SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND

As it's Halloween tomorrow, I thought I'd despense with the usual punk-orientated music video and instead give you a few clips and some valuable commentary on one of the finest ghost stories on film. Hope you enjoy the following video in praise of THE STONE TAPE. You can read my review HERE



The DVD is currently out of print in the UK, so ebay may be a good bet for those who wish to track down a copy.
Look out for video of London's National Film Theatre amongst the clips; a great venue where I caught many screenings.

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND: THE FALL

August, 1978 saw the first vinyl release by a Manchester band named The Fall.
"Bingo-Masters Break-Out!" was just that little bit different to make me sit up and really take notice, and compel me to pay the most earnest attention to this group. With Mark E. Smith's sing/speak/shout vocal style and often incomprehensible lyrics, The Fall covered many musical bases.
Their magnificent "Live At The Witch Trials" debut album is a real landmark but, with over 50 albums (not counting compilations), it's hard to pick their finest work.

Hope you enjoy this video from 1988.

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND

Taken from one of the finest debut albums ever, Patti Smith's 'Free Money' is, for me, the standout track on the legendary 'Horses' album.

Hope you enjoy this version recorded in 1976. I was lucky enough to see her gig at the Birmingham Odeon in 1978 and rate it as one of my all-time top 10 gigs.

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND

Recall seeing The Only Ones a few times; the first being a gig at Derby's Ajanta Theatre back in (I think) 1977. This , I'd venture to suggest, is their finest offering.
Enjoy.

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND

Ah, Anti-Nowhere League! Saw this band on many occasions, ranging from small capacity sweaty clubs to London's Lyceum. This is the one they'll be remembered for so enjoy the show as Ralph McTell's song gets a serious kicking.

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND. PRIME TIME JAM

Lucky enough to see The Jam on many occasions, and never saw them deliver anything other than a great gig. They always used to close the show with this one, leaving us gasping for air before they came back on for the encores.
This, I believe, is very close to being their finest song and always reminds me of the hundreds of tube trains I've taken on London's famous underground network. Some of them at midnight.

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND: THE REZILLOS

Prime-time Rezillos, from 1978.

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND

999 were one of my favourite punk bands. Remember seeing them at the Birmingham Odeon in the 70s when they were down to support The Runaways. On that particular evening, England was in the grip of rolling power cuts and Birmingham was expected to have its power cut off from 9.00pm that very evening. So, The Runaways elected to take the stage first with the aim of playing their full set, leaving 999 to run the risk of not being able to play. Happily, the blackout didn't happen and 999 delivered a real stormer of a gig.

The above video was shot at a 999 gig at London's Clarendon Hall in 1984. I think it provides a great indication of how good they were. I hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to check back next Friday for another musical clip.