McCrank's Juke

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2011)

2011-06-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2011)

Running more and more behind on this thing. Perhaps it was a good idea to quit, while I was a head. This months list features a bunch of covers, including one from David Bowie and one from the famed Joy Division. Likewise, some new softies from Purity Ring and Dirty Beaches. You have those limited release albums right? Thanks to some steady airplay on SiriusXM and some smart word of mouth via the twitter-verse, these bands have caught my ear and attention. I've added in a few oldies and standby acts, like the indie-cred Titus Andronicus and the upstart band Yuck, both of which have been searing my ears! Great takes on some stale rock. Now that you know what I have been up to, what have you been up to? Bonaroo? Travelling Circus? Interested to hear what you think and that is grabbing your ears and ripping them off? I am off to Vegas shortly and thereafter parts unknown (okay Texas), so I will be grabbing some shows and meeting the people. Remember to kiss them for me!

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2011)
01. LoftiCries - Purity Ring
02. Need You Now - Cut Copy
03. Whirring - The Joy Formidable
04. A More Perfect Union - Titus Andronicus
05. Operation - Yuck
06. You Might Think (The Cars) - Adam Duritz
07. King Of The Sea - Shannon And The Clams
08. Jean Genie (David Bowie Cover) - Ian Mcculloch
09. Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division Cover) - Dave Gahan
10. True Blue/Lord Knows Best - Dirty Beaches

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Fine Young Cannibals - Live New York Ritz (1986)

2011-04-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

Fine Young Cannibals recorded live at the Ritz Club New York, USA (31st May 1986). 'Spin Radio' concert first broadcast in July 1986 & released by the I.R.S. label as a promotional vinyl LP.Unofficially released on CD in 1992 by the 'Not Guilty' label. A huge thank you to The Return of Liquidator blog site for posting this. It's one I have been on the look out for, for some time. I used to own the vinyl, which I paid something like $30.00 bucks for back in the "She Drives Me Crazy" fame. Saw this band and was mainly into them because of their ties to The English Beat, I forget who opened for them, but I am sure it was worthwhile. In fact, I think my girlfriend at the time even added a handy to the mix. Enjoy the sounds of the Fine Young Cannibals, like they were meant to be heard. Unstripped, undone, and more so raw than cooked. After the first album, they seemed to drop off quite a bit and get the record company treatment. More flash than sizzle. The early stuff, I quite fancy. Future Coachella spot? Beats Wire, I'd say...

Fine Young Cannibals - Live New York Ritz (1986)
01. Don't Ask Me To Choose
02. Johnny Come Home
03. Suspicious Minds
04. Time Isn't Kind
05. On A Promise
06. Move To Work
07. Like A Stranger
08. Ever Fallen In Love
09. Funny How Love Is
10. Blue
11. Couldn't Care More
12. Can't Take My Eyes Off You

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McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2011)

2011-04-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2011)

I am more than a bit behind, hell I haven't even posted all the shows I got saved up. They're as good as saw dust on me shop floor. The kids are probably hollerin for the likes of Passion Pit remixing the latest Beastie Boys track from the new Hot Sauce Committee Pt, 2's lead single "Make Some Noise", but here at the juke, we're still savoring the likes on NIN, Echo and The Bunnymen and the reformed Big Audio Dynamite shows. Geezers like us, bypassing Kayne, anything Idol, and anything on a radio station that has a bumper sticker. Mix me up some of that tonic with the old school 80's, alternative rock, and the indie college scene via Sirius XM University and I am good to go in the summer shade. This latent mix features some madness from February that stretched out into March and April. From the Dum Dum Girls covering The Smiths, to the "too-early-to-be-retro" sounds of The Strokes. The delayed March mix - is my call out to get hyped and my own show on Sirius XMU - the blog satellite radio channel. I got it in me new Hyundai Santa Fe - yeah, what bitches! I got no paper. I can remix the mix and avoid all the Jasper Johns of the Clear Channel offerings - giving you the straight story and the below March Madness. Hear me XMU?? My own hour - you got plenty of time(s) to spare. Really - 2 hours of a Sirius/XMU Aquarium Drunkard show??? Christsakes!

McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2011)
01. Sea of Doubt - Soft Kill
02. You Should Close The Door - Craft Spells
03. Baltimmore - Kindest Lines
04. Go Outside - Cults
05. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out - Dum Dum Girls
06. In Love With Oblivion - Crystal Stilts
07. Under Cover Of Darkness - The Strokes
08. End Of The Lies - Jane's Addiction
09. Trembling Hands - Explosions In The Sky
10. Glass Bubbles - All Tiny Creatures

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McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2011)

2011-03-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2011)

Man, what a lucky break to get so much solid music in one month. 2011 promises to drop a ton of new sounds and visits from old friends, from Cold Cave (more rock this time, less New Order) to The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart and The Crystal Stilts. This February mix boats some rockabilly, electro, rock, and old fashioned indie success blasting out UR speakers. My new favorites The Vaccines from our UK friends, and Weekend, Dirty Beaches - make the list a whole lot better and more ecclectic. You can't find it over at Streelight, sucka. Likewise, I have decided to bring back Sash Suicide as my roll call girl - for the monthly mixes. She's all grows'd up but can still be found dishing on Suicide Girls blog or via her beau's site at Liquid Science. Someone hire this girl to do more shoots!!! Likewise photo appears courtesy of Liquid Science. I gotta fever and I need more cowbell... Also just bought my tickets to see Echo and The Bunnymen at the SF Warfield. They are touring and playing their first album "Crocodiles" and "Heaven up Here" back-t0-back. There will be a post on this show shortly. Now if someone could only find me the solo Ian Mcculloch show from the recent Cathedral appearance, I'd be happy. what other SF shows should I book while I am in town?

McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2011)
01. Shake the Shackles - Crystal Stilts
02. Distance - Beach Fossils
03. Running Out Of You - Keep Shelly In Athens
04. Blow It Up - The Vaccines
05. Bad Girls - M.I.A.
06. Coma Summer - Weekend
07. The Great Pan Is Dead - Cold Cave
08. Bruises - MINKS
09. Belong - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
10. The Singer (Johnny Cash Cover) - Dirty Beaches

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McCrank's Juke - January Mix (2011)

2011-01-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

McCrank's Juke - January Mix (2011)

It's winter time, but you'd think it was Spring with all the new music popping out. New Cold Cave, Crystal Stilts, Explosions In The Sky, Social Distortion and a whole host of other acts dropping albums and EPs. From aged acts like R.E.M. to sophomore rockers Warpaint. There's a lot to be said for new music on 2011. The chart/mix below features some missed opportunities, albums that slipped by me, or tracks and acts - who've dropped some music - but kind of slid by on the side. Mathew Dear's David Bowie impression and Grimes, shine on this mix tape. I even nod back to our friends HTRK, Jonsi and The Smiths for a nostalgic turn. A lot of acts and a lot of music - my advice is to listen to them all - even if it's for a short Myspace plug. They are all trippin and very solid rock. This time we've even delighted in dropping twenty tracks up from our usual ten, as a celebration of a possible re-birth. Hopefully, the followers of this blog already jam to these great musicians, but if not - please do stop and take a listen as these acts scramble to upbeat the Live 105.3 acts that dominate todays charts. All I can say is thank god for XM Radio and some of the indie radio jamming tunes down my throat. Grimmace at 103.3 in Santa Clara comes to mind. Indie college and throwback. Much thanks! Re-live, a, inspire, enlist!

McCrank's Juke - January Mix (2011)

01. Ten Little Pills - Slumber Party

02. Kiss Before The Fall - HTRK

03. Happiness - Jonsi & Alex

04. Little People (Black City)- Mathew Dear

05. Venus in Fleurs- Grimes

06. Majesty - Warpaint

07. Back I Beat The Waves - The Mariner's Children

08. Dancing on My Bed - The Pleasure Kills

09. Big Escape - Pearly Gate Music

10. Lately (Deuxieme) - Memoryhouse

11. Funeral Song - Minks

12. Blurred Tonight - Blank Dogs

13. Don't Mind - Spectrals

14. Stretch Out And Wait - The Smiths

15. Let's Get out Of Here - Les Savy Fav

16. Fountain Stairs - Deerhunter

17. Rill Rill - Sleigh Bells

18. All Die Young - Smith Westerns

19. Kaputt - Destroyer

20. Not In Love - Crystal Castles/Robert Smith

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Frank Sez Rise from the DEAD?!?!?

2011-01-25T21:24:00.000-08:00

A nice mention from Frank over at the Bunnymen's Villiers Terrace forum site. Sez we should rise from the dead? Do you agree? Leave a comment if you'd like more live cuts, rarities and music!

Shine So Hard!

-McCrank

McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2010)

2010-08-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2010)

Yeah, fuck man this blog has run it's course. Which is too bad, because I had like 9 posts in the barrel, ready to blast out for July and August. From Nine Inch Nails to Big Audio Dynamite, Echo & The Bunnymen - all the old class shit. I guess I grew bored of the take and the less than flattering posts - people bitching and asking for re-ups (you know the regular no-thanks and all take routine). I also applied to write for Pitchfork, but evidently they have better writers and more people dying to write about bands that may be a single flash-in-the-pan. I assume they passed, so I am passing on this blog. Besides I am up for writing about travel, titties, entertainment, humor, style and some other shit that just doesn't belong on McCrank's Juke. So for now, take this as the last post + sign-off - the July music mix from McCrank. Perhaps I will post another note to let yoou know where the new blog will be livin'. Enjoy the muzak - and try to contribute and share - people are bustin' hump to entertain, ya'll.

McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2010)
01. I'll Know We'll Never - Rose Elinor Dougall
02. Outer Limits - SLEEP ∞ OVER
03. Young Silence - Echo Lake
04. Out of the Blue - Julian Casablancas
05. Change In The Neon Light - Veil Veil Vanish
06. Die In Bed - Frank (Just Frank)
07. Wasted Time - Blessure Grave
08. Memo - Frankie Rose & The Outs
09. Snowflakes - White Apple Tree
10. Are Fixed Gear Tricksters.. - High Castle
10. Not Afraid - Eminem

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Joe Strummer - Road To Rock N' Roll (Acoustic)

2010-07-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

Echo & The Bunnymen - Live at Eric's (1979)

2010-07-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

Echo & The Bunnymen - Live at Eric's (1979)

Echo & The Bunnymen are getting a lot of space on this blog, but sometime soon it's going to tip and you'llbe seeing some other bands, including some of my most favorite. That is unless you want to share your Bunnymen setlist and story? Always looking for live shows and solo posts from Ian Mcculloch - send away, you scurvey dogs. The latest show, which is quite a rare set, is Echo & The Bunnymen's first. Performed at the legendary Eric's on 15-09-79, this show featured Will and Ian joined on-stage by a drum machine. not sure is Les was on bass or not, but the shows was a disasterous and wonderful experience, with many in the audience flabberghasted as to the sounds coming from this small band. Will claims to have not known how to play his guitar and i am sure some of the lyrics are questionable at this first stage. They had enough of a setlist to garner some attention and to get a future deal. Straight to the facts on this one- so listen up and see if you can hear all the mistakes and the fuzz getting down.

Echo & The Bunnymen - Live at Eric's (1979)
01.Going Up
02.Read It In Books
03.Stars Are Stars
04.Pride
05.I Bagsy Yours
06.Villiers Terrace
07.Pictures On My Wall
08.Happy Death Men

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Ian Mcculloch - Live Prohibition, Cotton Club (2004)

2010-07-04T21:42:00.000-07:00

Ian Mcculloch - Live Prohibition, Cotton Club (2004)

Possibly the greatest Ian Mcculloch solo show ever performed. (Yes, put in your vote) Bridging the master works from 1989's Candleland to the 2003 effort Slideling, this show encompasses more raw acoustic and solo Ian Mcculloch than any other post to date. A career spanning set list also features amazing covers from Lou Reed, David Bowie, Echo & The Bunnymen, and Leonard Cohen. From "Pale Blue Eyes" by The Velvet Underground to early career defining songs like "The Pictures On My Wall/Read It In Books". This show is truly amazing, recorded on June 9th, 2004 at the Prohibition (Cotton Club) in Liverpool England. Ian McCulloch dedicated "Heroes" to Will Sergeant. "… candlelit tables, Dubonnet on ice, listening to Mac sing Songs for Swinging Lovers …." - Bunnymen.com. I true shame that this show was never released live on CD, via iTunes or even as swag on Ian's myspace. The man's talent is on rare display and the songs are the highest quality of a setlist to date. NOW the bad news...The audio quality on this bootleg is shite! Completely and resoundingly crappy audio - jacked-off from some guy's shirtpocket recorder, no doubt. Plenty of crackling hissing, assholes chattering in the background, and obsolute audio nightmare. I tried to get the lads at Villiersterrace.com to pop over another cleaner version, but I guess it's Summer and they had better things to do like, post about Ian's most recent solo outting, which seems to have rescued itself in Glasgow. Busy chaps it seems! I am also seeing Ian's camp get strapped in for a future effort perhaps some more PR for his biography, a future solo album, or this small european tour/jaunt. Either way it'stime to get out and enjoy these "Playgrounds and City Parks"...Not for the faint of heart - for raging mad fans only, so they can hear his songs and genius, not for those looking to hear something of quality. Buzzzzzzzz......

Ian Mcculloch - Live Prohibition, Cotton Club (2004)
01. Playgrounds and City Parks
02. Arthur
03. Start Again
04. The Pictures On My Wall/Read It In Books
05. Suzanne
06. The Disease
07. Rust
08. Sweet Jane
09. When It All Blows Over
10. Pale Blue Eyes
11. History Chimes
12. Heroes
13. What Are You Going To Do With Your Life?
14, Lover, Lover, Lover
15. Sliding
16. Seasons
17. Candleland
18. Baby Hold On
19. Walk on the Wild Side
20. Fools Like Us
21. The Killing Moon
22. Nothing Lasts Forever

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Ian Mcculloch - Live BBC Studios, London (1989)

2010-07-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

Ian Mcculloch - Live BBC Studios, London (1989)

This is some amazing audio from the magnificent and velvety-voice of famed Echo & The Bunnymen singer - Ian Mcculloch. Fuck this dude sounds amazing here, a shade of his former self after the Bunnymen break-up, but prior to his current spiral and slide (see ciggies and alcohol). Recorded on 09-28-1989 at the famed BBC Studios in London, UK, these songs capture the essence of the debut solo album, Candleland. All of the misery and heartbreak, coupled with the synth-y sounds of 1989. In fact, these songs almost sound like demos, the takes are different, the delays and fuzz popped and faster, the voice golden. Again, probably my best Ian Mcculloch find this year! You MUST download these if you call yourself a fan and if you haven't already stashed these babies on your "protect-at-all-costs" section of your MP3 stash. Notice the longer bridge in "Faith & Healing" and the dope ass real drums! If I was Bunnymen management, I would couple this live show as demos, add it to a remaster of Candleland, add "Rocketship" and the other B-sides, mix in the extended takes for "Horse's Head" that I have (see Candleland demos) and put thisout as a megga solo shot. Something to think about for sure, since the last re-release never made it over to these shores. Download and set me correct if I am not right. Big thanks to the big blog This Twilight Garden for the link and summer gifts!

Ian Mcculloch - Live BBC Studios, London (1989)
01. Damnation
02. Faith & Healing
03. Flickering Wall
04. Candleland

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The Morning Benders - Bedroom Covers EP (2010)

2010-07-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

The Morning Benders - Bedroom Covers EP (2010)

I love me some of The Morning Benders. The Bedroom Covers project is something the boys did about two or three years ago, before the internet and Pitchfork and touring made them big music stars. Their second album "Big Echo" is a must have and oh, by the way, the band is from Berkeley, California the same place as another of my favorite bands - The Counting Crows. Now the bands don't sound alike and they don't even probably have the same fan base, but hey Adam, if you are listening - dump Augustana and shack up a tour with thed boys from The Morning Benders. They may give you back a little cred, you lost playing on the Shrek soundtrack. The Benders are an indie band that strums down garage drowse, on songs like "Promises" and "Excuses" - two of my favorites. They've toured with all the big bands of indie rock, but they deserve their own credit and heavy support. Go buy their records, lads. This older bootleg features covers by The Talking Heads, Paul Simon, Randy Newman, Velvet Underground, Cardigans, and their previously posted Roy Orbison cover. Recorded in 2008, this probably was an early and more raw sounding band, as they vut their chops and worked their way up to the darlings they are now. If you are down with The Morning Benders, and you like some strange takes on bands like Fleetwood Mac and The Smiths then go north young man, and download this killer bootleg.

The Morning Benders - Bedroom Covers EP (2010)

01. Caroline No (Remix)

02. Crying (Roy Orbison)

03. Dreams (Fleetwood Mac)

04. Fools Rush In

05. He's A Rebel (Crystals)

06. I Won't Share You (The Smiths)

07. Lovefool (Cardigans)

08. Marie (Randy Newman)

09. Mother and Child Reunion (Paul Simon)

10. Pull up The Roots (Talking Heads)

11. Temptation Inside Your Heart (Velvet Underground)

12. Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love (Ronettes)

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The Beat - Live Greesbeck, Holland (1980)

2010-06-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

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

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Big Audio Dynamite - First London Gig (1985)

2010-06-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

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)

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

2010-06-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

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

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The Cure - Black Sessions (2004)

2010-06-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

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

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Ian Mcculloch - Live Bluecoat Chambers (1989)

2010-06-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

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

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Florence and the Machine (2010 WXPN Session)

2010-06-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

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

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The Smiths - The Early Demos

2010-06-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

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?

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The Counting Crows - Live Disney Concert Hall (2005)

2010-06-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

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

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The Cure - Disintegration Live Dallas (1989)

2010-06-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

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

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The Cure - Wild Mood Swings (Demos)

2010-06-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

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)

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

2010-06-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

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

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Tegan And Sara - Live Saints EP (2010)

2010-06-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

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

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McCrank's Juke - June Mix (2010)

2010-06-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - June Mix (2010)

June's mixtape is a best sizzler, with some moaning emo, indie up-and-comers, a cover, and a new band fronted by Trent Reznor.Here at McCrank's Juke, we like to spend hours coming the web, listening to tunes while we waste away, and find the best of the best to represent the latest popping bands and cool summer sounds for all 6 of my following fans. Yes, I avoid traffic - as the music is where it's at, not the recognition. Underground is underground. I will leave the high-jinx to sites like Stereogum, and Gorilla vs. Bear - who do it all better anyways (corporate sponsorship?). Sure they may have multiple bloggers ante-ing up on their posts and yes maybe a flow of affiliate cash, but here at McCrank's Juke we have 80's alternative, hard-to-find, and the best steaming pile of old vinyl you can ask for. From new indie sensation and current Oasis-stealer, Fye Dangerfield to a frest theme with songs by The Cure, The Forest & The Trees, and Dark Dark Dark. The set is one parts KSCU 103.3 and equal parts 80's vintage. Live shows are piling up and the indie wonders keep materializing. Let me know if you have sites for live indie shows and bands, I could use a 2010 pick-me-up. Also, enjoy the latest here from Ra Ra Riot, and the latest Foals, Twin Tigers singles. Enough to make June sizzle and July look like a winner from this distance! Peace!

McCrank's Juke - June Mix (2010)
01. Faster Than The Setting Sun - Fyfe Dangerfield
02. Just Like Heaven - The Watson Twins / The Cure
03. To The Forest (I Need Some Peace) - The Forest & The Trees
04. Everybody Wants To Be In Love - Sweet Tooth
05. Can You Tell - Ra Ra Riot
06. Spanish Sahara - Foals
07. Something Tells Her - Dream Diary
08. Other Girls - Eux Autres
09. The Believers - How To Destroy Angels
10. Bright, Bright, Bright - Dark Dark Dark
11. Everyday - Twin Tigers
12. A Side In A Bed - Love Is All

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Echo & The Bunnymen - Live Inside Festival (1984)

2010-06-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

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)

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Beck, Liars, Os Mutantes, DJ Annie Clark - Never Tear Us Apart (2010)

2010-05-27T22:21:00.000-07:00

A fantastic cover of INXS from Beck's Music Club

Record Club: INXS "Never Tear Us Apart" from Beck Hansen on Vimeo.

Echo & The Bunnymen - Live Fillmore NYC (2010)

2010-05-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

This rare Echo & The Bunnymen treasure was recorded on the most recent tour, May 1, 2010 at the world famous "The Fillmore" in the heart of New York City. As you may have heard the band is on a bit of a resurgance, thanks to some indie cred, the cycle of time, constant touring, and a bit of luck. I mean Slipknot bassist Paul Gray (RIP) may not be feeling this show, but I know I am. With soaring hits like Rescue, Never Stop, Zimbo, Rust and others in the mix - the tour had all the makings of a solid Bunnymen tour. But I guess that is just it - another hits package and donkey roadshow. This has probably been my 7th time seeing them live - so it's a bit of a strain these days to take in another live version of "Seven Seas". I am glad I stomached it and I am blessed to even see Echo & The Bunnymen perform (Ian's not getting any younger is he?), so I guess it's judgement time for yourself. The show has 20 tracks and the highlights are for sure the inclusion of "Do It Clean" and the encore performance of "Lips Like Sugar" and noteably the absence of any of the whimsy tracks from "The Fountain", save the one bright single. If my Make-A-Wish dropped, i guess I would want the Bunnymen to do some really obscure shit like playing "Heaven up Here" back to back with "Crocodiles" - oh wait they're doing that in December in the UK only. Fuck! Second wish would be to truly deliver a fans only tour with obscure hits and some dark takes on previous hits. Maybe someday I will post the ultimate song list for fans, but for now I guess you only get the latest tour from 2010, live and direct. Big ups to whatatemper.blogspot - a guy who loves the Echo & The Bunnymen and Van Halen! Amazing!

Echo & The Bunnymen - Live Fillmore NYC (2010)

01. Going Up
02. Show Of Strength
03. Rescue
04. Villiers Terrace
05. Stormy Weather
06. Seven Seas
07. Bedbugs and Ballyhoo
08. Dancing Horses
09. Rust
10. Think I need It Too
11. Zimbo
12. The Disease
13. All That Jazz
14. Never Stop
15. Back of Love
16. Killing Moon
17. The Cutter
18. Nothing Lasts Forever
19. Do It Clean
20. Lips Like Sugar

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Big Audio Dynamite - Live Bradford, UK (1988)

2010-05-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

I am celebrating the recent re-issue of Big Audio Dynamite's legacy edition of "This is Big Audio Dynamite" one of my favorite albums from 1985, post Clash. Mick Jones had the balls to mix the up and coming rap scene with the beats and radio noise from NYC to fuse a new cinematic soundscape that included Londoners on guitars and dreads on bass and at the production controls. The band was a mis-mash of culture and sounds which would have made the next Clash album a true legacy. Too bad Mick Jones ended up sacked and Joe Strummer (RIP) was left holding the bag with the replacements in Clash II. Either way, I am glad to see someone is bringing Big Audio Dynamite back from the dead. And I do mean dead too - they were pretty absent from the net, save the dilligence of esmark. This show recorded in Bradford, UK during 1988 (7/22/88 to be exact) is a bit post-"This is.." and more along the lines of the third albums (Tighten Up Vol. 88 ). A nice short live set to bring back your memories, like fine white lightening or Strawberry Fields. A sharp jag to the tongue to help faze back the memories and prick up your ears. It's all B.A.D.

Big Audio Dynamite - Live Bradford, UK (1988)

01. C'mon Every Beatbox

02. The Battle Of All Saints Road

03. V Thirteen

04. Other 99

05. E=MC2

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McCrank's Juke - May Mix (2010)

2010-05-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - May Mix (2010)

It's really hard to nail down what ends up in these mix tapes from McCrank's Juke. The month will start off and you will get super hits, like the release from Crystal Castles, but then mid to late month the hits keep dropping and the list manages to stagger into a drunken phase with lots to choose from and new songs, videos, covers coming from Pitchfork, SPIN, and other outlets. It's mind-boggling and a bit of a pain to capture. The list for May features covers from Girl In A Coma and Crocodiles, respectively. There is also some 80's thrown in to help cook up the mixture, including INXS a Bowie cover, and Feeding Fingers - a band known for carrying on the legacy of goth rock left for dead by Bauhaus. The set is a bit on the moody side but picks up with Team Ghost and Small Black, two aspiring bands with a lot of fusion and soundz to pull at your ear buds. I am truly leaving this at top ten and could probably drop another ten songs from the likes of Hole, Dead Weather, and a new band from Santa Monica called Chief. They evidently didn't make the cut - but stand to be heard anyways. I have a few turds brewing in the upcoming posts - including another Bunnymen post, a Tegan and Sara limited EP, and a few other odds and ends. Frankly, it's been a stone throw to even get posts up in a decent timeframe. Google has sacked the shit out of this industry, making it even harder to find great rarities (which the record company consider unsellable scraps) unique live sets, and B-side studio demos. We'll see what the eye in the sky has left us to sort and post...

McCrank's Juke - May Mix (2010)
01. As The World Falls Down (David Bowie) - Girl In A Coma
02. Leave House - Caribou
03. Violent Dreams - Crystal Castles
04. Not Enough Time - INXS
05. Outlaw Blues (Bob Dylan) - Crocodiles

06. Sweet Dreams (Beyonce) - The Big Pink

07. Heaven On Fire - The Radio Dept.

08. A Glorious Time - Team Ghost

09. Kings of Animals - Small Black

10. She Hides Disease - Feeding Fingers

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Jane's Addiction - Ain't No Right (2010)

2010-05-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

Jane's Addiction on Cinco de Mayo gig at the Hollywood club Bardot — debuted new bassist Duff McKagan.

The Cure - Delirious Night (‘Disintegration’ Demo)

2010-05-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for the Disintegration Deluxe Edition.

Natalie Merchant - Live Portland, Maine (1996)

2010-04-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

Natalie Merchant - Live Portland, Maine (1996)

I suppose you could say this bootleg captures Natalie Merchant back when she was good, somewhat famous, and in-line with the rest of the industry. Recorded live at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, ME on 2/25/1996 - the bootleg pulls from the solo artist's debut solo album, 1995's "Tigerlilly" and her second album the less than memorable "Ophelia." After 10,000 Maniacs Natalie Merchant was spun gold, able to rock, jab, blues, and out folk anyone. In 1995 she was massive, but then again so was The Lilith Fair. I suppose I dug this bootleg out, because Natalile Merchant is on the comeback trail. Hailing a new album - "Leave Your Sleep" a collection of children's songs and ancient folk tales, the American songwriter is loose and imaginative. Also, I see she's appearing at the Mountain Winery playing a show of I suppose classic hits. She could have been so much larger with a back catalog like a mile long. I guess her road lead to other paths, so we're left recollecting her best works in this live bootleg performance. Looking back not forward on this one. Again, another post for my lady, who loves Merchant and the Maniacs...

Natalie Merchant - Live Portland, Maine (1996)

01 – Ophelia

02 – San Andreas Fault

03 – Last Goodbye

04 – Carnival

05 – Surrender

06 – Space Oddity

07 – Life Is Sweet

08 – Stockton Gala Days

09 – Wonder

10 – When They Ring The Golden Bells

11 – Kind & Generous

12 – These Are Days

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Echo & the Bunnymen Live @ Coachella (2010)

2010-04-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

Echo & the Bunnymen Live @ Coachella (2010)

I guess Echo & the Bunnymen are getting a lot of coverage in the news for their covers, which they've been playing in between "Lips Like Sugar", "Do It Clean", and "Nothing Lasts Forever". I suppose that's news, but they've been doing it since 1984. Who can forget Del Shannon lyrics sandwiched into "Over The Wall"? It's what in my mind, in 1984, made the Bunnymen unique - interjecting lyrics, poems and scuttlebut into their songs a la The Doors. Ian Mcculloch's lyrics and sorrowful delivery, soaring and falling - like a lost spirit is what makes those snippets legendary. How he chooses them or why, is a mystery only he knows. (Score 10 pts if you have the legendary Scandanavia boots with all the covers perfomed live by the original Bunnymen).

This classic audio from the recent Coachella 2010 show also includes a smattering of covers (The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues", snippets of Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” and “Coney Island Baby” along with Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour”). It is a wild set from the legendary band including lots of freaks from Coachella delving into the cuts, like "The Cutter" and "Bedbugs & Ballyhoo". The audio appears courtesy of of music lovers over at Web In Front, a music blog that is too hip for our times. Additionally, rip is burned and cleared via aluche99. Much love and respect to both for giving us our Christmas presents in April this year! Additionally, what a hits set, "Do It Clean" to kick it off and no "Ocean Rain" - I would say a set for purists.

Echo & the Bunnymen Live @ Coachella (2010)

01. Do It Clean

02. Rescue

03. Villier’s Terrace

04. Roadhouse Blues (The Doors)

05. Bring On The Dancing Horses

06. Bedbugs & Ballyhoo

07. Nothing Lasts Forever

08. Walk On the Wild Side/ Coney Island Baby (Lou Reed)

09. Back of Love

10. Lips Like Sugar

11. The Killing Moon

12. The Cutter

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The Horrors - Live The Corner Hotel (2010)

2010-04-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

The most recent The Horrors album made me a believer. The Horrors have their origin in the early 2000s where they became interested in obscure vinyl and DJing. During trips to London and on the Southend circuit, Rhys "Spider" Webb met Faris Badwan (Faris Rotter) and Tom Cowan (Tomethy Furse) through their shared interests in '60s garage rock, and in 2005 the three formed a band with Joshua Hayward and Joseph Spurgeon (Coffin Joe). This band, a motely group conspired to look like The Addams Family, rooted the live presence of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and coupled the sounds of 60's garage rock and late 90's industrial-lite to form their unique horror-inspired sound. From hot singles like "Sheena Is a Parasite" to the lush, Bunnymen-inspired sounds of Primary Colours the band rips the roof off the house in this live set from 2010. The Corner Hotel performance showcases New Ice Age and Count In Fives as two highlights from the live set. Additionally, while I jam to Primary Colours while writting this, I have added a second deluxe show (albeit without song list) for the rare Live at the Casbah (2009) performance. Two huge The Horrors mega shows for the price of one!

The Horrors - Live The Corner Hotel (2010)
01. Intro
02. Mirror's Image
03. Three Decades
04. Primary Colours
05. I Can't Control Myself
06. New Ice Age
07. Scarlet Fields
08. I Only Think of You
09. Whole New Way
10. Who Can Say
11. Sea Within A Sea
12. Ghost Rider (Suicide Cover)
13. Count In Fives
14. Sheena Is A Parasite
15. Gloves

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D'Angelo - Live Stockholm, Sweden (2000)

2010-04-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

D'Angelo - Live Stockholm, Sweden (2000)

I know D'Angelo has some problems right now, probably moore than most considering the pressure and talent combination he carries. His latest album James River has been promised but will probably never the see the light of day. It reads like a whose-who of talent including collaborations from Cee-Lo, Prince, @questlove, and others. It begs to wonder if the pressure inflated him up into what he is now, or if he really wasn't talented, but a prop by the music industry (Milli Vanilli, Lauren Hill) that included mixes, producers, fake backup singers, and conspiracies. I would hate to think that given how cool and smooth the Cruisn' album was and the final Voodoo album shaped up. Either way this man's career seems to be as smoggy and curvey as a smoke monster, with a lot of legal ups-and-downs and a whole lot of mystery to his specific contributions and talent. Another artist eaten up by the pressures to perform. The bootleg below shows this man, at the height of his career, perfoming live at the Cirkus in Stockholm, Sweden on 7/8/2000. Prepared for one of those fine quality radio broadcasts, this bootleg delivers velvet smooth R&B and funk courtesy of D'angelo in a rare funk. The jazzmatazz improve helps make the show more of a respectable jazz sojourn more than a rocksteady flashmob.

D'Angelo - Live Stockholm, Sweden (2000)
01 - Devil's Pie
02 - Improv
03 - Send It On
04 - Feel Like Makin' Love
05 - Chicken Grease
06 - Me And Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine
07 - Shit, Damn, Motherfucker
08 - Improv
09 - Left & Right
10 - Improv
11 - Improv
12 - Brown Sugar
13 - Lady
14 - Improv
15 - Improv
16 - Untitled (How Does It Feel)

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McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2010)

2010-04-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2010)

It's been a busy April with a lot of fuckin' work and a whole crapload of music dumping out prior to the summer blista. New/Old bands like The National, Passions, LCD Soundsystem, and Shivaree are on my shuffle and on my radar for April. I would add that these fine tracks also, some appear on the playlist at KSCU, so it proves again they still have some taste left. This McCrank's Juke playlist is rife with new bands and hits for the April get down that has been happening. From rain and earthshakes to baseball, Coachella, the passing of jazzmatazz legend Guru, and the Echo & The Bunnymen tour. The new sounds from Passions, Sleigh Bells, The Films, Fang Island and the big hitters make music to my ears. Apart from that I am looking forward to a healthy and robust music May - with appearances locally of The Heavy and A Place To Bury Strangers. Critical albums should be popping up fresh, ready to delight the pre-summer and post-summer crowds. Until then as as things settle down a bit (and Google loosens the dog collar), here is the playlist, mix-tape and mashup of songs directly from McCrank's Jukebox. PS. I am looking for live audio from EATB Coachella and the live Fillmore show in SF. Holla if you wann 'em.

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2010)

01. All I Want - LCD Soundsystem

02. Endless - Passions

03. Massage Situation - Flying Lotus

04. Crown On The Ground - Sleigh Bells

05. Lullabye For Roads and Miles - Frankie Rose & The Outs

06. Strange Hands - The Films

07. Very Busy People - The Limousines

08. Life Coach - Fang Island

09. Bloodbuzz Ohio - The National
10. I Will Go Quietly - Shivaree

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Counting Crows - Live @ Orange Peel, NC (2009) II

2010-04-09T22:51:00.000-07:00

The second part of the famous Counting Crows show recorded at the Orange Peel in North Carolina on 12/12/2009. This audience recording from The Warren Hayes Christmas Jam (Asheville Civic Center) provides a few classic nuggets, not found anywhere else. My friend Jim is probably salivating, attempting to get his hands on the master bootleg. Featuring Adam Duritz in rare form and covers like, The Beatles "The End" coupled with hits off the Counting Crows last album, performed live! I know the show was rare and the size of the files huge, but this is one show not to miss. Part one was posted a day or so ago and this is the final part of the 2 day performance. Not else much to say, but a whole lot to listen to...(PS quit bitchin about the old picture of the band from the early 90's. It is what it is).

Counting Crows - Live @ Orange Peel, NC (2009) II
01 - Round Here
02 - Golden Slumbers
03 - Carry That Weight
04 - The End
05 - Miami
06 - Goodnight L.A.
07 - 1492
08 - Washington Square
09 - A Long December
10 - Rain King (with Warren Haynes)
11 - With A Little Help From My Friends (with Warren Haynes)
12 - Rain King (with Warren Haynes)
13 - This Land is Your Land (with Warren Haynes)

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Counting Crows - Live @ Orange Peel, NC (2009)

2010-04-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

One of the most forgotten albums of last year was The Counting Crows' Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings which was most excellent and probably should have been at the top of the best of lists for last year. The songs are original, the sound is what we've come to love, and the songs are deep and reflective. I guess you could say it rivaled the early success of the group. (My friend Jim may beg to differ). All I can say is that this bootleg from 2009, captures the band in an intense show, giving it all they've got at The Orange Peel in lovely Asheville, North Carolina on 12/11/2009. The show was billed as the Pre-Chirstmas Jam and included some quick jams with Warren Hayes (of Gov't Mule fame). This bootleg is thankfully from a radio broadcast, so the sound is clear and the unplugged folk alt rock is at it's core. This two day residency features some rare songs and covers including "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "Girl From The North Country". It also captures the band at another zenith, prior to their tour with Augustana and their fade out to 2010. Now departed from Geffen, we'll see what the future holds for The Counting Crows. I know I heard about sessions at Abbey Road and possibly some Glider solo acts, but I am holding out hope. Big thanks to Mystic Chords of Memory, one of the only truly great music blogs left, independent! Thank you! Part II to be posted real soon!

Counting Crows - Live @ Orange Peel, NC (2009)
01 - Girl From The North Country
02 - Hanging Tree
03 - If I Could Give All My Love -Or- Richard Manuel Is Dead
04 - Friend Of The Devil
05 - You Ain't Goin' Nowhere (with Warren Haynes)
06 - Sullivan Street (with Warren Haynes)
07 - Meet On The Ledge
08 - Rain King / Thunder Road / With A Little Help From My Friends

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Echo & the Bunnymen - Live Ferrand, France (1983)

2010-04-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

Echo & the Bunnymen - Live Ferrand, France (1983)

This rarest of rare Echo & the Bunnymen bootleg was recorded in Clermont, Ferrand, France on March 3rd 1983. Probably at the height of of the bands early career. The track listing has been pulled from good old Steve Doughtys webpage, and it features the rare songs like "Gods Will be Gods" and "My White Devil" - some of the tracks off the fabulous and mostly my favorite "Porcupine" album. Describes as: "The Porcupine album is the epitome of rock band as heroic archetype – young men on some ill-defined but glorious mission, one easily as timeless as the stars and the sea." I can't think of a better and more dark and oppressive album that isn't from a band like Joy Division, than this Echo & The Bunnymen classic. The setlist is pretty solid and the sound captures this moment in time, not as clear as one would prefer -- but the concert is here in it's entirety. Lastly, a bonus interview session is included with Pete de Freitas and Ian Mcculloch. Now, I know tht the Bunnymen plan to play both the historic "Crocodiles" album together with "Heaven up Here" in a mega concert being done solely in the UK in December 2010, but I ask you...When will there be a complete concert featuring Porcupine or perhaps the 1987 classic (and USA favorite) Echo & The Bunnymen / Grey album?

Echo & the Bunnymen - Live Ferrand, France (1983)

01 - Gregorian Chant

02 - Going Up

03 - With A Hip

04 - Gods Will Be Gods

05 - Show Of Strength

06 - Zimbo

07 - The Cutter

08 - Rescue

09 - My White Devil

10 - Porcupine

11 - Crocodiles

12 - Intro

13 - All That Jazz

14 - Heads Will Roll

15 - Back Of Love

16 - Heaven Up Here

17 - Over The Wall

18 - Do It Clean

19 - Mac & Pete Interview

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McCrank's Juke - Rare Motown Mix (2010)

2010-04-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Now you probably don't see this very often, especially at McCrank's Juke - a mix tape of old classic Motown songs. I put this together for my friend in Washington DC, who grew up on The Big Chill and the sounds of Berry Gordy Jr. and his classic Motown review. A kid from the 80's he was very muxh into the old wall-of-sound music, from The Temptations to the soulful R&B of Marvin Gaye. I know that I have seen the legends back in the 80's thanks to him - prior to most of them retiring, passing away, and or simply fading into oblivion. Most of the bands with the original members, including The Four Tops, Temptations, Smokey Robinson, etc. I consider this gift to him, my mix tape - pulled from rarities and sub-releases. Some of the lesser-known songs and other straight out jams. I also rounded out the tape with three inclusions that can't be missed - the additionn of Otis Redding (Atlantic/Stax Records) and the recent neo soul & big band from the UK - The Heavy. Lastly, the man who can bring the Motown soul back, and currently re-creating the original sounds, Raphael Saadiq. Yes, the guy from Tony! Toni! Toné!. You'll notice, the last three inductions aren't Motown artists, but they are a jumping off point for further R&B and neo soul exploration. Some "tip of the hat", if you will, to my friend from DC, who thrives on the 60's sounds. You can find most of these songs on iTunes or from a very cool and classy blog called: Soul-Sides.

McCrank's Juke - Rare Motown Mix (2010)
01. Still Water (Love) - Four Tops
02. Baby Don'tcha Worry - Tammi Terrell
03. Sorry Is A Sorry Word - The Temptations
04. He's My Sonny Boy - The Supremes
05. I've Passed This Way Before - The Temptations
o6. That's The Way Love Is - The Isley Brothers
07. Sad Souvenirs - Four Tops
08. It's Love I Need - Marvin Gaye
09. Home Cookin' - Jr. Walker & The All Stars
10. That's How Strong My Love Is - Otis Redding
11. Love Like That - The Heavy
12. Love That Girl - Raphael Saadiq

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Passion Pit - Live Melbourne Big Day Out (2009)

2010-04-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

Passion Pit - Live Melbourne Big Day Out (2009)

I am kind of pissed that I didn't take the opportunity to see Passion Pit at The Blank Club in San Jose last year. It would have been while the young band was just getting ready to blow-up and become the monolith that plays festivals like the Coachella 2010 and appears on Late Night with @jimmyfallon. These guys have a truly unique energy and enthusiasm that bubbles forth in their music. The candyland electronic sounds coupled with the music-box like innocence, just makes the pulse pound. A very lively group and a fine concert to take in for sure. That is why I am so pissed. The good news is that Passion Pit is coming back to San Francisco at the Warfield April 15th. I guess I get my second chance. Hopefully, I can take in this bootleg before then, so I am amped out and critically prepared for the major dance off and sing along. As you may know, Passion Pit was originally formed as a solo project in late 2007 by Michael Angelakos in his Emerson dorm room. The songs, which would later become the Chunk of Change EP, were written as a Valentine's Day gift to his then girlfriend. The band has since released a monster album Manners, which seems to be an indie staple and fodder for almost any commerical you can think of. I guess you could say they are the indie media darling of 2008. They're stretching it out into 2010 with this new tour and with the TV work (a la Moby), so perhaps I can quench my Passion Pit thirst with the below bootleg. This live show from the Melbourne Big Day Out Festival in 2009, featured a massive crowd completely full of energy. Theband in response to the free love, brought their best concert of the year. With 2 new songs and a Cranberries cover, this show is a great find for any new indie enthusiast. Bring it down into the pit!

Passion Pit - Live Melbourne Big Day Out (2009)
01. Intro
02. Eyes As Candles
03. Make Light
04. The Reeling
05. Let Your Love Grow Tall
06. Better Things
07. Moth's Wings
08. Sleepyhead
09. Smile Upon Me
10. Dreams (The Cranberries Cover)
11. Little Secrets

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Florence And The Machine - Live Roundhouse (2009)

2010-03-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

Florence And The Machine - Live Roundhouse (2009)

I am not sure I even know what Electric Proms is, but I am sure my friends in the UK can enlighten me. I am guessing it's something like the Black Sessions or the Peel sessions, a chance for a new artist to show their wares and to demonstrate how well they rock. This Florence And The Machine bootleg is straight from the Electric Proms, recorded at the famed Roundhouse Studio Theater in jolly old London, England on 10/22/09. It is from a radio broadcast, so the clarity and songs are straight clean. The set includes my favorites "My Boy Builds Coffins" and "Dog Days Are Over" both of which are polished songs from some very cool demos (posted here a while back). I used to love Florence And The Machine, back when they were new and un-nurtured. I guess I am trying to say that they WERE original and less dance-y and more alternative rock. I guess the demos had more of the artist and less or the producer in them. My early favorites for sure. I know the band is coming in April to SF, so there may be a chance to go see them at The Mezzanine, along with all the other fashion/art students and the goth hangovers. Lastly, it is important to weed through these songs and find your favorite. I would dump the Daft Punk inspired songs and look for the ones that remind you of the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. You crazy Brits!

Florence And The Machine - Live Roundhouse (2009)

01 - Between Two Lungs
02 - My Boy Builds Coffins
03 - Drumming Song
04 - Hurricane Drunk
05 - Cosmic Love
06 - If I Had A Heart
07 - I'm Not Calling You A Liar
08 - Dog Days Are Over
09 - Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
10 - You've Got The Love

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Girls - Black Session #304 (2009)

2010-03-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

Girls - Black Session #304 (2009)

Respect to the bands coming out of San Francisco that are really laying on that hip beach vibe - 60's wall-of-sound thing. Bands like Girls, who have managed to hit the indie web hard with their "Lust For Life" single and some solid garage rock almost spiritually inspiredby Brian Wilson. I know they have the Pitchfork audience and maybe made some change off the unrated videos, but these guys have managed to capture and revive a sound that was almost lost to all of our ears. This famous Paris "Black Session" is factually number #304 and recorded in the famed Studio 105 at the Maison De La Radio. Recorded 10/5/09 for radio broadcast, these selection of songs from Girls only album are performed loose and rustic. Including my favorite - "True Love Will Find You In The End" (Daniel Johnston) and "Morning Light" two tracks worthy of this France recording. The original recorder also included the banter and interview clips as part of the overall experience. This helps to give us some context as well as deliver a smattering of Girls related sonic sounds. Excellent sound quality from a band on the rise. We shall see what the latest EP holds, if the road influences their sound or if they mix it up and deliver another jangly indie pop record. Can't wait...

Girls - Black Session #304 (2009)

01 – Intro

02 – Lust For Life

03 – Banter

04 – Laura

05 – Banter

06 – Ghost Mouth

07 – Banter

08 – God Damned

09 – Banter

10 – Headache

11 – Banter

12 – Big Bad Mean Motherfucker

13 – Banter

14 – Solitare

15 – Banter

16 – Substance

17 – Banter

18 – Summertime

19 – Darling

20 – Banter

21 – Hellhole Ratrace

22 – Morning Light

23 – Banter

24 – Lysandre

25 – Banter

26 – Allright

27 – True Love Will Find You In The End

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McCrank's Juke - Best of SXSW (2010)

2010-03-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - Best of SXSW (2010)

What can I say - the final moments of SXSW are almost a week and older. The Austin sponsored party has brought us the token and over-polluted sounds of Broken Bells as well as the crisp and new indie sounds from some of the younger and wiser bands, like Best Coast, Shivaree, and Codeine Velvet Club. You probably got your fill of the hyped up major industry bands and maybe even snuck in to see some of the legends as they graced the various venues on 6th street. Patti Smith and elder rockers like Billy Bragg added some legitimate moments and other bands like The XX capitalized on the scene and the heavy media-ocrasy. I myself tried to steer away from the heavy-hitters and only managed to attact a few of the below musicians. They seemed to be putting it all out on the venue floor and perhaps even creating their own scene and sounds. I must admit, as a child of the 90's I had to take in the Hole concert/explosion which was probably about as mammoth as I could get. With the beers and BBQ flowing this year's fest was almost as good as the last. They seem to be building and shaping this festival to be more dynamic with web, movies, music, interactive. It was an amazing explosion of talent and tastes. As for the Best of SXSW 2010, the below bands are my picks. They managed to distract me and amuse my ears completely. I was starstruck. Honorable mentions go to: Washed Out + Small Black, Jakob Dylan + Neko Case, The Besnard Lakes, and Japandroids. Therefore, here are my picks for The Best of SXSW 2010:

McCrank's Juke - Best of SXSW (2010)
01. Hollywood - Codeine Velvet Club
02. When I'm With You - Best Coast
03. Sleepover - Pomegranates
04. Promises - The Morning Benders
05. Got Friends - The Jealous Sound
06. Floating Vibes - Surfer Blood
07. My Heart Belongs To You - Shivaree
08. Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt - We Are Scientists
09. Lay Down In The Tall Grass - Timber Timbre
10. Sympathy for the Devil / Skinny Little Bitch - Hole

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Echo & The Bunnymen - Evergreen Demos (1997)

2010-03-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Echo & The Bunnymen - Evergreen Demos (1997)

These are the demos from the sessions which created the Echo & The Bunnymen's 'comeback' album from the '90s. The working titles of the tracks appear here and would be the basis for the hits "Nothing Lasts Forever" and "Don't Let It Get You Down". I had always heard about this bootleg in circulation, but I hadn't experienced much difference between the demos and the final cut songs off the "Evergreen" album. To me they were virtually the same and to my ear there was no difference between tracks. Well that must have been because I only had a rough cut or third generation of this boot. This version is clear and contains studio mp3@256 which is fantastic! The original demos even sound rough and more Electrafixion and less Echo & the Whineymen (Sorry The Fountain, is like that). I especially like the demos for "Crystal Ship" which happens to be "Empi re State Halo", Antelope, and "I Will Fly Tonight". They all sound better here to me than on the finished album. This download is the best one this year. Superior quality, rough never before heard takes, and virtually none of the production - that usually kills an albums rough spirit. I wouldencourage you to download this and maybe send a special thank you to the T.U.B.E website - where it was originally offered. Many thanks!

Echo & The Bunnymen - Evergreen Demos (1997)

01 Antelope

02 Baseball Bill

03 Burt (I Want To Be There)

04 Crystal Ship (Empire State Halo)

05 Don't Let It Get You Down

06 Evergreen

07 I'll Fly Tonight (instrumental)

08 Never, Never, Never (Nothing Ever Lasts Forever)

09 Polly (instrumental)

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Siouxsie and the Banshees - Demos and Outtakes (1977 - 1981)

2010-03-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

One of my current favorite bands is the ever classic Siouxsie and the Banshees. They were upstarts in the blooming British punk rock scene, behind the Sex Pistols and other jam bands from the late 70's and early 80's. The band quickly evolved to create "a form of post-punk discord full of daring rhythmic and sonic experimentation." The Times cited Siouxsie and the Banshees as "one of the most audacious and uncompromising musical adventurers of the post-punk era." I couldn't agree more, as they've managed to stay relevant, much like a great novel or Romantic master's painting. Now if only the record company could give us fans what we want (no not even those tacky $10 CDS). More demos, unreleased masters, B-sides, forgotten singles and remixes. In other words, everything Siouxsie. Well, we can't keep waiting, especially in this economy of downsizing. They won't even release the recent albums re-mastered??? Can you believe that? Well wait no more. This bootleg is a demos and outtakes session, full of singles in their rawest form. You get "Spellbound" and "Israel" and other rare singles and demos that will make you harken back to your goth early years. If you love some of the latest Cold Cave or The XX sounds, then this is the seed that got them here. Includes great takes on "Love In A Void" and "Psycho" - some singles that spark and deliver the new wave/punk/goth sounds. These demos may not be as solid as the recently released Peel Sessions, but the do deliver more rare Banshees. The outtakes cover the period from 1977 - 1981, but perhaps via the title you'd already gathered that. enjoy these rare tracks. Let me know your favorites...

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Demos and Outtakes (1977 - 1981)

01. Captain Scarlet

02. Scraphead

03. Psycho

04. 20th Century Boy

05. Love in a Void

06. Israel

07. Spellbound

08. Arabian Nights

09. Into the Night

10. Monitor

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Echo & The Bunnymen - Live Glastonbury (1985)

2010-03-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

I love Echo & The Bunnymen. Probably one of the only 80's bands with balls. Never content with reaching mainstream and always doing what they want, not what others lump on them or demand. They're rock n' roll and not all pomp and circumstance like the other bad-boy hair bands from that era. Simon Le Bon are you listening? I know they take a lot of flack for not measuring up to U2 or Simple Minds, but they've managed to do it their way. This year we should see lead singer Ian Mcculloch's biography, which should shine a light on the early days and thoughts of the band as they dabbled in the alternative rock universe. If you are a huge Echo & The Bunnymen fan like myself and Black Francis (yes, I said it) then you'll know that this Glastonbury set is a rare and solid Bunnymen bootleg. It features rough demos like "Satellite" and "All In Your Mind" from the future release, 1987 self titled album (the grey one), as well as Scandinavia tour covers like Bob Dylan's "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" and the Rolling Stone's "Paint It, Black". Recorded live at the famous Glastonbury CND Festival 6/23/85 in the UK. This is a better show than the 1987 appearance, more stripped, raw and full of that youthful angst they've seemed to lose in the later half of 2009. Now if you're one of the kids and you've not taken in all things Bunnymen - this might be a solid live bootleg to start with. If you're a collector, then add it to your stash - as these thigns don't last forever. ;-0 I wish they'd go back and add some of these hits to their tour stop at San Francisco's Fillmore in March. Now that would be a worthy bootleg!

Echo & The Bunnymen - Live Glastonbury (1985)
01 She Cracked
02 The Back Of Love
03 Heads Will Roll
04 My Kingdom
05 Crocodiles
06 Friction
07 Rescue
08 Angels And Devils
09 The Killing Moon
10 The Cutter
11 Satellite
12 All That Jazz
13 It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
14 Villiers Terrace
15 All In Your Mind
16 Heaven Up Here
17 Thorn Of Crowns
18 Paint It, Black
19 Do It Clean
20 Soul Kitchen

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David Byrne: Unplugged - Live San Francisco (1992)

2010-03-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

David Byrne: Unplugged - Live San Francisco (1992)

David Byrne is about as far away from a Leprechaun as possible, so it is rare that he should be featured on McCrank's Juke this fine St. Patrick's Day. Perhaps it is the green beer or maybe solo David Byrne just goes really well with Corned Beef. Now I know he's not Irish, heck he's even Scottish, but it hits home with this green beer and the bar food I am inhaling now. Come to think of it, I just read that David is working with St. Vincent's Annie Clark so perhaps now is the time to pop this post off, while Byrne is getting some news worthy traffic. You don't mind do you David? This bootleg is a Paddy's day gift, featuring a ton of solo material unplugged and in a live vibe! Recorded live in beautiful San Francisco, California, USA on December 13, 1992, this show delivers a quality soundboard at 320 kbps. Also of note, tracks 1-10 recorded December 13, 1992 San Francisco, CA and other tracks, 11-21 listed as Live on Tour 1992. So in essence a mish-mash of cabbage and corned beef. The quality is in the music. My favorites are of course the covers (both Prince and Neil Young) and nods to his past - via the Talking Heads "Psycho Killer". Now after bumping this bootleg, don't you think Byrne goes well with St. Paddy's, a bike rack, and some green beers?

David Byrne: Unplugged - Live San Francisco (1992)
01. Cowboy Mambo (Hey Look At Me Now)
02. (Nothing But) Flowers
03. Naked
04. The Future (Prince cover)
05. Gypsy Woman (Crystal Waters cover)
06. Girls On My Mind
07. Wall Of Death (Richard Thompson cover)
08. Road To Nowhere
09. Rockin' In The Free World (Neil Young cover)
10. Psycho Killer
11. Something Ain't Right
12. Man Without Name
13. Greenback Dollar
14. A Walk In The Dark
15. Girls On My Mind
16. Tiny Town
17. Dirty Old Town
18. Last Night
19. (Nothing But) Flowers
20. Naked
21. Dallas (10.000 maniacs 'MTV-Unplugged' session)

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The Cure - Imaginary Songs (1980)

2010-03-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

The Cure - Imaginary Songs (1980)

Sometimes it is hard to replace quality, passionate, and alternative - qualities bands like The Cure emulate. I mean Cold Cave, Atlas Sound and others are giving it their best shot, but sometimes grandpa's music reigns out. The Cure for instance, continue to tour, crank out killer albums (yes 4:13 Dream and Bloodflowers, come to mind) and inspire a generation of musicians. The band can be found at the massive festivals and in turn playing the smallest arenas. Always milking and changing their sound and band members, Robert Smith is delivering quality Cure records and some amazing re-issues from Three Imaginary Boys and upwards. The quality bootleg below is one of the most inspired and well-liked bootlegs in circulation from The Cure. The June 28, 1980 'Zomerpop '80 Festival' recorded live from the Veenendaal, Netherlands - has come to be known as "Imaginary Songs" a reference to the Cure hit "Three Imaginary Boys" from The Cure's debut album, released in May 1979. The bootleg is amazing featuring "A Forest to Forever" as the closing encore songs. The band has yet to splinter at this point in June of 1980 and the 80's new wave has paved their way from punk to their new alternative sound. They jump out of the gate with "10:15 Saturday Night" and some other hits to entice the audience. A truly amazing concert experience, if you haven't yet been. Gaze now, back to the year 1980 to hear them at their most inspired and early-best.

The Cure - Imaginary Songs (1980)
01. Three Imaginary Boys
02. Fire In Cairo
03. In Your House
04. 10:15 Saturday Night
05. At Night
06. Jumping On Someone Else's Train

07. Another Journey By Train
08. M
09. Grinding Halt
10. A Forest, Forever

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McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2010)

2010-03-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2010)

It's that time - where I drop my mix tape for the month of March. The McCrank's Juke line-up this month features a comeback, a couple of new bands, and a smattering of oldies to help tide you over till April. I really like the new stuff coming out from The National - that I am hearing on Jimmy Fallon, Twitter, and on Pitchfork. The sounds are legendary, making the last two albums look like warm-ups. Are these guys on the U2 / Coldplay train? Additionally new sounds from rap superstars and underground virtuosos - Diamond District lead off this set. I really like these guys and expect them to "massify" in 2010. I suspect that because they don't run with the likes of Ludacris or Jay Z - that they may still be legit and up germinating. Additionally, I have thrown in a 1984 rare B-side from original ska rockers General Public and a nod to The Smiths from Courtney Love and Hole. No ones said this blog would be easy, make sense, or evenbe coherent. The music mix collects the pieces and helps you to visualize some terrific musical textures. Rife with covers this list also, seems to capture the early half of March, with singles delivered from Fanfarlo, Wooden Shjips, and a killer video from Auf der Maur. The Areola Treat is an up and comer, with some strange vocals and killer pimp hooks. I suggest you go out, click the links, experiment with the sounds. You'll find something you like - I assure you!

McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2010)

01. Street's Won't Let Me Chill - Diamond District

02. Dishwasher (1984) - General Public

03. Out Of our Minds - Melissa Auf der Maur

04. Loos Lips - Wooden Shjips

05. Luna - Fanfarlo
06. Suffer Little Children (The Smiths Cover) - Hole

07. Roy Orbison Covers - Nina Diaz (Girl In A Coma)

08. The Daily Mail - Thom Yorke

09. Whole New Way - The Horrors

10. 100 Silhouettes - The Areola Treat

11. Vanderlylle Cry Baby - The National

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Prince - Live Yokohama, Japan (1986)

2010-03-13T15:39:00.000-08:00

Prince - Live Yokohama, Japan (1986)

This is a very fine bootleg, in the sense that it captures the last time that Prince performed live with his backing band The Revolution. It is also the final concert from the Parade tour on September 9, 1986. The concert is a staggering 53:16 / 56:41for each disk and it is the absolute very last Prince and the Revolution concert ever! Recorded live at the Stadium, Yokohama the sound quality is surprisingly impressive, and is the best of the four 1986 Japanese shows in circulation. The show was held in a 50,000 stadium, yet the quality of the recording has a rather intimate feel. The show highlights include a very lengthy piano segment with rare performances of 'Do U Lie?', 'The Ladder' and 'Condition Of The Heart'. 'Sometimes It Snows In April' is also given an airing, and ends on a rather emotional note with Prince thanking Wendy & Lisa. The closing 'Purple Rain' is extremely lengthy, and the show ends leaving a lump in your throat knowing that this is the last ever time The Revolution would perform together as a band.

DISC 1

01. AROUND THE WORLD IN A DAY

02. CHRISTOPHER TRACY'S PARADE

03. NEW POSITION

04. I WONDER U

05. RASPBERRY BERET

06. DELIRIOUS

07. IT'S GONNA BE A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT (CHANT)

08. CONTROVERSY

09. A LOVE BIZARRE (W/ SHEILA E)

10. DO ME, BABY

11. HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGIE IN THE WINDOW - LADY CAB DRIVER

12. AUTOMATIC

13. D.M.S.R.

14. WHEN DOVES CRY

15. LITTLE RED CORVETTE

16. DO U LIE?

17. THE LADDER

18. CONDITION OF THE HEART

19. UNDER THE CHERRY MOON

20. ANOTHERLOVERHOLENYOHEAD

DISC 2

01. LOVE OR $

02. HEAD

03. POP LIFE

04. GIRLS & BOYS

05. LIFE CAN BE SO NICE

06. 1999

07. AMERICA

08. KISS

09. SOMETIMES IT SNOWS IN APRIL

10. PURPLE RAIN

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Jane's Addiction - Live Norway (2003)

2010-03-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

Jane's Addiction - Live Norway (2003)

I like to think that I am a good natured Jane's Addiction fan. I saw them recently on the Nine Inch Nails tour with original bassist Eric Avery (who after shows last week in Australia, has officially left the band) and they threw down some thunderous rock. It reminded me of their early LA shows and residencies. I have since learned that they've added Duff McKagan, who played in Velvet Revolver and was formerly in Guns N' Roses as their new bassist of choice. I guess Flea was too busy with his Thom Yorke project and Chris Chaney couldn't crawl out of the hole that would be the former "Strays" album. Either way, I am sad to see Avery go, but glad that I locked in a show for the tour. The show I have provided below, isn't from thqat tour, but rather from the 2003 Strays era. It includes a Pink Floyd cover and some of the rare tunes from the last album. I guess I am just anticipating some great things from them this year in regards to new music. (Please say it isn't like Satellite Party). I present to you the live Jane's Addiction show, recorded in Norway in 2003 to promote the Strays album and before their last break-up (of which there's been too many).

Jane's Addiction - Live Norway (2003)

01. Up The Beach

02. Stop

03. Ain't No Right

04. True Nature

05. Been Caught Stealing

06. Three Days(Fades Out)

07. Just Because

08. Strays

09. The Riches

10. Ocean Size

11. In The Flesh (Pink Floyd Cover)

12. Mountain Song

13. Leve Blitz

14. Jane Says

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Carbon/Silicon - Live The Islington Academy (2010)

2010-03-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

Carbon/Silicon - Live The Islington Academy (2010)

Like they do in Midnight Cowboy, I was cruising the old Carbon/Silicon forum and stumbled upon a nice, rare live show from Mick and the boys. This short, but very sweet four track set from Mick Jones, Leo and Tony James features guest drummer Rusty Egan and is from their recent show supporting Rich Kids, last month. Recorded live at the Islington Academy on January 7, 2010 this show was a benefit for guitarist Steve New, who is suffering of an illness. In addition it allowed some very old friends to get together and jam. The set here, is a greatest hits four set, by Carbon/Silicon, many of the tracks from the first official release. (The newer tracks seem a bit less hip and too rushed-off). The songs are performed with fun energy, making the concert highlight, the magnificent performance of "The News". An awesome "Why Do Men Fight?" also deserves a mention – a good old rambling epic – like the old Carbon Silicon days.

Carbon/Silicon - Live The Islington Academy (2010)

01. Global War on Culture

02. The News

03. Why Do Men Fight?

04. What The F*ck

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The XX - Live Paris (Black Session #306 - 2009)

2010-03-10T18:21:00.000-08:00

I am a huge fan of The XX, from August 2009 via their appearances and huge raves from Pitchfork and Stereogum. This three-piece band from Wandsworth, UK are an eclectic mix of new-wavers, art-studio geeks, dream poppers, and raw teen musicians. Their sound has already captured many ears and they seem to be this year's Moby - selling songs to commercialize and spread their electro-indie sound. The XX, blew up my ipod, until I heard several members have left the band and tours had been re-scheduled. I kind of lost track of them after that, when they contiued to simmer and blow-up. This Paris Black Session, recorded in 2009, is an example of the overworked and sensational band - hitting the Big Country, Joy Division meets Daft Punk button. Recorded on 10/26/09 at the famed Studio 105 in Paris, France - the band make ample opportunity to display their hit singles "Crystalized" and "Heart Skipped A Beat". I think this band has a huge upside and possibly the ability to make more than one stormy and alarming album - that will hit the Pitchfork and music bloggers of the world in the nutsack. Fade to black...

The XX - Live Paris (Black Session #306 - 2009)
01. Intro
02. Crystalised
03. VCR
04. Islands
05. Heart Skipped A Beat
06. Fantasy
07. Shelter
08. Basic Space
09. Teardrops
10. Infinity
11. Night Time
12. Stars

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McCrank's Juke - 10 Must Hear Tracks

2010-02-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

McCrank's Juke - 10 Must Hear Tracks

Yes, this is somewhat of a new category, and well it could have been the list for March (maybe it should have been), but with mags like Q and Spin putting out their "must download tracks" I figured this was a good a way as any to put McCrank's own download list together. From Erykah Badu and Lil Wayne to the Prince inspired jams of DâM-FunK - this list pulls together a mixture of new talent, new music, and some damn straight cover tunes. Covers from the classic 80's bands like The Cure and Morrissey to Rancid and a solid soul-inspired take from The Big Pink. This list inspires me to be creative and allows me to mellow out from the stress around me. Music inspires! Including all the new tunes, really helps to mix up the classics in a blender. I am really loving the sounds of Phantogram and Sharon Van Etten, new clearly talented artists - who should be opening up SXSW instead of on side stages. We've had enough of the big band sounds from Pearl Jam and the like. (Yes, coming from someone who included Lil Wayne in this mix!). Tell me what you think of the mix? Have you heard these tunes? What's UR favorite?

McCrank's Juke - 10 Must Hear Tracks
01. Jump Up in the Air and Stay There - Erykah Badu and Lil Wayne
02. Come On Outside - DâM-FunK
03. Ruby Soho (Rancid Cover) - Vampire Weekend
03. Road To Rock N' Roll (Acoustic) - Joe Strummer
04. Jack The Ripper (Morrissey) - Colin Meloy (The Decemberists)
05. For You - Sharon Van Etten
06. Mouth Full Of Diamonds - Phantogram
07. InBetween Days (The Cure Cover) - Ben Folds
08. My Love Will Follow Me - Vivian Girls
09. These Arms Of Mine (Otis Redding Cover) - The Big Pink
10. There Are Listed Buildings - Los Campesinos

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Fine Young Cannibals - B-sides

2010-02-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

Now I know I will probably take a lot of heat for this one. I mean who listens to the Fine Young Cannibals in 2010? The band has all but dissolved, the guys don't hang out and play anymore - the greatest hits can only re-package "She Drives Me Crazy" so many times and possibly the greatest things these guys have done - are all in the past. Andy Cox and David Steele formerly of The Beat, are solid musicians with a lot to add to the bubbling pie of music, which they're doing now in the form of producing and sourcing talent. Roland Gift is acting, eating and hanging out in bars (I guess). The rub is this: that many of the best past fads and artists seem to cycle back, in some form or antoher. I guess our memories, demand it. Hence why I see Charro on VH1 reality shows, Mick Jones has a second-life now with his band Carbon Silicon, and comeback tours are the norm. If you lived through the eighties, you know how strong this band was and how radio literally "killed this radio star". Overplayed, over produced - the band didn't zig, when the industry zagged. We're left with a lot of bargain bin 12" mixes (another 80's casualty - when are those coming back?) and our memories of hits like "Good Thing" and "Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)". Well, maybe we can settle for a remake of the classic Something Wild movie.

Below, these songs you won't find on either of their two albums. In fact, a different mix of the song "Love For Sale" was later released on the charity album Red Hot + Blue. They're all here for you to sample, for those wishers and die-hard fans alike.

Fine Young Cannibals - B-sides

01.Wade In the Water (B-side of Blue)

02. Motherless Child (B-side of Funny How Love Is)

03. Love For Sale (Cole Porter cover; B-side 12" Blue)

04. Social Security (B-side of Good Thing)

05. You Never Know (B-side of Don't Look Back)

06. Pull the Sucker Off (B-side of She Drives Me Crazy)

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Echo & The Bunnymen - DEMOS

2010-02-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

Echo & The Bunnymen - DEMOS

I am celebrating withthis post. A bevvy of good news from the Echo and the Bunnymen camp. Seems they're droping into Coachella on the same night as Jay Z, LCD Soundsystem, Passion Pit and The Cribs to name a few. They've announced tour dates, including a stop in SF and Reno (The Nugget baby!), and they're still hard-charging for another album to capitalize on their current line-up. Meanwhile, Sgt. Fuzz aka Will Sargent is Dj-ing and Ian Mcculloch has dropped his version of "Alice In Wonderland" via his biography which drops in Spring. Drinking the Blob Yates - indeed! I bet it will be a mind-junk of a book. What a year for the Bunnymen, even if the las album didn't jump out of the gates as planned. It had to pass the mustard, in order to get to the next drop of Bunnymen goodness. Below, you can experience - what some might call "The John Peel" sessions or demos from the Bunnymen's entire career. It has some rare singles and some rare to find tracks. Hopefully, you will enjoy asmuch as me. PS. I would love to hear Will Sargent with Perry Farrell on vocals. Trip Hop 2010!

Echo & The Bunnymen - DEMOS
01. All In Your Mind (1985 demo)
02. My Heart Is Overflowing (demo)
03. All My Life (ian mcculloch solo demo)
04. Baseball Bill (demo)
05. Clay (1982 demo)
06. Do You Love Him (never stop demo)
07. Don't Let It Get You Down (demo)
08. Empire State Halo (demo)
09. Evergreen (demo)
10. Fools Like Us (demo)
11. I Want To Be There When You Come (demo)
12. I'll Fly Tonight (instrumental demo)
13. Just A Touch Away (demo)
14. Live Forever (demo)
15. My Heart Is Overflowing (instrumental demo)
16. Nothing Last Forever (demo)
17. People Are Strange (1987 demo)
18. Rollercoaster (ian mcculloch solo demo)
19. Satelitte (demo)
20. The Killing Moon (demo)

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The Beat - Live Deeside Leisure Center (1982)

2010-02-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

The Beat - Live Deeside Leisure Center (1982)

If you know about McCrank's Juke you know about our ska fix and some of the great old shows we've posted from The Beat or for you yanks - The English Beat. This classic 1982 show is very special. Recorded July 30th 1982 at the Queensferry, Flintshire, in Wales. The Birmingham band, provides a live radio experience, playing all of their hits from the forth coming album "Special Beat Service". The show is amazing and has some great interviews mixed in to frame the band at it's baddest. Dave Wakeling, Rankin Roger, Andy Cox, David Steele, Everett Morton, and Saxa (sax legend) perform at break-speed, flavoring the songs with ska, pop, soul, reggae, and punk rock. This is a quality show to add to your indie and 80's mix. Recently, I have downloaded a few treasures, including some 1983 never released session tracks from The Beat, including "It Makes Me Rock (Kid Jensen Session 1983)" and "Night & Day (Kid Jensen Session 1983)". Among others, these stand out and may find their way up on the blog. Enjoy this taste to bring back the flavors. SPecial thanks to Liam_Ska's Heavy, Heavy Monster Blog!

The Beat - Live Deeside Leisure Center (1982)

01. Interview Part o1

02. Rankin Full Stop

03. Sorry

04. Ackee 1,2,3

05. Hands Off, She's Mine

06. Interview part 02

07. Jeanette

08. Sugar & Stress

09. Doors Of Your Heart

10. Mirror In the Bathroom

11. Interview Part 03

12. Get A Job

13. Stand Down Margaret

14. Too Nice To Talk Too

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McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2010)

2010-02-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2010)

You'll have to excuse the dark mix that has shaped up to be February on McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2010). #McCranksJuke - It must be the winter chill or the bleak look into the future, I see. From winter favorites "Black Celebration" to the first glimmer look at Peter Hook's Freebase UK (now re-branded The Light). This mix tape, includes mostly the old favorites from the 80's mixed with the electronic induced throw-back bands, like Yacht, Cold Cave, and Apparatjik (featuring members of ColdPlay and A-Ha, no really). I find I really like The Soft Pack and up and coming band Small Black. Both indie bands flavor a bit of punk and a dip of the synth and hail from San Diego and Brooklyn, respectively. What indie and garage soundz are supposed to be, raw - rthym, and fookin' fresh, not over-hyped and over-produced (yet). Let me know if these guys appear at SXSW this year. Lastly, check out Houdini's Last Act - another favorite, but more rock/blues dust-up that sounds like Sun, Kill, Moon. Fookin' sounds for February, dust-up and get to UR record store/download site ad grab up some of these to explore (including the new one from Xiu Xiu). PS. Yeah the barfing shocked me too, so once is enough video wise.

McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2010)
01. Black Celebration - Depeche Mode

02. Release The Kracken - The Daysleepers

03. Plan B Vocoder Vox - Freebass UK
04. Answer To Yourself - The Soft Pack
05. So Post All 'Em (Remix) - Yacht

06. Youth and Lust - Cold Cave
07. Somewhereanywhere - Houdini's Last Act
08. Dear God, I Hate Myself - Xiu Xiu

09. Frozen Fingers - Apparatjik

10. Despicable Dogs - Small Black

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Echo & The Bunnymen - Live Berlin 1981

2010-02-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

Well, well seems like the Bunnymen.com website is getting some juice from the fine folks at SXSW, who've named the site runner-up in a huge contest of sorts. I think that is good considering how few users visit the place. I rather prefer the footloose atmosphere over at Villiers Terrace.com - The Ultimate Echo and the Bunnymen Discography. It seems rather like a pub that you'd find Ian Mcculloch in, lots of loud voices, cheer, and some ramblings funnny enough to rival Comedy Central. The .com site on the other hand, is pure 100% beef - meaning marketing, twittering, and re-selling the golden oldies via advertising efforts. The real people, fans - meet up on the Terrace. Enuff about that - either way any news for Bunnymen.com is good news. This below show comes kindly from the fine folks at Villers Terrace - the fan site for all things Bunnymen. Recorded in Berlin in the early days (1981) to be exact, this show is a really good audience recording, featuring songs from the tops album "Heaven up Here" - probably my favorite Bunnymen gem. Now you won't get your head smashed in via the loo but it does hit hard, with the rumbling rhythm from Les and Pete. They blast crowd favorites like "All That Jazz", "Rescue" and "Over The Wall". You even get the seldom acknowledged live version of "The Puppet" a single less favored by the band as being up to snuff , now that they're able to look back. I rather like it, considering the latest releases. Either way, charge up the ipad or itouch and jam these Berlin sessions, like The Basterds.

Echo & The Bunnymen - Live Berlin 1981

01. With a Hip
02. All That Jazz
03. Show of Strength
04. The Promise
05. Pride
06. Pictures on my Wall
07. The Puppet
08. Heaven Up Here
09. Turquoised Days / All I Want
10. All My Colours
11. Over The Wall
12. No Dark Things
13. Rescue
14. Crocodiles
15. Villiers Terrace

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Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Live Brooklyn (2002)

2010-02-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Live Brooklyn (2002)

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros are one of my favorites sounds and most loved bands. My original time with The Clash and then through Joe's solo work - really brings back memories. This show is one of the rareand most direct shows from The Mescaleros catalog. It was recorded 4/4/2002 at the famous St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn. The set features Joe performing the usual Clash covers and other songs like "The Harder They Come" and Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side". The Mescaleros, back him up with some wagon wheel type drumming and some old-fashion punk rock. The show comes to us courtesy of Blogger's Delight a true fan's treasure trove of all things Joe Strummer. Drop by and peruse the site. They do great things Stummer wise up there and they sure beat the hell out of the ramblins on the ol Jukebox. Consistency hurts us all, what with Twitter and the likes takin' up our time. Everyone's got something to say, but really how manyh of us listen or care? Joe did, that's why McCrank's Juke is presentin' this fine show, for all to hear.

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Live Brooklyn (2002)

01. London's Burning
02. Bindhi Baghee
03. Shaktar Donesk
04. Tony Adams
05. Rudi Can't Fail
06. Cool'n'Out
07. Police & Thieves
08. Armaggedeon Time
09. White Man In Ham Palais
10. Bummed Out City
11. The Harder They Come
12. Mega Bottle Ride
13. Johnny Appleseed
14. Pressure Drop
15. Police On My Back
16. Walk On the Wild Side
17. Blitzrieg Bop
18. I Fought The Law
19. Bankrobber

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Ian Mcculloch - Live SPIN Magazine (2009)

2010-01-31T11:15:00.000-08:00

I have been a little tough on the latest Echo & The Bunnymen record - The Fountain, which wasa bit to pop for my taste. It is the rare combination of Ian Mcculloch (ABBA) and Will Sargent (Led Zepplin) and their rock history (Doors, Velvet Underground, David Bowie) that make their sound so unique. I really like the stripped down songs all the way to the Burned album from Electrafixion. I really wish these alternative rockers would record something as insane as Zepplin's "The Rain Song", but I fear they are more on track to record something by Natalie Imbruglia or something. A bit light in the pants lately. Either way this acoustic session by Ian Mcculloch, is something of a collectors item already. Four acoustic tracks, played solo (sorry Will the tax man sayeth) at the SPIN Magazine offices in NYC. This recent acoustic set at SPIN's NYC office for staffers and invited friends is a rather stripped down performance of four career-spanning Echo & The Bunnymen cuts absolutely played to perfection. I think the newer tracks "The Fountain" and "I Think I Need It Too" sound better than the over-produced album. McCulloch and Petey Byrne, filling in on guitar, team up to perform two cuts from 2009's The Fountain. SPIN says:

"Without the studio version's soaring electric guitars, "Think I Need It Too" morphed into a lilting, heartfelt come-on, while the album's title track maintained its stately grace.
Then the duo reached back into the archives, slipping into 1980's "Rescue," the first Bunnymen single to reach the U.K. charts, before treating us to their most famous track: "The Killing Moon."

Ian Mcculloch - Live SPIN Magazine (2009)
01. I Think I Need It Too
02. The Fountain
03. Rescue
04. The Killing Moon

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Echo & The Bunnymen - Live House Of Blues (1999)

2010-01-29T14:40:00.000-08:00

I am a huge Echo & The Bunnymen fan! These guys are incredible and they manage to shit out songs of all types -- with not a bad one in the bunch. Yes, I think their latest album The Fountain comes close to being complete crap, but it still , after many plays, manages to crack a smile. the boys have been touring enough in the last few years, that anything they released was bound to catch critical acclaim. They could have done a whole lot worse (World Cup Song). This latest installment off the McCrank's Juke, involves the original three members, Ian, Will and Les - playing a live 1999 show in Las Vegas at the House of Blues. This DATmaster recording drips from the BBQ sauce and the staggering sound quality from the show. Recorded on 10/23/1999 the house system is used to pick up Ian Mcculloch and his Frank Sinatra impression, singing on "The Summer Wind" - along with The Stooges cover of "Loose" and classic Bunnymen rarities as: "I Want To Be There (When You Come) " and the b-side "The Fish-Hook Girl". Great forgotten singles that are superb live and raw. This is a classic show and should be in your collection. Big ups to the chaps at VilliersTerrace.com, for posting and recommending this show for the rest of us.

Echo & The Bunnymen - Live House Of Blues (1999)
01 Rescue
02 Crocodiles
03 Evergreen
04 Loose (The Stooges cover)
05 The Fish-Hook Girl
06 Seven Seas
07 Bring On The Dancing Horses
08 Back Of Love
09 What Are You Going To Do With Your Life?
10 Fools Like Us
11 The Killing Moon
12 I Want To Be There (When You Come)
13 Altamont
14 The Cutter
15 Lips Like Sugar
16 Nothing Lasts Forever
17 Do It Clean > Elvis impersonation > Roadhouse Blues (Doors cover)
18 Villiers Terrace
19 Over The Wall
20 Summer Wind (Frank Sinatra cover - a cappella)
21 Ocean Rain

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Counting Crows - Live Amsterdam (1994)

2010-01-27T21:26:00.000-08:00

This is the Counting Crows live at the Milky Way, Amsterdam, April 14, 1994. This show recorded at Melkweg Amsterdam, Holland is a direct soundboard masterpiece. In 1994 Adam Duritz gave a great show at the Milky Way that really stunned the whole audience. This live tape is from "McCrank's tape" archive, and is a direct transfer to CD-R (it's soundboard baby). I think it sounds amazing , except for some little digital artifacts in the beginning of the show, which hardly subtract from the magic that the Counting Crows provide. Sure you can go on to their new tour site and buy the latest jaded ramblings from a band that has partnered up with Augustana to try their Disney take on alt-country rock, or you could go back to the source and dig the original roots of the Crows. This 1994 show captures them slightly raw, less "star-struck" from the first album release. Live, loose, and original - the band simmers original classics like "Round Here" , "Rain King" and "Mr. Jones" a true college classic. Thrown in for additional measure are a few Counting Crows staples, that are rare singles, mostly performed live and not commerically available. Plug in to McCrank's Juke and take a lesson...

Counting Crows - Live Amsterdam (1994)

01 Goodnight Elisabeth

02 Round Here

03 Anna Begins
04 Rain King

05 Ghost Train

06 Time and Time Again

07 Mr. Jones

08 Omaha

09 Perfect Blue Buildings

10 Margery (*intro missing due to tape change)

11 A Murder of One

12 Sullivan Street

13 Wiseblood

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Crystal Stilts - DayTrotter Sessions (2009)

2010-01-23T18:22:00.000-08:00

Crystal Stilts - DayTrotter Sessions (2009)

Now that the ignition switch has been turned on, McCrank's has another few spurts of juice left to share with loyal readers. All 4 of them. It could be said = I do - because I love. Another thing I love is the graveyard dance music inspired by the 2008 sensation the Crystal Stilts. This band is superb and one band I plan to see live as time dictates. Plenty of driving 50's guitar coupled with spook rock vocals and drums. If girl-groups met up with Ian Curtis at a holloween party, I would imagine they'd make out to these types of songs.

Thus, courtesy of Daytrotter, McCrank presents the whole package. The Crystal Stilts recorded this famed Daytrotter session and played two unreleased songs, back in Apr 7, 2009. They played the songs 'Through the Floor' and 'Sycamore Tree' - which are great additions to the band's "Velvet Underground + Joy Division with too much reverb" cannon. They are explain the righteous song 'Sycamore Tree' as: "There's definitely a Silver Apples/Bo Diddley/early Pink Floyd/Q65 thing going on if I had to cite references." Great make-up if you ask me. You should check out each band and learn the context - so sayeth McCrank! Additionally, the band performed two live songs from their debut album, which is a must have. Thanks to both Daytrotter and Cats Are Grey blogs for the links and the true tunes.

Crystal Stilts - DayTrotter Sessions (2009)
01. Through the Floor
02. Sycamore Tree
03. Shattered Shine
04. The Dazzled
05. BONUS: Through The Floor (Demo)

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Porno For Pyros - Big Day Out Festival (1996)

2010-01-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

Porno For Pyros - Big Day Out Festival (1996)

You say you like your Porno For Pyros with a little slice of Jane's Addiction on the side? McCrank's Juke can accommodate. This ultra-rare Porno For Pyros show was recorded on February 4th, 1996 at the annual Big Day Out Festival, in Perth, Australia. The original FLAc has been downsized a bit and fits nicely into the collection of rare Jane's and Porno For Pyros bootlegs. The rare treats include "Sex Drive (Martina)" and two JA singles, played live by the Pyros band. now I know that you think this must be 90's week on McCrank's Juke, but this happens to be a holdover from the 2009 blog session. It has been on slow roast, while the blog has been down. I am a huge fan of this music and it was a real treat to see Jane's Addiction live in 2009 with NIN. Perry Farrell still makes it rain and Dave Navarro can still hand-check the guitar. Strum along and ear-check this lil bootleg to see what you've been missing.

Porno For Pyros - Big Day Out Festival (1996)

01. Porpoise Head

02. A Little Sadness

03. Meija

04. Porno for Pyros

05. Sex Drive (Martina)

06. Cursed Female

07. Good God's Urge

08. Dogs Rule The Night

09. Black Girlfriend

10. Pets

11. Mountain Song (Jane's Cover)

12. Chip Away (Jane's Cover)

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McCrank's Juke - January Mix (2010)

2010-01-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

McCrank's Juke - January Mix (2010)

It takes a village, or some solid indie jams with new 2010 flavor to kick off the year. I know I've been buried or entombed for a year or so, but still - the things I have dug up! From the new sounds of Ceremony (sounds like A Place To Bury Strangers) coupled with the new Cali sound being dug by bands like Bye Bye Bicycle and Goldspot. This McCranks' Juke session debuts some cool sounds, that will creep up 2010, including yesteryear's (must have missed the first pass) Now, Now Every Children. I really like the surf mellow to Joy Division darkness that this list kalidescopes together. I probably fucked up the order, but the songs still standout just the same. Likewise, 2010 brings us new albums and experiments in music all the way from LCD Soundsystem to new discs from Charlotte Gainsbourg and a collabo from David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Seems fitting for this to be the year that the Flaming Lips released their cover of Pink Floyd's "Dark side Of The Moon". More madness and mayhem to ensue. Stay tuned for more broadcasts from this radio blog. ET - end transmission.

McCrank's Juke - January Mix (2010)
01. Never Love Again - Ceremony
02. Navigation - Bye Bye Bicycle
03. Rewind - Goldspot
04. Lion Face Boy - Seabear
05. Green Eyed Love (Classixx Mix) - Mayer Hawthorne
06. Skeleton Swoon - Ebsen and the Witch
07. Frost - Salem
08. Tonto - Battles
09. Everyone You Know - Now, Now Every Children
10. Promises - The Morning Benders

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McCrank's Juke - October Mix (2009)

2009-10-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - October Mix (2009)

I suppose the October mix should be something a bit more boombastic. With B-sides from Morrissey, a new Echo & The Bunnymen albatrosse and other new music releases hitting faster than shit-water on a windshield, I would expect a better hit list for the month of October. It is the month with Halloween for christsakes! Well, I prefer to zig, when others zag. YOu'll find here a throwback list with a bit of retro and some of the best Factory Records hits that the old dust-bin can hold. From the best new UK band and The Smiths' rip-off The Drums, to old Hooky inspired band Revenge and on down the Factory Records work-hole. You have another McCrank mix of the sublime and the newest of the alternative universe. It probably isn't the best list, but I figure October will sallow it up and offer better, more robust tunes later in the month. Hey you may even get two lists for October! (Should I bring the old blog back?).

Tell me what are you listening to? Is it Lady Ga Ga -- if so this ain't UR blog. Are you raving about Kanye West, The Flaming Lips, or the Blueprint 3? Then this ain't UR house. Thrilled aout Them Crooked Vultures or the return of Alice In Chains? (UR on the borderline now, sucka). If you find any of the tracks below peek some interest or you listen to KZSC 103.3 - then this may fly your way. Get on board to soar, the plane is leaving.

McCrank's Juke - October Mix (2009)
01. I Felt Stupid - The Drums
02. Gruesome Castle - The Wake
03. Precious Moments - Revenge
04. Life By The Sea - The Names
05. Waterfall - Wendy & Lisa
07. Straight To Hell (Feat Mick Jones) - Lilly Allen
08. Seasons - John Carpenter
09. Come Saturday - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
10. Oscillate Wildly (Instrumental) - The Smiths

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McCrank's Juke - September Mix (2009)

2009-09-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - September Mix (2009)

This almost seems like my John Hughes tribute list. From the Prince written beats of 1985 and up to the 2009 Islands release - this list delivers the synth and drum machines like nothing else. This list jams the retro-80's and indie hits into a bonus 12 song list for September. Chairlift is busy scoring and exploding all over the place thanks to a clever Nano tie-in, while the experiment over at Beck's website with the "Beck Record Club" are just too good not to mention. I am excited about XX and the band The Big Pink (send the album my way could you?) along with The Mary Onettes, who crank up the Hughes meter with their throwback sounds. Like Michael McDonald but way more trippy and crank'd. I could be way off on that actually. Tell me what you think? Either way September is a gateway to the upcoming record release spigot which will feature new albums by The Beastie Boys, Echo & The Bunnymen and others. Gearing up for the holiday season, I am sure. Nothing new here, just to say there is some slickness out thereand you should do your best to get out and have a listen. Explore all of these bands, buy their EPs and releases -- go to a show and support indie cred musicians. Blast off!

McCrank's Juke - September Mix (2009)
01. Fools - The Dodos
02. Ceiling Wax - Chairlift
03. Suffication - White Ring
04. Haunted Mealtimes - Elbows Like Swords
05. Feel It All Around - Washed Out
05. No You Don't - Islands
06. European Son - Beck
07. Stars - The XX
08. Velvet - The Big Pink
09. Transparence - Asobi Seksu
10. Run, Run - Those Dancing Days
11. Void - The Mary Onettes
12. Screams Of Passion - The Family

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McCrank's Juke - August Mix (2009)

2009-08-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - August Mix (2009)

If this playlist doesn't get me a job with KZSC 103.3 in Santa Clara, nothing will. Another McCrank classic featuring the best of new indie bands, mope rock, and other hits from the past. I have to admit August has been anemic for new music, but explosive for all of the live shows and festivals. You'd think out of one of those massive outside venues, we'd have discovered the next Nine Inch Nails or something by now. Instead, we're seeing Kings of Leon dominate the airwaves and the eclipse of the mega-band - with the Dead Weather and the new superband project from Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, John Paul Jones - Them Crooked Vultures. I've looked past most of this with some amusement, looking for rare tracks, smaller bands with little or no label -- yet touring and hitting the local scene. Former Ghosts are playing the WORKS gallery in San Jose for christsakes! This goth-like list hits the depths with The Knife (who've I have just recently heard. Could be the soundtrack for 'Eyes Wide Shut') an electro-circus like band and weaves in some NIN killers in Zola Jesus and Six By Seven. Also the list includes a cover of the Kenny Rodger, Dolly Parton song - "Islands in The Stream" - weaved together by the stillness of Constantines. Very surreal. It's almost like I am looking forward to October. Come September we'll see it pick up for X-mas with the new Beastie Boys, Echo & The Bunnymen and some other mainstream drops. Until next month...

McCrank's Juke - August Mix (2009)
01. Islands In The Stream - Constantines
02. Enemy - Six By Seven
03. Clay Bodies - Zola Jesus
04. New Resolution - Heartless Bastards
05. Casa Bey - Mos Def
06. Science Of Fear - The Temper Trap
07. Heartbeats (Live) - The Knife
08. Carnage Visors - The Cure
09. Hold On - Former Ghosts
10. Loaded - The Idle Hands

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McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2009)

2009-07-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2009)

July is a swealtering month for music. You have that lag time between September and now, but still albums are falling out all over the place. Miss Derringer, scored a killer album, freshly dropped July 14th. Pearl Jam single is out and the list goes on...Caught Prince's gift to the Montreux Jazz Festival, say Girl In A Coma at the Blank Club and have been cat crawling the music scene post-MJ death. new tracks from Shonen Knife, Thom Yorke, Big Pink, and Jay Z. It is shaping up to be a bear of 2009. As you can see from the eclectic selection of acts below, I seemed to amass a attraction to new indie bands, some rockers and some experimental noize!! From the dead-to-rights Band of Skulls to Bombay Bicycle Club and to the local Oakland band Hottub. There is no method to the madness other than solid performances and some quality tunes from across the web. I hope you enjoy and take a chance to go see some of these bands. I am keyed up for The Horrors in October at the SF Independent and Los Campesinos! at the Brookdale Lodge in August in Santa Cruz. Yah now!

McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2009)

01. Revenge (Flaming Lips)- Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse (Mark Linkous)
02. You Came Out - We Have Band

03. Never Forget You - The Noisettes

04. 123Go - HOTTUB

05. Read My Mind - The Killers

06. How Are You - Bombay Bicycle Club

07. Black Tears - Miss Derringer

08. Big Star - Isa & The Filthy Tongues

09. Fires - Band Of Skulls

10. Morning After - Dead By Sunrise

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McCrank's Juke - June Mix (2009)

2009-06-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - June Mix (2009)

It all comes crashing down! First the old computer blew, then I got the new one, minus PhotoShop. My Optimus Prime computer I shelled for ain't shit without all the pirate booty I had stored up! The music links gone, the stored porn, gone! 'My Favorites' - down the tubes. As all good things, then it's time to say goodbye. As you may have noticed I did a bit of pruning in the garden, so as to not end up like that lady I read about in the newspaper. It was fun to be at the forefront of this music blog movement, like it was exiciting to be the The Sugarhill Gang when it was all "awash" and anew. Now that every college dick has a page with his favorite Oasis, Nirvana, and Animal Collective boots avilable -- it seems that it ain't about pushing the envelope and being new (not that I was very robust). I took from Ape Shall Never Kill Ape and was inspired to push it further. Now Largehearted Boy and other mainstream blogs are running with full steam and the upstarts are following the template. Time to do something new! (Fuck you -- yes I am on Twitter, but no that ain't it).

For those of you kind enough to comment and write in -- the fine looking lady in the monthly posts is named Sash Suicide. You can follow here: http://twitter.com/sashsuicide. She'd probably kick my ass for using her pictures without paying modeling fees. another reason to skip town!

So no more Echo & The Bunnymen, Joy Division, Clash, English Beat and the likes. No indies: Noah and the Whale, Ida Maria, The National. Just a simple look back through the monthly recommendations from prior months to serve notice. Eventually this blog will all desolve, and like me, you might wake up and go about your lives thinking this was all a dream. I know. I am.

McCrank's Juke - June Mix (2009)

01. My World - Lee Fields & The Expressions

o2. Slaughter Lane - Girl In A Coma

03. The Boys Are Leaving Town - Japandroids

04. All The Memories, All At Once - Sunlight Ascending

05. If I Ever Feel Better - Phoenix

06. First Of The Gang To Die - Zee Avi

07. Got Nuffin - Spoon

08. Last Of The English Roses - Peter Doherty

09. Summer Of Hate - Crocodiles

10. No Hands (Peel Session) - Echo & The Bunnymen

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McCrank's Juke - May Mix (2009)

2009-05-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - May Mix (2009)

Looks like The Coup's Boots Riley has joined guitar favorite Tom Morello to form Street Sweeper, which sounds like a Marxist/Rap version of Rage Against The Machine. I will check them out May 22nd. Likewise, new albums are dropping for Summer from some large indie acts. Iron & Wine comes to mind, along with New Wave Passion Pit and upcoming releases from Girl In A Coma and others. Is it me, or have a few bands ripped of Prince's pre-"Dirty Mind" sound? I am hearing that synth Minneapolis shit in Ciara's stint on SNL and form some of those garage-based MGMT wanna-be's. It's Summer so fuck it, hit-it and roll down the windows, crank style. I have to say now, now every children is a refreshing rock band that gives me the driving guitars and the indie credit I so crave. Peter Hook joins the Crystal Method, cause his solo shit ain't together and a whole host of other inspirations for May. Enjoy all the fuzz and beats! Bonus: The Twilight Sad - A cover of The Smith's "Half A Person".

McCrank's Juke - May Mix (2009)

01. Street Sweeper - 100 Little Curses

02. Iron & Wine - Love Vigilanties

03. Now, Now Every Children - Everyone You Know

04. Clay Machine Gun - 7th Floor

05. The Crystal Method (Feat Peter Hook) - Dirty Thirty

06. Perry Farrell- Nasty Little Perv

07. Passion Pit - The Reeling

08. The Twilight Sad - Twenty Four Hours

09. Vivian Girls - Moped Girls

10. Crystal Stilts - Sugarbaby

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Ian Mcculloch - Songbook (2008)

2009-04-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

I am passing up the Ida Maria concert at The Blank Club right now, so I can post this Ian Mcculloch 4-track EP called "Songbook". Recorded at Parr Street Recording Studios, Liverpool England on February 2008. This solo acoustic show was recorded and broadcast on Sky Arts 1 in the UK. The first broadcast was June 19 2008 and it featured a worn looking Ian Mcculloch interview interspersed with the below list of complete live songs. No bullshit medleys here or annoying voice-overs. Edited and ripped from the programme with loving care from the lads over at Villiersterrace.com. In addition and as an added bonus - you get an acoustic single off the forthcoming Echo & The Bunnymen album - The Fountain. This single, "The Fountain" is a bit on the downlow, as in depressing and a bit melancholy. It's a tad alright if it was featured on a solo album of lullabyes for the kids, but it sounds kind of rough and rank for a Bunnymen closer. I recall reading an interview that Ian mentioned having a bunch of songs like this for a children's album. Not a bad idea for some side cash (diversify) and a way to find another alternate audience. The Echo & The Bunnymen things should be saved for forthright rockin' and rockstar ethos. The solo thing is for croonin' and ripping off Lou Reed, coupled with this type of acoustic ballads. I would buy it for sure, plug it into the kids room and clear out that Baby Einstein crap! I hope Ida Maria forgives me for missing the show, as I assume she'll be back. If you have the balls - buy her album to get some cool punk/pop riffs.! If you don't - listen up to this "soft-as-shit" EP of Bunnymen ballads.

Ian Mcculloch - Songbook (2008)
01. Rescue
02. The Killing Moon
03. Nothing Lasts Forever
04. The Fountain

Links In Comments

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2009)

2009-04-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2009)

The year is burning through, as it is already April and time for another McCrank's Juke April Mix. This mixtape features some former SXSW bands, some faded goth tracks and a bit of indie pop from some of your current MTV2 artists. I am back to watching Subterranean and feasting on indie videos. I am also pick-axing Metallica Guitar Hero and looking for some hot albums for 2009. Big ups to Suicide Girls for keeping the fires and looking forward to some breaking tunes and upcoming artists (N.A.S.A. - anyone?). I must admit the return of No Doubt, Prince, Green Day and Eminem seem to be April's bigger stories - but I can't seem to come to grips with bands that are still rehashing the old routines from the 90's. The Slim Shady videos are case in point. Also, hasn't T-Pain killed the voice box yet? The sludge of Clear Channel and hype label music has stung my ears, turning me towards the darker rock of yesteryear. Sad to say I don't have Sirius to bail me out, Phil. Either way, enjoy the below April music mix from McCrank's Juke. (Also, skip the new Prince 3-pack form Target. Get your hands on the "Indigo Nights" live disk from last year's London residency).

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2009)

01. Face To Face - Siouxsie And The Banshees

02. Blueballs - Eve White, Eve Black

03. Six And Three Quarters - Ipso Facto

04. Sea Within A Sea - The Horrors

05. Stay Alive - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

06. Lover - Nite Jewel

07. My Love - The Bird and the Bee
08. A Forest [The Cure Cover] - Bat For Lashes

09. StrangePowers - The Magnetic Fields

10. Oh My God - Ida Maria

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McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2009)

2009-03-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2009)

The reunion train should be leaving the station. From Jane's Addiction and Blur to Blink 182 and Faith No More -- can old music really die? It's a roundup for sure. In the meantime, and under the watchful eye of March and April's beavy of indie music fests (Yes, Lallapalooza is officially the old-timers concert of choice) SXSW and Coachella, we present to you the official March playlist. This McCrank's Juke March Mix features a local bay area band, a hotly anticipated single from a punk band turned Siouxsie and the Banshees, and a few other musical morsels. By now you've already punk'd the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs, seen Ian Mcculloch on Youtube, and probably hit up Lighthearted Boy for your SXSW torrent downloads. You probably are even wathcing Direct TV for your live feed from Austin. Well here at the Jukebox we're still trolling dark alleys and scooping up rarities to share with you from live shows, EPs, demos and the like. March has seen it's fare share of Twitter bands, Clear Channel releases (U2) -- but March seems to be the month for the indie (thanks Austin!). Here we share a few for your liking. Hit us up and let us know we're on track -- so we can continue to bring you the depths of the web.

McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2009)

01. Soft Shock - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

02. When Your Blackening Shows - Our Broken Garden

03. Company - An Horse

04. Love Is A Wave - Crystal Stilts

05. Out On You - Schande

06. Heroes - Ian Mcculloch

07. Keep Me Warm / Stella - Ida Maria

08. Stay Alive - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

09. Clap For The Killers - Street Sweeper

10. In Return - Torche

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McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2009)

2009-02-15T13:32:00.000-08:00

McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2009)

It is almost half way through February and good news seems to be everywhere. New releases in store for The Felice Brothers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, D'Angelo, Silversun Pickups and count them three albums by Prince. Considering this list is only 1/4 inch of the total musical iceberg for 2009, it shows that the musical landscape might be shifting. The worm is turning as they say. I am looking forward to lots of indie acts, some electro inspired disco, Echo & The Bunnymen performing 2 shows at SXSW and a whole host of bands coming through for Coachella. Ra Ra Riot, Los Campesinos!, Asobi Seksu and The National - all on tour! To make matters even better I have compiled a list for McCrank's February Music Mix. This includes a few obscure tracks and a couple of oldies pulled from SPIN and the likes. Ida Maria is getting a lot of space on my ipod this week, along with Bat For Lashes and some of that quirky shit from Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist. Yeah I said it! Either way , enjoy some smooth sounds, light one up and plug into this playlist to get the February jones down on your jock.

PS. What is the deal with Jane's Addiction being in the studio with Trent Reznor?

McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2009)
01. Give A Little Love - Noah And The Whale
02. After Hours - We Are Scientists
03. Things You've Never Done - The Manhattan Love Suicides
04. Shame Is The Name - Morrissey with Chrissie Hynde
05. We're All Going To Hell (Live) - Ida Maria
06. Cities Burning Down - Howling Bells
07. Poor And Free - Papercuts
08. In The Air Tonight - Takka Takka
09. Classic Girl - Jane's Addiction
10. Glass - Bat For Lashes

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McCrank's Juke - Bands To Watch (2009)

2009-01-19T14:53:00.000-08:00

Well I've heard "Get On Your Boots" by U2, the latest single from the new album and all I can say is that mainstream music is going continue to falter. Major label bands will pick-up where they left off in 2008 - selling less, appealing to fewer and whoring more in '09. Comcast I am sure will do it's best to pick from the indie scene and try harder to find music like M83 and Noah And The Whale to try and cross-over to it's ritualistic formula pop. I heard on Live 105.3 yesterday that M83 was an "underground" band that was just being discovered. Funny they made most of the top 20 album blogs for 2008. Not very un-discovered, but possibly not mainstream -- yet. For every Animal Collective popping, we'll get the old re-treads like Jonas Brothers and Coldplay (see the Grammys - coming up). For 2009, I have plucked a group of notable bands (researched from SPIN, NME, Blogs, etc.) that may buck the trend. These upcomers are on indie labels for the most part, but are popping up in multiple sites and on multiple radars. Take a listen and please buy something from them if you like it. Propogate and philanthropize their music! They are great bands and they deserve the plugs.

McCrank's Juke - Bands To Watch (2009)

01. Florence And The Machine

02. Little Joy

03. Lulu Rouge

04. The Big Pink

05. Booka Shade

06. The Soft Pack

07. The Chapman Family

08. TWIN ATLANTIC

09. THE VIEW

10. Sound of Guns

11. The Hot Melts

12. Catfish Haven

13. Matt and Kim

14. Airborne Toxic Event

15. The Helio Sequence

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McCrank's Juke - Upcoming Albums (2009)

2009-01-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

McCrank's Juke - Upcoming Albums (2009)

Here is a list from the major music labels, who will be releasing albums in 2009. Looks like a lot of the big names, like U2, Eminem, Morrissey and the likes. I am excited at the prospect of there being 10 times this amount, once we filter in the smaller indies and one-off records from smaller bands like Bat for Lashes and the Helio Sequence. I suppose some of the bands that blew up in 2007/2008 are anxious to follow-up with another album, so there will be some return visits from MGMT and possibly Santigold as well -- as yet unplanned but expected. What albums are you looking forward to? Are you pushing anything? McCrank's Juke just released the mix-tape for January, so my favorites are out as a mix of indie, old hits and best of's.

McCrank's Juke - Upcoming Albums (2009)

01. Reel Big Fish - Fame, Fortune and Fornication

02. Franz Ferdinand - Tonight: Franz Ferdinand

03. Hot Chip - Hot Chip with Robert Wyatt and Geese EP

04. Courtney Love - Nobody’s Daughter
05. Lily Allen - It’s Not Me, It’s You

06. Mos Def - The Ecstatic

07. … And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead - The Century of Self

08. Asobi Seksu - Hush
09. Beirut - March of the Zapotec EP + Realpeople - Holland EP

10. Morrissey - Years of Refusal

11. Black Lips - 200 Million Thousand

12. The Screaming Blue Messiahs - Live At The BBC

13. Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3
14. Massive Attack - Weather Underground

15. The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die
16. U2 - No Line on the Horizon

17. The Rakes - KLANG

18. The Decemberists - Hazards Of Love

19. KMFDM - Blitz
20. Pearl Jam - Ten [Reissue]

21. Jane’s Addiction - A Cabinet of Curiosities [Box Set]

22. Dave Matthews Band - TBA

23. Depeche Mode - TBA

24. Deftones - Eros
25. Dr. Dre - Detox
26. Eminem - Relapse

27. Peter, Bjorn, & John - TBA

28. Rakim - The Seventh Seal
29. Silversun Pickups - Swoon
30. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - TBA

31. Echo & The Bunnymen - The Fountain

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McCrank's Juke - January Mix (2009)

2009-01-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

McCrank's Juke - January Mix (2009)

Can you really still say Happy New Year, after ten days in January? Been lagging on the posts, but researching the hell out of new bands. I am deep into the indie scene. Finding new gems on NME and via recent "Best of 2008" blogs, some of which are featured below for your listening pleasure. McCrank's Juke's - January Mix is steeped in the gothic sounds (you'd think some of these guys were in Joy Divsion or Bauhaus) that I tend to favor. Lots of horrorpop and some mellowy, electronic sounds - whispy and remeniscent of Halloween as a kid. Been reading Batman 100 by artist Paul Pope and listening to Glasvegas while planning on seeing "Righteous Kill" and some other mind-numbing experiences. Great indian dance party last night... Looking forward to music picking up again in February with some all new albums, including the new Flaming Lips CD. Anyone going to see Social D at the new Fox Theatre in Oakland?

McCrank's Juke - January Mix (2009)

01. Geraldine (Radio Edit) - Glasvegas

02. Keep Your Eyes Ahead - The Helio Sequence

03. Can't Take it With You - Social Distortion

04. Keep Me Warm - Ida Maria

05. A Forest - Bat For Lashes

06. Girl With One Eye - Florence And The Machine

07. A Brief History Of Love - The Big Pink

08. I Wish I Had Never Been in Love - The Hot Melts

09. Coverging In The Quiet - Crystal Stilts

10. Death (Crystal Castles Remix ) - White Lies

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McCrank's Juke - December Mix (2008)

2008-12-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

McCrank's Juke - December Mix (2008)

I must admit the Facebook phenom is waring off on me. (Missed me lately have you?) With the latest posting about the Best of 2008 and an upcoming post (new albums for 2009) I have been hitting the music scene more regularly. Locating bands I missed in 2008 and finding music that is rare, unreleased and ready to blow-up. From the musings of The Cribs to the electronica of Booka Shade. I have composed a special December mix that captures my monthly favorites. A McCrank's Juke playlist if you will (yes, it's on my ipod). Let me know your favorites and current musical obsessions. I must admit I grow weary of Coldplay and Lil Wayne related "Sam Goody" rock and rap. Hit me with your special indie-cred list and I will publish it here on McCrank's Juke. The rest of you stay silent.

McCrank's Juke - December Mix (2008)
01. Sweet Lies (Radio Edit) - Booka Shade
02. Come Back - Magnetic Morning
03. Breathe Into Glass - Asobi Seksu
04. Panic - The Cribs w/Johnny Marr
05. There's Been An Accident - Twilight Singers
06. Drug Deal Blues - Angelo Badalamenti & David Lynch
07. Sweeter Than Sweet - Lulu Rouge
08. Converging In The Quiet - Crystal Stilts
09. Undertow - Stars

10. My Dearest Love - Morrissey

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McCrank's Juke - Top Albums of 2008

2008-12-21T22:10:00.000-08:00

I had to weigh-in on the best albums of 2008. After reading the latest list from SPIN and Rolling Stone (think: Lil Wayne and Coldplay) I had to bring a sanity check to all the blog lists and indie music pubs spinning their list of best music, albums, singles of 2008. I think we've got a case of groupthink out there with 8 out of 10 lists putting Fleet Foxes, Deerhunter, Bon Iver and The Hold Steady in the top 5. Seriously, indie cred starts with being able to admit certain bands suck. Indie is built on the garage sound and the independent music scene (not Clear Channel!) and having these 4 bands make the top 5 on multiple blogs seems a bit rare to me. I must admit, some of my list matches up with many of them, because bands like MGMT, Santogold, Ra Ra Riot, M83, and Glasvegas are truly unique and promising bands that delivered the musical goods in 2008. I can't say a conspiracy is afoot, but my musical ears tell me there is some profit and labels at work here, my friends. Think She & Him, Vampire Weekend and TV on The Radio -- certain rock shouldn't be crammed directly into our minds, repeatedly - labels. Once you see my list, you'll see I am as mainstream as the next guy!

Either way, the best way to learn about new music and explore bands you may never have listened to, but perhaps read about, is to scroll the 2008 lists and learn about new albums, snappy singles and rare upstart bands. That is how I got into The National, M83, Girl In a Coma and other cool talents. Largehearted Boy has collected all the lists (except this one) and given you a good cross-section of music blogs to choose from. Explore, spend the 10 hours, learn about a new song or band. Don't take Billboard and Rolling Stone at face value.

McCrank's Juke - Top Albums of 2008
01. Counting Crows - Saturday Nights, Sunday Mornings
02. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
03. Diplo & Santogold - Top Ranking
04. Glasvegas - Glasvegas
05. Raphael Saadiq - The Way I See It
06. Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
07. Glasvegas - Glasvegas
08. Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles
09. The Walkmen - You & Me
10. Girl Talk - Feed The Animals
11. The Black Keys - Attack & Release
12. Sigur Ros - Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
13. Crystal Stilts - Alight of Night
14. Nine Inch Nails - The Slip
15. Metallica - Death Magnetic
16. M83 - Saturdays=Youth
17. Sun Kil Moon - April
18. Low Vs Diamond - Low Vs Diamond
19. Spiritualized - Songs in A+E
20. The Cure - 4:13 Dream

No links required :-)

McCrank's Juke - November Mix (2008)

2008-11-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

It's been less then a whole month and boy can the music business pivot on a dime in just a few short weeks. We've got Guns N' Roses to look forward to, an amazing new Cure album out and a bunch of Obama based songs dropping as easy as last night's Indian buffet-sized shit. Now last month my mix-tape featured a retro feel, but I fear I have too much indie banging up this listing. Hot bands like M83 (on tour near you now!) and new albums from stellastarr, including a couple of gothy tracks, are making music waves faster then I can write about them. Fuck you Pitchfork, keep paying your corporate monkeys to crank out their Weezer, Oasis and Radiohead based posts. You are like Clear Channel, Foo Fighters anyone?

I am trying out here, holding it down with a few solid off-the-chart bands and up-and-comers, like The Knux. Sprinkle in a few sophmore bands delivering albums in time for your Christmas stocking. Take a listen, McCrank up their Myspace pages and see if some of these bands don't shout out 80's rock mixed in with Interpol-vibes. You were warned.

McCrank's Juke - November Mix (2008)
01. This is Nowhere - The Airborne Toxic Event
02. Couleurs - M83
03. Stay Entertained - stellastarr*
04. A Strange Day - The Cure
05. Violent Heartstrings - The Opposite Sex
06. G.L.O.W - The Smashing Pumpkins
07. Unloveable - The Smiths
08. Fuss And Fight - The Dazzling Strangers
09. Believe (feat. D'Angelo) - Q-Tip
10. Playboys - The Knux

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McCrank's Juke - October Mix (2008)

2008-10-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - October Mix (2008)

Seems to be a lot of hits coming out right about now for 2008. Must be the pre-Christmas rush. New songs from The Dears, Ra Ra Riot, Los Campesinos! and some others. I know I am still waiting on the new Cure disk, but this is my pre-Halloween mix featuring some rare singles, old classics and hard to find live tracks. If you like the great David Byrne or if you feel like wheezing out with Asobi Seksu and dreaming the dream -- then this list has something for everyone. Singles, Cds and a loner, goth like afterburn featuring Glas Vegas and the Secret Machines. Feel free to peruse the new artists and grab a smack off their myspace pages. I suggest you go directly to iTunes to purchase and groove-box them into your playlist.

McCrank's Juke - October Mix (2008)
01. How Soon Is Now? - The Smiths
02. Miserabilia - Los Campesinos!
03. Great Desolations - David Byrne
04. A Manner To Act - Ra Ra Riot
05. If You Care - Doll and the Kicks
06. Heroes - Ian Mcculloch
07. Thursday - Asobi Seksu
08. Disclaimer - The Dears
09. Go Square Go - Glas Vegas
10. Underneath The Concrete - Secret Machines

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McCrank's - Bands to Watch (Sept. 2008)

2008-09-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

McCrank's - Bands to Watch (Sept. 2008)

I know, I know -- most of these bands are already huge. I suck in that way. It took me a while to compile the list and shoot through my overflow of porn. Sorry about that! Anyways, Low Vs Diamond are hitting the US in a massive tour and coming to a friendly theatre near you will be the indie pop makers -- Stars (pushing the Lonely Robots EP). OneRepublic makes the list as the millenium version of New Order (mashed with pop, cutesy-teen angst). I rather like Cool Kids, but selected Chester French and MGMT, who are already taking up space in local music mags. Ra Ra Riot is hitting stateside with a tour, GlasVegas are supporting Echo & The Bunnymen on their Ocean Rain odyssey. Plenty to choose from including a comeback worthy of mention -- as 90's rockers Oasis have returned to form with their latest disk (Dig Out Your Soul) and tour. Likewise, Witchcraft are making Eagles of Death Metal and others look like jokes, with their latest tour. All indie bands and rising sensations are not fully endorsed or supported by the lovely Sash Suicide (pictured).

McCrank's - Bands to Watch (Sept. 2008)
01. Low Vs Diamond
02. OneRepublic
03. Chester French
04. MGMT
05. Oasis (Rare Form)
06. Ra Ra Riot
07. Boy 8-Bit
08. Stars
09. GlasVegas
10. Witchcraft

No links required :-)

McCrank's Juke - August Mix (2008)

2008-08-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - August Mix (2008)

I say, I say. New music, superb duets and a taste of the indie. I am really looking forward to the new Bob Dylan unreleased 2 disk set - "Telltale Signs". One of my favorite albums is "Time out Of Mind" with the solemn, haunting tracks produced by Daniel Lanois. We should finally see the outtakes and b-sides. Likewise, the Lallapalooza duets with Slash and Perry, make me think that Velvet Revolver may just be back, with Perry Farrell on the lead mic. The Jane's reunion talk has cooled, so look for something to pop-up there. Here's my mix-master-burn-faster mix for August. Some simple Mp3's you should purchase or find in the Google "singles bin". Look up Stephen Malkmus and let me know if I am on track here...Chi-City!

McCrank's Juke - August Mix (2008)
01. Clampdown (Clash Cover) - The National
02. Dreamin' Of You (Unreleased Time Out Of Mind Track) - Bob Dylan
03. Free Fallin' (Where The Light Is) - John Mayer
04. Dragonfly Pie - Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks
05. Jane Says (Live Lallapalooza 2008) - Perry Farrell + Slash
06. Last Letter - One Day As A Lion
07. Homecoming - Kanye West Feat Chris Martin

08. Nothing Lasts Forever - Ian Mcculloch

09. The Photographer - Girl In A Coma

10. Hazel St - Deerhunter

Links Above

McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2008)

2008-07-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2008)

I know, I know. Think about how miserable this makes me feel to be posting so soon some of the outrageous new music and sounds. I've been catching some solid hits and tunes in my killing jar and I wanted to show them to you, including some jazz from Karen O., Lemmy, Santogold and others. Enjoy my July mix and hip-hop to the artist page to support their music. Nothing like beating the crowds. EPs out now!

McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2008)

01. OOO - Native Korean Rock (Featuring Karen O.)

02. Get Out (Acoustic) - Soldout

03. Five Long Years - The Head Cat (Lemmy Kilmister and Slim Jim Phantom)

04. Wild International - One Day As A Lion (Zack De La Rocha + Jon Theodore)

05. Guns of Brooklyn - Diplo + Santogold

06. Love Is Noise - The Verve

07. New Man - French Kicks (Daytrotter Sessions)

08. Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed - Morrissey

09. Jane Says (Live Red Rock Casino) - Perry Farrell & Dave Navarro

10. Sounds - Earlimart

Links Above