? And The Mysterians Mid-City Lanes Rock 'N' Bowl New Orleans 1st October 2004

 

Here's something a little left field, but no prizes for knowing why I chose to post this gig. I like many others have never heard the enigmatic '? And The Mysterians' before now (with the exception of that song). In all honesty, whilst I like some of this type of '60's garage psychedilia, I have never really gone out of my way to go beyond '96 Tears'. So this I post as a curiosity as much as anything else. Theirs is a set of covers and originals. The big hit gets played twice, three times almost, as 'Can't Get Enough of You Baby' is pretty close.

To listen to them, ? And The Mysterians could pass off as Naz Nomad & The Nightmares!!

It is clear that The Stranglers cover was very faithful to the original in the same way that 'All Day And All Of The Night' deviated very little from The Kinks' version. Herein lies the problem with cover versions, they are only meaningful if they take a song in new direction... a 'Walk On By' or an 'Eloise' for example.

Thanks to the original Dime uploader.

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-D5GDGgumVM

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-TqQvmE3kDh

Istres (L'Usine) 26th November 2004

 

Here's one of the better recordings from the 'Norfolk Coast' European tour. With no less than seven songs from the album appearing in the set, it is apparent that the band fully understood that with this album they had turned a corner in that they had produced a piece of work not bettered in over 20 years.

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-xJ5Ig29TTM

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-DJeNwxjNnv

01. Intro

02. Norfolk Coast

03. Skin Deep

04. Big Thing Coming

05. Peaches

06. I Don't Agree

07. All Day And All Of The Night

08. Always The Sun

09. Long Black Veil

10. Golden Brown

11. Walk On By

12. Duchess

13. Lost Control

14. Who Wants The World?

15. I've Been Wild

16. (Get A) Grip (On Yourself)

17. Something Better Change

18. Tank

01. Nuclear Device

02. Five Minutes

03. JJ

04. Mine All Mine

05. No More Heroes

06. JJ

999 On TV And On Film

 

Here's a DVD compilation that I put together some years ago that features a collection of TV and live appearances from 1978 to 2007. Quality varies, but it's a nice collection. Anyone recall where 'Bomb You' came from or is it another of those tracks like 'People Who Died' and 'White Trash', songs that saw the light of day for the briefest of times?

DVD image: https://go.wetransfer.com/t-F3bWP0s7pr

Artwork: https://go.wetransfer.com/t-OFKLnGXJ5h

The Prince of Wales Melbourne 12th October 2004

 

Here's a nice sounding gig from Down Under in October 2004 again showcasing the best of 'Norfolk Coast'

MP3 (as received): https://we.tl/t-DGPcvkp2Sx

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-3osWaQQp3P

01. Waltzinblack
02. Norfolk Coast
03. Skin Deep
04. Big Thing Coming
05. Peaches
06. I Don’t Agree
07. All Day & All Of The Night
08. Always The Sun
09. Long Black Veil
10. Golden Brown
11. Walk On By

01. Duchess
02. Lost Control
03. Who Wants The World?
04. I’ve Been Wild
05. (Get A) Grip (On Yourself)
06. Something Better Change
07. Tank
08. Nuclear Device
09. Five Minutes
10. Mine All Mine
11. No More Heroes

Leadmill Sheffield 7th March 2004

 

The Stranglers were back on tour in the Spring of 2004 with a new album to promote... 'Norfolk Coast'. The band were clearly pleased with their efforts on the new album as the set contains no less than eight of the eleven songs that appear on the album.

MP3 (as received): https://we.tl/t-7KxW7B04vP

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-GtUtb7HXwT

Back To The Norfolk Coast

 

It could be said that the regeneration of The Stranglers started in 2000. The year when JJ rediscovered his musical mojo. For whatever reason, after the departure of Hugh, the co-vocalist stepped back from the microphone. His vocal contributions diminished increasingly throughout the 1990's until to all intents and purposes he was going through the motions whilst other musicians on the stage played around him. In those years I moved away from the band, seeing them on vary rare occasions. In 1998 I was given a ticket to see them at Cambridge Corn Exchange and I found it distressing to watch. At this lowest ebb (to my ears at least) JJ had stopped engaging in the writing process I believe, effectively handed over song writing duties to Paul Roberts and John Ellis, which had a dramatic impact on how the band sounded. With the departure of John Ellis, JJ once gain stepped up to the plate so to speak.

I cannot recall, but it may have been as a result of trouble in the marital home, JJ spent some time in reflection on the stunning Norfolk Coast that resulted in the resumption of writing to the extent that he felt confident enough to go out on the road with his solo 'Songs and Stories' set. The track 'Norfolk Coast' lifted from JJ's gig at the Union Chapel in Islington in the summer of 2000 makes it on to the bonus disc that comes with the recent 'Norfolk Coast' album reissue. 

Some bands have a knack, and here I mean bands with many years under their belts that have spent some years drifting in the doldrums. Something happens that reignites belief, dispels writer's block and leads to the creation of something special, in this case an album that turned heads and forced those who had previously considered the band to have a history but no future. What was that something that happened?... well it was undoubtedly Baz Warne. In a younger musician with energy and ideas, JJ found a receptive partner for new ideas. The tracks on the album sparkle with those elements that are undeniably 'Stranglers call signs'. The bass is back and for me, most critically Dave Greenfield's keyboards were rediscovered in the mix after being sidelined for some years. 

As you will hear in the next post, this new energy and confidence radiated from the stage.

Shepherds Bush Empire 10th December 2004

 

This post is filling a request. This is one of DomP's remasters.

Not surprisingly, the set is heavy on the new 'Norfolk Coast' material with no less than seven of the album's eleven tracks showcased on the night. And why not? 'Norfolk Coast' is pretty much universally recognised amongst the fan base as the return to form album after the lacklustre offerings of 'Written In Red' and 'Coup De Grace'.

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-OKMRmhTt8w

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-r615Mkz4LD

Hugh Cornwell Captial Radio Session London 18th October 2004

 

Here is a Capital Radio session that Hugh recorded that was broadcast on 18th October 2004.

WAV: https://we.tl/t-TDcqz9qzZx

01. Interview

02. Golden Brown

03. Cadiz

04. Do Right Bayou

05. Hanging Around

Eastfield The Globe Stoke 4th March 2004

 

Jesse, Trina and Bambi of Eastfield

Perhaps worthy owners of the title of one of the hardest working bands in punk, there rarely seems to be a DIY punk gig flyer that does not feature the name Eastfield.... well at least that was the case when we did gigs! having said that I did notice the other day that one of their socially distanced gigs is up on Dime from last month!

I have seen them a good few times over the years, not least because my mate Chris did a stint on drums with them about the time of this recording.... if I am not mistaken he's on this one.

So here for you is a bit of Urban Rail Punk courtesy of Eastfield.

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-8CyDxR9iS4

01. Fare Dodging

02. Bevland

03. CI5

04. Second Fastest Cycle Courier

05. Aspartame

06. Broad Street Trash

07. Revolution

08. Drive On Henry

09. Swayze

10. Pepper

11. Mannion

12. Beast Of Bratislava

13. Henry Jackson

14. Ooh Ahh

Radio France FIP Broadcast Paris 5th May 2004

Great quality radio broadcast from Paris 15 years ago today. This is great if you are a big fan of the 'Norfolk Coast' album since this set features no less than 8 of the 11 tracks that make up that particular album. Enjoy!

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-nhH5KbaFrJ

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-M0LJb6mrsv

01. Norfolk Coast
02. Skin Deep
03. Big Thing Coming
04. Peaches
05. I Don't Agree
06. All Day & All Of The Night
07. Always The Sun
08. Long Black Veil
09. Golden Brown
10. Tucker's Grave
11. Duchess
12. Lost Control

01. Who Wants The World
02. I've Been Wild
03. Grip
04. Something Better Change
05. Tank
06. Walk on By
07. Five Minutes
08. Mine All Mine
09. No More Heroes

Hala Sportova Belgrade 13th February 2004

Here's an almost anniversary set from the 'Norfolk Coast' period.

FLAC: https://we.tl/WxZqhfuUYQ

Artwork: https://we.tl/Q9x27pGthx

01. Intro
02. Norfolk Coast
03. Skin Deep
04. All Day And All Of The Night
05. Peaches
06. Long Black Veil
07. Always The Sun
08. Ive Been Wild
09. Grip
10. Lost Control
11. Never To Look Back
12. Walk On By
13. Golden Brown
14. Sinister
15. Mine All Mine
16. I Dont Agree
17. Something Better Change
18. Tank
19. Big Thing Coming
20. Hanging Around
21. No More Heroes

Eastfield Victoria Inn Derby 13th August 2004

Here's an anniversary gig from Eastfield. This would have been around the time when my mate Chris was playing drums with them.

FLAC: https://we.tl/hR5uYHzyCO

01. Mannion
02. Fare Dodging
03. Broad Street Trash
04. Aspartame
05. Drive On Henry
06. Vic Bury
07. Revolution
08. Swayze
09. Pepper
10. Beast Of Bratislava
11. 47002
12. Henry Jackson
13. Bevland

The Story Of Buzzcocks BBC Radio 2 7th August 2004

'Steve, can you tell I ate garlic last night?'

Here's one of the band profile radio documentaries that the BBC put together from time to time. This one tells the tale of one of the most original and inventive bands to emerge from the stews of punk rock - The 'Cocks!

WAV: http://we.tl/fBvGVOUuTQ

Norfolk Coast Radio Promos 2004

Widely regarded as the first and assured step out of a creative wilderness, 2004's 'Norfolk Coast' blew away the accumulated cobwebs of the previous 10 years. From the opening bars of the title track, it was clear that the band had gone back to the drawing board and returned with something very satisfactory. The elements that made that 'Stranglers sound' were resurrected, Dave's keyboard swirls, JJ's trademark bass rumble and a guitar sound that was at once reassuringly familiar and made even the most jaded old Stranglers fan's head turn.

And key to this about turn was simply that JJ regained interest in the band, and that is what was required.

As the press release at the time put it (and interestingly my comments above were written before I read the release!):

'The lead track off the album, 'Norfolk Coast' typifies all he distinctive signatures of a classic Stranglers song and sets the mood for this quintessential album, which travels through hi-speed rock, driving rhythms, anthemic melodies and occasional, off-the-wall quirkiness Trademark Stranglers qualities, including JJ Burnel's rumbling bass and Dave Greenfield's distinctive keyboard sounds, are captured on record as never before'.

Here's a selection of radio interviews conducted at the time to promote the album.

FLAC: http://we.tl/O3ctwwqP5i

Talk Sport Interview (JJ And Paul) 17th February 2004

An interview conducted in the promotional run up to the Norfolk Coast tour with JJ and Paul. Broadcast on Talk Sport Radio on 17th February 2004.

MP3: http://we.tl/6XrIieBrwb

Lakenhalle Cultural Centre, Ypres, Belgium 3rd April 2004

Following on from the 'Shot At Dawn' post, it seems fitting to post this recording of the band when they played Ypres in 2004 on the European leg of the 'Norfolk Coast' tour.

On this occasion pre-gig the band made time to attend the nightly 'Last Post Ceremony' that takes place at 8 pm every evening (as has been the case since 11th November 1929). The Last Post is sounded by the buglers of the local volunteer Fire Service.

MP3 (only available format): https://we.tl/t-MXUWmxlClD

01. Norfolk Coast
02. Skin Deep
03. Big Thing Coming
04. Peaches
05. I Don’t Agree
06. All Day And All Of The Night
07. Always The Sun
08. Long Black Veil
09. Golden Brown
10. Tuckers Grave
11. Duchess
12. Lost Control
13. Who Wants The World
14. I’ve Been Wild
15. Grip
16. Something Better Change
17. Tank
18. Walk On By
19. Five Minutes
20. Mine All Mine
21. No More Heroes

Salle De Le Cite Rennes 4th November 2004

Here's a nice sounding Mark III recording from this day 8 years ago from the European leg of the Norfolk Coast tour. At this point, the band were taking the first steps back to critical acclaim as the aforementioned album had something of the energy and spirit of old (characteristics sadly lacking in the previous two albums). Unsurprisingly, this set showcases much of the material to be found on 'Norfolk Coast'.

OK, so this is another anniversary gig, but that's not really the point of it. Actually, posting this gig is little more than a thinly veiled excuse to post this photograph which shows just how obsession can impact upon family life. I give you Paul Cooklin and family on assignment in Norfolk! So very sad!!

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-VeYPypneqH

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-ZlZKbkqojq

1. Intro
2. Norfolk Coast
3. Skin Deep
4. Big Thing Coming
5. Peaches
6. I Don't Agree
7. All Day And All Of The Night
8. Always The Sun
9. Long Black Veil
10. Golden Brown
11. Walk On By

1. Duchess
2. Lost Control
3. Who Wants The World
4. I've Been Wild
5. Grip
6. Something Better Change
7. Tank
8. Nuclear Device
9. Five Minutes
10. Mine All Mine
11. No More Heroes

Move Festival Manchester 8th July 2004

As promised here is another MkIII gig, a festival set from Manchester's 2004 Move Festival.

FLAC: https://we.tl/It9yOCp1Cg

Artwork: https://we.tl/L8AqU780fU

01. Norfolk Coast
02. Skin Deep
03. Big Thing Coming
04. Peaches
05. I Don’t Agree
06. All Day And All Of The Night
07. Always The Sun
08. Long Black Veil
09. Golden Brown
10. Mine All Mine
11. Duchess
12. Lost Control
13. I’ve Been Wild
14. Grip
15. Tank

JJ & Baz Session Jonathan Ross Show BBC Radio 2 28th February 2004

A short acoustic radio session from JJ and Baz back in 2004.

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-oYI50cqS4Y

1. Interview
2. Dutch Moon
3. Interview
4. Strange Little Girl

King's Lynn Town Featival 17th July 2004

Moving swiftly on, here's a summer festival date from 2004.

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-Gacs03Kqhs

1. Waltzinblack
2. Norfolk Coast
3. Skin Deep
4. Big Thing Coming
5. Peaches
6. I Don't Agree
7. All Day And All Of The Night
8. Always The Sun
9. Long Black Veil
10. Golden Brown
11. Mine All Mine
12. Duchess
13. Lost Control
14. I've Been Wild
15. Grip
16. Tank
17. No More Heroes

Full artwork here:
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