Topic ID 1106
Hello, I'd like to make sure anyone who might be interested got the chance to hear about this gig, (especially as the Mercury inevitably failed to mention it): Unable to get it together in time for “John Peel Day”, this gig is a belated tribute. On THURSDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2005 Raw, rollicking rhythm'n'beat trio THE MASONICS Whipsmart guitar pop combo sportique SEINE and the return of THE McTELLS and your compere for the evening: Vic Templar - author, playboy restaurateur + Fifty Watts Of Power DJs at THE HERTFORD MARQUEE 7.30pm doors, 8pm first band. £5 on the door. - In 1980 I gave John Peel a copy of the Hertford LP that I helped put together, and he played a track or two on his show. Subsequently, he went on to play our scratchy flexi discs, singles and albums, and ultimately I was honoured to be able to record several sessions for his programme. He didn't care that we weren't fashionable or hip, he just liked the music, and that’s one of the things that made him so special and why he will never be replaced. --------------------------------------- Some info about the groups – Sportique‘s second single was voted into John Peel’s 1998 Festive Fifty, and they recorded three sessions for his show. “Sportique are boldly, defiantly English, singing about what they see because to assume any other perspective would be fraudulent. Surprisingly, the band remain all but invisible at home while their records are released to international acclaim by California's Matinée Recordings. Still outside looking in, still using the small but mighty forum of the pop song to make a bad situation seem better - if only for two or three minutes. Sportique might not always sound this way, but they will probably always feel right for the times.” “Tuesday night, August 2nd 2005, and it’s down to the 100 Club… Sportique, make one of their far too rare forays to the stage. Fronted by one time Razorcuts leader Gregory Webster, Sportique have made a handful of deliciously sharp and fizzing suburban Pop/Punk minor masterpieces for the Fortuna Pop/Matinee stables, and live they make a similarly glorious racket that showcases a love for a richly intelligent Pop which draws its lineage direct from Wire and Buzzcocks’ pivotal explosions of intent from the late ‘70s. Sportique turn in a performance that is sweetly, sublimely succinct and filled with an energy and highly developed wit that pisses on all the young ‘punk’ pretenders I’ve seen on the TV of late. If the world were more fickle and the media less driven by lowest common denominator ‘indie’ shtick, then a group like Sportique would be superstars and ugly chancers like Razorlight would be laughed off of our screens and newspaper pages. But it isn’t, and they aren’t. Man, the world sucks, doesn’t it? “ The McTells - were from Hertford, and between 1986 – 1994 contributed to the International Pop Underground with their brand of “eccentric English primitive pop”. The McTells first play on Peel was from a fanzine flexi-disc in 1986. A review of The Masonics latest LP. - ‘Outside Looking In’ is outstanding garage rock from Medway mavericks ‘The Masonics’. Micky Hampshire has come up with tunes filled with varied styles and scenes. The Mersey beat shanty of ‘The Mighty Ship‘ opens things up with wild rhythm guitar and a mysterious riff vibrating in the background. ‘Messed Up’ is 60s style girly pop with Ludella Black providing the sexily sweet vocals. Cool bubblegum. Thee mad wonky guitar work, is real treat too. The bluesy Bo Diddley shuffle of ‘Somebody Stole The Heat From My Fire’ is an RnB roaster akin to the early Stones, with more ace guitar. Sizzling. The Link Wray stylings of ‘The Runaway Goblin’ are super cool, nice. Dig that warm retro sound captured once again at Toe-Rag Studios. ‘This Is The Time’ is more sweet 60s pop with Ludella on vox. A great tune full of feel and the reverb gives it a mystical edge. ‘John The Busker’ with its minor chords is moody garage at its finest. This plaintive ballad is a master class of Brit garage. ‘The Battle Between The Heart and The Mind’ is another Beat classic featuring vocals once again from Ludella. The mad Spanish rhythms make this another top drawer tune. ‘It Won’t Be The First Time’ is Joe Meek’ish stomping beat pop, with call and response vocals provided by Micky and Ludella,. ‘Ain’t Gonna Let You Get Away’ is a sprite ditty stripped to the bare bones with bobbing bass and rattling drum sticks. ‘Tell Me Where I’m Going Wrong’ has extra wild Joe Meek-isms fuelled with esoteric Mersey beat, concocting a tune of classic proportions. This is simplicity itself, magnificent. The cover of The Rolling Stones’ ‘Long Long While’ is a chilled gospel interpretation with Ludella back on vox. The church sounding organ and rumbling bass are sublime. ‘I’m On The Outside Looking In’ finishes off the album in fine stomping style, with fuzz buzzing and English R&B boozing, a wild rave up to end this magnificent album. ‘Outside Looking In’ is a superb stripped down garage rock’n’pop album. Dig The Masonics and get those dodgy hand shakes a shaking.