TV Smith to Play Live at the May 17th Opening of "Location" Art Exhibition featuring David Apps, Gaye Black (Advert), Lynne Blackburn and Ian Bailey

TV Smith the legendary front-man of The Adverts, will perform a short live acoustic set at the opening night party of "Location" Art Exhibition at Red Door Studios, East Ham on May 17th. The Exhibition features Photography, Screen-printing, Collage and Design from David Apps at Artificial Designs, Gaye Black (formerly Gaye Advert) and Lynne Blackburn & Ian Bailey from Hippo Screenprinters. We have already featured reports and photographs from some of Gaye's excellent Exhibitions on the Blog, you can check out "Punk and Beyond" and "Black Xmas". Also, David Apps talks about his Art and Photography in this special Episode of Retrosonic Podcast which also features his long time pal Dick York from Cryssis .

Don't forget that you can still listen to, and download for free, our TV Smith Special Edition Retrosonic Podcast where we talk to TV about his inspiring career in music and writing. The Episode is soundtracked with many great songs from all stages of TV Smith's musical journey and we are proud to present an exclusive acoustic session live from the Retrosonic HQ.

Gaye Black with some examples of her Art - Photo by Steve Worrall

We shall be sure to report back from the "Locations" Exhibition with more information on the Artists and the work that they have chosen to exhibit. Please check out the Red Door Studios site for more information and details on opening times and how to get there.

 

Vic Godard & Subway Sect - Live at Monto Water Rats Kings Cross, London March 29th

Mark Braby & Vic Godard, Subway Sect, March 29th - Photo by Steve Worrall

I must admit that I hadn't followed Vic Godard's solo career very closely until I heard the excellent album "We Come As Aliens", which was released in 2010 back again under the guise of Vic Godard & Subway Sect. It's just that every now and then, an artist that I may have neglected - whether it's because they go off in a direction that doesn't appeal to me anymore, or I just lose touch with them for whatever reason - will produce something that connects with me and gets me enthused all over again. It's great when this happens as you can then go on a little voyage of discovery into the back catalogue, and sometimes it's almost like coming across a brand new band for the very first time. So, tonight it was especially pleasing when, following a brief poem and introduction from Jock Scot, the band hit the stage and strike up "Best Album", the first track off "...Aliens". "The Water Was Bad" from his Edwyn Collins produced solo album "The End of the Surrey People" is followed by the sublime "Stop That Girl" from "T.R.O.U.B.L.E." which is a beautiful song, and tonight it is one of my highlights. We get the double hit of two more great tracks from "We Come As Aliens" in "Rhododendron Town" and the superb "Back In The Community".

Mark Braby, Vic Godard, Paul Myers & Paul Cook - Photo by Steve Worrall

Vic has gathered a fantastic band around him, and despite the somewhat fluid formations over the years, I really hope there is more to come from this line-up. Apparently, it's the first time Subway Sect have performed as a six piece, with Yusuf B'layachi joining on acoustic guitar alongside regulars Mark Braby on Guitars and Kevin Younger on Keyboards and Guitar. Original Subway Sect bassist Paul Myers, once of The Fallen Leaves, is excellent as he locks into a tight groove with his ex-Professionals rhythm section colleague Paul Cook. They just seem to have that chemistry that binds it all together. Talking of chemistry, I really enjoyed the banter between Vic and Paul Myers, topics of conversation ranged from stealing chord changes from Buzzcocks to the terrible weather and even discussing the latest horse-racing tips.

Paul Cook & Paul Myers - Photo by Steve Worrall

I always thought Paul Cook was an underrated drummer, OK he might not be the flashiest showman behind a drum-kit, more a Charlie Watts than a Keith Moon I guess, but he has a solid yet soulful feel, that gets the toes tapping right from the start. Both sides of the soon to be released Record Store Day exclusive 7" single are played tonight, with saxophonist David Wright swelling the line-up to a seven-piece for "Caught In Midstream" and "You Bring Out The Demon In Me". Both tracks are superb Northern Soul styled numbers that keep the crowd dancing and the addition of sax really adds a depth to the proceedings.

Vic Godard - Photo by Steve Worrall

Then follows two raucous Subway Sect classics, "Ambition" and "Parallel Lines", which take the roof off the Water Rats. Although Subway Sect were respected and admired by their contemporaries, they never really seemed to gain the wider acceptance or acknowledgement from many Punk fans. This may be due to the fact that Bernie Rhodes cut short the progression of what could have been one of the most interesting and original Punk outfits, by sacking the band around Vic Godard before they could release an album. Hearing these songs tonight, they sound inventive and fresh and should rightly be lauded alongside all those more familiar Punk classics.
 

Mark Braby - Photo by Steve Worrall

Another track from "...Aliens" the languid "Music of a Werewolf" brings things down to a more sedate level with it's Bosanova vibe before the stomping Flamenco of "The Devil's In League With You". Then it's the upbeat and soulful "Won't Turn Back" before Vic announces that "we've had enough sophistication for the evening" and the band slam into "Nobody's Scared" and "Chain Smoking" from the old Subway Sect days. The band are called back for encores and we get "If We'd've" with it's pub closing time singalong chorus and "Empty Shell" and then it is all over with applause and smiles lighting up the Water Rats. Tonight, the set was perfectly balanced, with all aspects of Vic's eclectic career covered, from Blue-eyed Soul to Jazz, Swing, French Chanson or all-out guitars blazing Punk Rock, it was all crammed in there in what was a truly memorable gig.

Paul Myers & Kevin Younger - Photo by Steve Worrall

Subway Sect - Photo by Steve Worrall

Vic Godard & Subway Sect fans may also be interested in our special Retrosonic Podcasts with The Fallen Leaves, who feature original Subway Sect guitarist Rob Symmons and occasional Sect backing singer Rob Green, and did have both Paul Cook and Paul Myers in their early line-up. The two Robs talk about The Fallen Leaves story including the early Subway Sect days as well as playing some of their own influences and favourite songs. Both Episodes are also generously sound-tracked with lots of Fallen Leaves songs from all of their three albums and debut E.P. "Trouble". "Side A: Punk Rock for Gentlemen" and "Side B: Simple Songs for Complex People" are available to listen to or download for free at the Retrosonic Soundcloud site.

Vic Godard & Yusuf B'layachi- Photo by Steve Worrall

For access to more photographs of the gig you can "Like" the Retro Man Blog Facebook page and for videos of two songs please check out the Retro Man Blog YouTube Channel. We also play a favourite Vic track in Episode 6 of Retrosonic Podcast.

Check out the excellent Vic Godard & Subway Sect official web-site for tour dates, merchandise, news, and a comprehensive archive featuring previous reviews and interviews. 

Monkeeman "Pressure" - New E.P. Out Now! & E.P. Launch Gig in Belfast Apri 01st

Monkeeman, the melodic guitar band fronted by German Singer/Songwriter Ralf Luebke,  have just released their brand new five song E.P. entitled "Pressure" which features great cover artwork by Maggie Mattioni from Mod designers Peggy Jane. The band have released three albums to date, all to critical acclaim in the German press. The first single “Universe” became a massive radio hit on German Radio. Ralf Luebke, the brainchild behind the band, felt it was time to get Monkeeman back on track and so after a three year hiatus he set about the process of recruiting a new line up for the band. In a very audacious move, Ralf decided that he wanted to branch out into the UK & Ireland. By June 2012 he had found the new line-up in Belfast in the form of Marty Connolly (former Rainbow Corner on Bass); Marty Kerr (former Back Issues Guitarist) and Marty Malone (former drummer with psychedelic outfit The Vals). The guys finally hooked up on August 7th 2012 in Belfast City Centre (hometown of the 3 Marty’s) for a solid two week rehearsal schedule. During this period, the band gelled very well indeed, playing some of the bands old tunes but also working on new songs for the "Pressure" E.P. In October/November 2012 the Belfast boys travelled to Germany to record the new E.P. in Berlin with Patrik Majer, one of Germany’s top producers. The major accomplishment from this recording session in Freudenhaus studio was that all of the 5 tracks recorded were “live” takes, capturing the retro sound of the band and proving what an excellent live act the band truly is. The band also played an electrifying sell-out gig in Wilhelmshaven’s Kling Klang venue.

 

The E.P.'s five tracks are a masterclass in hook laden guitar pop, full of catchy riffs and melodies. It starts off with a slight change in direction for the band, as the title track "Pressure" bursts out of the speakers with an angular Gang of Four style guitar motif, it drops out to a brief dub bass line before a thudding disco beat heralds the song's great chorus. It must rank up there with the best of Monkeeman's impressive back catalogue. "Pretty Fool" flows nicely and again uses a twisted guitar riff and powerful drumming - a kind of companion piece to "Pressure". "If The Music Was Over" slows the pace with it's moving plea of a chorus, it's a beautiful track. Although Monkeeman have in the past been labelled as a "Mod" band, I've always found their music to have more in common with the classic Power Pop bands such as Big Star and The Posies, with their chiming chords and timeless melodies. However, the band move easily between genres, for example "The Great Escape" crashes along at pace, reminiscent of The Replacements or The Long Ryders in their prime and I think Teenage Fanclub would have been proud to have penned the E.P.'s last track "Alright For Now". So it's a thoroughly satisfying record, the five tracks are bursting with great quality song-writing and the live feel of the recording gives it a raw and energetic sound that is totally infectious.

The "Pressure" E.P. will be available on general release from March 29th on iTunes, Amazon and all good online stores.

Monkeeman will play a gig to mark the launch of the "Pressure" E.P. tomorrow April 01st at Auntie Annie's in Belfast, so if you're in the area then be sure to check them out. The band Monkeeman have also confirmed two gigs at the International Pop Overthrow Festival in Liverpool at the Cavern Club at the 18th and 19th of May. Check the band's Monkeeman official web-site for all the details.

With Thanks to Ralf Luebke.

Vic Godard & Subway Sect "Caught in Midstream/You Bring Out The Demon In Me" - New 7” Produced by Edwyn Collins

"Caught in Midstream/You Bring Out The Demon In Me" is the new 7” From Vic Godard & Subway Sect. Produced by Edwyn Collins and released on Record Store Day - 20th April 2013 by Aed Records.
 

This particular saga begins way back in the mists of time, it’s 1979 and Vic is between groups and is asked by Bernie Rhodes to write some songs for a Harlesden soul group called the Black Arabs who were supporting Dexys on their "Intense Emotions Revue" tour in 1980, but didn’t have a set. The songs were given another outing at the Music Machine in March 1980 with a one off line up – Vic, Bob Ward, Paul Myers, Rob Green (now singing in the excellent Fallen Leaves with ex-Subway Sect guitarist Rob Symmons) on backing vocals and tambourine and The Great Unknown on keyboards (the story according to Vic - Bernard told him he was at a Turkish wedding and TGU was part of the band and asked him to play accordion on ‘Stop That Girl and then asked him to do the Music Machine gig but he had to get a hair cut first). The only two songs that have been recorded and regularly performed since then are ‘Holiday Hymn’ and ‘Devil’s In League With You’, with jazz versions of both on ‘In Trouble Again’ and regular outings for both in the live set over the years. After releasing "1978 Now", a re-recording of Subway Sect’s ‘lost’ album, it seemed natural to follow this (at some point) with "1979 Now" and finally record Vic’s Northern Soul numbers. 

Vic Godard & Subway Sect, December 2012 - Photo by Steve Worrall

Fast Forward to 2010 when Vic first moots the idea to Paul Myers, fast forward again to the beginning of 2011 when Myers agrees to come on board (likes to chew things over for a while before committing). By October 2011 Myers had also joined the live line up together with fellow Chelsea fan Paul Cook for an unspecified number of gigs and they made their live debut with Sect Stalwarts Kevin Younger and Mark Braby on the 28th October 2011, bringing the Northern Soul vibe to the Sect. Thanks to Edwyn and Grace Collins, recording tentatively began at West Heath Studios at the beginning of 2012 and continued throughout 2012 as and when possible. Towards the end of the year there were 4 completed tracks: "Holiday Hymn", "Devil’s in League", "Caught in Midstream" and "You Bring Out the Demon In Me". Aed Records suggested a single so had to decide which two songs to pick, after much deliberation "CIM" & "YBOTDIM" won the votes. Vic will be celebrating the release on Record Store Day at Mono Glasgow on 20th April and The Sect will be promoting the single with a series of dates: TONIGHT, 29th March @The Water Rats London, 5th April @The Green Door Store Brighton, 17th May @New Continental Preston and 1st June @The Brudenell Social Club Leeds.

Cover by Andrew Paul Shaw featuring photograph by Phil Dillon. Produced by Edwyn Collins, Recorded & Engineered by Seb Lewsley at West Heath Studios North West London.

Vic Godard - Vocals, Mark Braby - Guitar/Backing Vocals, Kevin Younger - Keyboards, Paul Cook - Drums, Paul Myers - Bass, Simon Rivers - Backing Vocals, David ‘Flash’ Wright - Saxophone

For more information check out the excellent official site Vic Godard & Subway Sect.

Marc Riley BBC Radio 6 Music with The Fallen Leaves, Paul Slattery & Retro Man Blog!

Photographer Paul Slattery joined The Fallen Leaves on their trip up to Manchester for their Marc Riley Session on BBC Radio 6 Music on Monday. He has kindly filed a report from the front-line at "Media City" with some great photos, which I am very pleased to share on the Blog. The band slammed through three songs, red hot and raw versions of "Against The Grain", "Passing By" and "Trouble" - that according to Marc had Paul Slattery throwing a few shapes and playing air guitar around the studio. "Maybe The Fallen Leaves have found their own 'Bez'" he said. Luckily it was broadcast on the radio...There was a short interview and the band threw in a few of their catch-phrases and expanded on their theory that "a good idea played badly is better than a bad idea played well". Paul then explained that he had been transfixed by seeing Rob Symmons play guitar for the first time at last December's Retro Man Blog Night at the Half Moon. He then went on to very generously lavish praise on the Blog and Marc commented that he had "been on the Blog, and it's great!". I'm blushing as I write ha ha...! Who says you can't get advertising on the BBC...? Anyway, I am extremely grateful.



Marc Riley with The Fall in 1979...Photo by Paul Slattery

Marc Riley joined The Fall in 1978, going from fan to roadie to band-member, and it was around this time that he first met Paul Slattery, who photographed the band extensively during this period. You can see some of Paul's great shots in Mick Middles' Omnibus Press biography "The Fall". When he left the band, Marc went on to form Marc Riley & The Creepers, who I once saw at the Hammersmith Clarendon back in 1985 when they supported The Three Johns. In the many examples of acrimonious departures from The Fall, Marc Riley's must rank right up there with the best of them as insults were traded back-and-forth via songs such as The Fall's "The Man Who's Head Expanded" and "C.R.E.E.P." and then back again with The Creepers' brilliantly titled, "Jumper Clown". When the Creepers finished, he formed The Lost Soul Crusaders and went on to run In-Tape records and work as a Plugger for bands such as Pixies. Marc also contributed to the controversial "Oink!", probably the only kid's comic to end up on the top shelf in newsagents alongside other more "adult" material. However, it's probably as a Radio DJ that Marc is now much more widely known and his "Mark & Lard" DJ double-act with Mark Radcliffe raised his profile even higher. Moving across various channels since joining the BBC, he now has a superb show on BBC 6 Music going out at 7-9pm every Monday to Thursday. Of course he not only has the good taste to play The Fallen Leaves and indeed get them in for a session, but Monday's show also boasted Buzzcocks, Kid Congo, T-Rex, Jesus & Mary Chain, PJ Harvey and The Cramps - great stuff indeed...! Here are some of Paul Slattery's photos of The Fallen Leaves in session...

Rob Symmons

Matthew Karas

Rob Symmons and Rob Green

William Lewington

Marc Riley with The Fallen Leaves

Listen to the whole of Monday's excellent Episode here or just The Fallen Leaves session, the interview plus the chat with Paul Slattery (and Retro Man Blog mention...) can be listened to here.

Don't forget our Retrosonic Podcast two-episode special featuring The Fallen Leaves story, "A-Side: Punk Rock for Gentlemen" and "B-Side: Simple Songs for Complex People" both of which can be downloaded for free from our Soundcloud site and are well worth a listen.

Although Paul Slattery hasn't yet published a book solely on The Fall, you can see his photographs of the band in various biographies and magazine features. He does however, have two books available on those other Manchester giants, The Smiths "The Early Years" and Oasis "A Year on The Road" published by Omnibus Press. Both books are crammed full of iconic photographs with notes and anecdotes, and are available from all good bookshops and Amazon. 

The Fallen Leaves next live show is their regular "Minimum R'n'B" Club night at the excellent 12 Bar Club in London's Denmark Street on Wednesday April 03rd.

Introducing: The Flight Reaction

We'd like to welcome Stockholm based band The Flight Reaction to the Blog and highly recommend you checking them out if you like your Psychedelia multi-layered and melodic. I saw the band when they played at the after-show party for one of The Soundtrack of Our Lives last gigs at Stockholm's Södra Teatern back in December and was mightily impressed. The Flight Reaction were formed from the ashes of The Giljoteens, The Maggots and Les Artyfacts, who all quit playing around the same time. Mats, Sebastian, Måns and Aron decided it was time to put together a new band and The Flight Reaction was exactly the band they had all wanted for some time. 

They describe their sound as "Pure 60's Garage-Beat with flashes of Punkadelic Psych". The first three 45's are now out on CopaseDisques and 13 O'Clock Records and are all well worth getting hold of. The band have a depth to their music, there's just so much packed into their songs, so much going on. There are echoes of The Hollies, 13th Floor Elevators, early Pink Floyd and "Their Satanic Majesties Request" era Stones, in fact they even do a great cover of "Citadel" on the B-Side of the "Mourning Light" single. I love the "Flying Colours" single title track which is a thumping good tune with swooping spaced-out Sci-Fi organ blips puncturing proceedings every now and then.

The B-Side "A Broken Heart" has a superb guitar and organ break that reminds me of The Stranglers take on "Walk on By". The single "Won't Give In" is a mighty fine track with a stand-out catchy chorus. But I think my favourite Flight Reaction song has to be its' flip-side, "I Lost You", with it's fabulous Mexican style guitar riff that conjures up The Stairs or The Coral's slightly skewed take on 60's Merseybeat, it's a sure fire classic. I am really looking forward to the band's debut album and of course will bring you any news as and when it happens.

The Flight Reaction are: Måns P Månsson - Guitar & Vocals, Sebastian Braun - Guitar & Vocals, Mats Bigrell - Drums and Aron Erstorp - Bass & Vocals.

You can order their singles at the CopaseDisques web-site and check out news on the band at The Flight Reaction Facebook page. Here's the great "Flying Colours".

With thanks to Måns and Alex from CopaseDisques.

Retrosonic Podcast Presents: "Simple Songs for Complex People" The Fallen Leaves Story in Two Parts

Retrosonic Podcast are proud to present The Fallen Leaves story. On the A-Side "Punk Rock for Gentlemen", Steve from Retro Man Blog and Rock Photographer Paul Slattery chat to Rob Symmons and Rob Green from the band about their music and history. This episode is not only crammed full of superb Fallen Leaves songs from all of their releases, but we also discuss and play some of the band's favourite tracks and influences from the Ramones, Trini Lopez, Buff Medways and Dr. Feelgood. Along the way we will meet some of the characters the band have rubbed shoulders with over the years including Vic Godard, Billy Childish, Bernie Rhodes, Joe Strummer, Malcolm McLaren, Paul Cook and more...So slip on your smoking jacket, pour yourself a cup of tea, get yourself comfortable on your chaise longue and prepare for some fine "Punk Rock for Gentlemen!"

Here's the B-Side to The Fallen Leaves story: From their first gig at the home of London football to the Parliament Club featuring a guest appearance by a short Rolling Stone. From secretly using their 5 hours rehearsal time in Pete Townshend's Eel Pie Island to record the whole of their first E.P. to being lauded as "Style Icons" by Johnny Marr - this episode is generously soundtracked by loads of great Fallen Leaves songs and some more of their influences and favourite tunes...The Who, T-Rex, Prince Buster, Roxy Music, John's Children...and Rolf Harris...! Expect some rather splendid "Simple Songs for Complex People!".
  
The Fallen Leaves are playing a session on BBC 6 music tonight, Monday March 25th at 7pm on the Marc Riley Show, live in the studio as you hear it, plus interview. It will be available on BBC I-Player too. Photographer Paul Slattery will be joining the band on their trip so hopefully, BBC permitting, we will be able to bring you some photos of the proceedings as soon as possible.



Rob Green - Photo by Caz Hellbent

The Fallen Leaves played the proverbial blinder at last Friday's excellent "Some Weird Sin" Club night at the Buffalo Bar in Islington. Although I've been to the Buffalo Bar before, it was the first time at one of the Some Weird Sin events and I can thoroughly recommend it. Great value too, you got The Fallen Leaves and the energetic Glam-Punk of Jonny Cola & The A-Grades, who were so lively that they made me feel a bit old and in need of a sit down. DJ Heidi Heelz played a cracking selection of old-school Glam and Punk Rock, that perfectly complemented the live bands, I look forward to going along again in the future...they do great flyers too. The Fallen Leaves were on top form and Rob kindly mentioned Retro Man Blog, which was a pleasant surprise. The enthusiastic calls for an encore were acknowleded by the DJ, and the band returned to treat us to the superb "Sylvie Says". It was a great show, full of their trademark theatrics, humour and some of the best Garage Rock songs you'll ever hear. One happy member of the audience turned to me after their set and said that The Fallen Leaves were "London's best kept secret"...well let's hope tonight's BBC Radio session goes someway to addressing that. 

Thanks to Caz Hellbent for the great photo of Rob Green. Caz is not only "Some Weird Sin's" resident photographer, but she is also in two different bands - singing and playing guitar with "Yeah And She Has Red Lips Too"  and also drumming for "Desperate Journalist". Please check out her bands and the "Some Weird Sin" Facebook page to see more of her excellent Fallen Leaves photos and more...

Don't forget to check out the Retrosonic Podcast Soundcloud page for more Special Editions, including TV Smith from The Adverts, JC Carroll from The Members, The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Swedish singer-songwriter Mattias Hellberg and much more. There are also the regular episodes where Steve, Paul and Adam play an eclectic selection of Punk, Garage Rock, Psych, Mod and Soul nuggets and generally get drunk and waffle on a bit...

The Fallen Leaves will play their regular "Minimum R 'n' B" Club night at Denmark Street's 12 Bar Club on Wednesday April 03rd. Thanks to Paul Slattery for the Fallen Leaves Podcast covers.