Well here's a treat for a sunny Saturday here in the shires . . . . . . my brother bought an album in 1965 on the Columbia label that changed the way I listened to music . . . . . . it was called 'The Most of The Animals' I dug it the MOST! I was 12 . . . . . I think I have said before but having a brother who was really into a varied range of music meant that by the time I was 13 I was buying my own records of Big Bill Broonzy, Josh White, Leadbelly, Jimmy Reed, Chris Farlowe and others. Walking the streets of my little southern village singing 'Goodnight Irene' at the top of my lungs! This band covering blues classics is largely why. Give me a shot of Rhythm and Blues!

Big O have given us a rare treat from the BBC archives from which I don't believe we have had ANY 'Animals' material but if this is anything to go by they should, they really REALLY should release loads of this. Fine quality and this band paid its dues a long time back and all could REALLY play the heck outa the R'n'B sound. If I had formed a band this is what we would have played and no mistake!

The Animals at the Beeb '65-'67

I have a question which I may Google and get to back to you on but they change the lyric here of 'Gonna Send You back To Georgia' to 'Gonna Send you Back to Walker' anyone know why? Exactly the same arrangement from live in the studio here to the album but the city is changed . . . . . . 

This  . . . . . . . . PopBitch corner

"In Nice with his trotters up, yeah?"

Danny Dyer on Brexit.

0:37

5.63M views

1:57 pm - 28 Jun 2018
I like him!

 * DANNY DYER - you've probably watched Danny Dyer doing his Brexit talk by now but wow is he good. Always used to find Danny annoying but something has happened in the last year or two and he's worn us down with his act, and now it's just hilarious. The comic timing of the final "twat" should be studied if you want to know a thing or two about being funny.

https://twitter.com/cjsnowdon/status/1012439971188310017

: KINKS REFORMING  Old men rejoice
  In news that's sent men of a certain age scuttling to their mancaves to listen to their C90s, we're happy to report that North London's finest are reforming and doing a new LP. Actually we couldn't give a shit about a new LP, but we are excited by the idea of them doing some serious promo. Genuinely hope that James Corden (shut up haters) takes Ray on a little car drive around Muswell Hill, and the BBC do a Genesis-style reunion doc where they put the band in the same room and interview them together for maximum friction.
  This is the joy of old bands - the friction between them is hugely relatable as, like us all, they are stuck with these people like members of family. And unlike Chas and Dave, Ray and Dave ARE actual family.
  And to warm you up, this Channel 4 interview with Ray is OK - although a bit unsettling as he keeps staring directly at the camera.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGrEV4pA4ow

HELP!

John at his very VERY best IMHO

The Toronto Rock And Roll Revival 1969

The Toronto Rock And Roll Revival 1969

Really fascinating document from the wonderful Floppy Boot Stomp this morning. The Toronto Rock 'n' Roll Festival of 1969 was largely known for being the first gig of John Lennon's after the Beatles split and one could have been forgiven for thinking there was no-one else there or that Lennon's Plastic Ono Band headlined but there were other folk on the concert list too and in fact Lennon played as a last minute addition and scratch band put together with next to no notice. Largely Rock n Roll purist event with stars like Jerry Lee, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and Little Richard but also Cat Mother, Tony Joe White and of greater interest for me, The Doors. This article discusses a largely forgotten event and set of concert performances of great historical significance

Floppy Boot Stomp - Toronto Rock & Roll Festival 1969

I think my brother bought this when it came out I know I didn't but it certainly stuck in the ear worm category and the voices here are attractive for sure but Asher went on to major production roles and this was very much a one hit wonder. Listening to it back now it may well have been a McCartney composition but boy is it cloying and juvenile in it's sentiments, you can tell he was 16, still that's what teenage was all about huh? It is almost a peon to suicidal threat! Check the lyrics. Also check out out what sounds like a Phillicorda organ solo!?! Fab! Gear! Swinging!

On this day in music history: June 27, 1964 - “A World Without Love” by Peter & Gordon hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it is the debut single and biggest hit for the London based pop music duo. Peter Asher and Gordon Waller meet each other while students at the Westminster School For Boys in London. The two become fast friends, bonding over their mutual love of music, particularly Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers. Originally calling themselves Gordon And Peter, they begin playing school functions and eventually graduating to playing gigs in local clubs. While playing at the Pickwick Club in London, the duo meet EMI staff producer and A&R man Norman Newell. Impressed, he offers them a recording contract with EMI Records two weeks after first seeing them perform. Needing songs for their first recording session, Asher turns to Beatle Paul McCartney who at the time is dating his sister actress Jane Asher, and living with them at their home in London. McCartney offers “A World Without Love”, a song that Paul had written when he was only sixteen years old. The early composition had not been recorded by The Beatles themselves, largely since John Lennon could never sing the songs opening line “Please lock me away…” without laughing. Peter & Gordon agree to do the song, recording it at Abbey Road Studios on January 21, 1964. Released in the UK first on EMI’s Columbia label in late February of 1964, it races to the top of the UK singles chart on April 23, 1964, replacing The Beatles “Can’t Buy Me Love” at number one. “Love” is then released in the US by Capitol Records on April 27, 1964. Entering the Hot 100 at #76 on May 9, 1964, it climbs to the top of the chart seven weeks later. “A World Without Love” becomes the first Lennon - McCartney song to top the US singles chart not performed by The Beatles. This does not happen again until 1975 when Elton John’s version of “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” (featuring John Lennon on guitar and background vocals) hits number one in January of 1975. 
with thanks to the most excellent Behind The Grooves by Jeff Harris

Well it's sunny and what better anthem . . . . .and yes we bought this when it came out and in 12" vinyl, which I still have in the vaults here at Swappers mansions

On this day in music history: June 27, 1989 - “Cosmic Thing”, the fifth album by The B-52’s is released. Produced by Don Was and Nile Rodgers, It is recorded at Dreamland Recording Studio in West Hurley, NY and Skyline Studios in New York City from Late 1988 - Early 1989. After the loss of original guitarist Ricky Wilson in October 1985 and the lukewarm reception to the “Bouncing Off The Satellites” album, the veteran new wave band take a three year long hiatus from the music business before regrouping. In the interim, Keith Stickland having switched from the drums to playing guitar (having learned Wilson’s unique guitar tunings), begin composing new material in 1988. Playing some of the new songs for his bandmates, The B-52’s begin writing and playing together again. Their first album of all new studio material in over three years. Returning to the studio in late 1988, the band work with Was (Not Was) bassist Don Was fresh off of producing Bonnie Raitt’s comeback album “Nick Of Time”, and Chic guitarist and producer Nile Rodgers. The album features additional musicians including former Gang Of Four bassist Sara Lee, drummers Steve Ferrone (AWB, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Sonny Emory (Earth, Wind & Fire, Bruce Hornsby), and Charley Drayton (Divinyls). It is an artistic and commercial triumph upon its release, and is the biggest selling album of their career. It spins off four singles including “Love Shack” (#3 Pop), “Roam” (#3 Pop) and “Deadbeat Club” (#30 Pop). The album is remastered and reissued by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, as part of their “Silver Series Vinyl Collection”.  "Cosmic Thing" peaks at number four on the Billboard Top 200, and is certified 4x Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

with thanks to the most excellent Behind The Grooves by Jeff Harris

Now this is interesting (to you maybe - ED!) but this is the first version of Mr Tambourine Man I ever heard. Released as a single and getting significant airplay my brother Steve was yet to buy the Bob Dylan album from whence it came in the UK 
It had a profound affect upon me - I was twelve and knew something was starting to happen . . . . . the sound and the above all the mesmerising words . . . . . take me for a trip upon your magic swirling ship my senses have been stripped my hands can't feel to grip my toes too numb to step
Wait only for my boot heels to be wandering. . . . . 

On this day in music history: June 26, 1965 - “Mr. Tambourine Man” by The Byrds hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week. Written by Bob Dylan, it is the first chart topping single for the Los Angeles, CA based folk-rock band. The hit single version of the song is actually the second version cut by the band, having previously recorded it in mid 1964. Producer Terry Melcher (son of actress/singer Doris Day) is initially unsure of the entire bands’ musicianship and hire members of The Wrecking Crew including Leon Russell, Glen Campbell, Hal Blaine, and Larry Knechtel to play along side Roger McGuinn (12-string electric guitar). McGuinn, Gene Clark and David Crosby sing on the track, recorded at Columbia Studios in Los Angeles, CA on January 20, 1965. Entering the Hot 100 at #87 on May 15, 1965, it leaps to the top of the chart six weeks later. “Mr. Tambourine Man” is also a huge hit on the other side of the Atlantic, hitting #1 on the UK singles chart. The Byrds sound make them pioneers of the burgeoning folk-rock movement, becoming highly influential with many acts that follow (We Five, The Mamas And The Papas, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Turtles, The Grass Roots, Barry McGuire, Simon & Garfunkel) scoring hits reminiscent of or directly mimicking them. The Byrds version of “Mr. Tambourine Man” is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1998.

with thanks to the most excellent Behind The Grooves by Jeff Harris

Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free

Silhouetted by the sea circled by the circus sands with all memory and fate driven deep beneath the waves. Let me forget about today until tomorrow

Well again the extraordinarily eclectic Aquarium Drunkard has produced a fifth (count 'em) volume of  the Women of Country music series they have been making available as mixtapes over recent times

Country Soul Sisters Vol V - Aquarium Drunkard

Their whole mixtape backlist is astonishing and I particularly liked this series of women in country music. Second only to the eclecticism of the Mixtapes named after compiler Maison Dufreyne which are also worth checking out. The latest set is country gals and their respective partners (at the time at least!)

Vol 5 - Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra

George Jones & Tammy Wynette – Golden Ring

Dolly Parton & Porter Wagoner – Ten Four, Over and Out

Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn – You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly

Bonnie Owens & Merle Haggard – Forever and Ever

Lee Hazlewood & Nancy Sinatra – Jackson

Roy Drusky And Priscilla Mitchell – Yes, Mr. Peters

Loretta Lynn & Ernest Tubb – Mr. & Mrs. Used To Be

Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash – Oh, What A Good Thing We Had

George Jones & Melba Montgomery – We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds

George Jones & Tammy Wynette – Did You Ever?

Dolly Parton & Porter Wagoner – Tomorrow Is Forever

Vol 4 - Linda Ronstadt

Jeannie C. Riley – Country Girl

Brenda Lee – Johnny One-Time

Tammy Wynette – Womanhood

Bobbie Gentry – Seasons Come, Seasons Go

Dolly Parton – Touch Your Woman

Tanya Tucker – New York City Song

Jeanne Pruett – Satin Sheets

Billie Jo Spears – Put A Little Love In Your Heart

Sammi Smith – Sunday Morning Coming Down

Linda Ronstadt – Will You Love Me Tomorrow?

Dolly Parton – Gonna Hurry (As Slow As I Can)

Vol 3 - Goldie HawnSkeeter Davis – Silver Threads and Golden Needles
Bonnie Owens – My Hi-fi to Cry By
Lois Williams – Girl Named Sam
Lynn Anderson – I Wish I Was A Little Boy Again
Dolly Parton – My Blue Tears (demo)
Sammi Smith – Kentucky
Goldie Hawn – I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight
June Carter – Jukebox Blues
Connie Smith – Once A Day
Minnie Pearl – Giddy Up Go Answer
Loretta Lynn – Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’
Kitty Wells – I’ve Been Loving You Too Long To Stop Now
Dolly Parton – Tomorrow is Forever (solo demo)

Vol 2 - Dolly

Tammy Wynette – Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad

Sue Thompson – Who’s Gonna Mow Your Grass?

Donna Fargo – The Happiest Girl In The Whole USA

Lynn Anderson – If I Kiss You (Will You Go Away?)

Melba Montgomery – The World Didn’t Cost Me A Dime

Norma Jean – Heaven Help The Working Girl

Dolly Parton – Games People Play

Nancy Sinatra – Hello L.A., Bye-Bye Birmingham

Wanda Jackson – I Wonder Could I Live There Anymore

Wilma Burgess – Baby

Skeeter Davis – My Last Date (With You)

Jeannie Seely – Can I Sleep In Your Arms

Jody Miller – Natural Woman

Vol 1 - Linda Ronstadt

Tammy Wynette – Tonight My Baby’s Coming Home

Bobbie Gentry – Mississippi Delta

Tanya Tucker – What’s Your Momma’s Name

Wanda Jackson – Wasted

Connie Smith – If It Ain’t Love

Jean Shepard – A Satisfied Mind

Nancy Sinatra – Get While The Gettin’s Good

Dolly Parton – My Blue Tears

Loretta Lynn – Bargain Basement Dress

Patsy Cline – Ain’t No Wheels On This Ship

Norma Jean – He’s All I Got

Linda Ronstadt – I Won’t Be Hangin’ ‘Round

Kitty Wells – Delta Dawn

All available here Aquarium Drunkard Country Soul Sisters Vols 1-5

Enjoy! I know I did . . . . and am!

Britain under Nazi occupation.

A German officer chats with an English Bobby in the Channel Islands. From June 30, 1940 until May 9, 1945. The Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by the Germans during World War Two.

Speaking of guitar heroes . . . . . 

On this day in music history: June 24, 1999 - Musician Eric Clapton auctions off 100 of his guitars, amplifiers and other accessories. Clapton puts the guitars on sale through Christie’s Auction House of New York to raise funds for his Crossroads Center Foundation and for the drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic The Crossroads Centre in Antigua, W.I.. Among the instruments on the auction block are numerous vintage Fender, Gibson and Martin guitars. The centerpiece of the collection is the two tone sunburst 1956 Fender Stratocaster nicknamed “Brownie”. This iconic guitar being one of Clapton’s personal favorites was most famously used by him on the Derek & The Dominoes album “Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs” in 1970, and pictured on the back cover of the LP. Clapton originally purchased the guitar for $400 at the Sound City music store in London in May of 1967, while on tour with Cream. The Strat is also pictured with Clapton on the cover of his first solo album. The pre-sale estimate for the guitar is for between $80-100,000. The final auction price far exceeds that, when it sells for a then record price of $497,500. The winning bid is placed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. “Brownie” is now on permanent display at the Experience Music Project museum in Seattle, WA.

with thanks to the most excellent Behind The Grooves by Jeff Harris