All Aboard the John Peel Train

I have to admit, late October always makes me a little melancholy as I remember my singular greatest musical influence and the reason why I truly love the art form to this day. That huge personal influence was famed BBC DJ John Peel. On Thursday of this week, Peel will be honoured with a lasting memorial in the form of a train bearing his name that travels to his native city of Liverpool.

The train is intended as a lasting memorial for Peel, who grew up in the area. "We are very proud of the man John was and of his connection with Merseyside," councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel, said in a press release.

The train will be inaugurated at around 3pm on Thursday, leaving Merseytravel's Liverpool South Parkway station. Sheila Ravenscroft, Peel's wife, will be present for a ceremony and will travel on the train's first journey to Liverpool. "We are just really delighted that John is being honoured with this train," Ravenscroft said. "He would have loved it!"

The train's inauguration comes just two days before the fourth anniversary of Peel's death.

Guests at the event will be treated to a special performance of Does This Train Stop on Merseyside? by Amsterdam's Ian Prowse. The song was cherished by Peel, who once called it his second-favourite track. "[John] wasn't capable of playing [the song] without crying," his wife told BBC Radio 1 in a tribute special.

"If he played it on the radio he'd have to put something on straight afterwards because he wouldn't be able to speak. When he played it at home, he'd always need a cuddle afterwards."

My world would be complete now if the Joe Strummer train and John Peel train were to pass on the rails. A fitting tribute indeed methinks.

John Peel died of a heart attack at the age of 65 on October 25, 2004.

Good News For Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guys

Oscar winning “romanusical”* Once is heading to Broadway. The indie flick that captured our hearts and took home 2007’s Academy Award for best original song is set to become a Broadway musical, with Tony-winning producers John N. Hart Jr. (“Boys Don’t Cry”), Fred Zollo (“Quiz Show”) and Jeff Sine (“Spring Awakening”) acquiring the live theatre rights.

Once- the musical, which is set to debut during the 2010 - 11 season, is expected to loosely follow the film’s plot. Once tells the story of an Irish busker and Czech expatriate who meet in Dublin, Ireland and begin making music together. The stage adaptation will showcase some the film’s most beloved songs, such as the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly” which were written by principal actors and songwriters Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of the Swell Season. As well, the Broadway version is to debut some of the material Hansard and Irglova wrote that never made it to the big screen.

There is no word yet on who be cast for the Once musical, but the producers are expected to announce that shortly. Let’s hope they manage to duplicate a least some of the amazing chemistry the film actors brought to big screen.

I’m still a little flummoxed why Spinal Tap- the musical has yet to see the light of day… I’ll just continue to dream my little dream.

*Romance/ Musical – Hey, if the word doesn’t exist the blogging community is obliged to make it up.

R.E.M’s Murmur Deluxe Edition Out November 25th

A friend recently remarked that I am beginning to sound like a ‘broken record’ when it comes to writing about my favourite records. Let the record show (no pun intended) I am merely performing a valuable public service by informing interested readers about the wealth of good music available to us. Furthermore if I can prevent the purchase of one more Angels and Airwaves cd I can die a happy audiophile.

That in mind, some terrific news today that R.E.M. will give their classic debut album, 1983's Murmur, a deluxe reissue on November 25th. The deluxe package, which comes courtesy of I.R.S./UMe, features two discs and liner notes with comprehensive essays from producers Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, as well as a handful of former I.R.S. executives.

Now for the good stuff… The first disc of the reissue is a remastered version of the original album, and the second contains a previously unreleased concert the band played at Larry's Hideaway in Toronto just a few months after the album came out. In addition to Murmur songs, that set includes tunes from the Chronic Town EP, a Velvet Underground cover, and early versions of songs from 1984's Reckoning and 1986's Lifes Rich Pageant.

R.E.M. fans will recognize this oft bootlegged show from Larry’s Hideaway; I for one look forward to an improved recording of said legendary performance. I saw the Fall at Larry’s that year and it changed my musical outlook forever. (I like to think for the better). My apologies though if that outlook sounds a bit like a broken record.

R.E.M. continue their world tour in South America to promote Accelerate through November.

Murmur (Deluxe Edition) Tracklisting:
Disc 1

01 Radio Free Europe
02 Pilgrimage
03 Laughing
04 Talk About the Passion
05 Moral Kiosk
06 Perfect Circle
07 Catapult
08 Sitting Still
09 9-9
10 Shaking Through
11 We Walk
12 West of the Fields

Disc 2 (Live at Larry's Hideaway):

01 Laughing
02 Pilgrimage
03 There She Goes Again
04 7 Chinese Brothers
05 Talk About the Passion
06 Sitting Still
07 Harborcoat
08 Catapult
09 Gardening at Night
10 9-9
11 Just a Touch
12 West of the Fields
13 Radio Free Europe
14 We Walk
15 1,000,000
16 Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)

Remembering Teenage Head's Frankie Venom

Today, Canadian music fans are mourning the death of punk rock legend Frank Kerr (aka Frankie Venom). Frankie was lead singer of Hamilton punk pioneers Teenage Head. Band-mate Gord Lewis announced Wednesday (October 15) that Kerr had passed away due to throat cancer after slipping into a coma. He was 51.

Teenage Head formed at Hamilton’s Westdale High School back in 1975. By the early ’80s they became one the country’s most beloved punk bands, and were often dubbed, Canada’s answer to the Ramones. Growing up in Southwestern Ontario I was fortunate to have seen Teenage Head perform a number of times. (Mostly in places I was too young to be in.) Their records, were always an important part of any “teenage beer drinkin’ party’.

In recent years, the band recorded an album with Marky Ramone, simply dubbed Teenage Head with Marky Ramone. The 2008 collection featured re-worked material from various points in Teenage Head’s career. As recently as this summer, Teenage Head were actively touring Canada and capturing the hearts of punkers young and old.

Guest Blogger Goodness

I told Grasshopper he could handle blogging duties tonight while I watch those exciting election returns.

Thanks for the help Jack. You gotta work on my hair though...

VOTE!

Canada’s 40th General Election is underway today. Get out and make your opinion count.

VOTE for the candidate of your choice!

PLAYLIST 22 - There is No Great Genius Without Some Touch of Madness

All Right Genius… You Do It.

Hot on the news of the new Kinks box set my iPod (in spiffy new genius mode) spat up this playlist today after I selected the first track. It’s Thanksgiving I should be able to put my feet up for the day don’t you think?

Last of the Steam Powered Trains – The Kinks
A New World - DeVotchKa
You Can't Win - Heavy Trash
No Action - Elvis Costello
Ripped Knees - No Age
In Between The Years - Ulrich Schnauss
Stay With Me - Hasil Adkins
Grand Funk - Jackie Mittoo
My Mathematical Mind - Spoon
Smokey Mountain Dbl Dip - Red Red Meat
Stagger Lee - Lloyd Price
Skank Bloc Bologna - Scritti Politti
Song For Mahila - Yo La Tengo
Black Plant - The Last Shadow Puppets
Secret Identity - The Jealous Girlfriends
Analyse - Thom Yorke
Notre Grand Amour Est Mort - Carla Bruni
The Petrified Florist - Lambchop
Good Enough - The Acorn
The Needle Has Landed - Neko Case
Big Black Car - Big Star

All I Want for Christmas is the Kinks Box Set

You know when a song comes up on your iPod and it always manages to put a smile on your face? Well the band that most frequently does that for me is the Kinks. The appeal, part nostalgic, part musical comfort food is one that I hope never goes out of style for me. Needless to say the excitement was palpable today when I heard the long-awaited Kinks box set is going to be a reality December 1 — at least in the UK. It’s called Picture Book, and it will run through the band’s entire career from 1964 onward. (Good God, that’s almost as old as me!)

According to Universal Music, which is releasing the set, the six-disc collection was compiled by Ray Davies and features an exhaustive essay on the Kinks by rock critic Peter Doggett. The box includes more than 100 tracks, “a third of which are previously unreleased or new to CD,” (according to a press release). As of yet a North American release date has not been announced.
It was forty four years ago this month the first Kinks album was released. And despite its Shel Talmy produced, trademark sonic muddiness the two minutes and thirteen seconds of “You Really Got Me” remain a pure rush.


So if you’re really at a loss to get me something for Christmas this year, Picture Book would be a welcome addition to my library.

Pavement's Brighten the Corners Reissued – Line Up For the Goodies

UPDATE - Buy Early Get Now Information (Click on link above)

At long last my favourite Stephen Malkmus and the boys record gets the deluxe treatment! Pavement’s album, Brighten the Corners: Nicene Creedence Edition is set for release on Matador Records on November 18th, and this one is chock full of 'remixy-rarity' goodness. Pre-ordering said goodness will enroll you in the 'Buy Early Get Now Program' in which you will receive a full stream of the record which started October 10, an extra song October 21, an additional song on November 4, and if that were not enough; On the day of release, savvy Pavement aficionados will be able to add a vinyl copy of the record, a live concert recording from the first Brighten the Corners tour as well as poster to their collections.

Ah Matador you are truly the Bob Barker of record labels.

Brighten the Corners: Nicene Creedence Edition tracklisting:

Disc 1
1 Stereo
2 Shady Lane / J vs. S03 Transport Is Arranged
4 Date w/ IKEA
5 Old to Begin
6 Type Slowly
7 Embassy Row
8 Blue Hawaiian
9 We Are Underused
10 Passat Dream
11 Starlings of the Slipstream
12 Fin
13 Then (The Hexx) [uneditied version of "Spit on a Stranger" B-side]
14 Beautiful as a Butterly [previously unreleased, BTC sessions outtake]
15 Cataracts [previously unreleased, BTC sessions outtake]
16 Westie Can Drum ["Stereo" B-side]
17 Winner of the... ["Stereo" B-side]
18 Birds in the Majic Industry [previously unreleased vocal version taking place of released instrumental "Stereo" B-side version]
19 Harness Your Hopes ["Spit on a Stranger" B-side]
20 Roll With the Wind ["Spit on a Stranger" B-side]

Disc 2
1 Slowly Typed ["Shady Lane" B-side]
2 Cherry Area ["Shady Lane" B-side]
3 Wanna Mess You Around ["Shady Lane" B-side]
4 No Tan Lines ["Shady Lane" B-side]
5 Then [previously unreleased, from a BBC Radio One Evening Session, January 15, 1997]
6 Harness Your Hopes [previously unreleased, from a BBC Radio One Evening Session, January 15, 1997]
7 The Killing Moon ["Major Leagues" B-side, from a BBC Radio One Evening Session, January 15, 1997]
8 Winner of the... [previously unreleased, from a BBC Radio One Evening Session, January 15, 1997
9 Embassy Row Psych Intro [previously unreleased intro, BTC sessions outtake]
10 Nigel [previously unreleased, BTC sessions outtake]
11 Chevy (Old to Begin) [previously unreleased version, BTC sessions]
12 Roll With the Wind (Roxy) [previously unreleased version, BTC sessions]
13 Oddity [The Clean cover, from the God Save the Clean compilation]
14 Type Slowly (live) [from the Free Tibet compilation]
15 Neil Hagerty Meets Jon Spencer in a Non-Alcoholic Bar [previously unreleased, from KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic", February 25, 1997]
16 Destroyer Mater Dei [oreviously unreleased, from KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic", February 25, 1997] 17 It's a Rainy Day, Sunshine Girl [from KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic", February 25, 1997]
18 Maybe Maybe [from KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic", February 25, 1997]
19 Date w/ IKEA [previously unreleased, from a BBC Radio One John Peel Live Session, August 21, 1997]
20 Fin [previously unreleased, from a BBC Radio One John Peel Live Session, August 21, 1997]
21 Grave Architecture [previously unreleased, from a BBC Radio One John Peel Live Session, August 21, 1997] 22 The Classical [BBC Radio One John Peel Live Session, August 21, 1997]
23 Space Ghost Theme I [previously unreleased, recorded at Boston's WFNX Studios, February 12, 1997]
24 Space Ghost Theme II [previously unreleased, recorded at Boston's WFNX

There Had Better Be an Apple Store in Heaven

I have to admit, there is something about a great idea that really enlivens me. This one though is something extraordinarily near and dear to my heart. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I started this blog. This time though, author Tom Moon has put it into your hands.

Moon is the author of 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die a comprehensive book that compiles everything from Dimi Mint Abba and Khalifa Ould Eide to ZZ Top. He explains:

"The sort of selfish, secret part of the project for me was, 'Hey, I'm gonna do this. All of it is gonna be considered a bluffer's guide on some level, and certainly the classical entries will be that. And at the end of this, people will bitch and moan, but I will have had an education in classical music."

Moon also writes a blog on the book's official site. It's a hodgepodge of recommendations, anecdotes and must-hear performances he stumbles upon online. Definitely worth checking out… (My apologies in advance if your rack up a sizeable iTunes bill.)

But I’ll leave you with this. In the comments section, list two recordings that YOU think everyone should hear before dispatch to the great beyond. I’ll start the list with two that figure prominently in that great compendium playing in my head. The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions by Miles Davis and Radio City by Big Star. Pure and perfect, now if you have the time I have another nine hundred and ninety eight to tell you about.

Your Weekly Download Lowdown

As Canadian readers will note, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and along with those typical Autumns riches (screw you Dow Jones) come a couple of downloads to enjoy whilst partaking in the inevitable turkey dinner. Proper dinner music is a must!

The first is from the always prolific Bradford (Deerhunter, Atlas Sound) Cox whose Coffin Trick is short sharp slice of slightly warped Kinks like pop. Appropriate title with Halloween at the end of the month. On a related note, his sublime cover of Bjork’s Headphones is still available at Stereogum.

As you’re sitting in the big room after the main course, a real treat from Daytrotter this week. Aimee Mann has recorded a session of songs all from her excellent 2008 cd, @#%&*! Smilers. Every time I listen to that disc I love it a little more. Which reminds me… It’s time for my annual viewing of Magnolia- A movie whose centrepiece is the extraordinarily moving music of Ms. Aimee Mann. If you haven’t seen yet it pack the kleenex and watch out for the frogs.

Happy downloading and pass the pumpkin pie.

On the Road Again - Neil Young Takes Death Cab For Cutie, Wilco Along for the Ride

Legendary singer, political activist, enviro-car developer, snappy hat wearer Neil Young is hitting the road once again in North America in support of his Chrome Dreams II release. This time out he's called upon Death Cab For Cutie, Wilco and Everest for opening support. The bands will split the tour, with Death Cab taking the first leg, and intrepid road warriors Wilco the second and Everest for all. It all kicks off in mid-October and if the setlists from this summer are any indication, this one should not be missed. With plenty of Canadian dates you won't have any excuse.

Neil Young Tour Dates:

October
14 St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center D *
16 Winnipeg, Manitoba - MTS Centre D *
18 Regina, Saskatchewan - Brandt Centre D *
19 Calgary, Alberta - Pengrowth Saddledome D *
21 Everett, WA - Comcast Arena at Everett D *
22 Vancouver, British Columbia - GM Place D *
29 San Diego, CA - Cox Arena D *
30 Los Angeles, CA - The Forum D *

November
1 Reno, NV - Events Center D *
4 Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center D *
5 Omaha, NE - Qwest Center D *
29 Halifax, Nova Scotia - Metro Centre W *

December
1 Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre W *
2 Ottawa, Ontario - Scotia Bank Place W *
4 Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre W *
5 Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre W *
7 Detroit, MI - Palace of Auburn Hills W *
12 Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Spectrum W *
15 New York, NY - Madison Square Garden W *

D with Death Cab For Cutie
W With Wilco
* With Everest