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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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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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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D'Angelo - Live Stockholm, Sweden (2000)

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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David Byrne: Unplugged - Live San Francisco (1992)

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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Echo & The Bunnymen - DEMOS

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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Ian Mcculloch - Live SPIN Magazine (2009)

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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Porno For Pyros - Big Day Out Festival (1996)

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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Ian Mcculloch - Songbook (2008)

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

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McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2009)

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 - January Mix (2009)

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 - October Mix (2008)

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)

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

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McCrank's Juke - August Mix (2008)

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

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