far as I’m concerned. A genuine metal/punk/stoner/doom/whatever classic, rated in the same bracket as Volume 4 and Master of Puppets. “Albatross” and “My Grain” are highlights amongst a head crushing set, though the slower pace of “Seven Days” is my favourite from that era of the evening – forgot how great that song is.

There’s a pinch of tracks from across several albums, with “Long Whip/Big America” shining from Wiseblood. “Thirteen Angels” (America’s Volume Dealer) and “Paranoid Opioid” (In the Arms of God) also stand out in a set filled with gems. The band are well rehearsed – Reed’s drums and Mike’s bass sound tight and locked in.

COC return for their encore with “Broken Man”, before launching into the inevitable “Vote With a Bullet”. This song is still an absolute monster, and is welcomed heartily by the audience. “Clean My Wounds”, another Deliverance era stormer, finishes the night off with it’s awesome riff.

Despite being crowded in the tiny Manchester Academy 2, it’s a great night. Corrosion of Conformity perform a powerful set, which I only wish could have been longer. I got to tick a band off my “must see” list tonight, and I retire with obligatory tour t-shirt a very happy punter.

Dead Wolf Club and Saltwater Injection Gig Review

Posted on March 4, 2015 by platinumal

Dead Wolf Club + Saltwater Injection

Thursday 26th February 2015

The Compass, Chester

Back to the Compass in Chester for some more rock’n’roll! I was able to catch local band Saltwater Injection again, plus new discovery Dead Wolf Club.

Saltwater Injection makes a reliably noisy racket with just a bass guitar and a drum kit. The bass stirs a sludgy broth of Melvins style aggressive punk, while the drums thrash away relentlessly. It’s not all noise – beneath the cacophony, the audience can define melodies as well as crushing riffs. Catchy, sing along melodies, even!

The set gives us original songs in this vein, plus a Beatles tribute infused with a punk Monty Python spirit. Add in a song written on the spot, following a title suggestion from the audience; and genuinely funny, self deprecating stage banter and you’ve got a concoction that is quite infectious. Great band and one to catch!

Up next are head liners Dead Wolf Club, a four piece with a similar punk rock approach but different delivery. This band offers an intense, swirling sound that develops from a Joy Formidable accessibility to a crushing Joy Division cinematic scope.

It’s post hardcore performed with an admirable earnestness and honesty. Dead Wolf Club’s songs – part Steve Albini, part Fugazi, part grungey indie – build and build, showing a sense of scale and ambition. Unfortunately it’s over too soon, and everything suddenly seems far too quiet…

Another blinding night at the Compass, which has grown into an intimate venue for in-your-face rock music. Good beer, friendly staff and a fantastic AC/DC pinball machine don’t hurt either!

The Compass website is here.

The Saltwater Injection website is here.

The Dead Wolf Club website is here.

Saltwater Injection

Dead Wolf Club

Bizarre Magazine Playlist

Posted on February 28, 2015 by platinumal

The most recent issue of that misfit of British publications, Bizarre magazine, was sadly the last.

Over the years, Bizarre magazine featured articles that astounded, amazed, and entertained as it explored the fringes of popular culture. Sometimes gross, sometimes weird, always entertaining – each issue offered content that would never be published elsewhere.

Amongst the counter culture oddness and thought provoking investigations, I found many an interesting film to track down in their review pages.

Bizarre also covered many musicians/bands that strayed from the familiar paths. Whether in the regular monthly review section or in the excellent “Bizarre Albums” features, I found a few favourites and some new treasures.

This playlist is comprised of just some of the bands featured in the magazine over the years, in some form or other. As a sort of tribute (hell, I’ve even got the first issue lurking around in the garage…).

Bizarre Magazine Playlist

Christopher Lee – “The Impossible Dream (The Quest)”
Fantomas – “One Step Beyond”
The Moog Cookbook – “Basket Case”
Mr Bungle – “Chemical Marriage”
Jean Jacques Perry – “E.V.A.”
Lord Sitar – “I Can See For Miles”
Alice In Chains – “Heaven Beside You”
Yma Sumac – “Malambo #1”
Spike Jones – “Power House”
Hanna-Barbera – “Tra La La Song (Banana Splits Theme)”
Christopher Lee – “Act V: Starlight”
Zombina and the Skeletones – “Punk Rock Vampires Destroy!”
Electric Eel Shock – “Goodbye Peach”
Ween – “Spinal Meningitis (Got Me Down)”
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – “Stagger Lee”

There are tons more bands I could add to this list. Many more covered by the magazine can be found in the catacombs of my iPod. But this will do nicely for now.

Thanks and goodbye Bizarre magazine. In particular for the wonder of Christopher Lee’s albums; not to mention Zombina and the Skeletones and Electric Eel Shock – two of the best live bands I’ve ever seen!

Bring Your Own Vinyl Night

Posted on February 22, 2015 by platinumal

Halcyon Dreams

Bring Your Own Vinyl Night

Queen’s Head pub, Mold

Now here’s a fantastic idea: take along any vinyl records of your choice, and you get a fifteen minute slot to play whatever you like. There’s a regular such evening at the end of every month at the Queen’s Head pub in Mold, North Wales. It’s a great night’s entertainment combining music and, of course, beer.

I spent a little time raiding my vinyl collection and putting a playlist together. Then my buddies and me travelled up to Mold. The Queen’s Head is a pub like any other, but on these Bring Your Own Vinyl nights there’s a set up in the corner with two turntables, mixers etc, and people take turns to spin their wax. No CDs, cassettes or any other funny business – just beautiful vinyl.

The variety of music to be heard is reassuringly eclectic, with examples from across various genres and ages. It’s great fun, whether you take a turn on the decks or not – and you’re guaranteed to hear some old favourites or (even better) some new aural treats to research.

I’ve never used DJ equipment before, but no need to worry – the guys were very helpful in using the tech. It’s quite fun, selecting your track and fading between decks, though I could do with more practice…

Here are the tunes I selected for my turn on the decks:

Ramones – I Just Want to Have Something to do

The lead track of the Ramones’ fourth album, Road to Ruin, this song features a great riff and lyrics of teenage boredom. Though not considered their best record, I have a real soft spot for Road to Ruin and this song was a no-brainer.

Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire

An obvious Cash song to choose, but there was no way I wasn’t going to play something by this guy and Ring of Fire is always a popular choice. The song that made me a fan of Johnny Cash. This is off a random Best Of album that I picked up from a charity shop, and has a wild cover.

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The Damned – Stranger on the Town

More punk rock, not that you’d know it – this song from their Strawberries album is some kind of 60’s psychedelic homage complete with brass section. Possibly my favourite Damned song, the version I played was from The Light at the End of the Tunnel compilation (because it’s the first song on side 2, and easy to find…).

Beastie Boys – Sabrosa

I wanted some more variety for the last track, so went for this jazz funk masterpiece from the Hip Hop masters. This funky instrumental is off Ill Communication, which I am very glad I have on vinyl!

Despite a few shaky moments with my DJ skills, the set seemed to go well and I really enjoyed it!

Dig out those vinyl albums kids – vinyl is back big time. The Bring Your Own Vinyl night is an excellent concept – where can you go wrong with classic tunes and some beer?

The next night is on Friday 27th February 2015.