“Straight to Hell”, Joe Strummer

This way: Straight to Hell

Straight to Hell is a 1987 independent action-comedy film directed by Alex Cox and starring Sy Richardson, Joe Strummer, Dick Rude, and Courtney Love. The film also features cameos by Dennis Hopper, Grace Jones, Elvis Costello, Edward Tudor-Pole, Kathy Burke, and Jim Jarmusch. Band members of The Pogues, Amazulu, and The Circle Jerks are also featured in the film. The film borrows its title from The Clash’s 1982 song of the same name.  

Straight to Hell is a song by the Clash, from their album Combat Rock. It was released as a double A-side single with "Should I Stay or Should I Go" on 17 September 1982 in 12" and 7" vinyl format

[Spotify] Straight to Hell

“Home Truth Song”, Barry Gibb

This way: Home Truth Song

Barry Gibb (born 1 September 1946) is a British-American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer who rose to worldwide fame as a co-founder of the group the Bee Gees, one of the most commercially successful groups in the history of popular music. With his younger brothers, twins Robin and Maurice Gibb, he formed a songwriting partnership beginning in 1955.  

I can't explain it, but damn this is a great song. The Bee Gees are really undeniable even if it’s not your cup of tea. 

[Spotify] Home Truth Song

“Face the Fire”, Boy Harsher

This way: Face the Fire

Boy Harsher is an American electronic music group, formed in 2013 in Savannah, Georgia. Currently based in Northampton, Massachusetts, the band consists of vocalist Jae Matthews and producer Augustus Muller. The band has amassed a cult following since their formation, and their song "Pain" become an underground hit. Matthews and Muller own and run the label Nude Club, which is exclusively devoted to Boy Harsher and related artists. From 2019. 

[Spotify] Face the Fire

“It's Obvious”, Au Pairs

This way: It‘s Obvious

The Au Pairs were a British post-punk band that formed in Birmingham in 1978 and continued until 1983. They produced two studio albums and three singles. Their songs were said to have "contempt for the cliches of contemporary sexual politics" and their music has been compared to the Gang of Four and the Young Marble Giants. The band was led by Lesley Woods, who was once described as one of the most striking women in British rock.   

[Spotify] It‘s Obvious

“This Mess We’re In”, PJ Harvey, with Thom Yorke

This way: This Mess We’re In

Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea is the fifth studio album by English alternative rock musician PJ Harvey, released on 23 October 2000 by Island Records. Recorded during March to April 2000, it contains themes of love that are tied into Harvey's affection for New York City. 

The album became the second major commercial success of her recording career, following her successful breakthrough To Bring You My Love (1995). Upon its release, the album received acclaim from most music critics and earned Harvey several accolades, including the 2001 Mercury Prize. It spent 17 weeks on the UK Albums Chart, and was certified Platinum in the UK and Australia.

[Spotify] This Mess We’re In

“Memories”, PiL

This way: Memories

The first 3 LPs by PiL are really fantastic. They took abrasive to a new level, but it's also very listenable. Public Image Ltd (abbreviated as PiL) are an English post-punk band formed by singer John Lydon, guitarist Keith Levene, bassist Jah Wobble, and drummer Jim Walker. The group's personnel has changed frequently over the years; Lydon has been the sole constant member. 

Following his departure from the Sex Pistols in January 1978, Lydon sought a more experimental "anti-rock" project and formed PiL. That year PiL released their debut First Issue (1978), creating an abrasive, bass-heavy sound that drew on dub, noise, progressive rock and disco. PiL's second album Metal Box (1979) pushed their sound further into the avant-garde.

[Spotify] Memories

“This Must Be the Place”, Talking Heads

This way: This Must Be the Place

Here is a completely delightful song by one of the all time great bands. Talking Heads were an American rock band formed in 1975 in New York City and active until 1991. The band comprised David Byrne (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass), and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). Described by the critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine as "one of the most critically acclaimed bands of the '80s," the group helped to pioneer new wave music by integrating elements of punk, art rock, funk, and world music with avant-garde sensibilities and an anxious, clean-cut image. 

 [Spotify] This Must Be the Place

“Cast a Shadow”, Beat Happening

This way: Cast a Shadow

Beat Happening is an American indie pop band formed in Olympia, Washington in 1982. Calvin Johnson, Heather Lewis, and Bret Lunsford have been the band's continual members. Beat Happening were early leaders in the American indie pop and lo-fi movements, noted for their use of primitive recording techniques, disregard for the technical aspects of musicianship, and songs with subject matters of a childish or coy nature. Also this band is the basis of K Records. From 1989.

 [Spotify] Cast a Shadow

“I Saw Dead Jim’s Shade”, Monitor

This way: I Saw Dead Jim’s Shade

I saw these guys a few times back in the day. Highly entertaining. MONITOR was a short-lived Los Angeles art punk band that first performed on Halloween 1978. The group was part the experimental transmedia micro-scene of "Associated Skull Bands" like Nervous Gender, Human Hands, BPeople, and Boyd Rice's NON. Through the mail art network, MONITOR connected with DEVO pal Ed Barger who recorded MONITOR's self-titled LP in 1980. Writing for the Los Angeles Reader, Matt Groening (yes, that Matt Groening) said in 1981 that "MONITOR's debut album, a compendium of mutant amplified folk tunes is the best local release I've heard all year." Now, Superior Viaduct records has reissued that LP on CD with additional bonus tracks. Special note: the track "Hair" on the album was actually performed by The Meat Puppets at MONITOR's invitation. Who does that? Lovely.

[Spotify] I Saw Dead Jim’s Shade

“Can’t Stop”, That Petrol Emotion

This way: Can’t Stop

That Petrol Emotion were a Northern Irish, London-based band with a North American vocalist, Steve Mack. Initially featuring two former members of celebrated Derry pop-punk band The Undertones (plus ex-members of fellow Derry bands Bam Bam and The Calling and Derry Hitmakers), they recorded five albums between 1986 and 1994, exploring an eclectic fusion of alternative rock, post-punk, garage rock and dance music (including sampling) which in part anticipated and overlapped with the dance-pop era of the 1990s. From Manic Pop Thril, 1986.

Following a 14-year break, the band reunited in 2008 for various dates, tours and festival appearances before returning to hiatus in 2010. Four members of the band went on to form The Everlasting Yeah.  

[Spotify] Can’t Stop

“Where’s Captain Kirk”, Spizzenergi

This way: Where’s Captain Kirk

Spizzenergi is an English punk/new wave band led by vocalist/guitarist Spizz (real name Kenneth Spiers). Formed in the late 1970s, the band changed its name every year, subsequent names including Athletico Spizz 80, Spizzoil and The Spizzles.

They are notable as the first band to top the newly created UK Indie Chart early in 1980 with the single "Where's Captain Kirk?" More than two decades after its release, it was included in Mojo magazine's list of the best punk rock singles of all time.

Hat tip to Dawn for snagging this one back in the day.

[Spotify] Where’s Captain Kirk

[Extra credit] Where’s Captain Kirk by R.E.M. From 1992

“Video Killed the Radio Star”, Bruce Woolley and the Camera Club

This way: Video Killed the Radio Star

Bruce Woolley (born 11 November 1953) is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He wrote songs with artists such as The Buggles and Grace Jones, including "Video Killed the Radio Star" and "Slave to the Rhythm", and co-founded The Radio Science Orchestra. 

In 1979 Woolley established the new wave music outfit The Camera Club with Thomas Dolby on keyboards, Matthew Seligman on bass, Dave Birch on guitar and Rod Johnson on drums. Seligman joined The Soft Boys, and was replaced by Nigel Ross-Scott. Woolley co-wrote the Ivor Novello Award-nominated "Video Killed The Radio Star", together with Horn and Downes, who later became The Buggles.


[Spotify] Video Killed the Radio Star

[Extra Credit] Video Killed the Radio Star —Buggles

“Paradise”, John Prine, dead at 73

This way: Paradise

Sad to hear of the death of John Prine, one of the great American songwriters. Like a lot of folk artists his records often suffer from misguided production. This a great example of his near perfect song, Paradise. But he has a hundred or so just as good as this.  

[Spotify] Paradise

“Cronenberg”, Nun

This way: Cronenberg

Synth-punk band from Melbourne, Australia. This LP is from 2014. 

[Spotify] Cronenberg

“Corona”, Minutemen

This way: Corona

The people will survive . . . .

This really is the band, the only band, the best band.  That Double Nickels on the Dime LP is solid gold. 

Minutemen were an American punk rock band formed in San Pedro, California, in 1980. Composed of guitarist/vocalist D. Boon, bassist/vocalist Mike Watt, and drummer George Hurley, Minutemen recorded four albums and eight EPs before Boon's death in an automobile accident in 1985; after Boon's death, the band broke up. They were noted in the California punk community for a philosophy of "jamming econo"—a sense of thriftiness reflected in their touring and presentation—while their eclectic and experimental attitude was instrumental in pioneering alternative rock and post-hardcore.

[Spotify] Corona

Spotify playlist updates

This way: Spotify playlist Vol. 3

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“Youth in Asia”, Green

This way: Youth in Asia

Do anything you want just make a ton of money. One of my favorite bands from back in the Chicago 80's daze.

In writing for Spin, Ira Robbins called Elaine MacKenzie "an album of great accomplishment" that "pair[s] the most worthwhile Kinks influence since Big Star with enough hoarse soulful R&B soul for a Small Faces LP on Paisley Park." He gave further praise to Jeff Lescher's vocal performance, which he described as "a rough but melodic roar that seems to be straining for release."




[Spotify] Youth in Asia

“Gold in Them Hills”, Ron Sexsmith

This way: Gold in Them Hills

Oh yes, you do have to be cruel to be kind. I’m basically an optimist at heart. And this song strikes a chord with me.

Ron Sexsmith (born 8 January 1964) is a Canadian singer-songwriter from St. Catharines, Ontario. He was the songwriter of the year at the 2002 Juno Awards. He began releasing recordings of his own material in 1985 at age 21, and has since recorded fifteen albums. He was the subject of a 2010 documentary called Love Shines.  

[Spotify] Gold in Them Hills

“Cruel to be Kind”, Nick Lowe

This way: Cruel to be Kind

What strange bit of pop perfection is this? I can not explain it, so I won't, just listen.  

[Spotify] Cruel to be Kind

“Lily Of The West”, Joan Baez

This way: Lily Of The West

I love Joan Baez, my Mother was a big fan when I was young, so we had lots of her records around (hello Columbia tape club). Joan Baez, born January 9, 1941, is an American singer, songwriter, musician and activist. Her contemporary folk music often includes songs of protest or social justice. Baez has performed publicly for over 60 years, releasing over 30 albums. Fluent in Spanish and English, she has also recorded songs in at least six other languages. 

Baez is generally regarded as a folk singer, but her music has diversified since the counterculture era of the 1960s and encompasses genres such as folk rock, pop, country and gospel music. She began her recording career in 1960 and achieved immediate success. She was one of the first major artists to record the songs of Bob Dylan in the early 1960s; Baez was already an internationally celebrated artist and did much to popularize his early songwriting efforts. On her later albums she has found success interpreting the work of more recent songwriters, including Ryan Adams, Josh Ritter, Steve Earle, Natalie Merchant and Joe Henry.

This is a traditional song from her 2nd LP, 1961.

[Spotify] Lily Of The West

[Spotify-extra credit] Lily Of The West

“There Is No Year”, Algiers

This way: There Is No Year

Here is a new one. “There Is No Year” is the third studio album by American experimental band Algiers. It was released through Matador Records on January 17, 2020. The album was produced by Randall Dunn and Ben Greenberg. .  

Algiers is an American rock band from Atlanta, Georgia formed in 2012. The band consists of multi-instrumentalists Franklin James Fisher, Ryan Mahan, Lee Tesche, and Matt Tong. Algiers pulls from a divergent number of musical (and nonmusical) influences; the most notable of which being post-punk, gospel, Southern Gothic literature, and the concept of the Other.

[Spotify] There Is No Year