My Favourite Songs of 2018: Be More Kind - Frank Turner (May 2018)

Be More Kind - Frank Turner
From the album 'Be More Kind' 

(Interscope Records/Polydor/Xtra Mile Recordings)
Released 4th May 2018

Be More Kind

written by Frank Turner
History's been leaning on me lately;
I can feel the future breathing down my neck
And all the things I thought were true
When I was young, and you were too
Turned out to be broken
And I don't know what comes next

In a world that has decided
That it's going to lose its mind
Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind

They've started raising walls around the world now
Like hackles raised upon a cornered cat
On the borders, in our heads
Between the things that can and can't be said
We've stopped talking to each other
And there's something wrong with that

So before you go out searching
Don't decide what you will find
Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind

You should know you're not alone
And that trouble comes, and trouble goes
How this ends, no one knows
So hold on tight when the wind blows

The wind blew both of us to sand and sea
And where the dry land stands is hard to say
As the current drags us by the shore
We can no longer say for sure
Who's drowning, or if they can be saved

But when you're out there floundering
Like a lighthouse I will shine
Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind

Like a beacon reaching out
To you and yours from me and mine
Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind

In a world that has decided
That it's going to lose its mind
Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind  

"In a world that has decided
That it's going to lose its mind
Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind"

Yesterday was apparently World Kindness Day so in one sense I'm probably a little late posting this but in another sense I'm not. Kindness is not something that is just for one day in the year but should be an attitude of heart on a daily basis.

I first heard Be More Kind by Frank Turner back in 2017 sometime if I remember correctly and I recall thinking that this song could actually be one of the finest he's written to date. I was more than pleased when it was announced that it would be the title track to his seventh studio album. The fact that the subject matter of the song is extremely relevant to the days in which we are living makes it even more of an impressive song. 

This actually almost ended up as My Favourite Song of 2018 but it was just pipped at the post by something else equally as gripping (that I will post within the next couple of weeks or so).

The inspiration for the song if I have this correct was a line from a Clive James Poem that was published in The New Yorker magazine back in 2013 in which he describes his own mortality called "Leçons des Ténèbres". The line which inspired the title reads: "I should have been more kind. It is my fate. To find this out, but find it out too late."

The last line of the song, "In a world that has decided that it's going to lose its mind" is such a powerful statement about the world in which we live. 

People's reactions to things which they dislike, whether it be politics, music, sport, fashion, books, film, the media in general, religion/faith, and sexual orientation are sometimes so shocking to read. Many times I've read an overly agressive comment on a Facebook post or even on a You Tube video that has been so full of hatred that I have often wondered what on earth that person had actually been watching or reading to provoke such an OTT response. Even on posts that seem incredibly harmless there are people venting their spleens for one reason or another and that seems to stir others to respond in like manner leading to "raising walls around the world" instead of creating bridges! The message of this song though is to put across the totally opposite reaction (and to quote an old House of Love song, "But I won't fight and I won't hate").

I would count myself among the many who have often said a word that has been harsh toward someone (especially toward folks I don't really know on Social Media) but it's not just words that are the driving force of Frank Turner's song but also our actions. 

The call of the song is to act with kindness rather than putting up barriers and making judgements about situations and people before we have even given a moment to actually consider what on earth is really going on. 

 

This song certainly came as a rebuke to my own hot-headedness and I trust that in more ways than one that I have sought to do exactly what the song says, "Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind".   

Favourite Albums of 2018: Lucy and the Rats - Lucy and the Rats (April)

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Lucy and the Rats - Lucy and the Rats
Dirty Water Records (CD in the UK)
Stardumb Records/ Surfin' Ki/Monster Zero (Vinyl in Europe)
Produced by Johnny Casino
Released 13th April 2018

Released as:
200 x black vinyl
180 x clear and green marbled vinyl (Stardumb Records)
120 x clear and purple marbled vinyl (Surfin' Ki exclusive)
100 x green vinyl (Stardumb Records exclusive)
100 x white vinyl (Surfin' Ki exclusive)
100 x orange vinyl (Monster Zero exclusive)
Download at Lucy and the Rats Bandcamp Page

Lucy and the Rats, the name was new to me but the lead vocalist Lucy Ellis was definetely not unknown to me (she formerly went under the name Lucy Spazzy as a member of the excellent Australian Pop/Punk band The Spazzys). Lucy brings that same Pop/Punk meets 60's Garage Rock Indie vibe to this band as was in her previous band The Spazzys.

Prior to the release of their Self-titled album in April of this year they had released they had released two 7" singles (Girl / Lose My Mind - December 2016 on Surfin' Ki Records and This Situation / Melody in January 2017 on Monster Zero).

The band are based in London (Lucy having been in the UK since 2015 apparently).

I'm not even sure how I stumbled on this one, I probably read about it somewhere whilst surfing around (the Web, not literally surfing because I don't think I'd be able to stand up to catch a splash let alone a wave! 😁).

Ever since picking it up way back in April it's been one that has been played on a regular basis because there's something delightful and bouncy about it. It actually reminds me in places of The Darling Buds, back when they were first playing around and releasing Indie singles before they signed to a major. I don't think this one was ever going to be left off the list of my favourites for 2018.

Louder Than War Review by Nathan Whittle.

My Favourite Songs of 2018: See You On The Other Side - Brian Fallon

See You On The Other Side - Brian Fallon
From the album Sleepwalkers
 

 All my life I've been a slave to a pardon
My eyes transfixed some where far over the Jordan
And all my years I've wanted some one to die for
So I had a reason I've earned
But I've never been where you were born
Or felt the things that broke your heart
Come talk to me
Come talk to me
I want to understand

And when we both grow old
And there is nothing left to say
I want you to know
That I loved you all my days
And when we close our eyes on this life time
I'll see you on the other side
Yes I'll, see you on the other side

I would count myself lucky, loved, and entertain you
To find myself in the things that complicate you
And spend my life in your majesty service
And I call myself satisfied

But in all of my boring ways
In time and love and body aches
I loved you more
I loved you more
But a clock keeps ticking down

And when we both grow old
And there is nothing left to say
I want you to know
That I loved you all my days
And when we close our eyes on this life time
I'll see you on the other side
Yes I'll, see you on the other side
If you hold on
Hold on
Hold on to me

And when we both grow old
And there is nothing left to say
I want you to know
That I loved you all my days
And when we close our eyes on this life time
I'll see you on the other side
Yes I'll, see you on the other side

Released in February, Brian Fallon's second Solo album Sleepwalkers (on Island Records) is an absolute gem. Loaded with some great songs and I could have picked almost anyone of them but I've gone for the closing track from the album.

I wasn't too overwhelmed with his debut album Painkillers but his second ticked all the boxes and even sounded a little bit like Gaslight Anthem in places! If you haven't heard the album then CLICK HERE to have a listen. 

This time of year we focus a lot on those who we have lost as the spotlight has been on commemorations for the 100 years since the end of World War I and of course in the midst of that our attention has been on those who served in the wars since then who bravely gave their lives in pursuit of freedom. But the song can be seen in many ways especially when it comes to personal loss, whether it be a family member, a loved one, a close friend who has departed this earthly shore or one who is close to the end of their days due to illness or old age. I really like the sentiment of being able to say your goodbyes with these words: 

"And when we both grow old
And there is nothing left to say
I want you to know
That I loved you all my days
And when we close our eyes on this life time
I'll see you on the other side
Yes I'll, see you on the other side"


So, I want to dedicate this one to a number of friends who at this present time have had to say goodbye to someone special in their lives and trust that the precious memories you have of them will bring you comfort in your time of grieving.

My Favourite Songs of 2018: Cenotaph - The Alarm

Just like with the albums I decided against providing a chartlist of my favourite songs of 2018 and have decided over the next few weeks or so to share some of the individual songs, whether released as a "Single" or just an Album Track. Once again be prepared for a whole bunch of diverse sounds. 

My first pick actually had it's Video Premiere just this morning (about an hour ago) but the song has been around for a wee while and features on the Equals album by The Alarm. 

It's one of Mike Peters best songs in a long time I think. Anyway, hope you like it. The main part of the video was filmed at an event for World Album Day a few weeks back on which MP played the whole of the Equals album before a very small gathering. 

Cenotaph - The Alarm

From the album Equals (released 29th June 2018)

Video Release 11th November 2018

My Favourite Albums of 2018: Encore - Anderson East

I decided that I wasn't going to do a chart list of my favourite albums of the year but rather I would just share a few albums that have been bringing me a lot of joy in 2018. It's a nice mixed bag of musical stylings that I trust maybe one or two might be a little pleasing to your ears. The final one in my list will be what for me has been my overall favourite, you are just have to keep coming back to see what that one is.

I haven't been posting an awful lot this year but am grateful to those who have stuck by to read and listen to what little I have shared. The Blog reached over 500,000 Page views a couple of weeks back and for some reason it kind of passed by without fanfare. Thank you whatever land you are in across the globe for visiting Soundtrack4Life. I am really grateful for the continued interest despite my absences throughout the year.

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Encore - Anderson East
Elektra
Produced by Dave Cobb
Released 12th January 2018
US Billboard 200 Chart #48
US Folk Chart #3
US Rock Chart #5

Listen To The Album Here.

  Tracklist*
A1 King For The Day 
A2 This Too Shall Last
A3 House Is A Building   
A4 Sorry You're Sick
A5 If You Keep Leaving Me   
A6 Girlfriend   
B1 Surrender   
B2 All On My Mind    
B3 Without You    
B4 Somebody Pick Up My Pieces  
B5 Cabinet Door

* Here are live versions and Promo Videos of songs from the album taken from various places. Click on the Links to watch.

Anderson East hails from Alabama but currently is based in Nashville, Tennessee.

I have to confess to knowing very little about him but earlier this year I heard him cover Ted Hawkins' 'Sorry You're Sick' (the Cover Version features on the Encore album) and was blown away by it so much I had to check out more from him.

I liked the fact that Dave Cobb had produced the album. His previous work on albums by Jason Isbell, Sturgis Simpson, Zac Brown Band and Chris Stapleton impressed me a lot.

Another Cover Version on the album is a Willie Nelson song ('Somebody Pick Up My Pieces') whilst the rest of the songs are co-writes with a number of folks including Chris Stapleton (his wife Morgane Stapleton also has a co-write credit for 'King For A Day'), Natalie Hemby (who has written for Lee Ann Womack, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town), Avicii (Tim Bergling, Swedish DJ/Producer who died in April 2018), Johnny McDaid (Snow Patrol), Ed Sheeran, and Steve McEwan (who has written songs for the likes of Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Kylie Minogue, Roger Daltrey, Eminem and more).

With a lot of Country type folk involved you might expect that Encore was going to be a Country album but it isn't at all. Yes, there are some tinges of Country (or Country Rock, whatever you want to call it), but there are nods to Southern Soul, Folk, Americana, Pop and R&B as well which all make for an album that is really worth listening to for its sheer diversity of sound.

Encore was the first album of 2018 to really impress me and there were many more to come. Keep your eyes opened for the next one in a couple of days time.

Keeping It Peel 2018

On the 14th anniversary of the death of John Peel once again it's time to celebrate musically by Keeping It Peel.

I have chosen 30 John Peel Sessions spanning the years (the oldest dating back to 1968) and taking in many different musical styles just like his Radio Shows of old did back in the day.

I hope you enjoy them.

Keeping It Peel Playlist


On The Playlist
Roxy Music 1972
The Cramps 1986
The Psychedelic Furs 1979
T.Rex 1970
Leonard Cohen 1968
The Slits 1977
Linton Kwesi Johnson 1979
The Sisters of Mercy 1984
Killing Joke 1979
Joe Jackson 1979
Joy Division 1979
The Human League 1978
Motorhead 1978
Wire 1978
The Adverts 1977
Elvis Costello and The Attractions 1978
The Vapours 1979
The Ruts 1979
Ultravox! 1977
Culture 1982
Buzzcocks 1977
The Fall 1985
Siouxsie and the Banshees 1977
The Cranberries 1992
The Only Ones 1978
Prince Far-I and Creation Rebel 1978
The Damned 1979
Graham Parker and The Rumour 1976
The Motors 1977
Half Man Half Biscuit 1985  

Rewind: Madness and Specials Unleash Debut Albums On This Day in 1979

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One Step Beyond - Madness
Stiff Records
Produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley
Released 19th October 1979
UK Chart #2

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Specials - Specials
2 Tone
Produced by Elvis Costello
Released 19th October 1979
UK Chart #4

Two of the bands at the forefront of the 2 Tone Ska Revival released their Debut Albums on this day in 1979. Madness of course had moved on from the 2 Tone label to the "Most Flexible Label in the World", Stiff Records and The Special A.K.A. had been dropped in favour of the more simple Specials.

Out of the two I preferred One Step Beyond, mainly because I didn't think that Elvis Costello had properly captured the urgency and frenetic nature of the Specials that they displayed when playing live, whilst with Madness, Langer and Winstanley did manage to capture the energy of the band.

It was One Step Beyond that had the upper hand when it came to the Charts peaking at #2 whilst Specials made it to #4.

Both bands are still out and about playing live (with newer personnel) and I think I read somewhere that the Specials are hoping to record a new album soon. Can't Touch Us Now in 2016 is the latest studio album from Madness (their 11th) and the first not to feature Cathal Symth (Chas Smash) who had left the band to focus on a Solo Career.

Rewind: Moving Targets - Penetration (3rd October 1978)

Moving Targets - Penetration

Virgin

Proudced by Mick Glossop and Mike Howlett

Released 3rd October 1978

UK Chart #22

Side One

Side Two

Personnel

    Pauline Murray - vocals
    Fred Purser - lead guitar; keyboards on "Reunion"
    Neale Floyd - guitar
    Robert Blamire - bass
    Gary Smallman - drums, percussion

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It's amazing to think that Moving Targets is 40 Years Old today! It's an album that I have never had to blow the dust off or brush off the cobwebs because it gets played often and even after 40 years I never tire of listening to it.

Penetration were formed in 1976 in County Durham but at first were called The Points and played their debut live show at the Rock Garden in Middlesbourgh in October 1976. Their second live performance saw them supporting The Stranglers at Newcastle City Hall! The change of name came from the Iggy and The Stooges track Penetration that was released in 1973 on the Raw Power album.

The band signed to Virgin Records and in November 1977 released their debut single Don't Dictate which is widely regarded as a Punk Classic. They followed up in March 1978 with the excellent Firing Squad single. 

 (Firing Squad Picture Sleeve)

Neither single dented the chart and the single released as the forerunner to the debut album, Life's A Gamble, didn't set the chart on fire either! 

It's a shame because all three singles were really decent quality tunes and fortunately the debut album would be the one to open the door to some much deserved chart activity.

The first two singles were not included on the album though when reissued on CD both A & B Sides were present.

A John Peel Session was recorded on 5th July 1978 and it included Future Daze, Vision, Stone Heroes and Movement, all of which would appear on the Debut album.

Nine of the eleven tracks were written by members of the band and it ends suprisingly with two cover versions, firstly Nostalgia which had been on the second album Love Bites by Buzzcocks (released only a month before!)  and secondly Free Money, written by Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye (and had originally appeared on the Horses album from 1975).

Whilst those cover versions are excellent it's actually the quality of their own writing that really stands out for me. They had grown musically as a band from their debut single to what is offered here on the debut album. A lot of that I think can be put down to the twin guitar attack of Neale Floyd (who had replaced the original guitarist Gary Chaplin, who departed in March 1978) and Fred Purser (who joined in July 1978).

Whilst the studio versions of the songs are just brilliant it was actually the live performances that really captured the sheer force and energy of the songs.

Don't Dictate (Electric Circus 1977).

Life's A Gamble (Reading Festival 1978).

Lovers of Outrage (Reading Festival 1978).

Future Daze (on Alright Now 1979).

Lovers of Outrage (on Alright Now 1979).

 BBC In Concert 7th July 1979 Paris Theatre London.

Nostalgia (Northumbria University 2002).

Stone Heroes (Northumbria University 2002).

Firing Squad (Northumbria University 2002).

Listening to this once again brings up great memories of shows at The Marquee in Wardour Street and The Lyceum Ballroom down at The Strand in London. 

"Sometimes there's a song in my brain
And I feel that my heart knows the refrain
I guess it's just the music
That brings on nostalgia for an age yet to come" 

- (Nostalgia - Pete Shelley)

S4L Radio Show Playlist #11

I woke up very early today, around 4am, and was thinking that it's been sometime since I last did a Radio Show Playlist so amid the cobwebs of the dusty mind and the quietness of the morning I threw this little lot together.

There's old music and new music gathered from many different artists but all have one thing in common, they have invaded my ears with the beautiful sound of guitars, drums, bass, keyboards and vocals (and whatever instruments they could find) to bring delight and wonder.


The Playlist



On The Playlist
Radio Radio - Spear of Destiny

Who doesn't like a good song about the Radio? 

7" Singles - Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott
Recently released video spotlighting a track from a new collection tracing Paul Heaton's musical journey entitled 'The Last King of Pop'

45 - The Gaslight Anthem
They have been out and about playing The 59 Sound album as well as other tracks from their catalogue including this one.

45RPM - The Alarm
Another ode to the the 7" single. The Alarm will be back on the road in the USA and Canada starting in Hollywood 25th October and finishing up in Toronto 15th November. They then launch out on another UK Tour starting in London 28th November. For all details of all dates go to their website (click here).

That Song - The Bouncing Souls
Sometimes there is a song you just want to play over and over again because it's just that good.

Don't Come Close (40th Anniversary Mix) - Ramones
Taken from Road To Ruin 40th Anniversary Edition. It's a nice package that comes with a Remastering of the the 1978 album, a special 40th Anniversary Mix, B-sides, Demo and Acoustic versions and a live hometown show from 31st December 1979 in NYC.

Just Breathe - Thrice
From the brand new album Palms on Epitaph Records.

Prayers - Good Charlotte
From their latest Generation Rx project that follows on after the success of Youth Authority from 2016.

Head Above Water - Avril Lavigne
Now I'm not usually fussed about Ms Lavigne but I heard this song unaware of who it was and really liked the lyrics on it and so was mightly surprised to discover it was Avril!

Downhearted Town - The Textones
Opening track from their album Old Stone Gang on Blue Elan Records. Must admit I know nothing about the band but what I've heard from the album I quite enjoyed.

High Cost of Loving You - Scott Sharrard
From his latest album Saving Grace. Another artist I know little about but I love the mix of Blues and Soul that runs through his latest album.

Girlfriend - Anderson East
So as I begin thinking about the list of the Top Albums of 2018 I'm sure Anderson East will be on it somewhere. His album Encore is one of my favourite releases of the year.

Confidence - Candi Staton
Taken from her 30th album Unstoppable that includes covers of Patti Smith's People Have The Power, and Nick Lowe's What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding. It was released in August this year and has received a lot of good press for her. Another one that might show up on my end of year Best of list.

Save Me - The Saints
Drifiting back in time to 1978 and this wonderful cover of a track that first appeared in 1967 on Aretha Franklin's I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You album. This version was on Prehistoric Sounds, the third album by The Saints, released on Harvest Records in October 1978 and was the last album to feature Ed Kuepper who had been one of the founding members of the Australian band.

Wanderlust - Glen Matlock
Taken from his recently released album Good To Go on the Peppermint label. Ex-Bowie guitarist Earl Slick and Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom feature as musicians on the album.

Movin' On - Paul Weller
Brand new video from Mr Weller spotlighting a track from his latest album True Meanings. It sees Weller in a more quieter and acoustic frame of mind.

I Am The Highway - Ann Wilson
Taken from her latest album Immortal in which she has chosen the songs of musicians she loves and respects who have passed away in the past few years. I Am the Highway is her tribute to Chris Cornell. Also included on the album are tributes to Tom Petty, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Glenn Frey, Jack Bruce, George Michael, Amy Winehouse, Lesley Gore and Gerry Rafferty.

My Way - Willie Nelson
Album number 68(!) from Willie Nelson and this time around he's paying tribute to Frank Sinatra! His album Last Man Standing from earlier this year was a wee gem and if this latest collection of shows anything it is that you can't put Willie Nelson in a box because he just comes along and blows the box up!

The Parting Shot
Goodbye, Goodnight - Jars of Clay
Taken from their 1999 album If I Left The Zoo.

That's your lot until next time. Until then whatever you play, play it LOUD!

I'm Still Here...Now Playing!

Just in case readers of this blog have been wondering if I have somehow stepped into the back of my wardrobe and ventured into Narnia and can't find the way back home or have visited the Costume Shop and suddenly found myself, like Mr Benn, at sea in the middle of a storm and awaiting The Shopkeeper to appear as if by magic to save me from a watery grave, may I calm your fears...I am still here!

Yes it's been a long time since I last posted but I did mention that I might struggle to post on a regular basis due to some medical issues etc and current state of mind. So today you got me in a good moment and for that you are rewarded with a Playlist of a few things I've been listening to over the past couple of months. Hope you enjoy this rather eclectic mix.

Thanks for your patience.

Doug. 😀

Now Playing Playlist



I'm Alive -999
Debut single from the brilliant 999.

Keepin' It Close To My Heart - Drivin' N Cryin'
Don't really know much about these guys but I really liked the sound of their album Too Late To To Turn Back Now.

Lose My Mind - Lucy and The Rats
Lucy was formerly in The Spazzys and is now apparently based in London. With her new band she has released a Self-Titled album that is pretty cool. Vocals at times remind me of early Kirsty MacCall and also of Andrea from The Darling Buds.


Rock and Stick - Bozz Scaggs
From his latest album Out of the Blues. Still sounding brilliant by the way and still out playing shows.


Get Your Shirt - Underworld and Iggy Pop
A bit of a bizzare collaboration but it actually works pretty well. Taken from the EP Teatime Dub Encounters.


1st (Acoustic Version) - Leah Daniels
Country singer from Uxbridge, Middlesex. Not exactly known as a hot bed of Country Music but she's recently put out a nice wee EP that includes a full band version of this song.

Just Found Heaven - Daughtry
From his latest album Cage to Rattle

Sheriff Fatman - Carter USM
This one appears on a new compilation called C89 which has some really cool Indie tunes.

Waiting For Winter - Popguns
Also on the C89 Compilation

Tony Hadley - Peruvian Hipsters
A last one from the C89 Compilation. Why anyone would want to sing a song about the ex-lead vocalist of Spandau Ballet is beyond me, but hey, those Indie Kids were a strange bunch!

Something Worth Fighting For - The Spitfires
Latest track to be released on Limited Edition 7" (28th September 2018) and also features on their excellent Year Zero album.

Verse & Chaos - The Droggettes
Philly Punk From the album Clockwork Girls

Future Me Hates Me - The Beths
Title track of the latest album from a band that were new to my ears. They hail from Auckland, New Zealand.

Wildflowers (Tribute to Tom Petty) - The Church Sisters
Another Country outfit that were new to my ears. Their latest album A Night at The Opry is well worth a listen.

Outdoor Miner - Wire
From the Special Edition of Chairs Missing.

Toxic - Ian McNabb
From his latest album Our Future In Space. Ms Spears is the last person on earth you would ever imagine to be covered by the Neil Young lovin' Ian McNabb!

Save Me - Aretha Franklin
From the 1967 album I Never Loved A Man The Way I Loved You. Recently heard a great cover of this by The Saints, and Jimi Hendrix does a version of it as well. But the voice of Aretha is one that's going to be missed. Thank goodness for the treaure of her musical legacy that's left behind.

I'd Give A Kidney For You - Hailey's Comet
Not quite sure where I stumbled over this but I'm always impressed when people write songs with either amazingly funny titles or ones that are thought provoking!

Supernatural - The Slow Readers Club
My mate Gary in Manchester is always on my case about listening to The Slow Readers Club and so I thought I would finally surrender, and they are none too shabby!

Riot On The Strip - James Williamson & The Pink Hearts
Track from the brand new album by former Stooges guitarist entitled Behind The Shade.

Old Enuff To Know Better! - Pink Fairies
The old Psychedelic Anarchists are back! This one was written by Larry Wallis and is featured on their brand new album Resident Reptiles.

Crazy Kids - Walter Lure & The Waldos
Taken from the new album Wacka Lacka Loom Bop A Loom Bam Boo. Old Walter is still kicking it big time after more than forty years of playing and he's never sounded so good.