I said I want to Podcast...

Greetings Podfans, Episode 15 of Medium Wave is just a click away and just in case listening to it isn't enough here are your hosts with some information about it.
First up, DJ Rules...king of the simile, master of the metaphor, this week he reckons we're a Picnic.....

DJ Rules Writes:
"People...Its summer in the city and everyday is a stoned soul picnic at Medium Wave. So settle yourself down on DJ Rules' Gingham blanket and lets open that wicker hamper and explore the aural delights of a fine Medium Wave spread.

Next to the paper plates I see a delicately wrapped copy of The Premiers' "Farmer John". Looking as juicy and appealing as it did back in '64 this is an East LA crazy hep cat workout driven by a gaggle of screaming pedal pushing lovelies known as the Chevelles Car Club: the record was the party and if you see "Kosher Pickled Harry" do let me know. For the story behind this tune check out http://www.richieunterberger.com/premiers.html

Sitting snuggly beside the ham sandwiches neatly cut by Dr Volume rests the rather more contemporary Mr Day with DJ Vadim and the Curtis homage "If I Can't Love You". Presented as a delightful 7" white vinyl pressing this slab of pure 70s stoop funk is one of DJ Rules tunes of the year so far. With the vocals and melody floating along like a crisp packet on a hot New York sidewalk Mr Day is clearly going to stay a believer and I'm right beside him. Find out more or purchase at http://www.myspace.com/eric_aka_mrday

Perfect as a side dish I have also packed a good helping of sunshine pop with The 5th Dimension's "Good News". Originally known as The Versatiles, a name change and the support of Jim Webb (songwriter) and Bones Howe (arranger) saw these 5 crazy cats purring slick soaring soul harmonies. You may well remember "Up-Up And Away" as well as "California Soul" and "Stoned Soul Picnic" (written by Laura Nyro - ed) everyone a winner baby and that's no lie...check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_Dimension

Finally every picnic needs a slightly left-field nibble, I personally go for anchovies in olive oil but this time decided to pack a little Coco Rosie with "By Your Side". From their 2004 debut La Maison De Reve this slice of Lo-Fi Parisian playfulness is rocking my boat in ways that the good Doctor finds difficult to understand but then we don't all like anchovies...http://www.myspace.com/cocorosie
So people that's DJ Rules and his hamper of summer goodies, enjoy the treats and roll one for me x"

And now over to our correspondent Dr Volume....

Dr Volume Writes:
"Get yer Factor 15 on, make sure you're carrying an umbrella...its the old curmudgeon Dr Volume here. Firstly, what on earth is "Stoop Funk"? I've just Googled it and the only thing it came back with was...this very blog entry by DJ Rules! As for Coco Rosie..I recall it got very good notices when it came out but its one of those records I can very easily judge as one that I simply do not like. I just find the rather self-consciously "fragile" production values rather mannered. Deliberately squeaky 'iccle-girlie' vocals are also one of my pet hates, see also Talulah Gosh, The Cranes and Deerhoof. I like Anchovies though. Especially their third LP "Double Squid and Patatas Bravas".

Anway I played some records as well..it all seems a long time ago and I'm now busy deciding which Swell Maps track to put on next weeks show (at the moment, its all of them but I'm sure I can narrow it down).
Well, I played the rather fine Junior Boys who are now 3 albums in and still doing a fine job of imagining what 80s Electro Pop might have been like if the Fairlight and the Linn-Drum had never been invented. Its pop music alright, but also full of air and space..kind of Dub-Pop. Not that I have anything against the Trevor Horn style kitchen-sink approach but its an interesting exercise.

I gave Deerhunter a spin too. These are much blogged already so I won't add to the mountain of publicity that has already been heaped upon them, but I must say they were excellent at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds last week. They continue to do that weird thing of playing very loud, intense music almost without a break and then pausing to riff with the crowd in a very disarming way, somewhat at odds with the Psychedelic maelstrom still ringing in your ears. This gig ended with a rather protracted attempt by a (tired & emotional) Bradford Cox to ring his mum over the PA System (aided by their laconic sound engineer). He eventually succeeded and god knows what Mama Cox thought of the message left by her son speaking through a digital delay with 200 rather merry fans cheering in the background.

Good to get a Chrome track in too. This one pushed DJ Rules' Lo-Fi garage rock button! I got this on the strength of the sleeve, and all I can say is the cover accurately depicts what it sounds like:



Also in my selection were tracks by the excellent Ametsub, Working for A Nuclear Free City and the mighty Boredoms. Thanks for listening. Podcast 16 coming very soon, I've been down to the bargain basement for this one so should be good. "

That's all from your two resident DJs. Stick around for Episode 16. Oooh Matron...."


Listen on....