UPCOMING SHOWS:

UPCOMING SHOWS:

Sat. April 30
KONONO N°1 FEAT. BATUDA
(Le Grand Mix, Tourcoing)

Sun. May 1
HELL
(The Pit's, Kortrijk)

Thu. May 5
Awesome Tapes From Africa dj set
(Treehou5e Open Air, Ghent)

Fri. May 6
Invisible Hands / Neil Michael Hagerty & The Howling Hex / DSR Lines
(Vooruit, Ghent)

Sat. May 7
CRITES
(De Ruimte, Ghent)

Tue. May 10
SEX CRIME + THE ARROGANTS
(De Pit's, Kortrijk)

Thu. May 12
QUANTIC
(DOK, Ghent)

Fri. May 13
ARCHIE & THE BUNKERS
(Het Bos, Antwerp)

Sun. May 15
THRONEFEST (Taake, Inquisition, Mgla, Batushka, Inferno, Dysangellium, Wiegedood & The Commitee)
(Kubox, Kuurne)

Thu. May 26
PAUL COLLINS BEAT
(Den Trap, Kortrijk)

Fri. May 27
BEAK>
(Trix, Antwerp)

Wed. June 1
TY SEGALL & THE MUGGERS
(Botanique, Brussels)

Wed. June 8
UNCANNY VALLEY: THE LOS ANGELES FREE MUSIC SOCIETY AND THEIR LEGACY (WOLF EYES, etc.)
(Vooruit, Ghent)

Wed. June 22
FÖLLAKZOID
(Het Bos, Antwerp)






Sunday, November 28, 2010

Next Stop... Box Sets!


The overload of great record releases and therefore the inevitability to postpone the purchase of certain items can be rewarding sometimes. For months, the 3 volumes of NEXT STOP… SOWETO were high on my shopping list but quite recently, Strut Records has issued a Limited Edition Box Set that includes all 3 volumes at a budget price. The box features the original 3 volumes in slipcases and is an amazing anthology of South African music made during the 1960s and ‘70s. Each volume is focused on a different style: volume 1 is dedicated to the golden age of mbaqanga (township jive – think Mahlathini), the second volume features some wonderful R&B, funk & psych, while the third volume is a 2CD dedicated to South African jazz. If you don’t have any of the 3 volumes, this box is highly recommended as it’s probably the best South African music box set you are likely to find!



To celebrate the third and final volume of THEME TIME RADIO HOUR, Ace Records has created a nice little box to store all three volumes in. It’s a great looking sturdy box in a limited edition of 2500. For those who don’t know yet, the Theme Time Radio Hour 2CDs feature amazing tracks taken from Bob Dylan’s radio show and are a true relief. Check the excellent Ace Records website for a complete track listing and you’ll be immediately convinced of the fact that you’re in for a real treat!



BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO AFRICAN FUNK is a real steal at €6,99! This 3CD was compiled by Nigel Williamson and features amazing tracks by wonderful bands like Bembeya Jazz National, Orchestra Baobab, Super Mama Djombo and Sir Victor Uwaifo & the Melody Maestros to name a few. This 3CD would be nice as a sampler but it also stands on its own because it features some rather hard to find tracks like the sparkling "Bimoko Magni" by Super Djata De Bamako. Deal of the year? You bet!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Oh Death


For those who still check this blog of mine once in a while, I apologize for being the lame-ass blogger that I am. I could blame my mom’s sudden death a couple of weeks ago but that would be very hypocrite so let’s just say that the blog format isn’t written for me. I prefer spending some of my precious little spare time on Facebook or Twitter where I don’t feel the obligation to review every goddamn book, movie or record that crosses my way but where I can easily recommend remarkable stuff to like-minded folks instead.

Anyway, while my mom was lying on her deathbed, the following 3 records were a constant source of release and consolation to me:

Burned Mind – WOLF EYES

(Sub Pop Records CD 2004)



I almost immediately found out that the best way to deal with these harsh feelings of alienation, loss & despair was by surrounding me with mean & dark twisted sounds. This abrasive and compelling album is a tough ride but so is death. On my way home from the morgue, I think I really understood what this album is all about. Those who dismiss 'Burned Mind' as sheer noise are entirely missing the point.


Tin Boat to Tuna Town - DRUID PERFUME

(Bumbo Records LP 2010)



This fascinating second album by ex-Piranhas members DRUID PERFUME has been on constant rotation over here for the last couple of weeks. Like some kind of modern day’s 'Trout Mask Replica', the record meanders between free jazz and avant-garde experimentalism, between blues and garage rock. Insane vocals, a squalling sax and some tripped out guitar is just what the doctor ordered for me.


Trilogie de la Mort - ELIANE RADIGUE

(Experimental Intermedia Foundation 3CD 1994/1998)



Electronic music composer Eliane Radigue spent eight years working on her trilogy (1988-1993) and the result is awe-inspiring and deeply spiritual. The first chapter of this drone-alone trilogy – “Kyema” - is inspired by The Tibetan Book of the Dead, a book that was very dear to my mother. Eliane Radigue dedicated this piece to her son Yves who died in a car accident shortly after its completion. Two weeks after the accident, she began work on “Kailasha”, the second chapter of the trilogy named after Mount Kailash, the most sacred of the Tibetan mountains. With the third piece, “Koumé”, Eliane emphasizes the transcendence of death. Death is never the end. In Eliane Radigue’s music, there is a feeling of time having almost stopped. In the liner notes I read:

“This musical texture demands that those who approach it surrender themselves into that secret and inaccessible part of the human soul – a vibration as fleeting as that which sustains the numberless stars. It is after having sailed for sometime on this sea of sound that every human being will finally recognize that divine expression, the living force which he experiences alone.”


Beware however: those expecting new age sounds will be in mortal fear.

Monday, September 06, 2010

BATARANG! the fanzine…


Here’s a pdf scan of a zine I made in 1998. I distributed 100 copies (read: begged people to buy my lousy fanzine) and got some nice feedback from some people which made it all the more fun for me. Enjoy the ride!



download here

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

In case you missed out on these 2 gems...


AZ 238 – TOKYO ELECTRON
(FDH Records/Certified PR Records joint release LP)


'AZ238' flew under the radar when it was released last December but this posthumous release by one of the most exciting punkrock bands of the ’00s is a glorious swan song that you simply cannot afford to miss! The music on this album is so urgent & blistering that it sends shivers down my spine and makes me realise that 4 years after the band’s promising debut album on Jay Reatards’ Shattered Records, Tokyo Electron has released its magnus opus. Here’s what a guy from The Los Angeles Times wrote about this record: “Rousseau's wounded vocals and the band's brash instrumentation conspire to create an atmosphere of musical malaise and disenchantment that carry the album forward and aloft like desert thunderclouds threatening to douse the dry ground below.” I couldn’t have said it any better! First pressing of 500 copies almost gone so don’t waste precious time!

"I'll be back" - TOKYO ELECTRON

"AZ238" - TOKYO ELECTRON

*****

Steal My Mind – JOHN WESLEY COLEMAN III
(Certified Records LP)



Although I consider myself a big GOLDEN BOYS fan, I was really dissapointed by ‘Cash Flow’ John Wesley Coleman’s debut album from 2005. I wonder if anyone was interested in such a god-awful mishmash of poor songwriting and annoying experiments. Needless to say, I wasn’t really looking forward to Coleman’s second solo album but I am completely amazed at how good it turned out to be! The songwriting is really excellent this time and there are no irritating intermezzo’s. The first two songs have very repetitive lyrics but they just sound wonderful: good hooks and a great sound! Warren Zevons’ “Lawyers Guns & Money” sounds like a forgotten Crazy Horse gem and with songs like “Donkey Song”, Coleman proofs he’s one of the most interesting songwriters these days. It’s hard to pick highlights because there really aren’t any weak songs on ‘Steal My Mind’. When you flip over the record, you think it will all go downhill after so many great tunes but the opening song “Threw It Away” makes you realize that 'Steal My Mind' is a genuine masterpiece! The sleeve says that the record was recorded in the summer of 2009: “10 hours, eleven songs, 2 bottles of Bullet Bourbon, 100 beers, a carton of smokes, marijuana & stuff and Chinese food and good friends altogether to make this live shit!!!”. I am glad someone released this session because you can feel that there was magic in the air. Shoot me, call me a fanatic or whatever, but I think this is a perfect five star record! Essential!!!

"Donkey Song" - JOHN WESLEY COLEMAN III

"Steal My Mind" - JOHN WESLEY COLEMAN III

Monday, August 09, 2010

Hidden Gem: "The Book" by DaVincis


Here’s an awesome track by an obscure band from Liverpool that didn’t record a lot. I heard this brilliant song called “The Book” when John Peel played this track on one of his shows. The track is from the compilation album ‘Ways to Wear Coats’ that came out on Brilliant Genius Records in 1986. I think powerpop doesn’t come any better than this!

DaVincis - guitar influenced band in the style of the Replacements, the Windbreakers formed 1984 as The Dream Play, feat; Paul McCormick (voc,gtr), Martin Smith (gtr), Chris Stevens (bass) (later Mugstar, Cicada Falls, Rattlebus), Faith Moore (drms). Changed name to The Davincis in 1985 soon after which Martin Smith was replaced by Martin Ward (ex Redo Zebri later Mugstar, Rattlebus). In 1986 Faith was replaced by Iain Bickle (ex Fire). This line-up had track ‘The Book’ on Brilliant Genius comp Ways To Wear Coats (Vulc.001), rec first John Peel session (Jan87) and rel mini-LP Eating Gifted Children. Iain married and relocated to Canada. 2nd Peel Session (Sep88) and ‘Pull’ single (on Pink Moon) were rec with Steve Ashton on drums. Mike James replaced Martin Ward on guitar for a short German tour (Nov/Dec89). Were on the same bill as Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, My Bloody Valentine amongst others. They also toured France before changing several lead guitarists, operating as a 3-piece briefly, then calling it a day due to one too many runarounds from major labels playeing their last gig in Mar90. Paul McCormick also rel a solo 12″ on Pink Moon ‘Another Day At Home’ & now lives in New York & is a member of Sumac On 08.07.02 The Davincis (Martin W, Steve, Paul & Chris played a reunion gig at The Slaughterhouse).

from http://link2wales.co.uk/liverpool-a/liverpool-d/


The Book - DaVincis mp3

Sunday, August 08, 2010

- some random thoughts & shit -


My 3-weeks camping journey through ex-Yugoslavia with wife & kids ended on a bitter note in Germany the second day when a fuckin’ BMW started slipping on the highway and crashed into our car. Fortunately, nobody was hurt but the monthly budget I spent on records, books & films during the last 20 years will now serve for the hire purchase loan of our new second-hand car. A real bummer but on the other hand, it was about time to impose some restraints on my compulsive buying addiction. At last, I will finally have some time to listen attentively to my music collection and moreover, there will still be some cash left for our Mexico/Guatemala trip next year so there’s really no need for desperation I guess. Of course, I will buy some stuff every now and then but only if I think the purchase guarantees 100% satisfaction (read: after I checked the entire album on Soulseek or think the movie is a masterpiece – with books it’s often hit or miss). As far as this blog is concerned, I will review at least 1 remarkable record from my own collection every week (that’s what I am aiming for at least).


Before the end of this month, I will publish some music reviews on my site too including a couple of records that flew under the radar recently but are absolutely fantastic. The main reason why I dedicated some of my precious time to reviewing these albums is that I can’t stand the fact that some albums are doomed to be ignored although they are downright outstanding. I hope I tickled your fancy and will let you know when the reviews are uploaded in cyberspace.

Last week, I saw 4 movies at the theatre: INCEPTION, AMER, ENTER THE VOID and THE GHOST WRITER. I didn’t like the Belgian fake-as-fuck AMER but enjoyed watching the other 3 although I once again realized that blockbusters like INCEPTION and THE GHOST WRITER aren’t really my cup of tea. Sure, THE GHOST WRITER is a masterfully directed thriller but the film leaves no room for personal interpretation or profound emotions. INCEPTION on the other hand takes itself way too serious although multiple scenes are often stuck in ordinary James Bond territory. Of course, with a budget of 200 million dollars you can’t take a lot of risks so the most clever thing to do seems to be aiming at both the masses and the critics. Call me pretentious but that’s where I am dropping out as I despise people who butter their bread on both sides. The film that made the biggest impression on me this week was ENTER THE VOID. It might be flawed but it’s also a damn courageous and challenging film that leaves you KO. The way Noé visualizes the effects of hallucinogenic drugs through kaleidoscopic visions and electronic sounds is mind-boggling; like a drug-infused A Space Odyssey! Beware however: this film begs to be seen on the big screen!



Some upcoming films I am really looking forward to include Julie Bertucelli’s THE TREE, Shirin Neshat’s WOMEN WITHOUT MEN, Xavier Beauvois’ DES HOMMES ET DES DIEUX and especially Palme d’Or winner Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s latest tour-de-force LONG BOONMEE RALEUK CHAT. In the meantime, I am really looking forward to further explore Claude Chabrol’s amazing filmography by means of these 2 quintessential DVD box sets I bought when I still had the cash. I already saw 7 of the featured films and not one of them let me down! Enough said.


A record that is on constant rotation over here for the last couple of weeks is last year’s “Fragments of the Universe Nurse” by HUMAN EYE. It was released on Hook Or Crook Records and since I believe there won’t be any extra pressings, I suggest you to order this record right now as it’s probably the ultimate Timmy Vulgar record. While I am typing this, I realize how much ENTER THE VOID and this HUMAN EYE record have in common as far as psychotic alienation goes. Step into new dimensions and check both out. I promise you won’t regret!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

L'Âge d'Or/Filmvondsten 2010 (part 5)


EASTERN DRIFT (**)

There are more dialogues in Sharunas Bartas’ latest film than in all his previous ones together. Unfortunately, the hypnotising effect of his previous work is also gone in this Russian mafia gangster flic. A sad conclusion.


CHANTRAPAS (**)

A comedy about the trials and tribulations a Georgian filmmaker endures at home and in exile in France. I prefered Otar Iosseliani’s previous 3 films over his latest one.


OCTUBRE (***1/2)

A delightful and impressive feature debut from Peruvian co-helming brothers Daniel and Diego Vega about a bitter moneylender who’s forced to care for an abandoned baby. Read more about it here and go see this little gem if you get the chance!

Thursday, July 08, 2010

L'Âge d'Or/Filmvondsten 2010 (part 4)


HOW I ENDED THIS SUMMER (****)

Majestic psychological drama about two men isolated at a meteorological station on an Arctic island. One day one of them picks up a radio message with tragic news that he doesn’t dare to communicate to the other. Winner of three Silver Bears (for both lead actors and cinematography) at the 2010 Berlin Film Festival.


DES FILLES EN NOIR (***)

Intense drama about the suicide pact between two French gothic girls. Extra points for the sublime ending.


EL VUELCO DEL CANGREJO (*1/2)

Unexceptional docu-style film about a young man who arrives in a remote seaside village and lives among the impoverished people while he waits for a boat.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

L'Âge d'Or/Filmvondsten 2010 (part 3)


MYNA SE VA (**1/2)

Shocking low-budget video about a young illegal immigrant woman who babysits an injured young boy and gets brutally raped by a doctor. The 33-minutes violent sex scene is definitely not for the faint-hearted! Disconcerting but sincere.


O ESTRANHO CASO DE ANGÉLICA (***)

101-year-old Portuguese director Manoel de Oliveira shows no sign of fading out. “All of recent De Oliveira is here: the static long takes with purposely stiff acting and artificial dialogue; the ultra-dry, almost arid, humor; the superb cinematography and impeccable mise-en-scene; the subtle attacks on the stuffy bourgeoisie; the preoccupation with the poetic imagination; and so on. In this film, all is pleasantly leavened with a gorgeous and ethereal piano score.” (The Hollywood Reporter)


NOSTALGIA DE LA LUZ (***1/2)

Compelling film that links astronomy and archaeology with Pinochet’s political repression thirty years ago. Another essential documentary by Patricio Guzmán!

Monday, July 05, 2010

L'Âge d'Or/Filmvondsten 2010 (part 2)


NÉNETTE (***)

An inspired documentary about a 40-year-old Borneo-born orangutan who has been living for the past 37 years at the Paris Gardens of Plants Zoo. Nénette is shown in closeup from the visitor’s side of the glass while unseen visitors and zookeepers discuss her history and habits. A nice experiment!


BOXING GYM (***)

Joyous documentary from the 80-year-old veteran Frederick Wiseman about a small boxing gym in Austin, Texas where people from all age groups and walk of life come to exercise. No interviews nor voiceovers which is a true delight since Wiseman lets the images speak for themselves.


MY JOY (***)

Challenging film feature debut by renowned Belarus-born documaker Sergei Loznitsa, set in a violence-filled & corrupt countryside. Excellent visual style!

Friday, July 02, 2010

L'Âge d'Or/Filmvondsten 2010


THE ANCHORAGE (0)


An extremely dull documentary-style film that follows an elderly woman who lives isolated on a remote Swedish island. Every morning, she walks to the sea where she (unfortunately for the viewer) bathes naked, goes shopping with her boat, catches fish and listens to the radio. Totally uninspiring and at times rather pretentious. An art house turd to avoid!

THE PORTUGUESE NUN (**)


I really loved Eugène Green’s previous feature LE PONT DES ARTS but found his new film rather disappointing. His baroque theatre simply doesn’t enchant this time. A half-baked ode to Manoel de Oliveira, filmed in Lissabon.

NOTHING PERSONAL (**)


Another writer-director from Holland who tries to make an art house hit and makes me yawn. A manipulating plot and inept character development although I must admit that the latter is probably due to the film reels being played in the wrong order. Still, I found this film artificial (I hated the intertitles) and rather implausible although the cameraman really succeeds in capturing the austere beauty of western Ireland on lens.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

WE NEVER LEARN: The Gunk Punk Undergut, 1988-2001


Last year, Kris Verreth from Demolition Derby Records forwarded me a mail from NEW BOMB TURKS singer Eric Davidson in which he announced his upcoming book about ‘90s garage punk and asked people for old flyers, pictures and anything from that era and those kind of bands. Ever since, I have been looking forward to this book because as a fan, I was part of the scene from the very beginning and knew Davidson was the right man for this job.


I remember a THEE HEADCOATS/THEE HEADCOATEES double bill in my hometown in 1991. As I was DJ'ing that night, Kyra from THEE HEADCOATEES came to me and asked if I had any Crypt records. I didn’t have a clue since I had never heard of the label. Little did I know that for the next decade, I would be buying almost every new Crypt Records release. At the time, I did have a few Sympathy For The Record Industry releases though (THE LAZY COWGIRLS, THE CREAMERS, CLAW HAMMER) which probably were my first introduction to what Davidson calls “gunk punk”, a word that is totally new to me. I myself always preferred to call this loud, raw and out of control ‘90s garage punk “punk rock & roll” or “punkrawk”.

Davidson kicks off his book three years earlier in 1988 with Cleveland’s hometown heroes DEATH OF SAMANTHA, a band that made him realize that rock & roll should be fun in the first place. A rather strange departure as I never associated DEATH OF SAMANTHA with punk rock & roll. Probably as a reaction to sterile hardcore bands and depressing grunge units, wild guitar bands like THE LAZY COWGIRLS, DEVIL DOGS and THE RAUNCH HANDS started to appear on the scene and labels specialized in wild garage punk came into business: SFTRI, Estrus Records, Crypt and In The Red (to name the big 4).

Soon, a shitload of exciting young bands started releasing records on multiple labels and went on tour in Europe mostly thanks to Crypt Records’ head honcho Tim Warren who always linked a Crypt record release to a European tour. Throughout the book, you can feel Davidson’s gratitude to Warren because his label released the NEW BOMB TURKS’ first 2 albums and a singles compilation, organized many Euro tours and as a matter of fact, had kick started the whole scene with his essential 60s garage punk compilations 'Back From The Grave' and 'Garage Punk Unknowns'.

I remember the first European show by the NEW BOMB TURKS at the mighty Pit’s in Kortrijk, Belgium on March 21, 1993. The record wasn’t even available yet (everyone at the club bought a copy directly from the band after the show) but the VPRO had given the NEW BOMB TURKS’ awesome WIRE cover “Mr. Suit” some decent airplay. Needless to say, the show was a blast from start to finish and it’s interesting to read about Davidson’s reflections 17 years later.

One week after THE NEW BOMB TURKS’ very first European triumph, another legendary double bill took place at the Pit’s: Frisco’s lo-fi kings SUPERCHARGER/THE MUMMIES! SUPERCHARGER was clumsy but great while THE MUMMIES were absolutely mind-blowing. Total wreck & roll mayhem and definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever witnessed! In the book, Trent Ruane complains about the complete catastrophe of their second European tour half a year later. He blames the audience although I can tell you that THE MUMMIES played a bigger venue this time and had the bad luck of having to compete against a stellar supporting act: the killer debut live show by Belgian’s own SIN ALLEY. THE MUMMIES did suck that night.


Another highlight that year (I never realized all this took place in the very same year until I read this book) was the legendary Sub Pop Euro tour with the DWARVES/REVEREND HORTON HEAT/SUPERSUCKERS triple-bill. At the entrance, everyone received a little note telling that the Democrazy club could not be held responsible for possible injuries. It was the first time that I experienced the dangerous side of rock & roll. THE REVEREND HORTON HEAT and THE SUPERSUCKERS were both awesome but the 22 minutes set by THE DWARVES, which started with a naked He Who Cannot Be Named smashing his guitar into pieces, was the sonic equivalent of a flame-thrower: a scorching & ultra-violent set but also lotsa fun! Afterwards, I heard Blag Jesus asking a guy next to me what he thought of the show and if he had as much fun as the band itself on stage. This kinda dangerous fun was a complete revelation to me at the time and it’s great to read about all the wild adventures from this infamous tour.


Davidson does a great job putting the whole 90s punk rock scene into perspective. WE NEVER LEARN is filled with sharp observations and enlightening interviews by the likes of Pat Todd (THE LAZY COWGIRLS), THE RAUNCH HANDS, BILLY CHILDISH, Blag Jesus (DWARVES), Long Gone John (SFTRI), Trent Ruane (THE MUMMIES), Johan Kugelberg and numerous quotes by Jay Hinman, Jeffrey Evans, Larry Hardy, Mike LaVella, Greg Lowery, Mike Mariconda, Kim Shattuck, Rick Sims, Jon Spencer, Alicja Trout etc. Only Dave Crider from Estrus Records refused to contribute which is rather lame to say the least.

There are some statements that you really have to take with a grain of salt like Ned Hayden claiming that 'Complete London Toe Rag Session' is THE ACTION SWINGERS’ best album (that's undoubtedly Decimation Blvd!) and even an inaccuracy (“Chris Verruth” (that’s Kris Verreth) never lived in Kortrijk, home of the Pit’s) but after all, this is minor quibble.

Davidson ends his book in 2001, the breakthrough year for THE HIVES, THE STROKES & THE WHITE STRIPES and goes into detail about the Long Gone John/Jack White and Jim Diamond/Jack White controversies. Davidson also explains the title of his book: when bands finally get the chance to earn some dough by means of a reunion, they are immediately nitpicked by hordes of so-called fans for selling out. We will never learn how to deal with success, both fans and bands.

WE NEVER LEARN is a terrific read and absolutely mandatory for all those who were part of the scene, be it as a fan or as a band member. The recommended discography at the end and the free 20 song download is an extra bonus. Music book of the year!

An interview with Eric Davidson about his book can be read here.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

I AM WRITING A BUNCH OF REVIEWS THAT WILL BE PUBLISHED ON MY WEBSITE EARLY MID JULY. STAY TUNED!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Well, to be honest, I didn’t grew up with Hank Williams or The Doors. In fact, for years, I was totally into disco !!! At the age of 13, I was addicted to ‘Thriller’, Duran Duran was my favorite band and once (only once, I swear!) I snatched 300 Belgian francs outta my mother’s purge in order to buy Queen’s ‘Greatest Hits’! Thankfully, the following albums changed my life:

Rollin’ Through The Night – EVAN JOHNS & THE H-BOMBS (Alternative Tentacles 1986)


This killer album - originally recorded in 1982 - is so criminally underrated it’s ridiculous! Guitars galore and tongue-in-cheek songs mainly about partying. All hail Jello Biafro for releasing one of the very best rock ‘n’ roll records of all time!

Hallowed Ground – VIOLENT FEMMES (Slash 1984 )


This is the record that guided me through my adolescent years. Even my father knew the lyrics by heart ‘cuz I kept on spinning the record day after day! Due to overkill, I haven’t listened to the Femmes in recent years though…

Invisible Lantern – SCREAMING TREES (SST 1988)


I bought this record at the age of 18 and 2 weeks later the band played at the Democrazy club in Belgium. One of the very first live shows I attended that totally blew me away! Van Conner (or was it Gary Lee Conner?) lying in front of us on the floor fuckin’ up his guitar combined with Mark Lanegan’s feverish vocals was pure bliss! “Ivy” still sends shivers down my spine!

Not Born Beautiful – SHOCK HEADED PETERS (El Records 1985)


A friend of mine recorded this 1986 album on a tape and I soon became enthralled by the alienating songs and lyrics. I didn’t read novels at the time and found this album a genuine piece of escapism.

Just Keep Eating – SCRATCH ACID (Rabid Cat 1986)


I’ll never forget that very evening when Scratch Acid played in Belgium (5/01/87 ) and I couldn’t attend the show because it was a two hours drive and I didn’t have a car. I was really a die-hard fan and even had the band name written with Tipp-Ex on my black leather jacket! That very evening (it was in the middle of an ordinary school week) I felt really depressed. Later, my sister used to tell all her friends that I only dated girls with cars…

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Who's Who?


I couldn't see the forest for the trees so I did a little homework. I thought you might be interested too...

1) THE BLACK JASPERS
= King Khan + Jasper Hood




“The Black Jaspers are King Khan (King Khan & BBQ, Shrines, ect, ect) and Jasper Hood (Moorat Fingers) getting together for an exercise in lowest common denominator, lowest fidelity punk stupidity imaginable. The Black Jaspers have been playing on and off since 2000 but are only just now getting around to releasing some of their recordings. This debut album was recorded in 2001 and has sat in King Khan's vaults aging like a fine wine ever since. Not until now has the King decided to unleash this record on the public. Twelve tracks of retardation inspired by the likes of the Angry Samoans, Electric Eels, Mentally Ill, and any of the dumbest Killed By Death tracks you care to name."

RELEASES: eponymous debut album out on In The Red Records

http://www.myspace.com/theblackjaspers

*****


2) THE DING-DONGS
= Bloodshot Bill + Mark Sultan



“Introducing the modern day Rat Fink and Boo Boo (yes, they are THAT great!), Montreal mega-monster talents BBQ and Bloodshot Bill, each the greatest young vocalists to erupt from the the City of Smoked Meats!”

RELEASES: debut album 'Ding-Dong Party' out on Norton Records

http://www.myspace.com/officialdingdongs



*****


3) TANDOORI KNIGHTS
= Bloodshot Bill + King Khan



Tandoori Knights interview from Mongrel Zine here

RELEASES: "Pretty Please/Bucketful" 7" on Norton Records + 3 songs 7” in Norton Records’ Rolling Stones cover series + debut album due in August on Norton Records

http://www.myspace.com/tandooriknights



*****


4) THE ALMIGHTY DEFENDERS
= King Khan + Mark Sultan + Black Lips



RELEASES: debut album on Vice Records

http://www.myspace.com/thealmightydefenders

Thursday, May 13, 2010

COMPILE ME CRAZY !!!


I just finished my third 'mixed' compilation (thanks MixMeister!).
Download the thing, burn it on a cdr and ENJOY!!!


1. Jungle Queen – FRED PRENTISS
(That’ll Flat Git It, Vol.17 (SUN) – Bear Family cd)
exotic & eery rockabilly track from an obscure master

2. Rap Pon Rydim – TIGER
(Sunset Records 7”)
weird & wonderful: reggae toaster goes rap anno 1988

3. Obeah Man – CAPTAIN BEEFHEART & HIS MAGIC BAND
(Grow Fins Rarities (1965-1982) – Revenant 5cd)
no reason to explain

4. The Way I Feel About You – THE BRISTOLS
(Alright, This Time Just The Girls Vol.2 – SFTRI cd)
shortlived English supergroup feat. Liam ‘Toe Rag’ Watson and Fabienne Delsol

5. Goin’ Down The Road – BEN VAUGHN
(Mono – Club de Musique Records cd)
a great Ersel Hickey cover from an amazing covers only album

6. Lightning-Rod Man – LOWELL GEORGE & THE FACTORY
(Hotcakes & Outtakes : 30 Years of Little Feat – Rhino 4cd)
produced by Frank Zappa who also plays the piano!

7. Come On Home – LAMBERT, HENDRICKS & ROSS
(The Hottest New Group In Jazz – Columbia/Legacy 2cd)
my favorite vocal jazz trio!

8. Massa – LE GRAND MAITRE FRANCO & JOLIE DETTA
(World Legends: Franco – Sonodisc 2cd)
ex-Franco's OK Jazz legends Odemba OK Jazz Allstars still play this wonderful song today!

9. Mother Of Earth – DM BOB & THE DEFICITS
(Salvo Of 24 Gunshots: Tribute to Gun Club – Unrecording Records 2lp)
amazing cover from a decent tribute album

10. Milouda – BELLEMOU & GANA EL MAGHNAOUI
(Le Monde du Raï – Buda Records lp)
probably my alltime favorite raï track!

11. Inside The World Of The Blues Explosion – THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION
(Extra Width – Crypt Records lp)
still crucial!

12. El Son De Nicaragua – ORQUESTA CHEPIN
(Sabroso! Havana Hits – Earthworks/Virgin lp)
superb song from one of the first world music compilations (1989)

13. The Object Of My Affection – PINKY TOMLIN
(Pop Music: The Early Years 1890-1950 – Columbia/Epic/Legacy 2cd)
“by the end of WWII, Tomlin had left music, finding a new and more profitable career as the head of an oil development company” - thanks for the tune Pinky!

14. One Steady Baby – THE GRIFFIN BROTHERS feat. MARGIE DAY
(Blues With A Beat – Acrobat Music cd)
one of the most succesful of the DC R&B groups!

15. Pana Cand Nu Te Iubeam – MARIA TANASE
(Malédiction d’Amour – Oriente Musik cd)
the Edith Piaf of Romania

16. Lam Sarawan - UBON PATTANA WITH SURIN PAKSIRI AND ANGKANA KHUNCHAI
(Siamese Soul 2 – Sublime Frequencies cd)
Thai jewel

17. The Dark Age Of Love – THIS IMMORTAL COIL
(The Dark Age Of Love – Ici d’Ailleurs cd)
the opening track from a great COIL tribute album

just listen...

or download the file here!

Monday, May 10, 2010

The Lords Of Altamont




Yesterday, I went to see THE LORDS OF ALTAMONT only because the band played 200 yards from my house. I always thought they were some poser/crap/glam rock & roll band; like a punk rock version of Mötley Crüe. But boy was I wrong!!! On stage, the band played some very exciting hi-octane punk/garage rock & roll that mixes the best of The Cramps & The Stooges (the band’s main influences according to singer Jake "The Preacher" Cavaliere). Moreover, The Lords Of Altamont do have an awesome charisma: tattooed, energetic & very compelling to watch! The singer played this huge farfisa organ and was really wild & crazy. Some songs reminded me of The Joneses and I think The Lords Of Altamont would be the ultimate band to cover The Joneses’ immortal classic “Pill Box”. L.A. Sleaze Supreme!!!


(picture above by Ronny Wynants)


As if this wasn't enough to make an awesome party, the band had brought along 2 professional go-go dancers from L.A. who were very raunchy (but not vulgar)! I really felt in heaven being surrounded by a hot-rocking band and two gorgeous and thrilling beauties who looked like they had just stepped out of a Russ Meyer film poster! If god exists, he did an amazing job creating these femmes fatales! Hail Hail Rock & Roll!!!

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Fast & Funky - LARRY JOHNSON


Here’s one hell of a thrilling acoustic folk blues album that could as well have made it into my all-time top 10! LARRY JOHNSON did a lot of session work throughout the last 50 years (!) and recorded his masterpiece ‘Fast and Funky’ in 1971 for the Blue Goose label, a subsidiary of Nick Perl’s Yazoo Records. According to the original liner notes, Larry would now be a legendary blues figure if he had belonged to an earlier era and I wholeheartedly agree! Listen to his crystal clear finger-picking style and powerful voice and you will soon realize that LARRY JOHNSON is a unique talent whose music is too good to be forgotten! Click here for a great piece about LARRY JOHNSON written by Elijah Wald for The Boston Globe in 1998 (scroll halfway down the page). Enjoy the 3 songs below and good luck finding a copy of this album! (I’m afraid the cd reissue by the Baltimore Blues Society from 1996 is long out-of-print)


“Larry Johnson, alone on stage with an acoustic guitar, reminded the audience of what the blues is all about, singing with a depth, directness and passion that made most of the other performers seem like they were just clowning around.”



“Its is no exaggeration to call this the most satisfying acoustic blues record by any artist born after 1930, the only one that completely captures the spirit of the classic blues while still sounding utterly personal.”


Keep it Clean - LARRY JOHNSON mp3

Pick Poor Robin Clean - LARRY JOHNSON mp3

The Beat from Rampart Street - LARRY JOHNSON mp3

Sunday, May 02, 2010

NAPALM DEATH FOREVER !!!


Those damn music festivals! A couple of weeks ago, I bought a ticket for Europe’s biggest indoor extreme metal fest, only to find out that the 2 bands that I absolutely didn’t want to miss were scheduled at the same time! Whereas a friend of mine choose to see NAPALM DEATH’s hyper intense show in its entirety, I decided to quit halfway through their fantastic show in order to see Finland’s grindcore masters ROTTEN SOUND who laid down an ultra-ferocious & devastating set, dedicated to… NAPALM DEATH!


“I can’t believe so many people showed up for us while the gods of grindcore are playing in the main hall” said Rotten Sound singer Keijo Niinimaa and I immediately realized that I wasn’t the only one who had just made a very difficult choice. Apparently, ROTTEN SOUND was somehow aware of this which resulted in an extremely ruthless set that sounded like the aural equivalent of a precise bombardment. This may sound like a cliché but really, this set was so fuckin’ HEAVY that it felt like a BOMB. An earth-shattering gig by one of the most ferocious grindcore bands around these days. Like my old Big Black t-shirt used to state: Power Where You Need It!


NAPALM DEATH has been around since 1986 and although their music underwent quite some changes, they are still considered one of the best and most crucial bands around in the metal department. Singer Barney Greenway is a wonderful down-to-earth bloke who is a real joy to watch on stage and one of the few lead singers who has actually something interesting to say in-between songs. You should definitely check out Earache’s 2003 2cd compilation 'Noise For Music’s Sake' which is a perfect anthology but even if you are not so keen on their albums, a NAPALM DEATH show is a total unique experience that you cannot afford to miss if you like your music loud, adventurous and heavy. I hereby induct NAPALM DEATH into my personal Hall of Fame!



One other band that made quite an impression on me was SIX FEET UNDER whose singer’s ear piercing screech and huge dreadlocks had to be heard/seen to be believed! Each time he started banging his head, it looked like he was in a terrible fight with a huge octopus. Awesome!


Brutal Truth, Venomous Concept, Cripple Bastards, Eyehategod, Rotten Sound, Napalm Death… what’s next?