How’ve you been? Well I hope. Here are five more songs heard in the last seven days that I particularly enjoyed.
I love ABBA, but that song earned it’s place in this weeks top 5 after my daughter sang it all week. Good choice!
Dozens of songs listened to, here are five that stood out:
Forget using your super smart, internet enabled portable phone as a means of playing music. And forget iPods, too – sadly the swines at Apple have decided to sacrifice their master product, in order to concentrate on their vile mutant phone. My mate Greeny has a much better music playing machine than any of those.
Greeny has a jukebox.
The jukebox is named Florence. After Florence and the Machine, as she’s a machine, obviously. Florence stands proudly in the corner of the lounge, neither dominating the room or sitting back like a wall flower. But Florence has presence: when the lights are on and the tunes are spinning, you will be drawn magnetically to this wondrous device.
He’s been collecting 7 inch singles since he were a lad, has Greeny. Now Florence is a treasure trove packed full of delightful vinyl gems. There’s a wild variety of musical genres in Florence, spanning the decades. She’s regularly re-stocked and/or has the records switched out and replaced with others, keeping the music selection fresh and entrancing.
Florence holds around 84 records. Don’t forget that there’s a song on side A and B, so that’s a generous amount of music to enjoy.
It’s a lot of fun gathering around the jukebox in Greeny’s front room, with a few beers and spinning some records. I would love one of my own, one day – though they cost a few hundred quid, so it’s unlikely. I’m collecting a few cool 7 inch singles just in case, though…
Here’s a list of the records that are currently stocked inside Florence. Remember Greeny has to rotate the records, as he has far more than this! Which songs would you choose to play?
And if you’re interested, this jukebox is a Rowe AMI RI-3.
The tracks:
It’s been a long while since I shared a random playlist with you.
I recently went out for a skate, split between riding my Mindless longboard and spending some time on a classic old school Santa Cruz Street Creep. Whilst skating around, I switched the iPod onto shuffle and these are the tunes I heard.
Not a bad selection by the iPod there.
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:
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:
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
David Bowie
08.01.1947 – 10.01.2016
Unbelievable that my second blog post of 2016 is another in tribute to a musical hero who is no longer with us.
The recent passing of David Bowie caught us all off guard; I for one thought it was some cruel internet prank at first. Not so – a quick trawl of the internet confirmed the sad news.
Back around 1990, my uncle let me borrow a bunch of records from his collection – an absolute buzz for a music obsessive like me. There were records by Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, The Stranglers, Devo and more. I saw a copy of “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”, and asked if I could borrow that too. He kindly agreed and I made off with my temporary haul.
Right from the start, listening to the “Ziggy Stardust” album was something revolutionary. I knew I was hearing something special.
The reason I’d wanted to become more acquainted with Bowie’s work was the high regard some of my other favourite bands held him in, mostly due to his friendship and support of Iggy Pop. I was already a massive Stooges fan.
From “Ziggy Stardust” I continued exploring David Bowie’s considerable catalogue. Some songs were instants classics, some challenged me. All of it was worthwhile taking the time to investigate: classics from “Hunky Dory” and “Low” being favourites. All of those songs inspired me, and gave insight into how many artists of different genres had been inspired by his work.
In fact, the greatest legacy that Bowie’s work has left, for me at least, was that constant pioneering exploration. I was encouraged to expand my musical horizons and accompany Bowie on journeys into different sonic territories. It’s thanks to that spirit that I have the wide ranging taste in music that I have today.
Thank you, David Bowie, for taking us on your adventures in sound. I will continue to admire and study your legacy for years to come.
The Holy Rollers
Saturday 3rd October 2015
The White Bear, Mancot, Deeside
Now I may not know much, but I do know two things very well: the first one is ROCK and the second one is ROLL. And so I was looking forward to finally seeing The Holy Rollers play, bringing their unique brand of rock star to a local venue.
The White Bear is a great pub; featuring live acts every Saturday in addition to all the other wonderful things they do (like the food). It’s also very close to home for me, luckily. Though I was a bit worried I might end up hosting the after gig party for The Holy Rollers, being so close to the place. Luckily that never happened – otherwise my TV would surely have been thrown out of the window…
Wrexham’s finest – The Holy Rollers – are a covers band par excellence; expertly rendering classics across various genres from different decades. I understand they’re also debauched rock’n’rollers with a penchant for chaos and partying.
Whilst anticipation mounted, the band took their places and the intro tape played the start of the A-Team. You know, “In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison for a crime they didn’t commit…” This was the first stroke of genius of the night. If ever I’m in a band, I want the A-Team intro before I go on. Awesome.
The Holy Rollers, crack commando rock stars that they are, launched into their first set of the night setting the tone nicely, with well chosen songs that skipped across styles effortlessly. There’s some Oasis (“Rock’n’Roll Star”); some Stones (“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”) and even a classy “Beat It” to get the party started. An early highlight for me was the Weezer classic “Buddy Holly”, just ‘cos I love Weezer. 
The band confidently raided the back catalogue of numerous great bands to deliver a quality set, impressing with their craft. Vocals and guitar duties are shared (and alternated) between Rob Roxx and G Bomb, adding some variety to the delivery. Both of them delivered the tunes with a cool tenacity that made it all look easy.
The first set featured a storming final run through “Should I Stay of Should I Go”, “Hard Day’s Night”, “You Really Got Me” and Primal Scream’s “Rocks”. You can’t fault that for a set list.
After a short break, the second half of the gig was back on. We get ‘Phonics classic “Local Boy in the Photograph” and a bit of Bon Jovi. The Holy Rollers version of Bad Company nugget “Feel Like Makin’ Love” was another highlight and a nice change of pace.
A mini punk rock section followed with “Teenage Kicks” (Undertones) and “Ever Fallen In Love…” (Buzzcocks). The rhythm section did a fine job of keeping everything together as the pace changed through out the gig. Bass player Maxx stalked the room like a rock’n’roll avenger with mayhem in mind. Drummer Good Boy Roy pummelled the skins as if they’d insulted his mother.
Although delivering familiar material, The Holy Rollers always have an element of surprise tucked up their sleeves. Case in point is the genius mash up of “Seven Nation Army” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” – two songs melded together to create a whole new monster. It shouldn’t work, but it does – incredible. The White Stripes and Marvin Gaye? Who knows what other Frankensteins these mad scientists can create?
The joy of The Holy Rollers gig was the fearless renditions of songs regardless of musical styles; be it “Uptown Funk”, Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” or the Smiths. They are unafraid to play great songs, whether old or new, and regardless of genre. It made a refreshing change to hear this four man mobile juke box playing songs that were well known, but given an exciting make over.
When the gig was over, The Holy Rollers dispersed. Probably off to some rock star mansion to drive a Rolls Royce into the pool. Or setting off fire works in expensive hotels. Whatever they got up to; we, the people can rest assured. Rock’n’roll is in safe hands.
Johnny’s Place, Parga, Greece
My holiday this summer was another visit to Parga in Greece. It’s a very beautiful town on the west coast; nestled snugly amongst beach and harbour. In the bay there is a small island with white church resting on top; above the town is an ancient fort – it’s real picturesque stuff.
Parga features many excellent tavernas, restaurants and bars. A bar I’ve now visited a few times is Johnny’s Place, where the cold beer is “cheap as chips” and the welcome is warm.
Situated in the middle of town, the people watching at Johnny’s Place is second to none. It’s a relaxing atmosphere with some great tunes.
Over the space of a few visits to this bar, we compiled a playlist of songs that were heard. In the spirit of reminiscing about another fabulous summer holiday, here are the songs that take me back to that time and place.
Imagine enjoying a cold Mythos (and a plate of meze, as provided gratis here!) and let the everyday stresses melt away…
If you visit Parga – and I highly recommend you do – don’t forget to pay Johnny’s Place a visit.
The website for Johnny’s Place is here.
The Facebook page is here.
Thanks to Colin for the menu board photo!
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!
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)…
Platinum Al's Virtual Hot Tub 