Black Country Boy: Music

A Red Letter Day

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:42:38 GMT

* Pet Shop Boys on the Media Player *

http://www.petshopboys.co.uk/

A Red Letter Day - Pet Shop Boys

Go to work and take your calls
Hang the fruits
of your labour on the walls
Such precision and care
What does it matter
if there's no one here to share

Flowers in the garden
blue wine
the "Waiting for Godot"
and so much modern time?

All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

The years perfecting a stance
of measured cool
fade into insignificance
The moment one starts to understand
What on earth
does it profit a man?

All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

For something special
somehow new
someone saying 'I love you'
Baby, I'm waiting
for that red letter day

You can sneer
or disappear behind a veneer
of self-control
But for all of those who don't fit in
who follow their instincts
and are told they sin
this is a prayer for
a different way

All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

Like Christmas morning
when you're a kid
Admit you love me
and you always did
Baby I'm waiting
for that red letter day

I'm always waiting,
I'm always waiting, waiting

For something special
somehow new
someone saying 'I love you'
Baby, I'm hoping
for that red letter day
Today

Friday I'm In Love

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 11:21:22 GMT

* The Cure on the Media Player *

One of my favourite tracks and a sure-fire way of getting me on the dancefloor. Spent many a Friday night at 'Face Off' in Swansea shuffling to this number whilst clutching the obligatory £1 bottle of Carlsberg.

Friday I'm In Love - The Cure

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's grey and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love

Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Oh, Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday I'm in love

Saturday, wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday, never hesitate...

I don't care if Mondays black
Tuesday, Wednesday - heart attack
Thursday, never looking back
It's Friday, I'm in love

Monday, you can hold your head
Tuesday, Wednesday stay in bed
Or Thursday - watch the walls instead
It's Friday, I'm in love

Saturday, wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday, never hesitate...

Dressed up to the eyes
It's a wonderful surprise
To see your shoes and your spirits rise
Throwing out your frown
And just smiling at the sound
And as sleek as a shriek
Spinning round and round
Always take a big bite
It's such a gorgeous sight
To see you eat in the middle of the night
You can never get enough
Enough of this stuff
It's Friday, I'm in love

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's grey and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love

Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday I'm in love

Elvis Presley: The King of Rock 'n' Roll

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 14:56:00 GMT

* All Shook Up on the Media Player *

Thursday 16 August 2007. 30 years since the death of Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll, at his Memphis home in Graceland. His early stuff (pre-1960) is just mindblowing. Less keen on his later material (too many ballads and awful suits), but in no way does that detract from his brilliance. Modern music just would not exist without the pioneering spirit of the 1950's Elvis Presley. Elvis, RIP.

Elvis Aaron Presley, in the humblest of circumstances, was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.

Elvis’ musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager. In 1954, he began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.

He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist. Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special privileges his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.

His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.

Courtesy of: http://www.elvis.com/

Good Enough

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:02:49 GMT

* Dodgy on the Media Player *

Oh yes. Casts me way back to '96. The Dorch, The Venue, 80p lager and Imran's famous bleeding chicken haunt in Chapel Ash.

Good Enough - Dodgy

I've got an aching in my bones,
I've been exposed to what I want to see
The fuse is burning somewhere
it's drenched in heat, it's where I long to be

There's always two sides you don't have to suffer
If this is heaven then send me to hell
So stay in the light, don't take your eyes from the prize
Hey, there goes the bell

If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see
If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see

Sing a song as the sun does rise, if you don't ask
questions and you don't know why
There's a bridge to the other side,
Don't take your eyes from the prize

There's always two sides you don't have to suffer
If this is heaven then send me to hell
So stay in the light, don't take your eyes from the prize
Hey, there goes the bell

If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see
If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see

There's always two sides you don't have to suffer
If this is heaven then send me to hell
So stay in the light, don't take your eyes from the prize
Hey, there goes the bell

You'd like me to buy mind,
The situation may never find

If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see
If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see
If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see
If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see

House of the Rising Sun

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 14:34:20 GMT

* The Animals on the Media Player *

Seminal track on Our Friends In The North, which I am watching again. One of the best tracks to emerge from the 1960s.

House of the Rising Sun

There is a house in New Orleans,
They call the Rising Sun,
And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy,
And God I know I'm one.

My mother was a tailor,
She sewed my new bluejeans,
My father was a gamblin man,
Down in New Orleans.

Now the only thing a gambler needs,
Is a suitcase and trunk,
And the only time he's satisfied,
Is when he's all a drunk.

Oh mother tell your children,
Not to do what I have done:
To spend your lifes in sin and misery,
In the house of the Rising Sun.

Well i got one foot on the platform,
The other foot on the train,
I'm going back to New Orleans,
To wear that ball and chain.

Well, there is a house in New Orleans,
They call the Rising Sun,
And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy,
And god I know I'm one.

All Around The World

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 14:16:20 GMT

* Oasis on the Media Player *

An appreciative nod to Jon F for reminding me of the quality of this track. Even back in '97 I thought Oasis received a hard deal with Be Here Now. Admittedly, it is not up there with Definitely Maybe and What's The Story but it is still a classic album. Check out the video too - love it.

All Around The World

It's a bit early in the midnight hour for me
To go through all the things that I want to be
I don't believe in everything I see
Y'know I'm blind so why d'you disagree
Take me away, cos I just don't want to stay
And the lies you make me say
Are getting deeper every day
These are crazy days but they make me shine
Time keeps rolling by
All around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
We're gonna make a better day
All around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
You know it's gonna be o.k.

What you gonna do when the walls come falling down?
You never move you never make a sound
So where you gonna swim with the riches that you found?
If you're lost at sea well I hope that you've drowned

Take me away, cos I just don't want to stay
And the lies you make me say
Are getting deeper every day
These are crazy days but they make me shine
Time keeps rolling by

All around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
We're gonna make a better day
All around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
You know it's gonna be o.k.

Nanana, nanana, nananana nananaaa,
Nanana, nanana, nananana nananaaa,
Naaaa, naaaa, naaaaa, naaaaa, nanananana,
Nanananana, nanananana,

All around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
We're gonna make a better day
Cos all around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
You know it's gonna be o.k.

Cos all around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
We're gonna make a better day
And all around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
You know it's gonna be o.k.

It's gonna be okay!
It's gonna be okay!
It's gonna be okay!
It's gonna be okay!

All around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
We're gonna make a better day
Cos all around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
You know it's gonna be o.k.

All around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
We're gonna make a better day
Cos all around the world, you've got to spread the word
Tell them what you heard
You know it's gonna be o.k.

La lalalala la lalala lalalala
La lalalala la lalala lalalala

I don't know what I know
What I know what I know
Yeah I know what I know
It's gonna be okay

I don't know what I know
What I know what I know
Yeah I know what I know
It's gonna be okay

Yeah I know what I know
I don't know what I know
Yeah I know what I know
It's gonna be okay

Yeah I know what I know
I don't know what I know
Yeah I know what I know
So please don't cry- I never said bye

So please don't cry- I never said bye
So please don't cry- I never said bye

Nanana, nanana, nananana nananaaa
Nanana, nanana, nananana nananaaa
Nanana, nanana, nananana nananaaa
Nanana, nanana, nananana nananaaa

So please don't cry- I never said bye
Nanana, nanana, nananana nananaaa
So please don't cry- I never said bye
Nanana, nanana, nananana nananaaa
So please don't cry- I never said bye
Nanana, nanana, nananana nananaaa
So please don't cry- I never said bye
Nanana, nanana, nananana nananaaa

Lust for Life

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:42:31 GMT

* Iggy Pop on the Media Player *

Lust for Life

Here comes Johnny Yen again
With the liquor and drugs
And a flesh machine
He's gonna do another strip tease

Hey man, where'd you get that lotion?
I've been hurting since I bought the gimmick
About something called love
Yeah, something called love
Well, that's like hypnotising chickens

Well, I'm just a modern guy
Of course, I've had it in the ear before
'Cause of a lust for life
'Cause of a lust for life

I'm worth a million in prizes
With my torture film
Drive a G.T.O.
Wear a uniform
All on government loan

I'm worth a million in prizes
Yeah, I'm through with sleeping on the sidewalk
No more beating my brains
No more beating my brains
With the liquor and drugs
With the liquor and drugs

Well, I'm just a modern guy
Of course, I've had it in my ear before
'Cause, of a lust for life (lust for life)
'Cause of a lust for life (lust for life, oooo)
I've got a lust for life (oooh)
Got a lust for life (oooh)
Oh, a lust for life (oooh)
Oh, a lust for life (oooh)
A lust for life (oooh)
I got a lust for life (oooh)
Got a lust for life

Well, I'm just a modern guy
Of course, I've had it in my ear before
'Cause I've a lust for life
'Cause I've a lust for life.

Well, here comes Johnny Yen again
With the liquor and drugs
And a flesh machine
I know he's gonna do another strip tease

Hey man, where'd ya get that lotion?
Your skin starts itching once you buy the gimmick
About something called love
Oh Love, love, love
Well, that's like hypnotising chickens.

Well, I'm just a modern guy
Of course, I've had it in the ear before
And I've a lust for life (lust for life)
'Cause I've a lust for life (lust for life)
Got a lust for life
Yeah, a lust for life
I got a lust for life
Oh, a lust for life
Got a lust for life
Yeah a lust for life
I got a lust for life
Lust for life [repeat and fade]

Baby I Love You

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 14:51:42 GMT

* The Ramones on the Media Player *

Immense.

Baby I Love You

Have I ever told you
How good it feels to hold you
It isn't easy to explain

And though I'm really tryin'
I think I may start cryin'
My heart can't wait an other day

When you kiss me I just gotta
Kiss me I just gotta
Kiss me I just gotta say :

Baby, I love you
Come on baby
Baby, I love you
Baby I love, I love only you

I can't live without you
I love everything about you
I can't help it if I feel this way

Oh I'm so glad I found you
I want my arms around you
I love to hear you call my name

Oh tell me that you feel
Tell me that you feel
Tell me that you feel the same

Baby, I love you
Come on baby
baby, I love you
Baby I love, I love only you

There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:17:46 GMT

Feel a bit sombre; time for The Smiths again. Beautiful, beautiful track.

* The Smiths on the Media Player *

There is a Light that Never Goes Out - The Smiths

Take me out tonight
Where there's music and there's people
And they're young and alive
Driving in your car
I never never want to go home
Because I haven't got one
Anymore

Take me out tonight
Because I want to see people and I
Want to see life
Driving in your car
Oh, please don't drop me home
Because it's not my home, it's their
Home, and I'm welcome no more

And if a double-decker bus
Crashes into us
To die by your side
Is such a heavenly way to die
And if a ten-ton truck
Kills the both of us
To die by your side
Well, the pleasure - the privilege is mine

Take me out tonight
Take me anywhere, I don't care
I don't care, I don't care
And in the darkened underpass
I thought Oh God, my chance has come at last
(But then a strange fear gripped me and I
Just couldn't ask)

Take me out tonight
Oh, take me anywhere, I don't care
I don't care, I don't care
Driving in your car
I never never want to go home
Because I haven't got one, da ...
Oh, I haven't got one

And if a double-decker bus
Crashes into us
To die by your side
Is such a heavenly way to die
And if a ten-ton truck
Kills the both of us
To die by your side
Well, the pleasure - the privilege is mine

Oh, There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out
There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out
There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out
There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out
There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out
There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out
There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out
There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out
There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out

Reet Petite

Thu, 31 May 2007 19:03:06 GMT

* The late, great Jackie Wilson on the Media Player *

Get in.

Reet petite

Well, look-a there, look-a there, look-a there, look-a there, ooh wee!
Look-a there, look-a there, look-a there, look-a there, ooh wee!
Oh! Ah! Oh! Ah! Ooh wee!

Well, she's so fine, fine, fine, she's so fine, f- f- fine,
she's so fi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yine, she's so fine, fine, fine.
She's really sweet, the finest girl you ever wanna meet.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, - Oh, oh, oh, oh, -
Reet petite, the finest girl you ever wanna meet.

Well, have you ever seen a girl for whom your soul you'd give,
for who you'd fight for, die for, pray to God to live?
'Cause she's so fine, she's so fine,
She's really sweet, the finest girl you ever wanna meet.

Well, she really fills her clothes from head to toe,
I want the world to know I love her, love her so!
She's all right, she's all right,
She's all right, she loves me day and night.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, - Oh, oh, oh, oh, -
Reet petite, the finest girl you ever wanna meet.
Oh!

Well, she's like honey from a bee, like peaches from a tree,
I love her, need her, she means so much to me!
She's all right, she's got what it takes,
she's got what it takes and with me she really rates.

Well, she's my cutie, my tutti frutti, my heart, my love, my bathing
beauty!
She's all right, she's got just what it takes.
She's got what it takes and with me she really rates.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, - Oh, oh, oh, oh, -
Reet petite, the finest girl you ever wanna meet,
Reet petite, the finest girl you ever wanna meet,
Reet petite, the finest girl you ever wanna meet!

www.jackiewilson.net/

Lucky Man

Thu, 24 May 2007 18:06:28 GMT

* The Verve on the Media Player *

Immensely talented band. Instantly takes me back to Mary Williams Halls of Residence in Swansea, 1997/98. I am convinced Urban Hyms was owned by everyone in that place. Great memories.

Lucky Man - The Verve

Happiness
More or less
It's just a change in me
Something in my liberty
Oh, my, my
Happiness
Coming and going
I watch you look at me
Watch my fever growing
I know just where I am

But how many corners do I have to turn?
How many times do I have to learn
All the love I have is in my mind?

Well, I'm a lucky man
With fire in my hands

Happiness
Something in my own place
I'm standing naked
Smiling, I feel no disgrace
With who I am

Happiness
Coming and going
I watch you look at me
Watch my fever growing
I know just who I am

But how many corners do I have to turn?
How many times do I have to learn
All the love I have is in my mind?

I hope you understand
I hope you understand

Gotta love that'll never die

Happiness
More or less
It's just a change in me
Something in my liberty
Happiness
Coming and going
I watch you look at me
Watch my fever growing
I know
Oh, my, my
Oh, my, my
Oh, my, my
Oh, my, my

Gotta love that'll never die
Gotta love that'll never die
No, no
I'm a lucky man

It's just a change in me
Something in my liberty
It's just a change in me
Something in my liberty
It's just a change in me
Something in my liberty
Oh, my, my
Oh, my, my
It's just a change in me
Something in my liberty
Oh, my, my
Oh, my, my

Nothing Ever Happens

Fri, 11 May 2007 21:46:01 GMT

* Del Amitri on the Media Player *

I think I am experiencing 90s music withdrawal symptoms. Great pop track, with a political twist.

Nothing Ever Happens

Post office clerks put up signs saying position closed
And secretaries turn off typewriters and put on their coats
Janitors padlock the gates
For security guards to patrol
And bachelors phone up their friends for a drink
While the married ones turn on a chat show

And they'll all be lonely tonight and lonely tomorrow

Gentlemen time please, you know we can't serve anymore
Now the traffic lights change to stop, when there's nothing to go
And by five o'clock everything's dead
And every third car is a cab
And ignorant people sleep in their beds
Like the doped white mice in the college lab

Nothing ever happens, nothing happens at all
The needle returns to the start of the song
And we all sing along like before

And we'll all be lonely tonight and lonely tomorrow

Telephone exchanges click while there's nobody there
The Martians could land in the carpark and no one would care
Close-circuit cameras in department stores shoot the same video every day
And the stars of these films neither die nor get killed
Just survive constant action replay

Nothing ever happens, nothing happens at all
The needle returns to the start of the song
And we all sing along like before

And we'll all be lonely tonight and lonely tomorrow

Bill hoardings advertise products that nobody needs
While angry from Manchester writes to complain about
All the repeats on T.V.
And computer terminals report some gains
On the values of copper and tin
While American businessmen snap up Van Goghs
For the price of a hospital wing

Nothing ever happens, nothing happens at all
The needle returns to the start of the song
And we all sing along like before
Nothing ever happens, nothing happens at all
They'll burn down the synagogues at six o'clock
And we'll all go along like before

And we'll all be lonely tonight and lonely tomorrow

Just Like Fred Astaire

Sun, 06 May 2007 19:03:54 GMT

Great track from a great band. * James on the Media Player *

Just Like Fred Astaire - James

Doctor, what is happening to me?
Palpitations, my mind's diseased
Even my vision is impaired
I'm losing my hair

'Cos when I hold her in my arms
I feel like Fred Astaire

Lovesick, my temperature's high
Just met a girl who believes we can fly
I'm a bull, not a bear
A millionaire

'Cos when I hold her in my arms
I feel like Fred Astaire
I believe in happiness
I believe in love
I believe she fell to earth
From somewhere high above
I believe in Hollywood
Don't believe that love must bring despair

'Cos when I hold her in my arms
I feel like Fred Astaire

He said love is just a disease
A plague for the naïve
These days, no one believes

Meteors may strike the earth
Nations live and die
I'm the boy who got the girl
And now we're gonna fly
We can cross the race divide
Bridge a gap that wasn't really there

'Cos when I hold her in my arms
I feel like Fred Astaire
I'm gonna hold her in my arms
Just like Fred Astaire
I'm gonna hold her in these charms
Like Fred Astaire
(Come dance, the water's rising)
Like Fred Astaire
(Come dance, the water's rising)
Like Fred Astaire

http://www.wearejames.com/

Lightning Seeds

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 14:48:26 GMT

Hmm, Microsoft's latest Spaces 'tweak' seems to have knackered my ability to update the media player. Afraid you are going to have to suffer Dire Straits for a little longer. Lightning Seeds up next.

Pure

Sat, 21 Apr 2007 15:23:32 GMT

* The Lightning Seeds on the Media Player *

One of the most underrated bands of the 1990s. Perfect pop music.

Pure - The Lightning Seeds

night time slows, raindrops splash rainbows
perhaps someone you know, could sparkle and shine
as daydreams slide to colour from shadow
picture the moonglow, that dazzles my eyes
and i love you

just lying smiling in the dark
shooting stars around your heart
dreams come bouncing in your head
pure and simple everytime
now you're crying in your sleep
i wish you'd never learnt to weep
don't sell the dreams you should be keeping
pure and simple everytime

dreams of sights, of sleigh rides in seasons
where feelings not reasons, can make you decide
as leaves pour down, splash autumn on gardens
as colder nights harden, their moonlit delights
and i love you

just lying smiling in the dark
shooting stars around your heart
dreams come bouncing in your head
pure and simple everytime
now you're crying in your sleep
i wish you'd never learnt to weep
don't sell the dreams you should be keeping
pure and simple everytime

look at me with starry eyes
push me up to starry skies
there's stardust in my head
pure and simple everytime
fresh and deep as oceans new
shiver at the sight of you
i'll sing a softer tune
pure and simple over you

if love's the truth then look no lies
and let me swin around your eyes
i've found a place i'll never leave
shut my mouth and just believe
love is the truth i relize
not a stream of pretty lies
to use us up and waste our time

lying smiling in the dark
shooting stars around your heart
dreams come bouncing in your head
pure and simple everytime
now you're crying in your sleep
i wish you'd never learnt to weep
don't sell the dreams you should be keeping
pure and simple everytime

look at me with starry eyes
push me up to starry skies
there's stardust in my head
pure and simple everytime
fresh and deep as oceans new
shiver at the sight of you
i'll sing a softer tune
pure and simple over you
pure and simple just for you

Walk of Life

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 10:52:53 GMT

* Dire Straits on the Media Player *

I love this track. Released in 1984 it forms one of my earliest 'pop' music memories. It evokes wonderful memories of family holidays to Weymouth. Dad would crank up the volume as the three of us lads belted out the lyrics in the back of our trusty old Montego. Brilliant.

Walk of Life - Dire Straits

Here comes Johnny singing oldies, goldies
Be-Bop-A-Lua, Baby What I Say
Here comes Johnny singing I Gotta Woman
Down in the tunnels, trying to make it pay
He got the action, he got the motion
Yeah, the boy can play
Dedication devotion
Turning all the night time into the day

He do the song about the sweet lovin' woman
He do the song about the knife
He do the walk, he do the walk of life

Here comes Johnny and he'll tell you the story
Hand me down mu walkin' shoes
Here come Johnny with the power and the glory
Backbeat the talkin' blues
He got the action, he got the motion
Yeah, the boy can play
Dedication devotion
Turning all the night time into the day

He do the song about the sweet lovin' woman
He do the song about the knife
He do the walk, he do the walk of life

Here comes Johnny singing oldies, goldies
Be-Bop-A-Lula, Baby What I Say
Here comes Johnny singing I Gotta Woman
Down in the tunnels, trying to make it pay
He got the action, he got the motion
Yeah the boy can play
Decidation devotion
Turning all the night time into the day

And after all the violence and double talk
There's just a song in the trouble and the strife
You do the walk, you do the walk of life

Cap In Hand

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:31:27 GMT

* The Proclaimers on the Media Player *

I am not one to advance the causes of the Scottish breakaway movement, but 'Cap In Hand' was such a powerful riposte to Thatcher's Britain. One of the last great political song-writing bands. Their charity re-work of 'I'm Gonna Be' is currently No.1 in the UK charts; a feat they had never previously achieved.

Had the honour of hosting them at the Patti Pavilion, Swansea during my SU Sabbatical term of 2001/02. Genuinely intelligent, down-to-earth lads; they even dedicated this track to me during the set.

On, and the Reid brothers continue to display an amusing physical likeness to my mate, Charlie (he took so much stick for it at uni)...

Btw, they are playing Wolverhampton Civic Hall on 16 October - anyone interested?!

Cap In Hand - The Proclaimers

I could tell the meaning of a word like serene
I got some ’o’ grades when I was sixteen
I can tell the difference between magarine and butter
I can say saskatchewan without starting to stutter

But I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land
We’re cap in hand

I could get a broken jaw from being in a fight
I know it’s evening when day turns to night
I can understand why stranraer lie so lowly
They could save a lot of points by signing hibs goalie

But I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land
We’re cap in hand

We fight - when they ask us
We boast - then we cower
We beg
For a piece of
Whats already ours

Once I thought I could make God a bribe
So I said I was in his lost tribe
Getting handouts can be so frustrating
Get in line son, there’s five million waiting

I can’t understand why you let someone else rule your land
You’re cap in hand.

http://www.proclaimers.co.uk/2003/

http://www.myspace.com/theproclaimers

Abracadabra

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 16:30:01 GMT

* Steve Miller Band on the Media Player *

Not heard this in years. Quality tune.

Abracadabra

I heat up, I can't cool down
You got me spinnin'
'Round and 'round
'Round and 'round and 'round it goes
Where it stops nobody knows

Every time you call my name
I heat up like a burnin' flame
Burnin' flame full of desire
Kiss me baby, let the fire get higher

Abra-abra-cadabra
I want to reach out and grab ya
Abra-abra-cadabra
Abracadabra

You make me hot, you make me sigh
You make me laugh, you make me cry
Keep me burnin' for your love
With the touch of a velvet glove

Abra-abra-cadabra
I want to reach out and grab ya
Abra-abra-cadabra
Abracadabra

I feel the magic in your caress
I feel magic when I touch your dress
Silk and satin, leather and lace
Black panties with an angel's face

I see magic in your eyes
I hear the magic in your sighs
Just when I think I'm gonna get away
I hear those words that you always say

Abra-abra-cadabra
I want to reach out and grab ya
Abra-abra-cadabra
Abracadabra

Every time you call my name
I heat up like a burnin' flame
Burnin' flame full of desire
Kiss me baby, let the fire get higher

I heat up, I can't cool down
My situation goes 'round and 'round
I heat up, I can't cool down
My situation goes 'round and 'round
I heat up, I can't cool down
My situation goes 'round and 'round

http://www.stevemillerband.com/

I Got Stripes

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 20:24:22 GMT

* Johnny Cash on the Media Player *

The first artist to get a double-play on my blog media player. Cash has also broken the record for longest consecutive play in my car CD-autochanger. Six months now. Just brilliant.

Also, check out this wonderful 1959 live version:

I Got Stripes - Johnny Cash

On A Monday I Was Ar-rested (Uh Huh)
On A Tuesday They Locked Me In The Jail (Oh Boy)
On A Wednesday My Trial Was At-tested
On A Thursday They Said Guilty And The Judge's Gavel Fell

I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
I Got Chains --- Chains Around My Feet
I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
And Them Chains --- Them Chains They're About To Drag Me Down

On A Monday My Momma Come To See Me
On A Tuesday They Caught Me With A File
On A Wednesday I'm Down In Solitary
On A Thursday I Start On Bread And Water For A While

I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
I Got Chains --- Chains Around My Feet
I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
And Them Chains --- Them Chains They're About To Drag Me Down

I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
I Got Chains --- Chains Around My Feet
I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
And Them Chains --- Them Chains They're About To Drag Me

Tom Hark

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 15:13:08 GMT

Boing Boing!!!

A little something on the Media Player for all you WBA fans tonight. There is only one Black Country team heading for Premiership; and it isn't Sandwell Town.

This Is How It Feels

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:56:36 GMT

* Inspiral Carpets on the Media Player *

Oldham band from the Stone Roses/Happy Mondays era. Famously, Noel Gallagher was once rejected at an audition to become the band's vocalist. Touring again in 2007, I will be shuffling my feet to tracks such as This Is How It Feels and Dragging Me Down at the Carling Academy in Birmingham on Friday. Reminds me of happy days at Escape Indie Night during my Swansea days.

This Is How It Feels

Husband don't know what he's done
Kids don't know what's wrong with mum
She can't say, they can't see, putting it down to another bad day
Daddy don't know what he's done
Kids don't know what's wrong with mum

SO THIS IS HOW IT FEELS TO BE LONELY
THIS IS HOW IT FEELS TO BE SMALL
THIS IS HOW IT FEELS WHEN YOUR WORD MEANS NOTHING AT ALL

Black car drives through the town, some guy from the top estate
Left a note for a local girl, and yet he had it all on a plate

SO THIS IS HOW IT FEELS TO BE LONELY
THIS IS HOW IT FEELS TO BE SMALL
THIS IS HOW IT FEELS WHEN YOUR WORD MEANS NOTHING AT ALL

Husband don't know what he's done
Kids don't know what's wrong with mum
She can't say, they can't see, putting it down to another bad day

SO THIS IS HOW IT FEELS TO BE LONELY
THIS IS HOW IT FEELS TO BE SMALL
THIS IS HOW IT FEELS WHEN YOUR WORD MEANS NOTHING AT ALL

Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 18:56:15 GMT

* Billy Ocean * on the Media Player.

80s classic.

Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car

Hey (hey) you (you), get into my car
Who me?
Yes you, get into my car
Wooooooooooooooh. Wah! Yeah!

Who's that lady
Coming down the road
Who's that lady
Who's that woman
Walking through my door
What's the score
I'll be the sun
Shining on you
Hey Cinderella
Step in your shoe
I'll be your non-stop lover
Get it while you can
Your non-stop miracle
I'm your man

Get outta my dreams
Get into my car
Get outta my dreams
Get in the back seat baby
Get into my car
Beep beep, yeah
Get outta my mind
Get into my life
Oooooooooh
Oh I said hey (Hey) you (You)
Get into my car

Oh baby

Lady driver
Let me take your wheel
Smooth operator
Touch my bumper (Bumper)
Hey, let's make a deal
Make it real
Like a road runner
Coming after you
Just like a hero
Outta the blue
I'll be your non-stop lover
Get it while you can
Your non-stop miracle
I'm your man

Get outta my dreams
Get into my car
Get outta my dreams
Get in the back seat baby
Get into my car
Beep beep, yeah
Get outta my mind
Get into my life
Oooooooooh
Oh I said hey (Hey) you (You)
Get into my car

Oh baby, let's go

I said open the door
(Get in the back)
Tread on the floor
(Get on the track)

Yeah (Yeah) Yeah (Yeah)
Yeah (Yeah) Yeah (Yeah)
Let's go

Oh baby
Ooooh, woooow, yeah

I'll be the sun
Shining on you
Hey Cinderella
Step in your shoe
I'll be your non-stop lover
Get it while you can
Your non-stop miracle
I'm your man

Get outta my... Get outta my...
Get outta my dreams
Get into my car
Get outta my dreams
Get in the back seat baby
Get into my car
Beep beep, yeah
Get outta my mind
Get into my life
Oooooooooh
Oh I said hey (Hey) you (You)
Get into my, hey (Hey) you (You)
Get into my, hey (Hey) you (You)
Get into my car

The Boy With The Arab Strap

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 20:30:47 GMT

* Belle and Sebastian on the Media Player *

A great track and the theme tune to one of my favourite modern day tv dramas: Teachers (Series 1-3).

http://www.belleandsebastian.com/

The Boy With The Arab Strap

A mile and a half on a bus takes a long time
The odour of old prison food takes a long time to pass you by
When you've been inside
Day upon day of this wandering gets you down
Nobody gives you a chance or a dollar in this old town

Hovering silence from you is a giveaway
Squalor and smoke's not your style
"I don't like this place"
We better go
Then I compare notes with your older sister
I am a lazy gett, she is as pure as the cold driven snow
She accepts my confession

What did you learn from your time in the solitary
Cell of your mind?
There was noises, distractions from anything good
And the old prison food
Colour my life with the chaos of trouble
Cause anything's better than posh isolation
1 missed the bus
You were laid on your back
With the boy from the arab strap
With the boy from the arab strap

It's something to speak of the way you are feeling
To crowds there assembled
Do you ever feel you have gone too far?
Everyone suffers in silence a burden
The man who drives minicabs down in Old Compton
The Asian man
With his love hate affair
With his racist clientele

A central location for you is a must as you stagger about making free with your lewd and lascivious boasts
We know you are soft cause we've all seen you dancing
We know you are hard cause we all saw you drinking from noon
Until noon again
You're the boy with the filthy laugh
You're the boy with the arab strap

Strapped to the table with suits from the shelter shop
Comic celebrity takes a back seat as the cigarette catches
And sets off the smoke alarm
What do you make of the cool set in London?
You're constantly updating your hit parade of your ten biggest wanks
She's a waitress and she's got style
Sunday bathtime could take a while

Hallelujah

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 11:15:57 GMT

* Jeff Buckley on the Media Player *

Not the kind of headline you would usually expect from me but I make an exception for the late Jeff Buckley. Such a beautiful song which incidentally, features on the final episode of Series 3 of the West Wing. It is one of those rare incidences when a cover actually outdoes the original version (in this case, Leonard Cohen). Perfect. See below for live version:

Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley

Well I heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do ya?
Well it goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Well Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
And she tied you to her kitchen chair
And She broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Well baby I've been here before
I’ve seen this room and I've walked this floor
(You Know)I used to live alone before I knew ya
And I've seen your flag on the marble arch
And Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Well there was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show that to me do you?
But remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Well maybe there's a God above
But all I've ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who'd OUT DREW YA
And it's not a cry that you hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah <<(held for a long time)
Hallelujah

Bright Side of The Road

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 14:43:30 GMT

* Van Morrison on the Media Player *

Quality tune.

Bright Side of The Road

From the dark end of the street
To the bright side of the road
We'll be lovers once again on the
Bright side of the road

Little darlin', come with me
Won't you help me share my load
From the dark end of the street
To the bright side of the road

Into this life we're born
Baby sometimes we don't know why
And time seems to go by so fast
In the twinkling of an eye

Let's enjoy it while we can
Won't you help me sing my song
From the dark end of the street
To the bright side of the road

From the dark end of the street
To the bright side of the road
We'll be lovers once again
On the bright side of the road
We'll be lovers once again on the bright side of the road

I Could Be So Good For You

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 17:17:04 GMT

* Dennis Waterman on the Media Player *

Comedy Dave (Chris Moyles Radio 1 Breakfast Show) has been trying to get this to number 1 in the Top 40 following the change in sales criteria: official downloads are now taken into account. Sadly, he was screwed by the fact that iTunes only offers a very dodgy karoake version. Nevertheless, I managed to dig out the original so thought I would give it a play because: a) it reminds me of Minder (which i loved) and b) when I heard it on Radio 1 last week it put a real bounce into my step. Such a feelgood track.

Minder

If you want to I'll change the situation.
Right people, right time; just the wrong location.
I've got a good idea:
Just you keep me near.
I'll be so good for you.

I could be so good for you.
I'm gonna help ya!
Love you like you want me to.
I'll do anything for you...
I'll be so good for you.

I could be so good for you.
I'll do it like you want me to
Love you like you want me to
There ain't nothing I can't go through...
I'll be so good for you.

Sometime when you're feeling like a poor relation,
Call on me and I'll give you more than conversation.
Take 'em. Shakin' hands. A deal.
And move it brother. I'll make you heel.
I'll be so good for you.

I could be so good for you.
I'll be there right by your side.
Love you like you want me to
There ain't nothing you can hide from me.
I'll be so good for you.

I could be so good for you.
Yee-hoo! I'm your man!
Love you like you want me to.
I'll tell you nothing there ain't nothing, nothing, I can not do
I'll be so good for you.

Don't ask me no questions,
I'll tell you no lies.
Use my shoulder to rest on.
I will be right by your side. I will be your ears and eyes.

I could be so good for you.
I'm the one you really need.
Love you like you want me to
I can even help you breathe....
I'll be so good for you.

I could make the good times roll.
Viva roll!
Love you with my heart and soul.
That's right!
I'll be so good for you.

I could be so good for you.
There ain't nothing I can't do.
Love you like you want me to
You help me and I'll help you...
I 'll be so good for you.

I could make the good times roll.
Woo!
Love you with my heart and soul.
I'll be pleased!
I'll be so good for you.