Big Boy Bloater & The Limits.

Big Boy Bloater & The Limits. - (I haven't finished proof reading this yet

, so might need to make a few changes.)

Before you read this review. I should warn you – IT IS LONG! So if you want to save yourself some time, just take my word for it, you MUST buy these CDs

I've been threatening to write this review for what seems like ages – although it can't be that long as I've only had the CD's since Christmas. That said, even though they are mine, I can't seem to pry them out of my wife's hands long enough to do a full write up.

It really does feel as though I've had them forever, because they have the sound and feel of a classic album. You know, the sort of iconic album that puts the act head and shoulders above their peers. Ok, so in this instance it is two albums but I would find it very hard to choose which of the two to review, so I've decided to do both together. You see they each complement the other so well, that to separate them would be like telling half a story.

Bloater's voice is quite unique. If you hear these albums without knowing him, or seeing pictures, then you'd be forgiven for thinking that he was a black artist. His voice is a deep, rough, gravelly one, which sounds as though it's been dragged up through the ghetto, fighting and screaming all the way. He's not a shouter or 'talker ' of songs though, he really sings, pitch perfect, and handles brilliantly all tempos from fast pounding stompers like 'Hey Funky' to slower more thought provoking tracks like 'Rushing To Waste My Time'.

I may come across as a little biased when talking about these releases, and perhaps I am, as I've known Bloater as a good friend for as long as I've been on the Rockin' Scene, right back to the days of the Jive Cats, before that even to The Ant Hill Mob, if anybody remembers that – I think Bloater may have still been at school in those days? In all that time he's been one of the hardest working, constantly performing artists I've known. Always pushing that little bit harder to get things just right, and it shows in the quality of these latest offerings.

If you already know Bloater, then your preconceived ideas may well be out of date. For a start, if you think that his band is just another retro sounding outfit cranking out cover versions of well worn favourites to the jive oriented side of the rockin' scene, then you couldn't be any further from reality. But it's not 'modern' music either. Like his voice, the whole sound of Big Boy Bloater & The Limits is unique, it's not something you can pigeon hole into an existing category – (record shop assistants are going to love this when trying to file it!) You can safely say that on the whole it's pretty bluesy, in fact the first album, simply titled Big Boy Bloater & The Limits has a heavily blues influenced sound, with some classic blues guitar licks throughout, 'Fumble Fisted Fool' , 'Rushing To Waste Time' and 'Rocket Surgery' being prime examples of various tempos,but it's not as simple as that. A lot of the tracks have a good rockin' beat to them, yet don't sound anything like other rockin' tracks. You get a hint toward gospel with 'Sweet & Brown', then a swift move into mid tempo ska with 'My Prayer', then you get a sleazy, exotic garagy sound with 'Get Over That It's Over'

As well as being an incredibly talented guitarist with matching vocals skills. Bloater is also a top notch songwriter and arranger. All the material on these albums is self penned – not a cover version to be found. The words are beautifully weaved and formed with the music with the skill of a master. None of the words seem to be clipped or overly stretched to fit the tune, it may seem like a somewhat pedantic observation, but it is that kind of attention to detail that sets the benchmark. With regard to the arrangements, different instruments have been called in to play on specific tracks to ensure that each one is perfect, and outstanding in it's own right. The castanets on 'I Heard Those Voices Again', the use of piano as lead instrument instead of guitar on 'Rushing To Waste My Time' and the use of those funny clacky / rattley percussion instruments you got in school on 'Get Over That It's Over' all may seem minor details, but just try to imagine the sound without those tiny embellishments and you'll see just how important they are.

From a storytelling perspective, I think The World Explained CD is a fraction stronger. Some of the lyrics reveal a somewhat darker side to Bloaters psyche than I had expected. Some of it like Leonard Cohen seem to tell a little about life on the road as a jobbing musician, other tracks led me to wonder if everything in his life was OK – such is the believability of them. In fact one track 'She Gets Naked For A Living' left me thinking “I wonder who that's about.”, because there is a caustic side to it similar to the story of the Jams 'Butterfly Collector'.

So far I've only mentioned Bloater himself, but of course it's not just about him. The rest of the band is equally important, after all, it's the rest of them that ensure the whole sound is as tight and as professional as it is. So it's little wonder that the rest of the Limits come with some seriously enviable credentials. Dean Beresford and Al Gare for example came up from the original line up of King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys, Imelda May is a huge hit in her own right, with Matt Cowley and Matt Empson appearing in her band, Matt also featured in Otis Grand as did Mike Peake,and of course The Caezars have been making quite a name for themselves, and appear on the first CD

Initially you may think that the 'Big Boy' in Bloaters name refers to his physical stature. He is, after all undeniably big. However, I think it could be fair to say now, that it could also refer to his musical prowess. If you are an exceptional guitarist, a talented singer or a song writer and arranger of the highest class , then you would still only be one third the musician Bloater is. That makes him pretty big in my book.

OFF LIFE

The Art Project I wish I could draw as well as my mind can see! Thought For The Day That was it. You missed it? My Current Obsession Starting this bloody silly magazine idea up.  You know the WBK thing.  anyway -I'll get to that later.  THIS is far more important. It's a review.

I know this review is late, but that's because I didn't get hold of it until the other day. BUT, I have to tell you, it was worth the wait. (Please don't use that as an excuse to make me wait so long again. if you could see the sweat I was in......panicing that I wouldn't get a copy.)

Anyway. What sort of a review is it, if you don't know what I'm talking about? I'll tell you.

The new magazine is OFF LIFE, and it's a totally new concept.  It's not being made for money - to line some already bloated suit with our hard earned cash. No - because it's FREE. you find it when you are out and about, and you pick it up and take it way to enjoy at your leisure - or you pick it up while you are out, read it and enjoy it, then leave it behind for somebody else to enjoy.  How good is that eh?  How often does somebody say "Here, take this good thing and enjoy it, you don't have to pay for it."....and there not be a catch. I can hear your reply now. "What's the catch?" - Well, there isn't one!

So the next argument made by the cynical old goats amongst you will be "Well - If it's free, it must be rubbish."  Wrong again! Its' full of really good thought provoking comics by well established artists. It's on a very nice quality matt paper, and the print quality is crisp, clean, and generally quite lovely.

There is a slight problem, and that is it is only availale in Bristol and London at the moment, although I believe the intention is to gradually roll it out to other cities as they can. You can however enjoy it online here http://www.offlife.co.uk/, if you cannot get a paper copy - (Although I would urge you to try to find a proper one if you can, I'll explain why in a bit.)

Sorry, I still haven't said much about the actual magazine have I?  OK, it's to bring comics back to the mainstream reader, so that they aren't just seen as something for little kids or nerdy older kids in special shops. Comic strips can be funny, they can be aimed at children, they can be aimed at superhero fans - but they don't have to be. They can be enjoyed by everybody, they can have a meaningful message, which will often stay in our minds more with their visual aspect, than just a written article would, and can be read repeatedly and still enjoyed.

My personal favourites were the collaboration of Daniel Humphries and Will Elliot on Loud Neighbours with it's drk twist on the Pinocchio story, Rob Davis' surreal vision in How I Built My Father (and where I went wrong), and Liz Lunney's The Lemon Parade, which was one of the funniest in this issue, although I found it hard to read on the digital copy as the text is so small. (Just my old eyes, I sure)  I think that strip might have benefitted from being enlarged a little and spread over 2 pages, as even the print edition has small text.

Possibly the most moving story is Slow To Heal by Silent Paige. I won't spoil it for you. Just read it OK?

So, there you have it. A free comic to people in Bristol and London - Get out there and find one, it won't cost you anything, and you may just find that comics aren't just kidstuff. I look forward to seeing issue 2,and hope that it continues. Well done to all involved.

A Record Review - And it's ACE!

Music - YES - Today there is something new! The Art Project And here. somthing new here too! Thought For The Day nothing new My Current Obsession nothing new

OK. First off, I have a new record. Sent to me by those jolly fine people at ACE Records, a company that brought me immense pleasure as I was discovering the rock'n'roll scene. As soon as I clear some of the junk out of the record room, and can reach some of the hidden shelves I am going to have to dig out those first ACE compilations and review them properly, as I see that they are still available, and I know they were good.

Anyway - To the record I have just got. Here is my review (Just got to find a home for it now.)

Booker T & The MGs  - Soul Limbo (ACE Records)

If you are looking for a ‘Best Of’ type compilation of Booker T & the MGs, then this might not be the one for you. It is however, an essential buy for anybody that likes the sound of the Stax house band, Booker T & The MGs. It is a faithful reissue of their 1968 LP on Stax ‘Soul Limbo’.Okay, so it might not have the one everybody knows ‘Green Onions’ or the classic ‘Time Is Tight’, but you will not be disappointed by the tracks it does have. 

It boasts an impressive array of differing styles, from the bright, cheerful uptempo version of The Tams ‘Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy, to the much more laid back cover of the Delfonics ‘La La Means I Love You’. Both tracks are heavily dominated by the Hammond organ and guitar sound,  which the band are best known for. The  sound however, is considerably varied when they do their version of the old jazz standard Willow Weep For Me. A song that has been recorded by the likes of Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. This version relies upon the piano instead of an organ as it’s key instrument, which is perfect for this slow bluesy number.

Although the majority of the recordings on this album are instrumental cover versions of songs popularised by artists of the time such as Aretha Franklin, Albert King, Jimi Hendrix and even The Beatles. There are also a handful of their own compostions.  Such as Heads Or Tails, Over Easy, and the instantly recognisable ‘Soul Limbo’  which gives this LP it’s title. Even people who have never heard of Booker T & The MGs will know this track, as it has been used extensively on British TV for coverage of the Cricket. It’s great to hear this magnificent track in it’s entirety.

You can hear, from listening to this album why Booker T & The MGs were in such high demand as the Stax House band, as they adopt whatever style they are performing in so well. This is perfectly demonstrated in the closing track of the album ‘Foxy Lady’ which is instantly recognisable o the work of Hendrix. You could be forgiven for thinking that the man himself was on the recording.

As well as the vinyl reproduction, this offering is also available as a CD, for those that want to enjoy this classic album, but no longer have access to a record player.

..And the art project. Well, I guess it's not really a project now. More of a 'Do a bit of arty stuff as and when I can, then try to find a home for it, so that I don't end up with even more junk filling up space, so that I can't reach the things I want - such as my records (See above)

So now, instead of painting a random picture for no reason whatesover - I try to find somebody that wants one, then send it to them when it's finished. Junk for them to store, rather than me you see....happiness all round.

I've done three recently.  One day I'll let you see them all.

It's been so long since I did anything here. I've forgotten how to!
A lot has happened, which I'm sure will make it's way into various aspects of my blogging. I intend to add something to all of my Blogs over the next few days.

SOUL CITY Label Records

I have recently purchased a bundle of 45's on the SOUL CIT label. I have to confess to being a bit of a snob about records - (You see I do like originals) - However, I'm quite happy to have these in my collection, until such time as I find an original in good enough condition to replace it.

Now - With this bundle, I got quite a few duplicates. So I am selling those on some I am listing on Ebay - HERE

I'm also listing a few on Ebid to see if it really is a viable alternativeCrazy Jays Ebid Items

due to the lower commission - The prices on Ebid tend to be somewhat lower, so please feel free to compare both my listings, also, it would appear there is a lower likelihood of being outbid on items on Ebid (Not too many customers at the moment) - so that REALLY gives potential for bagging a bargain.

At last - An alternative to E-bay......Ebid!

Yes - There is an alternative to Ebay. BUT, Ebay still seems to have the lions share of the market. There are lots of SELLERS on Ebid, but the buyers seem to be firmly stuck in the mud the other side.

So WHY change? - For one thing, there are likely to be bargains to be had on Ebid.

Think about it. There is stuff to buy, and if YOU are the only bidder - Bingo...... Best price possible!!!

So - Go take a look. Keeping looking and more to the point. Keep bidding. If more buyers come over, so will more sellers!

Crazy Jays Ebid Items

At the moment, I'm only selling 1 item. But I intend to list more records soon.

The broken lock!

Time and time again, both me and my wife have to tell our boys to stop playing with the door. "Don't slam it!" - "Don't swing on the handle" - "Don't fight through it".... Well, I'm sure you get the picture.

I am worried for two reasons - First, one of them is going to get hurt. I accidentally trapped Ryans fingers in the door the other day, which I felt really bad about, but had the door been slammed on his fingers rather than just closed he could well have lost them or at least broken them rather than just been a bit bruised!

So, once again, I hear the front door go BANG, but didn't click shut,but no sound of tears, so nobody is hurt, but something must have been in the way to prevent it's closure. That somethign made itself quite clear when I opened the door to see the keys sticking out at a surprisingly jaunty angle. Gingerly I removed the front door key........I was right to be careful, but it did not good. What I actually removed was half a key. The other half of course was still stuck in the lock. Fortunately my father in law was round, and although I had managed to remove the door handle and gained access to the barrel, I didn't know how to release it. Between us we worked it out, but we were on a tight schedule, as the locksmiths was ony going to be open for another 15 minutes. No sooner was the barrel out, than I was in the car dashing doen to buy a new one. I was expecting the worst, so was pleasantly surprised to find that a new barrel was only just under £20 (I thought it would be between £30-£35).

I was told that lining the new lock up could be pretty tricky, but lady luck once more smiled on me, and it went in place with ease - Job done!