Sunday 31 May 2015

The Who Put Leeds On The US Map - uDiscover

 


Just Backdated: THE WHO - Forest Hills, New York, May 30, 2015

Cross Section - The lost band of Quadrophenia are back


The story of Cross Section 

When 5 teenagers in 1978 saw an advert in the Melody Maker that read... 

“Do you want sex drugs and rock and Roll” you can imagine what they said. 

The advert was referring to the movie Quadrophenia, based on The Who’s 1973 studio album of the same name. 

The movie was now being made, a young band was required to portray a band mid 1960’s playing in a club in London, this was to be a scene in the movie. 

A demo was sent as an answer to the advert plus a publicity shot, the band sat back and got on with their lives, namely school and playing in local clubs and pubs in Kent and across south east England.  

To their amazement in the summer of 1978 the band auditioned along with many other hopeful groups that had been chosen out of hundreds of applicants. The list was narrowed down to 70 or so bands. After playing live in front of a couple of members of The Who at the Electric Ballroom, Cross Section got to be the band of their choice. Roger Daltrey approached them after the audition in Camden High Street, much to their disbelief told them he liked what he heard, and popped the question “Would you cut your hair?” “Yeah I’d dye it green” said the drummer, naturally.  

Weeks passed as they slogged away in the working men's clubs of Kent, trying not to upset the Bingo caller or set off the volume limiter or pacemakers attached to the various committee members, after all the band had amplifiers for heavens sake.  

Then out of the blue they were contacted, yep they got the part in the movie.  

This resulted in visits to London to The Who’s Ramport Studios, to record the songs ‘High Heel Sneakers’ and ‘Dimples’ and of course to the film set to become the new infamous Mod Band that are to this day still on the Original sound Track album and appear briefly in the movie.  

Cross Section retired soon after Josh and Dene left in the late seventies and the boys lost contact. Vince and Lawrence along with Phil continued for a while but it seemed the dream of ‘Sex Drugs Rock and Roll’ was probably nothing more than a dream.  

35 Years later it seems that something woke the band from their slumbers, through social networks the band members all found each other and started conversing, a bit like the opening scene from the 1979 movie Alien when the crew awake after a long journey and emerge from their capsules, though the bands capsules where in fact real life.  

Dene has been a professional drummer living in Norway for 25 years, Phil plays guitar and sings in Tenerife, he is a well-known local musical genius, he’s been living there for 25 years. Vince continued in the industry singing and playing guitar, then decided on a career change, he is now a sea captain and boss of a large ocean going research vessel based in the UK, Lawrence is a successful horticultural/agricultural contractor in Kent. Josh has been playing professionally since he was 19 as some of you may know.  

In 2014 after various Emails, the band decided to do something about the passage of time, it seemed that the world new about the band, many articles had been written about the band that never was, with YouTube hits and fans, yes fans!  

In February 2015, Cross Section decided to get together again, well what was the rush?  

After deciding that we were actually the teenagers from all those years ago and then discussing various ailments they struck up. It was like time stood still, the chemistry was still there, after a 1 hour run through the band had re-recorded and finished the two songs from the movie, sounding better than ever, but still sounding like Cross Section, now very awake the band are planning to play to the Mod fans that never had the chance to see them the first time round.  

They are delighted to be re united today, for you all to hear the first performance of the band since 1979. Sadly Dene can’t be with us today, but how fitting that the original drummer from the iconic 60’s super band the Small Faces is stepping in, thank you Kenney. 

Dene O'Neill - drums
Josh Phillips - keyboards
Phil Kitto - guitar/vocals
Vince Merton - guitar/vocals
Lawrence Merton – bass 

New live date 

JUNE 13th 2015
ROCK 'n' HORSE POWER
AT HURTWOOD PARK
POLO CLUB
EWHURST GREEN
SURREY 

The True Adventures of Stanley Booth: Dancing with the Devil


 

BB King’s son says claims made by his sisters that King was poisoned were 'extreme' reports NME



'Like An Avalanche': Otis Redding's Unstoppable Crossover - An Interview with Mark Ribowsky, Author Of 'Dreams To Remember'


 

The Moment preview 'She's a Modern' & 'Captain Insanity' on Glory Boys Radio


The Lambrettas to play The Corporation Club, Hartlepool, on Friday 19th June


Where to buy the 'Heads Held High' album by The Past Tense...


The Time Sellers new CD single, 'Thinking Back' c/w 'Lately' out on 12th June


The Time Sellers ...new CD single "Thinking Back" out 12th June....the flip track "Lately" is a great Mod stomper.....

The Origins of Dust My Broom - uDiscover


 

The Fliks at The Feathers Inn, Lichfield, on Friday 26th June


Isle of Wight Scooter Rally 28/29/30 August


James Royal & Friends at the 100 Club on Saturday 20th June


Quorn Soul Club, Loughborough, on Friday 12th June


Review: ‘Heads Held High’ – the fantastic new album from The Past Tense

For me, this quite simply is the contemporary album of the year so far – and this is why: - 

In the great traditions of The Jam, this album starts with a corker of a song, ‘Top Of The World’, that could easily be a single in its own right. A wonderfully crafted pile-driver of a song that teases you waiting for the chorus you know is going to come, and then introduces a great organ sound in the middle sequence. Awesome. 

Next up is ‘Throwing It All Away’ which could have been an out-take from a session by The Chords – it’s that good. The pace continues with title track, ‘Heads Held High’, as the album just gets better and better. 

‘Vision (From Another World)’ comes next and is a big favourite of mine. Imagine the Inspiral Carpets playing the Purple Hearts’ version of ‘Gloria’ at the same time as ‘Do Anything Just To Please You’ and you get the idea of this magnificent organ driven sonic soundscape. 

‘Won’t Miss Next Time’ starts acoustically before cranking up the sound and ‘Crying’ is incredibly catchy and I am sure would get airtime on the radio. 

We are then treated to ‘No Apologies’ that has the feel of The Moment, which is a great trait indeed, before ‘Remember The Days’ has us reminiscing whilst singing along to this super tune. 

Classic Alert! ‘Another Putney Sunrise’ is The Past Tense’s Ray Davies moment – this needs to be released as a single and, with the right support, would easily go Top 5. I cannot emphasise enough what a truly great song, recording, performance this is – worth the entry money alone. 

‘Just Keep Believing’ visits The Truth’s territory, ‘Music Is Our Key’ demonstrates the passion of this band for their craft, whilst ‘What’s Coming Next’ takes us back to the early days of The Truth again before we enjoy the outro of ‘Putney Reprise’. 

The vocals on this album are saturated with passion, honesty and integrity in a similar way to Andy Houghton’s with Yeh-Yeh, the guitar work is beautiful – I hear something new every time I play the album, and the rhythm section is tighter than an accountant on downers. The bass lines are almost lead lines in the same way as Foxtons’ melodic playing, and the drums move from power to delicate intricacies when needed. 

And that is why I rate this album so highly. As with all truly great albums, the more you play it, the more the songs take on their own personalities and the more things become apparent to the ear. 

To paraphrase: “Another great Past Tense album – and I’m feeling good…ooh feeling good”. 

And if you want to feel good too, visit The Past Tense on FB and get yourself a copy: -  

Saturday 30 May 2015

Bang On Sounds presents Fakestock on Sunday 12th July in Maidenhead



UNCUT: Paul Weller’s 30 best songs - An all-star cast pick the Modfather's greatest work


 

Remembering B.B. King - MPB : Mississippi Public Broadcasting



Townshend Solo Anthology Offers Two New Tracks says uDiscover


 

"The John Bishop Show - new series on BBC1 tonight with Paul Weller", reports The Scunthorpe Telegraph


THE new series of The John Bishop Show starts on BBC One tonight (Saturday, May 30). 

Comedy entertainment series hosted by award-winning comedian John Bishop, coming each week from the Hackney Empire.

Across the eight-part series, John introduces his favourite comics from all over the world.

This show features Paul Weller performing his new single Saturn's Pattern and the classic Peacock Suit.

Joining John on stage is Trevor Noah from South Africa, James Acaster, and Felicity Ward from Australia. 

As a special treat, John also creates some beautiful music with Beardyman. 

It will be shown at 9.45pm.

Preachin' The Blues ~ The Cyril Davies Memorial Album Double Anthology CD


Amazon Product Description 

CYRIL DAVIES was perhaps the pivotal figure in the development of UK Blues and R&B, his pioneering work with Alexis Korner between the mid '50s and early '60s laying down the roots for a scene from which bands like The Stones later emerged. Sadly, his own life and career were cut tragically short in January 1964 when he died, suddenly and unexpectedly, of endocarditis.  

This is the first anthology of Cyril s work, features virtually every track that Cyril is known to have played and/or sung on, ranging from a 1954 home recording to a clutch of tracks with The R&B All-Stars, cut in 1963 at the height of the British R&B/Beat Boom that, had tragedy not intervened, threatened to make him into a household name. Along the way, we encounter such important career milestones as his first official recording session, his genuinely ground-breaking partnership with Alexis Korner, and a veritable host of impossibly rare vinyl releases. 

Disc 1: - 

1. KC Moan (Cyril Davies) - Cyril Davies 

2. Kansas City Blues (Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group) - Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group 

3. Casey Jones (Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group) - Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group 

4. This Train (Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group) - Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group 

5. Rock Me (Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group) - Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group 

6. Leaving Blues (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies 

7. Rotten Break (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies 

8. Alberta (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies 

9. Roundhouse Stomp (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies 

10. Skip To My Lou (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies 

11. Good Morning (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies 

12. Boll Weevil (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies 

13. Ella Speed (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies 

14. Streamline Train (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies 

15. I Ain't Gonna Worry No More (Alexis Korner Skiffle Group) - Alexis Korner's Skiffle Group 

16. County Jail (Alexis Korner Skiffle Group) - Alexis Korner's Skiffle Group 

17. Kid Man (Alexis Korner Skiffle Group) - Alexis Korner's Skiffle Group 

18. Easy Rider (Alexis Korner Skiffle Group) - Alexis Korner's Skiffle Group 

19. Sail On (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

20. National Defence Blues (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

21. Go Down Sunshine (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

22. Death Letter (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

23. K.C. Moan (Roundhouse Jug Four) - The Roundhouse Jug Four 

24. Hesitation Blues (Roundhouse Jug Four) - The Roundhouse Jug Four 

25. It's The Same Old Thing (Roundhouse Jug Four) - The Roundhouse Jug Four 

Disc 2: -  

1. She Fooled Me (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

2. Gotta Move (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

3. Rain Is Such A Lonesome Sound (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

4. I Got My Brand On You (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

5. Spooky But Nice (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

6. Keep Your Hands Off (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

7. I Wanna Put A Tiger In Your Tank (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

8. I Got My Mojo Working (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

9. Finkle's Cafe (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

10. Hoochie Coochie (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

11. Down Town (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

12. How Long, How Long Blues (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

13. I Thought I Heard That Train Whistle Blow (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

14. I'm Built For Comfort (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

15. I'm A Hoochie Coochie Man (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

16. Night Time Is The Right Time (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

17. Everything She Needs (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

18. Up-Town (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated 

19. Blaydon Races (Nancy Spain With Alexis Korner & His Band) - Nancy Spain with Alexis Korner & His Band 

20. Country Line Special (Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars) - Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars 

21. Chicago Calling (Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars) - Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars 

22. Someday Baby (Cyril Davies & Nicky Hopkins) - Cyril Davies & Nicky Hopkins 

23. Preachin' The Blues (Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars) - Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars 

24. Sweet Mary (Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars) - Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars 

The Who’s Roger Daltrey, Bruce Springsteen Honour Pete Townshend at MusiCares Map Fund Concert reports Variety


 

EXCLUSIVE: Album Review by Gig Slutz: Stone Foundation ‘A Life Unlimited’



Barraloadasoul 2015 - review & pictures at The British Subcultures.com


 

1965 in Review: Rock’s 50 Biggest Stories


 

The Spitfires debut album, 'Response' - pre-orders now being taken


Pre order the limited edition vinyl and CD here: http://tinyurl.com/o9ns6co

Pre order on iTunes: https://itun.es/gb/5A1H7

If you haven't pre-ordered Paul Orwell's debut album yet, it's too late!!!


Thursday 28 May 2015

The Selecter - Pre-Order their new 'Subculture' album now!


 
Pauline & Gaps signing pre-ordered copies of new album Subculture! You’ve got until next week to order limited signed copies on CD or Heavyweight 12” Vinyl
 
TRACKLISTING: - 
 1. Box Fresh
 2. It Never Worked Out
 3. Open Goal
 4. Breakdown
 5. Karma
 6. See Them A Come
 7. Because The Night
 8. Stone Cold Sober
 9. Walk The Walk
 10. Babble On
 11. Hit The Ground Running
 12. Still I Rise
 

Northern Soul Quiz Book for Kindle


 

1,500 put heart and soul into record bid reports the Blackpool Gazette


Northern Soul fanatics busted a move on the coast to raise money for Cancer Research – and attempt to set a world record in the process. 

Around 1,500 soul devotees from across the country danced for the cause over bank holiday weekend on the resort’s comedy carpet, in a bid to create a new record for the most people dancing at an outside event. 

More than 1,000 Northern Soul fans descended on the Comedy Carpet infront of Blackpool's Tower to set a world record for the most dancers in one outside event and raise money for Cancer Research.  

The event lasted for around four hours, with the official count taken when two tracks were played during a 10 minute dance – followed by a tribute and speech by the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Peter Callow. 

Organiser Phil McDougall promoted the event with help from Phil’s Street Angels and Soul Suite bar. And he said the event was such a massive success, he is planning a follow-up next year.  

“I am so proud of the event’s success,” he said. “I would like to praise the people of Blackpool, they did a lot for me and gave massive support. I have been coming to Blackpool for over 50 years and I thank Blackpool for hosting one of the most amazing events I have ever organised on behalf of Cancer Research UK. 

“There was a tribute to people who have succumbed to cancer, the whole crowd stood still and after the clapping the Mayor gave a moving speech.  

“I have nothing but praise for him, I actually saw people crying.” 

The event raised an estimated £10-12,000 for Cancer Research UK, with profits raised by donations, promotional materials, wristbands and a DVD of the event.  

But there is no word as of yet whether the event will end with a world record, as the process takes four weeks to verify. But with the help of filming from the Tower those taking part have a real shot at landing the title in the Guinness World Book of Records.

New Releases from Ace records June 2015 by Soul Source

 

Gig Preview: From the Jam at ARC, Stockton-on-Tees at NE Volume


 

The Handbook Meets…Dawn O’Porter


 

Vintage Style: Get ready to rock this town reports the Lancashire Telegraph


WE continue our look at the world of vintage fashion — whether you prefer retro, mod or new romantic.  

Among the terms that fly around in the world of vintage is the rockabilly look. It is a fun trend to try and can be easily achieved with a few key pieces. Key colour combination is red and black.  

Then there are: - 

Mod. The mods were a cultural group of the 1960s, opposed to the rockers and renowned for their clean-cut modern dressing. Mod clothing is very distinctive with miniskirts, scooter dresses and colour blocking for the girls, and slim-cut trousers, dapper shirts and pea-coats for the boys. The mod look is another of my absolute favourites.  

Flapper. After the First World War the flapper girl emerged with her short bobbed hair, fringed dress, long strands of beads and cloche hat. She was quite controversial and eyebrows and hemlines were raised. If you watched Downton Abbey, this is the kind of look that Rose wished she could wear at those jazz clubs in London.  

Hippy. The original hippies were the peace-sharing, free-loving movement of the 1960s. The hippy look is full of loose-fitting ethnic styles, natural fabrics, peasant blouses, maxi skirts and flowers in the hair. Psychedelic and tie-dye prints are a must.  

Disco. The disco clothing movement was born in the mid-1970s following the infamous Saturday Night Fever. Think bell-bottom trousers, spandex, polyester jumpsuits, hotpants and leotards plus lots and lots of sequins. And it is all teamed with big hair and bright palette make-up complete with the birth of the ultra glossy lips.  

New romantic. This was a short-lived fashion movement of the 1980s, heavily influenced by the mythical fantasy films of the time. Pop bands dressed in fancy clothes, played synthesised music and sang about love and heartbreak against glamorous backdrops.

There are many more terms but that little lot should keep you going for a while.

1960s Fashion: The Women Who Made The Decade Achingly Cool


 

Feeling Mod: back to the 60s says Vogue Australia


 

The Quietus Review - Pied Piper: Follow Your Soul (Kent) - Various Artists


 

The Moment is almost upon us.......


Georgie Fame in town for fantastic Friday


LEIGH lad and legend Georgie Fame is heading back home for a fantastic Friday. 

The singer who was one of the country's biggest stars in the 1960s, will be honoured with a star at Believe Square outside Leigh town hall on Friday afternoon.  

And tomorrow night he will lead the tribute to Centurions player Steve Maden at a special testimonial concert at the Sport Village.  

Georgie, born Clive Powell, now aged 71, is the only British star to achieve three number ones hits with his only top ten chart entries; Yeh-Yeh in 1965, Get Away in 1966 and The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde in 1967.  

After learning to play the piano from a young age the former Leigh Central County Secondary School pupil got his first break at 16 touring with names including Marty Wilde and Eddie Cochran among others.  

When Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames formed they reached chart highs with their 60s hits.  

Since then he has been known for his collaborations with a collection of some of music’s biggest names such as Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Wigan’s own The Verve and as a founder member of Bill Wyman’s early band Rhythm King.  

Lord Peter Smith, leader of Wigan Council, said: “Georgie’s renowned career has spanned more than 50 years and he has brought joy to so many people with his talent. It is only right that we recognise his contribution to Leigh’s cultural legacy and we are delighted his name will join the great figures already awarded a Leigh star.”

Ronnie Wood: Dear 1965 Diary at Music Radar


Chess & Capitol Northern Soul Vinyl Sets Coming - uDiscover


 

CharityBuzz - Custom Epiphone SG-Special Guitar Signed by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, Airbrushed with “The Who Hits 50!” Tour Artwork


 

The Vineyard Modernist Club in Chichester on Saturday 11th July


The Ricky Tick DJ's Live @ THE VINEYARD Modernist Club Saturday July 11th 2015! (8pm to 1am) £5 OTD - The Club Is Situated Within The Catacombs Below - La Havana, 3 Little London, Chichester, PO19 1PH.  

Get Yourself Along And Capture The Unique Atmosphere Of 60's Clubbing All Fuelled By Blistering British Beat, U.S. Garage, High Octane Soul & Finger Snapping Jazz All Played From Original Vinyl - DJ's Mark Howard, Luke Weller & RICKY TICK - So Call: 07730495727 To Reserve Your Place!

The Federal Rhythm & Blues Club Summer Alldayer on Saturday 18th July -2:00pm until 1:00am


 
A Day & Night of Non Stop Quality Authentic 50's and 60's R&B Dance Music 

Only £5 Admission on the Door  

Special Guest Dj's: - 

Claire Russell (London)
Mark Annis (Brum Beat)
Jonny Monk (Oswestry)
Kev Ellis (Sandbach)
Cally (Birkenhead)
Mark Watkins (Bewdley, Worcestershire)
Ian Walker (Wirral)
Soup & Bread (La Vie Club, Leicester)
Matthew Clarke (Go-Go Gorilla, Sheffield)
Neale Dewey (Stoke on Trent)
Ricky Bean (Go-Go Gorilla, Sheffield) 

Resident Dj's: - 

Mace
Clive Read
Brav 

Venue is Upstairs at: -  

Crewe Amalgamated Anglers Association
7 - 9 Beech Street
Crewe, Cheshire.
CW1 2PY 

Large Free Car Park - Cheap Beer - Warm Welcome Assured

BREAKING NEWS: The Mark Three to play the IPO Festival at The Cavern, Liverpool, on Sunday 2nd June

  The Mark Three's stage times for Sunday 2nd June are: - 5.15pm The Cavern Pub 7.00pm The Cavern Club