McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2011)

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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McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2011)

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)

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)

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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McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2010)

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)

Ian Mcculloch - Live Prohibition, Cotton Club (2004)

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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The Morning Benders - Bedroom Covers EP (2010)

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)

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)

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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Ian Mcculloch - Live Bluecoat Chambers (1989)

Ian Mcculloch - Live Bluecoat Chambers (1989)

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

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

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Florence and the Machine (2010 WXPN Session)

Florence and the Machine (2010 WXPN Session)

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

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

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The Smiths - The Early Demos

The Smiths - The Early Demos

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

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

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The Cure - Wild Mood Swings (Demos)

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

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

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Tegan And Sara - Live Saints EP (2010)

Tegan And Sara - Live Saints EP (2010)

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

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

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Big Audio Dynamite - Live Bradford, UK (1988)

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)

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)

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

The Cure - Delirious Night (‘Disintegration’ Demo)

Can't wait for the Disintegration Deluxe Edition.

Natalie Merchant - Live Portland, Maine (1996)

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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