My Peel Tapes - Part 30

Okay dear friends,

thanks for your patience: you've managed to go with me through half a life of music, provided by the great John Peel. This is the final edition of 'My Peel Tapes' and again I sincerely hope that in it you will find something you like:

(328) Juniper Moon - 'Volveras' (mp3). "Young Spanish band - all their members are in their teens! - debut with a wild combination of blistering guitar raids, hyperspeed drumming and soft female vocals. Pure teenage energy, as convincing and impressive as their live sets. Vigorous pop pills, short-lengthed but super abundant in catching energy, teenage self-confidence and hyper-vitamined guitars.": that's what their label - Elefant Records from sunny Madrid, Spain, had to say about this 7" from 1999. I suppose I like it so much because I don't understand any single word they sing .... my Spanish is, as is my French, best described as weak: I mean, I can order a beer or to, but that's about it ... then again: do you need to have more knowledge of a language than that?!

(329) New Order - 'Brutal' (mp3). Watch out, Leonardo DiCaprio - fans worldwide: this is from the soundtrack of the film 'The Beach', not one of my personal favourites, I must admit (although I think good ole' Leo is rather a smart actor at times (albeit not in this particular film) and not one of the best soundtracks, that's for sure. This tune is not bad though, not because it's by New Order, it's just not bad, that's all. Available on a 2000 CD from Rhino/WEA.

(330) Subway Sect - 'Nobody's Scared' (mp3). On March, 23 in 1978, Subway Sect released their debut single, "Nobody's Scared". It was backed by "Dontsplitit". They released two singles under the Subway Sect name without an album. They later changed their name to Vic Godard & The Subway Sect. The Bristol, England punk band disbanded in 1981. Vic Godard has recently re-formed the band. I heard one of the new songs: not bad at all, people, not bad at all!

(331) Hefner - 'Twisting Mary's Arm' (mp3). Darren Hayman says: "'Twisting Mary's Arm' is a very old song that dates back to one of mine and Ant's old bands; 'Big Boys Toys', with changed lyrics. The song isn't about anything, just a nonsensical collection of words. It was the song we used to finish ninety percent of the shows with. Sometimes I felt funny singing those lyrics to a crowd though, it sounded like I was being very ungrateful.". I took it from their wonderful 'Boxing Hefner' - LP on Too Pure Records, released in 2000.

(332) Positively Testcard - 'Twist With The Morning Stars' (mp3). A South London band who play Kwela, an upbeat, whistle-led style originating in South Africa in the 1950s. Here's their homepage where you'll find the song above on their 2000 CD 'Gas Up My Hotrod Stoker, The Kwela Groove Frenzy's Hit Town' ... a wonderful title, but alas I always found the CD to be a bit too expensive, considering that I have to add p&p into Germany. Perhaps one of these days I'll get hold of it anywhere else, who know. But I'm sure it's a gem ...

(333) The Undertones - 'Jimmy Jimmy' (mp3). Once again, a classic power-pop- tune from yesteryear, and again: why not? Their third single, on Sire Records, from 1979. Simply wonderful!

(334) Smog - 'Dress Sexy At My Funeral' (mp3). An outstanding track from a somewhat disappointing album, I must say, 'Dongs Of Sevotion' (Drag City Records, 2000). Perhaps this is because it's a double-album, and there are not many very good double-albums around, I think, in fact 'London Calling' is the only one which comes to mind right now where all of the songs are just perfect (by the way: your search for 'London Calling' in Smog - discographies will turn out to be in vain, younger readers, it was by a band called 'The Clash'). Either way: Smog basically was Bill Callahan on his own and as far as I know he now releases records under this name.

(335) Elastica - 'Da Da Da' (mp3). Originally done by German outfit Trio back in 1982 - and I remember very well how outraged older people over here were when this was released and frequently shown on the telly ... they thought it was the end of German culture - you can find it on their album 'The Menace' on Deceptive/Atlantic from 2000.

(336) Grandaddy - 'Everything Beautiful Is Far Away' (mp3). From 1998, a CD-single on Big Cat Records ... and what a marvellous little tune this is, friends!! A little bit more on Grandaddy: here.

(337) Brassy - 'No Competition' (mp3). A British band, but with an American singer, Muffin Spencer, who, by the way, is the sister of Jon Spencer out of the wonderful Jon Spencer's Blues Explosion. Their biography once read: "Brassy are Elastica sharing a sloppy wet kiss with the Beasties." And you know what? This is not far from the truth! 'No Competition' is on Brassy's debut LP on Wiija, 'Got It Made' (2001).

(338) ESG - 'Moody' (mp3). This, I once read, is supposed to be the most-sampled track in the history of recorded music. Whether this is true or not, I obviously can't tell. But it's a neat tune, taken from a very good band-compilation, a double LP actually, called 'A South Bronx Story', it was released on Universal Records in 2000. 'Moody' itself though is from 1982. More on E.S.G.: here.

(339) Clinic - 'Distortions' (mp3). Another fine track from a another fine album, their first full-length release: 'Internal Wrangler' (Domino Records 2000). Not as good as the fantastic 'The Return Of Evil Bill' ... and perhaps not even comparable, but still worthwile downloading ... so do it now while you can!

(340) Silicon Teens - 'Memphis Tennessee' (mp3). I'm pretty sure that quite a lot of you out there will say, 'now, this is the fucking best song in the whole episode' ... and you may even be right! If you never heard this before, please please please have a listen, boys and girls! Silicon Teens basically were no other than Daniel Miller, founder of Mute Records (more about this: here) and they/he released an album back in 1980 (on Sire) called 'Music For Parties'. Great stuff altogether, but this version of the Chuck Berry - tune is simply outstanding!

(341) Cay - 'Resurrexit' (mp3). A CD-single on Org Records from 2000, and another brilliant one as well. Some little discussion about the merits of Cay here ... personally I know nothing about them at all. But the tune is a winner, that's for sure!

(342) Ballboy - 'Essential Wear For Future Trips To Space' (mp3). Well, over the years Ballboy have become one of my favourite bands. Clever lyrics, great tunes ... what more can you possibly ask for? This is the first tune of theirs I heard John Peel play and I was fascinated by them from this point onwards. I think it was released as a single, but you'll also find it on the -highly recommended - full-length CD 'Club Anthems' (SL Records, 2001).

(343) Ladytron - 'Another Breakfast With You' (mp3). Again from a compilation, and again from a fine one as well. Of course not all of the 15 tracks are perfect, but most of them are close to it, I would say. 'We Love You ... So Love Us Too' was released by We Love You Records as a CD in 2001. I'm pretty sure it has become one of those items that you will more or less find rather easily in the bargain bins of your local record shop. If this turn out to be the case: do spend a quid or two for it, it's worth having!

(344) The Outcasts - 'Just Another Teenage Rebel' (mp3). Something from Belfast for you now for a change .... a total classic from November 1978, the band's second 7" on Good Vibrations. Good to hear this gem again, isn't it?

(345) Schneider TM - 'The Light 3000' (mp3). Well, as you might already have gathered, I'm not much of an expert when it comes to more contemporary music, therefore I can only tell you that I think this was first released on a 12" called 'Binokular' on City Slang Records in 2000. What I know for sure though is that it's a cover of a Smiths - favourite, 'There's A Light That Never Goes Out' ... also a great song, always on top when people are asked about their favourite Smiths - release. I prefer their older stuff though, but I digress ....

(346) The New Pornographers - 'Letter From An Occupant' (mp3). A CD-single on Matador (from 2000), also included on their 'Mass Romantic' - CD. More on the band: here.

(347) Mary Monday & Her Bitches - 'I Gave My Punk Jacket To Ricky' (mp3). Again, a little classic: from the USA, a 7" on Malicious Records, released in 1977. As it is so often the case with those great bands from yesteryear (those which didn't put out that many record), you are practically unable to ascertain any information about them in the internet at all. Alas Mary Monday & Her Bitches are no exception, so there's nothing I can tell you about them.

(348) The Beat - 'Ranking Full Stop' (mp3). From one of the great albums of all time, 'Just Can't Stop It', released on IRS in 1982, this is the last song I ever got to hear on John Peel's Music on BFBS.

Although BFBS officials still claim that Peel recorded his shows for them 'until his death', the truth is somewhat different: he used to record those shows at home, they were sent to BFBS in London and then broadcasted worldwide. It took Peel a few weeks to find out that the shows he had recorded just weren't broadcasted any longer and only upon request BFBS told him that they wouldn't want him to be on the air no more ..... after some 30 (!) years of working for them!

Back in 2000 there was no thought of internet radio or whatsoever, nor were any possibilities to listen to his BBC shows in Germany on the radio. So I had to rely on the music papers, which turned out not be very useful. In the end - I must admit - I gave up on new music: there was no John Peel to point me to it, you see.

On 26 October 2004 I was honeymooning in Jamaica. Me and Mrs. Loser hired a roofless Suzuki Jeep, rather an old car without any special equipment, you see, in order to drive from Negril to Port Antonio. The car's aerial was nothing more than a piece of crooked wire and the only station we could receive was - curiously enough - the BBC World Service. The reception was far away from being superb, as you might imagine, but they played The Cure and The Undertones and Joy Division all the time, so I had a great time driving along in the sun.

But in all of my life I will never forget the moment - we were approaching the suburbs of Kingston - when suddenly an announcement came up that Peel had died whilst being on holiday in Peru. I had to stop the car and even these days Mrs. Loser tells me that she never had seen an expression on my face like this again. I mean, I only met Peel about seven or eight times in my life and yes, I once stayed at his home for three days back in 1984, which means I never got to know him very well, but nevertheless he always has been like a father to me, as well with what he had to say on his BFBS show as with what he wrote in his little letters he'd send to me in all these years. Honestly, since his death, I think not a single day has passed on which I didn't think of him with the deepest respect possible.

The following was recorded by the BBC's answering machine on October 24th, 2004.

24.10.04 (mp3)

Miss you, John. Thanks for all the music, mate.

Dirk

Lady Loser's Lottery .... Pt. 4

And yes, dear friends, another edition of Lady Loser's Lottery is about to follow. For those of you who don't know what this is all about: I asked my dear wife to pick five items out of my record collection ... with closed eyes, of course. Well, this is what she picked a few minutes ago:

(1) [from the CD-shelf]: The Business - 'Suburban Rebels'. A Dojo - reissue of the 1983 LP, orginally released on Link Records. I chose this one: 'Harry May' (mp3).

(2) [from the 7"-shelf]: Throw That Beat In The Garbagecan! - 'Peng!'. Something from Germany for you now for a change ... and why not? A 3-track - 7" on September Gurls Records from 1989. I think the tune on the A-Side is the one to prefer, it's called 'Having A Laugh!' (mp3).

(3) [ from the 12"-shelf]: Half Man Half Biscuit - 'Dickie Davis Eyes'. Well, all of you know this by hear by now, I would think. Therefore I'll go for one of the two tracks on the B-Side, one you don't hear all that often: 'I Left My Heart In Papworth General' (mp3). On Probe Plus Records from 1986.

(4) [from the Compilations - shelf]: 'Indie Top 20 - Vol. XI'. A double-LP in fact, which brings together, as you might imagine, some top indie tunes from some of our common favourite bands. What do I go for? Not terribly easy, because all of the songs on it are pretty good. But this is one I always quite liked: The Honey Smugglers - 'Listen' (mp3). Originally on Non Fiction Records from 1990, the compilation itself though is on Beechwood Music from 1991.

(5) [from the LP - shelf]: Sonic Youth - 'Experimental Jet Set, Trash And No Star'. A curious title, which I never fully understood, but who cares? On Geffen Records from 1994, my choice is this: 'Bull In The Heather' (mp3).

Well, I hope Mrs. Loser chose something which pleased at least a few of you. I should tell you that she first picked Depeche Mode's 'Speak And Spell' out of the CD-shelf (I would have chosen 'Photographic'), but because I didn't want the same shit happen to me as to my pal J.C. aka The Vinyl Villain (read about it here), I told her to have another pick ...

Have fun and enjoy, friends!

Dirk

My Peel Tapes - Part 29

Hello my brave boys and girls in the trenches, time for another episode of 'My Peel Tapes', the penultimate one in fact. So enjoy this one before it's all over:

(304) Prolapse - 'Autocade' (mp3). From Leicester and on Radarscope Records. 'Autocade' (mp3) is one of four tracks on a CD-Single from 1997 .... and rather a nice tune for all of that! Prolapse released quite a lot of stuff to my surprise, I just know this one and their 'Killing The Bland', featured in a previous edition of 'My Peel Tapes'. More on Prolapse: here.

(305) The King - 'No Woman, No Cry' (mp3). Now, this is from one of my all time-favourite albums ever, people! The King is but one of too many Elvis - impersonators, the difference between him and the others is a) he doesn't do Elvis - songs and b) he's simply outstanding! If memory serves correctly, he's a postman from Ireland who finally managed to have a CD released back in 1998, which he - cleverly - titled 'Gravelands' (EMI Records). The thing is: on it he only does songs by people who are actually dead, and - believe it or not - you can listen to it in one go and there isn't a single bad track on it!! Please do yourself a favour and click here for the tracklisting. You will see he chose a great variety of cool tunes. This is a record that shouldn't miss in any decent collection, folks .... take my advice and go out and get it somewhere!!

(306) Belle & Sebastian - 'A Century Of Fakers' (mp3). Well, they did do so many brilliant songs, didn't they? I find it always rather hard to decide which ones I like best, but this is most surely one of them: a masterpiece, taken from their '3 .. 6 .. 9 .. Seconds Of Light' - 7" on Jeepster from 1997. More on this record: here.

(307) Anorak Girl - 'Plastic Supermodel' (mp3). Right on the heels of Helen Love's departure from the Damaged Goods Label came Anorak Girl! Totally in the casio-pop vein a-la Helen Love, but without Joey Ramone references for miles around. A very cute funky colored 7" (sort of this swampy green with pink swirls) from 1997 .... and well worth listening to again these days!

(308) Clinic - 'IPC Subeditors Dictate Our Youth' (mp3). The title track from the band's very first EP, released on their own Aladdin's Cave of Golf Record Label in 1997. I have no idea what it might possibly be all about, but all in all it is an excellent song, I always thought. And it led me to buy their 'Internal Wrangler' - album some three years later ... either way: here's their official site.

(309) Golinski Brothers - 'Bloody' (mp3). Championed by Peel all the time since it's release in 1980 on Badge Records. A wonderful song, but be warned: if you never heard this before you will most likely not be able to get it out of your head for quite some time .... it has a nifty sax riff and everything, but it's the first verse of the lyric that really stood the test of time:

"I'm gonna go where they've never seen snow, send my giro to Cairo. I cant stand another day, I gotta get away. I'm not impressed, my life's in a mess. I get so depressed, still you gotta have a laugh: ha ha ha ha. Chorus: What am I bloody well s'posed to do - got my bloody well self bloody stuck on you ..."

(310) The Dodgems - 'Lord Lucan Is Missing' (mp3). A 7" on Criminal Records from 1980. Well, what shall I say about this record? A total classic. Again. More on the mysterious disappearance of Lord Lucan: here.

(311) Let's Get The Replicants - 'Skullcrusher' (mp3). From one of the rarer formats in the wonderful world of vinyl pressing, a one-sided 10", on Eastwest Records from 1998. Let's Get The Replicants are no other than the wonderful Dawn Of The Replicants and what you find here, my friends, is the David Holmes & Tim Goldsworthy remix. A great tune and worth a download, if you ask me. And: the record actually starts like that - it's not me having made another stupid mistake!

(312) The High Fidelity - 'Addicted To A TV' (mp3). A great stomper from former Soup Dragon Sean Dickson ... really a pretty neat return of him on a 12" on Plastique Records from 1997. I can't really imagine that The High Fidelity are still alive and kicking these days, at least I haven't heard new stuff from the band for ages .....

(313) Selwyn - 'Easy For You' (mp3). Perhaps you young people are more clever than me and can ascertain any information about Selwyn on the internet .... I can't. But what I can tell you is that I have their limited edition 7" here on Cripperty Records from 1997 ... and you don't. A shame, really, because the tune is very fine indeed. So have a listen ....

(314) The Jesus & Mary Chain - 'Rocket' (mp3). I still regard 'Psychocandy', the band's 1985 debut as a milestone, full of outstanding songs, which were way ahead of their time back then. I listened to some of the stuff they recorded after 'Psychocandy', but a lot of it I missed, you know how these things work. But regardless of the sheer brilliance of 'Psychocandy', 'Rocket' is, I think, the best song The Jesus & Mary Chain have ever done. Hidden away as one of four tracks on the 'Cracking Up' - CD on Creation Records from 1998, this track shows again how outstandingly awesome they were ... some 13 years after their start!

(315) Sonic Youth - 'Sunday' (mp3). Perhaps this is my favourite Sonic Youth - tune ... and yes, I know very well that this will upset Sonic Youth - fans quite a lot. But I've listened to most of the 'old' stuff of theirs, and most of it I can well cope with, don't get me wrong here, please. But this track has something special that I like keep coming back to, don't know what it is exactly though.

'Sunday' was the first and only single Sonic Youth released from their 1998 album 'A Thousand Leaves' on Polydor.

(316) Grandaddy - 'Summer Here Kids' (mp3). On V2 Records from 1998, again a great song from Grandaddy. Taken from their 'Under The Western Freeway' - album, which, I must admit, I don't have, but, upon the evidence of this track alone (and of 'Everything Beautiful Is Far Away', posted previously) I certainly should have. Perhaps one of these days I find it in a bargain bin in a little record shop, who knows?

(317) Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - 'Spanish Dance Troupe' (mp3). The title track from their 1999 album on Mantra, although I assume that Peelie - again - played a pre-release. Otherwise a whole year slipped without me even having noticed it! Then again: perhaps I was rather short on money in 1998 and didn't buy many records. Or too much envolved in sexual activities to find the time to record the Peel Show once a week. Who knows? Anyway, a great band they were, alas they disbanded in 2006. And, mind you, 'Spanish Dance Troupe' was their sixth album! Strange, isn't it, how many many really good bands came from Wales (bearing in mind how small Wales is) over the years .....

(318) New Order - 'Lonesome Tonight' (mp3). Finally, dearest friends and followers, after years and years of contemplating, I've made my mind up about what is the best song New Order have ever done: it's this one, the B-Side of their 'Thieves Like Us' - 12" from 1984 on Factory Records. Enjoy it!

(319) Speeder - 'Hey! What Do I Know?' (mp3). "Not very much!", I hear you shout, and of course you're absolutely right. All I can tell you about Speeder that this here is a 7" on Creeping Bent Records from 1999 ...

(320) Princess Kaiulani - 'Alamoana Fade Away' (mp3). A great song, again!!! One of many unfulfilled wishes of mine is to get hold of a copy of this 7" on Motorway Records from Japan. I remember sending cash to Darla Records in the States back in '99, because they had the record on mailorder, alas the money got lost somewhere on it's way to the USA ... at least so Darla claimed. Bastards! The tune itself is hard to describe, it sounds a bit like Fantastic Plastic Machine playing a song based on a Hawaiian version of the 'E-I-E-I-O' at the end of "Old McDonald's Farm", with a touch of Trio's 'Da Da Da'. Most importantly, it works! Again, and I know I said this before: download this if you want to do yourself a favour!

(321) Half Man Half Biscuit - 'It's Clichéd To Be Cynical At Christmas' (mp3). From their eighth full-length release, 'Trouble Over Bridgwater', on, of course, Probe Plus Records. Christmas is over, I'm afraid, but I'm willing to have a small bet that this is a most enjoyable tune also in January or February ...

(322) Elastica & Mark E. Smith - 'How He Wrote Elastica Man' (mp3). From a 6-track-EP called, as far as I can tell, '6-Track-EP' ... and why not? Released in 1999 on Deceptive Records and a nice follow-up to their fantastic debut album. Together with Smith himself grumbling away in the background they have a go at The Fall classic 'How I Wrote Elastic Man' from 1980. And a neat one at that!

(323) The Quads - 'There's Never Been A Night' (mp3). An oldie again, and yes, I know that you like to listen to these things from time to time ... nothing wrong with that, if you ask me. A 7" on Big Bear Records from 1979. Also scroll down to listen to The Quads' absolutely brilliant 'There Must Be Thousands' .... you'll find it somewhere at the bottom of this site. Better use some 'search' - function, if such a thing exists ... it's worth the effort, believe me!

(324) Culture - 'Two Sevens Clash' (mp3). 'Two Sevens Clash' is - without any doubt - one of the great reggae albums of our time, it was recorded in 1976 and released in 1977 on Joe Gibbs' label in Jamaica. The title was based on a prediction by Marcus Garvey, who said there would be chaos on July 7, 1977, when the "sevens" met. With its apocalyptic message, the song created a stir on the island and many Jamaican businesses and schools shuttered their doors for the day. I'll play you the 1982 Peel Session version of the title track, not because it's superior to the original release, but I like it a lot .... and I rule!

(325) Murry The Hump - 'Colouring Book' (mp3). The title track from an EP on Malthouse from 1999 and it's incredible: they've a shit name, they're from Aberystwyth, the B-side's called 'Kebab Or Shag'... How can something so wrong be so right?

(326) Melys - 'Porn Myself' (mp3). Will I ever get tired of listening to Melys in my life? Most probably not. Their songs are by and large not really 'catchy', neverteless I have always enjoyed what they did over the years. 'Porn Myself' is one out of four tracks (all equally good in my humble opinion) on a CD-EP on Sylem from 1999. Melys homepage: here.

(327) Baxendale - 'An American Friend' (mp3). I remember picking this item up in a London superstore, shortly after it's release ... and again, a much treasured item it is: a 7" on 180 g vinyl from the Czech Republic in fact, on Evil World Records. The inspiration for the band's name comes from Leo Baxendale, who was a famous british comic illustrator.

Enough for today, pop-pickers. Watch out for the final episode of 'My Peel Tapes', which you'll find here in - more or less - due course. Comments - as usual - are highly appreciated ...

Stay in tune!

Dirk

My Peel Tapes - Part 28

Yes, people,

and here we go, here we go, here we go .... another edition of 'My Peel Tapes' ... where we find ourselves quite some years back in time ... in 1997 in fact. Some really cool tunes were released then, and here are some examples. Enjoy!

(289) Kenickie - 'Punka' (mp3). Orginally released as a 7" on EMI Disc in 1996, re-released a year later on the same label and also available on their debut album 'At The Club', also from 1997. They were a great band, sounding really 'fresh' back in those days. Formed in Sunderland in 1994, disbanded in 1998 and again I don't have any idea what they possibly might be doing nowadays.

(290) The Fall - 'Don't Call Me Darling' (mp3). From the band's 'Cerebral Caustic' - LP on Permanent Records, released in 1995. You know, I really hung on Peel's lips for nearly 20 years, but never had I been able to share his enthusiasm for The Fall. To me they have never been more than an 'okay-type-of-band', of course they did some brilliant tunes, but also a fair amount of unlistenable stuff. 'Don't Call Me Darling' is pretty much okay for me though, and I hope you like it as well.

(291) Jane Bond & The Undercovermen - 'Kiss My Gun' (mp3). Played by Peel as part of his little 'Jane Bond - retrospective', which he did around 1998, some 15 or so years after the original release of 'Politically Correct'. 'Politically Correct' is one of the most criminally underrated records of our time, the second album by the band and each track on it is a winner. As far as I know this record dates 1982, although I'm pretty sure that this can't be right: I think it was not issued before 1984 or even 1985, on Dreamworld in the USA and on Normal Records here in Germany. It is not easy to ascertain any information about Jane Bond & The Undercovermen on the internet, apparently they never got the attention they deserved.

(292) Suckle - 'Boyfriend' (mp3). Backside of their 'Symposium' - 7" on Detox Records from 1997. Hard to say whether the B-Side is better than the A-Side, both tunes are rather fine. This may well be because Suckle consisted of members of the mighty Vaselines .... who were gods, there is no other way to describe it, I'm afraid to say.

(293) Galactic Symposium - 'YMCA' (mp3). "You won't find a more joyous record", that's what Peel had to say about this little gem. A ramshackle version of the Village People - favourite, and - I'm sure you will agree - rather preferable to the original. An extremely rare 7" on Vague Records from 1978 and if you have never heard this before, you really should complete your little lifes by downloading it without hesitation at all. I think the way the singer can barely keep from cracking up throughout the song is simply unbelievably infectious! Too good to be missed, people ....

(294) Morphine - 'Murder For The Money' (mp3). Well, it is not easy to describe Morphine's sound to people who have never heard anything they ever did. I'll quote Wikipedia here:

"Morphine's instrumentation was quite unusual: Sandman's primary instrument was a two-string bass guitar (with both strings usually tuned to a 5th or octave interval) played with a slide; however, on the group's records he added touches of guitar, piano, electronic organ, and other self invented guitar instruments such as tritar (three stringed guitar). Colley played primarily baritone saxophone, along with soprano or tenor saxes, and the rare bass saxophone, and he sometimes played two saxes at once, a la Roland Kirk; he also played occasional percussion, and Dobro on a B-side."

'Murder For The Money' was a CD-Single, released on Rykodisc in 1997. Also look out for their second album, 'Cure For Pain' from 1993, which is an outstanding piece of music!

(295) Altered Images - 'I Could Be Happy' (mp3). A 7" picture disc on Epic from 1981, which most probably is a guarantee for heavy surface noise. But I hope this doesn't put you off, because this is one of the many tunes you don't hear all too often on the radio these days, but when you hear it, you say to yourself: "now, that was good to hear again!". Altered Images were led by the wonderful Clare Grogan, who, according to my mate J.C. aka The Vinyl Villain, once was rather rude to him when he asked her to have a dance with him. And where's Clare Grogan now (that we need her)? I have no idea ...... again!

(296) Scarfo - 'Alcaline' (mp3). A curious item this is: a 7" on Deceptive Records from 1997, it comes in a gatefold sleeve in a limited edition of 1500. But although the right side of the sleeve is manufactured as though it should contain a second record, it is - alas - empty, only the left side is filled with 'Alcaline' and 'El Topo' on the flipside. Investigating further in the wonderful world of the internet, it seems to me as if this item was only the first out of two singles, perhaps originally planned as a combined release. Either way, one out of Scarfo is now in The Kills and I once saw them playing in the Camden Palace in London in 1997 or 1998 together with my then girlfriend Natalie (well, she was accompanying me, not that she was performing together with Scarfo, that's what I'm trying to say here .... either way: "Hello Natalie", should you be reading this, which is unlikely), a very nice venue it was, and a storming gig as well!

(297) DM Bob & The Deficits - 'Bush Hog'n Man' (mp3). Hamburg's finest, as I'm sure you all agree! Deutschmark Bob have to be heard, their sound can't be described, at least not by me. More info on them here, 'Bush Hog'n Man' is the title track from their second album on Crypt Records from 1997 .... and what a masterpiece it is, to be sure!

(298) Echo & The Bunnymen - 'The Cutter' (mp3). Another oldie that feels really good to hear again after quite some time. Released as a 7" and as a 12" (with a fantastic extra tune on the B-Side, 'Zimbo'), but I'll play to you the LP version, the first track on 'Porcupine', released in 1983 on Korova Records.

(299) Pat Kelly - 'Whiter Shade Of Pale' (mp3). A very nice reggae version of the old Procul Harum - favourite, but the main appeal is that Kelly can’t make out the words accurately, so the lyrics become even more nonsensical. Check 'special virgins' instead of 'vestal virgins' or 'drove my mirror to the wall' .... priceless! It's not terribly easy to find out when exactly this was released, but I think it is from 1979 and was produced by Ossie Hibbert on the Mash-It - Label out of Jamaica. A great tune!

(300) Cornershop - 'Brimful Of Asha' (mp3). Yeah, I know that all of you can still sing along to this, but it was brandnew back in 1997 and when I first heard Peel playing it, it blew me away! More info upon this CD-single on Wiija Records: here. Cornershop homepage: here.

(301) Half Man Half Biscuit - 'See That My Bike's Kept Clean' (mp3). A wonderful version of Blind Lemon Jefferson's 'See That My Grave's Kept Clean', taken from Half Man Half Biscuit's 6th album, 'Voyage To The Bottom Of The Road'. Released, as usual, on Probe Plus Records in 1997. Here's the band's homepage.

(302) Secret Goldfish - 'Dandelion Milk Summer' (mp3). The Secret Goldfish was a band from Glasgow. The group was formed by ex-Fizzbombs singer Katy McCullars, guitarist John Morose, and the rhythm section from The Mackenzies, Graham Lironi and Paul Turnbull. 'Dandelion Milk Summer' was released as a 7" on Creeping Bent Records in 1996, you'll also find it on their debut LP, 'Aqua Pet .... You Make Me', also released in 1996.

(303) Arab Strap - 'Hey! Fever' (mp3). Their first EP, released on Chemikal Underground in 1997, was called 'The Girls Of Summer EP'. A two-track 7" and on it was the fabulous 'Hey! Fever' .... it was a good year for the Scottish altogether, but this tune really was outstanding!

Ah well. See you next week, boys and girls. Don't forget to keep your nails clean.

Dirk

My Peel Tapes - Part 27

Hello my beauties!!

A very happy New Year to all of you, combined with apologies that it took me ages to post something new on Sexyloser. The truth of the matter is that I spent most of my free time around Christmas and New Year on the couch, reading cheap literature and drinking even cheaper red wine. But now I'm back with a brandnew edition of 'My Peel Tapes' featuring stuff Peel played in 1996/1997: enjoy!

(273) Billy Bragg - 'Northern Industrial Town' (mp3). From the 'William Bloke' - album on Cooking Vinyl Records, released in 1996. Well, there are only very few bands or artists of which I can claim to owe everything that they ever released. Amongst The Clash and The Ramones I could name Billy Bragg, therefore I think I'm entitled to say that this song is one his finest works ever. Of course the earlier albums - in their entirety - were better than 'William Bloke' is, but the track itself is an outstanding masterpiece! One perfect example of a song where all comes to a conclusion with the final words .... great!

(274) Heavenly - 'Nous Ne Sommes Pas Des Anges' (mp3). From the 'Operation Heavenly' - album on Wiija Records, released in 1996. A very important band they were at those days, that's for sure. All of them played together in Talulah Gosh, perhaps you'll recognise Amelia Fletcher's voice on this tune, orginally performed by France Gall. 'Operation Heavenly' was the band's fourth and final album, after it they changed their name to Marine Research, because after the suicide of drummer (and brother of Amelia) Mathew Fletcher (shortly before the release of the album) they wouldn't want to carry on under the name of Heavenly. All of their previous records were released on the fantastic Sarah Records.

(275) Bis - 'Starbright Boy' (mp3). From the 'New Transistor Heroes' - album on Wiija Records, released in 1997. This debut LP is not 'easy listening', I think it's fair to say. 12 years ago they were clearly ahead of their time, but nowadays I can't quite cope with going through the album in one go .... rather an irritating wall of sound it is sometimes, I'm afraid to say. Lobster red vinyl, limited edition of 500 only: if anyone of you is interested in having my copy, just let me know ...

(276) Revelino - 'Step On High' (mp3). A 7" on Musidisc Records from 1996. Well, there ain't pretty much I could possibly say about Revelino apart from the fact that they came from Ireland and that they released three albums in their career. None of which I have ever heard, I'm ashamed to say, therefore I don't have the slightest idea whether they are any good or not. But upon the evidence of 'Step On High', I suppose they should well be wonderful!

(277) The Delgados - 'Sucrose' (mp3). From their 'Domestiques' - album on Chemikal Underground Records, released in 1996. I don't know why, but I always keep coming back to the wonderful 'Under Canvas, Under Wraps' as being my favourite track on the album. But I've posted this one before, therefore you'll get 'Sucrose' this time. Which is a pretty fine tune as well .... albeit I think it might have been pressed slightly off centre, but I hope that this doesn't spoil your enjoyment.

(278) Ellinger Combo - 'Okie From Muscogee' (mp3). From a compilation - CD called 'Texas Bohemia II - Slow Music. The Texas Bohemian Moravian German Bands'. Released on Germany's Trikont Label from Munich in 1996, this CD brings together rather a strange collection of combos, who cover 70's jukebox hits you wouldn't identify yourself with in the first place. 'Okie From Muscogee' though, orginally done by Merle Haggard as far as I know, is a real gem. Download this 1973 version of the old anti-hippy anthem immediately if you want to do yourself a favour, folks!

(279) Belle & Sebastian - 'The Stars Of Track And Field' (mp3). From their 'If You're Feeling Sinister' - CD on Jeepster Records from 1996. Well, there ain't much to say about this record, right? I mean, everything has been said already. The band's second longplayer definetely is one of the great records of all time and it shouldn't miss in your collection. Pitchfork Media placed the album at number 14 in its top 100 albums of the 1990s. Rolling Stone magazine featured the album on its list of "Essential Recordings of the 1990s," while Spin magazine included the record at number 76 on its "100 Greatest Albums, 1985-2005" list. 'If You're Feeling Sinister' also appears as an entry in the book "1001 Albums to Hear Before You Die" as chosen by music critics. Another source that analyzes critics, Acclaimed Music, has placed 'If You're Feeling Sinister' as the 5th-best album of 1996 and number 341 of all time.

(280) The Capris - 'There's A Moon Out Tonight' (mp3). Originally recorded in 1960, but taken from the 'Fabriclive.07: John Peel' - compilation-CD on Fabric Records, released in 2002. Normally these Amazon reviews are not very much reliable, but this one here says everything you need to know about this fantastic CD:

"Taking over from Grooverider, the man behind the decks for Fabriclive Vol.7 is everyone's favourite steam engine-loving sexagenarian, Mr John Peel. After his memorable set at the Fabric club in February, the veteran DJ obviously relished compiling his relentlessly eclectic first mix album. Predictably, The Fall get a look in as do the Undertones with "Teenage Kicks" but as the cult vinyl manipulator flicks from techno to blues, then R&B to reggae via folk and funk, it proves to be a rocky ride well worth the fare. Quite how it all fits in to the dance compilation category is a mystery, but in contrast to the dirge of one-dimensional titles available, Fabric 07 shines bright with a free-form bristling energy that many DJs half Mr Peel's age can only dream of. Where else would you find MC DET's feisty drum & bass fuelled "Hipsteppin" merging with the gorgeous soulful R&B harmonising of The Velvelettes "Needle in a Haystack" before the Bad Livers serve up a manic, banjo-driven, thigh-slappin' rendition of Iggy Pop's "Lust For Life"? With music culled from deep within the archives, Peel effortlessly transcends genres and decades with carefree abandon. Fabric 07 may well confound the feet but it's sure to rock the soul and warm the heart."

(281) Lotte Ohm - 'Die Liebe In Den Zeiten Des Rinderwahns' (mp3). A 12" EP on Disco Grönland Records from 1996. Again a bit of a treat, at least for me. Might mean nothing to you (English speakers), but there you are .... see how I have to suffer with all of the great records sung in English where I only understand half of what the singer sings. Improve on your German if you want to understand the lyrics, readers! The title translates as 'Love in the times of Mad Cow Disease', which should make you curious to know more, I might imagine ...

(282) The Descendents - 'I'm The One' (mp3). A 7" on Epitaph Europe in support of their 'Everything Sucks' - LP, both released in 1997. And a real corker this tune is, that's for sure!

(283) Babybird - 'Goodnight' (mp3). A 7" on the Echo Label from 1996. Not as sucessfull as the follow-up from 1997, 'You're Gorgeous', but what a fine song it is, friends .... also to be found on Babybird's debut album, 'Ugly Beautiful'. Stephen Jones decided to write fiction after Babybird split in 2000, as far as I know they briefly got together again, but what are they doing now, I have no idea ...

(284) Arab Strap - 'The First Big Weekend' (mp3). From their 'The Week Never Starts Around Here' - LP on Chemikal Underground Records from 1996. Okay, to be absolutely frank to you, this is another album which is not terribly easy to listen to in it's entirety. It's not bad, you know, but there is something missing which I can't immediately identify. 'The First Big Weekend' is a great tune though, you people in the UK might know it from a TV advertising (was it Guiness?) ....

(285) The Sid Presley Experience - 'Public Enemy Number One' (mp3). An oldie, and why not? The B-Side of their 'Hup Two Three Four' single on ID Records from 1984, although in my eyes the B-Side is the clear winner here. The single was produced by Dave Goodman, you might remember his brilliant 'Justifiable Homicide'. The Sid Presley Experience later became The Godfathers.

(286) Prolapse - 'Killing The Bland' (mp3). A CD-single on Radarscope Records from 1997. Sorry, but there is nothing much I can tell you about Prolapse, although I even two of their records. 'Killing The Bland' was on their album 'The Italian Flag',l which was released in 1997 as well, I think. The band came from Leicester ... and that's where my knowledge ends.

(287) Dreadzone - 'Earth Angel' (mp3). Again CD-single on Virgin Records, released in 1997. A nice tune, asomewhat contrary to what I normally post here on Sexyloser. Perhaps you even like it and say "Hah ... that's the fucking best tune you gave to us this week!" ... and you might be right. More on Dreadzone: here.

(288) Inter - 'Happy Ending' (mp3). An appropriate title on yet another CD-single, this time on Pet Sounds from 1997. I'm afraid this the only record I have by Inter, which is a real shame, because the tune is simply outstanding! Apparently they released quite a lot of other records before they split in 2001.

Enough for today, friends, but be relieved: there's more to come .... sooner or later. Until then, take good care, okay?

Dirk

Lady Loser's Lottery .... Pt. 3

Dearest friends,

first of all - of course - a very merry Christmas to all of you: I really do hope you are feeling well and are enjoying your days off as much I as I do. I'm sitting here in my brandnew chef-style-chair, a present from Mrs. Loser ... and what a treat it is, to be sure! And here's what my dear wife picked for you today, I hope it meets with your approval:

1) [from the 12" - shelf]: Harry Morse Project - 'Laziness' (mp3). Well, this is a pick I'm not convinced by at all. But that's the way this lottery works: I'm totally out of control. A DJ-colleague of mine used to play this a lot and I quite liked it back then, so he provided me with a copy of the 12". I think I haven't listened to it again until today and I must admit I don't know what to make out of it: it isn't a bad song after all, but it won't change your life as well, I'm afraid. But: judge for yourself and download it, if you want to. On Bigwave Records from Paris, France, released in 2000, the 12" is simply titled '#2'.

2) [from the CD - shelf]: The Feelies - 'Crazy Rhythms'. There are very few albums indeed to which you can listen to for, say, 20 years or so, and when the final song is over you think to yourself: 'Oh my God, that was simply outstanding!'. A measurement of such brilliance, at least for me this is the case, is when you owe the record as well on vinyl as on CD. There are just a handful of records for which this is true in my collection, and The Feelies' debut is but one of them. A true masterpiece, and I'm willing to have a small bet that it will put a smile on my face when I listen to it again when I'm 65. Released back in 1980 on Stationary Music and this is what I chose from it: 'Loveless Love' (mp3).

3) [from the 7" - shelf]: David Bowie - 'Ashes To Ashes' (mp3). I'm old enough to know that it's always dangerous to say something against Bowie, especially when you don't want to lose all of the five female readers who visit your blog on occasion. But, frankly speaking, I still can't cope with all he did, in fact I can't cope with most of what he did in his career. I mean, 'Heroes' is one of my all-time favourites and will most probably remain so forever, also 'Ashes To Ashes' is a fine song. But if you listen to his first albums in one go, you will find out that it is a relief when you have finished and are able to put something else on instead. At least I feel this way. That doesn't necessarily mean that I wouldn't want to look as good as him, of course. And have his money .... either way: on RCA Victor from 1979.

4) [from the Compilations - shelf]: 'Martin - The Work Of Record Producer Martin Hannett'. Well, the name should ring a bell for most of you. If it doesn't, here are the (inner) sleev notes:

"This collection is a sample of the work of record producer Martin Hannett from his early work with the Buzzcocks until his death in April 1991. Martin, as producer, was the mastermind behind the sound of Joy Division, and his influential production skills were employed by many of today's major bands. In later life he produced the Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, giving the latter their first hit: 'Wrote For Luck'. The final tracks on the album represent some of his more recent work before his death at the age of 41. The proceeds of this album go to his family."

On the album you'll find: World Of Twist, A Certain Ratio, Buzzcocks, Happy Mondays, High,
John Cooper Clarke, Joy Division, O.M.D., New Fast Automatic Daffodils, Slaughter & The Dogs, U2, which doesn't make it a lot easier altogether to pick something (apart from U2, of course). I'll go for John Cooper Clarke, I think, with his first (and best) release from 1977: 'Suspended Sentence' (mp3). 'Martin' was released on Factory Records in 1991.

5) [from the LP - shelf]: The Specials - 'The Specials'. Again a top choice, as with The Feelies. One of the classic debut albums of all time, full of good tunes and I never get tired of hearing it again over and over. Rather hard to chose a specific song, but I'll go for 'Stupid Marriage' (mp3) on this occasion. The Specials always were my definitive favourites when it comes to Ska ... nothing against Madness or Selecter or The Toasters, but The Specials really have stood the test of time. The album was produced by Elvis Costello and released in 1979 on Chrysalis.

Okay, enough for today: gotta run, shower and dress myself in order to be at my sister's place in time .... where I'll be served with even more to eat - and drink, I'm afraid - than yesterday. Oh, isn't Christmas fun?

See you soon,

Dirk

Special Request Edition: The Blue Orchids

Dear friends,


an e-mail came in from regular correspondent Craig Keany, who asked whether it would be possible for me to do some kind of special request edition upon The Blue Orchids. It is, Craig, and I can tell you why it is: you are absolutely right in saying that The Blue Orchids were - and are, as a matter of fact - most probably one of the most grievously underrated bands of all time.


I won't bore you with too much details about them, I think all necessary information about the band can be found here. Also there is rather a good retrospective of their work, which can be found here.


Their music is hard to describe, but I have been fascinated by it ever since I first got my hands on a cassette of their album back in the very early Eighties. Only several years later I was able to find a second hand copy of said album, 'The Greatest Hit (The Money Mountain)'.


But, enough said, here's what I chose for you, Craig. And for the rest of you as well, of course:



'Work' (mp3). The A-Side of their second 7" from 1981.


'Agents Of Chance' (mp3). The title track from a 1982 4-track-EP.


'Thirst' (mp3). The B-Side of their 'Sleepy Town' - 7" from 1985. Took this from an old John Peel's Music - cassette, the sound quality might be a bit dodgy, but the track is ace!


'Hanging Man' (mp3), 'Sun Connection' (mp3), 'Low Profile' (mp3), 'Dumb Magician' (mp3).


All those four songs are taken from their aforementioned album 'The Greatest Hit (The Money Mountain)' from 1982. There isn't a single bad track on it and you may well believe me that I had a hard time in chosing only a few songs.


'The Flood' (mp3). A-Side of their very first single from 1980.


'The House That Faded Out' (mp3). The B-Side of the 'Work' - single, although this version here is taken from their first (out of two) Peel Session from 08.12.80.


'Heroes' (mp3). Okay, this is a bit of a bonus. The Blue Orchids worked as Nico's backing band from 1983 onwards and therefore you get this one as well. From 1983, on Aura Records. All of the others above were released on Rough Trade Records, by the way.


I hope you enjoyed what I chose for you, Craig. Let me know if you were pleased, okay?


See you soon,


Dirk

My Peel Tapes - Part 26

Good morning my beauties,

yes, believe it or not, another episode of 'My Peel Tapes' for you! I know, quite a while ago since the last one. I must admit, I couldn't convince myself to do it earlier, because all in all it became rather a bore somehow. Also I was so very much fond of this 'Lady Loser's Lottery' - thingy ... I'd rather had done another of those instead of 'My Peel Tapes'. But the show must go on, so here we go ... I hope you enjoy what Uncle John played to me back then, 'cos that's exactly what I'll play to you today:

(258) Elastica - 'Waking Up (mp3). Again from their first, self-titled album on Geffen, released in 1995, also released as a single in the same year. Interestingly enough The Stranglers apparently blamed (sued?) the band for the fact that 'Waking Up' sounds pretty much like their 'No More Heroes' from 1977 .... I can't see that much of a similarity. Can you?

(259) The Silver Jews - 'Trains Across The Sea' (mp3). The Silver Jews were, amongst others, David Berman and Stephen Malkmus. Yes, that Stephen Malkmus out of Pavement. 'Trains Across The Sea' is my favourite song on their debut album 'Starlite Walker', released in 1994 on Drag City Records in the States and on Domino in Europe. The tune really grows on you, people, so you'd better download it and listen to it very closely. Silver Jews' homepage: here. 'Half hours on earth, what are they worth?', he asks in the song ... and doesn't hesitate to leave the question unanswered ....

(260) Northern Picture Library - 'Last September's Farewell Kiss' (mp3).
"Battery Point" was a very fine 1995 compilation on Sarah Records and it featured Aberdeen, Action Painting, Blueboy, Boyracer, Hit Parade, Ivy, Northern Picture Library, Secret Shine,
Shelley and Sugargliders. Peel played the Nothern Picture Library - track .... and so shall I. A most fragile track, so please

(261) Jerry Lee Lewis - 'How's My Ex Treating You' (live at Panther Hall, Fort Worth) (mp3). Alas this live recording from 1966 comes in rather dodgy quality, but I thought I'd play it to you nevertheless, because it is a neat song, that's for sure. More on Jerry Lee Lewis, one of the great performers of that era, here.

(262) The Flys - 'Love And A Molotov Cocktail' (mp3). A 1978 7" on EMI of all labels, odd really. A killer tune from yesteryear, if you don't know it yet: have a listen, folks ... it really is one of the great records of the punk or pre-punk era ....

(263) The Wedding Present - 'Go Man Go' (mp3). Once one of my all-time favourite combos, I'm not entirely convinced by all of what The Wedding Present are doing these days. This though still was fine stuff, from their 'Mini' - 10" on Cooking Vinyl from 1996. I think I should listen to the whole record again after having brought the track from vinyl to mp3 later on ....

(264) Pulp - 'Mile End' (mp3). Taken from the soundtrack of the film 'Trainspotting', released on Premier Records in 1996, a double LP, in fact. Not all on it is as good as Pulp's contribution, it must be said. The film, however, is a masterpiece, of course ....

(265) Calvin Party - 'Life And Other Sex Tragedies' (mp3). I know I've posted this before, but that's no excuse not to do that again: this is a FANTASTIC song, friends, definetely one of my choices for the Desert Island. It starts rather quietely, but then explodes and becomes to something which I would describe as one of the finest moments in the history of recorded music to date. The singer's accent is great, the lyrics are simply awesome ... this song is a MUST!!! From their 1995 album 'Lies, Lies And Government' on Probe Plus Records from Liverpool. Really, I can't recommend this enough ... if you don't do yourself a favour and have a listen to it, it's your own fault!

(266) The Congos - 'Children Crying' (mp3). From one of the classic roots reggae releases from Jamaica from the late 70's, along with Culture's 'Two Sevens Clash' perhaps: the album 'Heart Of The Congos' from 1977. I have a very nice German re-release with gatefold sleeve from 1996 on Blood And Fire Records ... wish I had a copy of the original Jamaican pressing though. Find an interview with Watty Burnett, who, amongst others, did the backing vocals on the album, here.

(267) Sleater-Kinney - 'I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone' (mp3). Heroes of the 'Riot Grrrl' - scene Sleater-Kinney hail from Olympia, Washington, later moved to Portland, Oregon and here's their website. 'Joey Ramone' comes from their second album, 'Call The Doctor' on Chainsaw Records from 1996.

(268) Helen Love - 'Girl About Town' (mp3). Again featured previously (at least I think this is the case), again one of the finest records on earth. Originally released as a B-Side (of the 'We Love You' - 7") in 1995 on Damaged Goods. The single is long deleted, but perhaps you are lucky and find a copy of their great 'Radio Hits Vol. 2' - compilation, also on Damaged Goods from 1997. Great website of one of the finest bands ever to come from Wales here. I'll dedicate this to my pal FiL from Pogo A Go-Go, I know he likes the tune a lot and so does his son.

(269) Chixdiggit - 'I Drove The Coquihalla' (mp3). From Alberta in Canada, from their self-titled LP on Sub Pop Records from 1996, which is full of good and gnarly power-punk/pop stuff. More information on Chixdiggit: here.

(270) Bennet - 'Someone Always Gets There First' (mp3). Despite the fact that this 7" was released on All The Blacks Records back in 1997, it's on nice red vinyl. And very good it is, too. I'm ashamed to say I don't have the slightest idea what ever became of Bennet, but they were really really good back then. I had expected them to become much more popular .... but I was wrong, as usual.

(271) Half Man Half Biscuit - 'Eno Collaboration' (mp3). The toast of Birkenhead with a 7" on Probe Plus Records from 1996. As always with fantastic lyrics, 'I went from the Andies to the Indies in my undies' is especially good, I think. Have a look at a very fine Half Man Half Biscuit - fansite here.

(272) Rudi - 'Big Time' (mp3). Again a total pop-punk classic from Belfast's Rudi. From 1978 on Good Vibrations Records (who also released the original 'Teenage Kicks' - 7" by The Undertones). More on Rudi here.

Well, as always I really hope you enjoyed my choices for today. Kindly drop a little comment and let me know whether this was the case. Or not.

I hope to have another episode ready before the New Year comes. There will definetely be another 'Lady Loser's Lottery' one, so watch out for it ....

Take care and stay healthy, friends!

Dirk

Lady Loser's Lottery .... Pt. 2

Hello nice people,

well, after all of those nice little responses to the first part of Lady Loser's Lottery, I thought why not do a second part, so here you are. Took me quite some time to achieve this, but I have been rather ill lately and this more or less the first time in two weeks for me in front of the computer. Either way, I'm back to mid-season form and I hope you enjoy what Mrs. Loser picked for you:






1) [from the CD - shelf] New Order's 'Waiting For The Sirens' Call' album from 2005 on London Records. Oh boy, I must admit, I haven't listened to this since ..... 2005. And I don't have the slightest idea what might possibly be the best track to play to you here. So let's do it the DJ-without-a-clue-way and play Track A ... always a safe choice, I found out in my career. Here's 'Who's Joe' (mp3).



2) [from the 7" - shelf] The Jesus and Mary Chain - 'Upside Down'. Well, I think I'll play you the B-Side here, 'Vegetable Man' (mp3), because I might think you don't hear it all that often .... and it's a rather neat cover of an old Pink Floyd song. The 7" was released on Creation Records back in 1982 .... as long ago as that? That can't be right, c'mon ... but that's what it reads on the label (Creation 012).

Strange, I just had a look at the internet to find out and everywhere it reads 1985, but curiously I can't find a picture of the sleeve which I have (blueish, with a guitar). The other releases seem to have been gatefold sleeves in different colours .... if there are any Jesus & Mary Chain - enthusiasts reading this here: please let me know, okay? Thank you ...





3) [from the Compilations - shelf] 'Doing It For The Kids', Creation Records, 1988. This is a great record with a whole bunch of adorable tunes on it, people: Weather Prophets, Biff Bang Pow, Emily, Heidi Berry, Felt, House Of Love, Jasmine Minks, Momus, Jazz Butcher, My Bloody Valentine, Nikki Sudden, Pacific, Primal Scream, Razorcuts, Times ... what more could you possibly ask for back in those days. And only because I featured the Jazz Butcher track ('Lot 49') before (in the 'Some Of The Best There Ever Has Been - 1988' - post), I'll choose Felt's 'Ballad Of The Band' (mp3) .... not because it's worse than 'Lot 49', I just love 'Lot 49' to no degree .... don't know why though ....


4) [from the 12" - shelf] Something German for a change for you now .... but I told you in my introduction to the first part that Mrs. Loser chooses the records with closed eyes, so it can't always be chocolate, you see. Fettes Brot - 'Jein' (mp3). Fettes Brot were (and are, actually) one of the first German bands who achieved success despite singing in German back in those days when including a bit of rap and spoken bits was a thing what only English - speaking bands would allow themselves to try. They come from Northern Germany and the members were (and, as far as I know, still are) Dr. Renz, König Boris and Schiffmeister. 'Jein' is about him not being able to decide how to approach the girl ..... yes, this old story. On Yo Mama Records from 1996 ... and it felt really good to hear this one again: thank's honey!




5) [from the LP - shelf] Joy Division's 'Closer'. Labelled incorrectly by Base Records in Italy with Side Two on both sides of the record ... probably I'm a millionaire and don't know about it? Well, of course there is one stand-out track on it and that is, of course, 'Isolation' (mp3). The band's second album, released in the July of 1980, two months after Ian Curtis' death. Would be intersting to know what YOU think: was it meant to mean 'Closer' as in 'shorten a distance' or 'Closer' as in 'finale'? Answers in the comment section, please .....


That's it, folks. Would mean a lot to me if some of you would let me know what you thought of Mrs. Loser's choices .... until then:


Cheerio,


Dirk