Sweet and Tender Romance

I always love when my sister Carla phones me up. I especially love it when she phones and I barely get a word in as she sets off telling me about her latest adventures, her creative energy burning bright, passion shining like the brightest stars. 

During the filming of her documentary Since Yesterday - The Untold Story of Scottish Girl Bands, Carla travelled to Dunbar to meet Jeanette McKinley to learn all about her time in Scotland's first girl band - The McKinley's! 

Carla told me about what she had learned; the glamour of the 60's - Jimmy Page playing on Sweet and Tender Romance, supporting The Stones at Wembley Arena, playing with The Beatles, being on Ready, Steady, Go!,  interest from Brian Epstein ... and then the tough stuff; no money, sharing a bed and a bag of chips on tour, being dropped ...

Since Yesterday reflects on The McKinleys and loads of other Scottish girl bands and redefines what success is. Whether that is simply getting on stage as teenage girls in front of hostile predominantly male crowds, recording Peel sessions or being in a band with your sister or your friends.

Carla raved about Sweet and Tender Romance and no wonder. This is 2 minutes and 9 seconds of 60's power pop. A pounding piano motif ushers in a cool groove before Jeanette and her sister Sheila create a Spector-esque wall of sound through the force of their harmonies. 

Jimmy Page comes in at 1 minute 13 seconds and lets rip on lead guitar. Page only plays for 15 seconds but it is electrifying. The sisters come back in for one final chorus, repeating the closing line several times and that's it. Glorious!

Like a leaf on the breeze

I fly high on the sky

Then I fall on my knees

When you whisper goodbye

Sweet and tender romance

Last night I had the absolute privilege of seeing and hearing Jeanette sing the song at Mono, following the Glasgow premiere of the documentary. Backed by the Hen Hoose band, Jeanette (in her 80's) still has it. We also had the delight of seeing Louise Rutkowski from Sunset Gun singing Be Thankful for What You Got and Rose McDowall bring the house down with Since Yesterday. All three were tremendous - once a pop star, always a pop star. We were then treated to the first performance in 40-years by Sophisticated Boom Boom who were beautifully raw and cool.

Anyway, back to Sweet and Tender Romance. Written by Bill Bates, Ken Lewis and John Carter, the song was originally released by Bick Ford in April 1963, PJ Proby was among another few artists to record and release the song in a little over a year before The McKinley's version. Many years later The Bangles would record the song. 

I love the pace and raw power of the song. There is teenage innocence portrayed through the lyrics, someone is completely head over heels in love. Jeanette and Sheila's voices are so natural together, I just fell for this song hook, line and sinker and hope you do too.

Sweet and Tender Romance is added to my Trust Me playlist; search for Everything Flows - Trust Me on Spotify or CLICK HERE 

Check below for all previous blogs in my Trust Me series.

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

22. Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From 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

36. Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats

37. How High by The Charlatans

38. I Can't Let Go by Evie Sands

39. Pop Song 89 by R.E.M.

40. Summertime Clothes by Animal Collective

41. There She Goes by The Las

42. We're Going To Be Friends by White Stripes

43. Autumn Sweater by Yo La Tengo

44. Sister Rena by Lomond Campbell

45. Revolution by The Beatles

46. Lazarus by The Boo Radleys

47. Wrote For Luck by Happy Mondays

48. American Trilogy by The Delgados

49. Loser by Beck 

50. Silent Sigh by Badly Drawn Boy

51. Comedy by Shack

52. Take The Skinheads Bowling by Camper Van Beethoven

53. Freakscene by Dinosaur Jr

54. Thank You For Being You by The Pastels

55. I Think I'm In Love by Spiritualized

56. Chestnut Mare by The Byrds

57. Cannonball by The Breeders

58. Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan

59. You Make Me Weak At The Knees by Electrelane

60. Lucky by Radiohead

61. Strange Currencies by R.E.M.

61. I Am The Cosmos by Chris Bell

62. Like A Ship (Without A Sail) by Pastor TL Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir

63. Nothing But A Heartache by The Flirtations

64. Made of Stone by The Stone Roses

65. Tonight In Belfast by Orbital, David Holmes, DJ Helen and Mike Garry

66. Anything by Adrianne Lenker

67. I Hold Something In My Hand by Bill Ryder-Jones

68. I Meant Every Word by Burnett Sisters

69. Dream Baby Dream by Suicide

70. Stove by The Lemonheads

71. Red Lady by Phil Cordell

72. Little Fluffy Clouds by The Orb

73. I Can Do It With A Broken Heart by Taylor Swift

74. Turnin' My Heartbeat Up by The M.V.P.'s

75. Razzle Dazzle Rose by Camera Obscura

76. Such Great Heights by The Postal Service

77. The Rat by The Walkmen

78. My God Has A Telephone by Aaron Frazer

79. Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack

Norman Blake at Cottiers Theatre

Cottiers Theatre in the West End of Glasgow is an absolutely stunning venue. The bar is well used and well loved be locals, while the opulent main room is regularly booked for weddings. Thankfully, there was space in the calendar for the Fallen Angels Club to put on Norman Blake. I was even more grateful when my sister Carla was asked to support. Bonus!

That said, as it was my daughter Rosie's 10th birthday, I had to ask permission. As long as we went trampolining and to Wagamama for dinner, I was allowed. Deal!

After dinner, I jumped on the underground to meet my pal Lorna in good old Tennents Bar on Byres Road. I was pleasantly surprised to find that a pint of Guinness was only just over a fiver, while a pint of Tennents was well under. Most places in town and the West End are now over £6 for a pint!

We sauntered up Hyndland Road and made the most of the mild evening by having a drink outside in Cottiers beer garden before venturing inside to get a seat. It was good to see lots of friendly and familiar faces, including Alan and Rachel who joined us in the front row. We are passed the stage of trying to be cool and sit further back!

Carla and her friend Paul Kelly took to the stage at 8pm. Carla informed the crowd that she was going into the studio to record a new album next week and that she would be playing new songs and playing guitar! I'm sure that her Since Yesterday documentary will inspire lots of people in the future. Well, it has inspired Carla! All the talk of picking up guitars and forming bands led to Carla herself picking up a guitar!

The short 6-song set was extremely well received. The songs suited the stipped back sound of Carla on electric guitar and Paul and acoustic. This was actually my first time catching my sister play in quite some time and she was on excellent form, despite a heavy cold. 

Road Trip told a lovely tale, Really Sad (a co-write with Darren Hayman) was super melodic and catchy, while Moths sounds like it could be a central part of the new album. Carla said she wasn't sure if You Might Be The Sun will be on the album, but on the evidence of last night, it should be. The beautiful Threads and Red Kites finished the set in style with Carla and Paul harmonising on the latter.

Before long Norman was on stage setting up a few things and by 9pm he was singing songs from across his sublime career. 

In no particular order, the crowd were treated to recent highlights like Foreign Land, Self Sedation and a beautiful I Left A Light On. Norman hummed and sang some of Raymond's lead guitar parts which was rather lovely.

I've not heard Norman sing Mellow Doubt for quite some time, so this was a real treat. Blake explained that the Fanclub rarely played it due to the hassle of switching from electric to acoustic guitar.

A stripped back Everything Flows tugged on heart strings, as did the gorgeous I Don't Want Control Of You. Man Made is one of my favourite Fanclub albums, so it was good to hear It's All In My Mind, particularly as I was sitting with my friend Alan and it's a real favourite of his.

What You Do To Me on acoustic guitar was a delight, while The Concept was an absolute added bonus. I don't think anyone in the crowd was expecting Norman to play it solo. There was a lovely story of Norman and Euros writing You Was Me for the Jonny album while hanging out stoned and watching the bowling in Queens Park, with Blake taking on Euro's high parts.

Norman played 3 cover versions across the night. The first was a song called O'Caroline by Matching Mole, Robert Wyatt's band after Soft Machine. Norman was then joined by Annmarie Lochrie on acoustic guitar, bass and vocals for an encore of Tule's Blues by Warren Zevon and Head Hang Low by Julian Cope. The bass groove on the Cope song was gorgeous.

Teenage Fanclub have turned me on to so many bands and songs through their choices of cover versions over the years and here was Norman doing it again. All 3 songs are real gems and it's been great to listen to them and explore the albums they feature on.

I'd love to hear Norman record an EP or mini-album of cover versions. Heck, even a full album! He has impeccable taste

Norman plays Freckfest at the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine tonight (Friday 17th) and then FRETS at Strathaven Hotel on Saturday 18th. Hopefully there will be some more solo shows in the future.

Tenement Trail 2024

Last October, on a particularly wet, windy and stormy day, I ventured into Tenement Trail to catch Kerr Mercer opening the day at Saint Lukes. I was quite taken by the buzz around the area as fans and bands headed to BAaD to pick up wristbands and to check in.

I couldn't hang around due to a family engagement, but I vowed to return in 2024.

Return I did. My friend Joe and I headed toward the Barrowland, BAaD and Saint Luke's for just after 1pm and literally as we picked up our wristbands the heavens opened and the blue skies turned to grey. The rain battered it down, so we opted to head to stay exactly where we were and grab a beer and some lunch in the BAaD courtyard - thankfully covered! 

Hanging outside BAaD

There was sunshine after the rain though and we headed round to the Barrowland for our first bands of the day. Peach Crumb opened proceedings in the downstairs (Barrowland 2) bar with a short 25-minute set, ending with their two singles NBDY and Keeping Busy. The third song in their set stood out for me though. Singer Becca ditched her acoustic guitar to strut, dance and pull shapes to a more energetic style and sound in comparison to the rest of the quite dreamy set. 

yesandmaybe 

Yesandmaybe were on next and they absolutely blew me away. I can't recall seeing a band so perfectly formed at such an early stage since .... probably Chvrches. Joe and I caught them line checking and they had quite the set up. It turns out that yesandmaybe are a Scottish/French duo who met online and worked up an album that way. Live, they were amplified by an ace drummer (Craig who was formerly in Twin Atlantic), bass and additional guitars/synths.

Think The Strokes crossed with Phoenix. Gigi (I think) from France is an exceptionally inventive guitarist, while the singer (I didn't catch his name) played soaring stadium synth riffs and sang with a similar cool distorted effect on his vocals like Julian Casablancas. 

Every song sounded like a potential single. Train To Nowhere is apparently the title of their forthcoming debut album (they already have that in the bag, despite this being their second gig) and thr title track sounded impeccable. Songs like God Isn't Real and Bloody Madness also sounded sublime. Dressed in sharp black suits, the band looked as sharp and cool as their songs. 100% ones to watch.

DEFINITELY YES - yesandmaybe in Barrowland 2

While tempted to stay in the Barrowland 2, Joe and I opted for some fresh air and a walk round to BAaD to see a band called Dallas Love Field, simply because we liked the name. We enjoyed the band too! The four piece created a glorious shoegaze, psychedelic racket with some dreamy lead vocals. Some of the lead guitar work was reminiscent of the sounds Nick McCabe would create on the first Verve singles and album.  I'd definitely go and catch them live again. There is little information about them online at present, but it sounds like they made their live debut at BLOC in March 2023 and are now working with Jason Shaw who has previously worked with Ride. Sounds like a good match! I can imagine them releasing on the Sonic Cathedral label that Andy Bell is involved with.

Dallas Love Field in BAaD

After catching up with a couple of friends, a further walk led us to The Gate, a beautiful speakeasy style pub across the road from The Barrowland. We arrived in time for most of a secret acoustic set by Slix, a band from Greenock that my friend Joe (a native of that part of the world) had his eye on. We somehow managed to get a seat at the far side of the bar and enjoyed the few songs we heard, that included a cover of Digsy's Dinner by Oasis. Slightly odd choice of cover, but hey.

Exiting on to the Gallowgate we decided that more food was in order, handy as we were right outside Ho Lee Fook, a super cool Thai street food 'hole in the wall' type place that is becoming an Instagram hit. Having sampled their food before, I was delighted to go back. They were in demand, so Joe and I had 20-25 minutes to kill, so we opted for a nearby Celtic bar for a quick beer.

TTSSFU

We then took our food back to BAaD for TTSSFU from Manchester. More cool shoegazey sounds from the 4-piece who looked super delighted to be up in Glasgow and playing in such a large venue to a packed crowd.

That is one thing Tenement Trail has going for it, the festival puts (often) fledgling bands on big stages to crowds way bigger than they would normally play to. It's a little sink or swim, definitely an incredible opportunity.

Last up for me, as I had yet another prior family engagement, was a trip back to the Barrowland to see Greenock boys Slix on the main stage. They pulled a sizeable crowd and seem to be on the up as they have announced a headline show at The Garage in April. 

We didn't catch all of their set as I was getting picked up and Joe decided to head to Saint Luke's where he caught some of Imogen and the Knife, Parliamo and then headliners Neon Waltz who he particularly enjoyed.

Congratulations to Tenement Trail on a fantastic 10th anniversary festival. I remember when it started up at the top of Sauchiehall Street. It is amazing to see how it has grown to become an absolute staple in the Scottish music calendar. I hope to attend next year.

Unfinished Sympathy

Trust me #79
Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack

Massive Attack released their majestic Unfinished Sympathy back in February 1991. The band had to take a major step to get the song out into the world though. Due to the Gulf War, the Bristol group temporaily changed their name to Massive in order to get radio play.

What a song, this is as good as it gets! The groove kicks in immediately; beats, samples, strings, percussion ... then Sharon Nelson's sublime vocals sing beautiful poetic and heartfelt lyrics.

I know that I've imagined love before

And how it could be with you

Really hurt me baby, really cut me baby

How can you have a day without a night?

You're the book that I have opened

And now I've got to know much more

Everything about this song connects. The lush orchestration and sweeping strings have a cinematic quality, aided by the accompanying video, which quickly became iconic. Shot in one continuous take, Nelson walks round downtown Los Angeles, oblivious to her surroundings as she is lost in the song, singing her heart out to portray her love and hurt to the world.

Like a soul without a mind

In a body without a heart

I'm missing every part

Nelson's vocal is at the core of the song, dripping with emotion, passion and soul.  She sounds lost, hurt beyond compare; missing every part.

Really hurt me baby, really cut me baby

How can you have a day without a night?

The strings, the voice, the beats and samples all gel to create a beautiful sonic landscape. There is a lot going on, yet the production also ensures there is plenty of space. What a beautiful and vital song.

Unfinished Sympathy is added to my Trust Me playlist; search for Everything Flows - Trust Me on Spotify or CLICK HERE 

Check below for all previous blogs in my Trust Me series.

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

22. Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From 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

36. Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats

37. How High by The Charlatans

38. I Can't Let Go by Evie Sands

39. Pop Song 89 by R.E.M.

40. Summertime Clothes by Animal Collective

41. There She Goes by The Las

42. We're Going To Be Friends by White Stripes

43. Autumn Sweater by Yo La Tengo

44. Sister Rena by Lomond Campbell

45. Revolution by The Beatles

46. Lazarus by The Boo Radleys

47. Wrote For Luck by Happy Mondays

48. American Trilogy by The Delgados

49. Loser by Beck 

50. Silent Sigh by Badly Drawn Boy

51. Comedy by Shack

52. Take The Skinheads Bowling by Camper Van Beethoven

53. Freakscene by Dinosaur Jr

54. Thank You For Being You by The Pastels

55. I Think I'm In Love by Spiritualized

56. Chestnut Mare by The Byrds

57. Cannonball by The Breeders

58. Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan

59. You Make Me Weak At The Knees by Electrelane

60. Lucky by Radiohead

61. Strange Currencies by R.E.M.

61. I Am The Cosmos by Chris Bell

62. Like A Ship (Without A Sail) by Pastor TL Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir

63. Nothing But A Heartache by The Flirtations

64. Made of Stone by The Stone Roses

65. Tonight In Belfast by Orbital, David Holmes, DJ Helen and Mike Garry

66. Anything by Adrianne Lenker

67. I Hold Something In My Hand by Bill Ryder-Jones

68. I Meant Every Word by Burnett Sisters

69. Dream Baby Dream by Suicide

70. Stove by The Lemonheads

71. Red Lady by Phil Cordell

72. Little Fluffy Clouds by The Orb

73. I Can Do It With A Broken Heart by Taylor Swift

74. Turnin' My Heartbeat Up by The M.V.P.'s

75. Razzle Dazzle Rose by Camera Obscura

76. Such Great Heights by The Postal Service

77. The Rat by The Walkmen

78. My God Has A Telephone by Aaron Frazer

Kerr Mercer at Saint Luke's

"I started off the year playing to 100 of you at the Poetry Club. Then 300 at King Tuts and now ... now 600 of you are here with me in Saint Lukes ... it's mad ... Thank you so much."

Kyle Mercer was visibly moved on stage at Saint Luke's in Glasgow last night. No wonder. Just over a year ago Kerr was the opening act in the venue for Tenement Trail. I was fortunate to catch him on that wet and windy day last October and you would have been lucky if there was a tenth of last nights crowd in.

Since then Kerr (only 18) has been gigging heavily, picking up loads of support slots across Glasgow and beyond to build his experience. Something he also highlighted on stage.

"Thanks again for coming. I nearly came on stage at 7.30 tonight as that's when I'm usually on."

There is a lovely dash of humility and cheek about Kerr when he chats between songs. He took the time to record a video message to a fan who had unfortunately dislocated her knee (after arriving early at the venue) and missed the show, also promising to put her on the guestlist for his next Glasgow show. 

And he also half-joked about seeing us all at the Barrowland (across the road) next year. That seems the next logical step up for the teenager who has yet to release his debut single. Kerr also promised us that was coming soon and that he didn't want to be the person that played 7 million gigs without releasing something.

Having followed Kerr's journey and heard him introduce lots of new songs to his set, in addition to keeping some firm favourites, I am intrigued to see what he goes with. It could have been any single one from last nights set!

Kerr was on stage at 9pm sharp, opening with a song that may or may not be called I'll Be Your Soldier. His voice soared effortlessly, he was straight into it, absolutely incredible.

Jealous followed. I mentioned earlier on that Kerr was moved on stage, now his songs and voice were moving people in the audience. Gazing around, you could see people nudging their friends and nodding as Mercer stretched his vocal chords to really go for it. The melody already sounds familiar, this could be coming out of your radio next year.

Waves was another new song that I hadn't heard before, the chorus and lyrics seem instantly relatable. Petals generated an incredible response from the crowd with Kerr's guitarist also playing a kick bass drum which encouraged the audience to clap along. 

Die While I Remember and One In A Million were more mellow, tugging on heartstrings in all the right ways. Mercer's songs have a beautiful, soulful and melancholic feel to them. There is a sadness, but there is a very powerful connection between him and whoever is watching him sing. It's quite something to witness and feel.

Adam Frame was excellent on guitar, allowing Kerr to switch from standing up to sing some songs, then sitting behind his electric piano for others. The two work so naturally together. It feels like a treat to hear these songs played in this way and to see them work so effortlessly together.

Given the fact that Kerr has yet to release anything, Mercer had asked his Instagram fans to choose a cover for him to play and they voted for Sabrina Carpenter's ace Please, Please, Please, a big favourite in our house. The pure pop song was stripped back and sounded sublime.

Carry Me Home was introduced as being 'the only song that I wrote when I was 15 that I still play, the rest were all sh*te' and as Kerr started, while sat at his electric piano, a mini choir of 3 backing singers came on stage to join him. They were definitely backing! As Kerr's voice soared, they were almost redundant. But when Mercer's voice dropped a little, you could hear what they were adding to the song and it was quite beautiful. I left the show imagining how massive this song could sound when (if it hasn't been already) it is recorded in the studio. Strings and choir ... oooft. It will be huge.

Closing with Never Be You, with the choir backing him and the crowd clapping along, my wife and I left to pick up our car round the back of the Barrowland and we both felt like the next time we see Kerr in Glasgow he could be playing there. 

Kerr has sold out his first headline tour; playing Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester in the week ahead. Keep an eye on his Instagram.

Don't Leave Me This Way

Cover version of the month #100
The Communards cover Harold Melvin and The Bluenotes

Hidden away in the back end of blogger, I have a whopping 181 draft blogs in various forms! Some are merely titles, to ensure I go back and write about a specific song or album, some have notes, some are half-finished and some will probably never be completed as the moment has gone!

I have been meaning to write a blog about Don't Leave Me This Way for quite some time as it is an all-time favourite.

I played it on 6Music back in 2014 when I was interviewed by Craig Charles for his Spinage A Trois section. Craig, very generously, played the full 11-minute version and the song sounded even better on the radio. Craig commented that he had sprinkled the magic BBC dust on it.

Don't Leave Me This Way has featured in numerous playlist blogs I have written and also in my Confidently Top 10 blog that I wrote in 2019, where I selected my all-time top 10 songs ... I've just reviewed it and I don't think it has changed.

What .... A .... Song!
What .... A .... Tune!

Don't leave me this way

I can't survive, can't stay alive

Without your love, oh baby

It really doesn't get any better than this. The 11-minute version is absolute perfection; the lengthy intro, the way Teddy Pendergrass hums along, the strings coming in, then the heartfelt lyrics delivered with raw passion and soul. Then ... the build to the HUGE UPLIFTING CHORUS

Baby, my heart is full of love and desire for you

So come on darling do what you gotta do 

You started this fire down in my soul

Now can't you see it's burning, out of control

So come on darling satisfy the need in me

'cause only your good loving can set me free

I adore this song. I still find so much in it, the groove, the way it develops, the way it builds to the euphoric chorus, the way it picks up pace, the way that even as it fades out I want it to keep going. Does an even longer version exist? The jamming at the end of the full 11-minute version is ridiculous, so loose, soulful and funky.

This is a song I always played whenever I DJ'd in pubs or at parties. Even if you haven't heard it you're going to be hooked in and singing along by the second chorus. The vocals are exceptional, the band are incredible, the drums and percussion are just sublime.

My friend Gerry and I have put on a couple of DJ nights in our native Uddingston this year. It's been great fun to book out the Bowling & Tennis Club, set up and play some of our favourite songs. Our first night was very indie focused, but we're loosening up and starting to play whatever we fancy. 

Gerry closed our August night by playing The Communards cover version of Don't Leave Me This Way and it went down an absolute storm.

Released in 1986, The Communards version fused high-energy dance beats and synthpop, topped deliciously by Jimmy Somerville's powerful, raw and soulful voice.

Somerville soars, expressing vulnerability, hurt and desperation, yet also capturing the fact that he is still head over heels in love. It's a fantastic cover version, The Communards stamp their own mark on it and unlike many other songs from the era, it has stood the test of time. The production and arrangement is strong and Somerville's voice is just timeless.

I always thought this was The Communards song (after all I was 10 in 1986) and only discovered the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes version when I picked up a second hand Wigan Casino Northern Soul compilation on vinyl. I recognised the title and wondered if it was the same song. It was!  

I've added the 6-minutes version, the 11-minute Tom Moulton mix of the Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes version and The Communards cover to my Everything Flows Cool Cover Versions playlist on Spotify which also features all of the songs listed below. Search for the title or CLICK HERE

Previous covers of the month blogs

1. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' 

2. Going Back To My Roots

3. Nirvana play The Vaselines

4. Slip Inside This House

5. Top 10 covers by Teenage Fanclub

6. Only Love Can Break Your Heart

7. Time For Livin' 

8. Sound and Vision 

9. All Along The Watchtower

10. I Am The Walrus 

11. Guiding Star

12. You’ll Never Walk Alone

13. Hurt

14. This Guy's In Love With You

15. I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine

16. California Soul

18. Wonder wall 

19. Dancing In The Dark

20. Always On My Mind

21. Ceremony

22. Heroes

23. Different Drum

24. Wild Horses

25. Respect

26. Mr Tambourine Man

27. I Heard It Through The Grapevine

28. Superstar

29. Twist and Shout

30. Purple Rain

31. Baker Street

32. Not Fade Away

33. Stop Your Sobbing

34. I Don't Want To Grow Up

35. Serious Drugs

36. Dancing With Myself

37. How Does It Feel To Feel?

38. Love Buzz

39. ABBA-esque
40. Jumpin' Jack Flash

41. Discoland

42. Varshons 2 by The Lemonheads

43. The Langley Schools Music Project
44. Witchi Tai To
45. Our Lips Are Sealed
46. Sunshine Of Your Love
47. Here Comes The Sun
48. I Think We're Alone Now
49. Don't Let Me Down 
50. It's Oh So Quiet
51. Alcoholiday 
52. Summer Holiday
53. Who Do You Think You Are?
54. Head On
55. Nothing Compares 2 U

56. Hey Jude

57. Seven Days Too Long

58. L.O.V.E Love

59. Into Your Arms

60. Heart Of Glass

61. Take Me To The River

62. We Can Work It Out 

63. Talking In My Sleep

64. Lola

65. Lost In Music

66. My Little Red Book

67. Isn't It A Pity

68. Walk On By

69. Walk Away Renee

70. Tainted Love

71. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

72. Listen The Snow Is Falling

73. Mrs Robinson

74. He's Gonna Step On You Again

75. In My Life

76. Caravan Of Love

77. The Only Way Is Up

78. Dancin' Round & Round

79. With A Little Help From My Friends

80. Killing Me Softly

81. Ain't No Mountain High Enough

82. Drop

83. Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay

84. Sympathy For The Devil

85. I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor

86. Love Will Tear Us Apart

87. Indian Rope Man + bonus Strawberry Fields Forever + This Wheels On Fire

88. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You

89. Love The One You're With

90. Cum On Feel The Noize

91. Addicted To Love

92. Valerie

93. Ride On Time

94. Let's Dance

95. It Must Be Love

96. I Fought The Law

97. For What It's Worth

98. Do Your Thing

99. I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself

Never Ending Mixtape part 93

Hello and welcome to part 93 of my Never Ending Mixtape.

In my teens I'd spend hours making C90 mixtapes and then through my 20's I'd deliberate over tracklisting for mix CD's to ensure I maximised the time allowed. 

With this Mixtape (playlist) I simply add songs all the time! As a result, it's quite beautfully and naturally eclectic. I personally enjoy just sticking it on shuffle and seeing what comes up.

Next month should see the playlist breakthrough the 4,000 song mark! For now, we're up to 3,972!

Thank you so much if you are one of the 352 people following the playlist. Thanks also if you dive in now and again. As always, I hope you discover an incredible song you've never heard before, or that you rediscover an old favourite you haven't heard in some time. 

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

Here are some of this months additions, including the magnificent pop of Close To You by Gracie Abrams, a big favourite across our entire household right now. Well done Zoe for discovering it. Check that I burn for you hook!

Recent discoveries

Never Be Yours by Kali Uchis

Need Something More by Thee Heart Tones

The Spider and The Fly by The Rolling Stones

Delilah (Pull Me Out Of This) by Delilah Montague

Close To You by Gracie Abrams

New releases

Where Will I Be by Fred Again w/ Emmylou Harris

Old favourites

Crackin' Up Over You by Roy Hamilton

Everyone's A VIP To Someone by The Go Team

Lonely Soul by UNKLE w/ Richard Ashcroft

Last Goodbye by Jeff Buckley

Everything Reminds Me Of Her by Elliott Smith

Let's Dance by Spiritualized

My God Has A Telephone

 

Trust me #78
My God Has A Telephone by Aaron Frazer

My God Has a Telephone is a soul-stirring track by The Flying Stars of Brooklyn, a one-off side-project for drummer/singer Aaron Frazer when he isn't recording with his band Durand Jones & The Indications, or releasing solo albums.

Released back in 2017 on Coalmine Records. The label has repressed 1,500 copies of the single under the name Aaron Frazer, which seems to highlight The Flying Stars of Brooklyn is likely to have been a one-off. Shame - great band name!

Frazer's other band, Durand Jones & The Indications, has made a significant impact on the modern soul scene with albums like American Love Call and Private Space, where Frazer’s falsetto harmonizes beautifully with Durand Jones’ powerful lead vocals. Their music is a blend of classic soul, R&B, and modern influences, and it has resonated with audiences worldwide.

Yet Frazer is bursting with creative energy and has also pursued a solo career. In 2021, he released his debut solo album, Introducing..., produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, then releasing his second solo album, Into The Blue, in June of this year. Both albums showcase Frazer’s exceptional versatility as an artist; there are elements of doo-wop, gospel, and soul, all infused with his signature falsetto, beautifully layered and produced. a

But, for the time being, lets get back to The Flying Stars of Brooklyn.

My God Has A Telephone beautifully captures vintage gospel-soul with a modern twist. Allegedly recorded on a 4-track tape machine, it's an absolute gem of a song. Frazer's falsetto is exquisite, the backing vocals are angelic and the music sounds rich and timeless. It's super cool!

Aaron Frazer is touring his latest album. Sadly, there are no dates in Scotland, but he is playing Bristol, Manchester and London in October. Check his website for details.

My God Has A Telephone is added to my Trust Me playlist; search for Everything Flows - Trust Me on Spotify or CLICK HERE 

Check below for all previous blogs in my Trust Me series.

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

22. Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From 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

36. Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats

37. How High by The Charlatans

38. I Can't Let Go by Evie Sands

39. Pop Song 89 by R.E.M.

40. Summertime Clothes by Animal Collective

41. There She Goes by The Las

42. We're Going To Be Friends by White Stripes

43. Autumn Sweater by Yo La Tengo

44. Sister Rena by Lomond Campbell

45. Revolution by The Beatles

46. Lazarus by The Boo Radleys

47. Wrote For Luck by Happy Mondays

48. American Trilogy by The Delgados

49. Loser by Beck 

50. Silent Sigh by Badly Drawn Boy

51. Comedy by Shack

52. Take The Skinheads Bowling by Camper Van Beethoven

53. Freakscene by Dinosaur Jr

54. Thank You For Being You by The Pastels

55. I Think I'm In Love by Spiritualized

56. Chestnut Mare by The Byrds

57. Cannonball by The Breeders

58. Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan

59. You Make Me Weak At The Knees by Electrelane

60. Lucky by Radiohead

61. Strange Currencies by R.E.M.

61. I Am The Cosmos by Chris Bell

62. Like A Ship (Without A Sail) by Pastor TL Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir

63. Nothing But A Heartache by The Flirtations

64. Made of Stone by The Stone Roses

65. Tonight In Belfast by Orbital, David Holmes, DJ Helen and Mike Garry

66. Anything by Adrianne Lenker

67. I Hold Something In My Hand by Bill Ryder-Jones

68. I Meant Every Word by Burnett Sisters

69. Dream Baby Dream by Suicide

70. Stove by The Lemonheads

71. Red Lady by Phil Cordell

72. Little Fluffy Clouds by The Orb

73. I Can Do It With A Broken Heart by Taylor Swift

74. Turnin' My Heartbeat Up by The M.V.P.'s

75. Razzle Dazzle Rose by Camera Obscura

76. Such Great Heights by The Postal Service

77. The Rat by The Walkmen