International Film Festival Rotterdam

Gone to Rotterdam...

LES DIPLOMATES (Haiti)

Lately, I was totally disgusted by this thing called “the human race” when an online poll in my newspaper revealed that 46% of the voters didn’t have any intention of donating money to the poor victims of the Haitian earthquakes. Well, I sincerely hope that those greedy bastards won’t be saved from a disaster in the future because it would definitely clear their fucked up mind!

Anyway, here’s a wonderful ode to Haiti by a great band - called LES DIPLOMATES - that I once saw live at the Open Tropen Festival in Turnhout. The show was amazing and afterwards, I bought a cd from the band called '20 ANS DE COMPAS A PARIS' which makes me believe that LES DIPLOMATES are Haitian expatriates who live in Paris. This track is an absolute scorcher: enjoy (play it LOUD!!!) and don’t forget the people of Haiti!


Haïti - LES DIPLOMATES & JEAN-FRITZNER DELMONT

During lunchtime, I paid a visit to a second-hand vinyl shop around the corner, ignored the worn-out & way too expensive vinyl records and left the shop with 3 out-of-print CDs with both CDs and booklets in excellent condition! For a mere €20,00 this is my deal of the week:

Alhaji Bai Konte:
Kora Melodies from the Republic of the Gambia, West Africa, Released 01/01/1973

Bai Konte is a virtuoso performer on the kora, the 21-stringed African harp. He gets a sweet sound from the harp, and the flowing chords, shifting rhythmic patterns, and spirited runs create a quiet, meditative atmosphere. Since its release in 1973, this album's gentle, transcendant charms have captivated thousands of listeners -- you don't have to be an African music fan to love it.

Various Artists:
Vintage Music from India -- Early Twentieth-Century Classical & Light-Classical Music, Released 01/01/1993

Produced by Dick Spottswood and Peter Manuel, this disc constitutes the first compilation of reissues from early 20th century India, presenting a cross-section of recorded genres and artists of the time. What is remarkable about Indian music is the continuity of its evolution, dating back more than two millennia. Change has been continual and often remarkable, particularly since the emergence of new genres since the 19th century and the introduction of relatively new instruments like the sitar, sarod and tabla. The period represented on these recordings was a time of fascinating transition.

Various Artists: Afghanistan: Female Musicians of Herat

Once a major cultural centre of the Timurid Empire (15th century), the fascinating medieval city of Herat, in western Afghanistan, has for many centuries enjoyed a reputation for excellence in the arts. The albums "Traditional Music of Herat" and "Female Musicians of Herat" offer a variety of vocal and instrumental music from the Herat region with traditional instruments such as dutâr, chahârtâr, sornâr and dohol, dâira, nai chapâni and robâb. These recordings were made just before the start of the civil war, which disrupted the life of this ancient centre of Islamic culture. Recorded in 1973 - 1977 Text by John Baily

Burned Again - THE FORTUNATE SONS

Let me introduce you to a scorchin’ & mighty blast of a punkrock record that unfortunately went completely under the radar when it was released in 2004. THE FORTUNATE SONS are 4 guys from Ottowa, Canada and recorded the songs for their one and only album (thus far) with producer Jeff Meier (ex-Detroit Cobras, Rocket 455) in Detroit in 2003. The album – Burned Again - was released by a rather obscure German label that had also released a 10” and LP by 3 of the members’ previous band the DEAD CITY REBELS. The label, High Society International, probably didn’t make a lot of publicity because I haven’t seen or read any reviews over the years. A real shame because if ‘Burned Again’ would have been released on a label like Crypt Records or Sympathy, I am convinced that the band would have reached many more fans. I really like everything about this album: the hi-octane energy of its 12 killer songs, the singer’s raunchy vocals, the superb production, hell - I even love the sleeve!

I couldn’t resist contacting the band through their myspace and here’s what guitar player Nat Hurlow responded:

Hi Luke!!
Thanks so much for the kind words! Yeah, 'Burned Again' was the only thing that was released (and it's hard to believe that was 5 yrs ago...) unfortunately. Lots of demos and practice tapes though. We're all fairly busy with work, and other bands now. Also, Austen lives in Toronto, so that makes it a little difficult to practice regularly. We try and jam and play shows when we can, but it's not very often at all anymore. We've got some newer stuff (the LP was basically all of the songs we had from the start of the band up to that point) that we've been trying to record, but it hasn't worked out sadly. Hopefully this spring we'll be able to get it together.
thanks again for your email,
Nathaniel/FS

To wetten your appetite, I leave you with 3 awesome tracks from ‘Burned Again’. According to the website, the album is on sale for only €3,75 (???) so don’t mind the shipping costs and go buy this bonafide classic NOW!

Split Shift Heart Attack – THE FORTUNATE SONS
Fast Luck – THE FORTUNATE SONS
Mother Fucker In Law – THE FORTUNATE SONS

R.I.P. JAY REATARD 1980 - 2010

On January 16th 1999 as I enter the 4ad club in Diksmuide, I see a young guy sitting cross-legged in the middle of a small stage. Upon first sight, it looks like he is meditating but it soon turns out that he isn’t feeling too well and is trying to control his fever. It’s an image that is burned into my mind forever. Fortunately, my fears that the intensity of the show would probably be weakened by this sudden flu turns out to be unnecessary when his band REATARDS starts kicking out one classic hate-fueled garage punk tune after the other with the guy ending on the ground between our legs, screaming & hollering like mad. This was my first introduction to the hyper-intense live shows of an ultra-talented kid that called himself JAY REATARD.

At the end of 2003, Jay came back to Europe to tour with his new band the LOST SOUNDS. Since I was a huge fan of that band (and still am today), I asked Jay if I could do an interview after the show at the Pit’s in Belgium. The band agreed and we had a great 2 hours chat with all band members and some friends of mine. It soon became clear: Jay wasn’t in it for the fun & the chicks. Rock ‘n roll was his way to deal with reality. “Rock and roll is my salvation it’ll set me free whatever that means” he says in the liner notes of the first Reatards album.

Although the 2003 Lost Sounds show was somehow a disappointment to me because the set didn’t really reach a climax and ended way too soon, the band’s second appearance at the Pit’s in April 2005 was pure bliss. This time, the Lost Sounds went way beyond a climax and left me KO, both physically and emotionally. A total mindfuck. Afterwards at the bar, Jay tells me that these are the last Lost Sounds shows but that he will be back soon with his new band THE ANGRY ANGLES and the reformed Reatards. He got bored with the synths and wanted to go back to basics.

A few months later, Jay is back at the Pit’s, backed by TOKYO ELECTRON. His set with The Angry Angles, featuring his then girlfriend Alix, is great but Tokyo Electron totally kicks ass. Two minutes into the second song, my eyebrow gets busted open by the bass guitar and I am bleeding like a cow. I go backstage to wash my bloody face and bump into Jay. He tells me not to worry and shows me his own scars from various wild shows. A real nice fellow who would soon transform into a savage beast. The Reatards show that night was the only time in my life that rock ‘n roll scared the shit out of me. Jay started molesting microphone stands, smashed lights, pints and microphones and went totally berserk. I felt my heart in my mouth and was thrilled at the same time because it all sounded so fuckin’ raw & pure. Definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever witnessed!

I saw Jay two times again in 2007 as JAY REATARD AND THE BOSTON CHINKS but I must admit that I always preferred his former work with Reatards and Lost Sounds. On the other hand, I was very glad that he finally got the attention & recognition he so much deserved. The worldwide positive response to his first solo album ‘Blood Visions’ and the subsequent signing with Matador Records was a great reward for his dedication and talent.

Death is a strange thing; I haven’t been moved by someone’s death since John Peel passed away in 2004. I hope there’s still a future for punk rock & roll now that Jay is no more. As for the moment, I doubt if there will ever be another guy in punk rock as talented, genuine & exciting as Jay Reatard. RIP Jay, it fuckin’ meant a lot to me and I am still very impressed! Thanks so much!

***

My favourite Jay Reatard live shows:

1. 19/11/2005: ANGRY ANGLES + TOKYO ELECTRON + REATARDS (Pit’s, Kortrijk)
2. 19/04/2005: THE LOST SOUNDS (Pit’s, Kortrijk)
3. 16/01/1999: REATARDS + PERPETRATORS (4ad, Diksmuide)
4. 20/12/2003: THE LOST SOUNDS (Pit’s, Kortrijk)
5. 15/06/2007: JAY REATARD & THE BOSTON CHINKS (Lintfabriek, Kontich)
6. 18/05/2007: JAY REATARD & THE BOSTON CHINKS (Pit’s, Kortrijk)

more about Jay here and here.

Unsung Hero of R&B/SOUL: TED TAYLOR

TED TAYLOR was a Southern soulster with a distinctive tenor voice. At a young age, he became a member of The Cadets/Jacks, a Los Angeles R&B vocal group with two names that recorded for Joe Bihari’s Modern Records. Taylor left the group in early 1956 and embarked upon a solo career, recording a wealth of sides for several labels throughout the years (Ebb, Jewel/Ronn, Duke, Cold Eagle, Warwick, Laurie, Atco, Okeh etc). Listen to 4 great tracks by the man with the swooping falsetto who sadly died in a car accident in 1987:

Everywhere I Go – TED TAYLOR (Ebb Records 1957)
Pretending Love – TED TAYLOR (Okeh 1962)
Somebody’s Always Trying – TED TAYLOR (Okeh 1964)
Close Your Eyes – TED TAYLOR (Jewel 1966)

For more Ted Taylor, buy THE EVER WONDERFUL TED TAYLOR: OKEH UPTOWN SOUL 1962-1966 on Shout! Records (2006) and continue with EVER WONDERFUL (THE COMPLETE JEWEL AND RONN SOLO SINGLES A’s AND B’s) (Westside Records 2CD 2000)

My favourite COMPILATIONS of 2009 (part one)

WHEN GIRLS DO IT (Broadside Records)
Reissue of a terrific double LP from 1971 on Red Lightnin’ Records. Flamboyant killer blues recorded during the ‘50s and ‘60s and including mighty tunes from Junior Wells, Ike Turner, Memphis Slim, Magic Sam, Jimmy McCracklin as well as from unknown and obscure musicians like Bobby ‘Guitar’ Bennet, Little Oscar Stricklin and Donnie Jacobs. Cover of the year too! (click to enlarge)


listen to SUGAR BOY WILLIAMS' Little Girl by clicking here
PANAMA 2: LATIN SOUNDS, CUMBIA TROPICAL & CALYPSO FUNK ON THE ISTHMUS 1967-77 (Soundway Records)
Panama music is the forgotten music of Central America and Soundway Records did a wonderful job to adjust this injustice with a fabulous 3 volumes Panama collection. A compilation to die for!


listen to IDAMERICA RUIZ CON OSVALDO AYALA Y SU CONJUNTO's No Llores Porque Me Voy by clicking here
KONKANI SONGS: MUSIC FROM GOA MADE IN BOMBAY (Trikont Records)
“What are Italian mandolines, Mexican trumpets, sounds from the south seas and Cuban son doing in India? Rare pearls of this Indian masala mix from the 1960s to 70s on this compilation”. Another quintessential Trikont release that makes the over-hyped Sublime Frequencies releases look pale in comparison with its enlightening liner notes and great pictures!


listen to CARMO ROD's Nach Athanche by clicking here
GRIND MADNESS AT THE BBC: THE EARACHE SESSIONS (Earache Records 3CD)“Without Peel, we wouldn’t be doing this interview. For me, Peel was the teacher for me. Punk was where it started but Peel opened the doors to everything else that was strange and weird but pushing boundaries. That’s what I enjoyed and what first clicked with me. This guy played what he wanted to play and was a total outsider to the rest of them on Radio 1.” (from an interview with Mick Harris) Enough said.


listen to EXTREME NOISE TERROR's People Not Profit by clicking here
FIRE IN MY BONES: RAW RARE + OTHERWORLDLY AFRICAN-AMERICAN GOSPEL (1944-2007) (Thompkins Square 3CD)
So you thought raw gospel is music from a long lost (pre-war) time. This fabulous compilation makes you think again!


listen to REV. ROGER L. WORTHY & HIS SISTER BONNIE WOODSTOCK's Get Back Satan by clicking here