Just for you!
- Big & Rich – Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)
- The White Stripes – Fell in Love with a Girl
- Orchid – Mouths of Madness
- Al Green – Tired of Being Alone
- Fun Lovin’ Criminals – Scooby Snacks
Songs of the Week 24.07.2016
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Tag Archives: rap
Songs of the Week 17.07.2016
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 10.07.2016
Here are five more tunes that stood out from my listening over the last week. Enjoy!
- Johnny Cash – Bigfoot
- Ramones – Psycho Therapy
- Jimi Hendrix Experience – Stone Free
- Public Enemy – 911 is a Joke
- The Presidents of the United States of America – Lump
Songs of the Week 03.07.216
Presenting a new feature at the Virtual Hot Tub, my Songs of the Week. Each week, I will pick five songs that I’ve enjoyed listening to over the last seven days, and share them here for your enjoyment.
Now I listen to probably hundreds of songs in any one week, so choosing just five won’t be easy. Each track will have stood out for some reason or other – perhaps it was poignant, perhaps relating to something going on in my life. Most likely it will just be a proper banging tune that I’ve loved.
This is intended to be a regular weekly feature, but we’ll see how that goes. It’s not easy running this Virtual Hot Tub, you know.
Here’s the five for week ending 03/07/2016:
- Devo – Gut Feeling
- The Donnas – It’s On The Rocks
- The Doors – You’re Lost Little Girl
- Alice Cooper – Generation Landslide
- Cypress Hill – Can’t Get the Best of Me
There you go – five killer tracks. No explanations necessary. Unless the multitudes of readers want to know why songs are chosen, then I’ll reconsider.
For now – keep rockin’.
Sci Fi Weekender 2016 – part 1
Sci Fi Weekender 17th – 20th March 2016
Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park, Pwllheli
Wow. This year’s Sci Fi Weekender was a blur – it went faster than light speed. All the usual geekery was in full swing, though I’ll be gosh darned if I can remember everything and what order it happened in. Too much blue milk?
Never mind, I have numerous photos of the weekend to share; to help report on this cosmic adventure. Except that didn’t go to plan this year. My trusty Canon was on the blink, so I resorted to a little digital snapper and my phone.
Not ideal, but sometimes you have to compromise.
Thor and Loki
Merida
Freddy
Scream
Harley and Zatanna
Cool outfit!
General Zod
So what is Sci Fi Weekender? For the unititiated, it’s a weekend of events and special guests, all held on site at the Hafan Y Mor holiday park in Pwllheli, North Wales. Think Comic Con but at a holiday camp and with a party atmosphere. All manner of interview panels, Q&As, games, and musical entertainment are part of the festivities.
Plus a prog rock festival – HRH Prog – was also being held on the same weekend. Not a massive tie in with science fiction you may think (at least not without Hawkwind playing). However it gave additional entertainment for those with musical interests.
Our weekend began with four of us – Adam, Greeny, Kurt and myself – driving from our corner of north east Wales to the north west. On the way we popped into Cob records in Porthmadog to feed our vinyl addition. Then we settled into our caravan home from home – complete with haul of supplies from the local ASDA – and planned our DVD watching schedule for the night.
Belle and Prince
Double trouble
Ant Man and She Hulk
Group pic
Amazing!
Unfortunately the DVD player wasn’t working, and without tickets for the Thursday evening SFW party, we were stuck. Rather than watch TV, we went for a pint in the onsite pub. We then popped in to see what the prog rock was all about. We didn’t think we would get in, but it was no problem. As a result we were able to see Third Quadrant (quite good) and the excellent Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Arthur is over seventy years old and jumps around on stage like a nutter. Highly entertaining and some great tunes.
Friday began with the bad news that Kurt was ill. He’s only 16 so booze wasn’t the issue. As a result, Kurt and his dad Greeny were pretty much out of the running for the day. They watched TV and chilled. Plus Ste, our remaining member, had burst the inflatable camp bed by leaving it too close to the fire. He suffered a bad night’s sleep on the sofa as a result.
The rest of us headed over to the arena and started checking things out. I took a few photos and looked round the stalls. We caught a Cosplay panel with Tabitha from Artyfakes that was very interesting, with extremely impressive Space Marine costumes and hints and tips about the hobby. I bottled asking my question though, which was “How do you go for a wee?”.
Star Trek
She Hulk
This pic should be gloomier
Belle
Doctor
I also watched an interview panel of comic book artists. The panel consisted of 2000AD greats such as Glenn Fabry, William Simpson, Clint Langley and Simon Davis. Hosted by Dez Skinn, the panel was informative and also amusing; it seems some of the assembled masters had been on the pop? Either way, these guys were like rock stars to me when I was a young 2000AD fan, so it was pretty cool.
The vibe around the arena was good natured as always. I took some cool photos (thanks everyone) and despite our numbers being depleted, we had a good afternoon.
After a delightful pizza from the onsite Papa John’s (it was great!); we were ready for the evening’s entertainment. I’m afraid to say that the Imaginarium and magicians weren’t really my thing this year. It’s difficult to dig the magic when you can’t see it up close.
Orc
Morticia and Gomez
Mario and pals
Jedi and Ewok
Welcome!
The highlight was the one and only Professor Elemental, steam punk hip hop pioneer. His smooth raps mixed with groovy beats like a well tuned gin and tonic. A pleasure to witness, as always.
At the end of the night, I teleported across the site to see the end of the set by Caravan. Not only a very apt band to be playing, they were actually pretty good. The Soft Machine were on last with a more jazz orientated approach. All very impressive and I’m glad I got to see something different.
I’m ashamed to say that we all ended up crashing out early on Friday night. Illness and lack of sleep took it’s toll. I was last man standing, going to bed at 11.30pm. Pathetic, I know.
In Part 2: Brian Blessed, the Cosplay final, more Prog Rock…
PLUS: will we be able to stay up late?
Stay tuned to this frequency…
The Sci Fi Weekender site is here.
You really should check out Professor Elemental. His website is here, plus he’s on that Twitter and stuff too.
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night #7
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night
Queen’s Head, Mold
Friday 26th February 2016
Welcome back to the Queen’s Head in Mold, North Wales! Get yourself a pint and make yourself comfortable, ‘cos you know what time it is. That’s right, it’s Bring Your Own Vinyl Night again!
Remember the rules: there’s a fifteen minute slot for each person; play whatever you like, so long as it’s vinyl.
Only Greeny and myself made it this time – Adam and Ben the Swede were both unavailable. No theme for my set this time, just a few songs I really had a yearning to play…
Ennio Morricone – The Ecstasy of Gold
This song is of course from the soundtrack for the classic Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. My version came from an album called “This is Ennio Morricone”. You don’t need me to tell you how great that film is. And Morricone’s soundtrack is stylish and ground breaking. In particular, this track (which plays while Eli Wallach’s character runs frenziedly through a Civil War graveyard) is sheer class. It builds magnificently and captivates the listener. A bit over the top, I admit, as the first song in my set – but never let it be said that Platinum Al doesn’t do drama.
Ramones – Surfin’ Bird
If I was going to recommend a Ramones album for a novice to start their education of NYC’s finest, I’d go for “Rocket to Russia”. I thought that this frenetic cover of the Trashmen’s surf rock gem would be a suitable place to go, after the majesty of the last track. I love the Ramones and this song was a ton of fun to play.
Soundgarden – Fresh Tendrils
This song, from the simply fantastic “Superunknown” album, is probably my favourite Soundgarden song ever. And I’m a bit of a Soundgarden nerd – I’ve collected tons of their stuff. Rather than play a more obvious, well known song, I decided to go with my top tune. “Fresh Tendrils” has an epic, classic rock sound that I love. No idea what Chris is singing about, however. The version I played was from the “Spoonman” 12″ single (on clear vinyl!).
Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison Blues
Originally I was going to play a Stooges song, but then I remembered that 26th February was Johnny Cash’s birthday. So I decided to play a song by the Man in Black. “Folsom Prison Blues” is a legendary track, one of Cash’s best. And I’ve already stated how big a hero this guy was to me. The album this came from – “Original Golden Hits Volume 1” – was my Gran’s. After she passed away, it was given to me. I’d heard a lot from bands I was into how Cash was an inspiration, so I checked the record out. I loved it, and my Johnny Cash fandom was born. The first Cash record I heard, but not the last!
That’s my list for the night. There were may great songs played through out the evening, though. Budgie! Hawkwind! Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy! Anthrax! Check the link below for the complete list.
Wax is back – get spinning those tracks! Thanks for a great night!
I’d also like to thank my old mate Graham, who turned up with a couple of Suicidal Tendencies records for me. You see, I’d sold these two exact albums to Graham some twenty years ago, when I was a broke student. Although I could’ve tracked the records down on eBay, I decided to message Graham and see if he’d sell them back to me (if he still had them). The reason being that one album, the awesome “Join the Army”, had been given to me when I was 15 by my friend Kelvin Bedford, who I used to skateboard with every day. Sadly, Kel passed away a couple of years ago. So it was cool to get that actual copy back in my record collection, as a nice memory. It even had the same plastic protective sheet over the album – and the selotape strip I patched up the inner sleeve with many, many years ago! Graham gave me both records for free – so I bought him a pint or two. Thank you!
The Halcyon Dreams blogspot is here.
The Halcyon Dreams mixcloud page is here.
The Halcyon Dreams Facebook page is here.
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night #5
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night
Queen’s Head, Mold
Friday 4th December 2015
Unlike the last event, I didn’t have a theme for Bring Your Own Vinyl Night this time around. Just some tunes I fancied playing. I hadn’t even decided exactly what they would be till the show was on.
For anyone still uninitiated, the night is hosted in the Queen’s Head pub in Mold, North Wales. There are two turntables and each participant gets to play 15 minutes of whatever music they want, vinyl only.
I had myself a couple of beers and rattled out this selection:
Motorhead – Ace of Spades
When you buy your first Motorhead album, you know you’ve entered the world of grown up music. Big, nasty unapologetic rocking grown up music. A song that never gets old, I was introduced to “Ace of Spades” when the band performed it on the classic “University Challenge” episode of The Young Ones. It’s just a non-stop, joyous racket that simply will not stop or slow down for anyone. Absolute perfection. I played this in memory of drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, who sadly passed away recently.
The Vapors – Turning Japanese
A New Wave/Punk Rock classic, I was donated the brilliant “Turning Japanese” by a friend. Thank you, Simon. It was supposed to be part of a tribute set that I’m still working on. It was going to be hard to follow up the adrenaline rush of the previous song, The Vapors pulled it off here though. A great power pop song that kept the pace of the set nicely.
Dinosaur Jr. – Freak Scene
A slight fast forward to the late 1980’s for this next track. The first track on Dinosaur Jr.’s album “Bug”, this track nicely covers the appeal of early American alternative rock. Born out of punk and hardcore, with one foot in old Black Sabbath and one in jangly pop; Dinosaur Jr. constantly delight. Reminds me of my skateboarding youth.
Beastie Boys – Sabotage
I couldn’t decide which track to play last, so I let the audience choose the album. The Beastie Boys “Ill Communication” won hands down, and I chose “Sabotage” as the track to play. Another unrelenting monster of a song, “Sabotage” has a funky groove delivered with a rocking style. Again, a song I never tire of. Plus the Spike Jonze video, with it’s 70’s cop show homage, is a work of genius. It’s been over twenty years and I still want to dress up and play Sabotage Cops for a day.
My buddy Adam strode up to the decks next, and delivered another fine set. It went something like this:
- Queen & David Bowie – Under Pressure
- The Blasters – I’m Shakin’
- Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk
- DJ Kool – Let Me Clear My Throat
Four top songs from Adam there, the Queen track was a load of fun and had me doing my world renowned Freddie Mercury impression. It was nice to hear a modern song on vinyl too, with the Ronson/Mars number.
Great night, great songs – well done all on another fine evening’s entertainment. I’m currently stumped what to play next time. I’ll work on it.
The Halcyon Dreams blog is here, where you can find listed (very helpfully) all of the songs played on the night.
The Halcyon Dreams Facebook page is here.
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night
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.
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.
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.
Random Longboard Playlist #2
On Sunday 2nd November I went out for a quick skate on my longboard. Luckily the weather has been fairly warm and dry, meaning that a short skate trip was possible. Usually at this time of year, it’s too cold and wet outside for cruising and carving. That skate might be the last of 2014, as the pleasant autumn has now decayed into winter.
As is often the case, the iPod went on shuffle, and here are the songs that provided a soundtrack to skate.
- Napalm Death – “Blind to the Truth”
- Volbeat – “Our Loved Ones”
- Blaze Bayley – “Madness and Sorrow”
- The Offspring – “Killboy Powerhead”
- Curtis Mayfield – “Party Night”
- Alice Russell – “Living the Life of a Dreamer (Mr. Scruff Remix)”
- Rocket From The Crypt – “Normal Carpet Ride”
- Electric Light Orchestra – “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head”
- Smokey Robinson – “Being With You”
- Anthrax – “Imitation of Life”
- Buckcherry – “Broken Glass”
- Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here”
- Zombina & The Skeletones – “I Go Psycho!”
- The Clash – “Rock the Casbah”
- Screaming Trees – “Witness”
- Run DMC – “Can You Rock It Like This”
- Judas Priest – “Living After Midnight”
Rewind Festival Playlist
Rewind Festival 2013 – Playlist
Around this time last year, we visited Rewind Festival to celebrate the stag do of my great pal Jarrod. A fine crew of chaps were assembled for a weekend of much hilarity and fabulous entertainment.
Set in Henley-on-Thames, Rewind festival offered a feast of musical acts from the 1980’s.
Some of the gang are returning this year, unfortunately I can’t make it due to family commitments. Never the less, in honour of our 2013 adventure – and as a “bon voyage” to my comrades for this year – I’ve compiled the following playlist.
To compile this playlist, the acts had to have performed over the festival weekend last year. They also have to actually be in my music collection, in iTunes. I was quite surprised that there were several acts who performed that I don’t actually possess any recordings of. No matter – this list consists of what I actually own.
- Doctor & the Medics – “Spirit in the Sky”
- The Sugarhill Gang – “Rapper’s Delight”
- Billy Ocean – “Love Really Hurts Without You”
- Nik Kershaw – “Wouldn’t it be Good”
- Heaven 17 – “Temptation”
- Kim Wilde – “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”
- The B-52’s – “Roam”
- Belinda Carlisle – “We Want the Same Thing”
- Go West – “We Close Our Eyes”
- ABC – “The Look of Love”
- Pointer Sisters – “Jump (For My Love)”
Short but sweet.
A big shout out to Jaz, Gol, Tone, Baz, Adam, Si, Brendan and of course the one and only Richard Minshull esq. What a top quality bunch!
And to those of you going this year – hope you have an amazing time!
You can read my review of Rewind Festival 2013 here.
The website for Rewind Festival is here.
Platinum Al's Virtual Hot Tub 