Abi Rhodes' Zigzag Wanderings

Psychedelia grooves again

Had a fabulous night yesterday at The Real Music Club's Psychedelic Evening staged at The Green Door Store underground at Brighton Station.

Two bands were on show and they displayed 2 distinct styles in the development of space music.

First we witnessed The Plastic Sturgeons who presented a set of improvised space rock in the true psychedelic style of, say Hawkwind or Pink Floyd. 

In fact, a number  of members of the group have connections with Hawkwind and the various bands it's spawned over the years. Notably the captain of tonight's crew was Steve Swindells previously of Hawkwind and The Hawklords.

The music was exciting and swang comfortably through traditional space-rock, electronica and funk-based tunes with ease. With the exception of one song which used vocals in a beat  poetry type stylee, the music was all purely instrumental - always a plus in my estimation and something we don't get often enough.

Sadly the audience for The Plastic Sturgeons was minimal - probably not many more than about 30 bods and all of these were of the generation that lived through the original Space Rock Era. This was sad because the second act - The Space Agency - drew a much larger crowd as it took to the stage. These were largely of a much younger generation - probably the current student scene. It would have been nice for them to have witnessed their elders getting down and dirty.

That was quiet ironic because the music that The Space Agency plays is firmly rooted in an even earlier era than the space rock of The Plastic Sturgeons.  The Space Agency clearly draws its influence from the "Space and Surf " styles of bands such as The Ventures, The Shadows, The Spotniks, The Tornados and The Wakikis.

It was truly inspiring to find a young band mining such a neglected musical vein from nearly fifty years ago and taking it, applying new technology and producing a music that sounds so fresh, exciting and appropriate to a new age.

In fact, the music was so inspirational that quite a number of the audients chose to strut their stuff on the dance floor - and not all of these were members of the younger generation. A few elderly gents took to the floor and hopefully did not find themselves in traction by the time dawn broke.

The Space Agency are a high quality band which is tight and thrilling to watch. I hope very much that they will be around for a long time and are able to find lines of progression that will enable them to develop some totally new fields of musical exploration so they might be remembered as one of the interstellar ground breakers of the future.

 

A word must be said abouta third star of the evening's show - that is Cliff Dowding's Lighting Extravaganza which added an updated version of the old coloured oil on projector slides as a visual backdrop to the superb night of psychedelia. 

 

more photos at facebook

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Event name: Soltek presents A1 Bassline, Arkist and more

Start date: February 24, 2012 22:00
End date: February 25, 2012 04:00

Venue name: The CAMP Basement

Venue address: 70 – 74 City Rd, Old Street, London, EC1Y 2BJ

Genre: DJ Music

Tags: The CAMP Basement, Deep House, Bass, Garage, Old Street, Clubbing, East London, Dance Music, A1 Bassline, Arkist, Soltek, February, Electronic music, The City Arts & Music Project, The CAMP, Friday night, weekend

How Much: £6 Advance, £10 On the Door

Artists: A1 Bassline, Arkist, Daffadam b2b Medlam, Jdan, Jarvey

Ticket link: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=485502&interface=&referral_id=tw_uk_buyat

Summary:
After selling out their Halloween bash last year, Soltek return at the end of February to dust away those winter blues and kick off the new year in style with a typically exciting and diverse lineup.

Description:
After selling out their Halloween bash last year, Soltek return at the end of February to dust away those winter blues and kick off the new year in style with a typically exciting and diverse lineup. Topping the bill in exemplary fashion Soltek have opted for Tighten Up head honcho and DirtyBird Records favourite, the man behind 2011’s massive single “Falsehood”, A1 Bassline. He’ll be joined by Bristolian bass cadet and arguably one of electronic music’s most innovative and flourishing labels, Hotflush Recordings’ very own Arkist. Support will come from residents Daffadam and Medlam in the form of a rare back to back set alongside fellow regular Jdan, with the bill being rounded up by special guest Jarvey.

Soltek presents A1 Bassline, Arkist & More

@ The CAMP Basement (City Arts & Music Project),
70 – 74 City Rd, London EC1Y 2BJ
(Nearest tube Old Street)

Friday 24th February 2012
22:00 – 04:00

£4 Limited Early Bird SOLD OUT
£6 Advance
£10 On the Door

Tickets available from TicketWeb below…

http://tinyurl.com/6poundtickets

VIDEOS from past events

Soltek presents Phaeleh & Joe Syntax
http://tinyurl.com/Phaeleh-JoeSyntax

Soltek presents Commix
http://tinyurl.com/CommixVideo

Lineup:

A1 BASSLINE (Tighten Up, DirtyBird)
http://www.facebook.com/a1bassline
http://soundcloud.com/a1-bassline

ARKIST (Apple Pips, Hotflush)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arkist/135624509800440
http://soundcloud.com/arkist

DAFFADAM b2b MEDLAM (Soltek)
http://soundcloud.com/daffadam-soltek
http://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/medlam

JDAN (Soltek)

JARVEY

Live Visuals/Effects by Mind Over Matter

About Soltek:

http://www.facebook.com/SoltekUK
http://twitter.com/#!/SolTekUK
http://www.youtube.com/user/soltekUK?feature=mhum

Soltek is a club night in London that provides an antidote to the over-priced, generic parties that we're all tiring of.

At our events you can expect music with a strong emphasis on both quality and diversity, that spreads across many flourishing genres ranging from Garage, House and Deep House all the way through to Drum & Bass.

Expect to hear innovative, underground beats from our up-and-coming resident and already up special guest djs.

Held at renowned East London venue The CAMP Basement, our parties offer a cheap, intimate and enjoyable Friday night out to any authentic and discerning music enthusiast.

Jerry-Lee Rachmaninov goes to Keystone

Josiah Wordsworth: Blue State ep
http://www.myspace.com/josiahwordsworth

This CD is Highly Dangerous… HANDLE WITH CARE!!!

Just in case you were wondering, Josiah Wordsworth is a cunningly encoded reduced anagram of Jordan Slominski & Andrew Weidner, the 2 main protagonists featured on this ‘ere disc.

Firstly, I have to tell you that each of the 5 tracks on this mini-album, ep, what-you-will…. is rather like the entire score of a short film – seeming to tell a story – you are simply required to supply the visuals. What fun!

The opener ‘Witch Hunt’ starts with a distillation of the best bits from those heavy piano concerti – Greig, Tchaikowski etc – that everyone loves but finds it difficult to remember which is which [or witch is witch]. This sound is fused with a variety of jazz and rock styles that leaves one marvelling at the creative way the styles are cut into each other. The Hunt then helter-skelters along car-chase fashion… whether it ever reaches a satisfactory conclusion.. I leave you to decide.
‘Drive-By Media’ is also a pursuit story but this time with the Keystone Kops visiting PT Barnum’s Big Top.
‘Silver Dollar Swagger’ boogies along nicely but a slightly hidden undertone that threatens to overwhelm the swaggerer.
Track 4, ‘Rock Song’ starts in a heavy Steve Reich style but becomes another tale of urgent evasion of lurking dark forces.
The closing number ‘Eulogy’ is rather funereal in demeanour and has one grieving for a lost… what?

I must emphasise that these tales are supplied by me – you will no doubt be able to create your own. So try not to be influenced by my descriptions – just let the magnificent music guide you through parts of your imagination which have been closed off these many a long year. You might find as I have, that, with repeated listening, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish where one track/story ends and the next takes over. This only adds to the endless variety of creative visualisation you can apply to these wonderful pieces. It may well be that each number can be considered to be a tone poem in its own right but they somehow coalesce into a suite. It’s your call.

And….Highly Dangerous? I played this record 5 times on the trot [no pun intended] while on a long distance journey across the South of England and found myself going faster and faster reaching at least 105 mph at one stage – it was like I was on a Mario Brothers Race Track. The music had taken over completely. Mind what you’re doing when it takes over you!

Fiveways Hosts Double World Film Premiere

Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Fiveways Hosts Double World Film Premiere

On a balmy early autumn evening in October, The Red Carpet was rolled out across the yard of Balfour Junior School as not one, but two, hard-hitting new documentary films were released upon an unsuspecting public. The Shoot It For Yourself production company in association with BJS had pulled out all the stops been working overtime to make sure that “The Amazing Adventures Of A Plastic Bag” and “Revenge Of The Rubbish” were rushed through all the stages of post-production in time for this glamourous and prestigious event.

And what a glitzy affair it turned out to be. The Paparazzi were out in force led by representatives from ITV Local and the inimitable press-pack from Balfour Junior TV. Former Mayor and Mayoress of our city Mr Bob & Mrs Merle Carden were in attendance but their limelight was somewhat upstaged by the antics of Brighton & Hove Albion FC mascot and superstar Mr C Gulley, who entertained the expectant hoards of fans with demonstrations of his Prowess without the Ball.

The crowd was so vast and eager to see the blockbusting double-bill that, in the interests of Public Safety, it was decided to quickly organise 2 showings. So while the first audience was admitted to the auditorium, the remaining fans waere allowed to extend the pre-cinematic revelry by spending extra time and cash at the bar so professionally provided and run by The Friends of Balfour Association.

Once in at the main event, MC Mark eloquently introduced Head Teacher Mr Jones, replete in penguin suit and startling red dickie bow. The Head welcomed the assembled multitude and acknowledged the hard work of all the children, staff and helpers who had made these films and reality. He then called forward The Director Ms Fiona Adams who was presented with 2 dozen magnificent pink roses, and she in turn made the traditional acceptance on behalf of all concerned….

Once the formalities were over, the hall settled down to watch the movies they had all come to see.

“The Adventures Of A Plastic Bag,” much as expected, chronicled the ups and downs in the life of just one of the millions of bags consumed in the city each year. It concentrated on the dangers it presented to wildlife and the environment as it progressed through its seemingly endless existence. Particular emphasis was placed on the effect on marine ecology which seemed especially relevant to a City By The Sea. “Revenge Of The Rubbish” featured two vicious little items of litter – a plastic drinks bottle and a beer can who continually conspired to do their worst to spoil things for the planet and the population at large. Guest appearances by the ubiquitous Fat Boy Slim and artist Lou McCurdy, who spoke about the effects the rubbish has on city life, among many interviewees including students from Balfour provided some food for thought to the audience who went home with plenty to think about. A selection of Ms McCurdy’s sculptures made from beach-combed litter were on hand for all to appreciate.

Asked for his comments on the films, Mayor Carden described the work of the film-makers as both “Fantastic” and “Educational.” And he recalled days gone by when he’d been sent to the corner shop for two pounds of potatoes and a pat of butter armed only with a few pennies and a string bag – never a plastic bag or packaging other than a sheet of greasproof in sight. And the response to the same question from Gulley?? Merely, “Kaaaargh!”

**** DVDs of both films are available in a single package from WigWam at Fiveways

Carry on Camping?....I don't think so

http://www.ledernierjourarivesaltes.com/ is a very special website [in English & French] dedicated to the people who suffered under the Nazis at a concentration camp near Rivesaltes - not far from Perpignan, in the shadow of the Pyrenees.

It is in the process of being redeveloped and my friend Helena is determined that the horrors perpetrated therein shall not be forgotten.

She started the process by writing a poem having lived near the site for many years, passing it daily on her travels around the locality.

Then she organised the making of moving a film featuring the return visit of a camp survivor to the site prior to the remaining buildings being demolished.

The website, which has yet to be completed will feature the poem, photos and details of the film.

Please support this project by visiting the website, learning about the history of this place and watching out for the release of the film.

This will ensure that one way or another, the sorrowful story attached to the location will survive long after the hard physical evidence has disappeared forever.

SLIGHTLY DRAMATIC

I've blogged about slightlydramatic before

she's a photographer who has posted fantastic shots on Flickr

I especially like the ones she does with a pre-Raphaelite feel to them

well now she's blogging

please go and visit her at

http://blogthisslightlydramatic.blogspot.com/

Lloyds-TSB ad: For The Journey

I have ascertained that the fab music on the Lloyds-TSB:For the journey ad is called 'Eliza Aria' and is performed by Elena Kats-Chernin. Many thanks to Gordon Pirrie and Colin Scott at the Lloyds-TSB Online Helpdesk for furnishing this infomation.

It's available on an album:

E Kats-Chernin: Ragtime & Blue - Sarah Nicolls, piano; Nicola Sweeney, violin

Label - Signum

Cat. No. - SIGCD058

Jacknife Lee:Punk Rock High Roller

Jacknife Lee:Punk Rock High Roller
Palm Pictures PALMCD 2024-2
www.jacknifelee.com
www.palmpictures.com

This is one of those odd records which turn up in charity shops from time to time that totally defy classification. It contains something of just about everything musical one could think of to make you happy including the soprano kitchen sink! Shades of such diverse elements as Jilted John, Madness, Bowie, Georgie Fame, Talking Heads, electronica, samba, sitar, lounge lizard orchestrations, John Shaft, hip-hop, funky chicken, flowery shirts and many others far too numerous to mention.
Now, I don't know whether the package is only masquerading as a soundtrack to a film but the swings in mood and tempo certainly convince me that if it isn't one, it easily could be, and it'd be a film I'd be eager to see. A sort of easy-going good-time Billy Liar starring the young Peter Noone or Mike Myres in the lead role. Fast moving, action packed, spoofy, with Madonna popping up as the singer in the nightclub scene and Ringo on drums and backing vocals. Get the picture [excuse the pun] ?

Freaky.

Scrap Multimedia Release 1 [DVD]:

ScrapKillarRoadMovies
www.scraprecords.com
Regular readers will know that I’m not a lover of the music DVD. In general I feel music and video do very little to help each other. But I have to say that this DVD grabbed my attention right from the word go. The imaginative way the tracks are introduced and linked ensure you keep your eye on the ball. And what a ball we have! Psychedelia from Brighton’s Criminals of Evolution, a stunning animated mix of Metropolis and Guernica from Theodor Bastard from St Petersburg. Ren’s CGI film of George W waxing lyrical. Live Mayhem bringing Global Warning from Pete Missing and DJ Hazard out of New York. Even the more conventional performance footage and what could be dull self adulatory ads for Dirty Squatters’/Scrap’s other wares and traveller/eco-warrior propaganda are well put together. They are neatly doctored and edited in such a varied manner that the potential boredom factor disappears into the overall impression is of an excellently integrated product. No doubt the whole thing would be even better viewed on one of those giant home cinema systems in a darkened room enhanced with aromatic ambience enhancement. But on a crappy little 14” telly the effect is good enough for me!

Photos of strange and curious people.....

...can be found at http://www.brianmoss.com/index2.html

and there are more at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianmoss

A number may be a little pornographic for some tastes but this is a typical example that isn't...

And here's another...