Time to Play Another Sunny Day

The song that got me into Another Sunny Day was "Anorak City," a Sarah Records single from '88 that appeared on a C86 compilation I still listen to quite often. This is Another Sunny Day's first record, and it's about as upbeat as a Sarah song gets. It's all bounce and fuzz, and the song grabbed me in a way that got me to the record shop looking for more. Incidentally, for those of you on this side of the pond, here is a great thread from the Guardian explaining the term anorak.

It wasn't too long before I learned Another Sunny Day wasn't really a band at all. This was more or less one guy. Harvey Williams released just one full-length album under the Another Sunny Day moniker, but it's quite possibly my favorite album from the Sarah catalog. Most of the songs on 'London Weekend' (1992) are more subdued (sad sacks unite!!) and typically Sarah than "Anorak City," but Williams packs a little something extra in his jangle that gets your head bobbing whether you want to or not. With songs like "I'm in Love with a Girl Who Doesn't Know I Exist" and "You Should All Be Murdered," however, it doesn't take long to realize he must have been a good fit with the label folks in Bristol.

Williams would also play with Blueboy for a bit, and he released albums under his own name. I knew I had seen his name other places, and I noticed recently he popped up on something I have by the Hit Parade. When I think about it, Williams and Julian Henry's band sound quite a bit alike.

As they have done so many times with my favorite albums, Cherry Red remastered 'London Weekend' a few years ago and released it with bonus material. You need to have this one.

Another Sunny Day - Anorak City (mp3)
Another Sunny Day - What's Happened to You, My Dearest Friend? (mp3)

When the Wife's Away, Scritti Politti Will Play

Yes, I'm a wild man.

Green didn't have the perfect way to make my girl go crazy. She hates Scritti Politti... and not just the 'Cupid & Psyche 85' stuff either. It seems impossible, but she doesn't even like "The Sweetest Girl." The other day I tried to slip in something from 'White Bread Black Beer.' The thinking was since she had never heard the newer albums it might go unnoticed. I almost had to call in a marriage counselor. Well, she is out of town this week. So, here is the first spin on my own, and I'm going straight for the hard stuff. This is the UK 12" of the band's only American hit. If you're from here in the United States, you might be surprised to learn the song peaked at an anemic No. 48 in the UK. Three other singles from 'Cupid & Psyche 85' performed better there.

For those of you who have the U.S. 12", give the extended mix a listen. It's quite a bit different from the "Way Perfect Version" found on your copy.

I have all five 12" singles from the aforementioned album (It's a sickness!), as well as a few other bits from the band. So, we may hear from Scritti Politti again later this week.

Scritti Politti - Perfect Way (Extended Mix)(mp3)

C'mon, Be Excited About New Bowie

Even though he is one of my all-time favorites (top 10, for sure) and my excitement is off the charts, I wasn't going to comment on the announcement of a new album from David Bowie. Then I read this tweet from Fucked Up's Damian Abraham that some bloggers have posted in agreement. In a nutshell, this camp doesn't understand what all of the hoopla is about. He's 66 years old, and it's not like he could still possibly make something on par with his work in the '70s.

On some level, I understand the sentiment. I have had this line of thinking with the likes of U2, R.E.M. and scores of others. After a while you just give up and stop listening. Not many can sustain the quality of the work for decades, but there have been exceptions. Nick Lowe is one I can think of off the top of my head. I know quite a few Bowie fans lost interest either just before or just after 'Let's Dance.' There were inferior albums and lost years. If you are one of those that agree with Mr. Abraham, I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt and assume you simply gave up on Bowie before his last two albums, 'Heathen' (2002) and 'Reality' (2003).

It's time for a little education. 'Heathen,' and to a slightly lesser extent 'Reality,' are fantastic works that were produced by the legendary Tony Visconti. He's the same fella that worked beside Bowie on many of the albums Mr. Abraham and his ilk enjoy. Visconti captured something pretty incredible with Bowie a decade ago, and I'm betting he did it again with 'The Next Day.' If your feelings on Bowie are like Mr. Abraham's, I'm asking you to give 'Heathen' a listen. Then you will join my camp of the excited. It's a lot more fun over here, I promise. Wow, if this is what not being a naysayer feels like, I may have to try it again.

Cover Me Impressed: 'Love My Way'

On celluloid, the Psychedelic Furs will always be remembered for the theme to "Pretty in Pink," a vastly inferior rerecording of a gem from the 1981 album 'Talk Talk Talk.' In my humble opinion, however, the scene in 'Valley Girl' that featured "Love My Way" is far more memorable. As a 13 year old in 1983, I thought this was about as romantic as it gets. Here are a few seconds to refresh your memory. Sorry about the quality and abrupt stop. It was all I could find.



"Love My Way" was a minor hit on both sides of the Atlantic, peaking at No. 42 in the UK and No. 44 in America. I don't think I'm exaggerating: This might be my most played song of all time. If you're into the early years of the Furs, I recommend this piece Popdose did a few weeks ago. It's quite interesting to hear the story of how the 1982 album 'Forever Now' came together.

For most of you, today's cover will probably be a "love it" or "hate it" proposition. You either buy into the Polyphonic Spree aesthetic or you don't. In 2006, Tim DeLaughter's outfit released the five-song EP 'Wait.' It was a walk up to the 2007 full-length album 'The Fragile Army.' There were two originals, but it was the three covers on 'Wait' that interested me: "Love My Way" from the Furs, "Sonic Bloom" from Tripping Daisy and "Lithium" from Nirvana. If you're unaware, Tripping Daisy was DeLaughter's previous band. So, in a sense, he covered himself. I really enjoy the entire EP, but "Love My Way" is the real standout.

This take of "Love My Way," the US Remix, can be found on the flip side of the "Pretty in Pink" single, released in 1986. Enjoy.

The Psychedelic Furs - Love My Way (US Remix) (mp3)
The Polyphonic Spree - Love My Way (mp3)

Not So Easy for Easy Street Records After All

These are sad but all-too-familiar days here in Rain City. A couple of days ago we learned a Seattle institution, Easy Street Records, would be closing its Queen Anne location for good on Jan. 18. The West Seattle store remains open, but this spot on Mercer was my place. If I don't make it over there again -- but I probably will since stock went on sale beginning today -- my last purchase will have been The Servants' 'Youth Club Disco*' on vinyl just one week ago. Not a bad way to go out, to be sure, but, like a friend, I thought this shop would always be there for me.

The property owners, apparently, wanted Easy Street to sign a new and very lengthy lease. It wasn't worth the risk. So, enjoy the new Chase bank that's about to open in its place. Kind of reminds me of the characters in the film 'Best in Show' that met at Starbucks. Not the same Starbucks. They saw each other from across the street... at two different Starbucks. Easy Street is going out in style: Yo La Tengo will be performing on the last day. Say "goodbye" if you can.

I know most of you aren't from the Pacific Northwest, and I rarely go local on the blog, but I'm sure you can understand the loss. Chances are it has happened to you.

Oingo Boingo - Goodbye-Goodbye (mp3)

Let the Best of 2012 Exclusions Begin

Well, that didn't take long. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I'm filled with anxiety when I release my year-end lists because I always end up tardy hearing a song or album worthy of induction. This is my latest exclusion. 'BMX Bandits in Space' was released in October, and I completely missed it. In fact, I didn't even know Duglas T. Stewart still had the band together. Last week I was in a record shop and came across a very early album from the band. I ran home to check out some reviews when I discovered the following video, the first song released from the new album. If I had heard it a couple of weeks earlier, this one would have made my Top 25 Songs of 2012.



To me, "Listen to Some Music" has the same vibe as the Beach Boys' "Add Some Music to Your Day" and "Busy Doin' Nothin.'" If you haven't followed BMX Bandits since the C86 days, you might be excited to learn Stewart has reunited with some old mates from yesteryear, including Jim McCulloch of the Soup Dragons and Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub. Sean Dickson of the Soup Dragons wrote a couple of the songs for 'BMX Bandits in Space' as well. If anybody out there has this new album, let me know what you think.

Celebrate NYE With Big Country

You poor suckers. While you're out having "fun" with friends, toasting 2013 and resolving to make this the best year ever, I'm disappearing into the past and refusing to think about the future at all. Ain't livin' in a bubble grand?

As I do every year, I'm ringing in New Year's Day with a viewing of my favorite show of all time, Big Country at Glasgow's Barrowland, circa Dec. 31, 1983.

As I have written here many times, Big Country was my favorite band in the early and middle '80s, and this concert was the lads' absolute high-water mark. They had just returned home from a successful stint in the States, and you can see and feel the homesickness subside and the happiness envelop them as they rip through every song on 'The Crossing,' as well as a couple of new songs from the upcoming "Wonderland" EP. They perform with pure passion and an unbridled enthusiasm that's downright infectious. And, in what I imagine was a first for a rock show, as the clock struck 12 in Scotland, the band leaves the stage for a bagpipe brigade that nearly tears the roof off the place.

Here are a few highlights, including an interview with the late Stuart Adamson about the special concert. This bit comes from the old out-of-print version of the show King Biscuit Flower Hour put out many years ago. Unfortunately, the interview was omitted from the CD/DVD combo version released by Track in 2009. Otherwise, this newer version is a stellar collection with many extras, including a 1982 concert from New York's Peppermint Lounge. It's a must for all fans.

Happy New Year! Stay alive!

Trivia Question: What momentous occasion occurred backstage involving Big Country producer Steve Lillywhite?

Jan. 6, 2013 Update: Lillywhite proposed to musician Kirsty MacColl.

Big Country - Fields of Fire (Live) (mp3)
Big Country - Harvest Home (Live) (mp3)
Interview With Stuart Adamson About NYE Show (mp3)

Top Reissues, Box Sets, Compilations of 2012

Honorable Mentions
The Jam - 'The Gift Box Set'
Blur - 'Blur 21: The Box Set'
fIREHOSE - 'lowFLOWs: The Columbia Anthology ('91-'93)'
Simple Minds - 'X5'
Sugar - 'A Box of Sugar'
Various Artists - 'Teenage Kicks: '1977-1981, The Music That Changed Everything'

10. 'Athens, Ga. - Inside/Out'
Finally back in print, the 1987 soundtrack to the documentary on the town's thriving music scene includes five bonus tracks and the movie on DVD. R.E.M. made this a must buy, but there are some great performances by Pylon, Kilkenny Cats, Flat Duo Jets, Time Toy, Bar-B-Que Killers, Dreams So Real, and Love Tractor. I still have this on vinyl, but I have never owned the movie before now.

9. Roxy Music: 'The Complete Studio Recordings: 1972-1982'
All eight albums are here. Discs nine and 10 are full of B-sides, remixes and unreleased material. There is quite a bit of debate as to the sound quality. The claim is it's a huge step up from the 1999 remasters. Many have complained they are "quiet." I'm no expert, but perhaps we have become accustomed to our reissues being loud just for the sake of it. That's a discussion for another time.

8. Aztec Camera - 'High Land, Hard Rain,' 'Knife,' 'Love,' 'Stray,' 'Dreamland,' 'Frestonia' (sold separately)
The entire band's discography is remastered and released in the same hard-cover book form as the Everything But the Girl reissues. Some remain single discs, while others are two-disc sets. Aztec Camera is a favorite of mine, but the inconsistency of the albums keeps these reissues from rating higher. Here's a quick look at the bonus material.

7. The Servants - 'Small Time/Hey Hey We're the Manques'
It took 20 years, but the followup to 'Disinterest' finally sees the light of day. As a bonus, most of the band's 'Disinterest' demos are included.

6. Hoodoo Gurus - 'Gold Watch: 20 Golden Greats'
These Aussies are the perfect best-of band. "I Want You Back," "Come Anytime" and "Like Wow - Wipeout!" are all all here.

5. Josef K: 'Sorry For Laughing'
The shelved full-length Postcard album from 1980 is finally released in its entirety... and on vinyl to boot! Found this one under the tree on Christmas morning.

4. Everything But the Girl - 'Eden,' 'Love Not Money,' 'Baby the Stars Shine Bright,' 'Idlewild' (sold separately)
The duo's first four albums get the deluxe two-disc treatment. Lots of BBC Sessions, B-sides and unreleased home recordings are housed in disc-sized hardcover books with extensive liner notes. If you are an EBTG novice, these expensive import versions are probably not for you. The good news is fans like me traded in their old single discs. So, there should be lots of cheap used copies at your mom-and-pop shop.

3. The English Beat - 'The Complete Beat'
You probably have the three studio albums, but discs four and five are chock full of Peel Sessions, 12" versions and a live performance. The booklet is a nice read, too.

2. The Hit Parade - 'Pick of the Pops (Vol. 1)'
It wasn't easy, but I have managed to find all but two of the band's albums. This 20-song compilation plugged a couple of holes for me. If you're a fan of C86, you're going to love the jangle of Julian Henry.

1. Big Country - 'The Crossing: 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition'
If, like me, you have the B-sides and the 'Rarities IV' demos disc, then you have most of the bonus songs on this two-disc set. Still, it's my pick because I bought it in Glasgow the afternoon it came out. That night, I saw the band perform the album in its entirety at Barrowland. It was one of my best days ever. So, I may have a wee bit of bias.

Top 25 Songs of 2012

First One Out: The Twilight Sad - "Another Bed"

25. M. Ward - "Primitive Girl"


24. The dB's - "Write Back"*


23. The Shins - "Simple Song"


22. Paul Weller - "That Dangerous Age"


21. Seapony - "What You Wanted"


20. The Hermit Crabs - "Stop This Now"


19. The June Brides - "A January Moon"


18. Marshall Crenshaw - "I Don't See You Laughing Now"


17. Lambchop - "If Not I'll Just Die"


16. Cats on Fire - "A Few Empty Waves"


15. Strawberry Whiplash - "Stop Look and Listen"**


14. Tilbury - "Tenderloin"


13. The Walkmen - "Heaven"


12. Jens Lekman - "I Know What Love Isn't"


11. The Beach Boys - "Pacific Coast Highway"


10. Here We Go Magic - "Make Up Your Mind"


9. Primitives - "Turn Off the Moon"


8. Jason Lytle - "Get Up and Go"


7. A.C. Newman - "I'm Not Talking"


6. Frankie Rose - "Know Me"


5. Dexys - "She Got a Wiggle"


4. Jim Noir - "Tea"


3. Blur - "Under the Westway"

2. The School - "Where Does Your Heart Belong?"

1. Allo Darlin' "Northern Lights"

* Technically came out as the B-side to a 7" single released on Record Store Day in 2011 but is included on the band's full-length album released in 2012.
** Technically came out as a 7" single in December 2011 but was included on the band's full-length album in 2012.

Top Albums of 2012

5. 'Amalgamation and Devotion'
Chris Devotion and the Expectations
The first time I listened to this album out of Glasgow I would have sworn this was a front for an Any Trouble reunion.


4. 'Mr. M'
Lambchop
Without this one I would be completely irrelevant with the indie hipsters. Seriously, this album is beautiful and has deserved all of the year-end accolades.


3. 'One Day I'm Going to Soar'
Dexys
Twenty-seven years later, the clock still hasn't struck midnight on Kevin Rowland. Not everyone will, but I completely bought into this concept album... just like I did with 'Don't Stand Me Down' back in the day.


2. 'Reading Too Much Into Things Like Everything'
The School
I'm a sucker for the Brill Building sound and bands influenced by '60s girl groups. Obviously, there have been quite a few of those the last decade or so, but this Welsh outfit is the best I have heard since early Pipettes. Do yourself a favor and get both of their albums.


1. 'Europe'
Allo Darlin'
You don't have to miss the jangle of Sarah Records. It has been quite a reward to follow Elizabeth Morris' growth since her days with Amelia Fletcher in Tender Trap.


Honorable Mentions
Frankie Rose - 'Interstellar'
Cats on Fire - 'All Blackshirts to Me'
The Beach Boys - 'That's Why God Made the Radio'
A.C. Newman - 'Shut Down the Streets'
Jens Lekman - 'I Know What Love Isn't'

Disappointments
HAL - 'The Time The Hour'
Paul Weller - 'Sonik Kicks'
The dB's - 'Falling Off the Sky'

Merry Mix and Talk of Must-Have Holiday Albums

When it comes to holiday albums, there are three I put above all others: 'The Beach Boys' Christmas Album,' Phil Spector's
'A Christmas Gift For You' and Ella Fitzgerald's 'Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas.' What do they all have in common? All are from the early '60s. I could list a second tier of favorites, but they would all be from roughly the same period. The point is, even though there have been scores of great holiday songs through the years, I haven't been taken with an album from the season in ages.

Occasionally, an album comes along that becomes a candidate for holiday classic. It does happen. Right now I'm really rooting for Tracey Thorn's 'Tinsel and Lights,' but it's just too early to tell. When Thanksgiving rolls around five years from now, will I be yearning to put it on the turntable? I hope so. Thorn could simply sing the names on the naughty and nice lists and it would be beautiful. In case 'Tinsel and Lights' doesn't make my best albums list (out in a few days!), I wanted to give it a big endorsement now. The possibility of a holiday album on the countdown isn't sitting well with me for some reason.

Here are a few holiday songs you may not hear on alongside the Carpenters and Rascal Flatts on your local 24/7 Christmas station. Had to get in one more dig, didn't I? Enjoy the season!

Belle & Sebastian - Santa, Bring My Baby Back to Me (mp3)
XTC - Thanks for Christmas (mp3)
Freedy Johnston - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (mp3)
Marshall Crenshaw - Sock It To Me Santa (mp3)
NRBQ - Jolly Old St. Nicholas (mp3)
Ron Sexsmith - Maybe This Christmas (mp3)
Apples in Stereo - Holiday Mood (mp3)
Squeeze - Christmas Day (mp3)

If I Had Another Shot at My 2011 List...

Like you, I get my hands on great music 365 days a year, but I don't always hear new albums from a given year until well into the following year (and beyond). That's especially true of records that come out October through December. So, whenever I go back to my best-of lists, I'm always filled with regret. In 2012, however, for the first time, I actually kept track of my favorite albums from 2011 that I didn't actually purchase until 2012. The following four were worthy of praise at the end of last year... if I had only heard them in time.

Sea Lions
'Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Sea Lions But Were Afraid to Ask'
Released: Nov. 22, 2011
The parents of these youngsters must have had impressive record collections. This Oxnard, Calif., outfit isn't just influenced by C86. You would swear they opened for Tallulah Gosh 25 years ago. I listened to this album more than any other in 2012.


Blouse
'Blouse'
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
Here's another one that seems like it was discovered in a time capsule that was buried in the mid '80s. To appreciate the Portland, Ore., trio, you need only to gaze at your shoes. What atmosphere!


The Beets
'Let the Poison Out'
Released: Oct. 24, 2011
Calling all fans of the 'Nuggets' box set. It has been a while since it was worth visiting the garage.


The Wild Swans
'The Coldest Winter For a Hundred Years'
Released: Aug. 2, 2011
I have no excuse for missing this one. I remember it coming out, and it was on my must-buy list for a long time. I forgot all about it until a few months ago when Friend of Rachel Worth over at Cathedral of Sound had it at No.121 on his Desert Island Discs list. I was so inspired by the post that I ran out and got this one the same day I read it. Thanks for the kick in the keister. Even though it has been two decades, this record is not at all out of place next to 'Bringing Home The Ashes' and 'Space Flower.'