Friday 27 May 2022

Rat Trap

Trust Me #36

From 1998 - 2005 I spent a considerable amount of time travelling on the Glasgow Manchester United Supporters bus down to Old Trafford. I was extremely fortunate to see the reds regularly through an unbelievable period in their rich history. Fate played a role. I even managed to get a ticket for the 1999 Champions League Final in Barcelona! I blogged on that HERE back in 2019.

Beckham, Scholes, Keane, Giggs, Ole, Ruud, Ronaldo's debut (first time round) and some incredible games ... what a time to be alive! I had a League Match Ticket book and thought I would have it forever. But things change, I fell in love and we were extremely fortunate to go travelling around the world for a year, before getting married and settling down to have kids. The trips to Manchester became less and less frequent.

I met loads of great people that became (and remain) friends. As well as bonding over football and United, there were loads of serious music fans on the bus. So I was delighted to be encouraged to make mixtapes for the bus, leading on to CD's. They now have a portable bluetooth amp up the back of the bus!

Dave Sharkey, an exiled Mancunian who runs the bus, would always say 'get the punk tape on' when we were travelling back up to Glasgow and I discovered some cracking tunes as a result of it.

One of them really blew me away, Rat Trap by Bob Geldof's Boomtown Rats. I remember buying their Greatest Hits on CD the week after hearing this song on the bus.

Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats is simply perfect. There is romance, realism, social commentary, cultural references (Top of the Pops), hooks, horns and vivid lyrics that paint a picture just flow effortlessly out of Geldof throughout.

The bass groove, the keyboards, the developing story, the way the song rises and falls. Rat Trap is the sublime sound of a band in full flight. 

Upon writing this blog I learned that it was the first punk/new wave song to reach number 1. It replaced Summer Night's by John Travolta & Olivia Newton John's which had been number 1 for 16-weeks. Geldof and his band ripped up pictures of the duo to signal change. 

Enjoy.

Top of the Pops 1978

Live at Hammersmith Odeon 1978

A list of all previous songs I've blogged about in my Trust Me feature are listed below, along with links to each blog.

I've also collated them all into a playlist on Spotify that you can find by searching for Everything Flows - Trust Me , or you can CLICK HERE

There was a lot of rocking going on that night

Cruising time for the young bright lights

Just down past the gasworks, by the meat factory door

The five lamp boys were coming on strong


The Saturday night city beat had already started

And the, the pulse of the corner boys just sprang into action

And young Billy watched it all under the yellow street light

And said "tonight of all nights, there's gonna be a fight"


Billy don't like it living here in this town

(He says) the traps have been spring long before he was born

(He says) "hope bites the dust behind all the closed doors"

And pus and grime ooze from its scab crusted sores


There's screaming and crying in the high-rise blocks

It's a rat trap Billy, but you're already caught

And you can make it if you wanna or you need it bad enough

You're young and good-looking and you're acting kind of tough

Anyway it's Saturday night time to see what's going down

Put on the bright suit Billy, head for the right side of town

It's only 8 o'clock but you're already bored

You don't know what it is but there's gotta be more

You'd better find a way out, hey kick down that door

It's a rat trap and you've been caught


In this town Billy says "everybody's trying to tell you what to do"

In this town Billy says "everybody says you gotta follow rules"

You walk up to those traffic lights

You switch from your left to right

You push in that button and that button comes alight

And hits you


Walk, don't walk, walk, don't walk

Talk, don't talk, talk, don't talk

Walk, don't walk, walk, don't walk

Talk, don't talk, talk, don't talk


Hey Billy take a walk, take a walk, take a walk

Billy take a walk, take a walk, take a walk

Billy take a walk, take a walk, take a walk

Hey Billy, take a walk with me


Take a walk that leads to me

Sweet high school blues


Oh little Judy's trying to watch Top of the Pops

But Mum and Dad are fighting don't they ever stop?

She takes off her coat and walks down into the street

It's cold on that road, but it's got that home beat

Deep down in her pockets she finds 50p

Hey is that any way for a young girl to be?

I'm gonna get out of school, work in some factory

Work all the hours God gave me, get myself a little easy money

Now, now, now na na


Her min's made up, she walks down the road

Her hands in her pockets, coat buttoned 'gainst the cold

She finds Billy down at the Italian cafe

And when he's drunk it's hard to understand what Billy says

But then he mumbles in his coffee and he suddenly roars

"It's a rat trap Judy, and we've been caught"


Rat trap, you've been caught

In a rat rap, you've been caught

In a rat rap, you've been caught

In a rat rap, you've been caught


Previous Trust Me blogs

1. Something On Your Mind by Karen Dalton
1A. Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells
2. I Am, I Said  by Neil Diamond
3. Where's The Playground Susie?   by Glen Campbell
4. If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lighfoot
5. Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon
6. Gone With The Wind Is My Love by Rita and the Tiaras
7. In The Year 2525 by Zager and Evans
8. The Music Box by Ruth Copeland
9. The Ship Song by Nick Cave
10. Sometimes by James
11. I Walk The Earth by King Biscuit Time
12. Didn't Know What I Was In For by Better Oblivion Community Centre
13. When My Boy Walks Down The Street by The Magnetic Fields
14. The Man Don't Give A F**k by Super Furry Animals
15. All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun by Jeff Buckley and Liz Fraser
16. Are You Lookin' by The Tymes
17. A Real Hero by College & Electric Youth
18. Feelings Gone by Callum Easter
19. Sunday Morning by The Velvet Underground
20. Did I Say by Teenage Fanclub
21. Don't Look Back by Teenage Fanclub
23. Belfast by Orbital
24. Clouds by The Jayhawks
25. Dreaming Of You by The Coral
26. Everlasting Love by Love Affair
27. Walk Away Renee by The Left Banke
28. Teenage Kicks by The Undertones
29. Shaky Ground by Sneeze
29. Rill Rill by Sleigh Bells
30. I Can Feel Your Love by Felice Taylor
31. The State We're In by The Chemical Brothers w/ Beth Orton
32. Sunshine After The Rain by Ellie Greenwich
33. Losing My Edge by LCD Soundsystem
34. Mondo 77 by Looper
35. Les Fleurs by Minnie Riperton


Monday 23 May 2022

Blood Orange EP

 



With no prior warning, Poster Paints released their Blood Orange EP on Friday 20th May, simultaneously announcing they had signed with Ernest Jenning (America) & Olive Grove Records to release music this year. 

Those of you that read my previous blog reviewing their Sleazys show (or if you follow the band on social media) will note that they have received test pressings of their debut album. Expect more news on that soon.

Carla: "We're really excited to be working with Ernest Jenning & Olive Grove Records on releasing our music this year! It's a brilliant opportunity for us to collaborate with two brilliant independent labels who are committed to supporting artists they love and be part of a global family who will nurture our music."

The Blood Orange EP features the two singles released last year plus the title track and a cover of the Love Positions/Lemonheads gem Into Your Arms.

Blood Orange is a dreamy beauty that flows with ease, at a gorgeously lazy pace, there is plenty of space before shimmering guitar comes in, picking up into the bursting blood orange refrain, Carla singing over another sublime Liddell guitar riff.

I'm seeking something more exciting, to colour in my day

Poster Paints take on Into Your Arms is pretty true to The Lemonheads version, Liddell plays an aching riff while Carla sings with a purity and soul. Poster Paints have a natural ability to make everything they do sound dreamy - in all the right ways.

I know I won't be alone, be alone anymore

Debut single Number 1 still bursts with energy, the beats, the reverb, the hooks ... cause kids are so naive, I wear my heart on my sleeve ...

Never Saw It Coming sounds even better 9-months down the line, the sound and portrayal of heartbreak in the hook I can't believe you're gone, I never saw it coming 

Poster Paints are beginning to build momentum again. I can't wait for more shows and the album.



 


Wednesday 18 May 2022

Poster Paints at Nice n Sleazys


Prior to last night I couldn't recall the last time I was in Nice n Sleazy. Way over 2-years ago for sure.

The legendary Glasgow pub and club/venue has been sitting proudly and prominently on Sauchiehall Street, near Charing Cross, since 1991.

Quite an achievement given the state of Sauchiehall Street at present. A rather sad and grim video was presented on social media last week, highlighting the vast amount of leases available. Large sites like M&S, BHS and the ABC. Glasgow institutions like Greaves Sports & Biggars. It's becoming a ghost town.

As someone who walked along this street most days from 1993-2004 when I worked at Charing Cross and the top of St Vincent Street, I hope that somewhere, someone is putting together a vision and plan to regenerate this famous street in Glasgow. Wider pavements, some trees and cycle lanes ain't gonna cut it.

Last night was the first time in a over 2-years that I'd ventured to this part of the city. I cut up past favourite bars of mine from years gone by like The State and The Variety (popping in for a pint) and wondered how they were doing. Will they survive? 


I was up to see Poster Paints, the band formed by my sister Carla during lockdown with her friend Simon Liddell. They recorded an album during that time. Test pressings (pictured above) have been received and the album will come out later this year.

Photo by Kat Gollock

Lemon Drink supported with an infectious & energetic set. Given my age, I was reminded of the sugar pop of Sleeper but with the bite of Elastica. The duelling electric guitars were beautifully raw, scratchy and catchy at all the right times. Sophie Bartholomew was dancing, twirling and almost bouncing off her band mates, clearly having fun. The band indicated that they won't be playing much for the rest of 2022 as they plan to hit the recording studio. I hope they capture some of their live energy on record. 

So good I bought their t-shirt. Lemon Drink play The Hug & Pint on July 31st.

Photo by Kat Gollock

Then it was on to Poster Paints. Those that attended their 4 shows towards the end of 2021 + the 2 shows they are playing this week will have a strong sense of how good the album is going to be. Joined by friends Calum Muir (drums), Suse Bear (bass) and Kim Grant (AKA Raveloe) (bass), Poster Paints conjured mesmerising, flowing and shimmering sounds. 

Liddell's guitar playing is infectious. I could listen to the riff of My Song on a loop for hours. His riffs and melodies are often simple, always with space and very often gorgeously dreamy. Just the right tinge of psychedelia with beautiful reverb.

Poster Paints just gel so naturally as a band and Carla's vocals, words and melodies fit so perfectly over the top. It was a really stunning gig.

Circus Moving On was achingly and beautifully gorgeous, Carla shook a tambourine for Number 1 and the pure pop rush of Falling Hard, and Never Saw It Coming, while Hard To Sweeten could well be my song of 2022.

It's like a lullaby, a tender & melodic vocal over sublime fragile guitar, building gently and introducing a great keyboard riff. I imagine many will fall for this gem. 

I was warned of love like yours, that's hard to sweeten
But I adore a fire that burns and scars me deeper

Man of Minch joined the band for a song Ribbons, before new song Blood Orange was played for the first time, becoming an instant favourite. I mentioned My Song in previous Poster Paints reviews and above, the way this song develops into a New Order-esque dream is incredible.

There was time for a bonus cover of the Sneeze/Lemonheads song Into Your Arms, just Easton & Liddell. It was a beautiful way to end the gig.

I have heard the album and it is incredible. 

Poster Paints setlist

Rupture
Still Got You
Number 1
Not Sorry
Falling Hard
Circus Moving On
Never Saw It Coming
Hard To Sweeten
Ribbons (featuring Man of Minch)
Blood Orange
My Song
Into Your Arms (Sneeze/Lemonheads cover)

Photo by Kat Gollock


Thursday 12 May 2022

Anything Goes & Everything Flows DJ Mix 13


Welcome to the latest of my monthly 60-minute mixes inspired by the kind of pre-club nights I would go to 'back in the day' at The Variety Bar or McChuills in Glasgow. I loved the music the DJ's played in there, both pubs had a real anything goes and everything flows philosophy. 

As a result you'd get a real mix of music played through the night and I regularly preferred to stay in the pub until closing time (sometimes after) rather than go to a club.

So, my 13th mix - lucky for some and lucky for you! This is definitely one of my favourites. I love the way it flows. Opening with a (relative) newbie by David Holmes and going into a brilliant funky electro pop song by Lou Hayter who used to be in New Young Pony Club. Really love this song and her album that she released last year.

There are some big hitting club acts involved - Simian Mobile Disco, Todd Terje and Justice! No messing! Also the brilliant track by Queen Of Japan that Too Many DJ's used to great effect circa 20-years ago.

How cool is the DFA remix of Gorillaz DARE? WOW! It goes on and on, I would be in heaven if I heard this in a club or at a pre-club night!

Then Swoon ... aptly named. Before closing with an outrageous song by The Juan Mclean.

Check the full tracklisting below and you can play the list by searching for Everything Flows DJ mix 13 on Spotify or by CLICKING HERE

Hope Is The Last Thing To Die - David Holmes w/ Raven Violet & Laura Lippie (photo above)

Time Out Of Mind - Lou Hayter (photo below)

I Believe - Simian Mobile Disco

Ready 2 Wear - Felix Da Housecat (photo below)

Inspector Norse - Todd Terje 

I Was Made For Loving You - Queen Of Japan

D.A.N.C.E - Justice

DARE (DFA remix) - Gorillaz 

Swoon - The Chemical Brothers

Happy House - The Juan Maclean (photo above)




Tuesday 10 May 2022

Caravan of Love

Cover version of the month #76

The Housemartins cover Isley Jasper Isley

Earlier this week Paul Heaton celebrated his 60th birthday by sticking £1,000 behind the bar of 60 of his favourite pubs across the UK so his fans to 'have a drink on me'.

What a brilliant and extremely generous gesture! You can read more about it HERE

Heaton also hints that he would like to do a cycling tour of the UK to play in some of his favourite pubs - that would be incredible!

Anyway, upon reading a few of the articles this week I learned that Caravan of Love by The Housemartins is a cover version!

What?

I've heard people talking about this song and read a number of articles on The Housemartins / Heaton over the years. I don't ever recall a cover version being mentioned.

Anyway, it is.

The original, by Isley Jasper Isley (from The Isley Brothers), is good, but it's not brilliant. It's got that 'classic' smooth 80's production behind it. It's got the are you ready? hook, but it's pretty bland and forgettable. The song is there, the delivery and production isn't. 

In stark contrast, The Housemartins a cappella version aches with soul, there is a richness, a truthfulness, a beating heart in every single second of the song. It's a stop you in your tracks performance, Heaton singing alone at times, joined by his band mates at others. There is a real warmth in the vocal harmonies.

I'm your brother, I'm your brother don't you know

She's my sister, she's my sister don't you know

I really enjoy my cover version of the month feature. It's thrown up a number of surprises over the years and this is one of my most surprising discoveries in relation to a song being a cover.

It's a gem, enjoy.

Isley Jasper Isley original video

The Housemartins video

The Housemartins Top of the Pops

The Housemartins live

All previous cover version of the month blogs are listed below. To listen, search for Everything Flows Cool Cover Versions playlist on Spotify or CLICK HERE

Previous covers of the month

13. Hurt
39. ABBA-esque
40. Jumpin' Jack Flash
64. Lola


Saturday 7 May 2022

Michael Kiwanuka at Glasgow Academy

I've been going to gigs in Glasgow for almost 30-years and during that time I've been fortunate to witness legends, superstars, breaking acts, cult favourites and local bands playing outstanding shows in a city that is helplessly in love with music.

At times, I've been extremely fortunate to witness artists transcend above the outstanding description. A few extra special nights when absolutely everything clicks - it's the right moment in time when the band are on fire, the audience respond, the singer is completely in the zone, the lights fit and enhance the mood, the songs are above and beyond most other artists capabilities .... last night, for me, was one of those nights.

Kiwanuka was my album of the year in 2019. I was thoroughly looking forward to seeing Michael and his band play The Barrowland Ballroom in May 2020 ... finally, I got to see them.

And oh my, it was amazing.

I do hope that Michael takes his band to the hallowed turf of the Barrowland at some point. Two or Three nights there would be incredible and the roof might have to be doubly bolted on in advance, as the Barrowland roar would be extreme.

With a 6-piece band; two incredible backing singers (also adding percussion), electric guitar, bass, keyboards and drums, Michael also played electric and acoustic in addition to singing.

At one point Michael highlighted how long he waited for this, stating he was going to sing his heart out until he couldn't speak. Thankfully he didn't go quite that far ... but he went for it, the audience responded and that pushed him further.



Shortly after 9pm his band took to the stage and jammed an intro before Michael strode on to a huge ovation. Quickly launching into You Ain't The Problem, it quickly became clear that everyone was in for a a treat.

Kiwanuka's lyrics and vocals are rich and soulful, his band are sh*t hot, but the way his songs are arranged is what elevates them to that special place. I could get done under the trade descriptions act for saying he had two backing singers as they add so much to the songs.

The real dirty funky groove of Rolling was an absolute delight, it was a joy to watch and listen to Michael and his band, lost in the music. Beautiful.

But then, oh, I've Been Dazed took beautiful to new heights. The band stopped for a brief second, Michael began to pick a psychedelic haze riff, so gorgeously slow and lazy, singing;

I've been dazed, my pride is gone

My Mistake, guess I'll move on

The way the song then develops into a call and response with Michael and his backing singers is stunning. It's so moving and soulful and the way the song then plays out is beautifully dreamy, you can just float away with it.

The Lord said to me (The Lord said to me)

Time is a healer (Time is a healer)

Love is the answer (Love is the answer)

I'm on my way (I'm on my way)

Playing most of (if not all of) Kiwanuka, the audience were completely mesmerised, spellbound by the magic taking place on stage. (I did hang about briefly at the end to try and get a setlist.)

The sound was absolutely spot on. The band played as one.

Black Man In A White World from 2016's Love & Hate album was a real highlight. Gospel, soul, politics and Kiwanuka really going for it. 

Hero was pretty indescribeable. Just when you thought Michael and his band had taken things as high as they could, they reached higher. Opening (as the album) with Michael and his acoustic guitar, then the band came in with him. That brilliant electric guitar riff sounded even better live, the backing vocals were sublime.

Final Days is one of my favourites from the Kiwanuka album and it was joyful to hear it live. While Michael took to keys for an incredibly emotional Solid Ground.

Reaching back to the title track of his 2012 debut album, Home Again was just Michael and his acoustic, his band gently easing in behind him. What a voice, what a talent!

And as for Cold Little Heart ... the Barrowland roar made it to the Academy!

Closing with Love and Hate to another huge reception, Michael and his band thanked the crowd, looking a little taken aback from the response. This was a special show by a really special talent.

Kiwanuka and his band return to Scotland in August for a show at the Summer Sessions in Princes Street Gardens with the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle behind them. 


Photo by Phil Redfearn




Thursday 5 May 2022

Never Ending Mixtape part 72




Welcome to Part 72 of my Never Ending Mixtape. How time flies!

We kick off with a sun bursting gem of a song by The Mamas & The Papas and float through all kinds of music before ending up with a lovely remix of BMX Bandits Razorblades & Honey by their friend HiFi Sean.

Favourites like Teenage Fanclub, Tim Burgess (cracking new single) and Marvin Gaye pop up along the way, as well as less frequently spotted artists. Look out for the dreamy Like To Get To Know You by Spanky & Our Gang, newbies by Spirtiualized, some incredible stuff by Talk Talk and super cool leftfield pop by Scottish acts Looper and Strawberry Switchblade.

As always, I just add songs as I go. So every month you get old favourites, some new releases and some new discoveries. Making a truly eclectic mix of music.

Check the latest songs added below. 

Search for Everything Flows Never Ending Mixtape on Spotify or CLICK HERE

Shooting Star - The Mamas & The Papas

Like To Get To Know You - Spanky & Our Gang

The Radio Song - Dillard & Clark

Bryter Layter - Nick Drake

Come to the Sunshine - Harpers Bizarre

Down Here On The Ground - Grant Green

The Rubberband Man - The Spinners

Sweetness In Her Spark - Lightships

Radio - Teenage Fanclub

Here Comes The Weekend - Tim Burgess

Air - SAULT

I've Got My Music - Marvin Gaye

Teardrops - Neil Frances

All That You Want - Ibibio Sound Machine

Talking Bout My Baby - Fatboy Slim

Scale It Back - DJ Shadow with Little Dragon

Happy Together - The Turtles

Is It Any Wonder - The Turtles

Earth Anthem - The Turtles

Midnight Angel - The Box Tops

Lay This Burden Down - Mary Love

Crazy - Spiritualized

Crazy - Spiritualized

The Rainbow - Talk Talk

Eden - Talk Talk

Go Back Soon - Euros Childs

Empty Words - Whyte Horses

On the Flipside _ Looper

Blurred Stars - Looper

Be the One - Dua Lipa

The Mainline Song - Spiritualized

Don't Look Back In Anger - Oasis

Giorgio by Moroder - Daft Punk

Trees and Flowers - Strawberry Switchblade

Razordblades & Honey - BMX Bandits (HiFi Sean mix)






Wednesday 4 May 2022

Les Fleurs


Trust me #35

Back in 1999 I bought a compilation by Giles Peterson; The Incredible Sound Of ....

I was introduced to a dazzling array of Peterson's favourite songs across 2 CD's. Track 3 was Les Fleurs by Minnie Riperton. I'm not sure if this was the first time I heard the song or not. I suspect, given how strongly I still associate the song with this compilation, that it was.

WHAT ............. A ............ SONG!

I've said it a few times through the history of this blog and I always mean it when I do, but music really, really doesn't get much better than this. Spot the extra really!

Only 3-minutes and 18 seconds long, Les Fleur oozes class, beauty and a pureness that sets it apart. 

2 verses, a bridge and a euphoric chorus .... WOW the chorus is indescribably good. Out of this world. It just soars!

Written by Charles Stepney and Richard Rudolph, Stepney also arranged the beautiful, lush, sublime music, Riperton's voice gels easily and naturally. It all sounds so good. 

Honestly, this is one of those songs that leaves me speechless. So just listen and enjoy. If this is your first time listening to Les Fleurs then please let me know what you think.

LISTEN HERE ON YOUTUBE

A list of all previous songs I've blogged about in my Trust Me feature are listed below, along with links to each blog.

I've also collated them all into a playlist on Spotify that you can find by searching for Everything Flows - Trust Me , or you can CLICK HERE

Will somebody wear me to the fair

Will a lady pin me in her hair

Will a child find me by the stream

Oooh, kiss my petals, weave me through a dream


For all of these simple things and much more

A flower was born

It blooms to spread love and joy, faith and hope

To people forlorn


Inside every man

Lives the seed of a flower

If he looks within, he finds beauty and power


Ring all the bells, sing and tell people everywhere that the flower has come

Light up the sky with your prayers of gladness and rejoice for the darkness is gone

Throw of your fears, let your heart beat freely, at the sign that a new time is born

Previous Trust Me blogs

1. Something On Your Mind by Karen Dalton
1A. Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells
2. I Am, I Said  by Neil Diamond
3. Where's The Playground Susie?   by Glen Campbell
4. If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lighfoot
5. Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon
6. Gone With The Wind Is My Love by Rita and the Tiaras
7. In The Year 2525 by Zager and Evans
8. The Music Box by Ruth Copeland
9. The Ship Song by Nick Cave
10. Sometimes by James
11. I Walk The Earth by King Biscuit Time
12. Didn't Know What I Was In For by Better Oblivion Community Centre
13. When My Boy Walks Down The Street by The Magnetic Fields
14. The Man Don't Give A F**k by Super Furry Animals
15. All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun by Jeff Buckley and Liz Fraser
16. Are You Lookin' by The Tymes
17. A Real Hero by College & Electric Youth
18. Feelings Gone by Callum Easter
19. Sunday Morning by The Velvet Underground
20. Did I Say by Teenage Fanclub
21. Don't Look Back by Teenage Fanclub
23. Belfast by Orbital
24. Clouds by The Jayhawks
25. Dreaming Of You by The Coral
26. Everlasting Love by Love Affair
27. Walk Away Renee by The Left Banke
28. Teenage Kicks by The Undertones
29. Shaky Ground by Sneeze
29. Rill Rill by Sleigh Bells
30. I Can Feel Your Love by Felice Taylor
31. The State We're In by The Chemical Brothers w/ Beth Orton
32. Sunshine After The Rain by Ellie Greenwich
33. Losing My Edge by LCD Soundsystem
34. Mondo 77 by Looper