Writer's Block

Writer's Block  -the scourge of the blogging community.
Who better then to turn to than the wonderful Swedish trio of Peter, Bjorn and John with their 2006 album of that name on V2 Scandinavia/Wichita
That'll be Peter Morén  on vocals and guitar, Bjorn Yttling on bass and John Eriksson on drums and percussion.
The lady accompanying Peter on the second number is none other than Victoria Bergsman of Concretes fame.
Obviously big in Pitlochry as that's where it was purchased.

Peter Bjorn and John - Objects of my Affection

Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks

Groovy Baby

We have returned with a mish mash of stuff for your listening "pleasure".
Some good  others perhaps not too good. In no particular order.

Talking of mish mashes that would be a pretty good description for the  tracks on Austin Powers - the Original Soundtrack picked up for 50p in the Community Shop in Ullapool.
It is a lot better than I thought it would be albeit that for every Cardigans there is a Mike Flowers Pop.

I was pleasantly surprised when the first song on the CD turned out to be by Edwyn Collins. We visited Helmsdale where he stays on our travels but  sadly didn't bump into him.

More shagtastic tunes tomorrow.

Edwyn Collins - The Magic Piper (Of Love)

Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - Mas Que Nada

Tom Petty Highway

That's the holidays finished then. Back to auld claes and porridge as my Gran used to say.
A few new goodies to share with you.
But firstly a reference to the sad death of Tom Petty.
I didn't have the wherewithall to do a post at the time but read the many fine tributes others posted.

When we go married in Skye we stayed in a Highland blackhouse in the hamlet of Clachamish.
We were taken by how much the view of the road reminded us of the cover of Into the Great Wide Open.
The A850 as opposed to The Kings Highway it will always be our lasting memory and reminder of Tom Petty.
Rest easy Tom.

Ton Petty & the Heartbreakers - Learning to Fly

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Kings Highway

Holiday Hiatus - Kirsty MacColl

As you would expect the late great Kirsty MacColl has graced these pages before.
However her early stuff has never featured.
Chip shop could I supposed be described as a novelty record of sorts. If so, there are few if any better.
As for A New England she takes an already great Billy Bragg song to an altogether higher level.

That's the holidays pretty much over. Normal service shall resume shortly.
Hope you enjoyed this little interlude

Kirsty MacColl -There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis

Kirsty MacColl - A New England

Holiday Hiatus -Heaven 17

We are off to Sheffield today to catch up with Martyn, Ian and Glenn collectively known as synth pop band Heaven 17.
A song from each of their two classic albums Penthouse and Pavement and The Luxury Gap.
Sadly still treading the Retro boards

Heaven 17 -Height of the Fighting (He-la-hu)

Heaven 17 - Come Live With Me

Holiday Hiatus - Buzzcocks

Like Squeeze and The Kinks who featured last week Bolton band Buzzcocks were one of the great British singles bands
Although the reformed band have been on the go since 1989 it is the period from 1976 -1979 that is best to focus on when they could do no wrong
The previously featured Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've) remains one of my favourite all time songs

Buzzcocks - What Do I Get?

Buzzcocks -What Ever Happened To?

Holiday Hiatus -Ike & Tina Turner

The  husband and wife duo was once considered "one of the hottest, most durable, and potentially most explosive of all R&B ensembles"

Then came the stories of wife beating, control freakery and drug taking on the part of Ike and Simply the Best on the part of Tina.
How the mighty have fallen.

Ike & Tina Turner - River Deep, Mountain High

Ike & Tina Turner - I Want to Take You Higher