Friday 25 October 2013

The Get-Go's new MP3 album, ‘Typically English’, is released today!!!


 
 
Release date: 25 Oct 2013

Label: Southside Records

Track Listing: -

1 Two Time Loser 

2 Ain't No Fool 

3 Summer in the City (feat. Roger Cotton) 

4 Down the Line (feat. Mick Talbot & Roget Cotton) 

5 Let Me Tell Ya 

6 All Fine (Now Your Mine) [feat. Roger Cotton & Mick Talbot] 

7 Sail On (feat. Roger Cotton) 

8 Lovin' You So (feat. Roger Cotton) 

9 My Love 

10 Typically English

11 So Sad the Morning 

12 No Love Inside (feat. Roger Cotton & Mick Talbot) 

13 Battered 'n' Bruised 

Dave Davies – ‘Rock N Roll Journey Film’ - A documentary following Kinks founder member Dave Davies on the road

Ever since Dave Davies changed music by slicing up the speaker cone of a little green amp and created a revolutionary, distorted guitar tone and frenetic solo on song You Really Got Me - he has been compelling force in popular music.  A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave's massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from Van Halen to Green Day.

Dave suffered a serious stroke in 2004, but thankfully has recovered and he performed his first concerts for 9 years with the band the Jigsaw Seen a few months ago. Judging by the reviews, it was as if he had never been away. Since 1997 when Dave started playing live solo after the discontinuance of the Kinks, there hasn`t been a proper video recording made, which is why we are eager to make this project - it`s a unique opportunity to capture the energy of Dave playing live and his upbeat disposition in behind the scenes action. Interjecting rocking gigs with other elements to create a road movie style documentary.  Memories of Kinks life on the road in America, chatting and reminiscing with fans and contemporaries. We also hope to film Dave in conversation with 1 or 2 people important to his musical story and that of the Kinks.

These are the concerts on Dave`s upcoming tour we aim to film: -

12 Nov, 2013: City Winery, New York City

14 Nov, 2013: Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, New Jersey

16 Nov, 2013: Bear`s Den, Seneca Niagara Casino, Niagara Falls, New York.

18 Nov, 2013: City Winery, Chicago, Illinois.

19 Nov, 2013: Evanston SPACE, Evanston, Illinois

There will be hopefully be more concerts/events over winter that we can film - whether in America or Europe.  The more we can capture, the better we think the film will be.  We are aiming for a release by Spring 2014.

We don`t have as long for our campaign as most projects on Indiegogo, so would be grateful if you could help spread the word.

The Kinks are as popular now than they`ve been for a while, as new generations have discovered the magical music which has inspired countless bands and artists.   Dave`s songs `Living on a Thin Line` and `Strangers` have featured in iconic TV show The Sopranos and the Wes Anderson film The Darjeeling Limited.  Yet Dave and his solo work are not as well-known as perhaps they should be and we would like to help rectify this.  We think this film will attract anyone interested in rock `n roll.

We would like to upgrade our HD camera, and ideally get a second camera for supplementary footage, and add some quality lenses to facilitate low light/night-time filming. We would also pay for additional crew for some gigs to help with visuals and audio - including a steadicam.  We also need some audio equipment including field microphones.

If we reach a certain level of funding, we aim to allot 10% of the budget for archive - film, video and photography.  We have already started sourcing material. If we raise enough money, it would be great to use footage of Dave on TV - performing live or being interviewed.

We hope to hire several locations for filming - conducting interviews or for other filming purposes.  Part of the budget will also cover travel and accommodation for 1 or 2 person man crew (Martin and additional camera or sound if we have enough).  We also envisage a 8-10 week edit - and will allot a bare minimum for the cost of this.

If you are interested in purchasing a perk, please consider doing it asap to help us build some momentum.
 
Enquiries:  davedaviesfilms@aim.com

Roger Daltrey to Perform at Winston Churchill Ceremony

Roger Daltrey will perform next week at a U.S. Capitol ceremony honouring Winston Churchill.  On Wednesday, October 30, congressional leaders and Secretary of State John Kerry will gather in National Statuary Hall to dedicate a bust of the former British prime minister. 

“What better way to celebrate Winston Churchill’s friendship to the United States than to have one of Britain’s most legendary recording artists perform in the halls of the Capitol,” Speaker Boehner said.  ”Roger’s performance is sure to guarantee that the Churchill bust receives the first-class welcome it deserves.”

“I am pleased to be part of the celebration of Winston Churchill and the longstanding relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States,” Roger Daltrey, CBE, said.  “I am honoured to be able to show my appreciation to this great man who, as our Prime Minister, fought for and secured freedom for Britain, America and the citizens of the world.”

Steve Cradock talks to the Torquay Herald about his new album & tour

FOR A man about to embark on not one, not two, but three separate tours between now and Christmas, Steve Cradock is remarkably relaxed.

During a break in rehearsals at the Attic in Torquay, Steve is enjoying the warm reception his new solo album is receiving, and looking forward to taking its songs out on the road.

Advance reviews of Travel Wild-Travel Free have been universally good, and songs like Sheer Inertia and Street Fire sound fresh as paint as he and his band prepare them on the darkened stage of the daytime-deserted harbourside venue.

“I’m really looking forward to touring,” he says. “I’m not very good at being at home. I like being out on the road!”

Torquay-based Steve begins a tour in his long-standing role as part of Paul Weller’s band on October 7, and prepares for Christmas by fronting Ocean Colour Scene on a British tour.

But in between, he squeezes in eight dates with his own band, culminating in the only West Country date, on board the converted cargo ship Thekla in the centre of Bristol on November 8.

It’s not that he wouldn’t love to be playing closer to home, and he hasn’t ruled out a last-minute warm-up gig somewhere nearer Torquay.

But he has been frustrated by the lack of venues and opportunities in South Devon.

“I don’t know what it is,” he says. “I don’t think people really know what to do with us.”

There was one local pre-tour gig in August, when Paignton Regatta revellers had a sneak preview of songs from the new album as Steve and his band played a free open-air gig on the Green. The tour band will be almost identical to that which kicked off the regatta’s fireworks night.

Steve’s wife Sally will be part of the band, and plays a major role on the new album.

In fact it’s a real family affair, with nine-year-old son Cassius playing the flute on one track, and 10-year-old daughter Sunny reading a poem on another.

“They’re always with us,” said Steve. “So it just seemed natural to have them involved in the album.

“Cassius was just playing a melody on the flute, just picking out the notes himself.

“So we had a whole session in the studio with him. He was really professional, and he’s really proud of the song on the album.”

Like his previous solo outing, Travel Wild-Travel Free was recorded at Fred Ansell’s Deep Litter Studio in the South Hams. This time, however, it was recorded in the warmth of summer rather than the depths of an icy winter which formed the backdrop to the recording of Peace City West.

“It was a great experience, and a bit warmer than it was last time we were down there recording!” said Steve.

“We had a bit more time with this one. It evolved over a longer period and we had a bit more thinking time.

“When you mix an album like this, that’s when it starts to contain its own DNA.”

The finished songs were then mixed and mastered at Paul Weller’s Black Barn studio in Surrey.

The result is an album packed with great tunes and surprises.

Sheer Inertia is a radio-friendly stomper that sounds even better played live than it does on record.

“It’s the first single from the album,” says Steve.

“It’s kind of a pop song, with a middle-eight reminiscent of Roy Wood and a bit of French radio coming through from somewhere.”

Opening track Anyway The Wind Blows sets the scene beautifully, while the exuberant Doodle Book appears in a different version from the one on the latest OCS album.

The title track could and should be the second single; Running Isn’t Funny Anymore is a feast of swirling psychedelia just made for playing loud in cars, and 10,000 Times is a delightful duet, co-written with another great English songwriter, Glenn Tillbrook of Squeeze.

“Rehearsals have been going really well,” says Steve.

“The Attic is an amazing venue to rehearse in. It’s perfect.

“A few more days and we’ll be ready to take the new songs out on the road.

“I can’t wait!”

Travel Wild-Travel Free is out now.

Thursday 24 October 2013

The Who's Keith Moon is still a hot commodity.

ARTIST LEGACY GROUP (ALG) has signed the estate of The Who’s legendary drummer Keith Moon to a worldwide management deal.

ALG--which launched in 2013 and specializes in Estate Management and Legacy Planning--is seeking out and developing new opportunities to leverage Moon’s intellectual property. The estate’s first collaboration is with Hi Fidelity Entertainment on what will be the first-ever line of official Keith Moon branded merchandise.

“Our mission is to protect and promote an artist’s legacy,” says ALG Founder and CEO Ashley Austin. “Estate management is a niche business that, while relatively new to the industry, is an essential component for the business development of iconic artists. We aim to deliver the level of personal attention and quality of service these legends deserve.” Throughout her tenure in the music industry, Austin has developed a comprehensive understanding of brand and asset management, particularly when it comes to the estates of legendary artists.

In addition to Estate Management, ALG is expanding its reach with its unique Legacy Planning service. To help outline the visions of living artists, ALG works in collaboration with the artist and their current team to create a proactive plan for their intellectual property assets. “Direct input from the artist is invaluable,” says Austin.  “The goal with Legacy Planning is to discuss the artist’s vision specifically pertaining to the type of image and brand they want preserved.  This helps to ensure that their creative wishes are fulfilled, and prevents any future guessing about what they may, or may not have wanted.”

ALG develops and implements the long-term brand objectives of legacy artists and cultural icons through its Estate Management and Legacy Planning services.  The company is driven by the importance of these artists: who they are, what they stand for, and what they mean to past and future generations.

“Every Man Should Have: A Tailor Who Knows Your Name” says David Coggins of GQ

It's not uncommon for a certain type of man to let you know that he has the name of a really good tailor. "The best," he'll whisper conspiratorially, as if he doesn't want the secret to get out. "Tell him I sent you." His office is undoubtedly hard to find, open at odd hours, hidden down the end of a hall in an obscure building. Trained in Napoli, you'll hear, from legends—he did work for Cary Grant and is a personal favorite of Gay Talese. It's certainly good to know such a man, so by all means remember the name. But it's also good to be on familiar terms with a tailor who knows your name.

He need not be an Italian maestro or have apprenticed on Savile Row. You're just getting your pants hemmed, not constructing the definitive suit for a power lunch at 21 with Jay McInerney. Most importantly, this man should recognize you. He should know your sense of style—that you don't like a break in your trousers, that you're partial to silhouettes on the straight and narrow. He'll also happily turn your order around quickly, when needed.

It's a relationship every man should have. It begins by showing due respect to the skills involved. You appreciate what can be accomplished and are realistic in your expectations. He, in turn, understands what you're looking for, and doesn't overpromise or oversell. If you have the good fortune to come into an ancient Savile Row suit you want entirely re-cut (the sartorial equivalent of open-heart surgery), then track down an English tailor who makes his own suits. Otherwise, keep it local, and pay in cash.

A maître d', a mechanic, a fly fishing guide, even a ticket broker—these are the names of men you should have in your arsenal. They connect you to your interests then help you improve them; they're enablers in the best sense. You choose the clothes, but the tailor is the translator—the last set of hands that touches the thread before you wear them. It's best if those hands are trusted.

Every Man Should Have...

“Opening of new shop in Norwich show that Dr Martens is still in step with counter-culture” says the Norwich Evening News

They’re the official footwear of the counter-culture, the boots of choice for everyone from policemen to punks, skinheads to socialists, fashionistas to factory workers and celebrities to comfort-seekers. This week, a dedicated Dr Martens shop opened in Norwich. Stacia Briggs celebrates the brand with sole.

“If you rebelled against anything in your youth, there’s a good chance you were wearing Dr Martens’ boots as you did it.

Dr Martens’ boots were first introduced to the UK in 1960 – initially embraced by workers, they soon left a huge footprint on style, becoming an iconic, statement brand that survived the fickle fortunes of fashion.

Their success would probably have surprised inventor Klaus Maertens, a German army doctor who alleviated the pain of a skiing accident in 1945 by designing his own shoes with an air-cushioned sole, cleverly fashioned from discarded tyre rubber.

In 1958, a Northampton-based family-run show manufacturer called Griggs bought the rights to make the DM brand and, after Anglicising the name to avoid post-war discrimination and adapting the design, Doctor Martens hit the market.

Launched on April 1 1960, the classic 1460 eight-eyelet boot was aimed at workers who spent all day on their feet.

The range grew, was branded ‘Airwair’ and was given a helping hand in the style stakes by The Who’s Pete Townshend, who adopted them in 1966 as a reaction to the foppish clothes in vogue during the 1960s.

“I was sick of dressing up as a Christmas tree in flowing robes that got in the way of my guitar playing,” he said, “so I thought I’d move on to utility wear.”

With added bounce on stage and a nod to his working class background, Pete furthered the DM cause with his 1975 film of rock opera Tommy, which featured Elton John in seven-league, gigantic DM boots which stood four and a half feet tall like airwair stilts.

By the 1970s, Dr Martens were the footwear of subcultures, adopted by many on-the-fringes groups from punks to skinheads, mods to rockers, psychobillies to goths.

Keen to disassociate the brand with 1970s football thuggery, Dr Martens approached the Football League with a sponsorship deal in 1984 but was it was rejected due to its ‘bovver boy’ image. A later shirt sponsorship deal with West Ham United Football Club built bridges and Dr Martens reputation escaped unscathed.

Punks unwittingly helped with brand development when they customised their boots with pins and paint and there are now more than 65,000 variations of DM, from glitter leather to neon, Union Jack design to floral fantasy boots.

I bought my first pair of DMs when I was 15: I’d wanted some for years, but doggedly refused to buy any that were available in Norwich, instead saving up to take the train to London to buy something more exotic and, crucially, unavailable to Norwich-based would-be plagiarists.

My boots boasted the least number of holes available – I am quite short and would look ridiculous in 10-hole or 14-hole boots and 20-hole boots would reach to my thighs – and were patent black leather. Hugely expensive at the time, I wore those boots to death, although you simply can’t wear DMs to death because they are immortal. In the Tardis of my house, somewhere that first pair of DMs are still going strong – I imagine they will outlive me by some distance.

The enduring joy of Dr Martens’ boots is that they have one foot firmly in the world of fashion and the other in the land of function, meaning that looking good doesn’t necessarily mean hobbling yourself with shoes that couldn’t be less comfortable if they were made of red-hot iron.

This week, a brand new Dr Martens store opened in central Norwich – the largest of its kind in the UK, stocking 71 lines of clothing and accessories and a staggering 254 lines of footwear.

Amy Nelson, UK retail marketing manager for Dr Martens, said: “We’re delighted to be opening our largest store in Norwich. The Dr Martens culture is a perfect fit for a rich, vibrant city such as Norwich.

“The styles and trends that people wear in the city, combined with an unrivalled shopping experience, vast student population and one of the UK’s best music and arts scenes, make it an ideal fit for the Dr Martens brand.”

The 2,000 sq m store on Castle Street will have an industrial feel with exposed wooden floors, brick walls and warehouse-style lighting and will include a ‘Made In England’ zone to highlight the products created at the DM factory in Northamptonshire.

It will have a photo booth similar to the brand’s Carnaby Street store and a leather sofa in Dr Martens’ classic Oxblood leather tone where customers can relax while listening to their favourite tracks on the in-store jukebox.

With their trademark yellow stitching, thick soles and ever-increasing eyelets, it looks as if Dr Martens will be a shoe-in for fashionistas and fans of functional footwear for many years to come.”

By Stacia Briggs

Keele All-Nighter - Saturday 12th April 2014


Filming for scooter documentary takes place in Kidderminster

A Kidderminster filmmaker, actor and presenter has been making a documentary in the town about the British scooter scene.

Craig Leonard, originally from Lye, and co-presenter Matt Harley have been filming for Strange Roots, a 30-minute pilot which they hope will become six one-hour episodes.

Strange Roots is a humorous documentary based on the vintage scooter scene. It explores the music, fashion, scooters, punks, and skinheads who became part of the 250,000 vintage scooter riders in Britain today.

The duo filmed their first episode at a Northern Soul event at the Gainsborough House Hotel.

Craig said: “The night went really well, we had six DJs in total. We had a full camera crew and everyone was seen dancing and some were interviewed for the programme.

“Enough footage was shot for a 30-minute episode charting Northern Soul music and its relevance today. Many of the local scooter riders from the Nowhere To Run To Scooter Club came.”

The idea of the series is that Craig acts as a newcomer to the scooter club scene and co-presenter Matt acts as a biker. It hopes to uncover that there is more to the scooter scene than is shown in cult hit Quadrophenia.

Craig, who appeared as a singer in Atonement starring Keira Knightley, has tried to bring TV and film work into Kidderminster for a number of years. He introduced the cast of Allo Allo to Kidderminster at the Severn Valley Railway and has produced a number of music videos, one of which, Wakedown by local band Weak13, won best music video at the Limelight Film Awards in 2010.

He added: “I’m currently working towards a huge First World War-themed movie with the UK’s top screenwriters and producer which I hope I can bring to the town in 2015.”

Craig now hopes to sell the pilot episode and be commissioned for the series.

"Miss Crawley given Mod makeover" (or so they think – oh dear!!!)

'This is Sussex' reports that, “The town's most beautiful woman was given a mod-style makeover to promote a scooter club's 30th anniversary.

Nicole Aitken-Smith, who was recently crowned Miss Crawley 2013, was invited to Central Sussex College for a makeover and fashion shoot.

The 17-year-old, of Blackheath in Pound Hill, was dressed in 1960s attire by the college's fashion students after being given a makeover by its beauty students.

Photography students then took pictures of her posing with a vintage 1959 Lambretta, which had been restored.

The Last Great Act of Defiance Scooter Club's 30th Anniversary reunion is being held at Goff's Park Social Club on November 9.

There will be live music, with mod gods The Scene taking centre stage and Distant Echo in support. DJs English Karl, Gary Crickmore, Carl Skalistic and Mark Bailey will spin some vinyl on the night as well.

The club was born out of the great 80s mod revival and has remained true to its mod roots. Sporting Breton caps and belts, the 200 or so that made up a 'Defiance' pack were a regular sight at all-dayers, all-nighters and of course the obligatory weekenders.

Now the club is celebrating 30 years and wants former members to get back in touch.

Gerard James, one of the founding members, said: "It would be great to hear from some of the old 'uns – better if they want to come along."

He added that it won't be quite an all-nighter, finishing at 2am, saying: "Well, we have been going 30 years."

Tickets for the reunion, which starts at 7.30pm, are £10 in advance and can be bought from the social club, or £12 on the door.”

Exhibition: Where Have All the Bootboys Gone? - 23 October to 2nd November at the London College of Communication

The London College of Communication is proud to present a new exhibition called: Where Have All the Bootboys Gone? Skinhead Style and Graphic Subcultures. Running from Wednesday 23rd October to Saturday 2nd November, the exhibition explores the skinhead movement from it's 1960s British roots to contemporary global interpretations of the lifestyle.

The show focuses on visual manifestations of skinhead style, with items including clothing, graphic design, photography and publishing on display. Evolving from the 'hard mods' of the 1960s, original British skinheads were influenced by Ska, Rocksteady and Bluebeat music. The exhibition features covers from many of the D-I-Y fanzines developed by skins to share music and styles tips amongst their groups, which remained largely underground.

Where Have All the Bootboys Gone? makes links to the cultural elements that surround the moment, exploring music genres, football, politics and class. By covering the full history of the subculture, the exhibition addresses the darker interpretations associated with the style, as well as 'Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice' or S.H.A.R.Ps. Speaking of the exhibition, Creative Director Russell Bestley says: "the (skinhead) subculture retains a strongly close-knit and largely underground identity, away from the cultural mainstream. This exhibition looks at the graphic language and visual communication of Skinhead identity, from its roots in the late 1960s to today”.

The Moons to play the 100 Club on 15th December


Skegness Mod Weekender - 23/24/25 May 2014


The Riots headline Hosp Fest 2 in Woking on Friday 25th October


Wednesday 23 October 2013

The Ace join line-up for massive Huddersfield Mod Alldayer on Sunday 23rd March 2014


Parkas at The Britannia Rowing Club, Nottingham, on 22nd November


Small Fakers & Humble Lie to play 100 Club on Saturday 22nd February


The Ace – ‘Sonic Snapshots’ EP (Plastic Pop Records) - Out Now

Out this week for your listening pleasure is the super new 4-song EP from The Ace, released on the very busy Plastic Pop Records (and launched at a record label night at the Dublin Castle, Camden Town, with The Moment last weekend).

This is a great follow up to their recent album and EP (that I previously reviewed for Scootering Magazine) and continues their fine vein of form.

Opening with a few notes that hint at a version of The Eyes, ‘When The Night Falls’, they launch into ‘Dripping Time’ which is a great piece of Mod pop, very radio friendly, and with a vocal that reminds me of Mick Walker of The Circles in full flow. A great start to the EP.

Track 2 is ‘Don’t Go Baby’ which is like Revolver era Beatles and Sound Affects Jam (yes, there’s even a hint of ‘Taxman’ and, of course, ‘Start’, in the bass line) – this is a very catchy song and possibly my favourite of the four songs included here (but only after the results of a photo finish).

Next up is the short but sweet song, ‘The Poet’, which is drenched in 60s beat histrionics and even a taste of Del Shannon-esque organ towards the end, but fuzzed-up to remove some of the sugary coating.

The EP closes with the Motown/Northern Soul under-current of ‘One More Chance’ with some tasty guitar work; another great song.

The Ace have, with ‘Sonic Snapshots’, released a really good EP that once again demonstrates their great musicianship, song-writing skills and diversity of music within their sonic soundscape that you really do need to listen to. They describe themselves as one of the leading bands in the North of England – on this form, they are certainly contenders as one of the leading lights across the UK scene.

Get yourself across to www.plastic-pop-records.co.uk for a copy now!!!

Gigwise.com asks “What if Oasis had never been signed 20 years ago?”

Gigwise.com says, “This haircut: Dating back to the Mod era and sported by the likes of Paul Weller in the past, it was Liam Gallagher that brought it back into fashion. It can now be seen upon the heads of Jake Bugg and the population of Leicester.”

They go on to say that, “22nd October, 2013 marked 20 years since Oasis first penned that legendary deal with Creation Records. Little did they know it was history in the making, although with their egos - they probably knew exactly what they were letting themselves in for.”

“For just a £40,000 advance, the Gallagher's and co inked a deal for six albums with Alan McGee and his rag-tag band of visionaries. They would go on to headline festivals, fill stadiums, shift millions of albums, provide the soundtrack of a generation and define an entire era of music. But there's much more to their legacy than the music.”

“The Gallagher brothers are responsible for many things over the two decades after signing with Creation, with things that probably wouldn't exist if it weren't for Oasis ranging from haircuts to headlines, Coldplay (PHK “not all good then!”) to The Killers and the childhoods of Alex Turner and Pete Doherty...”

'Looking Good: 75 Femme Mod Soul Nuggets' (RPM) reviewed by Paul Ritchie of Shindig!


Monday 21 October 2013

The Pretty Things to headline Christmas Mod Ball 2013 at The 100 Club on Saturday 21st December


The Selecter announce 'Too Much Pressure' 35th Anniversary UK Tour Dates for 2014


Music review: Paul Weller- 'Injections of adrenalin are few' at the Hammersmith Apollo, London, says Nick Hasted of The Independent

Sobriety rarely agrees so visibly with a rock musician. Paul Weller’s 2010 decision to give up alcohol, recognising that his drinking was killing him, will have been a relief to Noel Gallagher, who once had to kick his appallingly inebriated hero out of his house. Alongside the more serious matter of Weller’s long-term health, it’s also been welcome news to those of us who suffered through the aimless guitar jams he could descend into live when in his cups. Weller’s renewed sharpness of mind now lets him lead his excellent band with crisp purpose befitting a life-long Mod.

This final gig of a short UK tour to support last year’s Sonik Kicks album is also a statement of intent. A marathon 26-song set includes at least one song from each of the 55-year-old’s 11 solo albums, and rarely the ones you’d expect - or, quite often, hope for. His career’s deeper, firmer foundations are acknowledged with one Style Council song, and two from The Jam. But this is a gig showing Weller’s pride in his body of work, not just the glorious singles. Tonight’s opening brace, 2010’s “Wake Up the Nation” and 2005’s “From the Floorboards Up”, shows he can still write those when he wishes, and that his creativity revived on record before he cleaned up his life.

As if to prove Weller’s point, the most potent song tonight is “Sea Spray”, from 2008’s sprawling 22 Dreams. It combines the punch of prime Spector or Springsteen with the vaguely Gaelic, folk football chant you might have expected from Rod Stewart forty years ago. As the hits stay stubbornly thin on the ground, though, the mellow, pastoral mood of most Weller solo music seems a strange fit for this rammed venue of middle-aged Mods. Injections of adrenalin are perversely few, given the potential ammunition. “The Changingman” also seems a more theoretical than true personal anthem, as he selects songs as uniformly influenced by Traffic as he once was by The Who. When Ronnie Wood, an ex-Face as well as a current Stone, guests on “Be Happy Children”, he fits right in.

When Weller jerks his head back from the mic, knowing the crowd will roar the chorus as he finally pulls the trigger on The Jam’s “A Town Called Malice”, it’s a blast of the more urgent British soul otherwise missed tonight.

‘How we met: Steve Cradock & Bradley Wiggins’ – The Independent

'Steve shoved a guitar in my hands. The next minute, I'm being dragged on to the stage…'

Steve Cradock, 44

After co-founding Britpop band Ocean Colour Scene in 1989, the guitarist (left in picture) enjoyed significant success with the band's second album, 'Moseley Shoals'. He has toured with Paul Weller's band since 1992, and has released two solo albums. He lives with his wife and two children in Birmingham

I was made aware of Bradley about three years ago, before he became "Wiggo", through a mate, Eddie Piller, the managing director of Acid Jazz Records, who'd been singing his praises ever since he met him. Cycling isn't my thing, but I caught up with it like the rest of the country last year, during the Olympics and the Tour de France [when Wiggins became the first British cyclist to win the Tour, and then the time trial at London 2012]. I noticed he had the same sideburns I had in 1998.

I was friendly with Scott Mitchell, the Sky [cycling team] photographer, who's done a couple of books now on Bradley, and he kept me in the loop on what Bradley had been up to. And when Paul [Weller] and I were playing a charity gig at the Hammersmith Apollo in London last year, Bradley came to that. We got him on stage for the encore and he played [the Jam's] "That's Entertainment" on my guitar. Though the people there loved Paul like a demi-god, when Wiggo walked on stage I never felt such noise and euphoria from a crowd before; it was incredible. I kept trying to get him to sing, but he wasn't having any of it.

After the gig my wife drove us both back to the hotel and I took him to my bedroom to show him my guitar collection. He asked if he could have one of my guitars, but I told him I used all of them. He replied, "But [the Stone Roses guitarist] John Squire has just given me one; surely you should, too." So I did, of course; a decrepit-looking Danelectro of the sort [Pink Floyd's] Syd Barrett used to use. We spent all night playing loud Northern Soul music together until security came and broke it up at 4am. He played fantastically.

We discuss scooters endlessly, we chat music and clothes, Weller, Small Faces and Mods. Funnily enough, he's more rock'n'roll than I am: I'm far too old now, while he's very outgoing and he's always had a drink inside him, except on the race track.

If the wheels ever burst on his biking, he could definitely join a band: he looks a bit like Paul, he has a sharp dress style and every time I see him he's wearing a different suit; you can see being a Mod is a big thing for him. He's even got a place in his house where he sits and rehearses. He's thinking of coming down to Manchester with us soon and maybe playing "Town Called Malice" with us.

He may have caught some grief for that last race in Florence [when he failed to finish the Road World Championships], but there's nothing wrong with getting a bollocking: that's very Mod. You have to dust yourself down, re-find your focus and start again.

Sir Bradley Wiggins, 33

Wiggins began his professional cycling career on the track, winning his first Olympic gold in the individual pursuit in 2004. After two golds in the individual and team pursuit at the 2008 Olympics, he refocused on road racing, joining Team Sky in 2010, with whom he won the Tour de France last year. He lives with his wife in Eccleston, Lancashire

I'd been aware of Steve for years. I was a huge Ocean Colour Scene fan before the band went mainstream and I remember, as a young lad, seeing him support Paul Weller, too. Until recently he didn't know who I was, but for me he was the best guitarist of his generation, though an unsung hero.

We started messaging on Twitter last year after other people in his circle started whispering about this Mod who cycles. Then Paul [Weller] invited me down to this charity gig at the Hammersmith Apollo in December.

I was backstage during the performance, chatting with [musician] Miles Kane, who had been supporting Weller. And then when their set finished, Paul and Steve came off-stage, and me and Steve caught each other's eye and he recognised me instantly, which is a weird way to meet. It was like we'd known each other all our lives, and we hit it off straight away.

A few minutes later they were ready to go on for an encore. Steve shoved a guitar in my hands and I was like, "Nah, I've not played for a while." The next minute, I'm being dragged on to the stage. Steve tried to get me to sing, but I'm not a great singer, though in the end I put a few vocals in there. It was a huge deal for me; one day I think I might drag him on to a push-bike and see how he does.

Being a Mod for me is like a code for everything I do in life: having style, always being well turned out, keeping in touch with music and having the freedom to not give a damn what people think – and it's the focus of what we talk about.

I have to pinch myself a bit when I hang out with Steve now, as you'd never believe how successful he is by talking to him; recently he was saying what a nervy time it was, as it was his kid's 11-plus exams. This is a man who's on stage with Paul Weller, who's one of the best guitarists of his generation: it would be easy for this guy to be off with the fairies. I think it's family that grounds both of us.

Though Steve is a genius in his own right, he's been happy to support Paul [Weller] and talks about him with such admiration; it's humbling, as many people would say, "I'm sick of this," and that's how bands split.

He keeps it low-key when we're out. Once we were in a hotel bar in London, having some drinks with a few others. There was a jukebox in the corner so I put on some Ocean Colour Scene and we started singing along, and half the bar joined in. He was so embarrassed, he was just saying, "Get it off, man!"

Friday 18 October 2013

Paul Weller – Wolverhampton Civic Gig Review by Keith Harrison

“He’s quite short up close, Paul Weller, but you wouldn’t want to spill his pint.

Fit as a fiddle, with weathered face and perma-scowl just beneath the surface, he gives the air of a man who would do you harm, especially if you trod on his swanky black and white shoes.

This seems especially evident during opening salvo of Wake Up The Nation, From The Floorboards Up and Sunflower, but appearances can be deceptive and between growly lyrics he was soon cracking smiles and pouring charm on the sell-out crowd.

‘It’s great to be back,’ he smiled, taking in a venue he holds genuine affection for.

And despite the high-tempo start, it became clear he was in no mood to rabble rouse, even though he drew an early singalong as Sea Spray rolled down from the back rows to the stage.

He’s never been much of a talker and he was quiet between songs again last night, giving brief introductions and pointing out that ‘all songs are old songs’ whether they were written two weeks or twenty years ago.

As ever, there were one or two surprises plucked from his huge repertoire; My Ever Changing Moods was given fresh impetus from his Style Council days and Above the Clouds carried on the laid-back theme to the night’s set list.

Without a new album to show off, Weller delved into last year’s Sonik Kicks with The Attic and That Dangerous Age putting an extra spring in his step.

It was more than an hour before the first Jam song landed and Start! was greeted with a huge roar, as the bassline shook the Civic walls and 2,000 forty-somethings time travelled back to days of thicker hair and thinner waists.

So where next? Showcasing Picking Up Sticks (from 2000’s patchy Heliocentric) and slow burner Be Happy Children in the encores, suggests he’s ready to head back down a more soulful approach after two fast-paced albums.

Expect the unexpected, probably. Just like when he donned a multi-coloured cape (‘Don’t ask!’) and launched a bouncy ball over the masses for Town Called Malice as a night that had largely smouldered caught searing flame at the very end.

Typically unpredictable, but brilliant all the same, and after nearly 40 years, Weller’s vast army of devoted fans can’t wait to see what’s next.

Because time is short, life is cool – and it’s up to us to change.”

By Keith Harrison

Mod 'Super Group' Speakeasy release new album, 'Trouble', on Twist Records

It's great to see Mod 'Super Group' Speakeasy back with their second full length album, 'Trouble', released by Twist Records.

This line-up of the band (that has previously included the late, great, Mike Evans of The Action on bass, and Fay Hallam of Makin' Time on Hammond) features Mark Le Gallez (The Risk/Thee Jenerators)) on lead vocals, Simon Stebbing (Purple Hearts/RT3) on guitar, Brett 'Buddy' Ascott (The Chords/The Rage/The Moment) on drums and Ian Jones (Long Tall Shorty/The Affair) on bass.

A review of 'Trouble' will be posted on The Modernist Society Blog very soon!!!

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Sir Bradley Wiggins claims playing guitar with Paul Weller was better than winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics

The Tour de France winner also reveals he took inspiration from Liam Gallagher.

Sir Bradley Wiggins has said that playing guitar with his musical hero Paul Weller trumped winning Olympic Gold at London 2012.

The Tour de France winner also told rock and pop culture website TheQuietus.com that he loves music so much that if his house was burning down he would leave his bikes behind.

“I’d take my guitars over anything sports wise. Playing guitar with Paul Weller was the best thing I did all last year, without doubt, better than the Olympics, just because it was something I never expected or imagined I’d do.”

In an interview discussing his musical tastes, Wiggins said how he took the confidence and swagger of Oasis and Liam Gallagher in the 1990s into his cycling career.

He said: “I first heard Oasis on The Word, when they played Supersonic. I took the confidence from Oasis directly into cycling, the way Liam was on stage, the swagger. It inspired me. We’d drive all over the country to races, and I’d be listening to Oasis, I took that onto the bike with me... Everyone finds inspiration and confidence from things, and for me it was music.”

Wiggins also revealed how he bunked off school to go cycling.  “My teachers didn’t know I was cycling. I would just not turn up to school. They’d be saying: ‘You need to come and get your GCSEs, you'll be leaving school in three years’. I was ‘Nah, you’re alright, I know what I'm going to do’.”

The Rifles Announce New Album 'None The Wiser' to be released 20th January 2014

On January 20th 2014 The Rifles return with their fourth studio album 'None the Wiser', released via Cooking Vinyl.

'None The Wiser' finds the four-piece on fine form, and marks yet another raising of the bar, with brilliantly-crafted classic rock, plus an added dose of folk, Americana, a strong pop sensibility and highly-deft songwriting skills.

Their trademark Mod sound, rock and roll and timeless indie pop are all present and correct, but the band have broadened their musical palette, drawing influence from, in their own words, "Bob Dylan, Talking Heads, some Clash and as always - the Beatles."

'Minute Mile' runs rabid, building to a crescendo of raucous guitars and pounding percussion, that leads into the super-charged rock 'n' roll of 'Heebie Jeebies', whilst 'Go Lucky' nods towards their fondness for The Jam.

The subtly psychedelic 'You Win Some' is the band's own uplifting British take on West Coast folk rock and 'All I Need' plus 'The Hardest Place To' are filled with luscious harmonies.

The topsy-turvy 'Under and Over' captures the band's ebullient spirit and will no doubt fast become a firm live anthem at the band's notoriously rowdy gigs.

With consistently respectable chart entries and a huge, loyal fanbase (that to this day sees the band selling out venues like London's' Forum), combined with genuine songwriting talent and unwavering creativity, The Rifles have long outlived many of their original peers.

Packing a ferocious punch since 2006 with their debut album 'No Love Lost', the unyielding Rifles have picked up high profile fans in musical heroes Paul Weller and Oasis. The band released their second album 'Great Escape' in 2009 and third longplayer 'Freedom Run' in 2011, which was met with widespread critical acclaim.
 

'None The Wiser' was produced by Dave McCracken (Ian Brown), plus Jamie Ellis and Charles Reece at Paul Weller's Black Barn Studios. It was mixed by Steve Harris (Miles Kane) and Mike Crossey (Jake Bugg/1975).

The album was recorded by the newly reformed original line up of Joel Stoker (vocals, guitar), Lucas Crowther (guitar, vocals), Robert Pyne (drums) and Grant Marsh (bass), who will also be touring throughout November.

08.11.13             Bristol, Bierkeller

09.11.13             Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms            SOLD OUT

12.11.13             Oxford, Academy 2

13.11.13             Brighton, Concorde 2

14.11.13             Reading, Sub 89

15.11.13             London, The Forum                                    SOLD OUT

18.11.13             Birmingham, Institute Library

19.11.13             Sheffield, The Leadmill

21.11.13             Manchester, Academy 2

22.11.13             Stoke, Sugarmill

23.11.13             Nottingham, Rock City

28.11.13             Glasgow, King Tuts                                     SOLD OUT

29.11.13             Newcastle, Academy 2

30.11.13             Leeds, Cockpit

'None the Wiser' tracklisting: -

1 'Minute Mile'

2 'Heebie Jeebies'

3 'Go Lucky'

4 'All I Need'

5 'You Win Some'

6 'Catch Her In The Rye'

7 'The Hardest Place To Find Me'

8 'Shoot From The Lip'

9 'Eclectic Eccentric'

10 'Under And Over'

The Strypes release 'You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover' as their new single

The Strypes have released 'You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover' as their new single ahead of their arena tour supporting The Artic Monkeys. An earlier recording of this number was previously released by The Strypes on their 'Young, Gifted and Blue' 7" vinyl EP on Heavy Soul records that first brought the group to prominence.

The Strypes new video for ‘You Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover’ is live now exclusively on Clash!! You can get the track now on iTunes: http://po.st/SSJudgeABook

Or pre-order the limited edition 7” vinyl, out on 4th November at http://po.st/JudgeAVinyl

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