The Paranoid Squirrel

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 399

In support of their “comeback” album the Last Great Dreamers along with The Sonic Jewels, who up to this point had eluded me, played The Purple Turtle on Sunday 21^st September. Obviously The Squirrel and I were in attendance and this week’s show is the recorded result.

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 398

The Boys to celebrate the release of their first new studio album, “Punk Rock Menopause”, in over 30 years played two UK dates last week. One in Newcastle and this one at The Jazz Café in London on Saturday 13^th September. Joining the band for the encore was original founding member Andrew Matheson.  

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 397

For this week’s show I travelled up to The Boston Music Room in Tufnell Park for Amoeba Fest II that featured Peter Pan Speed Rock along with headliners Discharge. This was the first time I’ve caught Dutch band Peter Pan Speedrock but after their set it most certainly won’t be the last. Great Rock that brought out the local Turbojends. From first to third as this was the third time I’ve managed to see Discharge and each time with a different vocalist. Cal-Rat-JJ in that order, but the first time as a 5-piece as original member Tezz rejoins his brother Bones on guitar along with bassist Rainy, drummer Dave and new vocalist JJ Janiak. Yes I know basically Broken Bones with the addition of Rainy……

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 396

Welcome to this The Paranoid Squirrel Mid-Week Special. Special being the operative word as this episode features most probably the last ever Gasoline Queens gig. Recorded at the Unicorn in Camden on the 5^th September with once again Chris Rockson joining them for a few choice numbers.

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 395

On this week’s show I play you something from The Generators and No Direction, covers from Enuff Z’Nuff and Tracii Guns League Of Gentlemen, new tracks from Wayne Kramer, Bernie Tormé, The Dwarves, The Meatmen, Kory Clarke, Gorilla, The Curse, The Last Great Dreamers, The Datsuns and Crucified Barbara. I also talk about the closure of music venues. Are we just being nostalgic? And why foreign touring bands are treated better in Mainland Europe than in the UK. All this whilst eating a pizza which broke three of my teeth.

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 394

This week’s show features the London debut solo gig of Nicke Borg, frontman with both Homeland and the reactivated Backyard Babies. Recorded at The Underworld in Camden on the 22^nd August with just Nicke, an acoustic guitar and some choice stories, we hear an hours’ worth of songs from both the aforementioned bands along with some appropriate covers.

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 393

Thanks sadly to the cancellation of last weekends Alt-Fest I was able to see The Damned on “Home Turf” playing The Forum, Kentish Town for the wallet saving price of a Tenner. (All right £14.15 once all the unnecessary charges had been added). I know it was only in April that the band graced the self same venue for Captain’s 60^th Birthday gig, but this (second) time around there was less of a party atmosphere with more of a down to business vibe. Although Captain still gives as good as he gets in the banter department. A nice long set, still nothing post “Eloise”. I still love to hear this line up tackle something from “Not Of This Earth/I’m Alright Jack”, but at the end of the day I’m just glad The Damned are still out there. New album pleeeease……..

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 392

Another live show this week recorded at a venue I’ve not been to before namely Under The Bridge which as the name suggests is under Stamford Bridge, home to Chelsea F.C. The band in question were/are Glen Matlock, Slim Jim Phantom and Earl Slick who collectively have been in The Sex Pistols, The Stray Cats and David Bowie. Obviously choice cuts from their more well know work are played albeit in a more Rock-a-Billy style, along with covers from Television, The Faces and, I kid you not, Pharrell Williams. Also joining the band for a cover of his and Earl’s former employer was Reeves Gabrels. A great band at a great venue, even if the Bar Prices reflected its location, The Wetherspoons in Fulham Broadway will be the stopping off point next time….

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 390

For me, this week’s live show features 4 of the best unsigned DIY bands I’ve come across. Literally. Making their first foray into Central London it is Whitstable based band Flame Pilots, featuring friend of the show and Squirrel Associate Arkwright. Then it’s a live welcome return to The Paranoid Squirrel in the form of Cars Like Sharks. Up next is The Drej who regular listeners need no introduction to. Headlining the whole shindig is Top Buzzer warming themselves up for their Rebellion slot. A great evening with four great bands. Enjoy.

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 389

Off the back of last week’s show we have an acoustic Captain Sensible song starting things going which is swiftly followed by a new track from the up and coming Murder City Devils album “The White Ghost Has Blood On Its Hands Again”. Sad news reached the Squirrel dray on Monday regarding the health of former Heartbreaker bassist Billy Rath. As a tribute to him I play you a track from the Heartbreakers one and only studio album “L.A.M.F.” (cassette version). In the live department it’s Jettblack at The Macbeth, Hoxton in a one-off party gig to test out some of the songs from album number 3.