PJ Harvey - Dry (Demonstration)

OK I've jumped forward a few years here, and I know this would not come under the normal music posted of Punk and New Wave.

But in my opinion this album is a classic. I can remember hearing "Sheela-Na-Gig"(if you have not heard this, you will love it) on the John Peel Show. As soon as the album "Dry" came out (June 30th 1992) I took the morning of work to make sure I got the limited edition vinyl with the extra LP (I luckily got a copy - number 4093 - see the sticker). This was a demo (acoustic) version of the main album and is what I am posting. This is apparently very rare, and I don't believe it has ever been released again.

So here it is just for you, tell me what you think.

One word of warning, like a few of PJ Harvey albums they appear to be recorded at a low level, so you have to crank up the volume.

Band: P J Harvey
Label: Too Pure
Year: 1992
Tracks:
Side A
1. Oh My Lover
2. O Stella
3. Dress
4. Victory
5. Happy and Bleeding

Side B
1.Sheela-Na-Gig
2. Hair
3. Joe
4. Plants and Rags
5.Fountain
6. Water

Ripped from glorious pretty good condition vinyl:



If you like this and haven't already got the main album "Dry" then go and buy it now:

Dry

I, Ludicrous - Preposterous Tales

There are a few records I have always wanted: 1st Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen on A&M and I could of got if for £50 in 1978 but I couldn't afford it (Doh! its worth a lot more now), 2nd ATV's Sniffin Glue magazine with the flexi disc Love Lies Limp, and lastly this posting of a flexi disc which came free with the magazine Blah Blah Blah..

Preposterous Tales by I, Ludicrous was a John Peel favourite (No 11 in one of his 1987 festive 50), and subsequently one of mine as well. This rip came of my cassette recording of a John Peel show (lucky for many John Peel was one of those rare DJ's who played records in their entirety.

This is a brilliant song, with brilliant lyrics (very clever and witty), everyone know a Ken MacKenzie, even though the lyrics may not mean something to some of the younger listeners (see the line about Crakerjack) they will still understand the rest:

I went out with a famous DJ's sister's friend,
I was on Crackerjack at the age of ten (oh really?)
And I saw the Sex Pistols play down the Hundred Club (yeah, we all did)
And I spent New Year's Eve at Sensible's Den.

The reason I posted this is twofold one it is a brilliant song that everyone should hear and secondly they have just released a new album with this and some other classics as well. So do them a favour and go out and buy a copy.

Band: I Ludicrous
Label: flexi Disc Free with Blah Blah Blah
Year: 1987
Track
1. Preposterous Tales

Ripped from John Peel's flexi disc onto tape to MP3:


If you like this then buy this album:

20 Years in Show Business

Khartomb - Swahili Lullaby

Another one from the Bruce Rhodes collection. Released in 1983 on Dan Treacy's (Television Personalities) label Whaam!, and in Bruce's own words "its a nice mix of the Passions, Raincoats and Slits". You will see what he means when you listen to them. Both songs have a reggae/dub feel, for me the a-side "Swahili Lullaby' is a little too commercial/poppy, the b-side 'Teekon Warriors' is the best track. But as usual ASFM would like to hear what you think, so leave a comment.

They also apparently did a John Peel session, which if any of you have a copy, please leave a comment.

The band consisted of Paula Crolla, Caroline Clayton, Ali Barnes and Ian Christie, apart from that we have no more information on whether they recorded anything else or what happened to them. So again if you know anything as usual leave a comment.

Band: Khartomb
Label: Whaam
Year: 1983
Tracks:
1. Swahili Lullaby
2. Teekon Warriors

Ripped from Bruce's glorious scratched vinyl:

The Monochrome Set - Jacob's Ladder

The Monochrome Set's 12th single was a 5 track 12" EP. In my opinion there are three standout tracks that are so varied there is something for everyone.

First up is the a-side 'Jacob's Ladder', a brilliant piece of perfect indie/pop (it's the best description I can think of, anyone else got a better one?). You have to love this track. Next up is the second track on the a-side 'Andiamo' which is an instrumental cross of a spaghetti western sound and the Shadows, I love this one so much I've had the guitar tabbed out and I'm trying to learn it (so if anyone is interested in the tab leave a comment). The last track that I rate is 'Le Boom Boom' which has a bit of 'The Cramps' sound about it, another outstanding track. The last two tracks are OK, but I guess it would be nearly impossible to match the first three.

I believe the only track that is readily available from this EP is 'Jacobs ladder' so try the rest out and leave a comment and tell ASFM what you think.

A few etchings on this one, on the a-side "Message to J.P. PTO" and then on the other side "Whip It Out and Give Us A Laugh". Who knows?

Band: The Monochrome Set
Label: Blanco Y Negro
Year: 1984
Tracks:
1. Jacobs Ladder
2. Andiamo
3. Le Boom Boom
4. Yo Ho Ho
5. Starry Nowhere

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:


If you like this then buy anyone of their excellent compilations or even better one of there many albums over on Cherry Red then follow this link:

This ones good if you want their earlier singles:

The Independent Singles Collection

This one if you want to try out a more varied sample of their music

The Best of the Monochrome Set

and if you know you like them then buy some of their albums, this ones their excelent third album

Eligible Bachelors

Veruca Salt - Number One Blind

I posted this for one reason, the outstanding cover version of the Sex Pistols "Bodies". I've always liked Veruca Salt, who were popular in the 1990's, and many of you will remember one of their hit singles "Seether" (another classic).

Named after the spoiled rich girl from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, they released a number of albums and singles. With this one you get three tracks, the title track "Number One Blind" is a good example of what to expect of Veruca Salt, the third track "Aurora" is the weakest track in my opinion, but their cover "Bodies" is excellent. It starts of as if its a quiet acoustic version. Hearing the harsh lyrics sang with a soft voice is perfect, and then the slow build up, you can feel the menace waiting to emerge, and it doesn't disappoint. I love "Bodies" by the Sex pistols, and in my opinion if your going to cover a song then you need to do it differently, and that just what Veruca Salt have done.

So whose version do you prefer? It's always hard to choose between the original and a good cover, I'm still with the Sex Pistols but this is a very close second for me. So leave a comment and let ASFM know what you think.

Band: Veruca Salt
Label: Rise Recordings
Tracks:
1. Number One Blind
2. Bodies
3. Aurora

If you like this then your in luck as you still get their first two excellent albums. Their debut album "American Thighs" includes the brilliant single "Seether" and lots more:

American Thighs

and if you like the first album you will defiantly like their second "Eight Arms To Hold You":

Eight Arms to Hold You

The Stanley Blacks - In Sight

The Stanley Blacks are a four piece from the Woking/Guildford area (that's the South East of England and about 20 miles from London for our overseas visitors) and are influenced by the Strokes, Arcade Fire and the Beatles.

I know this isn't a traditional ASFM posting, but after seeing the Stanley Blacks a few times I got talking to them and they mentioned they were in the process of recording a new EP. So I volunteered to post their music and get some feedback from blog land.

So here it is their first track 'In Sight', the other tracks are still being finished (available in Jan 2009) so you're privileged to hear their first recording before anyone else. So please download this and leave some honest feedback in the comments.

They have a few gigs coming up (see their myspace site here for info) and I can personally recommend seeing them.

They're a young band (in their late teens/20's) and working hard to make it, so please feel free to post on your own blogs (just leave a link and some comments so they can see what people think).

Band: The Stanley Blacks
Label: Unsigned
Year: 2008
Tracks:
1. In Sight

Ripped in some recording studio

Spear Of Destiny - Prisoner Of Love

Spear of Destiny's third single, everyone knows this one, but do you all know the brilliant b-side 'Rosie' and on this limited edition gate fold edition there's also two excellent live tracks one of my favourites 'Rainmaker' and 'Never Take Me Away'.

Prisoner of Love is an excellent single but I've always loved 'Rosie' and when you hear it you will immediately understand why. The live in Poland GDANSK tracks are equally good and it sounds like Kirk Brandon is using language for his own amusement (check out track 4).

So check out these tracks, do you agree 'Rosie' is a classic? or have I got it wrong?

Band: Spear Of Destiny
Label:
Year: 1984
Tracks:
1: Prisoner of love
2: Rosie
3: Rainmaker (Live In GDANSK)
4: Don't Turn Away (Live In GDANSK)

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

If you like this then buy their excellent second album which this reissued version has all of these tracks and lots more (one of my all time favourite albums):

One Eyed Jacks

Yeah Yeah Noh - Fun On The Lawn, Lawn, Lawn

I've already posted the Yeah Yeah Noh's debut single 'Prick Up Your Ears' here, and if you liked it you will love this collection of John Peel sessions. Released on vinyl in 1986 it collects all three Peel sessions from 1984 (28/07), 1985 (09/04) and 1986 (19/01).

They definitely had something about Lawns as their debut album which is sadly no longer available (and was available at the original Twilight Zone - if you ask RYP nicely I'm sure he would do a re-up) was called 'Cutting the Heavenly Lawn of Greatness ... Last Rites for the God of Love'.

All their best tracks are here, the final track is not listed on the back cover, so I named it the 'Mystery Track', also a high resolution scan of the back cover is included to allow you to read the sleeve notes. At the end of the last track on side one is 'Jigsaw' if you let the track run till the end you will hear some garbled language, if you play it backwards it says "Of the dawn wind", anyone know what that's about? They were always a little 'off the wall' so most probably nothing.

Band: Yeah Yeah Noh
Label: Red Rhino
Year: 1986
Tracks:
1. Super Imposed Man
2. Beware The Weakling Line
3. (It's) Easier To Suck Than Sing
4. Cottage Industry
5. Another Side Of Mrs Quill
6. Crimplene Seed Lifestyle
7. Temple Of Convenience
8. Jigsaw
9. Blood Soup
10. Prick Up Your Ears
11. Starling Pillow Case
12. See Through Nature
13. Stealing In The Name Of The Lord
14. Mystery Track

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl
If you like this then your in luck as you can still get a best of album here:

Leicester Square: the Best of Yeah Yeah Noh

and an album collecting all sides of their three singles at the excellent Phoenix Hairpins here.

The Very Things - Live At The ICA Oct. 1984 Part 2

Formed from the ashes of the brilliant 'Cravats', came the even better and very much stranger 'The Very Things'. The singers strange vocals, warped fairground type music and odd lyrics make them incomparable (anyone know of anyone else that sounds like them? then leave a comment).

All of these tracks are great but my favourite is 'The Bushes Scream, While My Daddy Prunes'
The reason there is two parts is down to my poor ripping, I thought the song had finished.

Ripped from FM radio and then ripped from glorious hissing tape

Band: The Very Things
Year: 1984
Tracks:
1. The Bushes Scream, While My Daddy Prunes Part 1
2. The Bushes Scream, While My Daddy Prunes Part 2
3. Wall Of Fir
4. Shearing Machine
5. Phillips World Service

If you like this then definitely get this (currently only available on download) here:

The Bushes Scream While Daddy Prunes
and you can still get this one on CD here:

It's a Drug, It's a Drug

Bromheads Jacket - Wooley Bridge / Lesley Parlafitt 7"

Something new for you to try out this time. Bromheads Jacket's debut single was this double a side classic. If you've never heard of 'Bromheads Jacket' then think of a punk version of 'The Streets' and your getting close. My son introduced me to them and this is ripped from his copy of this rare (500 copies). All of the covers are individually hand sprayed, sketched, written and numbered. You can see from all of the scans the different variations, and a picture of a fully painted cover.

Even though the singer has a strong South London accent (I believe he grew up in London) the Bromheads Jacket are another great band that hail from Sheffield.

Both of these tracks are outstanding and impossible to choose from, but at a minimal 1:30 seconds you just want more of 'Lesley Parlafitt.

Like the 'Arctic Monkeys' the Bromheads have released a number of free demos, so I have also included an early set of demos that give you more of a taste of their music. Check out the first classic track 'Trip To The The Golden Arches'. Anyone who can write a chorus like this one is OK in my books, if you read it you would say its impossible to put into a song.

Both of these tracks and 'Trip To The Golden Arches' are on their debut album, and the good news is there different (and in my opinion better) versions. So there's no excuse not to go out and buy it.

Band: Bromheads Jacket
Label: Marquis Cha Cha
Year: 2005
Tracks:
1. Wooley Bridge
2. Lesley Parlafitt

Label: Demos
Year: 2005
1. Trip To The Golden Arches
2. Land Of The Brave
3. A Pinch Of Psalt
4. Met A Dark Girl
5. SRI's and Big Bore 4's
6. Celebrityism
7. ATM

Ripped from glorious pristine vinyl

The Bromheads Jackets have two albums both worth buying, my personal favourite is the first 'Dits From The Commuter Belt':

Dits from the Commuter Belt
and their second and latest album 'On The Brain':

On the Brain

The Call, 10,000 Maniacs, X - Elektra Caravan '87 7"

Not sure where I got this one from, but its a sampler for Elektra records featuring three bands, The Call, 10,000 Maniacs and X. The inside gatefold sleeve has information on each band and their latest albums which the label is clearly trying to promote (high resolution scans included).

First up is 'The Call', despite this being a track from their fourth album, I had never heard of them but I really like this track and after all these years I think will check out some of their stuff. Anyone know this band? any recommendations? or is this a one off?, then leave a comment.

Second up is 10,000 Maniacs, a John Peel favourite, and one of their best songs 'What's The Matter' is from their second album 'In My Tribe'. If you like 10,000 Maniacs you will already have this, if you've never tried them then I would recommend starting with their first album 'The Wishing Chair'.

Last up is 'X' the original punk band formed in 1977. Although be prepared this track from their sixth album is nothing like their old stuff, I would nearly categorise this as alt country. but I still like it and would also recommend trying some of John Doe's sole material.

Band: Various
Label: Elektra
Year: 1987
Tracks:
1. In The River - The Call
2. What's The Matter - 10,000 Maniacs
3. See How We Are - X

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

So if you like these then why not try out the albums they are sampled from:
The Call's fourth album 'Into The Woods':

Into the Woods
10,000 Maniacs second album 'In My Tribe':

In My Tribe
X's sixth album 'See How We Are':

See How We Are

Carter USM - Norwich Sound City 1992

I'm not sure how popular Carter USM (originally Unstoppable Sex Machine but shortened later on) were globally (be interesting to hear from some of our overseas ASFM visitors), but for me they were definitely one of those classic UK eccentrics, and I can't describe them any better than this entry from Wikipedia:

a distinctive style of power pop, fusing samples, sequenced basses and drum machines with rock 'n' roll guitars and off-beat wordplay-loaded lyrics

As you can hear on the rip, their fans would continually chant "You Fat Bastard" which originated from one time manager Jon 'Fat' Breasts topless on stage band introductions.

A good selection of their singles and favourites here, unfortunately Sheriff Fatman is clipped at the end. It also includes their single "After The Watershed" (1991) which led to their first appearance on 'Top Of The Pops and then more famously a legal battle with the Rolling Stones publisher over the the use of the lyrics "Goodbye Rudy Tuesday" in the chorus. I'm not sure whether the legal battle was resolved by 1992, but introduce the song with "this ones for the bah bah bab bab the Rolling Stones, but we didn't want to swear".

Band: Carter USM

Album: Radio 1 Norwich Sound City 1992

Year: 1992

Tracks:

1. Intro Robin Hood

2. The Only Living Boy In New Cross
3. Down The Tracks
4. Rubbish
5. Do Re Me, So Far So Good
6. Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere
7. A Prince In A Paupers Grave
8. While You Were Out
9. After The Watershed
10. Sheriff Fatman

Ripped from glorious FM radio onto even more glorious hissing tape

If you like this then go and buy some of their music here:

30 Something

You Fat Bastard

Starry Eyed and Bollock Naked: B-Sides

Scott 4 - Your Kingdom To Dust CD Single

I think I first heard this on John Peel (I could be wrong) but I went straight out and purchased a copy, and ever since it's been floating in and out of my playlists, and now its back again. Their biography on Amazon labels them as Electronic Cowpunks and you will see why when you listen to both sides of this single and even more when you try some of their albums.

Scott 4 must be another one of those bands that regretted the name of their band, especially after considering its the same name as Scott Walkers album "Scott 4". So if you Google them all you see is Scott Walker (not that that's a bad thing), so I guess that explains why in 2005 they renamed themselves to "Scott 4 Free Rock Orchestra".

Only two tracks here, first up is "Your Kingdom To Dust" and it's easily the standout track. The b-side "You Set The Scene" is an instrumental that lasts for a mighty 23:15 minutes, and to me, sounds like it should be the soundtrack to a film (what do you think?). Amazingly for such a long track it's very listenable, and after all these years I still haven't grown bored of it.

So try it out and see what you think.

Band: Scott 4
Label: Satellite Records / V2 Records
Year: 1997
Tracks:
1. Your Kingdom To Dust
2. You Set The Scene

Ripped form not so glorious CD (see comments for links)

If you like this then try out some of their albums. All of them appear rated, I can only personally recommend two, this one has the a-side of this single plus more on:

Recorded in State
Love this one, reminds me a little of Beck, etc.

Works Project
Or try out their latest release (I haven't got round to this yet, so if you have, then let me know what its like, mp3 download only:

E-S-P

Download MP3 Album:

Or you buy this single for 0.01p a bargain, even with the postage costs:

Your Kingdom to Dust