With Just A Hint Of Mayhem

Music reviews, gig reviews, fun trivia and extra added random stuff!

Mayhem’s 12 Days Of Christmas 2024 – Day 3 “Three French Hens” December 15, 2024

Filed under: Christmas — justwilliam1959 @ 3:40 am
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Where does the time go leading up to Christmas? It is already day 3 of Mayhem’s 12 Days Of Christmas This year, once again, the theme is the classic cumulative song “The Twelve Days Of Christmas”. What gift was presented on the third day of Christmas? It was of course Three French Hens. Todays song is yet another tenuously linked tune, “Chicken” by Maceo Parker.

This instrumental track was composed by jazz saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis a one time member of James Brown’s band. The tune was originally entitled “The Chicken” and it first appeared as the B Side to James Browns 1969 single “The Popcorn”. It has been recorded by many giants of jazz, including Jaco Pastorius, and became a jazz funk standard. The version I have included for Mayhem’s 12 Days of Christmas is by Maceo Parker and is taken from his 1991 album ‘Mo’ Roots’. Parker also played in James Brown’s band in the 60s, 70s and again in the 80s. He went on to work with Parliament/ Funkadelic in the 1970s and Prince in the 2000s. He has worked on collaborations with Candy Dulfer and De La Soul. He also had a hit in 1973 with “Parrty – Part I” under the name Maceo and the Macks. He has worked with artists as diverse as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Bryan Ferry, Keith Richards and 10,000 Maniacs to name just a few.

There will be a playlist of all twelve songs when we get to the final one? What do you think tomorrows song will be?

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Play It Again Mayhem – “Pyjamarama” – Roxy Music June 11, 2020

Filed under: Play It Again Mayhem — justwilliam1959 @ 1:48 pm
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This is the third in an occasional series of songs that I don’t believe ever got the airplay they deserved, or at least not much airplay since the original release. The previous two were “Everybody Was Rockin‘” by the late great Betty Wright and “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” by Elton John. I hope that eventually there will be an accompanying playlist for this series!

Number three in the Play It Again Mayhem series is Roxy Music’s 1973 single “Pyjamarama” which reached number ten in the UK singles chart and stayed in the charts for twelve weeks. It was released between the first album ‘Roxy Music’ and the second album ‘For Your Pleasure’ but it featured on neither of them. It was only the band’s second single coming out around eight months after breakthrough hit “Virginia Plain”, which also never featured on a Roxy Music studio album (apart from some later pressings of the record). The band line up was largely the classic Roxy line up and still included Brian Eno. “Pyjamarama” was written by Bryan Ferry and was supposedly the first Roxy song that he wrote on the guitar. Instrumentally Phil Manzanera’s guitar sound is impeccable and I love Paul Thompson’s drum sound too. This is my favourite Roxy Music single by a long way! I also think it is one of the best one-word song titles ever. I would love to hear your thoughts on the track. Lyrics are copied below in case you want to sing along! There is also a video of a live version included which feels slowed down and quirky.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLkQacBRjyk

“Pyjamarama” – Lyrics (Bryan Ferry)

Couldn’t sleep a wink last night
Oh how I’d love to hold you tight
They say you have a secret life
Made sacrifice your key to paradise
Never mind, take the world by storm
Just boogaloo a rhapsody divine
Take a sweet girl just like you
How nice if only we could bill and coo

I may seem a fool to you for ev’rything
I say or think or do
How could I apologise for all those lies
The world may keep us far apart but up in heaven, angel
You can have my heart
Diamonds may be your best friend
But like laughter after tears
I’ll follow you to the end

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“Don’t want to know about one-night-stands” August 12, 2017

Filed under: Trivia — justwilliam1959 @ 1:00 pm
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How are Roxy Music connected to Krautrock? Well the two scantily clad ladies on the cover of Roxy’s 1974 album ‘Country Life’ are the cousin and then girlfriend of Michael Karoli off of Krautrock pioneers Can. Their names are Constanze Karoli and Eveline Grunwald respectively

The album cover was far too steamy for retailers in the US, Spain and the Netherlands. They either covered up the expanse of flesh or changed the cover.

 

“How nice if only we could bill and coo” February 6, 2017

Filed under: Trivia — justwilliam1959 @ 8:21 pm
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byron-ferrari

Before Roxy Music Bryan Ferry once took an audition to join classic UK band King Crimson. This was just after the late, great Greg Lake left to form Emerson, Lake and Palmer. I am not sure how the audition went but given Byron Ferrari’s (as the NME used to refer to him) later success with Roxy Music I assume that he wasn’t offered the job. The gig was given to Gordon Haskell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLkQacBRjyk

greglake_gettyimages_88896513

 

“If I go there will be trouble and if I stay it will be double” June 5, 2016

Filed under: Observation,Rants — justwilliam1959 @ 8:26 am
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EY-502041

Obviously most of you are aware that there is a referendum looming for us folk in the UK. It is a vote on whether we as a country should stay a part of the European Union or whether we should leave and go it alone. Personally I fundamentally disagree with the need for a referendum; if an elected government can’t make big decisions then why are they there? Give the people a referendum on all big decisions from keeping Trident to MPs pay. That would be much fairer and a true reflection of what people want. But no; we are lumbered with making a massive decision on a subject that no one really knows the answer to Just listen to all the drivel spouted by both the Brexit (incidentally I despise that invented word) and Remain camps. If anyone truly understands this decision and all its implications then I have never heard of them. Do I understand it? Of course not, although in some sleepless moments I might think that I do. But I am enjoying the spectacle of the Tory party tearing itself apart over it. Anyway I thought I would put a helpful list together of the reasons to vote Remain and the reasons to vote Brexit on June 23rd. I hope that you like it and feel free to add to it and share your opinion. I have also added a referendum poll if you wish to cast a vote here. Oh and obviously there is some (in)appropriate music too. Feel free to suggest your own referendum stay or leave songs.

download

 

Reasons to vote Remain

Reasons to vote Brexit
1 Brexit is a shit word concoction which shows no imagination 1 We might do better in the Eurovision contest as an outsider
2 Boris Johnson will be upset 2 David Cameron will lose his job
3 Michael Gove will be upset 3 David Cameron will be upset
4 Nigel Farage will be angry and upset 4 Gideon will lose his job
5 It will annoy the Biffers of Britain First and their ilk immensely 5 Gideon will be upset
6 Donald Trump won’t like it 6 UKIP will have no reason to exist
7 To stop Boris Johnson succeeding in his reality TV interview for the Prime Minister’s job 7 Millions of UK ex pats will be returned to the UK from Europe. (Incidentally why aren’t they called immigrants?)
8 To cling on to a very thin chance to ditch the unelected House of Lords 8 To lose all the lovely foreign folk that clean for us, work in our essential services, pick our food and serve our food. You know those people that do the jobs no native of this country wants to do
9 To cling on to a slim chance of seeing the end of the monarchy in the UK 9 Daily Mail readers will be happy
10 Scotland will remain a part of the UK 10 Scotland will leave the UK
11 More austerity 11 More austerity
12 To maintain a Tory government 12 To maintain a Tory government
13 The England football team will still be shit 13 The England football team will still be shit
14 This whole bloody farce of a referendum will finally be over 14 This whole bloody farce of a referendum will finally be over

1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLQJVKP3YlM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBR2G-iI3-I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COiIC3A0ROM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX-MyKQlndo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WksYJLmo9Cg

 

“And if you knew how much I loved you, baby nothing could go wrong with you” May 2, 2016

Filed under: Trivia — justwilliam1959 @ 1:33 pm
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brian and ronnie

I read some time ago that one of Brian Wilson’s (him off of the Beach Boys) favourite songs was “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes. But what I didn’t know until now was that Brian wrote the Beach Boys classic “Don’t Worry Baby” for the voice of the Ronettes; Ronnie Spector.

The_Ronettes

However due to contracts, legal issues and possibly the strong-arm influence of her then husband Phil Spector Ronnie was unable to record it. She often sings it in her live shows nowadays though. Please enjoy those songs below and also a quirky cover of “Don’t Worry Baby” by Byron Ferrari (a.k.a. Bryan Ferry. Thank you to the 1970s NME for that Ferry spoof name).

brianwilson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW0YGC68qP4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NStxXnMrGJM

Photo of Phil SPECTOR...UNITED STATES - JANUARY 01: GOLD STAR STUDIOS Photo of Phil SPECTOR, w/Ronnie Bennett of the Ronettes (Photo by Ray Avery/Redferns)

 

Bryan Ferry – York Barbican, Thursday 14th November 2013 November 15, 2013

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 1:07 am
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m4Q25UnKTqm9lzFThbIJtAAFor the second time in my gig going life I have seen Bryan Ferry or Byron Ferrari as the NME once dubbed him. The first time I saw him he was fronting Roxy Music in about 1977 or 1978. He was good then and after tonight I can honestly say he has got even better. He owned the stage with his lounge lizard-like persona, a true consummate performer.

BryanFerry_2013_VBerdini_2_1383827066_crop_550x827The Bryan Ferry Orchestra opened proceedings with some excellent jazz readings of some of both Roxy and Ferry’s greatest songs including the not often heard “Bogus Man” and a later Roxy classic “Avalon”. The orchestra also made up the large part of his band. When the main man himself appeared they were augmented by an amazing guitarist, a very talented drummer and two incredibly entertaining backing singers.

safe_image.phpBryanFerry_2013_VBerdini_10_1383827093_crop_550x367Bryan had paced the show very well. Some early highlights for both myself and the delectable Catwoman were “Don’t Stop The Dance”, “On The Radio”, Bob Dylan’s “Knocking On Heaven’s Door” and “Carrickfergus”. The Charlie Parker tribute was also brilliant as was the images on the set of overhanging screens. There were even outings for “Sign Of The Times” from the ‘Bride Stripped Bare‘ album and the Platters cover “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”.

maxresdefaultAfter an interval, yes an interval; it must be for those of us of a certain age the Bryan Ferry Orchestra kicked off the second half of the show. Mr Ferry had changed into a really slick suit and oh boy did he start to kick ass. He really built the show to a fine crescendo with John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy” (there really isn’t much live whistling any more is there?), “Street Life”, “Love Is The Drug“, “Let’s Stick Together” “Hold On I’m Coming” and “Shame, Shame, Shame before closing with a storming version of early Roxy Music classic taken from the ‘For Your Pleasure’ album, “Editions Of You”.

p01g9vltIn all perhaps one of the finest shows I have seen and I have seen plenty! The UK tour is almost over but if you’re going to see him play in Birmingham next Tuesday you’re going to have a blast! By the way none of the videos in this post were filmed by me an nor were any of the pictures mine.

p01g9vql

 

“She’s the sweetest queen I’ve ever seen” October 7, 2013

Filed under: Trivia — justwilliam1959 @ 8:37 pm
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kariann

Many of you will recognise the two iconic 70s album covers pictured below. First Roxy Music‘s eponymously titled first album from 1972 and ‘The Hoople‘ from 1974 by Mott The Hoople. However did you know that the model on the cover of both albums is the same person? It is Kari-Ann Muller and she has yet another music link in that she went on to marry Mick Jagger‘s brother Chris.

roxy1

The_Hoople_(Mott_the_Hoople_album_-_cover_art)

In a strange twist of fate the model on another Roxy Music cover was Jerry Hall. She met Bryan Ferry at the photo shoot and began a relationship with him and then ultimately left him for Mick Jagger. So it is clear I think that the Jagger boys certainly like Roxy Music album covers! Incidentally Keri-Ann was paid just 20 pounds for the Roxy cover shoot. She also appeared in a James Bond film and is now a Yoga Teacher.

 

“Thanks for the joy that you’ve given me I want you to know I believe in your song” December 7, 2011

Filed under: News — justwilliam1959 @ 10:47 pm
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Dobie Gray has drifted away aged just 71, just slightly older than my own father when he passed away. Dobie had a great voice and in my opinion should have been far more succesful. Even if you’re not familiar with the music of Dobie Gray I am sure there are a couple of his songs that you will have heard. Those are “The In-Crowd” from 1965 (US number 13 and UK number 25) and “Drift Away” from 1973. “Drift Away” reached number 5 in the US charts and sold more than a million copies. Sadly it never charted in the UK, which frankly is a travesty!

The song was written by Mentor Williams and has been covered by many artists, but for me Dobie’s version reigns supreme by a long way. Artists such as Rod Stewart, Ray Charles and the Heptones have all recorded the song. There is also believed to be a cover by the Rolling Stones recorded in 1973 which as yet remains unreleased. For me it is such an uplifting song, I challenge you to listen to it and try to resist the urge to smile and sing along. I am definitely unable to resist that! Uncle Kracker covered the song in 2003 and incorporated one verse by Dobie himself. This version was number one in the US Adult Contemporary chart, but again failed to chart in the UK.

“The In-Crowd” has also been the subject of many cover versions from Mike Flowers and Ramsey Lewis to Bryan Ferry. Personally I think Ferry’s version is an excellent much more rock interpretation of the tune. Dobie’s 1966 recording “Out On The Floor” is seen as a classic Northern Soul track in the UK and reached number 42 in the British charts in 1975. This would have been driven by the amount of airplay it got at such iconic clubs as the Wigan Casino. Dobie was also one of the first artists to play to a non-segregated audience in what was then still an apartheid South Africa. I’m pretty sure that my singles collection used to include an imported copy of Dobie’s “Find ‘Em, Fool ‘Em and Forget ‘Em” from 1976. That song scraped into the Billboard top 100 in the US and failed to chart in the UK.

My thoughts go out to Dobie’s family, friends and fans. Dobie Gray RIP.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leQY6hANO_c

 

“Everybody wanting a piece of Michael Jackson” November 8, 2010

Filed under: News — justwilliam1959 @ 9:51 pm
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Accordion to our sources NATO stopped an Arcade Fire gig (I've been dying to use that joke for ages!)

Another selection of random news snippets for you all in this post. Firstly are Arcade Fire the only band ever to have a gig pulled by NATO? It would certainly seem that way after the NATO top brass and the Portuguese government have forced the cancellation of the band’s show during the weekend of 20th to 21st November. Apparently the gig clashed with the weekend of a NATO summit and it was felt that security forces would be stretched too thin by having to police a gig by the Canadians and 20,000 of their fans. The band have said they will come back at some time in the future. Read the story here in the Guardian.

The band quickly regretted their decision to defy NATO orders.

I've heard of throwing the baby out with the bath water, but not this! Clearly this followed an acrimonious meeting with the Fab Four about publishing rights!

There will be a ‘new’ Michael Jackson album released in December, it will be called ‘Michael’. It is believed that it contains a number of songs that Jacko had been working on in the few years preceding his death last year. It has been reported that all the songs have been ‘recently completed’, which clearly suggests that the self titled King Of Pop either had nothing to do with the completion or that he isn’t actually dead or maybe he is communicating from beyond the grave! It has been reported at various times that he had been working with many acts before he popped his clogs; including Lady Gaga, Akon and Will.i.am. The latter has been quoted as saying that to release any ‘new’ material in this way would be disrespectful. For a limited period you can hear a stream of one of the songs “Breaking News” by clicking the title. It sounds reasonable if not a little weird. The cover of the album has a typical over the top Jacko theme painted by Kadir Nelson. Read the story at the BBC and the Guardian.

Another typically understated Jacko picture

I recently chanced upon a JPEG file for a film poster of a starring role by none other than one of my all time favourite singers Mr Johnny Nash. He starred in the movie ‘Take A Giant Step‘ It was released in December 1959, when even I wasn’t quite one year old. I wonder if it’s available on DVD. So in a very gratuitous use of that opportunity here is that poster, followed by a clip of Mr Nash singing “I Can See Clearly Now” on Burt Sugarman’s Midnight Special.

Amy Winehouse has been recording again with Mark Ronson, they have been laying down three tracks for a Quincy Jones tribute album. One of them has been ‘leaked’, it’s a cover of Lesley Gore‘s “It’s My Party” which was produced by Quincy back in 1963. It’d be fair to say that the vocal is certainly different and I’m not sure yet whether it works for me or not! Read about it on the Guardian website and then check out the video below followed by the original. My favourite cover of the song was by Bryan Ferry off of Roxy Music for his first solo album ‘These Foolish Things’ back in 1973, click here to hear it.