portrait of this blog's author - by Stephen Blackman 2008

Monday, July 21, 2025

Nat Myers - Is What It Is! (Tonk take!)

 Those regulars here will know my appreciation of this young man Nat Myers and his recent struggles have not diminished his desire to create most excellent ‘SLANGS!Go tonk it sum! Posted on Facebook an hour ago - this old ‘hit’ from his slangs is worth a revisit tonkin’ or nay!


Green Day: Kerplunk! Dookie, Insomniac, American idiot + 1991-2004 | URBANASPIRINES

Green Day: Kerplunk! 1991 + Dookie 1994 + Insomniac 1995 + American idiot 2004 (4 FLAC files at over 1.23gig!)


again Kostas excels in his profile of the American ‘Grunge’ (Sic?) rockers and I must have missed out rather on these guys so Kostas’ work here seems informative not to say important
For those in the know - ENJOY!




Kostas says:

Since the early '90s, Bay Area trio Green Day has been one of the most celebrated and successful bands in the world, growing from an energetic and snarling pop-punk group into an increasingly melodic and stylistically adventurous act and infiltrating the mainstream early in the process. From the start, the band took notes from the anarchic attitudes and loud, fast, snotty approach of jittery late-'70s punk acts like the Jam and Sham 69, but elevated their blasting sound with pop elements like catchy hooks, tightly arranged song structures, and Beatlesque vocal harmonies. 

read on here . . . .


GREEN DAY  AMERICA IDIOT (Official)
Dedicated to POTUS Lil Donny Drumpf



Leadbelly - Easy Rider (1999) | Zero G Sounds (via Imagenetz) Huddie Ledbetter 1888-1949

Leadbelly - Easy Rider (1999)

Huddie Ledbetter, known as Leadbelly, was a unique figure in the American popular music of the 20th century. Ultimately, he was best remembered for a body of songs that he discovered, adapted, or wrote, including "Goodnight, Irene," "Rock Island Line," "The Midnight Special," and "Cotton Fields." 

But he was also an early example of a folksinger whose background had brought him into direct contact with the oral tradition by which folk music was handed down, a tradition that, by the early years of the century, already included elements of commercial popular music. 

Because he was an African-American, he is sometimes viewed as a blues singer, but blues (a musical form he actually predated) was only one of the styles that informed his music. He was a profound influence on folk performers of the 1940s such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, who in turn influenced the folk revival and the development of rock music from the 1960s onward, which makes his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, early in the hall's existence, wholly appropriate. 

Tracklist 

01 Fannin Street
02 I've A Pretty Flowers
03 Easy Rider
04 Bull Cow
05 Dekalb Blues
06 New York City
07 Mother's Blues
08 Tell Me Baby
09 Sweet Mary Blues
10 Bourgeois Blues
11 My Friend Blind Lemon
12 Good Morning Blues
13 Gallis Pole
14 Outskirts Of Town
15 Grasshoppers In My Pillow
16 Scottsboro Blues
17 Sail On Little Girl, Sail On
18 Don't You Love You Daddy No More
19 Where Did You Sleep Last Night
20 How Long
21 Looky Looky Yonder 


Another classic from Zero G [via Imagenetz so available to us mere mortals in the UK]. As I have said ad nauseam but Leadbelly perhaps the earliest unfluence on this precocious schoolboy of 13 and an ep with Goodnight Urene and Gallows Pole (here ‘Gallis Pole’?!) contender for my first blues purchase from the budget sale bins ay that age! It has haunted me forever! 
Sometimes I has a great notion . . . . 
Easy Rider - Leadbelly

This from rebel without applause . . . . . it all began as a mistake [Rev Gary David covered by Billy Childish]

2022

Same haunting truth. Different voices.

One of Billy Childish’s many bands, The William Loveday Intention offers a gritty take on Death Don’t Have No Mercythat stays faithful in spirit but walks its own dark path.

The original was released in

1960

Free - Walk In My Shadow | Le Ramasseur De Mégots

Walk In My Shadow


Free - Walk In My Shadow 

Le Ramasseur De Mégots

Anouar Brahem - Tunis At Dawn | jt1674

Morning! 

https://www.tumblr.com/jt1674/789587113520807936/anouar-brahem-tunis-at-dawn

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Levon Helm & The RCO All Stars - Live At The Superdome New Orleans LA Feb. 7th 1978 | Floppy Boot Stomp

Levon Helm & The RCO All Stars - Live At The Superdome New Orleans LA Feb. 7th 1978



Levon Helm & The RCO All Stars NOLA Feb. 1978


01 Intro by Bill Minkin-KBFH 01:04   

02 Ain't That a Lotta Love 04:03   

03 Washer Woman 03:28   

04 Mardi Gras Day - band introductions 06:34   

05 The Weight 04:20   

06 Back to Memphis 04:20   

07 Milk Cow Boogie 04:11   

08 Born in Chicago 04:55   

09 A Mood I Was In 03:58   

10 Ophelia 04:36   

11 Goodnight Irene 04:57

Levon Helm & The RCO All Stars at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA on 2/07/1978. Levon Helm had released his first album after The Band, Levon Helm And The RCO All-Stars, the previous year, and was on tour to promote that album. This concert was recorded and broadcast by the King Biscuit Flower Hour (KBFH) and affiliated stations across the U.S. Introduction by Bill Minkin of KBFH. 



Levon Helm & The RCO All Stars:

Levon Helm - Drums & Vocals

Booker T. Jones - Organ

Steve Cropper - Guitar

Donald "Duck" Dunn - Bass

Dr. John - Piano & Vocals

Paul Butterfield - Harmonica & Vocals

Fred Carter - Guitar & Vocals

Howard Johnson - Tuba & Baritone Saxophone

Lou Marini - Tenor Saxophone

Tom Malone - Trombone

Alan Rubin - Trumpet

Check this playlist here . . .


For the Boys . . . . . . XRay, Silent Way and Bro Jo and the gang!

Elvis the Pelvis!


awww bless ‘im!

Hopeless closet case crooner!

 SO gay! 😏

Mo’ Birthdays - Happy 78th birthday to Carlos Santana!

Santana and Peter Green perform "Black Magic Woman" at the 1998 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
“If people take the time to look from the beginning, what I listened to was John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed and Lightnin’ Hopkins. Then, later on, Peter Green\ and Michael Bloomfield. They were disciples of B.B. King, and me too, except that I got away from B.B King when I discovered Gábor Szabó A lot of people came from B.B King. They also listened to Freddie King and to Albert King, but for some reason B.B. King was the centerpiece for a lot of musicians that wanted to play the blues. I think it was due to his honesty, the rawness of his playing, and his heart.
“To me, Gábor was a very, very elegant gypsy guitarist. He was Hungarian, from Budapest. I learned a lot from him, especially because of the way he played with Willie Bobo, Victor Pantoja and Chico Hamilton. His playing was very, very different. In San Francisco at that time, everybody was listening to the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and Janis Joplin. But I was listening to Gábor Szabó a lot, and Wes Montgomery.
“Peter Green was a very good friend. I miss him terribly. I’m grateful that we toured together a lot of times. You know, he would catch a plane and he would just appear and play with Santana. He would leave Fleetwood, Mac for a little bit, and then he will come sit in with us. I identify with the way he played the guitar because he was very lyrical. The only other person that is like that was Gary Moore. A lot of musicians play guitar, but very few people get deep, deep, deep, into the guitar, like Gary Moore, Peter Green, and myself. But again, we all came from B.B. King. BB King is the guy.”

Mark Thompson / Blues Blast Interview

Birthdays | Paul Cook drummer to THE SEX PISTOLS!

Happy birthday to Paul Cook, born in Shepherd's Bush, London on this day in 1956.


Jones and Cook made the rhythm section for our Johnny to yell at us over!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COOKIE!


The Many Faces of Prince | Butterboy


THE MANY FACES OF...


VA - The Many Faces of Prince [2016] (3 x CDs)

The Many Faces of Prince (2016) is a compelling 3-CD compilation that explores the artistry, influence, and collaborations of one of music’s most enigmatic figures. Released by Music Brokers, this set goes beyond a typical best-of collection, offering a multi-dimensional perspective on Prince’s legacy.

This is a triple-CD deep dive into Prince’s musical universe, his beginnings, reinterpretations, and influences.


CD1 features tracks from 94 East, where a teenage Prince played guitar and vocals. Songs like “Just Another Sucker” give insight into his formative years.


CD2 covers by artists such as Sheila E., Art of Noise with Tom Jones, and fDeluxe reimagine Prince’s hits through funk, synth-pop, and hip hop lenses.


CD3 maps Prince’s musical DNA, with cuts by Sly & The Family Stone, The Meters, and James Brown the legends who shaped his style.


Though unofficial, this Mexican-pressed digipak includes rare recordings, unique tributes, and a curated selection of Prince-adjacent artistry. For fans and archivists, it’s a lively mosaic of the Purple One’s legacy.


 (Butterboy)



Trojan Beatles Tribute Box Set | Butterboy

VA - Trojan Beatles Tribute Box Set (Limited Edition) [2024] (3 x CDs)


BEATLE REGGAE


Trojan Beatles Tribute Box Set (2004) is a 3-CD compilation released by Trojan Records, offering a joyful and imaginative 
reggae reinterpretation of The Beatles’ most beloved songs. This limited-edition set brings together a vibrant mix of ska, 
ocksteady, roots, and dub, all filtered through the unmistakable warmth of Jamaican rhythm.
Across its three discs, the box set features over 50 tracks, with contributions from reggae legends like John Holt, 
Ken Boothe, The Maytals, Marcia Griffiths, Desmond Dekker, and Ernest Ranglin. These artists don’t just cover Beatles 
ongs—they transform them, infusing Lennon and McCartney’s melodies with syncopated grooves, soulful vocals, and
 island flair. From Glen Adams’ upbeat “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” to Susan Cadogan’s sultry take on “Something”, 
each track offers a fresh perspective on familiar tunes.

The set is cleverly divided into three themed discs: The Black, Gold & Green Album Part 1, Part 2, and UK Stylee. 
This structure allows for a mix of Jamaican originals and UK-based reggae interpretations, highlighting the global reach
 of both The Beatles and reggae music. Standouts include The Crystalites’ instrumental “Lady Madonna”, 
The Upsetters’ dubby “Let It Be”, and The Black Beatles’ cheeky “Reggae and Shout (Twist and Shout)”.
What makes this collection so charming is its playful spirit. These aren’t reverent covers—they’re full of personality,
 often reworking arrangements entirely while keeping the heart of the songs intact. The result is a tribute that feels 
both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Whether you’re a Beatles fan curious about their influence beyond rock, or a reggae lover looking for inventive takes on 
classic pop, Trojan Beatles Tribute Box Set is a delightful listen. It’s a celebration of musical cross-pollination—

proof that great songs can thrive in any rhythm. 

(Butterboy)

Delaney Bramlett - Told You For The Last Time [Written In Their Soul The Stax songwriter Demos] | jt1674

If anyone ever wondered ( I did!) where Delaney and Bonnie ever came from when they hooked up with the live touring squad with Clapton then this is it! Bramlett worked for Stax as a writer and this is why!

https://www.tumblr.com/jt1674/789525969180459008/delaney-bramlett-told-you-for-the-last-time

Nena says . . . . .




 

Roland Alphonso - Stream of Life (I’m In A Rockin’ Mood) |

Stream of LifeRoland Alphonso

1968 B Side to Austin Faithful’s I’m In a Rocking Mood


I bought a Rock Steady compilation (‘Get Ready, Do Rock Steady) with Dancing Mood on (I think) and it became a favourite up the Club! 


Saturday, July 19, 2025

Gil Scott-Heron - Baden-Baden, Germany 1984 | A Silent Way Special

 Gil Scott-Heron - Baden-Baden, Germany 1984

Gil Scott-Heron - Ohne Filter 
Baden-Baden, Germany

March 1984
Broadcast source @320

2 Un-chaptered files @ 58:18

No set list was available for this recording.


Musicians:

Gil Scott-Heron - Piano & Vocals
Kim Jordan - Keyboards & Backup Vocals
Ron Holloway - Saxophone
Robert Gordon - Bass
Larry McDonald - Percussion
Rodney Young - Drums

Gil Scott-Heron  was an American jazz poet, singer, musician, and author known 

for his work as a spoken-word performer in the 1970s and 1980s. 

His collaborative efforts with musician Brian Jackson fused jazz, blues, and 

soul with lyrics relative to social and political issues of the time, delivered in 

both rapping and melismatic vocal styles. He referred to himself as a "bluesologist, 

his own term for "a scientist who is concerned with the origin of the blues”. 

His poem "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised", delivered over a jazz-soul beat, 

is considered a major influence on hip hop music.



Scott-Heron's music, particularly on the albums Pieces of a Man and Winter 

in America during the early 1970s, influenced and foreshadowed later 

African-American music genres, including hip hop and neo soul. 

His recording work received much critical acclaim, especially for 

"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised". AllMusic's John Bush called him 

"one of the most important progenitors of rap music", stating that "his aggressive,

 no-nonsense street poetry inspired a legion of intelligent rappers while

 his engaging songwriting skills placed him square in the R&B charts later

 in his career."

Gil Scott-Heron in German-TV with "Winter in America" and "Not Needed", 1984

Mickey Newbury - Looks Like Baby’s Gone | Le Ramasseur De Mégots

 

Looks Like Baby's Gone

Jon Hassell - Blue Period [Last night the moon came dropping its clothes in the street] ECM | jt1674

 

https://www.tumblr.com/jt1674/789348347388510209/jon-hassell-blue-period

David Bowie - 1996-07-18 - Phoenix Festival Stratford-upon-Avon, UK (FM))

David Bowie - 1996-07-18 - Phoenix Festival, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK (FM)

David Bowie
1996-07-18
Phoenix Festival
Long Marston Airfield
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK 
FM Broadcast

01. Look Back In Anger
02. Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)
03. The Heart’s Filthy Lesson
04. Outside
05. Aladdin Sane (1913-1938-197?)
06. The Voyeur Of Utter Destruction (As Beauty)
07. The Man Who Sold The World
08. Hallo Spaceboy
09. Breaking Glass
10. Telling Lies
11. Jump They Say
12. Under Pressure 
13. Heroes
14. Pallas Athena (Meat Beat Manifesto Untitled No.1)
15. Fame ’90
16. Strangers When We Meet
17. Lust For Life
18. All The Young Dudes
19. White Light/White Heat 
20. Moonage Daydream


"Launched in 1993, the Phoenix Festival was positioned as an alternative to the established Glastonbury and Reading Festivals. It was held at Long Marston Airfield near Stratford-upon-Avon and was one of the first four-day festivals in Britain. Unfortunately, the festival was plagued with issues with crowd control, prcing, staffing and the location, an old airfield.  The final nail in the coffin cam in 1996 when issues with security caused thousands to miss David Bowie's set on July 18, 1996, 29 years ago today.  The festival lasted one more year, then folded in 1998.  In any event, while ticket holders may have missed Bowie, yiu won't as this FM boradcast captures his entire set."



From the home of the bard! (That’s Billy Waggledagger to you boy!)

Of all the six extant signatures by the greatest ever playwright and poet none are spelled the same! 
None of them are spelled ‘William Shakespeare’!

personally I found that quite interesting . . . .