The Beat - Live Greesbeck, Holland (1980)

The Beat - Live Greesbeck, Holland (1980)

Much has been said about The English Beat, touring Northern California in 2010 - but I guess the main thing to be said is that it only contains one original member from the original band - Dave Wakeling. Sure, Dave has managed to hold his voice together and string along a couple of groovy band members to help us re-live the 80's ska stylee, but it just isn't the same. Saxa, Everett Morton, Rankin' Roger, Steele and Cox - those are the names that harken back to the soulful and reggae inspired sounds of the original - The Beat. Nothing lasts forever after all, so we'll have to make due with seeing Dave and company at the latest Music in The Park, near July timeframe. I hear tell of new album and material coming out from the band, but my guess is that it's the hired hands makin trouble as The English Beat, not with the original members (who haven't been together, minus Cox and Steele, since 2004). You can, thanks to McCrank's Juke, live in the past and via the magic of the net capture The Beat, live in 1980, at the beginning of their climb to stardom. This live show finds the young lads, playing vara Lyn 3, Greesbeck Holland 1980. Now why is this show massive and special and what makes it a rariety? Simple, unreleased songs and live versions, like - "Pussy Price (Why?)" and a classic "Noise In This World". "My name is ranking full stop..." Some very good audio from a band in it's earliest form - prior to the "Behind The Music" like downfall. I still think there's an audience there to see a true Beat UK reunion, as well as to buy rare and unreleased tracks (many of which have been posted here in the past). Dave Wakeling says there's nothing in the vaults, but I am sure he's unable to give up his current cash cow, to reunite with friends he's scorned over the years. Until it all falls into place (go the the B.A.D. reunion when it happens, settle for that, will you?) you'll have to simply two-tone skank to this 1980's gem.

The Beat - Live Greesbeck, Holland (1980)
01. Pussy Price (Why)
02. Two Swords
03. Tears Of A Clown
04. Big Shot
05. Rough Rider
06. Best Friend
07. Can't Get Used to Losing You
08. Hand's Off She's Mine
09. Twist & Crawl
10. Noise In This World
11. Whine & Grine
12. Ranking Full Stop
13. Mirror In the Bathroom

Links in Comments

Big Audio Dynamite - First London Gig (1985)

Another gift from NUZZ PROWLING WOLF, a true anarchist and punk legend blog, whose ravings and mash-up art - I trust you'll visit. If you are a Net whore, it's a must see. We here at McCrank's Juke are ever thankful. This time Nuzz delivers a a true gritty rare live set from Mick Jone's very own Big Audio Dynamite. Mick Jones took inspiration from the 1985 New York Hip-Hop scene, and along with fellow cultural, musical, and artistical explorers Don Letts, Leo Williams, Greg Roberts and Dan Donovan set up Big Audio Dynamite, who became a groundbreaking musical force; mixing Hip Hop beats, Rap’d lyrics and samples from films with Rock’n’Roll guitars. Nuzz has delivered unto us, the debut gig in London @ The Kentish Town Forum on 28th Nov 1985. It features a cover (Prince's 1999) as well as hard to find tracks, never released like "She Beast", "Keep Off The Grass", and "Ex-Party". A big thanks to Nuzz and a true grit take for us fans. Thanks!

Big Audio Dynamite - First London Gig (1985)
01. Keep Off the Grass
02. Sudden Impact
03. B.A.D.
04. Medicine Show
05. Stone Thames
06. Ex-Party
07. E=MC2
08. Bottom Line
09. 1999
10. She Beast
11. Sony
12. B.A.D. (Reprise)

Links in Comments

The Counting Crows - By The Time We Got To Woodstock (1999)

The Counting Crows - By The Time We Got To Woodstock (1999)

Sometimes you never know where gifts are going to come from, if they're going to fall out of the sky or what. A big thanks to Ja who gave us this FLAC (yes there's a first time for everything here on the Juke) version of The Counting Crows' "By The Time We Got To Woodstock" bootleg. This is a limited edition offical release. It includes a compilation of songs played live in July 1999. This was a limited edition printing of just 1,000 copies. It was sold over the internet through the bands websiteand sold out in about 45 minutes. The band endorses the trading of this album. Originally released on Potato Dog Records cat No INT5P-6748, and was limited to 1,000 copies sold exclusively online. Is it worth owning? For rarity yes, but for content, it's nothing special. Thirteen songs which give a fair introduction to the live sound of the Counting Crows of that period in 1999. Yes, it's the timeframe for the smashing first and second albums. So quality music, almost every song a hit single. Verdict: A treasure to own for us fans. And if you think I am phoning this post in, you are probably right - but sometmes it's best to be outside in the sunshine. Headed out to see Dam Funk ("Come Outside") and Nite Jewel on July 1st at the Mezzanine in San Francisco. Some solid new musik chill vibes. Wish me luck!

The Counting Crows - By The Time We Got To Woodstock (1999)
01. Mr. Jones
02. Angels of the Silences
03. Recovering the Satellites
04. Have You Seen Me Lately?
05. Daylight Fading
06. Mercury
07. Omaha
08. Round Here
09. Rain King
10. A Murder of One
11. Goodnight Elisabeth
12. A Long December
13. Anna Begins

Links in Comments

The Cure - Black Sessions (2004)

The Cure - Black Sessions (2004)

It seems to be that The Cure keep popping up on McCrank's Juke. First with the Disintegration live from Dallas stuff and then with the Wild Mood Swings Demos. Probably the most Cure boots and rarities this site has ever seen. Now add to the mix the 2004 Black Sessions recorded on 10/15/2004 in Paris, France. Yes, maybe the period isn't one of the best for the band, and perhaps Robert Smith is a little on the pudgy side, but the show is tops. It includes some more of the obscure, fan favorite tunes including Charlotte Sometimes, and The End of the World from the famously bland "The Cure" album. Running a total of 19 songs, the setlist and performance is vintage Cure, with swirling melodies and some deep, dreary ennui rock. I would love to hear the vintage b-sides and bonus DVD songs from the 2004 album, my guess is that they're better than the over-produced and live-in-studio original album cuts. Was Ross Robinson a mistake on this album, or was it just me? Take a listen and see if you are into the newer Cure sound. I know starting with the last album, I am back in the fold. 4:13 Dream is one of my all time favorites from 2008. Perhaps this leaked bootleg makes it half-way there?

The Cure - Black Sessions (2004)
01. Plainsong
02. High
03. A Night Like This
04. The End of the World (aborted - Wrong Tuning)
05. The End of the World
06. Charlotte Sometimes
07. Lovesong
08. Taking Off
09. Primary
10. Jupiter Crash
11. Us or Them
12. Closedown
13. Before Three
14. From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea
15. A Strange Day
16. Alt.End
17. Disintegration
18. If Only Tonight We Could Sleep
19. The Kiss

Links in Comments

Ian Mcculloch - Live Bluecoat Chambers (1989)

Ian Mcculloch - Live Bluecoat Chambers (1989)

I came, I saw, I asked - but it seems that this is the only true recording of Ian Mcculloch at this venue that is in circulation. The famed Bluecoat Chambers in Liverpool, recorded 21.10.89 at the height of the Candleland tour. Ian Mcculloch's first album was a depature in style, sound, tone and a more depressing fare from the previous Echo & The Bunnymen albums. Songs about the recent loss of his dad and the break-up of the greatest band he'd ever known caused the first album to be dark, but with a synth sounding New Order-ish vibe in "Faith & Healing" and others. Ian with a drum machine, how novel! Anyways this rare show captures Ian at his most rarest form - sounding great, performing at a high-level, and in charge of his sound. Songs like "Rocketship" and "Toad" are performed live (not just on a japanese import 9-tracks) and a cover of Joy Division's "Ceremony" is also added for some spice. The somber "Start Again" is a winner, performed live and raw - as is the inclusion of "Damnation" (a future Mysterio track) and "Pots Of Gold" another cool Candleland B-Side. Enjoy this rare treat you wankers and thanks for the clear-copy and audio for this show. I would have traded to get something alittle more discrenable. Enjoy another freebie of classic Bunnymen/Ian Mcculloch lore. Buy their records, they rule!

Ian Mcculloch - Live Bluecoat Chambers (1989)
01. The Flickering Wall
02. The White Hotel
03. Toad
04. Horses Head
05. Rescue
06. Faith & Healing
07. I Know You Well
08. Pots Of Gold
09. Proud To Fall
10. The Killing Moon
11. Fear Of The Known
12. Rocket Ship
13. In Bloom
14. The Cape
15. Candleland
16. Damnation
17. Start Again
18. Ceremony

Links in Comments

Florence and the Machine (2010 WXPN Session)

Florence and the Machine (2010 WXPN Session)

What's not to like about the band Florence and the Machine? They have a new album coming out shortly and they have managed to capture our attention with lush, cinematic singles and electronic-synth built songs like "Dog Days Are Over" and "You've Got The Love". Florence along with her self-composed Machine have been busy performing, touring, writting, and planning her sophmore follow-up including penning and performing a song for the latest The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, soundtrack- "Heavy in Your Arms". Not bad for a girl who opened her first performance in a loo and has managed to be pretty much hyped and produced by various moguls and labels to some extent. Her most powerful performances, for me, have been the solo demos and acoustic songs, posted here on McCrank's Juke in 2008. The girl can strum out "Kiss With A Fist" with some guts and some charm. This Florence and the Machine in-studio demo is from April 2010 at the famed WXPN Sessions. It's an acoustic performance with 4 tracks and chat from seattle's WXPN. Florence chats with Josh T. Landow and playing songs from her debut album, Lungs, live in the studio. Can't wait for that second "medical and chemical" sounding sophmore release - an album to watch for later 2010 - early 2011.

Florence and the Machine (2010 WXPN Session)
01. Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
02. Dog Days Are Over
03. Kiss With A Fist
04. Cosmic Love

Links in Comments

The Smiths - The Early Demos

The Smiths - The Early Demos

Sometime the weird blob that has become the Net, manages to burb up some sweet-tasting goodness from god-knows-where. In this case it's stained McCrank's Juke and run all down his collar. The massive belch of sonic goodness in question is this rare gem from The Smiths. London's greatest living band, who produced some memorable hits, a couple of solo mega-stars and a whole host of gingly sing-along songs for the early-emo age. Featuring Morrissey on vocals and Johnny Marr on guitar (is there anyone better?) the band added Rourke and Joyce to round out the bunch. They then created some early demos which would go on to format their early direction and style/sound. This rare treat, swiped from the halls of Morrissey at http://www.morrissey-solo.com/ feature early workings of sweet Smith's singles like: Shoplifters Of The World, Rubber Ring, and Paint A Vulgar Picture. The buzz is that the below clips, especially Vulgar Picture are very rare, raw and re-worked. I wouldn't know, because I am not a person who is totally in with The Smiths, but I can buy into the buzz. Perhaps, you "everything-Smiths" people, like my friend Jenny can tell me exactly how prized and rare these really are. My guess is the album will be enough for you, if you're everyman like me.

The Smiths - The Early Demos
01. The Click Track
02. Frankly, Mr. Shankly
03. Rubber Ring
04. Shoplifters Of The World Unite
05. Paint A Vulgar Picture
06. Suffer Little Children (Demo)
07. I Want A Boy For My Birthday (Live Clip)
08. What Do You See In Him?

Links in Comments

The Counting Crows - Live Disney Concert Hall (2005)

Back by popular request, the "most amazing show I have ever seen" - The Counting Crows performing live at the famed Frank Gehry designed Disney Concert Hall with the entire Hollywood Bowl orchestra. This rare show from October 26, 2005 features The Counting Crows in Hollywood glory complete with orchestra performing their 90's hits! From "Round Here" to "Children In Bloom" the set is amazing and the sound quality is four star. The set was supposed to have been officially released by the band and it's label, but nothing ever appeared as a CD or iTunes release. Now that the Crows are label-free, perhaps more strategic material and live tracks will be made free and for the fans. The highlight for this amazing show and bootleg are the fantastic and cinematic cuts like "Goodnight Elisabeth" and "Rain King" my personal favorites. I know you enjoyed the last album and can't wait for future Counting Crow releases, so maybe this can just hold you over a little while? Make sure to catch Adam Duritz and the Crows on tour in North America with Augustana in 2010.

The Counting Crows - Live Disney Concert Hall (2005)
01. Round Here
02. Recovering The Satellites
03. Amy Hit The Atmosphere
04. Mr. Jones
05. August And Everything After
06. Children In Bloom
07. Ghost Train
08. New Frontier
09. Black & Blue
10. Goodnight Elisabeth
11. St. Robinson and his Cadillac Dreams
12. Rain King
13. Buildings In Chelsea

Links in Comments

The Cure - Disintegration Live Dallas (1989)

The Cure - Disintegration Live Dallas (1989)

I guess we should get on the Disintegration Deluxe train, as everyone is frothing over this rare re-mastering of The Cure's master album from 1989. They've released posters, promo song samplers, alternative rarities (disk two of three), and even now a live show commemorating the amazing album. This live bootleg, posted by Robert Smith himself, was recorded live in Dallas on 9/15/89. It highlights the album by playing the album in it's entirety, from "Plainsong" to "Untitled" including instrumental and improv takes on some of the title singles. This hyped up bootleg follows an impressiverelease of 1989 Cure material - all of which I am eating up. In fact, it's eating up the time I set aside fo the solo Ian Mcculloch posts and the rare Counting Crows tracks, people are begging for. I have the remaster from Amazon and I have been daydreaming listening to all those old sings, which seem fresh in my mind. Great album and we're lucky to have this all dropped on us to enjoy. The live Dallas show features some superb songs and the quality is at an all time high. A big thanks to Robert Smith for the postand for the cutting edge blog - Chain Of Flowers for all the Cure love they've been spreading. Many thanks!

The Cure - Disintegration Live Dallas (1989)
01. Closedown
02. Disintegration
03. Fascination Street
04. Homesick
05. Last Dance
06. Lovesong
07. Lullaby
08. Pictures Of You
09. Plainsong
10. Prayers For Rain
11. The Same Deep Water As You
12. Untitled

Links in Comments

The Cure - Wild Mood Swings (Demos)

Here at McCrank's Juke, we like to zig, while others zag. If Pitchfork and the like are drooling over the recently remastered deluxe edition of The Cure's finest album "Disintegration" well then we're delivering the ultimate hipster bootleg of one of the Cure's least respected albums "Wild Mood Swings". Yes, it was the 10th studio album, made at a time (1996) when The Cure was on the brink of being disbanded and Robert Smith was on a bit of a slump. Created as a sequel to the famed "Wish" album, the poppy juxtaposition mocks the excessive lifestyle of the 90s club scene, even though it was far fleeting and vapid. Like they had styled the album after a fad and nothing more. Strange Attraction and Mint Car, The 13th would all be attempted singles that should have pulled some life off of the album, but alas the songs didn't mix - The Cure didn't have the mental willpower to get behind the album and it ended up being a dismal effort with few singles played live or on tour. Heven be, then the demos are here to correct this sad mistake! Rare tracks in stripped demo form (okay it sounds just like the album on some takes). Take a listen to see what had been planned verses what ended up being sold. Glad to know that they had to go through this pop shit in order to get to the ultra-payload of 200's Bloodflowers and the most recent and overlooked 4:13 Dream album (which you should own!). Take that you deluxe Disintegration album!

The Cure - Wild Mood Swings (Demos)
01. Want (Demo)
02. Club America (Demo)
03. This Is A Lie (Demo)
04. The 13th (Demo)
05. Strange Attraction (Demo)
06. Mint Car (Demo)
07. Jupiter Crash (Demo)
08. Round & Round & Round (Demo)
09. Gone! (Demo)
10. Numb (Demo)
11. Return (Demo)
12. Trap (Demo)
13. Treasure (Demo)
14. Bare (Demo)

Links in Comments

Joe Strummer & The Latino Rockabilly War - Live Liverpool (1988)

You can't say much more about legends. Joe Strummer (RIP) was one of the most legendary and larger-than life figure in the music business. His band The Mescaleros was a mix of ethnic and cultural rockers and was later a huge help in bringing Joe back from the chasm. This early incarnation of Joe, post Clash, features him working with The Latino Rockabiliy War - a lively band with throw-back and latin sounds. This show with Joe Strummer & The Latino Rockabilly War is a huge rare and winding setlist, recorded at the Liverpool Royal Court on 15th July 1988. This was about the time Joe mixed it back up with Mick Jones for some tracks on Big Audio Dynamite's "No. 10, Upping St." the covers of which you can find below performed by Joe and his band. Alsothrow in a roundabout of Clash covers, and a Oye Como Va! from Santana to help flavor the jams. This bootleg is a rare find and a must listen download for June 2010. A throwback to when rock was rock and pop was a thing of 60's past. The set includes songs spanning Strummer's career to that point, including works from The 101ers and The Clash, as well as a cover of The Pogues' famous "If I Should Fall From Grace With God."

Joe Strummer & The Latino Rockabilly War - Live Liverpool (1988)
01. Oye Como Va!
02. Shouting Street
03. Somebody Got Murdered
04. Tropic of No Return
05. Nothin Bout Nothin
06. Police and Thieves
07. Unknown Immortal
08. This is England
09. V Thirteen
10. Sightsee MC
11. 15th Brigade
12. If I Should Fall from Grace with God
13. I Fought the Law (tape Flip)
14. Love of the Common People
15. Ride Your Donkey
16. Ubangi Stomp
17. Brand New Cadilac
18. Love Kills
19. Trash City
20. Armagideon Time
21. Police on My Back
22. Straight to Hell
23. Keys to Your Heart
24. London Calling

Links in Comments

Tegan And Sara - Live Saints EP (2010)

Tegan And Sara - Live Saints EP (2010)

This short sweet indie pop EP from Tegan and Sara is 16MB of live material called "Live Saints" a tiny EP to remind us what the duo are doing and how they're progressing. I know I was a big fans when I heard their second and third albums (If It Was You, So Jealous) and kind of lost their sound once they got mixed up with Chris Walla of Death Cab For Cutie fame. The side step into electronica hasn't helped much either. I guess I preferred the garage and live performance stuff - less produced and more indie. The girl group dyamic and the voices, sold me not to mention their covers of Springsteen and Prince, earlier on. Now they've matured like a fine Stevie Nicks and the teen pop they sold us on just isn't cutting it now that they've hyped up the production and hit their mid-twenties. The EP of live tracks below are the best singles from their latest release "Sainthood" performed live. Since it's another Walla, album - I must admit I don't own it - but the earlier two albums are quite enough for me at this point, seeing this progression. Either way, the legit fans of Tegan and Sara will eat this up and love the honest and performance of each track. Like mother's milk.

Tegan And Sara - Live Saints EP (2010)
01 - Alligator
02 - Hell
03 - The Cure
04 - On Directing

Links in Comments

Echo & The Bunnymen - Live Inside Festival (1984)

Echo & The Bunnymen are one of my favorite bands and I am always on the look out for some dope live shows, demos, b-sides and the rare stuff from this Liverpool band. This show is case in point. Recorded at their height in 1984 at the Liege: Hall Des Foires on 12-08-1984 (the dated Inside Festival) this audience recording captures Echo & The Bunnymen with chilling accuracy. Including live versions of "My Kingdom", "Angels & Devils" and a over of Sister Ray (The Velvet Underground) with the members of New Order. This crystal clear quality and the cover tune alone are well worth the download. I think Ian Mcculloch matched up with Bernard Sumner on the last track is a true rarity and this collection has a pretty clear version for a bootleg. Now I am looking for some even more rare Ian Mcculloch solo shows to post in the coming month or so. I know I have been lagging, but your comments and posts help me to be inspired to post and to continue this experiment in music. Connecting the old and new - indie and alternative. If you have shows to share and post, let me know - as I am "Google-Cuffed" at this point looking for rare songs and unreleasable snippets of Bunnymen history. Never Stop...

Echo & The Bunnymen - Live Inside Festival (1984)
01 - Intro (Gregorian Chant)
02 - Nocturnal Me
03 - Over The Wall
04 - With A Hip
05 - Villiers Terrace
06 - My Kingdom
07 - Angels & Devils
08 - Heads Will Roll
09 - Ocean Rain
10 - The Killing Moon
11 - All That Jazz
12 - Never Stop
13 - The Cutter
14 - Thorn Of Crowns
15 - Crocodiles
16 - Sister Ray (with New Order)

Links in Comments