blueskies

music music and yes more music

2008-08-18T23:24:00.002+01:00

slinky mamma

2008-08-18T23:12:00.004+01:00

Edinburgh is is the full swing of the Festival, lots of fun on the High Street and round abouts. Has a good outing on Saturday and even had a pizza at Mamma's in the Grassmarket, worth a look and staff very friendly. Saw this everyday sight at St Giles Cathedral. Wonder how they got home on the bus.

star lass dust

2008-08-02T23:38:00.003+01:00

A blast tonight watching a real home grown movie called 'sickle'. I did enjoy it, despite nine people on amazon giving it only one star..come on guys!!! it is at least worth three!! anyway I know they were all saying it was not worth the £1.00 sticker in Woolie's sale but I reckoned it was worth an hour of doing housework. I have been checking out the Woolie's DVD section and got Rock School for £3.00 nae bad....just got to keep yer peepers prepped. I am a sucker for old classics too, got the original Planet Of the Apes with Charlton Heston..hey I can see a lazy Sunday coming up!!!!

Off to IKEA tomorrow to get a reading lamp.....have put off this trip cause of the petrol prices which have been going astral but can't put it off anymore, a bicycle torch in the sheets just doesn't save your corneas from popping, and their meatballs are ace.... music is still high on the agenda and I have dusted down my mandolin and have been trying out a few Am and D7 chords as well as the regular 4 or 5. 'Leonard Cohen always said why play 4 when 3 will do or something like that. You get the gist. Anyway, a bit of a blast on a mandolin and singing 'git along little dogies' is better than cutting the hedge any day. Have 5 books on the go at the moment and recommend Star Man by Michael Francis A great read about life with the rock and roll Gods...my my who would really want to be one of them. The bit about Sheena Easton is pretty raw, she may have been a lovely lass from Scotland, but seeing what 'fame' does for her is wild. c

desert tracks

2008-07-31T21:23:00.004+01:00

Well, almost the weekend and the festival here is in full swing. I went to a gig the other night. It was brilliant as far as the band was concerned, Colin Steele on trumpet was outstanding, but unfortunately the main singer, Cathie Rae was pants. She couldn't hold the tune and I am sure poor Chet Baker who she was paying homage to must have been rocking backwards in his grave. It is weird that no one else seemed to notice, but she was definitely flat, I wondered if it was the wild rain storms that had expanded her pipes and caused the fluctuations. So I won't be going back again to see her, but hey, otherwise a good night for a tenner.

Listening to some countrry music tonight, good collection of power ballads, Faith Hill for starters. Dixie's not far behind and the good old boys Brooks and Dunn, ye cannae whack it!!!! And a blast of 80's tracks for desert is just in order.....

hank mixeroo

2008-07-27T22:57:00.003+01:00

Well Scotland is indeed a paradise....a visit to Aldi for olive oil followed by a quick trip to Lidl..the smart arse shopping moment to collect loads of bbq briquettes. This was a great weekend, loads of music, best has to be the old Hank Williams and the odd Vanessa Mae mixeroo I did on my laptop. Can't give you any of that but can give you a great photo of proceedings. Music wise off to see Cathie Rae on Tuesday. A newbie on me but hey with Any doing her run round the rehab and lets see what happens, Cathie is the best we have in this neck of the woods..

dan plants

2008-07-24T23:32:00.004+01:00

Had a big bbq in the garden, what between the Darwin's likely to earn more that you or I could ever earn in 3 lifetimes and the trials and tribulations of Tricia Walsh Smith it was time to take a breather from all the chatter. The plants looked mighty fine and the home grown lettuce just coming on a treat.

Found a fab software programme for doing comics...30 day free trial....it's called 'comic life' and it is a great way to spend hours stretching and squashing frames and speech bubbles. check it out!!!

Edinburgh is about to host the book festival and I am intending going to a few events. Gary Erskine who was heavily involved in creating the drawings for the latest Dan Dare comic has just confirmed his attendance, check out the programme for details. going to check out Cathie Rae next week, one of Scotland's top vocalists at the Spiegeltent..cannae wait!!!

orange novak

2008-07-22T22:45:00.003+01:00

What's a good book to read if you are on the bus in the morning and can't stand the shoogle of the engine that gives you a cornea burn??? The Metro newspaper kind of hits the mark but I reckon trash the print and throw your ears to caution, ramp up and pump it up..if you can find a player that will work with vista. I bought a tevion mp4 player recently, a little neat dude of a kit and after a weekend of trying to get windows media player to recognise the little darling had to call a halt to the frustration. I checked the message boards and forums and was shocked to find it isn't just the tevion that has problems calling home, seems there are lots of players that don't work with wmp or vista. So I had to reluctantly return it to the shop, anyone else had this problem?

well T in the Park looked pretty much of a job lot watching it on bbc iplayer. Maybe if you were there it might of raised my blood pressure. I am not a big fan of all those frantic boy bands giving it angsty gloom. I fast forwarded through almost to the end and caught a bit of the Prodigy..nae bad and REM who looked caught in one big time warp...Orange Crush with a megaphone...ho hum.....anyway here is a track that has been circling around in my synapses

eddie novak delores mp3

ride rockahoola

2008-07-21T23:32:00.003+01:00

back again..after a long snooze....

happy start

2008-01-19T03:06:00.000Z

Happy New Year from a late night here in bonnie Scotland.It was a good bleak break which meant lots of time for log fires and a reruns of the Forsyte Saga with Damien Lewis. Pretty damn good it was too, I remember the original, cardboard sets and a gloomy Soames. DL is fantastic at the grumpy arrogance of the character, but you can't but help have a soft spot for the old devil. Also checked out the first two episodes of Damages,hot in from the States with a stellar cast. One to definitely run home from work for.

The set top box blew up caused by rain running down the inside of the TV Ariel, nobody got fried but meant a trip to the shops to buy another. this one a goodmans ain't as good as the one I got from Aldi a year or so back. Just shows me that it is indeed my favourite shop for electricals.

I have been checking out a lot of stuff on the creative commons website. Excellent music at no cost at all. How do these guys and gals do it??

I am off to Germany at the end of the week, let's hope there is snow!!

butler brain blow

2007-12-15T23:24:00.001Z

I am blowing out my brains with a cold right now...had a few bits and bobs of pharmaceuticals but the best has been a gluwein with a shot of brandy..ye cannae whack it..I HATE colds especially when you sound like you are speaking through a sea of mud. Here as a help for a cheer up is a great wee track that is helping speed recovery.

John Butler Trio Zebra mp3

just watched pop idol, my giddy aunt, what a lot of tosh and twaddle. Has Simon Cowell been into the sea of madness.he was giving sooooo many strokes of fuzzy 'you are brilliant'crap I was really shocked.he always held himself as separate from the crowd. well, no longer!!!

dortmund ditty

2007-12-12T23:06:00.000Z

It is almost upon us, yes the time of chilling, eating and listening to Christmas tinsel on the radio. Will Malcolm Middleton get the number one spot or will it be one of the job lots from Simon Cowell's coral.....MM is my guy anytime.

Just back from a trip to Dortmund. Great place, although Saturn had no Johnny Hallyday discs whatsoever, SHAME!! Flights now from Edinburgers direct and it is better than spending a long weekend in a Scottish bed and breakfast which is often overpriced and still had the odd nylon sheet on the bed. Here is a great wee ditty that I have been blasting out my ear wax with.

Alabina Arabic Belly Dance mp3

thriller panic boredom

2007-10-09T22:46:00.000+01:00

Fopp has been bought over by HMV...not what I would have thought would happen but hey at least it will still be there for a great browse and a place to pick up some serious music. I have been listening to lots of Gilbert Becaud and Jacques Brel.....I tried to listen to Rufus at Carnegie hall but had to admit to being bored. He just doesn't have the passion in his voice of the real chanson singers. I tried, honest!!

I haven't bought the new Boss album yet and am waiting until I hear a few more tracks. Usually he can do no wrong, but the clip I heard of Magic sounded like a rerun from something I heard 10 years ago. I am hoping to be proved wrong .

I have been reading lots of thriller spillers this week and the keys have not been touched, I am reading Jeff Abotts 'Panic' and it is as good as the pepsi max for an adrenaline wipeout.

I have added a pic I took of the Soviet War Memorial built from marble taken from the Reich Chancellory. It was erected to commemorate the Red Army soldiers who were killed during WW2.

scotty cermony

2007-09-26T20:33:00.000+01:00

Been driving to work and enjoying that little 2 gig mp3 that I bought in my local Aldi a couple of months ago. I almost bought the megaboy 80gig ipod, but something stopped me. Was it the stories of dead ipods ...or was it not really wanting to go there and feel part of the apple family....oh i don't know...anyway here i am with a £30 tevion and i am well pleased. I have put on lots of chanson , hip hop and country...ye cannae whack it!!

Been roaming on google video ...and been watching everything from conspiracy theories around 9/11 to the opening ceremony for the 1936 Olympics. I watched Chariots of Fire for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Eric Liddell was one monumental guy.....there is an Eric Liddell Centre here in Edinburgh in his memory. I was checking him out on wikepedia and learnt about a scotty dog that i never knew about.

I am off now to wash up the tea dishes so here is a fab track to break a few bubbles to. His birthday was just a few days ago on the 23rd of September.He has sold over 250 million records..Wow!!!! He has also performed in approx over 5,000 concerts and recorded in over 14 different languages.....what else can he do??? well he was a goal keeper for the junior Real Madrid football team.....

Julio Iglesias Pelo Amor De Uma Melhar mp3

checkpoint change

2007-09-19T17:35:00.000+01:00

Been a hell of a long time since my last post. Where has the summer gone?? I only got out into the garden on two memorable occasions way back in April of this year.....however mustn't grumble.

Have just come back from a fabulous trip to Berlin and I trekked my liner socks right off. I spent a lot of time checking out the sites and would recommend a trip to Templehof Airport for the architecture and a day trip to Potsdam just for the chill out and cobbled streets. I went to where JFK did his famous Berliner speech and soaked up a bit of history. I didn't listen to music or check out an Internet cafe for the whole duration. That was definitely a first, but a real switch off. The only music I heard was in pubs and cafes and I kept hearing Lionel Ritchie's greatest hits....but most places had the music really low or not at all, which i really enjoyed too.

I was in Glasgow airport when the news of Pavarotti's demise came through. I was sad to hear that but cheered up when one night in a bar in Hakeshermarkt just over the line in old East Berlin, the barman played the three tenors concert LOUD. a fantastic experience, I don't think I have ever been in a bar before where classical music has been played. I don't mean that elevator crap that pretends to be classical music, but the real deal.

Here is a track that I have been listening to since I came back.Ireally like the sentiments and having wandered around Alex and Checkpoint Charlie this song really has something that captures the whole breaking down of the wall.

Scorpions with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Winds of Change mp3

dollar potter poncho

2007-07-24T00:35:00.000+01:00

Well I ain't a Harry Potter fan but I enjoyed the films. This latest one seems to be flying off the shelves in it's millions. I prefer my reading material a bit more real and am enjoying a fine read by Jack Webster, a journalist from the North East of Scotland, Maud to be precise who has written about his life in a book called 'a grain of truth'. He was born in the 1930's and met a host of celebrities but never forgot his roots.

music wise this week I have been having my mp3 on random and watching some fantastic stuff on Google video. check out the Edith Piaf clips. she is so fantastic.

I got a couple of westerns at the weekend. Geronimo and A fistful of dollars. Here is a bit of tumbleweed to get you in the mood to check out a poncho and cowboy boots.

Lorne Greene Ringo mp3

winged warrior

2007-07-15T22:11:00.000+01:00

this is one of my favourite statues from the statue park in budapest.....just look at that guy go.!!

joy candy glow

2007-07-12T22:26:00.000+01:00

I was sorry to hear the news about Tony Wilson when he was diagnosed with cancer which was a mind f**£k in itself but this latest story about having to find the cash for the drugs to give you a fighting chance is pretty surreal.It is a real postcode lottery here as to who gets the drugs and who doesn't. He seems pretty upbeat, but boy a bit of a shock all round that some people get the drugs they need and others have to buy them themselves. He was a big influence for me as the guy behind Joy Division and of course the Madchester scene with the Happy Mondays.Sometimes it makes you want to go out on the street and shout out about the unfairness of life.

I have been enjoying loads of videos on Google video over the last few weeks and have been neglecting this blog. I guess it takes a real commitment to keep posting, and i have to hand it to those that post every day..big hand claps for aquarium drunkard, big rock candy mountain and old blue bus....

here is a track that has been wrapping it's self around my eardrums over the past few weeks.I love this band and always get a warm fuzzy glow when they jump out of the earphones.

Calexico Alone Again Or mp3

muso blink

2007-06-29T19:33:00.000+01:00

Just read about my fave record store going on the blink...Fopp has stopped trading..this is well serious as they were the only store worth a major browse and a major spend. Let's hope they are able to resolve the problems and get back on the road.But it looks like even HMV are struggling to keep their ears above the soundboard...changing times for musos and the way we buy the sounds. .......

here is another pic from Budapest...they have a fantastic transport system and it was fun jumping around on the trams...went to one independent record store,but it wasn't a patch on Fopp,in fact I was well disappointed. There was very little local music and too much Europop that you can find elsewhere at cheaper prices. I guess that is the problem in a nutshell, we have become much more discerning buyers over the years and I will definitely shop around before buying, whereas before the Internet you just grabbed what you could find.

Grand Funk Railroad - We're An American Band

2007-06-29T16:00:00.001+01:00

one of my favourite tracks ever by one of the lost bands of the seventies....go rawk!!

Tom Robinson Band: Don't Take No For An Answer 1978

2007-06-27T21:58:00.001+01:00

wow!! forgot just how damn good TRB were. I saw them in Aberdeen sometime around 78 and in Edinburgh sometime later. Awesome!!!

planet crow

2007-06-16T22:23:00.001+01:00

Here is a shot of Budapest, seems weird to think I was only there a few days ago, now it is back to the shopping malls of the Athens of the North.

Been out shopping today and Fopp had a great DVD sale on. I got a couple of films I have been after for a while. "The Dirty Dozen"and "Bridge at Remagen" I am a sucker for these old films with lots of attitude and great stage sets. "Bridge on the River Kwai" is one of my favourites..absolutely. I was also on youtube and as anyone who checked out the blog the other day will have seen our homegrown numpty clip of our ex first minister. Frightening the woodenness and complete stonewalling he showed in that interview. Watched a bit of The King on DVD when I was chomping on my tattie scones and double eggs at tea time. Elvis was indeed the most sexy human on the planet and it is great to see him with the sound cranked up and a couple of beers.

here is a track that is worth an ear tickle.

Counting Crows Richard Manuel is Dead mp3

Ever wondered how they got their name?? well Wikepedia has it right here

"Well I dreamt I saw you walking up a hillside in the snow / Casting shadows on the winter sky as you sat there, counting crows / One for sorrow, two for joy / Three for girls and four for boys / Five for silver, six for gold / Seven for a secret never to be told."

The Best Wee Numpty in the World

2007-06-15T23:36:00.001+01:00

Came across this tonight on youtube.com he really was something else...his dress sense is to die for..literally..

sunken art

2007-06-13T23:56:00.000+01:00

Here is a cover that was on the pavement in downtown Budapest..looks pretty funky..a work of art no less..excellent.Here is a track that was winding around my ears whilst waiting for a connecting flight at Frankfurt Airport to take me back to bonnie Scotland and earning the dosh for more trips away.

Calexico Sunken Waltz live 2003 mp3

budapest metro

2007-06-12T23:59:00.000+01:00

budapest.......some photos i took on Saturday..

Just back from a fantastic break in Budapest. here are a few pics i took whilst there.

leith lamb cruz

2007-06-02T18:33:00.000+01:00

The opening night of the Leith Festival was indeed fantastic, I enjoyed the readings and have to hand it to the organisers for keeping this the real deal. I had some pals over from out of town for the event and I was proud to be a Leither what with the great ambiance in the streets and the Cruz ship looking pretty cool. Yup this is the place to be if you want to live in Edinburgh. The gig last night was in Lambs House where Mary Queen of Scots kipped for a night... one of the many outstanding buildings in this area. It is looking a bit dilapidated on the outside, all around work is happening on tarting up the properties around it but it stands very forlorn....needs some major TLC..

Here is a track that has been tickling my earbuds today as I walked home from the town down Elm Row...The Del McCoury Band giving it laldy!!

Del McCoury Workin' on a Building mp3

budapest boulevard

2007-05-31T23:29:00.000+01:00

Been too too long since the last post..what have I been doing? checking out the Leith Festival for starters.. check out Alison Miller who published a fab book called Demo by Penguin and was up for the Saltire Prize last year. She is doing a thing tomorrow night at Lambs House just round from Sofie's Bar..should be a great night.Otherwise I am checking out flights to get back to Budapest..what a city..I plan another trip to the thermal baths...fantabulous.

i bought a set of earphones to upgrade my crappy set that I had been making do with..check these guys out..locals to Leith but with an international attitude..soundwise and I am enjoying a great set of plugs with a great price to match.listening to rufus, sara evans,scorpions and edith piaf..having a 'kitchen night' right now..that is playing music on the laptop in the kitchen whilst having some food and of course the obligatory glass or three of vino..excellent...here is a track that has been tickling my ears for the past few days enjoy!!! an oldie but a hell of a goldie..i just LOVE this track..partyben is something else..i am a sucker for mashups..lets me listen to music in a new way . I always was a jukeboxgrrl but this is taking it through the wire..

partyben boulevard of broken songs mp3

these mp3's are only for evaluation purposes and if you like any of the music you hear on this blog BUYTHEMUSICSUPPORTTHEARTISTS

ps.check this out ..fab ......love the glasses but hey the kid can tubthump....

rock buda

2007-05-06T02:12:00.000+01:00

Just back from a week in Budapest. What a city...still there in my mind. Went to the Statue Park and chilled in the Thermal Baths as well as a trip down the Danube and a ride up into the Buda Hills at night to marvel at the city lights. Didn't hear much music but had my trusty mp3 and rocked out to Hungarian gypsy music.

power trash

2007-04-02T21:00:00.000+01:00

Well it looks like DRM is for the trashcan, about time. I have always objected to this thing of being locked into only playing downloads you have purchased on one type of mp3 player.So goes to show that consumer power rules OK!!!

Been listening to one of my heroes this week, John Fogerty. I loved his stuff with CCR and in fact Travellin Band was the first 45 I ever purchased and wore out on my Kays Catalogue record deck.

Creedance Clearwater Revival It Came Out of the Sky mp3

total hoop

2007-03-30T23:10:00.000+01:00

Looking for a good read with a thrill spill angle? try 'William Boyd's Restless' a darn good read. I have been reading it most of this week off and on and agree with the Observer's review: 'pulls you deep in to the obscure, forgotten intricacies of wartime espionage....will keep you turning pages until the end' Damn Right!!

I am half watching Arnie in 'Total Recall' and it is one of his best I would say...Shazza looks pretty good too! I am watching it in widescreen mode and it is like a new film....

Watched American Idol earlier on and my money is on the Justin Timberlake guy Chris to win. It is highly addictive and as I am a musical anorak it rocks my fish right out of the tank.

Here is a track that gets the fish jumping through the hoops.Check them out on wikepedia.

The Scorpions Rock Me Like a Hurricane mp3

johnny timber ferkin

2007-03-27T22:33:00.000+01:00

WOW been too long...I have bought a new laptop as I stood on my other one leaving a big blob of toxic liquid swimming around behind the screen. I am now up and running and want to prove all those journalists wrong that say blogging is on the wane. No Way Jose!!

I have been doing a lot of driving lately and have loaded over 400 tracks onto a dinky wee mp3 player that I got from Aldi my number one shop. It clicks into a belkin cassette and gives me hours of pleasure. Today I heard everything from The Gun Club via Justin Timberlake to Michele Sardou. Fan ferkin tasic.....

anyway I am afraid it is the Timberlake that is out there in front at the moment..he makes Robbie sound like a tired old fogey..I bet he is thankful for the close escape from you know who...she won't need a haircut for awhile. I have also been enjoying the Boss and the Seeger Sessions..particularly good loud and washed down with a glass of Merlot.

However, I know he is not everyones glass of irn-bru so I will let you get hold of the CD from play.com for a very reasonable price. This guy however, gets less airplay outside of France but is worth a BIG CHECKEROO. Johnny Halliday is a name that has been kicking around on the French Rock and Pop scene for a long time

Johnny Halliday - Allumer Le Feu.mp3

american dark

2007-02-23T22:09:00.000Z

Watching American idol right now..glad that Simon cowell is on board, keeps it real. He has just said that a contestant sounds 'like a theme park performer'. Some people have tried 5 times to get to this stage the Hollywood bit, incredible, a bit like sly stone who kept punting his stuff at Hollywood and eventually made it.However it hasnt anything on this kind of stuff.... I seem to be listening to lots of klezmer music although I passed on the klezmatics...I prefer my klezmer darker, more eastern European....I am off to Budapest in April and hope to catch some local music and who knows it may even be that fantastic mix of sweet and sorrow.

here is a great track that i have been listening to , even on the way to the dentist this morning when the sun was shining and i was striding along through the park. This was just fantastic.so enjoy this magic.

Kocani Orkestar - Romski cocek.mp3

indie horses

2007-02-16T15:36:00.000Z

What a year already, Robbie in rehab, Pete kicking a radio one reporter and Take That winning best single of the year...aye it is a rollercoaster already, oh I almost forgot The Police are also reforming...anyway despite the new lads and lassies on the block winning the brits Oasis are still up there with the best. I don't have a lot of indie bands in my CD collection but I do have all of theirs. I have been listening to a lot of good ol' boy country these past few weeks, Toby 'beer for my horses' Keith and Brad 'gone fishin' Paisley. Must be the hooks and big choruses.

Here is one that has been hitting the speakers this morning Ryan Adams who seems to always be writing and performing. A fan's dream. Here he is live at the Mercury Lounge 1998

Ryan Adams Clear My Head Mp3

coldOUtkast

2007-01-15T18:13:00.000Z

Hope everyone had a faab time over the holidays and now rarin' to go in 2007. I have been a slacker as far as blogging is concerned and have no excuse apart from wiggin out watching 'cold feet' the whole series as well as '24' and 'the west wing'. Yes a thoroughly excellent break all round. If you have a spare week or two check out 'cold feet'. I was hooked from the first episode...

as far as toons go, I have been listening to Dylan's Modern Times, a cracker and lots of mashups...

here is a track worth hiking up to the max whilst dancing around the dishwasher. I only like a few Garth tracks and this OUtkast meld is a definite favourite.

enjoy!!!

Garth Brooks Friends in Low Places outKAst mp3

james wing

2006-12-27T20:18:00.000Z

making my way through the west wing at the moment. Into the 4th series in as many days..this is the only way to watch this kind of thing, otherwise life gets in the way. The holidays have been fantastic so far, lots of chill out time and a chance to check out some great reading material for next year. Sad to hear about James Brown, I remember being 16 or so and getting hold of his 'living in America' 45rpm and playing it at a girrls get together. I am afraid I was the only one rockin out to it, David Cassidy and Michael Jackson seemed the order of the day. Aah well can't always run with the crowd. Hope he can do a few fancy moves up there and teach those angels some funky moves. Salute you Mr B.

Here is a great track from Dale Watson enjoy!!

Dale Watson Whisky or God mp3

star blues cracker

2006-12-06T19:28:00.000Z

Back online..been away watching the whole of series 4 of 24. I haven't seen it in a year and I have forgotten a lot of it. Probably my favourite series of this genre. Got series 5 still in the wrapper ready to be ripped open over the Christmas break Yeehaa!!
Listening to an Uncut collection of tracks inspired by Bob Dylan that came out some time back. I often am disappointed in cover versions and Dylan copyists, however this is a cracker and i recommend it if you can get hold of it. The opening track by Douglas September Lady and I is my favourite. Biggest surprise had to be Billy Bragg's version of Deportees. My giddy aunt he can sing!!

Here is a band that I have followed for a while and if you need a present for a family member this is the band.

Songs Ohia North Star Blues mp3

Catch out info here and get some music at the same time. Amazon has some good info on the albums check it out.

40 showers humming

2006-11-21T21:40:00.000Z

Well Oasis, the Beatles and U2 have all released albums at the same time hoping I guess for them to thud into someones Christmas stocking. My bets are on Oasis...I find the Beatles overrated, I like the odd track especially the older stuff. My favourite number of all time is 'If I fell' forget about all this pepper nonsense and white whatsits..give me a tune I can hum in the shower any day. Maybe that is why the bombastic sound of U2 doesn't do it for me either, I like the politics but not the strangulated sound of Bono. I just don't like his voice. there I have said it and I await 40 tons of hats to drop onto me. The Gallagher boys have a simplicity about them that whatever you might think, I love the sound of wonderwall, married with children and rock and roll star. In fact I can't think of a bad track all round. so if you are undecided about that stocking filler go for the clocks and turn them up so tight they shatter your beatles mug.

Here are the lads in fine fettle with a live version of a fave rave out.

Oasis rock and roll star mp3

posse tanya wing

2006-11-20T22:38:00.000Z

I have moved across to the google account set up for blogging. I will be trying out all the new features over the next few days..sounds kind of exciting...talking of excitement, I have been enjoying watching 'Pride and Prejudice' the Jane Austen classic with Colin Firth as a brooding Mr Darcy. Check it out if you like this kind of thing. I have also got The West Wing to get into now that the weather has taken a plunge for the worst and the nights are indeed fair drawin in. Sometimes a film is not what I want to watch, I would rather have some trash telly or a series like 24 or the west wing.

The Be Good Tanyas played in the Usher Hall the other night. I didn't have a ticket but I hear it was a faab night. Edinburgh is getting a bit more of an Americana stopping off point and a lot of it is thanks to the lost highway posse who are organising a lot of gigs over and above the call of duty.

2006-11-19T22:47:00.000Z

Elvis

still the king...even after all those years...

2006-11-13T23:38:00.000Z

Get in the Boat - Jeanette Williams Band

fantastic bluegrass...keep it in the front room...

2006-11-12T15:25:00.000Z

Koshka Live

this is the band performing in bonnie scotland, Glasgow in fact at the Arches. Fantastic!!

livin lovin louvin

2006-11-06T22:03:00.000Z

The nights are fare drawin in and i have the shutters well shut and I am looking to put on a coal fire soon. Smokeless of course! I have been watching the Christmas lights going up in the town and thinking what do I want to buy myself for a present. I have resisted the whole iPod thing, I refuse to have white dangly wires with mug me written all over them and also I don't like how you have to put everything into applespeak. I like the idea of having a streaming radio and being able to choose the format for my sounds. So give me my trusty mini disc, my Lucky MP3 and a bunch of CD's and vinyl plus of course all the boxes of cassettes and I will be just as happy this Christmas as last.

I have been trying to listen to some new music and have been fairly impressed with Vince Gills new offering which is streaming on CMT right now.

YouTube still provides the biggest thrill of all and I am loving all those old clips that no one has ever seen. fantastic!!

I also have been checking out oor ither Scottish Bard...nae Rabbie but William...he is just excellent for cheering you up on a drab Monday and bringing a smile to your face. Check him out right here

However, here is a track that will knock that smile right off, because it is sad and lonesome . The wonderful Louvin Brothers givin it the max emotional energy.

Louvin Brothers Kentucky mp3

2006-10-27T17:47:00.000+01:00

Little Little by Hobotalk

little little hobotalk

2006-10-22T11:10:00.000+01:00

Paul McCartney and Linda sing Bluebird

this is more like it...thinking of you Paul right now..

vinyl rams

2006-10-22T10:40:00.000+01:00

Poor Macca!! Has it come to this..slugging it out in front of folks like me. He was my first pin up all those years ago and I have kept a left eye on his career and to my mind is a pretty straight ahead guy. I always thought there would be 'trouble at mill' when HM came along. I guess he was needing a change of scene and boy did he get it! I am not a huge Beatles fan and kind of left them after my teen years as I thought all that yellow submarine stuff a bit boring. However, Ram was my first ever independent purchase on the vinyl front. I worked in a steak house and that was what I spent my first wage on. I haven't listened to it in years but whenever I hear one of the tracks my memory board kicks in and I go back to the bedroom years. I used to lie on my bed with the speakers either side of my head and blast it out. This was of course before iPods and even decent headphones, so improvisation was really important.

I currently don't own any stuff by him but he will always have a place in my music heart. Give it as good as you get Paul. I am rootin for you all the way.

Here is a great website with lots of info about the lad.

fender heaven

2006-10-15T20:56:00.000+01:00

Just heard the sad news that Freddy Fender has gone to the great countrry coral in the sky..I loved the fact that he sang in Spanish during the Nashville years when all the record companies wanted the bland corporate sound. He will be sadly missed along with Johnny and June and all the others up there in hillbilly heaven. Thinking of you Freddy.

cool saddle sunshine

2006-10-08T18:53:00.000+01:00

Back in the saddle after a cool chill out 2 weeks in sunny Spain. It fair does you good to get away from your usual sofa and spend the time on another sofa or barstool enjoying the tapas and vino in glorious sunshine. Ye Gods...this is what we work for ...and I managed to read at last East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I was gutted to read the synopsis of the film, I have never seen it and after reading the book boy am I glad I never have. I HATE it when the storyline is twisted to such an extent that it is really a totally different thing. Read the book and enjoy one of the best reads EVER!!
Anyway, whilst away I loaded up my MP3 player, not an IPod i hasten to add, never been too struck by the sheep like quality of them and those god awful white headphones...I always wonder what these appleheads have on their players as I see them rush around in work clothes with the white lead dangling down dangerously and wonder if any of them ever get caught up in an Isadora moment??
Enough bitchin about that and on to what the hell i was listening to!! Bob Dylan's Modern Times and Duncan Dhu's greatest hits...in Spanish i may add..better than Shakira any day. I also listened to Coldplay, a band that has passed me by until now, I quite enjoyed the white boy angst when i was cleaning my teeth and looking out over the balcony and admiring the 1,00000 plus olive trees and the fabulous sierras...but I did turn it off and say I preferred Raul Malo and his life affirming exuberance.
I am going to deviate completely from the usual mix of countrry roots and blueseroo and post up this little gem. If you liked the punkslamglam days before the big boys stepped in you will of course LOVE the New York Dolls who I have heard have just got back together. Not the original line up but at least two of the Dolls..so here is a ffffaaaabbbb little track from the MAN Johnny
Johnny Thunders Play with Fire mp3

2006-09-17T19:21:00.000+01:00

Rory Gallagher - Tattoo'd Lady

this has to be one of the best rock outs ever...jammerooo..check it out!!!

2006-09-12T00:08:00.000+01:00

The Stoneman Family - Surf Bluegrass Instrumental

surf meets go go dancing sure thing

2006-09-11T22:57:00.000+01:00

Keith Richards Dead Flowers live

this is faaaaaantastic!!!

nocturnal truck bins

2006-09-10T20:50:00.000+01:00

I was listening to Garth Brooks today and I was dancing around to his 'Scarecrow' album..worth a listen if you get the chance. Apart from that I have been out hedge cutting and pot cleaning as well as having a barbeque of John Dory and vegetable skewers. This summer seems to have an extended mix at the moment, who would have believed a mini heat wave in September, let alone Scotland. I haven't bought the new Dylan album yet but reports are so far good and just shows that a guy with a guitar and a truck full of lyrics wins over bubblegum trash any day. Looks like Paris Hilton has had a bad week in comparison, don't reckon I will be buying her 'album' and will no doubt find it in the bargain bins of the local record shop.
Just watched River Cottage again on DVD..fantastic chill out stuff and now onto a rerun of Northern Exposure. That along with X Factor makes my TV fix for the week, oh and a few CSI thrown in too.
Here is a band destined for great things. I came across them recently and hope you like them too. Check them out here

Grace Potter Toothbrush and my table mp3

yonkers fringe summer

2006-08-27T19:42:00.000+01:00

It's been yonkers since I did a proper posting..that's the problem with summer and the edinburgh festival. I was out today to hear Vikram Chandra read and discuss his new book, and last night I went to a celebration of the life of piper and fiddler Martyn Bennett. In between I have done a hip hop workshop and been out drinking and carousing in the city. This is the last day of the Fringe and it looks like it has been another fantastic success all round. I spent a lot of time at the Book Festival and even saw Jeanette Winterston and Ian Rankine wandering around. The only complaint has to be the price of a glass of very ordinary vino at £4.00 a pop and a plastic sandwich at a momentous £3.95. there has to be something more imaginative than a glug filled between two bits of white sweet bread. ..talkin of sweet..here is indeed something that is that...two great singers givin it laldy

Tracy Chapman and Natalie Merchant In the Ghetto live mp3

2006-08-26T23:40:00.000+01:00

Car chase

crazzzzy !!!!!

2006-08-21T23:33:00.000+01:00

Oasis - Live Forever (Acoustic-Liam Singing)

sometimes this is what i want to hear..fantastic!!!

2006-08-16T23:01:00.000+01:00

LUCY!

remember this show from way back,,,great clip,,,enjoy

queen jewels

2006-08-07T21:51:00.000+01:00

Actor Mel Smith said he would smoke a cigar on stage today when he played the part of Winston Churchill. He said that he needed to puff away to make the play 'authentic'. I have never heard such a load of rubbish in a long time. When have you seen a murderer on stage really kill his victim to make the play 'authentic'...the smoking ban is here to stay Mel...maybe you hadn't noticed that 87% of Scotland is now in favour of going out and not getting smoked out!
The Queens Hall is under threat from the Council who seem to be hell bent on closing this fantastic venue and opening up a glass and concrete warehouse in Leith. Thankfully there is a campaign going and such luminaries as Ricky Ross, Donnie Munro and Beth Neilson Chapman are supporting it staying open as one of the best venues in the country.
Ms Chapman says' ..it is one of the most magical places I have ever performed in. In a world filled with franchises and cookie-cutter repetition, the history and vibe of a place like the Queens Hall is a rare treasure. I hope it remains in place as a cultural jewel of a place to hear music'.
I have seen Marianne Faithfull, Nick Cave, Allison Moorer, Dougie McLean, Raul Malo and last but not least Gillian Welch. The venue added to the magic and it would be a crime to see this venue disappear to satisfy the faceless bureaucrats.
If you want to support this great venue you can support the online petition
make your voice count!!!
Allison Moorer How She Does It mp3

2006-08-06T23:27:00.000+01:00

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Travelin' Band

This was the very first single I ever bought. Played the vinyl right through the deck...great to see the video....one of the best bands ever..rock on!!

curtain dogs

2006-08-05T16:13:00.000+01:00

The big story of the day has to be Tommy Sheridan's victory against the News of the World He has just been awarded £200,000. Check it out here
I guess watch this space folks..will anybody be sued for perjury or will the paper win it's appeal??? it's not over till it's over right enough.
Another guy who has come in for a lot of persecution lately is this bod. Here is one for the underdogs and justice.
Babyshambles Curtain Call mp3

2006-08-05T00:59:00.000+01:00

Emmylou Harris & Johnny Cash sing 2 gospel songs

can it get any better???? I don't think so....a grear loss to not just country music....

2006-08-03T23:55:00.000+01:00

Iggy Pop - The Passenger

this is outta sight!!! what a guy and what a song. Thank God for Youtube!!!!

potty dance crystals

2006-07-31T20:53:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday JK Rowling!! Hard to believe she is only 41.....well what I mean is not the way she looks but the fact that she has written all those books and been totally involved in the films AND had time to have kids and marry her very own Harry Potter look a like. If I can read a book I am chuffed!! The last one was a Minette Walters 'Fox Evil' all about well..evil..worth a deke if you like crime with good characterisation.
The Jazz n Blues Festival is in full swing with Rene Marie being the big hit so far. Most folks had never heard of her, but she seemingly had the audience eating out of her hands no problem. She will have sold out for tonight and well done for a great vibe in Leith at The Crystal Palace.
I have been out and about this week so less time for surfing and checking out what's in and out at the moment. Definitely out of order seems to have been Mel Gibson and his rantin and a ravin when picked up on a drink drive charge...who cares if he 'owns Malibu' get a life Mel.
Here is a cheeky little number then I am sure my hankering for a tear in my beer will resurface......Go Bill Go!!
Jumpin Bill Carlisle Rattlesnake Daddy mp3

from the Bear album 'Perfect for Parties' check it out.

jazzeroo

2006-07-29T01:33:00.000+01:00

In Edinburgh it is the Starbucks Jazz n Blues Festival with a lot of the cash going to Hurricane Katrina. As well as the paying gigs, there is free stuff on today in the Grassmarket and tomorrow at the Ross Bandstand. Chick Corea will be making his first appearance in the city in 20 years and there will be 130 shows over 10 days with something for everybody...from ragtime to fusion...
to get in the mood here is a little something from a Polish jazz outfit doesn't get more cooler than this
Jazz band Ball Orchestra Polish Folk Song mp3

alice fridge kickin

2006-07-28T23:37:00.000+01:00

...wow this heat..what a great excuse for chilling in the garden with a big glass of vino...listening to loads of fab music...Dean Martin to Frank Zappa via Eartha Kitt...too hot for anything else..took a walk on Gullane beach today, home of golf..well so they say after it moved from Leith to Muirfield. I prefer the Leith origins myself. I was in Fop Records on Cockburn Street the other day and then up to their branch on Rose Street, a cool 5 hours and I still wasnae bored!! What a selection...I could take a fortnight's holiday perusing the shelves and still come out saying book me in for another fortnight!!

this is the time for taking off yer alice band, rolling up yer breeks, grabbing a glass of single malt and turning up the sounds, open the windows, fill the paddling pool and stuff the fridge full of beer.
It makes me think of a hot Jersey night across the pond and the Boss kickin off , Here he is in fine hullabaloo with one of my fave no .

Bruce Springsteen Your Missing mp3 live

shock block

2006-07-18T21:26:00.000+01:00

The British Recording industry has asked that ISP's block customers who they say are illegally sharing files. Not to be outdone the Spanish government has banned peer to peer file sharing and have taxed blank discs. This is the start of a stranglehold on small net record companies who use P2P to distribute sounds under Creative Copyright at low cost, it penalises the Open Source movement and stops innovative ideas. Boo!! Before we all thought naah it couldn't happen well it looks like it has. So I hope that music blogs can continue as they do with short bursts of postings that introduce folks to new sounds and who will then go and buy the product. I know that thanks to bloggers I have got into and PURCHASED gospel, jazz, soul , funk and even an Iron Maiden album which is fantastic at full pelt whilst hoovering the living room carpet.Oh and whilst I am at it AllofMp3 the Russian music website are being sued in a UK Court for breaking copyright laws...this is some serious shit going down folks. So a warning to anyone out there to BE CAREFUL if you want to see your next birthday this side of the wire.
Now I have thoroughly depressed myself here is a track that i am listening to over and over and over again...enjoy!!
Mohammed EL-Bakkar Port Said mp3

2006-07-18T00:50:00.000+01:00

Gillian Welch - Red Clay Halo (Live)

wow!!! as good as when i saw them at the queens hall here in edinburgh!!!!!!!!

2006-07-16T00:03:00.000+01:00

A Good Year for the Roses

this is the real deal...

rain seven

2006-07-15T00:01:00.000+01:00

Music Music Music....can't add anything to this faaaaaaab track from the album Seven Bridges Road back in 1972

Steve Young Montgomery in the Rain mp3

I love the rain, give me it over hot baking humid heat any day.

2006-07-04T18:15:00.000+01:00

Bob Dylan Simple Twist of Fate

bob doing what he does

blame it on a simple twist of fate

2006-07-04T17:54:00.000+01:00

I have been listening to an album of Dylan out takes of Blood on the Tracks. Why he didn't release this version aye dinnae ken. It is much more immediate and direct than the official album which don't get me wrong would be one of my desert island discs.

Bob Dylan Simple Twist of Fate out take mp3

I have never seen him live and missed a chance in the 1970's when he played Newcastle You never know how long your heroes will be around, but he seems to be still up for it..given the length of his touring schedules. He has played approximately 100 gigs a year all the way through the 1990's and 2000's kinda puts Oasis to shame. He has been playing keyboards and the harmonica and not picking up his guitar much during shows. It seems the reason is that he wants a fuller sound on the bottom range and hasn't found a keyboard player that play what he wants. Here is info about his 2006 schedule if you fancy a blast.

footie floodnights

2006-06-27T17:37:00.000+01:00

I have been watching the World Cup which is proving quite a draw for me. I don't bother much during the year, but do enjoy the big games. It made me go and look for George Best goals on youtube and michty me he was the fastest thing on 2 legs. I wondered at first if the film had been speeded up, worth a look at how the game used to be played before all this set piece approach took over. 'go yersel!!'

Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster were not a stones throw away christening their new babby in the South Leith Parish Church the other day. New arrival Alistair Wallace is Rod's sixth...wow...must be all that football he is playing. However, he will have to play in the dark after plans to put floodlights onto his full size football pitch in his back garden was booted out by neighbours. I did almost see him at the Apollo in Glasgow but decided to save my cash for Deep Purple instead think I did make the right decision.

I don't have any Rod but here is a David Sylvian who I always liked with his band Japan.. released in 1982 excellent mood music..turn it up.

Japan Night Porter alternative take mp3

2006-06-22T22:38:00.000+01:00

Primal Scream Country Girl on Jonathan Ross show

this is indeed a faaantastic performance..rock out bobby!!

tube countrry

2006-06-22T22:20:00.000+01:00

I have been quite remiss re this blog....I guess that I have been having a whirl of a social life and the sunny weather has really eaten into 'blogtime'. Thanks to everyone who is still checking in. I have been getting into www.youtube.com and finding such fantastic gems as Michele Sardou giving it laldy on french telly. I used to search for all this stuff in jumble sales and charity shops. Of course never finding much beyond a westlife video and occasionally a battered copy of oasis live. I have not been listening to so much countrry at the moment. In fact I had Japan on my MP3 today and jolly good it was too!
Here is something a bit different folks...a band that sets my feet a freakin around and my vocal chords buzzin....
Primal Scream Country Girl Mp3

Here is a band profile worth a deek. I always have liked these guys and hope you do too!!

2006-06-18T16:24:00.000+01:00

Patti Smith - Gloria( '76 live)

wow this is fantastic!!! she is on top form in this video

scan baby rock

2006-06-17T23:13:00.000+01:00

i got a scanner recently..joined the 21st century, and have been catching up with scanning in all my old photos from boxes in the loft..some real crackers but great to be able to get them onto the hard drive rather than disintegrating into dust.
I still haven't thought about doing the vinyl yet, that seems like a retirement project. However, here is one little baby that has made the transition to digital.
Moon Mullican Seven Nights to Rock MP3

fade to grey

2006-06-12T22:05:00.000+01:00

This weather is playing havoc with blogging...no time to write anything let alone listen to tunes..however here is one that is playing round and round on my mp3
Jim and Jennie My Grey Fading Dream mp3
check them out on Bloodshot records. they are the real deal..a breathe of a cowboys chapps after the blandout nonesense that sometimes passes as 'countrry'

crazy sun junctions

2006-05-28T19:14:00.000+01:00

Back after a hiatus...I guess the sunshine has meant less time for crouching over my laptop listening to music and surfing. I went to a fantastic gig at the Leith Folk Club last week with The Tanahill Weavers. What a barnstormer of a set, the band were on top form with intricate arrangements and hypnotic rhythms. I have loved listening to them for years but never was able to see them live. The Leith Club is a friendly place with different acts on every Tuesday. I didn't win the raffle but hey..seeing the band was good enough for me!

I LOVE the Bosses new album and have it on LOUD when I am driving about, my favourite track of the moment is "Mary don't you weep". It's not often I join in at the top of my voice whilst negotiating roundabouts and T junctions, but this album is irresistible.

I have been listening to more folky things of late and here is an oldie but yes indeed one that you should give a listen to again. This band are still going in various guises and although i was too young..yes indeed..to be into them in their heyday, I think this is quintessential of their style.

Fairport Convention Crazy Man Michael mp3
If you fancy you can even have this track as a ringtone on your phone..what next!!!

shirt buffalos

2006-05-13T20:33:00.000+01:00

This new album from the Boss is ROCKIN..I can't stop playing it LOUD and dancing round the house..fantabulous...I am not going to post anything from the album but here is Bruce in full flight live and alive..I don't know the venue but the crowd are giving it up...eat your heart out Madonna..you could never get such exuberance...and this guy is still wearing a check shirt.!!!!!..excellent all round.

Bruce Springsteen Buffalo Girls live mp3

Having another great day in the garden. Lots of wine, prawns on the barbeque and now indoors awaiting CSI the back of 9.00pm. Tomorrow is the Plant Show/Fair at the Botanic Gardens and a few bargains will be grabbed. Let's hope this fab weather holds out.....

texas burned love

2006-05-08T21:03:00.001+01:00

time for another post..been out and about and not on line so much since the good weather has appeared. Fire of Love will be posting a guest post once i work out how to paste it in to this box..bit of a hassle at present so will keep you posted on that..it's a cracker!! I see that he has decided to get back into the saddle and get scribbling again...
I am off to see the Tannahill Weavers soon when they appear in a wee pub in Leith..one of my all time outfits so will give a report on the gig. Meanwhile here is a track by a hero who burned out too soon.

Townes Van Zandt Colorado Girl mp3 from Texas Troubador disc 2

There are lots of sites where you can catch up on all the griff..however i personally like these ones.
Townes Van Zant Central
Townes Van Zant BlueSkyCentral

check out this supper menu idea..excellent for those who hate cooking...

shiver stramash

2006-04-25T21:37:00.000+01:00

I went to see the Battlefield Band last night at the Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh. It was a small intimate venue and I had a great seat. The fiddle player Alisdair White was phenomenal and so was the Piper Mike Katz who blasted away as though he was handling a pneumatic drill between his cheeks. However, the guitarist sang a Woody Guthrie song and murdered it. He also unwisely tried his dodgy vocals at Tom Waits 'Shiver me Timbers'. Sung with an Irish accent made for an interesting experience, but one i care not to repeat. A real shame as the band seem a pale imitation of the original line up. Brian McNeil was the numero uno singer and fiddler in my book.The band have been truckin for over 30 years and like the William Wallace sword has had 3 new blades and 4 new handles but still is regarded as the 'real mccoy' Worth a checkeroo if you get the chance but no surprises in the sartorial department. The guitarist could have polished his shoes...looked like he had rolled out of a transit with last years carry out...

I don't have anything by them to transport , but here is there kindred spirits..with a spirited wee stramash.

The Tannahill Weavers Draw Burn the Bridges mp3

muscular bronco

2006-04-23T19:28:00.000+01:00

The only place to be today was the garden, sun, sun and more sun..the neighbour next door asked how to make mackerel pate and luckily I knew how. Watching all those Sophie Grigson and Jamie Oliver cookery programmes has come in handy. I am reading Ann Rule's ' A Rose for her Grave' and it is a cautionary tale indeed. Don't let your new boyfriend tell you what lipstick to wear and that Bryan Adams is better than Ryan...by the time you see the reality of the madness in his eyes it will be too late....
I have been listening to loads of muscular countrry..you know the type ..alan jackson, toby keith, pat green, and of course it sounds great turned up when the sun is shining. However, this old cowboy is gittin his feet wet and buckin the bronco with this little ditty. He did a pretty poor version I thought of Teddy Bear, there is a German version by Truckstop that is more sonorous and hairy chested, but this is one that graces my mp3 player from time to time. Remember to buy the tunes and it doesn't have to be from itunes....

Red Sovine GiddyUpGo mp3

spiked rights

2006-04-19T12:40:00.000+01:00

Thanks to YouTube hear is The Boss in fine fettle from a really early gig singing his heart out.Born to Run never sounded more alive and ass kickin!!! This home video is first class and the sound is excellent.
Bruce Springsteen Born to run movie

Here is another newbie to me Cory Morrow..where do all these guys come from..it is one helluva job just trying to keep up with what's new out there in musicville. I like his style..he isn't a Bruce of course..but that would be well impossible.
Corry Morrow Texas Time Travel live mp3

He is another bad boy in the style of Hank Snr and Hank Jnr and of course Hank 3rd.. read all about it here, those countrry boys can show the homeboys a thing or three.

This smoking ban is faabulous with me going out a lot more into the world of pubs. I had given up but this has improved life 100%. Now of course it's all about noise of smokers congretating outside and drinks being spiked whilst left on the bar top. Noise from the theatres bleeting on about their 'human rights'. Seemingly smoking on stage is a no no and somehow Winston Churchill will be 'less credible ' if not seen smoking a cigar. I think there are are more pressing issues for fighting for 'human rights' than the freedom to see someone smoking on stage.

michty crivens

2006-04-18T19:05:00.000+01:00

I really love fiddle music and the more rhythmic the better. I love how all music comes back to source at the end of the day...and this sounds like a global mix if I ever heard one. April Verch is new to me, I came across her by pure chance and by crivens michty me this is mighty fine playing. She was a Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion in 1997 and the 1998 Canadian Ope Fiddle Champion. If this doesn't make you skirl I guess you must have no ears.

April Verch William Gagnon mp3

space fox fabric

2006-04-17T21:22:00.000+01:00

I finally signed up for mozilla firefox and I have to say I have been well impressed so far. I like how the text size can be increased beyond what you can get on Windows. I find with a lap top my eyes get screwed after a few hours squinting on small print and it seems pretty slick in moving from page to page, so I have set it as my default and will road test it over the next few days and report back.
Music wise this is the track of the moment...no competition...no doubt...
Holy Modal Rounders Mr Spaceman mp3
Formed way back in 1961 when rayon was the fabric of choice and cuban heels clicked in milk bars.Check the boys out here the whole story...
This is worth at least 3 Celine Dion albums.

wolf stormin door slammin

2006-04-16T23:08:00.000+01:00

Here is a fab classic from an old hombre..CW McCall.Here is his bio from CMT
I love trucker tracks, they are great when you are driving down the highways and you can imagine you are haulin wood or even gas canisters all the way to Falkirk. So this guy gets me right in the mood to jump in the car blast the sounds and revvvvvv the gas, maybe not to Wolf Creek Pass but at least to the all night TESCO.

CW McCall Wolf Creek Pass mp3

I have been listening to a hell of a lot of mash ups lately, and this has to be one of my all time yeeehaahighs. Snoop and Jim....Absolutely ..

Snoop Dog v The Doors Riders in the Storm mp3

yiddish sister

2006-04-14T21:42:00.000+01:00

This is the time to free your ears...let some new notes ring and buzz around..help you become an anorak and cover every aspect of the grand planet that music resides in. I was dicking around on the net and came across this Yiddish group that I can't believe I missed. Have you ever come across the Barry Sisters? No I thought not, the Andrews Sisters yes, but this duo were new to me. I hope you enjoy this offering from them.
Barry Sisters Ochy Chernye mp3
I have heard that the dreaded RIAA are going after PODCASTS next, then it will be blogs I am sure, so I am trying to only post one track by an artist and also ask that you buy the goddamn album as well,here is the link for all your purchases.Have a good Easter!! roll that egg !

Boss Bourbon and a gumtree

2006-04-07T23:22:00.000+01:00

This is the best thing I have heard all year..I have played it 10 times and it just gets better. Good on Amazon for featuring this video, the Boss is sizzlin and is as countrry as a raccoon up a gumtree.Nothing else required just the Boss and a bourbon.
Bruce Springsteen John Henry video full clip

Whilst running the spell check on blogger springsteen was replaced by springtail....he certainly sounds sprightly and has one hell of a spring in his tail on this take.

cadillac county

2006-04-03T17:46:00.000+01:00

Toby Keith has a new album "White Trash with Money" just out and you can stream it for free on the CMT listening party at 128. I had a listen last night and I don't think it is as memorable as some of his other stuff, notably "Beer for my Horses". Alan Jackson's syrupy gospel Precious Memories album is up as well, I was mega disappointed when I heard it. Let's hope he gets back to doing the Devils Music soon.It was recorded as a present for his mother, but I guess she would have preferred a date with Jayne County to this piffle.
Rosanne Cash has her album Black Cadillac up there too, and it is well worth a spin around your eardrums.
However, the best of the bunch has to be a big bunch of Merle Haggard albums to die for. I have been listening to loads of stuff I haven't heard before and at this good quality it almost makes up for not being able to rip them onto my hard drive.
I have just streamed them onto my mini disc and can enjoy them through a link to my stereo....yeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaa rock on!!!

klezmer rawks

2006-04-02T19:18:00.000+01:00

Going by the number of hits on Martha and Rufus..Martha is way out in the lead. I am surprised, I thought the golden boy would win by a truck of velvet ipods. Is Martha at the top of a job lot of sensitive female singers that have populated the scene. From Dido to Jewell they all sign about 'making love' not sex and usually have a guitar or play keyboards for writing songs. Mind you with James Blunt and Chris Martin maybe the hairy hogs of rawk are well out of favour as well.
I have been listening to a favourite album of mine Klezmer Conservatory's Thirteenth anniversary Album. It is live and never ceases to bring a smile to my face.Check out their website for info and album releases.
Here is a track that I hope will play on repeat on your iPod for at least a week.
Feygele (little bird) Klezmer Conservatory Band mp3
Produced by Hankus Netsky who is an absolute genius and started the group in 1980.
Here's what the Washington Post had to say about them.

"... the ensemble's uninhibited verve translates into any language and will no doubt leave anyone inclined to dance along gasping for air."

Bonus Ball

Leena from Palesteena mp3

If you like this kind of thing remember to support the band and buy the album.

Oh just an aside..according to most landlords their bar takings are up since the smoking ban came in.... and they have said it has been a 'resounding success'. Put that in yer pipe and smoke it!!

stellar moons

2006-04-01T20:47:00.000+01:00

Which one do you think is going to go stellar?? Rufus thinks it's Martha and vice versa....here are two awesome tracks to help you make up your mind.
Martha Wainwright How Soon mp3

Rufus Wainwright Don't Know What It Is mp3

I remember hearing their Pa on John Peel many moons ago with the Swimming Song and incorporating it into my repertoire for solo gigging around the clubs. I was 16 and needed an adult to chaperon me when in licensed premises. This song along with CCR numbers and a few James Taylor and Neil Young gave me cash for buying more vinyl.

waggle yer wallies

2006-03-30T00:06:00.000+01:00

Out for a glass of vino in a NO SMOKING PUB!!! wow was it good, so Scotland isnae such a bad wee country after all. To celebrate here is some razzlin dazzlin skirrls to waggle yer kilt to, and failing that yer wallies. For those who don't know what they are it's your false teeth...
Shooglenifty Venus in Tweeds mp3

swell suddens

2006-03-27T21:04:00.000+01:00

God first Buck Owens, now Nikki Sudden, and he did indeed seem to go suddenly. I had a few of his tracks particularly stuff when he was with the Swell Maps. They were the DIY kings and I remember being amazed at the paper sleeves for their singles totally devoid of corporate shenanigans.
His official website has lots of info worth a read and is generous with mp3s.
Here is a cracker
Nikki Sudden High Lonesome mp3
Have a listen and a dram..and wish him a safe passage to the big gig in the sky.

drinking diamonds

2006-03-25T20:31:00.000Z

Not long to go now...only a few hours...6.00am is looming large..Yee Haa. Tomorrow will include a walk and a visit to a local pub that is usually off limits because of the thick smoke...I can't believe it is actually going to happen...so will report on how it all goes. I have been listening to Roger McGuinn ex Byrds and enjoying his take on ballads and folk songs.He has been posting for ages and has a fine collection up for perusal. If you like the Harry Smith Collection then this will rock your hammock, loads of diamonds for everyone.

McGuinn's Folk Den

and just to whet your appetite here is a particularly catchy number
Roger McGuinn Follow the Drinking Gourd mp3

He also has a blog which is worth a read as well. And for all you Byrds fans, have a look at this site dedicated to all things Byrd.

reeking vomit in smoked haddock

2006-03-23T17:55:00.000Z

It ain't long before the Great Big stub OUT and going out for a pint or a dram will no longer be a miserable experience. I was out last week and had to put my hands up and make a quick exit as I could hardly breathe and my eyes felt like velcro pads had just scoured across them at 1222244 miles per hour, so I for one 'cannae wait'. I hear that lots of folk will be staying at home watching sky and smoking as much as before, but I for one would prefer to check out the rest of humanity.
So here is to the end of a clothes and hair reeking of second third and fourth hand smoke, to no ashtray competing with your drinks coaster and that couple that love to light up during courses and smoke you out whilst you are still on your smoked haddock starter. RANT OVER......honest.. I will be out on Sunday celebrating in a smoke free environment. Of course you don't know what the smoke was hiding...I guess the next thing to ban will be vomit stained carpets and greasy backed BO chairs that will come into their own when the smoke fumes vacate the premises.

Anyway to change direction if I can get yousendit.com to work, their must be some varmints in the programme as it keeps chucking me out...
so you will have to check out which mp3s are downloadable from this page
This is a band that have been around for some time...longer than some heavy smokers and if you like the bandana scuzzy highway Americana sound you will LOVE this crew..check out the cravindogs and blast it up coz after Sunday music's the only thing you will be able to take a blast off in a Scottish public space

putin sheebang

2006-03-22T22:25:00.000Z

Amazing to think this blueskies blog has been up for a whole year...I remember my first post and struggling to work out how to post links and calling on the help of enchilada, dylan gaughin and fire of love. Not forgetting of course Big Rock Candy Mountain who was the first blog to link me.Thanks again guys ! Now I have to work out how to spread the uploaded photos throughout the post rather than bunching up at the top....
Whilst roaming around I came across this guy who has a great blues voice and although from the US is huge in France. His site allows a complete download of his album Full Moon released in 1991.It comes down at 128kbps and has good clarity. I hate listening to stuff at 32 kbps it really sucks.
Spencer Bohren is the name and I have been enjoying the whole sheebang this evening, very mellow indeed.
Spencer Bohren Full Moon right here

and today's bonus ball because I have been reading about Putin and the break up of the Soviet Union, here are Muroma, a male group from Russia singing songs from the Southern and Central regions. I like to keep my music tastes eclectic and this bunch are worth turning up the volume and getting out the vodka and caviar for. I had hoped to post a picture or two but the function isn't working..so you will just have to imagine a russian bottle of vodka..

Muroma Russian folk songs and tunes

rakish television

2006-03-18T19:49:00.000Z

Whilst having a look on Dylan Gaughins blog 'Pimps of Gore' I came across a site that he has highlighted that is just too good to mention only once. RTE Television has such a wealth of concerts on line that I have spent the last couple of hours catching up with Rufus Wainwright, The Thrills, Steve Earle, Mike Scott and the Waterboys and even James Blunt. These shows are full length and give a real insight to the range of material these artists showcase. I sometimes forget to check out the visuals for artists I like and I will now be returning time and time again to this site for a front row seat with a perfect view and top notch sound.
Check out these great shows here

South by Southwest is in full flight and the BBC have special features worth a checkeroo as well.
One of my fave bands are appearing The Guillemots. Check out their website for free clips and mp3s
I have just watched the end of the rugby and it seems Ireland have won their game against England, and given it was St Patricks Day yesterday how about this from a band I came across whilst surfing but can find no information about.

Rankin and Courage Rakish Paddy mp3

county crackin satisfaction

2006-03-17T20:43:00.000Z

This band are pretty ace and have the right mix of bluegrass and Americana. Short post tonight as I have a copy of Vanity Fair I want to read before getting some shuteye.
Chatham County Line have a cracking website with music to bang a hole in your floor.
Chatham County Line You Won't be Satisfied that Way mp3

upload download

2006-03-14T22:38:00.000Z

Sometimes you come across a voice that you would run across a busy street getting knocked down by a truck to hear, this is one of those voices. You have to check out this guy...a mix of ryan adams and tom waits..check out his website and mp3s that you can listen to at your leisure. Will the RIAA target blogs next I wonder?? Looks like those two guys that leaked Ryan Adams album could get eleven years..yet will it stop downloading? In fact bands seem to get less per track for a download than if it appears on CD. What I do is if I like a track I tend to then buy the album and tell all my friends how great it is and hope they buy it too!! The only folks losing out is the fat cats and share holders who would be better putting their money in alternative technology. Anyway the debate marches on...enjoy this guy whilst you ponder your options to file share or not, blog or not...

Cameron McGill Long Way to California mp3

river machine

2006-03-13T20:29:00.000Z

Been checking out the South by Southwest website and there are some faboulous bands with free music up for your perusal.Mark Erelli is worth a deek.He has a lot of free mp3's on his site and a cover of a Neil Youngs Harvest Moon as this months download.
Mark Erelli Bend in the River mp3

I listen to a lot of Americana but also a lot of other stuff too, so here is one helluva blast. I used to play this at FULL VOLUME and freak out the neighbours before thankfully ASBO became a part of the English language. I saw the band at the Reading Festival and they were the best act on that year. Joan Armatrading was on in the afternoon but i was in a tent with a new friend and missed the whole of her set. This was just before she became a household name, but hey, getting to know this guy from Liverpool seemed more important! Luckily I saw Dr Feelgood who told us the winds of change were blowing through the stagnant jurassic park bands such as Yes who I kind of slept through on the last night.

Hawkwind Silver Machine mp3
Not quite the Allman Brothers but hey, Lemmy and Stacia made it all worthwhile

Acoustic weapon

2006-03-12T20:03:00.000Z

This band are indeed a find, whilst trailing around on the net they literally jumped out at me and grabbed me with the rough acoustic sound reminding me of Gram, The Byrds and Steve Earle. What do you think? If you have the greenbacks you can catch them at the South by South west festival this year.
South Austin Jug Band Dark and Weary World mp3

Here is a guy who I used to love when he was with The Meat Puppets, Curt Kirkwood. He is another gravel voiced handsome hombre and this cut is addictive.
Curt Kirkwood Beautiful Weapon mp3

grits and jive

2006-03-11T13:19:00.000Z

Had a jumpin jive of a party last night and the tunes were flying off the hard drive. I even got a couple of converts to countrry music. You know how it goes, 'no, i don't like all that kissin cousin banjo slappin git along little doggies hootenany' and then of course their ears love it and they are asking for grits and beans for breakfast.
Here is a hombre from a while back

Lefty Frizzell Don't Stay Away(till love grows cold) mp3
Lefty cowrote one of my favourites of all time Always Late With Your Kisses. Dwight Y did a great version of this ditty.

I am a bit tired after last nights frivolities so with out further ado here is Shawn Mullins.Check out clips from 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor

Shawn Mullins We Could Go and Start Again mp3
I like gravelly voices and he has a great one.

planet rose

2006-03-03T14:55:00.000Z

What a week! 53 million quid stolen, Britney buying a loveshack and Shakira having tea with Chancellor Gordon Brown! However, I was cheering this morning when I heard that Gary Glitter has been jailed for 3 years for as we call it in Scotland 'kiddiefiddlin'. The 61-year-old, who insisted he was innocent, said the "unbelievable" verdict was part of a "conspiracy". Yeah Right! Anyway, he probably won't do the 3 years and will be out after only serving a third of his sentence. Something far wrong there as he should have got the firing squad as was suggested in the first place.
I have had a few days off the laptop and have been reading Schindlers List by Thomas Kineally. I always meant to read it so this especially having spent some time recently in Cracow. I can't put it down, RECOMMENDED READING.
Music has been as varied as ever, and this track from one of my favourite singers in the world is todays first pick.
Willie Nelson and Ray Price San Antonio Rose mp3
and for proof this is the best frickin album on the planet on this Friday here is your bonus ball.
willie and ray I fall to pieces mp3