Friday 28 June 2013

BAIBS Friday 28/06/13

For the stattos out there this is blog number 153 and if you're the first to read this particular blog you will be viewer number 14,255. Just thought I'd throw that out there. Though it originally went all New Model Army and said clog instead of blog. Fat fingers you see.

Why when decking is wet does it become like number 2 court at Wimbledon.Went for a cigarette and did a right Sharapova. I'm blaming that if this is blog is poor.

I'm back on the radio tonight with JJ on The First 45. I'll try not to be too intrusive. Remember the band from Brighton I met on a train, Southern Sunrise? The full story is regaled at least twice in previous blogs so I won't again. They're in Donny this weekend but sadly I'll miss their RockBar gig tomorrow. They are doing a live session for JJ tonight though so I'm gonna crash that.

Speaking of live sessions it was the third (3 and a bit if you want to be pedantic) Do It Unplugged performance this morning from young lads Habberdash. (Well, two of them). They're a band I have a lot of time for. Too many young bands get together and hit the stage or studio way before they're ready. I wont name names but two bands in particular spring to mind. Saw one of them live recently, obviously their first gig, but they were so under-rehearsed it was embarrassing. It's never good to stop a song mid tune to work out the middle eight. A lot of people wont have known it was their first gig and wont be rushing to see them again. Another sent me a cd sometime ago. Again they'd obviously dived straight into a studio without enough practice behind them. The results were awful and not fit for radio play. I tried to explain to them the reasons why, in the nicest possible way, but just got a torrent of abuse in return. They're still going and I daresay are now a competent band worthy of attention but after the insults I'm loath to give them time of day.  Basically don't go out there til you're ready.

Which brings me back to Habberdash. Still only months old but they didn't play live until they had a set of songs they were happy with and knew they could do justice to. I believe they also recorded a demo but weren't happy with the results so shelved it as oppose to just sticking it out there anyway. Very admirable and very sensible as they put on a live set well worth catching thanks to their patience.

I'm in full blagging mode. Attempting to get interviews with Bruce Springsteen (no chance), Paul Weller (even less chance), The Enemy (possibly), Reverend And The Makers (probably) and Section 60 (definitely).  I shall let you know how it goes.

Speaking of letting you know how things went, for those of you who read yesterday's blog: the bailiffs had jumped the gun and have (almost) apologised. And David Cameron never answered my tweet.

Another busy weekend beckons. Work tomorrow daytime then Cherry Blossom is in the summer burlesque show tomorrow night. Sunday sees me heading south again to see The Boss one more time, at the Olympic Stadium. A last minute thing but too good an opportunity to miss. No show on Monday, thank Mr. Springsteen.

Gotta go, new 48ks track sat in my inbox that wont listen to itself.

Laters

SS

Playlist Friday 28/06/13

Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag - Pigbag
A Certain Romance - Arctic Monkeys
Transmission - Joy Division
The Great Leap Forward - Billy Bragg
Postcard - Southern Sunrise
Away From Here - The Enemy
Bassline - Reverend And The Makers
Is This Our Day In The Sunshine - Section 60
Wages Day - Deacon Blue
Truth Is - The Levellers
Rock 'N' Roll Star - Oasis
When You're Young - The Jam
Ripples - The Coopers
Dreaming Of You - The Coral
Tender - Blur
You Held The World In Your Arms - Idlewild
Rise - Public Image Ltd.
Chipping Away - Middleman
Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
Rock This Town - The Stray Cats
Cemetry - Bang Bang Romeo
Take Her Back - The Pigeon Detectives
Revolution - Young Kato
Sheriff Fatman - Carter USM
Silence Is Easy - Starsailor

DO IT UNPLUGGED LIVE ACOUSTIC SESSION - HABBERDASH

Swear Jar
Superficial Priority

F.E.A.R. - Ian Brown
Sugar Mice - Marillion
Lost Innocent World - Gogol Bordello
To My Knees - White Valentine
747 (Strangers In The Night) - Saxon
Naive - The Kooks
Beds Are Burning - Midnight Oil
We Take Care Of Our Own - Bruce Springsteen
This Is How It Feels - Inspiral Carpets
Carry On, Carry On - Edwyn Collins
Dead And Gone - The Black Keys
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers


Thursday 27 June 2013

BAIBS Thursday 27/06/13

Do I need to do the preamble about why the playlist is not at the bottom of the page? Thought not. Here goes:

Playlist Thursday 27/06/13

One Step Beyond - Madness
Hundred Mile High City - Ocean Colour Scene
1996 - The Wombats
One Drop - Public Image Ltd.
Two Tribes - Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Seven Nation Army - White Stripes
The 8 O' Clock Blues - Famous Villains
If I Had A Million Dollars - Barenaked Ladies
The Magnificent 7 - Bad Manners
45 - The Gaslight Anthem
96 Tears - The Stranglers
19th Nervous Breakdown - The Rolling Stones
524 Fidelio - The Wedding Present
Song 2 - Blur
40 - U2
2013 - Primal Scream
Signal 30 - Public Service Broadcasting
One In Ten - UB40
5 Years Time - Noah And The Whale
19-2000 - Gorillaz
7 O' Clock - The Quireboys
10/10 - Paulo Nutini
18 With A Bullet - Pete Wingfield
(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 - Dr. Feelgood
Love Me Two Times - The Doors
51st State - New Model Army
54 - 46 Was My Number - Toots And The Maytals
21 Guns - Green Day
1979 - Smashing Pumpkins

DO IT UNPLUGGED LIVE ACOUSTIC SESSION - THE HOT SOLES

Runaway
Ready To Burn

57 Channels - Bruce Springsteen
Two Fingers - Jake Bugg
5:15 - The Who
One Way Or Another - Blondie
The Magnificent Seven - The Clash
Looking After Number One - The Boomtown Rats
Seven Seas - Echo And The Bunnymen
Three Minute Hero - The Selecter
2-4-6-8 Motorway - Tom Robinson Band
Nine Acre Dust - The Charlatans
The Return Of The Los Palmas 7 - Madness

Easy one again. Each song with a number in the title. What makes it more fun is when listeners pick up on it and send in relevant requests (thanks Nettie for Love Me Two Times and Paul for 51st State). Obviously the live session songs didn't comply to the theme but I can hardly insist that a band that have come in to play only play songs with numbers in the title.

So, yes, today was the third (or possibly two and a half after Tuesday's debacle) Do It Unplugged live session. The Hot Soles followed Isla's Father on Monday to show just how high the standard is going to be. A brilliant two song set with Sole Boy A (Kieran) demonstrating a powerful bluesman voice. Impressive stuff for 9am. 

Someone asked me after reading yesterday's blog who comes up with street names. The answer to that is I don't have a clue. But it did remind me of the estate in Bristol I believe where all the streets were named after British Second World War heroes. Bernard Montgomery Place, Guy Gibson Grove etc and the somewhat unfortunately named Douglas Bader Walk. They have since changed it.

Well it's a work day so I'm due my nap but I'm waiting to see if the bailiff calls back wanting business rates for a business that isn't mine or if David Cameron replies to my tweet about Nelson Mandela. I'll probably get confused and rant at the bailiff about his 'Hang Mandela' posters. That should confuse him long enough for me to hide my CDs. I don't own anything else.

Laters

SS


Wednesday 26 June 2013

BAIBS Wednesday 26/06/13

Decided on the alternative walk home route today. Along Littlemoor Lane and up St. John's as oppose to along Balby Road and down St. John's. I realise that if you don't know Balby this means nothing so apologies to the many nationalities who read this, and there are somewhat humblingly many, who won't have a clue what I'm on about. Humblingly's not a word apparently. It is now. Anyway, it's a much more pleasant route. The traffic on Balby Road is constant, filthy and dangerous. I am exactly the same height as a double decker bus' wing mirrors.

Bloody tangents! Said alternative route takes me past one of the most pointless streets in Donny, Firth Street. Actually that's not true. It's not a pointless street. It's the only way to get to Orchard Street, where I bought my first house many, many years ago. My point is this, and I'm aware my point is way more pointless than Firth Street. It has no houses on it. Not one letterbox. It's sole purpose is to connect Littlemoor Lane to Orchard Street. So my point is, does it need a name? No one lives there. No one delivers there. It's a waste of a name that a more deserving stretch of tarmac could have had.

I'll be honest that was a lot of words for something that's been bugging me for 25 years or so and I'm not really sure why it bugs me.

One of the downsides of the up St. John's route is I always walk past my house. Always. No idea why. It's just never where I think it should be.

I am now resigned to the fact that no matter how many times I tell myself I will always sing and dance to my iPod, so if you see a tall chap with long grey hair prancing towards you try not to panic, unlike the lass this morning. It was a most unfortunate spot of timing. Just as an attractive lass walked past, whilst on her phone, I sang The Jags line 'I've got your number written on the back of my hand.' Took me a moment to realise why she looked so perturbed. I tell you, you couldn't make this up. Well, you can 'cos I did. I did get some odd looks as per though as I danced down the road, just past Firth Street actually.

Interesting show this morning .I walked into the studio, flicked the light switch only to be greeted by a pop and the total failure of every light in there. Sadly I had no access to the fusebox so did the first hour and a half of the show in near darkness. Many thanks to everyone who got in touch with suitable songs for my predicament, initiated by JJ. Suggestions ranged from Candle In The Wind to Relight My Fire to Blinded By The Light (I went with that one - original Springsteen version of course) and many more. In fact they're still coming in and I've been off air for 3 hours.

On a brief footnote I've always liked the Manfred Mann version of Blinded By The Light (and their version is technically Springsteen's only US Number One) but myself and Steve Holmes once decided to play Bruce's original and the Manfred Mann version back to back on The Hallcross jukebox and I can only apologise to the latter for making them sound woeful.

You will notice in today's playlist a rare triple play. Doesn't happen often. As you know I trawl the internet for notable birthdays to mention on the show and then play something relevant. Today is Mick Jones  birthday and if The Clash don't merit a triple play then no-one does! Still The Last Gang In Town.

Laters

SS

Playlist Wednesday 26/06/13

Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag - Pigbag
Good Morning Britain - Aztec Camera ft Mick Jones
Vlad The Impaler - Kasabian
Banana Republic - The Boomtown Rats
Can Stand The Rain - The Talks
Blood, Sweat And Tears - The D.O.T.
Last Nite - The Strokes
Wasteland - The Mission
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths
Start To Run - Dexters
Cemetry - Bang Bang Romeo
Flying Saucer - The Wedding Present
Too Bad (That's Sad) - Edwyn Collins
The Opener - The Courteeners
Blinded By The Light - Bruce Springsteen
Getting Away With It - Electronic
Like A Dancer - The Enemy
Heavyweight Champion Of The World - Reverend And The Makers
Elysium - Section 60
National Express - The Divine Comedy
Medicine Show - Big Audio Dynamite
The KKK Took My Baby Away - The Ramones
Don't Look Back Into The Sun - The Libertines
Heart Of Glass - Blondie
Lost Innocent World - Gogol Bordello
Bed And Breakfast Man - Madness
Melody Calling - The Vaccines
Cassius - Foals
Have You Ever Had It Blue - The Style Council
Postcard - Southern Sunrise
Safe European Home - The Clash
I Fought The Law - The Clash
Lost In The Supermarket - The Clash
Diane Young - Vampire Weekend
Rave On - Buddy Holly
Victims - Culture Club
The Way I Tend To Be - Frank Turner
Shake It Out - Florence And The Machine
Teenage Knife Gang - Black Spiders
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers

Tuesday 25 June 2013

BAIBS Tuesday 25/06/13

So my alarm went off at 5:30 as per. Got up at 6:30. I normally like to be at the radio for half 6 to get set up, news, facebook, twitter, tunes etc so it was a bit of a mad dash this morning. You can tell if I'm running late if the first song's a long one. Today the first two songs both clocked in at 6 minutes. That's how late I was. It was all a bit swan like, calm on the surface but manic underneath. Getting up so late for the show and rushing around meant my brain didn't really have time to work out what was going on so it wasn't til after I relaxed once tune two was playing that it decided it wanted a migraine. Think it was fed up of being ignored and decided that was the best way to get attention. So if the first hour or so of the show were a bit below par those are my excuses.

It was the second Do It Unplugged session today. Kind of. I have the utmost respect for anyone who plays live. It's not easy but a modicum of knowing what you're doing is required. i.e. not turning up for an acoustic session with an electric guitar. And spare strings maybe? I won't name and shame but today's session lasted one chord. We'll give them the benefit of the doubt and say it was a cover of Napalm Death's You Suffer.


Short blog today due to still feeling a tad under the weather and I'm working later today. Oh you'll be pleased to know that the topiary St. George slaying Barney is back outside the Minster.

Laters

SS

Playlist Tuesday 25/06/13

Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag - Pigbag
Common People - Pulp
Church Not Made With Hands - The Waterboys
To Be Like - China Rats
No Rest - New Model Army
Black And White Town - Doves
Knock On Wood - Eddie Floyd
Everything Must Go - Manic Street Preachers
8 O' Clock Blues - Famous Villains
Pretty Vacant - Sex Pistols
Hold Me - Tom Odell
Roll To Me - Del Amitri
Do I Wanna Know? - Arctic Monkeys
The Day We Caught The Train - Ocean Colour Scene
Straight To Hell - The Clash
The Cutter - Echo And The Bunnymen
Too Bad (That's Sad) - Edwyn Collins
I Got You - Split Enz
Don't Dream It's Over - Crowded House
Simple Song - The Shins
Heavyweight Champion Of The World - Reverend And The Makers
Jump Around - House Of Pain
Beat It - Michael Jackson
Say Something - James
Reputation - Section 60
The Rising - Bruce Springsteen
Midnight Wave - Two Wounded Birds
Whisky In The Jar - Metallica
Drink, Dance, Play - Young Kato
Just Like The Rain - Richard Hawley
Tracy Jacks - Blur
Lost Innocent World - Gogol Bordello
Shot By Both Sides - Magazine
Fastlove - George Michael
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles
Bag Of Bones - Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Sexcrime (1984) - Eurythmics
Gold On The Ceiling - The Black Keys
It's The End Of The World As We Know It - R.E.M.
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers

Monday 24 June 2013

BAIBS Monday 24/06/13

I'm gonna blog in a bit but at the moment I'm chatting Springsteen with Ian Prowse (Pele/Amsterdam). Priorities and all that!

OK, I'm with you now. Remember Friday's blog and the wingman thing? I'm indebted to Jon Kelly for his little bit of research. It's obvious really. Wingman - working in the wings. Duh! The job in question was with the Northern Opera Company and as much as, in this very blog, I've declared my love for Wagner and Grieg I don't think it's for me. Lots of pushing of chariots and locating of winged helmets.

We kicked off the Do It Unplugged live acoustic sessions today with a quality set from Isla's Father. Basically over the next three weeks or so about fifteen acts will be coming onto the show to perform two acoustic tracks. I believe the last session is 18th July. After that it's a public vote to decide the top five with the overall winner getting a Doncaster Live main stage slot and the top five getting busking rights at the Keepmoat Stadium for certain Rovers home games this coming season. Isla's Father have set the bar high.

http://www.sinefm.com/a_z_of_shows/do_it_unplugged

https://www.facebook.com/islasfather?fref=ts

Speaking of live sessions remember the Brighton band I mentioned in the Strasbourg blog, Southern Sunrise?  Well as promised they got a play on today's show and are playing RockBar on Saturday night and will be doing a live session on JJ's The First 45 on Friday evening. All through a chance meeting on a train. Brilliant! It pays to eavesdrop!

Wimbledon starts today. I will watch it religiously. I have no idea why 'cos if you stick any other tennis tournament in front of me I'll reach for the remote then lob it firmly at your head. I have no explanation for this. Same with golf which is for all intents and purposes is televised sky but come the Ryder Cup I'm hooked.

Must dash, couple of important emails to answer. One from a Nigerian Princess obviously in distress and another about my compensation claim for when my head fell off four years ago.

Laters

SS

Playlist Monday 24/06/13

Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag - Pigbag
I Wanna Be Your Dog - The Stooges
Shoot The Runner - Kasabian
A Ton Of Love - The Editors
My Girl - Madness
Postcard - Southern Sunrise
Freakin' Out - Graham Coxon
Cemetry - Bang Bang Romeo
1979 - Smashing Pumpkins
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah - The Pogues
Saturn 5 - Inspiral Carpets
Fire - The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown
Period Piece - Lloyd Cole
New Town Velocity - Johnny Marr
I Can See For Miles - The Who
Pictures Of You - The Cure
I'll Be Fine - White Valentine
Can't Stand Me Now - The Libertines
Just Like Honey - Jesus And Mary Chain
Mad World - Tears For Fears
The Distance - Funeral For A Friend 
Rat Race - The Specials
Acquiesce - Oasis
Dreaming - Blondie

DO IT UNPLUGGED LIVE ACOUSTIC SESSION - ISLA'S FATHER

Where Are You Now?
It's Raining

The Female Of The Species - Space
Lost Innocent World - Gogol Bordello
Enola Gay - OMD
Easy Ride - The Doors
True Faith - New Order
Private Investigations - Dire Straits
Night Mail - Public Service Broadcasting
Too Bad (That's Sad) - Edwyn Collins
I Am The Beat - The Look
The Chain - Fleetwood Mac
Dancer - Auction For The Promise Club
Broken - Jake Bugg
Never Fade Away - Spector
Spread Your Love - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers

Friday 21 June 2013

BAIBS Friday 21/06/13

I've always thought Fridays should be easy. I nice stroll into the weekend but I find myself confused. I hate to be confused. Especially on a Friday. Appleberry. This is one of my confusing issues. A chap on the bus (yes the new fitness regime is still going strong) was drinking some energy drink containing appleberry. Surely that's not real. Remember the ylang ironing water incident though? I've been caught out before. Come here google my old friend.

Right, Appleberry. It's either a company that makes scarves, a care home in Berkshire or a font. Nothing that can be pulverised, mixed with 6 tons of sugar and called an energy drink. I knew it!

Next up, Wingman. OK we've all seen Top Gun and all it's dubious 'You can be my wingman' spiel. But I got an email yesterday from a site that advertises jobs in the music industry and the job in question was Wingman. Sadly to find out what it is will cost me £20 a month and I'm not that desperate. More intrigued. If I find out too late it's getting paid just to accompany a band on tour I'll be less than happy. Unless the band in question is Muse. I'd pay not to work for them.

I'm way too competitive. My kids will testify to this having suffered in your face defeats at Monopoly and sulks when I don't win. I try not to be, I just hate to lose though. Which brings me to Song Pop on Facebook. I love it. Reminds me of Bits and Pieces from the Radio 1 Roadshow's of my childhood (and phoning my friends to gloat when I got 10/10). But I'm even more competitive when it comes to music so my current losing streak isn't going down well at all. So if anyway out there knows nothing about music and agrees never to pick the 'today's hits' category please send me a Song Pop challenge.

It's a working weekend for me, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting today at 4.30 so I better dash. Get paid to see Funeral For A Friend tomorrow night though so that's a plus.

Laters

SS

Playlist Friday 21/06/13

Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag - Pigbag
Broke Up The Family - The Milk
Transmission - Joy Division
Keep The Car Running - Arcade Fire
I'm Falling - The Bluebells
You And Your Ego - Hail To The Eskimo
Wessex Boy - Frank Turner
Slide Away - Oasis
The Middle - Jimmy Eat World
Friday Night - The Talks
Spies - Famous Villains
What A Waste - Ian Dury And The Blockheads
Tangled Up In Love - The Rifles
Silver - Echo And The Bunnymen
Woman In The Wall - The Beautiful South
Disco 2000 - Pulp
Do I Wanna Know? - Arctic Monkeys
We Take Care Of Our Own - Bruce Springsteen
Do Anything You Wanna Do - Eddie And The Hot Rods
Lost Innocent World - Gogol Bordello
Madness - Madness
Lonely Boy - The Black Keys
The Distance - Funeral For A Friend
Boom Boom - John Lee Hooker
Brassneck - The Wedding Present
Mirror In The Bathroom - The Beat
Shakespeare's Sister - The Smiths
Happy House - Siouxsie And The Banshees
I'm Shakin' - Jack White
Gunslingers - Section 60
When You Were Young - The Killers
New Town Velocity - Johhny Marr
Senses Working Overtime - XTC
Pinball Wizard - The Who
I Can Breathe Again - Baywood
You Really Got Me - The Kinks
Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks
Follow Me - Muse
Watch Yourself - The Darlingtons
Baby Jane - Dr. Feelgood
Midnight Wave - Two Wounded Birds
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers

Thursday 20 June 2013

BAIBS Thursday 20/06/13

Who are you as Pete Townshend once wrote and Roger Daltrey once sang, or more accurately wailed thus: Whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo-ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo are youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu? More of Messrs Townshend and Daltrey later. All this will become relevant I assure you though I personally wouldn't believe a word I say.

I decided to walk to and from the radio today. I've been neglecting the gym since the biggest show and it's starting to show. My stomach was used as bongos during Saturday nights Wembley shenanigans. Nuff said. So another mini fitness regime. Admittedly walking home gives more time for cigarettes so it's definitely swings and roundabouts.

I digress. I was stopped on the walk home with the three opening words of this blog. Some bloke stood in my way down Balby Road and asked, 'Who are you?' I'd have preferred Roger type wailing but I don't think he had it in him. He clarified his position with, 'You walk past my house most days and I just wondered who you are.' Possibly what's most bizarre about this little exchange, and my chosen answer was going to be Pope Bison The Unsure, he walked off before I could say anything, leaving us both none the wiser.

And while we're discussing my born again pedestrianism a quick message to all my driver friends out there. If you drive past me don't beep your horn in a friendly, 'Hello. How are you? Have you get that fiver you owe me?' gesture. It is pointless. Several times I heard a car horn on my walk home this morning and several times I turned to see if I knew who the beeper was only to be left, like the who are you chap, none the wiser. Basically once you've spotted me, tooted and I've turned to look you're way down the road probably fuming at my ignorance. But it's the equivalent of creeping up behind someone, shouting BOO! and then running to hide. A pleasant text when it's safe and legal to do so will suffice.

So back to The Who. Had a little rant on the show this morning about an NME.com poll to find The Who's greatest songs. Now I appreciate the results are down to the the users and not the NME but I'm going to hold the NME responsible just for the sake of it. Number One was Pinball Wizard. An OK song but The Who's best? Really? But what was shocking was that not only was Baba O'Riley not Number One it wasn't even in the top twenty! This is a bit like having a list of the greatest ever footballers with no Pele in there. AND!!!!! and this is the bit that really riled me, the journalist responsible for the initial post spelt three of the band's names wrong: Daltry, Townsend and Entwitle. OK the last one may have been a typo but it's just as easy to get these things write (sic).

Rant over.

Joined on this morning's show by David 'Bo' Ramsay for chat and tunage. It is always a genuine pleasure to have Bo on the show. The man is always funny and entertaining and has more talent than is surely legal.

Oh and on a follow up to yesterday's polite notices I saw one this morning that said, 'Polite Notice. Anyone parking here will be toad.' Brilliant.

Laters

SS

Playlist Thursday 20/06/13

Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag - Pigbag
Hit The North - The Fall
Fire - Kasabian
Start To Run - Dexters
All Together Now - The Farm
Lost Innocent World - Gogol Bordello
Neverland - Bo (Live)
(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais - The Clash
Whisper - Bo (Live)
The Fortune Teller - The 48ks
Mrs. Robinson - The Lemonheads
Hurt - Bo (Live)
Road To Nowhere - Talking Heads
Famous Blue Raincoat - Fiona Sergison
Mother - Bo (Live)
Cemetry - Bang Bang Romeo
Love Spreads - The Stone Roses
Elysium - Section 60
People Are Strange - The Doors
Can Stand The Rain - The Talks
Too Bad (That's Sad) - Edwyn Collins
Regret - New Order
High On A Hill - Ian McNabb
Birdhouse In Your Soul - They Might Be Giants
Girlfriend In A Coma - The Smiths
Girl From Mars - Ash
Like A Dancer - The Enemy
Easy - The Commodores
You Overdid It Doll - The Courteeners
New Town Velocity - Johnny Marr
Roxanne - The Police
Hungry Like The Wolf - Duran Duran
Do I Wanna Know? - The Arctic Monkeys
Local Boy In The Photograph - Stereophonics
Wouldn't It Be Good - The Beach Boys
American Slang - The Gaslight Anthem
In-Between Days - The Cure
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers


Wednesday 19 June 2013

BAIBS Wednesday 19/06/13

One of them post the playlist early blogs today which can only mean one thing. There's a theme running through it. Owt to keep myself entertained. Here goes:

Playlist Wednesday 19/06/13

London Calling - The Clash
Ruby Soho - Rancid
Antarctica - Sound Of Guns
Glastonbury Song - The Waterboys
California Sun - The Ramones
Leaving New York - R.E.M.
Under China - Auction For The Promise Club
Columbia - Oasis
The Joyful Kilmarnock Blues - The Proclaimers
Dakota - Stereophonics
Eton Rifles - The Jam
Born In The U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen
L.A. Woman - The Doors
Inner London Violence - Bad Manners
Hersham Boys - Sham 69
Australia - Manic Street Preachers
Heart As Big As Liverpool - The Mighty Wah!
Going To California - Led Zeppelin
The Way We're Made (Made In England) - Missing Andy
Maid Of Orleans - OMD
Night Boat To Cairo - Madness
London Girl - The Pogues
Let England Shake - PJ Harvey
Alternative Ulster - Stiff Little Fingers
New England - Kirsty MacColl
Hotel California - The Eagles
Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks
Seattle - Public Image Limited
Everest - Public Service Broadcasting
Harlem Shuffle - The Rolling Stones
Moving To New York - The Wombats
California Girls - The Beach Boys
Hong Kong Garden - Siouxsie And The Banshees
R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A. - John Mellencamp
Back In The USSR - The Beatles
America - Razorlight
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers

Easy one again I know. You can guarantee if it's a playlist with a link running through it then there's a distinct lack of high profile birthdays and deaths, little happening in the music world and all quiet on the sporting front. The only thing I had to talk about today was that June 19th is world sauntering day. I don't know what that means but feel it'd suit me perfectly. I can saunter with the best of them. Unless I misread and it's world Saunders day which basically involves thinking the grass is always greener on the other side. One for all the Rovers' fans there. It's harder than I ever imagined (stop it) to put together getting on 40 songs all linked that still keep within the musical mandate I've given myself. Yeah I know it's a hard life doing a radio show, blogging and working in a live music venue, getting paid to watch bands. 

Christmas Songs: Er, don't know why we're in italics. Hang on. That's better. I only mention Christmas songs 'cos The Adulescents UK's version of Mary's Boy Child, entitled Mary, has just come on my iPod and I wondered if I should skip it or not. I didn't. I was busy feeling sorry for myself for having a great job. A great song is for life not just Christmas is my thinking. It also reminded me that on Saturday night as part of the drunken Springsteen singalong in the pubs of Wembley we did give his version of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town the full treatment with not a hint of 'is it OK to sing this' from anyone. Admittedly it's not a great song, fun though and it was definitely a moment.

Got the door open 'cos, although not the phew what a scorcher we were promised it's pleasant enough but now I'm overrun (overflown?) with fat flies and some twonk would appear to burning every piece of plastic in Donny out there!

I was joined on today's show by Susan Forbes from Artfelt and Doncaster College students Lauren Taylor and Roberta Brackenbury. The amount Susan has going on connected with all forms of art in and around Doncaster is phenomenal and I'd never fit it all in here. I suggest visiting http://www.susanforbes.co.uk/ or find her on Facebook. Lauren and Roberta have just finished their courses at the Hub and are currently part of The Last Picture Show at the college demonstrating the students work. Finishes on Friday people so look sharp.

OK I'm off now to shout at a neighbour about pollution and sound all friends of the Earth.

Laters

SS

Tuesday 18 June 2013

BAIBS Tuesday 18/06/13

I'm a pedant. I can't deny it. As I walked through Tesco car park towards the bus station after today's show I noticed a sign which says. 'Customer notice: This car park is for Tesco customers only'. Fair enough you might think but 'customer notice' means the sign only applies to customers so therefore non customers, who the sign is actually aimed at, don't have to read it and so can park there with no qualms. If I could drive I'd park there and refuse point blank to shop in Tesco just so I could argue my case. But then I'm a cantankerous old bugger.

And while I'm pointlessly dissecting signs there's one I pass on Balby Road: 'Polite Notice. No parking in front of these gates. All offenders will be prosecuted.' For a start we all know that people put 'polite notice' in the hope we think it says police and take it more seriously. Then there's the fact that it doesn't sound very polite to me at all. A polite notice would read, 'Would you mind awfully not parking in front of these gates. We use them a lot so it would inconvenience us a tad. If you must park here then just leave us a note explaining why and how long you're going to be and we'll work round you.' Possibly with a voice over done by Hugh Grant. And can you prosecute someone just for parking in front of your gates?

My brother once parked in a side street near Headingley when we went up for the cricket many years ago. We got back the car to find a note under his windscreen that just said 'cricket w***ers.' And this was years before The Inbetweeners. To be fair in two words the writer had pretty much covered everything he wanted to say for which he should be commended. Although in the interest of accuracy the note actually said 'crikket' so he loses points for that.

Short blog today. I'm at work at 4. The pack of 'listen to me' cds is mounting and I have to liaise with Jon Kelly to get 17 bands onto the show in the next three weeks(ish) for the do it unplugged sessions. Each band will play two tracks, hopefully from next Monday onwards, and you the listener will vote for your favourite. The most popular will play Doncaster Live this year and the top 5 will get 'busking rights' at the Keepmoat for Rovers games next season. I'll be honest quality control has gone right of the window for this one. I know most of the acts and no them worthy of a session but the ones I've not heard I'm going into as blind as you. Should be fun.

Laters

SS

Playlist Tuesday 18/06/13

Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag - Pigbag
The Opener - The Courteeners
Down In The Tube Station At Midnight - The Jam
The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song - The Flaming Lips
The Way We're Made (Made In England) - Missing Andy
Love Train - Holly Johnson
Signal 30 - Public Service Broadcasting
Sound And Vision - David Bowie
The Way I Tend To Be - Frank Turner
Ready To Die - Famous Villains
Cassius - Foals
Heart Of Glass - Blondie
A Certain Romance - Arctic Monkeys
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
Awesome Wells - Steel Trees
Invitation - Bang Bang Romeo
Only You - The Flying Pickets
The Heinrich Maneuver - Interpol
Lost Innocent World - Gogol Bordello
No Songs Tomorrow - UV Pop
Special Brew - Bad Manners
Don't Go - Yazoo
Bohemian Like You - The Dandy Warhols
Too Bad (That's Sad) - Edwyn Collins
Yesterday - The Beatles
Get Back - The Beatles
Bam Bam - King Charles
Men's Needs - The Cribs
Geno - Dexy's Midnight Runners
New Town Velocity - Johnny Marr
Who Is Innocent? - George Borowski
Neon Knights - Black Sabbath
(All I Wanted Was) Danger - The Milk
Big Sur - The Thrills
Time To Pretend - MGMT
Run Right Back - The Black Keys
Jungleland - Bruce Springsteen (for Clarence Clemons. R.I.P. Big Man)
Friday Night - The Talks
Debaser - Pixies
Seven Seas - Echo And TheBunnymen
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers 

Monday 17 June 2013

BAIBS Monday 17/06/13

I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm shattered. The French trip we've already discussed and as I may have mentioned the week was rounded off with a trip to London to see The Boss, Bruce Springsteen.

Bruce live is something very special indeed. This was my 8th time and it's always serious value for money. 31 songs on Saturday night. 3 hours 20 minutes I believe he played for. (He's record is something like 4 hours 40). He played for well over an hour on Saturday when he announced he was doing the Darkness On The Edge Of Town album in it's entirety. But it's a lot more than that. The boundless energy of the whole band is just a joy. I had a permanent grin for the full show. And his ability to make such a huge gig (60,000+) feel like an intimate show. Then of course there is the sheer brilliance of his songs and The E Street Band. The mighty Max Weinberg is one of the best drummers out there and has been for 40 years. His kit consists of kick drum, 1 snare, 1 tom tom, 1 floor tom, hi-hat, 1 crash cymbal and 1 ride cymbal. Just saying!

It's become a trait since about 2005 for fans lucky enough to be at the front, and by lucky I mean prepared to queue up for 8 hours and then wait a further 2 hours in the stadium, to hold up banners with song requests. Bruce dives into the crowd, pulls out several of these banners and when the mood takes him gives the band a quick glimpse of the request and they go straight into it. A set list done this way must involve the band having to rehearse, and for newer members learn, at least 50 songs from his considerable canon, if not more.

Songs like Badlands, with it's crowd singalong that bears no resemblance to the recorded song but fits in perfectly and has been a staple for at least 30 years, make you feel like you're part of one very big joyous family. Bruce is 62 and way fitter than I'll ever be but as is inevitable with age you lose people close. E Street Band members Danny Federici and more recently iconic sax player Clarence Clemons are no longer with us. Clarence's place has been taken by his nephew Jake. Tenth Avenue Freeze Out was one of the last songs played. It's a song from the Born To Run Album that Bruce wrote about the formation and early changes of the band. The line 'When the big man joined the band,' accompanied by the clips of Clarence and Danny on the big screen was just too emotional for words.

He got the nickname The Boss from his early days in bands when he was in charge of collecting their fees then distributing said money to the band. It's a nickname he was never comfortable with due to his blue collar background and mistrust of bosses. But it's a name that's stuck that he's now come to accept because to the millions of Bruce fans he is, simply, The Boss.

After the gig myself and cohort Ian decided too let the masses descend on the tube station while we found a pub. Great idea. The pub we stumbled into was playing back to back Springsteen and for some reason the throng inside decided to do the songs justice we all had to stand on tables or chairs to sing along. Met a lovely couple from Ireland who's names I never managed to get my tongue round. We just christened her Wendy. Bruce fans will get it and she didn't seem to mind. Another group of about 20 lads had took in the gig as one of the guy's stag do. Brilliant. And then there were the Swedes decked out in yellow. Got chatting to one and when I mentioned Doncaster he got very excited and said how his country had destroyed our town. I looked confused til he said, 'The Vikings. 9th Century.' I showed him my Rovers tattoo (for those that don't know Rovers' badge is a Viking) and I'm now his best friend for life.

Had to get a taxi back to the hotel as the tubes had long since gone to bed. Ended up sharing a taxi with an American who told us about 12 times that he'd built the film set for a Jennifer Aniston movie. We'd never heard of it. I'm not sure he had either.

Then back to reality and back on air this morning but with a yearning to go to Coventry on Thursday to see Bruce Springsteen live. I've heard he's pretty special.

Laters

SS

Playlist Monday 17/06/13

Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag - Pigbag
Land Of Hopes And Dreams - Bruce Springsteen
Moving To New York - The Wombats
Cemetry - Bang Bang Romeo
Bizarre Love Triangle - New Order
It's Alright, It's OK - Primal Scream
Blood, Sweat And Tears - The D.O.T.
London Calling - The Clash
Chevy Thunder - Spector
Rock 'N' Roll Star - Oasis
L.A. Woman - The Doors
Permanent - Section 60
Wrecking Ball - Bruce Springsteen
Teenage Kicks - The Undertones
Pelican - The Maccabees
Too Bad (That's Sad) - Edwyn Collins
Stingin' Belle - Biffy Clyro
Sitting On My Own - The 48ks
Can Stand The Rain - The Talks
What's Up - 4 Non Blondes
Revolution - Young Kato
Thunder Road - Bruce Springsteen
Honey - Swim Deep
All Day And All Of The Night - The Kinks
Wrapped Around Your Finger - The Police
Come Home - James
Under China - Auction For The Promise Club
Kings And Queens - Thirty Seconds From Mars
Lost Innocent World - Gogol Bordello
She Bangs The Drums - The Stone Roses
Jeremy - Pearl Jam
Gloria - Van Morrison
Thousands Are Sailing - The Pogues
The Changingman - Paul Weller
Tenth Avenue Freeze Out - Bruce Springsteen
I Still Believe - Frank Turner
Vicar In A Tutu - The Smiths
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers

Friday 14 June 2013

Strasbourg June 10th - 13th 2013


So what were myself, Mark Kelly and Jon Kelly doing in Strasbourg you ask, apart from reading Bond, arguing about the BBC and admiring the public transport system every time we stepped on a tram? Well this may not be the official brief but this is how I see it: Sine FM is a community radio station. It gives everyone involved at Sine chance to make a difference in the community. I'd go so far as to say we have a duty to make that difference in any way we can. The purpose of these visits, again in my eyes, is to meet and forge links with other stations across Europe and share ideas, see what other stations do and basically, if I can throw in a cliche here, get us all singing from the same hymn sheet. Compared to most of Europe community radio in the UK is in it's infancy and we still have a stumbling block of people thinking we're just playing at it. Hobby radio presenters putting out amateur output. BUT, as came across over the last four days, not only is our output as good, if not better, and more professional than a lot of commercial stations we also do make a difference. And this is all done by volunteers. I did come away feeling a little proud of what we do. Having the meeting in Strasbourg also enabled us to hear from MEPs and see what value they placed on community radio. It was all very enlightening even if the two days of meetings did get somewhat intense at times. 

But I digress. If I blogged about the meetings you'd find it all exceedingly dull. So let's have a little journal of Sine Fm in Strasbourg.

Monday June 10th.

The journey down. When Mark does a pack up he goes for it. We went for it big time, so much so that he still had sandwiches left on Tuesday. It also meant we were both too full to try the French cuisine on Monday night. I have a problem with my passport photo. It's at least 12 years old if not more. This is it.



Sorry it's sideways on. It's for the best though. As you see no beard and no flowing grey locks. This got me a double take leaving the country but almost stopped me getting back in to England. More of that later.

As we arrived in King's Cross a young lad opposite said he'd overheard our radio related conversation, said he was in a band from Brighton and would I have a listen. This is why I love my job. Expect to hear Southern Sunrise on the show sometime. King's Cross to St. Pancras and my first problem. Jon and Mark sailed through the ticket office, my ticket refused to be recognized and I had to queue up behind a French group who steadfastly refused to obey the rules of queueing. Finally got through, after the double take at my passport pic and onto the Eurostar. Not as pleasant as I'd imagined. It's not designed for the 6'5". Back to the queueing problem. Was lined up waiting to be served with beer when halfway through the tunnel the queue is abandoned for a free for all. My limited French served me badly. Paris, and a walk through the blazing sun from Gare du Nord to Paris Est where, and I think this was purely for our benefit, they'd hid the toilets. Onto the Strasbourg train and the final leg of our journey. 

Google maps had told me our hotel was a ten minute walk from Strasbourg central. A big lie. Our French was improving and we found out it was a good 30 minute tram ride. So off we head again with our first impressions of Strasbourg. A city so beautiful that within 5 minutes you're hopelessly in love. Another thing we noticed was the complete lack of litter. There was literally none at all and yet I never once saw anyone cleaning the streets. Pride in the place you live. Now there's a thought. Having spent the journey extolling the merits of their public transport system we arrived at the hotel just in time to dump our bags and go join the rest of the party for a meal. Off to Aux Brasseurs and after extolling the virtues of their public transport system we met the French, Spanish, Irish, Italian, Swedish, Luxembourg, Austrian, Romanian and Bradford representatives. Before that though a walk past Strasbourg cathedral, one of the most stunning building's I've ever seen. 



 As I said, myself and Mark had ate loads so we stuck to the beer. Jon dived straight into the tarte flambee. We loved this bar so much we came back on the Wednesday night. Back to the hotel for around midnight and ready for the first full day.

Tuesday June 11th

The European Youth Centre at The Council of Europe.

After extolling the virtues of their public transport system we had a full day of meetings starting at 9am and finishing at 5pm. I wont furnish you with details just to say a glass of red wine with lunch is a very civilized way to conduct business. This was the start of the highlight of the week for me. Getting to know our European counterparts and finding out how differently they operate their stations. There was a trip round the cathedral organised at 6pm but time was an issue and after a pretty full on day we decided to head back to the hotel and freshen up and meet up again later. That night we were meeting at Le Baeckeoffe d'Alsace for a typical Alsation menu. Three meat stew but the origin of the meet wasn't expounded on. After extolling the virtues of the public transport system we got a little lost. But we did get to see views like this



We stumbled across a couple of  the Swedes enjoying a beer and people watching. If I tell you they'd re-christened the street Rue De Boobs you'll get the idea. They'd decided I looked like Dr. Brackish Okun from Independence Day. We finally found the restaurant. Mark was dubious of the stew. I dived in for seconds. After a mix up with the bill I think I paid for all the Spaniards beer but this was compensated by Liam from Dublin giving me a pack of cigarettes 'cos I'd run out and couldn't find a shop open. Most went back to the hotel, myself and Mark decided on more exploration. Joined by the self named Dublin girl Sabrina the Drunk who decided to match us beer for beer. We found a little back street bar and were doing fine til the incredibly accommodating barman gave us free shots of Venezuelan rum. That finished us off so much we failed to extol the virtues of the public transport system on the way home. 

Wednesday June 12th

The European Parliament

Up and at em though Mark was a little fragile. Sabrina the Drunk was 4 hours late! Across to the other side of the City again and yes, we admired the public transport system. The Parliament buildings are immense. Imposing and beautiful at the same time.




 Another full day of meetings with French TV covering some of the earlier exchanges and in the afternoon a brief visit to the hemisphere where the MEPs sit. Mark got told off for taking a photo (strictly forbidden) and I got a talking to for raising my hand to vote. I was trying to abstain so didn't think it would matter. Oh and waving at your MEP isn't acceptable either. Only downside was the 5 mile walk to the smoking area. So by the end of the day we'd promised to meet up with the Irish, Luxembourg and Austrian stations as part of the required bi-lateral visits. I hope we do. That night was a proposed meal at Brasserie Au Dauphin but we decided to eat slightly cheaper at the bar from Monday night we'd all fallen in love with.



We all dived into the tartes flambee this time. Jon then headed back to the hotel to finish reading Diamonds Are Forever whilst myself and Mark found the rest of the crowd. Mark headed home around midnight and I ended up on a boat with the Irish, French and Spanish. A taxi back so no chance to appreciate the public transport system again and fell into my room to find Jon Kelly on French TV. Very surreal. 

Thursday June 13th

Home time.

There was a strike in France from the Wednesday to the Friday affecting train and planes so there was some consternation about our journey back. Admittedly I don't think me or Mark were overly worried about having to stay in this amazing place. Our train left Strasbourg at 12.15 but we got to the station early after lots of hugs, handshakes and goodbyes. Our train was unaffected so a final sit in the sun as we extolled the virtues of their public transport system before our train to Lille. It was at Lille I encountered my passport problem with the French official insisting the picture wasn't me. After lots of pulling my hair back and broken French he finally relented. Really must get that updated. Our French now was coming along nicely so much so that at St. Pancras when English passport control asked the purpose of my visit I started to answer in French. I realized the error of my ways and then did a Joey Barton, speaking slow English in a French accent. 

And that was it. Back to Donny after a hugely enjoyable and rewarding trip and a complete failure to do my show this morning through exhaustion. And now I need to unpack and pack again as tomorrow sees me in London to see the Boss himself, Mr. Springsteen.

Laters

SS