Help wanted!

[Dave Rice]

I didn’t think you were ? They are like nothing else, much derided, still going and not just churning the old hits out. There is still a new album every year plus side projects and the style changes.

A few years ago they re did the Space Ritual in London, then toured the 1974 Warrior on the Edge of Time album. It was mad, dancers on 6 foot stilts, and the light show is always something else. Last year they were their own support band. They did an hour all acoustically and I heard stuff I never thought I’d hear them do again.

[PlaneMan]

That sounds like a bunch of dedicated loons!

No wonder I like the tunes !

[PlaneMan]

After another dream I’ve bought The Best Of The Specials, this time it was a recollection of a night that actually happened, my mates birthday and 15th anniversary with his mrs.

Both are fans of two tone/ska so lots of that was played.

Friggin dreams, costing me money!

[blacklion1725]

PlaneMan wrote:

After another dream I’ve bought The Best Of The Specials, this time it was a recollection of a night that actually happened, my mates birthday and 15th anniversary with his mrs. Both are fans of two tone/ska so lots of that was played. Friggin dreams, costing me money!

Now we’re talking – properly in Blacklion territory there mate! Saw them in 1979/1980 and on their 30 year reunion in 2009 which rather embarassingly (they only ever made two albums!) is still going, even though there’s only three of the original 7 left.

[PlaneMan]

BL, I’m jealous. I reckon I was born about 10-15 years too late, music taste wise.

Some of the shite that my extended family listen to really confuses me, it’s just mumbling noise or shouting and being obnoxious.

My brother has over 20,000 hours logged on Spotify, his taste is still terrible!

[Dave Rice]

I saw them supporting the Clash in Torquay in July 78 (happened to be on holiday there). Both were of course excellent.

I used to go to all the punk and 2 Tone gigs still looking like a long haired biker, which is what I was in those days!

[PlaneMan]

Latest purchase is Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys. Still from my credit.

I was introduced to this album when ‘racing’ around Wiltshire looking for crop circles and climbing Silbury Hill.

I hope I still have an original album that was given to me by a friend in about 1997.

[johnbarry]

PlaneMan wrote:

Play Store credit to use up soonish

I thought you meant like yesterday not 5 months on and still spending it.

Cheers
John

[Dave Rice]

If you want a really different Hawkwind experience, and I mean really different but to the old tunes, spend £8 on Road to Utopia.

Eric Claption is on The Watcher, written by Lemmy in 1972 and on the Doremi album (Space Ritual era). You can tell it’s Clapton straight away.

Just listen to the previews, I can’t make my mind up if it’s the best thing they’ve ever done or the worst idea to do that to their classics. Some of it makes my hair stand on end (in a nice way), We Took the Wrong Step Years ago and Hymn to the Sun especially. It’s really nice to hear Dave Brock get the acoustic guitar out, he can still do it.

[blacklion1725]

Dave Rice wrote:

I saw them supporting the Clash in Torquay in July 78 (happened to be on holiday there). Both were of course excellent. I used to go to all the punk and 2 Tone gigs still looking like a long haired biker, which is what I was in those days!

A bit late repling Dave – only just seen this! Saw the Clash a few times (actually after I saw the Specials even though the Clash were older). Was born 1966…..so heard Pistols/Clash from mates older brothers then Jam and then Specials etc then went backwards to catch up. Would of loved to see the Clash/Specials tour – very jealous.

Late 70s/Early 80s is me all over. Pistols/Clash/Jam/Specials/Madness/Bad Manners/Selecter along with Ian Dury (RIP), Squeeze and Elvis Costello (who I have seen a few times more recently and sounds better than ever). Oh and saw the Pretenders a few months back and Chrissie Hynde sounds better than ever too – even in her mid/late 60s.

[Dave Rice]

Hugh Cornwell played the Fleece recently (Rattus Norvegicus was the first “punk” album I bought) and the write up has me keeping an eye open for his next tour. The first half was all his solo stuff but after a break it was all Stranglers. Apparently the only one that didn’t work was Golden Brown as he has no keyboard player, not a problem for me.

Wilko Johnson is doing the rounds again, not near here but he will be near you for sure.

[blacklion1725]

Cheers Dave will keep an eye out – I think he nearly died a few years back. I know “The Blockheads” have played a lot minus Ian – didn’t know Wilko was out ad about – cheers.

The Stranglers passed me by a bit – didn’t hate it but didn’t love it. Saying that I love live music so would probably enjoy Mr Cornwall if I saw him.

[Dave Rice]

The Blockheads was Ian Dury, bit I think I know why you thought that. Their bassist, Norman Watt-Roy, but he’s been playing with Wilko since his non-death.

Wilko was a member of Dr Feelgood. Pub rock at it’s best. I wish I’d lived where you do in the 70s. Mind you I may not have survived ?

[PlaneMan]

johnbarry wrote:

PlaneMan wrote:

Play Store credit to use up soonish

I thought you meant like yesterday not 5 months on and still spending it.

John, I use the Google Opinion Rewards app, the rewards add up if you get about a bit. They expire after a year so it was time to use some up. Also recently got £4 from Google for nothing.

[blacklion1725]

Dave Rice wrote:

The Blockheads was Ian Dury, bit I think I know why you thought that. Their bassist, Norman Watt-Roy, but he’s been playing with Wilko since his non-death. Wilko was a member of Dr Feelgood. Pub rock at it’s best. I wish I’d lived where you do in the 70s. Mind you I may not have survived

Dave Agreed – Dr Feelgood – fantastic band, little early for me but love that tight-but-rough R&B sound. Wilko also played with Ian Dury and the Blockheads which is why I referred as I though that’s what you were talking about ! Internet eh 🙂

In the Ian Dury song “I wanna be straight” Wilko (and the others) give themselves a name-check at the start of the song:

[Everyone else on the forum wondering – what the bleedin hell these two on about !!]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS5bxk89gQg

I’m Charley, you know
I’m Norman pleased to meet you
I’m Mickey, hello
Wilko
I’m Johnny, how are you doing Harry?
My name is David
And I’m Ian and guess what?

Oi!

I wanna be straight, I wanna be straight
I’m sick and tired of taking drugs and staying up late
I wanna confirm, I wanna conform
I wanna be safe and I wanna be snug and I wanna be warm

 

[johnbarry]

So it keeps on coming then PM a year to use isn’t bad.

Cheers
John

[Dave Rice]

I forgot Wilko played with the Blockheads. I did see Dr Feelgood but at the Colston Hall, far too big a venue.

Saw Wilko at the O2 which in our case is a smaller standing only venue, the sort of place once big names now play that can still attract numbers. Next down from that is The Fleece (& Firkin). Once a pub with music, now a music venue where the likes of Bad Manners play (always sold out, always brilliant) and lots of indie and other non mainstream bands. Just seen Hayseed Dixie will be there in March, may go for that. Big Country are there on Friday. You see them there on their way up and their way down.

[blacklion1725]

Just had a nose Dave and booked me and the boss up for Wilko with Glen Tilbrook (Squeeze) in Bexhill 2nd March – actually my official redundancy date although they’ve asked me to work will 30th April and I’ve said yes. Very handily near to my Mumso free digs! Thanks for the nod.

BTW Dave have you seen the Feelgood documentary “Oil City Confidential” – very good – used to be easy to find but harder now. Can help out if you are interested.

[Dave Rice]

Yes I caught it at the time thanks. Wilko’s voice always cracks me up. Wish he’d been my English teacher. I saw Squeeze a few times too back in the day.

[blacklion1725]

Yeah he is a proper character! We often have a stroll from Benfleet to Leigh on Sea (about 4 miles with Canvey Island on your right hand side, oil tanks and all) and it always reminds me of the band. I’ve broke the concert news to the boss and safe to say I am more excited than her. I have thrown in an outdoor show at Southend next August featuring a Jam tribute band (that actually includes one of the Jam!) and Bad Manners.

Some women can’t see a romantic gesture for love nor money.

[Author]

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