Ring The Alarm playlist, April 30

Wajeed - Jeedo Suave
Madhouse - Six
Bacao rhythm and steel band - Was dog a doughnut
Charles Bradley - The world is going up in flames
Bobby Moore - Hey Mr DJ
Sam and Kitty  -I've got something good
The Tams - I've been hurt
Ted Taylor - You give me nothing in return
Paul Humphrey and his coolaid chemists - Detroit
Henry Mancini - A shot in the dark
Pigalle connection - Paris breakdown
Quincy Jones - Hummin
Jamaica playboys - Makosa reggae
Jennifer Lara - I'm in love
Soul sugar feat Courtney John - All I know
Adrian Sherwood -Zoo time
Big Bud - Runaway
Superspirit - We belong in the cosmos (Jugoe remix)
Extra T's - ET boogie
Herbie Hancock - Rockit
Heaven 17 - At the height of the fighting
Manu Dibango - Electric Africa
Shirley Murdock - Be free
Isley Bros - Aint giving up no love
Anthony Joseph feat Sly Johnson - Neckbone
Mavis Staples - Chocolate city
Boogaloo combo - Hotpants road
Manzel - Evil, wicked, mean and nasty (Dopebrother mix)
Respect - Soul entertainer
Billy Karaitiana - Cool jerk
El Michels affair feat Lee Fields - Snakes
Shateish - I'm leaving

Shateish - "I’m Leavin"

Big Crown Records (the new label from the folk behind Truth and Soul, which now appears to be on hiatus - most of its acts are listed on the Big Crown website), launched early in 2016, and have been dropping goodies left right and centre.. there's the debut album from Bacao Rhythm and Steel, and brand new El Michels Affair single, and this gem...

"I'm Leavin" is a tribute to Etta James, produced by the one and only Nottz (Busta Rhymes, G Unit, Pusha T, Dilla). Shateish flips the Etta classic into a updated tale of catching a cheater and the pain that comes along with it. Out on 7"vinyl/digital.

New pressing plant opening in Adelaide

Roundabout's cutting lathe. Photo: CityMag

Adelaide studio Roundabout has managed to score an ex HMV NZ cutting lathe... shame it didn't get to stay in NZ...

Via CityMag: "... The Roundabout recording studio is home to a 1950’s Neumann AM-32 cutting lathe from New Zealand’s old HMV Studios. The last surviving device of its kind, it’s basically the unicorn of record cutting. Vinyl revivalists went into a spin the minute it hit The Secret Society of Lathe Trolls last year. Due purely to proximity, Colin came up trumps.

“I was the first one to get to Auckland,” he says. “A guy jumped on a plane in Germany that night, and a guy jumped on a plane in America that night, and just because I got there first, I was pretty lucky.”

Roundabout are getting ready to set up shop pressing runs of 100-1000 records for local artists, with recording and mastering also offered in-house.

ADDED: From the NZ owner: " I own a Neumann AM32 (circa 1957) cutting lathe that I inherited from my father. It has been in the family since the mid-60's and has been very well cared for.

Since moving it to Auckland in 2002, we did a few test cuts on the machine to ensure it was all working.
I then had to move it into safe storage whilst my work took me overseas. Unfortunately I am never going to get the opportunity to use it again, so I am looking to sell it to a caring new owner.

It has a Grampian Mono cutter head powered by a Philips 80w amp.
I really don't know too many of the other spec's other than it is complete and was working well last time we fired it up." 

Ring The Alarm playlist, April 23

Chaka Khan - I feel for you
Prince - U go the look
Prince - Mountains
Madhouse - Six
Prince - I wanna be your lover
Lord Julien - Tennis
Jazz not jazz - You dig
Lee Oskar - Haunted house
Blundetto - Nautilus
Michael Prophet - Been talking
Johnny Clarke - Crazy baldheads
African Head Charge - Beri version
The Orb feat Lee Scratch Perry - Hold me upsetter
Boozoo Bajou - Under mi sensi (Trio Eletrico remix)
Quantic - I just fell in love again
Charles Bradley - Aint it a sin
Watts 103rd st rhythm band - 65 bars and a taste of soul
Clarence Reid - If it was good enough for daddy
Oscar Brown Jr - Chicken heads
Earth wind and fire - Bad tune
Joyce Jones - Help me make up my mind
Don Covay & the Jefferson Lemon Blue - Sookie sookie
Fred Wesley and the JBs - You can have Watergate....
E - The turning point
Teen turbans - We need to be loved
Jean Knight -Carry on
Booker T and the MGs - Melting pot
Impressions - Woman's got soul
The Four Tops - I got the feeling
DLT feat Billy TK - Duel of the assassins
Prince - Housequake

RIP Prince

Prince has died suddenly aged 57. He played a show in Atlanta last week, similar to the one he did in Auckland just two months ago, just him, a mic and a piano, and was hospitalised after that show with the flu, but returned home.

"A representative told the celebrity news outlet that the singer had performed in Atlanta even though he was not feeling well and felt worse after boarding the plane for a flight back to Minnesota." (source: RNZ)

I was lucky enough to see him at one of his two his Auckland shows - his first visit to our shores. There was a lot of discussion amongst my music mates about the ticket prices, some folk saying they were too expensive. I just closed my eyes and whacked it on my credit card and figured I'd pay it off - this was a once in a lifetime chance. Who knows when Prince might come back? Now we know the answer, sadly.

I arrived late to Prince - sure,I knew about him, clocked Purple rain, but I didn't connect with his music til I heard 'Kiss' blasting out on a crowded dancefloor (think it was The Brat in Nelson st?) - goddamn, that ish was funky. Then I heard Sign O The Times in the same setting , and Housequake - man, that tune could rock a club. Phenomenal tunes, phenomenal musician and songwriter. Total genius.

Prince was always super quick at getting live clips taken down off the internet, but I still remember seeing a clip of Prince at Madison Square Gardens a few years back, and he had Sharon Jones and the Dapkings open, and Ms Jones and the Dapkings horns joined Prince for one of the encores, doing A Love Bizarre. Damn killed it.

Here's Prince playing and being interviewed by Arsenio Hall, from 2014.  

Ring The Alarm playlist, April 16

DNA and Suzanne Vega - Tom's diner remix
Wally Badarou - Chief inspector (precinct 13)
George Benson - World is a ghetto
Charles Bradley - Aint it a sin
Maceo and the Macks - Cross the track
Lyn Collins - Give it up or turn it loose
Mongo Santamaria - Cold sweat
Dizzy Gillespie - Manteca
Chico Hamilton - El toro (Mark de Clive Lowe remix)
The Mike Nock Underground - Space Bugaloo
Sharon Jones and the Dapkings - Stranded in your love (Cool Calm Pete remix)
Gene Chandler - No peace, no satisfaction
The Sharpees - Take me to your leader
The Ringleaders - Grin and bare it
Monica - I don't know nothing else to tell you but I love you
Hank Jacobs - Elijah rocking with soul
Tenor Saw - Pumpkin belly
Dennis Brown - Song my mother used to sing
Prince Jammy - BQE dub
Brentford disco set - Rebel disco
Freddie McGregor - Bobby Bobbylon
Vin Gordon - Steady beat
Juhani - Bigger vat
Sign of four - Jumping beans
Luke Vibert and Jean Jaques Perrey - Ye olde beatbox
Mephisto Jones - Chocolate hot sauce
Video kid - Dawn skate
Luiz Bonfa - Jacaranda
Dionne Warwick - Just being myself

Charles Bradley drops album no 3

Brand new album from the screaming eagle of soul, Mr Charles Bradley.... great slice of modern soul...

E (of Myron and E) - new single 'The Turning Point'

"Mocambo Records proudly presents the first 45 with the unmistakable E (aka Eric 'E da Boss' Cooke, and one half of soul duo Myron & E out on Timmion Records and Stones Throw).

This new single, titled "The Turning Point" is a dramatic piece of soul with dope drums and a cinematic orchestration, which sees E and his female duet partner Ishtar ‘breaking up’, while the flipside features the instrumental version.

This is a vinyl only release, available in limited quantities and as a first taste of the collaboration between E and Mocambo Records."

Record Store Day 2016 happenings in NZ

Record Store Day is on again this Saturday, for the 9th year. Events announced so far (will add more as they come to hand).

In Auckland...

Real Groovy Records 369 Queen St says "Not only will we be selling limited edition RSD vinyl releases, but we are going to be putting out a HUGE number of rare and collectable second hand LPs on the day (many brought here from the States), first in first served!

There will be live bands and DJs playing throughout the day, giveaways, and Wise Boy Burgers and You're Welcome Coffee will be parked out front, keeping you refreshed and satisfied all day long.

Lineup: 10.00am – DJs Flat White and Long Black / 10.45am – Purple Pilgrims / 11.15am – DJ Ned Roy / 12.15pm – The Beths / 12.45pm – DJ – Tina Turntables / 1.45pm – L V J / 2.15pm – DJ – Pennie Black / 3.15pm – Roy Irwin & Piss."

Southbound Records on Symond St have live performances in the afternoon from Tami Neilson / The Leers / Delaney Davidson. Over 250 Record Store Day releases. “Devil In The Parlour” documentary screening on Delaney Davison. In Store Specials with 25% off all 2nd hand vinyl. Coffee & baking until midday!

Marbecks Queens Arcade say "this year we’re pleased to announce that alongside the vinyl specials and Record Store Day exclusive releases we have an excellent lineup playing records instore through the day including Charlotte Ryan, Matthew Crawley, Lio & Pete and Gin.

The secretive cdogg420 will also be behind the turntables, and we'll have live performances from Dictaphone Blues and Roy Irwin. As is becoming a tradition, we will have 20% off all vinyl (excluding Record Store Day releases and items already on sale) and this year we're extending this to 20% off CDs too."

Rebel Soul Records on K Rd has DJs instore and specials all day, opens at 10am... 10-11 Apera / 11-12 Chillin / 12-2pm Dubhead / 2 - 4 Parallel DJs / 4 - 5 DJ Lise.

Flying Out on Pitt St has the Peter Jefferies/Joni Lonie - At Swim 2 Birds reissue out on Flying Nun, plus recent releases from Street Chant, Avoid Avoid, and heaps of great second hand vinyl.

It's also their first birthday - "To celebrate we have a lot of things planned including a very rare performance by none other than Peter Jefferies - who will be celebrating the RSD release on vinyl of "At Swim 2 Birds". Joining him will be Jed Town. This will be an early evening event in the Flying Out Basement (though the shop will be open upstairs and still celebrating RSD)

During the afternoon we will be having other music in the basement, including Herriot Row who are celebrating the release of their first 7" single via Arcade Recordings. More info on artists and DJ's TBC!

We are also having a sale of selected vinyl and some one off ripper reductions on a handful of Flying Nun, Arch Hill and other titles...prepare for some surprises. We also have a new shipment of second hand vinyl from the US which will be hitting the shelves."
 


In Tauranga...

Vinyl Destination shifted from Auckland to Tauranga recently and celebrates their opening day/1st birthday on RSD. At 34 Devonport Rd.


In New Plymouth...

Vinyl Countdown join in the festivities... "Special one off Record Store Day releases, Vinyl Club DJs spinning Vinyl, Vinyl and CD Prize draws; FREE sausage sizzle - you know the drill! We're looking forward to Record Store Day again this year - come on down and share the day with like minded music fans! And we will also have 80grit playing a set at 1pm."


In Wellington...

Slowboat Records opens at 9am...

11am - 11.35am - Anika Moa presents ‘Songs For Bubbas 2’ (please note - have spoken to Olive Cafe and Midnight Espresso across the road, they are happy for you to use their bathrooms, and we will have a change table available!!)

MUSIC 101 LIVE INSTORE BROADCAST BEGINS!!
2.05pm - 2.35pm – Orchestra Of Spheres
3.05 - 3.35pm – Dave Dobbyn ‘Harmony House’ LP Release!!
STORE CLOSES; 6.00pm

Rough Peel Music has some great happenings for RSD from 930am...

"Along with lots of releases we are hoping to get, we have some live performances for you too.This year we have live performances from The Cakekitchen (their new album is out on CD this Friday on Rough Peel, vinyl to come) and Zen Mantra and both have new releases available. DJs include Nick Bollinger, James Goldsmith, Eastern Bloc and TV DiSKO."

Death Ray Records in Newtown has all sorts of shenanigans, some live music and more;; "...So pop by and give us your congrats on existing and we like chocolate, beer and records, that's if you feel you need to say thanks . No pressure, just saying because we do like chocolate and beer. Do you get it, hint hint! This is our biggest day of the year so do the math. Record store day + your attendance = winter survival levels high."


In  Nelson...

Local bar Rhythm and Brown has picked up RSD (following the closure of Nelson's sole record store  Everyman Records). "... owner Scott Bradley will be flipping through his big record collection and selling some of it off. The records in the sale are an assortment of his own collection and those from the bar. Bradley estimates there would be 500 records on sale with "varying degrees of awesomeness" ranging in price from $1 to $40."

In Christchurch...

Galaxy Records says  "There will be special Record Store Day releases & goodies! Check out the Mixtape & Rest Home DJs as they battle it out! Featuring on the decks: Pinacolada Soundsystem, Dr. Hitchcock, Missy G & Skew-whiff."

Penny Lane Records are celebrating Record Store Day Saturday 16 AND Sunday 17 April by offering super duper discount deals.

Sadhana Surfboards  -"I recently stumbled across second-hand records at Sadhana Surfboards at the Tannery in Woolston. They are celebrating Record Store Day on Saturday 16th with Fraser Ross & the Felt Tips playing live instore at 1:00pm. DJs from 11:30am to 4:00pm.. Limited Edition 7″, 10″ & 12″ Record Store Day Releases!

Canterbury Museum "Want to see how your LPs, and EPs get made? There will be a special vinyl record cutting event on Friday 15 April at 12pm at the Canterbury Museum as part of their Exhibition “Alternative Radio: RDU98.5FM since 1976”

James Meharry from In Real Life Vinyl Mastering records special RDU selections direct to disc in a unique performance. Cutting for RDU, each session will see a double A-side 7” selected by the music director, mastered and cut to vinyl live in a special custom studio built for the vinyl lathe."

Thanks Bill and Donna for additional info.

Ring The Alarm playlist, April 9

Philadelphia allstars  - Let's clean up the ghetto (Mr K edit)
Dee Dee Sharp Gamble -Easy money (Todd Terje edit)
Gonzalez - Let it lay
Orgone - Funky Nassau (Danny Krivit edit)
Gene Chandler - There was a time
Ted Taylor - Rambling Rose
Oliver Sain - London express
Gene Anderson - The gigilo
King Cain Silvertone band - Don't give a damn
The Noteables - Funky frog
New Mastersounds - Nervous (raw mix)
Tyra and the tornadoes - Huihui
Prince Tui Teka - Let's stay together
Otis Redding - Hard to handle
Bill Withers - Railroad man
Derrick Laro and Trinity - Don't stop til you get enough
Butch Cassidy sound system - Brothers and sisters
Beat Pharmacy feat Spaceape - Strangers
Rhythm and sound feat Paul St Hilaire - What a mistry
Jo Jo Bennett - Canteloupe rock
Don Drummond & the Skatalites - Man on the street
Andy and Joey - You're wondering now
The Clash - Radio Clash
Lizzy Mercier Descloux - Hard-boiled babe
Nona Hendryx - B-boyz
Madd rackett - Making a living
Eric B and Rakim - Don't sweat the technique

Kings Arms for the chop?

The latest announcement of Special Housing Areas by the Auckland Council include 59 France St. The clever folk at Cheese On Toast spotted that's the current location of legendary Auckland live venue, the Kings Arms. Based on the Council's website, it sounds likely to be demolished and replaced by apartments:

According to the Auckland Council website:

“The development at 59 France Street South is for approximately 60 new apartments over 3 years. The affordable homes within the development will be priced at between $450,000 and $675,000.

The apartment development will also provide a mix of housing types, matched to current shortages, including smaller one-bedroom units and larger two-bedroom units.

The land is currently occupied by a two level commercial building and car park. It is zoned Mixed Use under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan, which was notified on 30 September 2013.

Urban Collective are pleased to be included in an SHA noting that there is an intention to have the first residential housing ready for habitation by 2019, with the entire development completed by 2019.”

A quick search reveals Urban Collective as property developers, specialising in high end developments.

UPDATED: Russell Brown at Public Address reports that "According to records, the building at 59 France Street, Newton, is owned by the same people who have owned it since 1993: James Sclater, Susan DeGuara and Maureen Patricia Gordon – aka Maureen from the King’s Arms. They are also the shareholders in the King’s Arms business, PG Gordon Limited."

Brown also reports that an apparently knowledgeable source says: "Maureen has no intention to sell at this point. The council can’t do sh*t as she owns the land outright … Maureen’s furious at the council."

Brown also says that "One theory is that the developer may have applied for SHA status to increase the value of the property to pressure a sale."

So it appears Urban Collective's intention to build apartments on that site may not be clear cut. The SHA mentioned covers two titles, the Kings Arms, and the nearby gym.

UPDATE 2:  Brown has done some further digging: "I checked the title on the other two properties in the SHA, 11 and 13 Karaka Street.

It sold in August last year to:

Alhan Ali Elsayed Selem
Kiwi Trustee Services Limited
Mohamed Selim
Susan Anne Bierre

They’re investors who seem to have other ventures in common. Alhan Ali Essayed Selem set up a property development company this year."

Brown also says Maureen was aware of the SHA application, citing Newshub's interview with her.

Best thing you can do is go to gigs at the Kings Arms and keep it a going concern.

New albums from Paddy Free, Misled Convoy (Pitch Black crew)

Pitch Black fellas Paddy Free and Mike Hodgson (aka Misled Convoy) have dropped some new bizznizz. Paddy has reworked a bunch of recent tunes he was involved with as part of Moana and the Tribe, meanwhile Mike serves up a collection of his remixes, from the Adults to Banco De Gaia.

Mike and Paddy are also working on a new Pitch Black album long distance, with Mike based in the UK, and Paddy currently in NYC for several months.

Ring The Alarm playlist, April 2

War - Youngblood
Mucho plus - Nassua's disco
Bernard Wright - Spinning
Mighty Hannibal - Good times
Rusty Bryant - Fire eater
Freddi Henchi and the soul setters - Funky to the bone
Little Richard - Nuki Suki
Phil Moore Jr - Funky canyon
6ix - I'm just like you
Snap - Sidewalk city
Che Fu - Machine talk
Ladi6 - Bang bang
Hackney colliery band - No diggity
Tall black guy - I feel good (James Brown flip up)
Tosca - Chocolate Elvis (Boozo Bajou remix)
Jackie Mittoo - Chicken and booze
Dandy Livingston and Rico - Rudy a message to you
Revolutionary dub warriors - Mystic (remix)
Lee Scratch Perry - International broadcaster
Fat Freddys Drop - Hope (Sonsine remix)
Bo Diddley - Down on the corner (Jr Dynamite edit)
George McRae  - I get lifted (Mischief brew edit)
The Jacksons - Different kind of lady
Anthony Joseph feat Sly Johnson - Neckbone
Isley Brothers - Take some time out for love
The Mystery Lights - Too many girls
The Sonics - Psycho
Lefties soul connection - Have love will travel
Geno Washington - Que sera sera
Kenny Smith and the loveliters - Go for yourself