This weeks “louder then the rest” tunes:
- Fishbone – Change
- House of Pain – Jump Around
- Wolfmother – California Queen
- Queens of the Stone Age – The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret
- Dr. John – Jump Sturdy
Songs of the Week 17.07.2016
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Bring Your Own Vinyl Night #8
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night
Queen’s Head, Mold
Friday 8th April 2016
Got a record collection? Want to spin those discs on a nice turntable for an appreciative bunch of vinyl enthusiasts? The Bring Your Own Vinyl Night is for you!
Held monthly in the Queen’s Head pub in Mold, North Wales, this event goes from strength to strength. The idea is simple: each participant gets 15 minutes to play whatever records they want. That’s vinyl only; no CDs, MP3s, cassettes or whatever else. Just have a beer and enjoy the music.
My pal Adam was back on the decks tonight, and was the first of our crew to step up. He played a great set of songs from movies, that went something like this:
- Carly Simon – Nobody Does It Better
- Blue Swede – Hooked On A Feeling
- George Thorogood & The Destroyers – Bad to the Bone
- Ry Cooder – All Shook Up
- Santo & Johnny – Sleepwalk
A special prize if you can name the films these songs are from! A great set from Adam, I think one of his strongest. In particular, I thought “Sleepwalk” was an exceptional track.
Then it was my turn:
Suicidal Tendencies – Possessed to Skate
Regular readers will know the story of my Suicidal records. Here’s a quick recap. Going back to the height of my skateboarding days in 1988 (or thereabouts), my friend Kelvin Bedford gave me the album “Join the Army” by Suicidal Tendencies. A few years later, as a broke student, I sold that album and another ST record to my mate Graham. Now fast forward to the recent past, and although I had the CDs, I was kicking myself for not having the vinyl anymore. They were easy enough to buy off Discogs. However, sadly Kel had passed away a couple of years ago, so I thought it would be great to have the copy he originally gave me back. I contacted Graham, and he gave me the records for free. What a gentleman! I bought him a beer or two as a thank you.
Not so brief that recap, but now you have the background. I wanted to play a track off the classic “Join the Army” record, as it was back in my collection, and this had to be it. Many fun memories of my old skateboarding days always come flooding back with this fast paced punk rock/metal hybrid. And I still listen to it when I skate nowadays (which isn’t often enough). “Possessed to Skate”. RAD.
Iggy & The Stooges – Gimme Danger
The next song is a favourite I was introduced to in my university days. I was already a fan of the early Stooges albums, but hadn’t heard “Raw Power”. It’s a superb record, full of barely restrained energy and chaos. “Gimme Danger” is a the second song on the album, lulling the listener in to a false sense of comfort after lead track “Search and Destroy” decimates your speakers. “Gimme Danger” still has an air of menace, however – a sense that anything can, and will, go wrong. Decadent and beautiful, a masterpiece.
Chris Isaak – Wicked Game
And so on to Chris Isaak. I have the “Wicked Game” album on CD, so I can regularly bask in the warmth of Isaak’s voice and imagine desert roads, truck stops, motels and neon lights. This version is on a 7″ single that Greeny gave me for Christmas, and I’m so glad I have it. Timeless Americana that always carries a hint of David Lynch, thanks to the song being included in “Wild at Heart”. I usually drunkenly sing along to this at 2am. I’ve also attempted “Wicked Game” at Karaoke a couple of times; I think I got away with it.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Sexy Mexican Maid
One of my favourite RHCP songs ever, you can find this sensual little number on the fantastic “Mother’s Milk” record. It’s a slow funky groove that deserves to be heard more often, from one of their greatest albums. “Sexy Mexican Maid” shows the Chili Peppers exploring their sound and developing towards “Blood Sugar Sex Magik”, whilst still happy to languish with their sexually charged lyrics.
So last up was Ben the Swede, who recently moved house and now had access to his full vinyl collection. The theme was bass, of different types:
- Level 42 – You Can’t Blame Louis
- Duran Duran – A View to a Kill
- ELO – Shine a Little Love
And there you have it: another great night with some great songs and some very cool people.There were some killer tracks from PIL, Perrey & Kingsley, Elvis Costello and more. You can see the full playlist on the Halcyon Dreams blog here.
Thanks all – looking forward to the next Vinyl Night!
You can listen to this Bring Your Own Vinyl Night (and previous ones, too) on the Mixcloud page here.
The Halcyon Dreams Facebook page is here.
Thanks Graham!
RIP Kelvin Bedford
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night #6
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night
Queen’s Head, Mold
Friday 22nd January 2016
The first Bring Your Own Vinyl Night of 2016 brought out fantastic tunes old and new. Regardless of genre, all were welcome to spin their records for the enjoyment of the gathered vinyl enthusiasts.
Held in the Queen’s Head pub in Mold, North Wales, the idea is simple. Each participant gets a fifteen minute slot to play whatever they like, so long as it’s on vinyl. No other format permitted.
Again my selection for this evening had a theme, though a sad one. Inspired by the loss of many musical heroes recently, my songs were selected as a tribute to some of those musicians who had passed away.
My old mucker Adam was first up from our gang. He’d got to the pub early and had some food, which I’m told was very good. Here’s his set:
- Aerosmith – Rocking Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu
- The Backbeat Band – Money
- David Bowie – Moonage Daydream
- Neil – Hole in My Shoe
- Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel – White Lines
Five great songs, awesome set. Some of the other punters had a go, then it was my turn on the wheels of steel.
Stone Temple Pilots – Plush
Taken from the first Stone Temple Pilots record, “Core”, this song is my favourite track on the album. “Plush” is a big, epic song that always reminded me of Led Zeppelin. A great track to start the set off, though as it’s over five minutes long it meant that my set would be three songs rather than the usual four. No problem. Played in memory of STP singer Scott Weiland who died in December 2015.
Motorhead – Killed by Death
At the last Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, I played “Ace of Spades” by Motorhead as drummer Phil Taylor had passed away. Sadly Lemmy, Motorhead main man and all round rock legend, was to follow on 28th December 2015. After “Ace of Spades”, the next best Motorhead tune is “Killed By Death”, so I gave this classic a spin. Taken from the best of compilation “No Remorse”, which I bought when I was 16 as it had both of the aforementioned tracks on it. Every home should have one!
David Bowie – Heroes
And finally a Bowie song, to remember this great artist. I chose “Heroes” as it’s my favourite Bowie song, grand and optimistic with a tinge of melancholy. Truly magnificent. The track I played was the single edit, taken from the “Best of Bowie” album, which I picked up a couple of years ago in a charity shop. There were several songs I could have picked from several albums I own, all brilliant tunes. 
After three songs I was running out of time for my fifteen minute slot and decided to call it quits. I had the Eagles “Take It Easy” in reserve, to commemorate the passing of Glen Frey, but I was running out of time. Plus Bowie’s “Heroes” was a perfect track to end on.
So Ben the Swede took to the stage after me, armed with just three records. He’s moving house, you see ( a real house, not a cardboard box) – and most of his stuff is in storage at the moment. Despite limited resources, Ben dropped a set of bangers.
- Megadeth – Tornado of Souls
- Elton John – Grey Seal
- Deep Purple – Never Before
A nice mix there, from Megadeth to Elton John!
There you have it – another night of great tunes and good company at the Queen’s Head. I even had a few requests for songs from the audience, though couldn’t oblige as that’s not what vinyl night is all about! Thanks to everyone concerned.
Hope to see you there next time!
The Halcyon Dreams blogspot is here.
The Halcyon Dreams mixcloud page is here.
The Halcyon Dreams Facebook page is here.
Crobot/Scorpion Child/Buffalo Summer – Gig Review
Crobot + Scorpion Child + Buffalo Summer
Wednesday 11th November 2015
The Live Rooms, Chester
Wednesday night, but that doesn’t stop me. When there is a need to rock, I rock. I ain’t no weekend greaser.
The crowd in the Live Rooms was a healthy size, and quite rightly too. Three bands for a tenner – and all of them up and coming hard rock superstars. It’s a night of 21st century music that has one foot in 70’s classic rock, though striding confidently in to the modern realm.
Up first were Buffalo Summer, four lads from South Wales (yay!) who command the stage like seasoned masters. Their mix of classic Free and Southern Skynyrd boogie is enhanced with some Sonic Temple era Cult swagger. Powerful and melodic with a rough edge, their songs are anthemic but still have guts. “Down to the River” was just one highlight in a terrific set, but take my word for it and check ’em out for yourself.
Next up were Scorpion Child, all the way from Texas. Their version of classic rock was part Zep deep fried in Purple, and all tasty goodness. These guys go for epic and do not compromise. The songs build with purpose and create huge sonic vistas that hint at their geographic origin. “Liqour”, “Kings Highway” and “Antioch” are all songs that capture Scorpion Child’s ability to meld molten riffs with a truly grand vision. Fantastic.
Our final band of the night were Crobot, who erupt on the stage with electrified enthusiasm. Their first album, “Something Supernatural”, is awesome – but the songs have even more groove live; Crobot are hugely powerful, with riffs that are simply titanic. There are tons of highlights, “Skull of Geronimo”, “The Necromancer” and “Chupacabra” being just a few. If you dig Clutch or Wolfmother, welcome to your new favourite band. You need Crobot in your life sooner rather than later!
Reporting from the front lines, I’m happy to say that rock – classic, heavy, groovy rock – is alive and well. Do not hide, do not run for cover – get out there and catch Crobot, Scorpion Child and Buffalo Summer now!
The Live Rooms website is here.
You can follow Crobot, Scorpion Child and Buffalo Summer on Twitter. Get on it, you need to be ready.
Another Damned Gig Review
The Damned
Thursday 17th September 2015
The Live Rooms, Chester
Hello, chums! How about another review of a musical concert? How about another review of a Damned musical concert? Very well, off we go…
It was my birthday on Saturday, so it was very kind of The Damned to play a gig on Thursday night for me. They are my favourite band, after all. Not many bands would go to all the trouble of playing for their number one fan in a nearby locale. I don’t know who invited all the other people who turned up, mind – wasn’t me. I hardly knew any of them.
The Damned sold out The Live Rooms in Chester, which is pretty impressive. The place was packed out with all manner of discerning music fans, and by golly those punk rock chaps put on a hell of a good show.
From the moment Captain Sensible uttered the immortal phrase “Ladies and Gentlemen, ‘Ow do”, I knew it would be a blinder. Straight off into “Love Song”, a rollicking locomotive of a song all about trainspotting. Then it was “Machine Gun Ettiquette” and “I Just Can’t Be Happy Today” – top tunes all, and the running order gave something of a clue as how things would develop set wise.
The evening was an almost chronological journey to the centre of the Damned, with tracks following from the Black Album, through Strawberries and onto their later 80’s catalogue. Until they messed that plan up by going back to the start with the always excellent “New Rose” and “Neat Neat Neat”. I defied my OCD and enjoyed the travelling back through time regardless.
The band were on excellent form, Dave Vanian in fine voice and Sensible throwing some amazing guitar noises around (“Ignite” is always mental). Pinch on drums and Stu on bass are in control and drive the machine ever onward. Monty was, of course, his usual crazy and lovable self; always entertaining and adding an extra dimension with his keyboard skills.
A couple of “firsts” for me tonight – I’ve never heard “Alone Again Or” performed live, or the totally amazing “Nasty”. This song was one of my earliest experiences of The Damned, when they roared through it on the Young Ones. Relegated to a B-side and rarely cropping up on compilations, I’d given up on hearing this one in the flesh. “Nasty” was dedicated to previous bass player Bryn Merrick, who had died recently.
Throw in another appearance of “Stranger on the Town” (see my last Damned review for how big a deal this is) and the song that kick started the whole fandom thing from my point of view, “Eloise”, and it was a quality set list. Not to mention punk rock classics such as “Disco Man” and “Smash It Up” – what a result!
Any complaints? Well there was no “Plan 9 Channel 7”, which is absolutely criminal. Nothing from the two most recent albums either, which is a bit worrying – there’s some great tunes on those records. The Live Rooms is a brilliant venue, but they seem a bit keen to send people home when they could’ve made a few quid more at the bar, if they’d kept it open half an hour. Strange.
All in all though, it was a fantastic night. The Damned threw me a very nice birthday party and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Wonder if they’re free same time next year?
Here’s The Damned’s website: http://www.officialdamned.com/
The Live Rooms web site is here.
You can read the set list for this gig here.
Here’s a link to my previous review of The Damned live: click me
R.I.P. Bryn Merrick
Madness at the Seaside
Madness + Chainska Brassika + By The Rivers
Saturday 11th July 2015
Rhyl Events Arena
You know I love Rhyl, right? Great place. Under rated. But that’s ‘cos most people don’t know where to find the cool stuff (Star Wars figures, comic books, skateboards, music, general paraphernalia). On Saturday 11th July, however, you couldn’t miss the cool stuff. It was right on the promenade, in front of the beach, at the Rhyl Events Arena.
And the cool stuff was legendary ska/80’s pop maestros Madness.
There have been a lot of rock and punk bands reviewed at the Virtual Hot Tub lately, so it’s about time for something a little different. Madness were probably the first band I was ever a fan of, back when I was just Bronze Al. They were the soundtrack of every school yard and summer holiday when I was a nipper. I’ve listened to them ever since.
A surprise visit for the band to Rhyl was a great opportunity to catch the band live.
After a few hours in a local Tiki bar, my compadres and me made our way to the Rhyl Events Arena. The venue was outdoor on the prom, with a stage set up right across form the town. 
Support bands By The Rivers and Chainska Brassika offered a warm welcome. Both bands were in a party mood playing variations on the ska/pop/reggae theme. Good musicianship and enthusiasm helped both bands reach out to the ever growing audience.
The rain held off for the evening and there was definitely a party atmosphere in the arena. By the time Madness arrived on stage, the good times were in full swing. The audience had obviously travelled from far and wide for this gig, and were keen to see the Nutty Boys in full force.
The first part of the set was a relaxed affair, with a few new numbers and lesser known tracks alternating the big hits. Step forward “Bed and Breakfast Man”, a lesser known song which should’ve been a single in the first place.
Rhyl lights up like in days gone by for the hit songs. We get “House of Fun”, “Baggy Trousers”, “Embarrassment”, “My Girl” – sparkling gems every one. It’s genuine pop classic after pop classic for the large part of the set. If only the funfair was still open, it would’ve been perfect. A fine way to reminisce of summer holidays past!
Madness give a great performance, punctuated with some banter and fun along the way. My personal highlight is hearing “Our House” – my absolute favourite Madness track. An obvious choice, I know – but I don’t care. 
The concert ends far too soon. A great night, thank you Madness for paying a trip to sunny Wales and gracing us with your eccentric pop genius.
And well done Rhyl. Let’s have more of it, shall we?
The Madness website is here.
The Rhyl Pavillion website is here.
My thanks to the Blazing Minds website, which I used to check some facts!
Saltwater Injection Single Release
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
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saltwater-Injection/134989273346640
Corrosion of Conformity Gig Review
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
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
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!
Platinum Al's Virtual Hot Tub 