Sunday, 31 May 2015
Cross Section - The lost band of Quadrophenia are back
The story of Cross
Section
When 5
teenagers in 1978 saw an advert in the Melody Maker that read...
“Do you
want sex drugs and rock and Roll” you can imagine what they said.
The advert
was referring to the movie Quadrophenia, based on The Who’s 1973 studio album
of the same name.
The movie
was now being made, a young band was required to portray a band mid 1960’s
playing in a club in London, this was to be a scene in the movie.
A demo was
sent as an answer to the advert plus a publicity shot, the band sat back and
got on with their lives, namely school and playing in local clubs and pubs in
Kent and across south east England.
To their
amazement in the summer of 1978 the band auditioned along with many other
hopeful groups that had been chosen out of hundreds of applicants. The list was
narrowed down to 70 or so bands. After playing live in front of a couple of
members of The Who at the Electric Ballroom, Cross Section got to be the band
of their choice. Roger Daltrey approached them after the audition in Camden
High Street, much to their disbelief told them he liked what he heard, and
popped the question “Would you cut your hair?” “Yeah I’d dye it green” said the
drummer, naturally.
Weeks
passed as they slogged away in the working men's clubs of Kent, trying not to
upset the Bingo caller or set off the volume limiter or pacemakers attached to
the various committee members, after all the band had amplifiers for heavens
sake.
Then out
of the blue they were contacted, yep they got the part in the movie.
This
resulted in visits to London to The Who’s Ramport Studios, to record the songs
‘High Heel Sneakers’ and ‘Dimples’ and of course to the film set to become the
new infamous Mod Band that are to this day still on the Original sound Track
album and appear briefly in the movie.
Cross
Section retired soon after Josh and Dene left in the late seventies and the
boys lost contact. Vince and Lawrence along with Phil continued for a while but
it seemed the dream of ‘Sex Drugs Rock and Roll’ was probably nothing more than
a dream.
35 Years
later it seems that something woke the band from their slumbers, through social
networks the band members all found each other and started conversing, a bit
like the opening scene from the 1979 movie Alien when the crew awake after a
long journey and emerge from their capsules, though the bands capsules where in
fact real life.
Dene has
been a professional drummer living in Norway for 25 years, Phil plays guitar
and sings in Tenerife, he is a well-known local musical genius, he’s been
living there for 25 years. Vince continued in the industry singing and playing
guitar, then decided on a career change, he is now a sea captain and boss of a
large ocean going research vessel based in the UK, Lawrence is a successful
horticultural/agricultural contractor in Kent. Josh has been playing
professionally since he was 19 as some of you may know.
In 2014
after various Emails, the band decided to do something about the passage of
time, it seemed that the world new about the band, many articles had been
written about the band that never was, with YouTube hits and fans, yes fans!
In
February 2015, Cross Section decided to get together again, well what was the
rush?
After
deciding that we were actually the teenagers from all those years ago and then discussing
various ailments they struck up. It was like time stood still, the chemistry
was still there, after a 1 hour run through the band had re-recorded and
finished the two songs from the movie, sounding better than ever, but still
sounding like Cross Section, now very awake the band are planning to play to
the Mod fans that never had the chance to see them the first time round.
They are
delighted to be re united today, for you all to hear the first performance of
the band since 1979. Sadly Dene can’t be with us today, but how fitting that
the original drummer from the iconic 60’s super band the Small Faces is
stepping in, thank you Kenney.
Dene
O'Neill - drums
Josh
Phillips - keyboards
Phil Kitto
- guitar/vocals
Vince
Merton - guitar/vocals
Lawrence
Merton – bass
New live date
JUNE 13th
2015
ROCK 'n'
HORSE POWER
AT
HURTWOOD PARK
POLO CLUB
EWHURST
GREEN
SURREY
The Time Sellers new CD single, 'Thinking Back' c/w 'Lately' out on 12th June
The Time Sellers ...new CD single "Thinking Back" out 12th June....the flip track "Lately" is a great Mod stomper.....
Review: ‘Heads Held High’ – the fantastic new album from The Past Tense
In the
great traditions of The Jam, this album starts with a corker of a song, ‘Top Of
The World’, that could easily be a single in its own right. A wonderfully
crafted pile-driver of a song that teases you waiting for the chorus you know
is going to come, and then introduces a great organ sound in the middle
sequence. Awesome.
Next up is
‘Throwing It All Away’ which could have been an out-take from a session by The
Chords – it’s that good. The pace continues with title track, ‘Heads Held High’,
as the album just gets better and better.
‘Vision
(From Another World)’ comes next and is a big favourite of mine. Imagine the
Inspiral Carpets playing the Purple Hearts’ version of ‘Gloria’ at the same
time as ‘Do Anything Just To Please You’ and you get the idea of this
magnificent organ driven sonic soundscape.
‘Won’t
Miss Next Time’ starts acoustically before cranking up the sound and ‘Crying’
is incredibly catchy and I am sure would get airtime on the radio.
We are
then treated to ‘No Apologies’ that has the feel of The Moment, which is a
great trait indeed, before ‘Remember The Days’ has us reminiscing whilst
singing along to this super tune.
Classic
Alert! ‘Another Putney Sunrise’ is The Past Tense’s Ray Davies moment – this needs
to be released as a single and, with the right support, would easily go Top 5.
I cannot emphasise enough what a truly great song, recording, performance this
is – worth the entry money alone.
‘Just Keep
Believing’ visits The Truth’s territory, ‘Music Is Our Key’ demonstrates the
passion of this band for their craft, whilst ‘What’s Coming Next’ takes us back
to the early days of The Truth again before we enjoy the outro of ‘Putney
Reprise’.
The vocals
on this album are saturated with passion, honesty and integrity in a similar
way to Andy Houghton’s with Yeh-Yeh, the guitar work is beautiful – I hear
something new every time I play the album, and the rhythm section is tighter
than an accountant on downers. The bass lines are almost lead lines in the same
way as Foxtons’ melodic playing, and the drums move from power to delicate
intricacies when needed.
And that
is why I rate this album so highly. As with all truly great albums, the more
you play it, the more the songs take on their own personalities and the more
things become apparent to the ear.
To
paraphrase: “Another great Past Tense album – and I’m feeling good…ooh feeling
good”.
And if you
want to feel good too, visit The Past Tense on FB and get yourself a copy: -
Saturday, 30 May 2015
"The John Bishop Show - new series on BBC1 tonight with Paul Weller", reports The Scunthorpe Telegraph
THE new
series of The John Bishop Show starts on BBC One tonight (Saturday, May 30).
Comedy
entertainment series hosted by award-winning comedian John Bishop, coming each
week from the Hackney Empire.
Across the
eight-part series, John introduces his favourite comics from all over the world.
This show
features Paul Weller performing his new single Saturn's Pattern and the classic
Peacock Suit.
Joining
John on stage is Trevor Noah from South Africa, James Acaster, and Felicity
Ward from Australia.
As a
special treat, John also creates some beautiful music with Beardyman.
It will be
shown at 9.45pm.
Preachin' The Blues ~ The Cyril Davies Memorial Album Double Anthology CD
Amazon Product Description
CYRIL
DAVIES was perhaps the pivotal figure in the development of UK Blues and
R&B, his pioneering work with Alexis Korner between the mid '50s and early
'60s laying down the roots for a scene from which bands like The Stones later
emerged. Sadly, his own life and career were cut tragically short in January
1964 when he died, suddenly and unexpectedly, of endocarditis.
This is
the first anthology of Cyril s work, features virtually every track that Cyril
is known to have played and/or sung on, ranging from a 1954 home recording to a
clutch of tracks with The R&B All-Stars, cut in 1963 at the height of the
British R&B/Beat Boom that, had tragedy not intervened, threatened to make
him into a household name. Along the way, we encounter such important career
milestones as his first official recording session, his genuinely
ground-breaking partnership with Alexis Korner, and a veritable host of
impossibly rare vinyl releases.
Disc 1: -
1. KC Moan
(Cyril Davies) - Cyril Davies
2. Kansas
City Blues (Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group) - Beryl Bryden's Backroom
Skiffle Group
3. Casey
Jones (Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group) - Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle
Group
4. This
Train (Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group) - Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle
Group
5. Rock Me
(Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle Group) - Beryl Bryden's Backroom Skiffle
Group
6. Leaving
Blues (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis
Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies
7. Rotten
Break (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis
Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies
8. Alberta
(Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis Korner's
Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies
9.
Roundhouse Stomp (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) -
Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies
10. Skip
To My Lou (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis
Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies
11. Good
Morning (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis
Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies
12. Boll
Weevil (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis
Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies
13. Ella
Speed (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis
Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies
14.
Streamline Train (Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group Featuring Cyril Davies) -
Alexis Korner's Breakdown Group feat. Cyril Davies
15. I
Ain't Gonna Worry No More (Alexis Korner Skiffle Group) - Alexis Korner's
Skiffle Group
16. County
Jail (Alexis Korner Skiffle Group) - Alexis Korner's Skiffle Group
17. Kid
Man (Alexis Korner Skiffle Group) - Alexis Korner's Skiffle Group
18. Easy
Rider (Alexis Korner Skiffle Group) - Alexis Korner's Skiffle Group
19. Sail
On (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis
Korner's Blues Incorporated
20.
National Defence Blues (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated Featuring Cyril
Davies) - Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated
21. Go
Down Sunshine (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated Featuring Cyril Davies) -
Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated
22. Death
Letter (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated Featuring Cyril Davies) - Alexis
Korner's Blues Incorporated
23. K.C.
Moan (Roundhouse Jug Four) - The Roundhouse Jug Four
24.
Hesitation Blues (Roundhouse Jug Four) - The Roundhouse Jug Four
25. It's
The Same Old Thing (Roundhouse Jug Four) - The Roundhouse Jug Four
Disc 2: -
1. She
Fooled Me (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues
Incorporated
2. Gotta
Move (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues
Incorporated
3. Rain Is
Such A Lonesome Sound (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's
Blues Incorporated
4. I Got
My Brand On You (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues
Incorporated
5. Spooky
But Nice (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues
Incorporated
6. Keep
Your Hands Off (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues
Incorporated
7. I Wanna
Put A Tiger In Your Tank (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's
Blues Incorporated
8. I Got
My Mojo Working (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues
Incorporated
9.
Finkle's Cafe (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues
Incorporated
10.
Hoochie Coochie (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues
Incorporated
11. Down
Town (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues
Incorporated
12. How
Long, How Long Blues (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's
Blues Incorporated
13. I
Thought I Heard That Train Whistle Blow (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) -
Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated
14. I'm
Built For Comfort (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues
Incorporated
15. I'm A
Hoochie Coochie Man (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's
Blues Incorporated
16. Night
Time Is The Right Time (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's
Blues Incorporated
17.
Everything She Needs (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's
Blues Incorporated
18.
Up-Town (Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) - Alexis Korner's Blues
Incorporated
19.
Blaydon Races (Nancy Spain With Alexis Korner & His Band) - Nancy Spain
with Alexis Korner & His Band
20.
Country Line Special (Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars) - Cyril Davies R&B
All-Stars
21.
Chicago Calling (Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars) - Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars
22.
Someday Baby (Cyril Davies & Nicky Hopkins) - Cyril Davies & Nicky
Hopkins
23.
Preachin' The Blues (Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars) - Cyril Davies R&B
All-Stars
24. Sweet
Mary (Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars) - Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars
The Spitfires debut album, 'Response' - pre-orders now being taken
Pre order the limited edition vinyl and CD here: http://tinyurl.com/o9ns6co
Pre order on iTunes: https://itun.es/gb/5A1H7
Thursday, 28 May 2015
The Selecter - Pre-Order their new 'Subculture' album now!
Pauline
& Gaps signing pre-ordered copies of new album Subculture! You’ve got until
next week to order limited signed copies on CD or Heavyweight 12” Vinyl
TRACKLISTING: -
1. Box Fresh
2. It Never Worked Out
3. Open Goal
4. Breakdown
5. Karma
6. See Them A Come
7. Because The Night
8. Stone Cold Sober
9. Walk The Walk
10. Babble On
11. Hit The Ground Running
12. Still I Rise
1,500 put heart and soul into record bid reports the Blackpool Gazette
Northern
Soul fanatics busted a move on the coast to raise money for Cancer Research –
and attempt to set a world record in the process.
Around
1,500 soul devotees from across the country danced for the cause over bank
holiday weekend on the resort’s comedy carpet, in a bid to create a new record
for the most people dancing at an outside event.
More than
1,000 Northern Soul fans descended on the Comedy Carpet infront of Blackpool's
Tower to set a world record for the most dancers in one outside event and raise
money for Cancer Research.
The event
lasted for around four hours, with the official count taken when two tracks
were played during a 10 minute dance – followed by a tribute and speech by the
Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Peter Callow.
Organiser
Phil McDougall promoted the event with help from Phil’s Street Angels and Soul
Suite bar. And he said the event was such a massive success, he is planning a
follow-up next year.
“I am so
proud of the event’s success,” he said. “I would like to praise the people of
Blackpool, they did a lot for me and gave massive support. I have been coming
to Blackpool for over 50 years and I thank Blackpool for hosting one of the
most amazing events I have ever organised on behalf of Cancer Research UK.
“There was
a tribute to people who have succumbed to cancer, the whole crowd stood still
and after the clapping the Mayor gave a moving speech.
“I have
nothing but praise for him, I actually saw people crying.”
The event
raised an estimated £10-12,000 for Cancer Research UK, with profits raised by
donations, promotional materials, wristbands and a DVD of the event.
But there
is no word as of yet whether the event will end with a world record, as the
process takes four weeks to verify. But with the help of filming from the Tower
those taking part have a real shot at landing the title in the Guinness World
Book of Records.
Vintage Style: Get ready to rock this town reports the Lancashire Telegraph
WE
continue our look at the world of vintage fashion — whether you prefer retro,
mod or new romantic.
Among the
terms that fly around in the world of vintage is the rockabilly look. It is a
fun trend to try and can be easily achieved with a few key pieces. Key colour
combination is red and black.
Then there
are: -
Mod. The mods were a cultural group of the 1960s, opposed to
the rockers and renowned for their clean-cut modern dressing. Mod clothing is
very distinctive with miniskirts, scooter dresses and colour blocking for the
girls, and slim-cut trousers, dapper shirts and pea-coats for the boys. The mod
look is another of my absolute favourites.
Flapper. After the First World War the flapper
girl emerged with her short bobbed hair, fringed dress, long strands of beads
and cloche hat. She was quite controversial and eyebrows and hemlines were
raised. If you watched Downton Abbey, this is the kind of look that Rose wished
she could wear at those jazz clubs in London.
Hippy. The original hippies were the
peace-sharing, free-loving movement of the 1960s. The hippy look is full of
loose-fitting ethnic styles, natural fabrics, peasant blouses, maxi skirts and
flowers in the hair. Psychedelic and tie-dye prints are a must.
Disco. The disco clothing movement was born
in the mid-1970s following the infamous Saturday Night Fever. Think bell-bottom
trousers, spandex, polyester jumpsuits, hotpants and leotards plus lots and
lots of sequins. And it is all teamed with big hair and bright palette make-up
complete with the birth of the ultra glossy lips.
New romantic. This was a short-lived fashion
movement of the 1980s, heavily influenced by the mythical fantasy films of the
time. Pop bands dressed in fancy clothes, played synthesised music and sang
about love and heartbreak against glamorous backdrops.
There are
many more terms but that little lot should keep you going for a while.
Georgie Fame in town for fantastic Friday
LEIGH lad
and legend Georgie Fame is heading back home for a fantastic Friday.
The singer
who was one of the country's biggest stars in the 1960s, will be honoured with
a star at Believe Square outside Leigh town hall on Friday afternoon.
And
tomorrow night he will lead the tribute to Centurions player Steve Maden at a
special testimonial concert at the Sport Village.
Georgie,
born Clive Powell, now aged 71, is the only British star to achieve three
number ones hits with his only top ten chart entries; Yeh-Yeh in 1965, Get Away in 1966 and The Ballad of Bonnie
and Clyde in 1967.
After
learning to play the piano from a young age the former Leigh Central County
Secondary School pupil got his first break at 16 touring with names including
Marty Wilde and Eddie Cochran among others.
When
Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames formed they reached chart highs with their 60s
hits.
Since then
he has been known for his collaborations with a collection of some of music’s
biggest names such as Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Wigan’s own The Verve and as
a founder member of Bill Wyman’s early band Rhythm King.
Lord Peter
Smith, leader of Wigan Council, said: “Georgie’s renowned career has spanned
more than 50 years and he has brought joy to so many people with his talent. It
is only right that we recognise his contribution to Leigh’s cultural legacy and
we are delighted his name will join the great figures already awarded a Leigh
star.”
The Vineyard Modernist Club in Chichester on Saturday 11th July
The Ricky
Tick DJ's Live @ THE VINEYARD Modernist Club Saturday July 11th 2015! (8pm to
1am) £5 OTD - The Club Is Situated Within The Catacombs Below - La Havana, 3
Little London, Chichester, PO19 1PH.
Get
Yourself Along And Capture The Unique Atmosphere Of 60's Clubbing All Fuelled
By Blistering British Beat, U.S. Garage, High Octane Soul & Finger Snapping
Jazz All Played From Original Vinyl - DJ's Mark Howard, Luke Weller & RICKY
TICK - So Call: 07730495727 To Reserve Your Place!
The Federal Rhythm & Blues Club Summer Alldayer on Saturday 18th July -2:00pm until 1:00am
A Day
& Night of Non Stop Quality Authentic 50's and 60's R&B Dance Music
Only £5
Admission on the Door
Special Guest Dj's: -
Claire
Russell (London)
Mark Annis
(Brum Beat)
Jonny Monk
(Oswestry)
Kev Ellis
(Sandbach)
Cally (Birkenhead)
Mark
Watkins (Bewdley, Worcestershire)
Ian Walker
(Wirral)
Soup &
Bread (La Vie Club, Leicester)
Matthew
Clarke (Go-Go Gorilla, Sheffield)
Neale
Dewey (Stoke on Trent)
Ricky Bean
(Go-Go Gorilla, Sheffield)
Resident Dj's: -
Mace
Clive Read
Brav
Venue is
Upstairs at: -
Crewe
Amalgamated Anglers Association
7 - 9
Beech Street
Crewe,
Cheshire.
CW1 2PY
Large Free
Car Park - Cheap Beer - Warm Welcome Assured
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The Specials last ever filmed concert (at Coventry Cathedral) on Sky Arts at 9pm today
TONIGHT! The last-filmed concert by leading Ska-band The Specials, before the sudden and tragic passing of lead-singer Terry Hall in 2022,...
-
In 1983, the venerable British pop magazine Smash Hits (sadly no longer with us) published a feature called “The Things People Said,” in w... -
It was 60 years ago that a venue opened that truly caused a seismic shift in terms of what was on offer for the youth of Sheffield. But ...