28.5.06
The Chalets
In a DIYChartshow FIRST, this week we played THREE songs from our featured artists. Why? Well, partly because the Chalets specialise in sub 3-minute power-pop, and partly because they're just so bloody good we couldn't pick two songs to play...
Basically, whatever i say about them is said with much more wit and fun on their own site...so here's the cold hard facts:
They're from Ireland.
They're gigging (a lot) around Europe at the moment.
They released an album last year called Check In.
They're bloody amazing.
Find out more on their website. No really, do. you won't regret it (although you might never be the same again).
http://www.thechalets.com
21.5.06
Ivor Cutler
January 15th 1923 - March 3rd 2006
I'm not going to try and justify why we have been so late in acknowledging Ivor's passing or try to add my foolish words to the miles of column inches which have been dedicated to him and his life's work. Ivor Cutler for me spoke with a child's voice and an old man's voice at the same time. I first heard him when I was about 12 and he spoke directly to me or that's what it felt like hearing him on the John Peel Show. If you're new to Ivor, google his name for more info. I'm quite partial to this biography which seems very much to be done in the style of Ivor himself.
14.5.06
Adam Sky...
(AKA The Artist Formerly Known As Adamski)
Adam Sky (real name Adam Tinley) made his first record at the tender age of 11, in 1979, as a member of the "Stupid Babies" with a record called "Babysitters". To be honest, i cant find a copy for love nor money so I've no idea what it was like, but it must've been good because a certain Mr John Peel played it regularly on his show. Nuff sed.
In the late 80's, having adopted the Adamski moniker, Adam started taking his sequencer, synth and drum machine to clubs, plugging into the mixer and performing live instrumentals. This eventually led to the release of the 1990 single, "NRG". I loved that record at the time...and I still love it now.
Let me say that again: I LOVE that record.
And so do a lot of people it would seem, judging by the reactions of crowds when we've played it in the clubs of Brno. A classic. I love it.
Anyways, enough already. Adam took a bit of time off over the last few years to make children rather than music, but now he's back. This month will see the launch of his new label, Prostitute records, so expect some more fresh freaky acid stuff to come from him very soon...
Check out his website:
ADEM
Adem Ilhan who used to be in the Fridge with Kieran Hebdan, has just released his second solo album, Love and Other Planets. We've been fans of Adem since he played with Four Tet at the Mountaineers Hot Trees Club Night in London about 2 and a half years ago. Live he's stunning with beautifully crafted songs played out in a very folksy live style. Lyrically sound and with more than a few catchy melodies, we were really looking forward to the new album and we were not disappointed.He describes it himself as a Concept album, but don't let that put you off. To be honest it's more a collection of similarly themed songs than a concept album, unless of course that is you're definition of a concept album.
Anyway, we played two tracks of the new one, Something's Going to Come and Warning Call which are great examples of his craft in this more mature, slightly less catchy but more sophisticates album.
check out his website and buy his album from a record shop it's out now on Domino.
7.5.06
Skip Spence
Like a rough, more obscure counterpart to Syd Barrett, Skip Spence was one of the late '60s' most colorful acid casualties. The original Jefferson Airplane drummer (although he was a guitarist who had never played drums before joining the group), Spence left after their first album to join Moby Grape. The group ran into rough times in 1968, and Spence had the roughest, flipping out and (according to varying accounts) running amok in a record studio with a fire axe; he ended up being committed to New York's Bellevue Hospital. Upon his release, Spence cut an acid-charred classic, Oar, in 1969. Though released on a major label (Columbia), this was reportedly one of the lowest-selling items in its catalog and is hence one of the most valued psychedelic collector items. Much rawer and more homespun than the early Grape records, it features Spence on all (mostly acoustic) guitars, percussion, and vocals. With an overriding blues influence and doses of country, gospel, and acid freakout thrown in, this sounds something like Mississippi Fred McDowell imbued with the spirit of Haight-Ashbury 1967.. Sadly, it was his only solo recording; more sadly, mental illness prevented Spence from reaching a fully functional state throughout the remainder of his lifetime. He died April 16, 1999, just two days short of his 54th birthday.
