Recommendation #4: Secondhand Daylight

Do people know about this album?! As far as I can tell, it doesn't seem that it has a particularly large following, which is surprising considering the quality of post-punk experimentation here. Originally released in 1979 on Virgin records, this album really is something special - I can't fully explain why in logical reasoning as of yet (having only listened to it 3-4 times!), though I would liken it to the Wire's 154 (also released in 1979), both of which seem to be stemming from a similar vein genre-wise - so if you are a fan of that album, then Secondhand Daylight is definitely one to check out.

Great Album Covers #1: (No Pussyfooting)

Recent Finds (Feb-March)

CDs: 

Todd Rundgren - A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren - Todd
Todd Rundgren - Faithful
Julian Cope - Fried
Van Der Graaf Generator - Pawn Hearts
Kraftwerk - Trans Europe Express
Y.M.O. - Naughty Boys
King Crimson - Lizard
Rick Wright - Broken China

Vinyl:

Julian Cope - Peggy Suicide

Brain Eno - Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)

Recommendation #3: The Snow Goose (1975)

One of the least cool albums from the seventies: the Snow Goose by Camel. In my opinion one of the great pieces of prog to come out at the time, however. Soulful Guitar playing, tasteful (i.e. non-cheesy) flute melodies and an interesting concept as a backdrop make this album a truly immersive experience.

Much of the unpopularity of this album stemmed from the Old Grey Whistle Test BBC performance where the band played with a small orchestral ensemble to promote the album. Many at the time (so I've heard, clearly I have no first hand experience!) saw this conceptual/classical/prog music as incredibly self-indulgent and poncy. And, to be fair, it is both those things, but when you stop caring about what you look like listening to Camel, you soon realise the music is really very sophisticated and reaching an almost masterpiece-level of creativity and inspiration. I would liken it to Dark Side of the Moon, with Gilmour-like guitar playing by Latimer, but without the dope smoking, or Selling England by the Pound, with Peter Banks-like synth sounds, but without the focus on lyrics or vocal performance. Essentially what I'm saying is that this album is really at the same level as the aforementioned albums but has been shadowed into somewhat obscurity by associated un-coolness. A shame really. 

Bottom Line: The highest point in Camel's career, the Snow Goose is definitely one not to forget from the mid-70s period.

Recommendation #2: Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)

One of the greats, here! Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) is the second solo Brain Eno album released on Island in 1974. After Eno left Roxy Music in the early 70s, he released a flurry of fantastic solo and collaborative albums where he began exploring music with a new sense of freedom and inspiration. Most notably are the albums 'No Pussyfooting' (1973) with Robert Fripp and his first solo release, Here Come the Warm Jets (1974). Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) though was by some way the most consistent and fully realised release from this early period of his career.

The opening track 'Burning Airlines Give You So Much More' sets up the tone of the album perfectly, providing an introduction to the interesting poly-rhythms and manipulated guitar sounds that continue to play a central role in the music throughout. In fact, the 'groove' in this album as a whole is excellent, and with a quick glance at the liner notes it is clear why this is the case! Robert Wyatt features on most of the album, as well as Phil Collins who plays drums on 'Mother Whale Eyeless'. The album maintains a high intensity right up until the last farewell, 'Taking Tiger Mountain', a wistful and reflective outro that draws the listener into an almost trance-like state. On a slightly different note, The cover art for Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) is another brilliant feature of the album, and perfectly reflects the art-rock music that lies within.

Overall though, there is not much to not like in this release, even for the most casual of listeners, and is the ideal place to start for an Eno introduction. It won't be long before this album becomes a staple in your musical diet, believe me. Cheers, Will.

Show Preview (12/03/13)

'Sup guys! Just another quick heads-up for the show scheduled tomorrow. The main topic for discussion will be psychedelia. Specifically, early psychedelia around the '66-'68 time frame. If that interests you, tune in from 6 pm and let me know your thoughts. Cheers! Will.

Show Preview (05/03/13)

What's good, everyone? A new episode of You Can't Play That On Radio Anymore! is going live tonight, featuring all the best pop from the days of the LP. The show will be split into two halves: pre- and post-1970, separating the psych from the glam essentially. See you at 6pm!

Recommendation #1: Peggy Suicide

As a break from mundane report writing, I thought I'd pen a quick recommendation of an album I'm currently digging: Julian Cope's Peggy Suicide, released in 1991 on Island. Upon listening to this album for the first time last week, my initial feelings were that of disappointment - I was expecting something more, something with clear creativity and originality. But, with more listens, the infectious nature of this music eventually made me realise that the music is in fact all those things! This is not an album you can listen to in a cursory fashion and expect to understand it immediately (at least, not for me anyway) and this was the mistake I made at first, daunted by the sheer length of the double album.

The message on this album is dense and complicated, being delivered with aggression, sadness and frustration in response to political and philosophical matters. Upon reading the inside of the gatefold LP sleeve, I found that 'Peggy Suicide' is in fact a personification of mother earth, which lays down the foundation for the concept of this album. As of yet however, I am no where near even beginning to understand Julian's overall statement for this album, and I imagine many more intense listenings will be required before this is the case!

The sound of this album is somewhat indescribable - though no through lack of distinctness! If I was forced to put a label on it, to me, it sounds like a mix of Syd Barrett/Todd Rundgren/Stone Roses (and something else I can't quite put my finger on). Genre-wise, I would describe it as somewhere between folk rock and psychedelia, though with a relatively modern (90's) interpretation on these ideas. Overall, it is clear that Julian is a true music enthusiast, as well as musician, if not through knowledge of the books he's put out, then through the seamless blending of sounds on this album - truly a superb effort in my opinion!

Show Preview (26/02/13)

Hello! Next Tuesdays show will be focusing on solo artists, showcasing a few of the albums I've picked up recently on CD and LP as well as some stuff dotted about my iTunes library. Fans of Todd Rundgren, Julian Cope and Syd Barrett TUNE IN!

This Album BLEW MY MIND: A Wizard, A True Star

As of 14th February 2013, I am listening to this album for the first time (about 90% of the way through as of writing this). My first impression is that it is bloody amazing. The constant stream of 1-2 minute songs (at least, for the first 8 songs) reminds me of a format similar to that of 'We're Only In It For The Money' by the Mothers of Invention, and with equally inventive and outlandish content! The influence of psychedelics is clear on this album, which, if nothing else, removed all barriers Todd may have previously had to sound. Each song seems to be in a genre of its own, creating a weirdly eclectic mix of motifs which ruthlessly move from one style to another with no word of warning. And yet, this is what binds the pieces of music together and makes the album so distinct! I don't know how my perceptions of this album will change with time, but for the moment anyway, it couldn't sound any sweeter.

Recent Finds: Jan 2013

A few finds from Berwick Street during the month
of January (and beginning of February). 

YMO - Solid State Survivor
Fripp and Eno - (No Pussyfooting)
Frank Zappa - The Grand Wazoo
Parliament - Mothership Connection
The Moody Blues - On the Threshold of a Dream
The Smiths - The Queen is Dead

The Smiths - Meat is Murder

Talking Heads - Remain in Light

John Coltrane - A Love Supreme

Funkadelic - Cosmic Slop

Show Preview (12/02/13)

Today's show will feature electronic music from the analogue era, taking a journey through the UK, France, Germany and finally to Japan. A perfect backdrop to consume those pancakes to, or at least as good as any! Cheers, Will.

Danny Baker's Great Album Showdown - Comments (favourable)

Here's a few words on the new TV show by Danny Baker:

Okay, so given the similar nature this BBC show has to my radio show, I'd thought I express a few of my comments on it after watching it today. To be honest, upon first reading the title and seeing the screenshot of Danny Baker awkwardly smiling in front of some vinyl LPs, I thought it would be another generic show about the golden age of rock music and the almighty vinyl format: "oh the artwork", "the smell", "the listening through the entire album" and "owning something physical" malarkey coming from men in their 50s, incessantly bashing on the way today's youth are impatient, mp3 downloading halfwits who can't deal with the sophistication of prog rock or glam rock (in fact, much of this music is still popular with young people, I believe!).

Although this attitude/behaviour did feature in the show to an extent, I feel that overall, it was rather more tastefully done. In addition, the music featured was not only your Led Zep's, Sex Pistols, Queen's etc.! I was genuinely shocked when Danny Baker pulled out 'We're Only in it for the Money' by the Mothers of Invention as his first LP to go on the 'Wall of Sound'; and to a slightly lesser extent later when he pulled 'In the Court of the Crimson King' by King Crimson. There was also a nice mix of guests too, with Jeremy Clarkson actually being fairly knowledgeable about prog (name dropping 'The Snow Goose' by Camel and 'Selling England By the Pound' by Genesis), Stephen Street providing a nice insight into the recording process and the late 70s/early 80s scene, and Kate Mossman (Journalist) actually raising some interesting, 'deep' points about the listening experience that weren't the vague and plain examples given above. Either way, the show actually did a good job of featuring the vinyl format by not presenting it as a mystical object for the music elitist. If Danny gets on some guests next week that match his own extensive knowledge for music, then I think the show could really take off.

Anyway, this is already longer than it should be so I'll end here with the iPlayer link, here

Cheers, Will

Update - show rescheduled

Hello all,
Due to illness setting in this evening I have decided to cancel this week's show. Tune in on 05/02/13 for some funky vibes, Will.

Show Preview (29/01/13)

Next week's show will feature some of my favourite tunes from the genre of FUNK including Sly Stone and James Brown! See you then, Will.

Show Preview (22/01/13)

Hello everyone!
You Can't Play That On Radio Anymore! returns for 2013 by revisiting 1973...What?! Yes, a strange choice, I know, but for some reason I feel compelled to all of a sudden share with you a year that I particularly admire in terms of its musical endeavours: 1973. The show will include songs from Germany, the UK and the US and will hopefully present a solid case for 1973 being one of the most influential and creative years in modern music (at least from what I can make out from scratching at the surface!). Until Tuesday,
Will