The Troggs - Live In France 1981

This is the The Troggs live in concert in Dijon, France, back on the 5th October 1981.

Famous for a number of sixties hits including 'Wild Thing' the band found a sympathetic ear at French label New Rose in the 1980s, the label releasing 1982's Black Bottom LP.

This concert would therefore be around the time of the recording of the album and some new material is featured, and with a release on the horizon touring in France made eminent sense.

It is fascinating hearing them do covers of Buddy Holly and The Stones with Reg Presley's accent & vocal style putting a 'Troggs' slant on the proceedings. I never thought of The Troggs as a 'play it loud' rock'n'roll band, I stand corrected!

Source: FM Broadcast

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3 @192kbps

Genre: Pop, Rock, R&B.

Set: Majority of concert

Set List:

01 - Love Is All Around
02 - Feels Like A Woman
03 - Strange Movie
04 - Black Bottom
05 - I Don't
06 - Peggy Sue
07 - Satisfaction
08 - Evil
09 - I Do Do
10 - Night Of The Long Grass
11 - Give It To Me
12 - With A Girl Like You
13 - Wild Thing
14 - I Can't Control Myself
15 - I Can Only Give You Everything

Links: Official site HERE.

Comments: This is another of those French FM Radio broadcasts where the presenter pops up here and there to tell you your listening to The Troggs, however thankfully this does not detract as he has been edited out (a little roughly) where possible and the band are just doing their thing regardless.

Download link in comments below or click on the picture.

Buy: - MP3's at Amazon.co.uk - The Troggs

Stereolab - Live in Liverpool & London 1999.

Sadly Stereolab have called it a day for the time being, however having been together for nineteen years the desire to take a rest and move on to new projects is understandable.

This is the band a decade ago from two different concerts both recorded by the BBC.

Tracks 1 to 5 are from a BBC Broadcast at The Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool on the 28th, October 1999. Tracks 6 to 15 are from a BBC Broadcast at The Queen Elizabeth Hall, London on the 3rd June 1999.

Source: FM Broadcast

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@224kbps

Genre: Post-rock, indie rock, ambient.

Set: Two sets (neither complete).

Set List:

Liverpool:

1. Escape pod.
2. The free design.
3. Metronomic underground.
4. Op hop detonation.
5. Analogue rock.

London:

6. Miss modular.
7. Escape pod.
8. The free design.
9. Analogue rock.
10. Op hop detonation.
11. Percolator.
12. Rainbow conversation.
13. People do it all the time.
14. Metronomic underground.
15. The seeming and the meaning.

Links: Official site HERE.

Comments: The wikipedia entry for Stereolab which is pretty comprehensive includes the following:

Called "one of the most fiercely independent and original groups of the Nineties", Stereolab were one of the first bands to be termed "post-rock". Their primary musical influence is 1970s krautrock, which they combine with lounge, 1960s pop, and experimental pop music. They are noted for their heavy use of vintage electronic keyboards, and their sound often overlays a repetitive "motorik" beat with female vocals sung in English or French. Stereolab often incorporate socio-political themes into their lyrics.

These two concert elements give a fine feel to the live capabilities of the exceptional Stereolab.

Download link in comments below or click on the picture.

Buy: - MP3's at Amazon.co.uk - Stereolab

Beehive Recommends - The Dustys

Working my way through this weeks music inbox I came across The Dustys for the first time. It was one of those moments that when I started listening I found my self immediately stop everything else my attention grabbed. I like those moments so thanks The Dustys!

Part of their bio states 'The Dustys began as a new direction for veterans of the DC-area garage punk scene, getting together to write fuller, more power-pop and acid rock influenced tunes. Though they’ve always been in love with classic sounds like Big Star, Badfinger, Can, and T-rex, it was a revelation to finally get a chance to merge that sweet love with the muscle of the Devil Dogs and the stoner grooves of Fu Manchu or Red Sparrowes'. and 'The Dustys sound is classic without being nostalgic, psychedelic without being pretentious--banging enough to make you dance but intricate enough to take you on a roadtrip through the desert in every song'.

I would only add that I really like what I have heard so far and hope we get to hear a whole lot more before long.

The Bravery got hold off their debut EP last year and to cut the story short The Dustys are on tour with them in the USA & Canada throughout October & November!

Listen:
'Dangerous Little Signs'.



MP3: HERE.
Website: MySpace.
Buy: HERE.
Tour Dates: Tumblr

Beehive Recommends - Hey Ocean!

There are days when bands like Hey Ocean! are madatory listening. Days when you need a boost, your spirit needs a little lift, or you kinda wanna jig around a bit.

Having just announced their Fall tour in Canada & the USA a good number of people are in for a treat as their live shows are reckoned to be pretty special.

Quoting some of the detail (it's Friday I am intitiled to copy and paste a little! 'Often described as one of Canada’s best up-and-coming acts, Hey Ocean is a young band with an extraordinary talent for blending various musical styles into a brand of infectious pop that is uniquely their own. Together, Ashleigh Ball, David Beckingham and David Vertesi have created a musical repertoire that cannot be ignored – be it on radio, television or your neighbor’s iPod, Hey Ocean will soon be everywhere. What began as a very casual musical partnership on the beaches of Costa Rica, has now morphed into one of Canada’s most successful independent bands. Their rapid success can be attributed to their do-it-yourself attitude, which has recently helped build their self-owned label, Pop Machine. Continuously leaving fans in awe, Hey Ocean combines sheer talent, charismatic songs, and an undeniably energetic live show, making them a must see band for 2009! It’s Easier To Be Somebody Else is now available on iTunes. '

Listen:
'A Song About California'



MP3: HERE.
Website: MySpace.
Tour Dates: HERE.

Captain Beefheart - Amsterdam 1974

Captain Beefheart (aka Don Van Vliet) and The Magic Band had a rather tumultuous relationship at times, and in early 1974 he found himself touring with a new set of musicians.

Don Van Vliet's music attracted a devoted following and his influence on fellow musicians, particularly those of the punk and New Wave movements, has been described as incalculable. He stopped touring and recording in the early 1980's to concentrate on painting.

This is Captain Beefheart nonetheless in characteristic form back live at The Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, on the 22nd June 1974.

Source: FM Broadcast

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@320kbps

Genre: Experimental rock, psychedelic rock, blues-rock, avant garde, protopunk.

Set: Full set

Set List:

1. Mighty Crazy - Be Your Dog.
2. Sweet Georgia Brown.
3. This Is The Day.
4. Abba Zaba.
5. Peaches.
6. Who'll Be The Next One ? and Yer Gonna Need Somebody On Yer bond.

Links: Semi Official Fan Site HERE.

Comments: In 1974, immediately after the recording of Unconditionally Guaranteed, an album which continued the trend towards a more commercial sound heard on several of the Clear Spot tracks, The Magic Band, which had by then coalesced around the core of Art Tripp III, Alex St. Clair, Bill Harkleroad and Rockette Morton, decided they could no longer work with Don Van Vliet, who was by all accounts a severe taskmaster. They left to form Mallard.

Don Van Vliet quickly formed a new Magic Band of musicians who had no experience with his music and in fact had never heard it. Having no knowledge of the previous Magic Band style they simply improvised what they thought would go with each song, played much slicker versions that have been described as "bar band" versions of Beefheart's songs. A negative review described this incarnation of the Magic Band as the "Tragic Band," a term that has sadly stuck over the years.

Reloaded - 09/06/2015 - download link in comments.

Gong - Live In Norway 1974

This is the classic line up of Gong performing live in Oslo, Norway back on the 15th December 1974.

For the uninitiated Gong are a Franco-British progressive/psychedelic rock band formed by Australian musician Daevid Allen.

Between 1973 and 1974, Gong, now augmented by guitarist Steve Hillage, released their best-known work, the "Radio Gnome Trilogy", three records that expounded upon the (previously only hinted at) Gong mythology, Flying Teapot, Angel's Egg, and You.

In 1975 the band line began to alter and key members of the group moved on.

Source: Soundboard

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@320kbps

Genre: Progressive rock, psychedelic rock, space rock, jazz fusion

Set: Full set (unable to confirm).

Set List:

01. Invocation [06:13]
02. Master Builder [07:00]
03. A Perfect Mystery [02:59]
04. Tropical Fish [07:13]
05. I Never Did Before [07:56]
06. White Christmas [00:28]
07. Solar Musik Suite pt. 1 [06:09]
08. Solar Musik Suite pt. 2 [03:42]
09. Flute Salad [09:35]
10. Oily Way [03:10]
11. Outer Temple [03:51]
12. Inner Temple [05:16]
13. A Sprinkling of Clouds [02:30]

Links: Official Site HERE.

Comments: This year has seen the classic Gong line up reunite and record a brand new (and quite funky) album entitled 2032. I first discovered the band through there initial British release of Camembert Electrique which was given a belated UK release in late 1974. It was priced at 59p (that was the price of a typical single rather than an album), ensuring that sufficient numbers were sold for the album to chart had it not been barred from the charts for being so cheap.

I discovered this concert on another site and as a long time fan of Pothead Pixies, Flying Teapots, and all manner of other crazy Gong things, could not resist presenting this concert on the Beehive !

Reloaded - 29/May/2015 - download link in comments. 

Buy: - MP3's at Amazon.co.uk - Gong

Arcade Fire - White Session 2005

This is Arcade Fire performing live for France Inters 'White Session' back on the 9th March 2005. I read somewhere that the difference between the White and Black sessions on France Inter was that the White session was without an audience, well there is clearly an audience here so who knows.

There is also a French presenter that likes to get his voice heard between songs, I am sure you could edit him out fully but in fairness he does stop before they start a new number.

Source: FM Stereo

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@224kbps

Genre: Indie Rock, Post Punk, Baroque.

Set: Full set

Set List:

Intro
01 - Wake Up
02 - Neighborhood (Laika)
03 - No Cars Go
04 - Une Année Sans Lumière
05 - Power Out
06 - Rebellion
07 - Neighborhood (Kettles)
08 - Crown Of Love
09 - Neighborhood (Tunnels)
Outro

Links: Official Site HERE.

Comments: The session was recorded at Maison de la Radio, Studio 106, White Session
Paris, France, on the 9th March 2005 and subsequently broadcast on France Inter on the 5th May 2005. This is a really feisty performance from Arcade Fire once again demonstrating just what a superb band they are. I know this has been in circulation as a boot for some time however this really is a fine audio copy.

Reloaded - 29/May/2015 - download link in comments. 

Buy: - MP3's at Amazon.co.uk - Arcade Fire

Beehive Recommends - Loads of Different Music!

It's getting nearer to that time of year when the music biz tends to release what they hope will be big sellers (and the repackaged best of 'whoever' emerge of course), so it's great to see that there is still no shortage of new & newer bands vying for attention.

The Kora Records continue on their march for world domination with Sweden's Fredrik (pictured) who have their second full length album 'Trilogi' released this coming November 17th. Fredrik started out in late 2006 as the songwriter/sound artist duo of Fredrik and Lindefelt. The idea was to attempt narrative structures in music through the combination of electro acoustic composition and folk-infused musical form. Before the release of their critically acclaimed debut, Na Na Ni, the lineup was expanded to a 6-piece.

On stage the sextet could be seen playing banjo, clarinet, cello, wind up music boxes and hand made instruments along side bass, guitars and drums. The following 6 months saw Fredrik back in Malmö recording new material in the form of an EP-trilogy. Each one was surreptitiously self-released on highly limited 3" CDs in hand made origami packaging. Fredrik and Kora present the release of the EP’s as a proper full length entitled Trilogi. You can get a good feel for the band at their MySpace site.

Listen:
'Locked in the Basement'


MP3: HERE
Website: MySpace
Kora Records: Store.

Paper Garden records are also pretty busy right now and will be featuring a number of their acts at the Pop Montreal Festival on October 1st & 2nd.

We've featured Darla Farmer already here on the Beehive, and now its the turn of the fabulous Emanuel and The Fear.

From Brooklyn, New York this 11 piece band are a little bit Arcade Fire, a tiny bit Polyphonic Spree and pretty much their own thing as well.

Both Darla Farmer & Emanuel and The Fear have been drawing the attention of the likes of David Byrne, TV On The Radio, and Apples In Stereo, and if you are in or around Montreal here's a chance to catch up with them.

For the rest of us you can check them out here.

Listen:
'The Rain Becomes'



MP3: HERE.
Website: MySpace.
Paper Garden Records: Shop.

I have of course featured The Dimes here before and not to long ago at that. The band have a new album scheduled to be out on the 24th November 09 entitled 'The King Can Drink The Harbor Dry'.

It is a mixture of modern folk meeting sixties pop, with influences ranging from Simon and Garfunkel to The Beatles' White Album, my goodness we are name dropping today!

Anyhow from what I have heard so far it could well be the Folk-Pop album of the year, but as always don't just take my word for it, here is the opening song from the forthcoming album.

Listen:
'Damrells Fire'



MP3: HERE.
Website: MySpace.

The new album form Brookville is out on the 29th September the third and some time since the last his bio explains why. 'After releasing two critically acclaimed albums—2003’s Wonderfully Nothing and 2006’s Life In the Shade— under the Brookville moniker, musician and producer Andy Chase didn’t think he had another in him. Whatever it was that had inspired those albums seemed to have disappeared and Chase, who also plays in the critically-acclaimed band Ivy, assumed that his tenure with Brookville was complete.

Turned out that after the release of Life In the Shade and a North American tour with French pop act Tahiti 80 - whom he produced - Chase simply needed a break. Simultaneously playing in three bands, producing Juliana Hatfield and Trashcan Sinatras, being a partner in New York’s Stratosphere Sound recording studio, signing three new acts to his label Unfiltered Records, and trying to maintain a ‘normal’ life as a husband and a father can do that to you'.

Seems a reasonable enough explanation for me. Anyhow this remixed version of one of the forthcoming songs arrived in the mailbox on Friday, and as I liked what I heard he gets the Beehive thumbs up.

Listen:
'Break My Heart (James Iha remix)'



MP3: HERE.
Website: MySpace.

Finally just one piece of news. WNYC's Soundcheck hosts the premiere Performance by Rosanne Cash of Her Upcoming Album 'The List'.

Rosanne Cash and her band will debut several songs from the album live and over the airwaves at 93.9 FM on WNYC's popular chronicle of music and culture, Soundcheck, on September 23 at 2 PM, giving the world intimate insight into one of America 's best loved musical families. Her performance will simultaneously stream live as a videocast.

*UPDATE* The link for the video stream on Wednesday 23rd September 2pm (New York time) is www.wnyc.org/thegreenspace

Hope you enjoy some of the recommendations, new music is alive and well!

10000 Maniacs - Tour Rehearsals 1992

This is 10000 Maniacs back on the 30th March 1992 during their 'Our Time In Eden' tour rehearsals, at the Bearsville Theater; Bearsville, NY.

The tour that promoted the new album has a few live recordings (more about them another time), however I found it interesting listening to the band developing the live versions of songs that seem so familiar now, If You Intend * is a good example of the band rehearsing the then new material if not exactly one for your mp3 player, the majority of the songs are however tight live performances and highly enjoyable versions.

Source: Soundboard

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@256kbps

Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie.

Set: Rehersal Session (not complete day).

Rehearsal List:

01 - These Are Days (incomplete)
02 - Few and Far Between
03 - Hey Jack Kerouac
04 - Eat For Two
05 - I'm Not The Man
06 - If You Intend *
07 - Noah's Dove (incomplete)
08 - Eden
09 - Jezebel
10 - What's The Matter Here?
11 - Stockton Gala Days
12 - Candy Everybody Wants
13 - Like The Weather
14 - How You've Grown
15 - Trouble Me
16 - Circle Dream
17 - Tolerance
18 - Gold Rush Brides

Links: 10000 Maniacs site HERE. Natalie Merchant site HERE.

Comments: In 1991, during the recordings of a new album, Natalie Merchant revealed to the other members that she would be leaving for a solo career in two years' time. In 1992, Our Time in Eden was released. On Wednesday, April 21, 1993, 10,000 Maniacs recorded MTV Unplugged and Natalie Merchant announced her leaving the band on MTV on Thursday, August 5, 1993. The MTV Unplugged (10,000 Maniacs album) album was released in October 1993.

It is clear listening to this session that Natalie was still enjoying herself within the band.

Download links are in comments below.

Buy: - MP3's at Amazon.co.uk 10000 Maniacs

Joe Walsh & Barnstorm - Texas 1973

Joe Walsh formed Barnstorm after he left the James Gang.

The original members of the group were Joe Walsh (guitars, keyboards), Joe Vitale (drums, flute, keyboards) and Kenny Passarelli (bass); all of the members contributed vocals and songs, although Joe Walsh was the principal singer and songwriter.

Later, the group added keyboardist Rocke Grace, to permit it to play the complex arrangements live that it was creating through multi tracking in the studio or with the help of session musicians Paul Harris (piano) and Joe Lala (percussion).

This is Joe Walsh and Barnstorm back on September 24th, 1973, at The University of Texas, Arlington, Texas, USA.

Source: Soundboard

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@320kbps.

Genre: Rock (country to hard).

Set: Fifty Minute Set.

Set List:

01 Meadows
02 The Bomber, Turn To Stone, Midnight Moodies
03 Tend My Garden
04 Rocky Mountain Way
05 The Bomber (outro version)
06 Turn To Stone (outro version)

Band Line Up:

Joe Walsh - guitars
Joe Vitale - drums
Kenny Passarelli - bass
Rocke Grace - keyboards

Links: Joe Walsh Official site HERE.

Comments: This is a really fine recording that came my way a couple of weeks ago and really opened up some memories. Barnstorm would record only three albums over its three-year life (two as principals, Barnstorm and The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get, plus serving as the backing band on Michael Stanley's Friends and Legends) before disbanding, although Walsh and Vitale have continued to work together ever since. Passarelli, meanwhile, joined Elton John's backing band in 1975, and he later rejoined Vitale in Crosby, Stills and Nash's backing band.

Reloaded - 29/May/2015 - download link in comments. 

Buy: - MP3's at Amazon.co.uk Joe Walsh

Beehive Recommends - Stricken City

It would appear that Kora Records are going all international, having recently signed up Stricken City who are from London.

Well good for both of them and from what I have heard so far Stricken City are gonna be checked out some more by my good self when the debut album lands.

I quote what the promo says and I would add its pretty much on the mark.

'Defined by their clattering guitars, the scattergun pounding of the drums, basslines bursting with hooks and the strikingly voiced melodies of otherworldly front woman Rebekah Raa; SC produce an indie-pop of hitherto untapped gems drawn from influences Talking Heads, Sonic Youth, Young Marble Giants and The Slits as well as those lost sources of alternative melodica Life Without Buildings, The Sundays and Bow Wow Wow'.

OK so I am a sucker for this kind of music all I would add is I think I can hear a little bit of Siouxsie in there somewhere, in a very positive manner that is.

They have been getting some attention here in the UK both on national radio, and through live shows, so who knows what may follow!

Listen:



MP3: HERE.
Web Sites: MySpace.
Buy: Stricken City

The album 'Songs About People I Know' is due for release in the UK on the 5th October and Stateside on The Kora Records on November 3rd 2009. (The US release will have a couple of bonus tracks, and will also be on 180gms colour vinyl & CD).

Beehive Recommends - Clarence Bucaro

OK first the comparisons:

“Warm Cozy Songs that Hark Back to Late 70's Van Morrison” – New York Times

“The roots offspring of Jackson Browne and Ricki Lee Jones” – Boston Phoenix

“Jazz-infused songs reminiscent of Moondance-era Van Morrison.” – Time Out New York

Clarence Bucaro on reflection, is bound to have these comparisons made, he does carry some of those styles in his music, however he is most definitely a singer songwriter in his own right, and a very good one at that.

His new album 'New Orleans' is due for release on Hyena Records on the 13th October 09, and comprises of a set of ten timeless songs brought to life by the 28 year old with his stunning falsetto vocals.

Listen:



MP3: HERE.
Web Link: MySpace.
BUY:Clarence Bucaro

You can listen to more on his MySpace site, if the comparisons have aroused your interest, I think you will enjoy Clarence Bucaro!

Beehive Recommends - Logan Lynn

I had not heard of Logan Lynn prior to a promo arriving in the mailbox a couple of weeks back.

Anyhow Logan Lynn was signed to The Dandy Warhols’ record label, “Beat The World” Records a short while back and released his third full length record, “From Pillar To Post” on line a couple of weeks ago (alongside a 4-Volume Remix EP collection called “Blood In The Water”, which features Remixes by Styrofoam, Boy In Static, The Gentry, Ariake Waveband, Y-Tron, and MANY more).

Early reviews of From Pillar To Post have drawn wide comparisons, ranging from The Postal Service, to M83, Lykke Li, Cut Copy, Ladytron, Goldfrapp and even indie rockers, Metric. URB Magazine proclaimed, “Sonically adventurous, yet possessing the pop sensibilities that lesser artists would forsake in the name of artsiness, Lynn is set to become the new golden boy of sensitive electro-pop.”

Having listened I can see the comparisons, and thankfully I would also add he has a definitive style of his own and if any of the aforementioned comparisons spark some interest you would do well to give him a listen.

Listen:



MP3's HERE.
Website (With Exclusive Pre-Release) HERE.

“From Pillar To Post” hits stores, iTunes and everywhere else on the 24th November 2009.

Grin - Washington DC 1972

Before forming Grin, Nils Lofgren had already played piano in Neil Young's Band (and whilst with Grin he performed on the album 'After The Gold Rush').

I understand that it was on the strength of his membership of Neil Young's band that Grin obtained a record contract and in their short history they recorded four albums.

Nils Lofgren of course went on to become highly successful as a solo artist, along with his long standing membership of the E Street Band.

Having discovered Nils Lofgren through his 'Cry Tough' release in 1976, I rapidly bought his back catalogue of Grin albums, and was surprised by how diverse the songs were.

This is Grin live in concert at the Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University, Washington DC back on the 1st December 1972.

Source: Soundboard

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@320kbps.

Genre: Rock, Blues, Country Rock.

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

01. I Had Too Much
02. Ain't Love Nice
03. Love Or Else
04. Please Don't Be Long
05. Moon Tears
06. Love Again
07. Heart On Fire
08. Slippery Fingers
09. Sad Letter
10. Heavy Chevy
11. Like Rain
12. End Unkind
13. See What Love Can Do

Band Line Up:

Bob Berberich: drums & lead vocals
Nils Lofgren: guitar, piano, and co-lead vocals
Tom Lofgren: guitar & vocals
Bob Gordon: bass and vocals

Links: Nils Lofgren Official HERE. Good fan site with details on Grin albums HERE.

Comments: Nils Lofgren had formed Grin with bassist Bob Gordon, and drummer Bob Berberich, in 1969 and the group played in the venues throughout the Washington, D.C. area.

The band had a strong local fan base, releasing four critically acclaimed albums of catchy, mixed rock, from 1971 to 1974, with guitar as Lofgren's primary instrument. Lofgren wrote the majority of the group's songs, and often shared vocal duties with other members of the band (primarily drummer Bob Berberich). After the second album Nils added brother Tom Lofgren as a rhythm guitarist. Grin failed to hit the big time, and were eventually released by their record company.

This recording catches the band playing on home turf, with a storming set of their own material.

Reloaded - 29/May/2015 - download link in comments. 

Buy: - MP3's at Amazon.co.uk Grin and Nils Lofgren.

Beehive Recommends - Darla Farmer

I am told that Darla Farmer "arose from the kind of disenchantment one can only experience when living in the musical mold known as Nashville. This septet is a rousing douse of musical Discordia, who makes it their goal to sonically please, displease, and please again.

Inspired by Tom Waits, The Blood Brothers, Man Man and other musical outfits alike, their arrangements include guitar, bass, drums and vocals, topped with a blasting horn section, piano and violin. Using this instrumentation to their advantage, Darla Farmer is simultaneously tumultuous and triumphant; chaotic and organized"

Well having listened to them live I would have to say that's a fairly accurate summary of the whole thing, and to add my own opinion, they are best listened to fully awake otherwise you might miss something !

Listen:

'The Strangler Fig' & 'The Quotient' (both live).

MP3's: HERE.

Website: MySpace

Buy: Rewiring The Electric Forest

Darla Farmer’s first full-length album, “Rewiring the Electric Forest,” (2008 Paper Garden Records) creates a musical mattress made of rock and roll springs, pop comfort, and seedy industrial firmness accentuated by a pillow of psychedelic cerebral focus. Their music leads the listener to a bedding of insightful melody, but not without the necessary turmoil to keep you up at night.

Siouxsie and The Banshees - Hamburg 1982

Good quality live recordings of Siouxsie and The Banshees appear to be a bit thin on the ground, which is surprising considering they have toured regularly down the years and the whole punk & new wave scene in the early days was hardly water tight against bootlegging.

So for one of my favorite bands that came out of the original punk music scene, on this occasion I will have to settle for a pretty good audience recording of a very good live show.

This is the band live at Markthalle, Hamburg, Germany way back on December 12th, 1982.

Source: Audience Taped

Sound Quality: Very Good (for audience).

Genre: Punk Rock, Post Punk, Gothic, New Wave.

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

01. Israel
02. Fireworks
03. Green fingers
04. Paradise place
05. Cascade
06. Melt!
07. Pulled to bits
08. Nightshift
09. Sin in my heart
10. Christine
11. Slowdive
12. Painted bird
13. Arabian knights
14. Spellbound
15. Cocoon

Links: Official site HERE.

Comments: Some audience recordings are awful. This one is highly listenable and the audio quality stable through out, giving a really good feel for the show.

The Banshees followed their 1981 album (Juju) in 1982 with A Kiss in the Dreamhouse. The record, featuring strings on several numbers, was an intentional contrast to their previous work, with Sioux later describing it as a "sexy album".

The British press greeted it enthusiastically. Richard Cook in the NME finished his review with this sentence: "I promise. This music will take your breath away." At that time John McGeoch was struggling with alcohol problems, and was hospitalized on his return to a promotional trip to Madrid. The band fired him shortly thereafter. Steven Severin asked Robert Smith to take over guitarist duties again; Robert Smith accepted and rejoined the group in November 1982.

It is highly likely then that The Cures Robert Smith is part of the line up for this gig.

Download link - either click on the above picture or go to comments below.

Buy: - MP3's at Amazon.co.uk - Siouxsie And The Banshees

Beehive Recommends - The Postmarks

I like The Postmarks. I have always had a liking for female vocals on pop, rock, indie you name it. However it only works if the music is good, the ideas great, and the whole thing pretty much top dollar.

An American band that can play with a strong retro sound, hints of France and England, well now that's just plain teasing!

Their new album 'Memoirs at the End of the World' was recently released, and gets the mighty Beehive approval. The mixture of classic pop sound, with sweeping orchestration does it for me.

A little more detail:

'The Postmarks are led by Tel Aviv born female singer/songwriter Tim Yehezkely, a beautiful, yet inscrutable individual possessed of a soft-textured voice that's simultaneously seductive and detached. Memoirs is the follow up to the band's 2007 debut self-titled album and 2008 covers album entitled By The Numbers. The band has a headlining tour under their belt, played Lollapalooza in 2007 and has toured with Múm, The Apples in Stereo, The Album Leaf, and The New Pornographers. They recently got back from a series of dates with stellastarr* and Wild Light and will be back on the road this fall. Look for upcoming Miami and Orlando in-stores at Bloomingdales and a one off in Orlando with Peter Bjorn and John'.

Listen:

My Lucky Charm



MP3: HERE.
Website: MySpace.
Purchase:The Postmarks

Beehive Recommends - As Tall As Lions

According to their press release 'New York’s As Tall As Lions’ hard work has paid off in spades. Their heavy touring history and solid fanbase has helped land them the coveted direct support slot to MUTEMATH’s 35-date “Armistice Tour,” this Fall, starting September 22^nd in Cincinnati , OH' .

“This is a great tour, we have been waiting for one like this,” said ATAL frontman, Dan Nigro. “MUTEMATH writes intelligent songs and has a passionate audience, and we like to think that we do too.”

OK so I give them a listen, not sure what to expect from a band name dropping another as part of the promotion. Well getting straight to the point, I am impressed. They have the ability to both rock, and take it a little more gently, the songs are crafted in layers that certainly please my taste, so they get a share on the Beehive! Dont take my word for it, check em out.

Listen:

'Circles'.



MP3: HERE.
Website: My Space HERE Official HERE.
Purchase: Amazon UK

The new album 'You Can't Take It With You' is now in stores. Their USA tour with MUTEMATH kicks off on September 22nd , and concludes in New York on November 13th 2009.

Eurythmics - Live In Concert 1999

This is the Eurythmics live in 1999. For those who like all the details regarding the concert or bootleg on this occasion for me, it's a bit thin on the ground regarding this one.

The Eurythmics undertook their 'Peace' tour from September 1999 taking in Europe, USA & the UK before the end of the year.

It's from one twenty six concerts they performed that year, feel free to add any further details in the comments section below.

Source: Broadcast (A&E Network).

Sound Quality: Very good stereo MP3@320kbps.

Genre: New Wave, Pop, Rock.

Set: Edited Broadcast Set.

Set List:

1) Thorn In My Side
2) Walking On Broken Glass
3) Seventeen Again
4) Sisters Are Doing It (For Themselves)
5) Here Comes The Rain Again
6) There Must Be An Angel
7) I Need A Man
8) Would I Lie To You
9) I Save The World Today
10) I'm Alive
11) Miracle of Love
12) Why
12) Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of These)

Links: Official site HERE. Annie Lennox HERE. Dave Stewart HERE.

Comments: Formed in 1980 Eurythmics have sold over 75 million records worldwide, and have been extremely popular as a live act. I remember seeing them live at Wembley stadium in London some years back, and was really impressed.

This recording has been edited down to just the music, so no interruptions and thanks to who ever did such a great job. On the Peace tour the band performed around twenty songs including medleys, so this recording represents a reasonable part of any concert, and includes some really popular songs, and some real rockers, it is a great performance.

Download link - either click on the above picture or go to comments below.

Buy: - MP3's at Amazon.co.uk - Eurythmics