The Get Down

Happy Halloween

Just because: Monkey shoots gun and laughs

Movie of the Week: Masters of Photography - Diane Arbus

In 1967, when the Museum of Modern Art in New York City presented New Documents - a major exhibition of the personal visions of several photographers - the surprise of the show was the work of Diane Arbus. On her own, against the advice of many friends, she had pursued her documentation of people on the fringes of society, and the astonishing in the commonplace. Suddenly she was famous, with students and imitators. By 1972 her work was everywhere, and was featured at the Venice Biennial, where it became, as New York Times critic Hilton Kramer said, the overwhelming sensation of the American Pavilion. But by then Diane Arbus was dead, by her own hand. "Nothing about her life, her photographs or her death was accidental or ordinary," wrote Richard Avedon. "They were mysterious and decisive and unimaginable except to her. Which is the way it is with genius."

This documentary was made that same year. It explores her work and ideas, often in her own words as spoken by a close friend. It includes reflections by some of the people who knew her best; daughter Doon, teacher Lisette Model, colleague Marvin Israel, and John Szarkowski, at that time the director of the photography department at the Museum of Modern Art.

Lost & Found: Boogie Down Productions’ Criminal Minded practice tapes

I stopped keeping up with the latest hip hop much longer ago than I'd care to admit. When I WAS into it, however, one of acts that you could not ignore at the time was Boogie Down Productions, whose Criminal Minded (1987) was certainly a stunning debut, and has definitely gone down as one of the great hip hop albums in the genre's history. That should go without saying. 

Last week DJ Kenny Parker, via the Frozen Files show on East Village Radio, shared the tracks you can listen to below - BDP practice tapes from the mid-80's as they shaped what became Criminal Minded. Fascinating stuff especially in light of the fact that hip hop bootlegs (and I don't mean mix tapes) still seems to be a somewhat under-exploited thing. But hey...I could be wrong about that. Enjoy these old school beats.

Hat tip to Fact Mag and Unkut.

Tom Waits: full set from Bridge School Benefit

Mr. Waits performed his first show in about five years this past weekend at the Bridge School Benefit show in the Bay Area. Someone was kind enough to put together a YouTube playlist of the entire ten song set.

The band included David Hidalgo on guitar, Les Claypool on bass, and Casey Waits on drums, along with a horn section. Songs from Bad As Me, Rain Dogs, Black Rider, and Mule Variations were performed.

Setlist:
Raised Right Men
Singapore
Talking at the Same Time
Chicago
Lucky Day
Tom Traubert’s Blues
Lucinda
Last Leaf
Cemetery Polka
Come On Up to the House 

Movie of the Week: Lou Reed - Rock & Roll Heart

Rock and Roll Heart traces Lou Reed's career from the formation of the Velvet Underground to rock icon to his more recent artistic endeavors. Includes lots of rare and vintage footage along with interviews with David Bowie, John Cale, Patti Smith, Thurston Moore, David Byrne, Jim Carroll, Maureen Tucker, Suzanne Vega, Dave Stewart and Philip Glass. An excellent documentary (and the only one) about this hugely influential and uncompromising American artist. Directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders for American Masters and screened at the Sundance Film Festival in 1998.

Hat tip to Joe Nolan. 

So long, friend: Some brief thoughts on Lou Reed

So long, Lou

Since I heard the news, hours ago now, I've been thinking & thinking, and apart from the (now) short period I was not a music nut, its hard to find any space in my life that he didn't touch. So many memories & so much knowledge, is tied in with him & the Velvets. He was one of those guys that educated his listeners if you were paying attention...I know about Ornette Coleman, Hubert Selby, Little Jimmy Scott, Christopher Isherwood, junkies, hustlers, much art, many artists - everything interesting - directly because of him. The list could be much, much longer.

As well, despite his reputation towards the curmudgeonly, the few times I was in his presence I'm happy to say were nothing but pleasant experiences. A friend on Facebook used the word "avuncular" to describe him which I thought was pretty appropriate. To quote Sasha Frere-Jones in his great piece posted on the New Yorker website today, "His work spans my life and is woven into it, and it is impossible to imagine my own imagination without thinking of the direction in which Reed told me to look...He is everywhere." If you're looking & listening, yes.

He was also, once I was an adult, a musical connection I could make with my father (who is still very much with us at 88). There are two favorites of mine my father has been hip enough to accept my invitation to go see with me - Tom Waits (twice!) and Lou Reed. We saw him at Radio City Music Hall (or perhaps it was the St. James Theater?) together. For the record, my dad liked Lou, but I think he preferred Tom.

At dinner tonight at Robbie's, he brought up the idea a film about Lou's life, and would that be interesting. This was based on the idea that if someone could make a film based on the life of someone like Hunter S. Thompson, they could make one about Lou. I agreed with him, but would like to take that one step further...You could easily make dozens of films based on dozens of his songs. Imagine that? Or a movie based on the Berlin album...that would be a doozy. Having spent his career attempting to set in song the types of characters & stories he loved in literary writers, I think its safe to say he accomplished what he set out to do. I hope he felt that, knew that...

As another friend said, "A little part of a lot of us has left the planet."

Lou Reed RIP

Lou Reed - RIP. 

Its been a while, but I've often feared having to type those words. I hope you're in a better place. Words can't express how grateful I am for your art. Nothing I write here would do your life justice.

Just because: Dog smokes pipe

What??? Never seen a dog smoke a pipe before? Thanks to Nick Kent for sharing.

On the scene: The Waterboys at the Bowery Ballroom, 10.25.13 (with setlist)

Thanks to Mike S. for providing these nice shots of Mike Scott, Steve Wickham, and the current rocking version of the Waterboys in action last night at the Bowery Ballroom. I had a ticket but couldn't make it. My loss, obviously.

Movie of the Week: The Blues (1963)

At Izzy Young's Folklore Center, MacDougal Street, NYC,
l-r Sam Charters, Izzy Young, Memphis Willie B., Furry
Lewis, and Gus cannon, 1964 (Photo by Ann Charters)

Scholar Samuel Barclay Charters shot the footage for 'The Blues' in the summer of 1962 in St. Louis, Memphis, Louisiana and South Carolina. The film features blues musicians J.D. Short, Pink Anderson and his son "Little Pink", Furry Lewis, Baby Tate, Memphis Willie B. with Gus Cannon, and 'Sleepy' John Estes.

Hat tip to T. Tex Edwards

Butch Warren RIP

 Butch Warren - RIP

Milan, Italy, 1964. Thelonious Monk (piano), Charlie Rouse (sax), Butch Warren (bass) and Ben Riley (drums).

Noel Harrison RIP

Noel Harrison - RIP

Movie of the Week: Sister Rosetta Tharpe - The Godmother of Rock & Roll

Hat tip to T. Tex Edwards

John "Gypie" Mayo RIP

Mayo, left, with Dr. Feelgood

John "Gypie" Mayo - RIP. 

Charles Shaar Murray reports that the longtime Dr. Feelgood guitarist has left his body. 

Obituary forthcoming.

Shot by: Jonh Ingham

5 November, 1976, RCA London. Subway Sect in full flight.

The stunning shot above of the Subway Sect was taken by long time Sounds journalist, Jonh Ingham, 37 years ago. Jonh tells us he'll be publishing a book next year entitled 1976: London Punk Eyewitness. If this photo is anything to go by it ought to be quite a book! Article's by Jonh can be found at Rock's Back Pages, he tweets here, and occasionally blogs here.

I'm not sure if the Clash photos below will be used in his book, but he also shared them - The Clash at their fifth ever gig on Oct. 9, 1976. The photos were taken by Harald Inhulsen, President of the German Iggy Pop Fan Club. Jonh provided the short story to go along them as he was at the gig.

The Clash at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, Leyton Buzzard, Oct 9, 1976. This was their fifth gig. From memory the stage had carpet on it, which ran up the wall and both Mick and Joe took runs up it while playing. In the wide shot Sebastian Conran is on the far right.

They finished their set in 30 minutes because all the songs were about 2 minutes long; the promoter went mental because they were hired for an hour set. Joe came running over to me asking what they should do...as if being a seasoned music writer meant I had the answers! I told him to play the set again and throw in some oldies if they knew any. They played "White Riot" and 3 or 4 more and the promoter seemed placated. I ran into ZigZag editor Pete Frame and Kris Needs in the lobby. Pete had the stunned look I was getting used to seeing on 'first-timers' and started putting them down. "What's the matter grandad? Too old for some rock and roll?", I replied. He told me some months later that he took the words to heart and decided to resign from ZigZag - which made me feel terrible because he was such a great presence. But he turned it over to Kris so it was still in safe hands.

Ten big stiffs: Stiff Records boxset coming your way!

Stiff Records, yes that label, was somewhat recently brought back to life here in the US thanks to Razor & Tie - usually specialists in releases for children, and compilations of 80's hair metal ballads only available when advertised on late night television. For the black Friday version of Record Store Day they'll be releasing a nice & neat little 7" boxset of classic Stiff releases. This year it falls on Nov. 29. Here's what you get:

PINK FAIRIES - Between The Lines / Spoiling For A Fight

A remnant of London’s psychedelic club scene, Pink Fairies had already been recording for five years prior to joining Stiff, where they recorded their one and only release “Between The Lines” with new guitarist Larry Wallis. The band left Stiff after this single, but Wallis, after joining Lemmy in the first incarnation of Motorhead, became an in-house producer at Stiff.

WRECKLESS ERIC - Whole Wide World / Semaphore Signals

Produced by Nick Lowe, who also played bass on the track, “Whole Wide World” is probably the best known track of English rock / new wave singer Wreckess Eric. More than two decades after its release, it was included on Mojo Magazine’s list of best punk rock singles of all time! The song has since been covered by Lightning Seeds, The Monkees, The Proclaimers, and Paul Westerberg, among others.

JONA LEWIE - You’ll Always Find Me In The Kitchen at Parties / Bureaucrats

Stiff spotted ingenious songwriter Jona Lewie as he experienced success as a member of Brett Marvin and The Thunderbolts and off-shoots Terry Dactyl and The Dinosaurs. His career with Stiff spanned five years, and saw the release of 11 singles, the fourth of which was the synth-pop masterpiece “You’ll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties”, which made it into the UK Top 20.

DESMOND DEKKER - Israelites / Why Fight?

A legend in Jamaican music, Desmond Dekker had a successful touring business, but only sporadic hits through the 60’s and 70’s. After joining Stiff, Dave Robinson quickly teamed up Dekker with The Rumour and other Jamaican artists who backed him on new recordings of various old hits to create the album Black & Dekker, which included the single “Israelites”, which reached number 10 in the UK.

PLASMATICS - Monkey Suit / Squirm (Live)

Led by the ‘Queen of Shock Rock’, Wendy O Williams, Plasmatics, with their porno sleeves, S&M styling, fusion of punk and heavy metal, were the most parent-frightening and gloriously perverted band a teenager could find in the 80s. Released in 1980, “Butcher Baby” would have been far better suited for the year 2000. A band definitely ahead of its’ time.

TENPOLE TUDOR - Swords of a Thousand Men / Love and Food

After appearing in the Sex Pistols’ film The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle, Malcolm McLaren told Ed Tudor-Pole he could “either form a band or go into pornography”, hence Tenpole Tudor was formed. On Stiff, the band delivered six singles, including the UK chart hit “Swords of a Thousand Men”, as well as two albums.

TRACEY ULLMAN - They Don’t Know / The B-Side

As part of the BBC comedy trio Three Of A Kind, Tracey Ullman was already a household name before joining Stiff in 1983 to record 60’s throwback, bubblegum-pop singles. The first three, “Breakaway”, “They Don’t Know”, and “Move Over Darling”, all went Top 10 in the UK, with “They Don’t Know” also hitting number 8 in the U.S.

KIRSTY MACCOLL - A New England / Patrick

Originally spotted by Stiff singing backing vocals for the punk band Drug Addix, Kirsty MacColl was signed to a solo deal and released her first single “They Don’t Know” in 1979. After leaving Stiff for Polydor in 1981, singer-songwriter MacColl returned to the label to work with Tracey Ullman, who had a hit with a cover of “They Don’t Know”, on a cover of her own, Billy Bragg’s “A New England”, which reached number 7 on the UK charts. This version includes two extra verses specially written for her by Bragg for the release.

THE UNTOUCHABLES - (I Spy For The) FBI / Whiplash

Part of the early 80’s Silver Lake, Los Angeles, ska revival scene, The Untouchables cut their teeth playing covers of the Blue Magoos and the Small Faces. Upon signing to Stiff, they recorded a few singles, including “(I Spy For The) FBI”, which charted at number 59 in the UK.

MINT JULEPS - Docklands / Docklands 12” Version 

The Stiff 7” That Never Was! An all-female group centered around the four Picket sisters toured with everyone from Sister Sledge to Billy Bragg, as well as singing backup for Bob Geldof and Dr. Feelgood before joining Stiff. Their soulful, a cappella style fused with earthenware pop songs set them apart from other similar acts. The single “Docklands” has only previously been released as a 12” (BUY264), never before as a 7”.

James Chance touring & recording: Italy & France

James Chance is happy to announce some new European tour dates for late November/early December in Italy and France. He'll be backed by Les Contorsions. The trip will include a recording session in Bordeaux from Dec. 2-5. Keep track of further developments here & here.

Here are the tour dates for Nov 26 thru Dec 7:
  

Nov 26: Turin / Italy - United 

Nov 27: Savona / Italy

Nov 28: Rome / Italy - Init
Nov 29: Bari / Italy - Teatro Communal
Nov 30: Bologna / Italy - Freak Out
Dec 06: Bordeaux / France - Le Comptoir du Jazz 

Dec 07: Tulles / France - Les Lendemains qui Chantent

Movie of the Week: Sun Ra - A Joyful Noise (1980)

Yul Brynner digs vinyl

Movie of the Week: MC5 - A True Testimonial (2002)

If you've never seen this, and are interested, I highly suggest you watch it pronto...who knows how long it will be available on YouTube? This is, by far, one of the best rockumentaries out there. Not to mention the band wasn't too shabby either.

Ronald Shannon Jackson RIP

Ronald Shannon Jackson - RIP

RSJ & Decoding Society - "Man Dance" (Island Records 1982):

Bum Phillips RIP

Bum Phillips - RIP

Gloria Lynne RIP

Gloria Lynne - RIP

Roseland Ballroom to close in April according to Billboard

The times, they are a changin', indeed (Rob Loud/Getty Images)

Billboard reports in an unconfirmed, but breaking story that the historic Roseland Ballroom will be closing its doors in April. The story is based on an "internal email" obtained by Billboard, but calls to Live Nation, and Roseland itself, for comment have gone unanswered at this time. Opened in New York in 1919, it's been in its current location since 1958. This place has weathered a lot of changes, but no longer...yet another nail goes into the cultural coffin. Read the story here.

Punk 45: The Singles Cover Art of Punk 1976-80

Available at the end of the month, Punk 45: The Singles Cover Art of Punk 1976-80 

by Jon Savage & Stuart Baker, published by Soul Jazz.

Roland Janes RIP

Roland Janes - RIP

Janes (center) performing with Jerry Lee Lewis (right)

Morrissey Autobiography

Morrissey Autobiography: Never an obsessive Smiths (although I did love 'em for a while) or Morrissey fan, I'm tempted to read this. Tony Fletcher has written a lengthy review over at iJamming with no solid verdict - some of it he likes, some of it he doesn't.

Bonus: Comedian Peter Serafinowicz sings the first page of Autobiography in Morrissey fashion.

Lou Reed: Berlin acetate with some alternate mixes!

Thanks to Doom & Gloom From the Tomb for pointing the way to this gem: Experience the Sgt. Pepper of the seventies — in acetate form! A different mix, different tracklisting and some different music, apparently. One of my all time favorites! Grab it here.

Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel

Coming next year

Bruce Springsteen thanks fans with letter & stunning version of Suicide's Dream Baby Dream

Its not exactly a secret that Bruce Springsteen is a Suicide fan, but for some reason it always surprises me. Anyway, I posted this back in 2008, but Springsteen has just put out a new version of Vega & Rev's "Dream Baby Dream" with a video tribute to his fans as he wraps up the current tour. It accompanies the above letter (posted on BruceSpringsteen.net), and its quite powerful & beautiful. Say what you'd like about him, but the guy gets it.

Daily Travels: Downtown F train

Brooklyn bound F Train at Broadway Lafayette. 10.09.13. Thanks to Tom C.

Event of Note: Allan Tannenbaum photography exhibit opening in Roxbury NY, Saturday, October 12th

John Lennon & Yoko On by Allan Tannenbaum

 The Orphic Gallery in Roxbury, NY is pleased to announce the opening on Saturday, October 12th, 2013 of a new exhibit EXCEPT THE DOLLS featuring the work of Allan Tannenbaum.

Allan Tannenbaum is a photojournalist from New York City who has documented the cultural life of the city independently and as Chief Photographer & Photo Editor of the Soho Weekly News and Staff Photographer for Sygma Photo News. Allan’s music photography from the 70s provides a culture window into the legendary downtown music scene and captures performances of the major touring acts of this time. His intimate photos of John Lennon and Yoko Ono taken 10 days before his murder in December 1980 remain some of the most poignant and iconic photos of this era.

Bob Marley by Allan Tannenbaum

EXCEPT THE DOLLS surveys Allan’s music photography from the New York City music world of the 1970s both onstage and behind the scenes. His extensive portfolio documents the future legends of the downtown music world from Alex Chilton to Wayne County - Blondie, Jim Carroll, Lou Reed, Richard Hell, The Ramones, The Talking Heads, The Plasmatics - and major touring acts including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Clash, Iggy Pop, Bob Marley - virtually all notable performers from this heady time with the exception of The New York Dolls.

Patti Smith by Allan Tannenbaum

EXCEPT THE DOLLS will open with an artists’ reception on Saturday, October 12, 2013, from 5-7 pm. The Orphic Gallery is located at the Roxbury Corner Store at 53525 State Highway 30, Roxbury, NY, at the corner of Main and Bridge Streets. The exhibit will continue through November 17th and be open to the public during the gallery’s normal business hours, Wednesday through Sunday, 12-5 pm.

The Orphic Gallery opened the summer of 2012 in the artistic enclave of Roxbury, NY. The gallery will exclusively exhibit art related to music including photographs, concert posters, musical instruments, portraits of musicians, souvenirs of musical events, specimens of musical technology, etc. All work exhibited at the gallery will have a definite connection to the world of music, and it will feature exhibits based on both local music history, and musical traditions from around the USA and abroad.

Orphicgallery.com

Sohoblues.com

All Photographs ©Allan Tannenbaum/Soho Blues 2013

The Clash by Allan Tannenbaum