Just A Cold And Lonely Lovely Work Of Art
Well there's a flying start we're off to with the captions already, what!
Last edition it was of course the very magnificent Penetration whose lyrics
graced our paragraphs. The Tygers connection was, of course, Fred Purser,
who not only strutted with them, but also played guitar for Penetration
and produced the last two Blyth CDs. This time we're going for something
a little more laid back, but nonetheless sublime - from which you will
gather that it isn't Genesis again. No prizes for guessing (what do you
mean you're not surprised with our track record), but hours of fun and
endless satisfaction when you get the right answer before Mr Hilditch.
If you get stuck then ask your mum.
Or maybe the paragraph heading isn't a joke after all - perhaps it is
in fact a reference to our own Dear Leader, who would fit that description
perfectly. Himself is currently plotting and planning the dispersal of
a large pile of unreleased material, and has of late been busily shunting
them into separate little heaps with a view to allocating them to their
respective projects. Some of them have been waiting a long time, and like
fine wines have matured. Others have matured more like an old Camembert,
and are being re-written to such an extent that the original slight that
inspired them has faded into insignificance. Fortunately TDL is good at
bearing grudges. To such an extent has this unwieldy pile of words grown
and swollen over the years, that TDL is contemplating joining a few more
bands just to get rid of them. More on this anon…
A Melody Played In A Penny Arcade
So what is afoot in the various pies in which we have our little fingers
these days? First and foremost, Blyth Power are looking forward to a summer
of outdoors events and trainspotting. So far a record TWO folk festivals
have booked the band, and we are trying to Kissinger some more into believing
that we are actually the future of English Roots music. On top of this
there are a couple of beer festivals, and of course our own bash at Tallington,
which, now we have stocked the Womble will begin to undergo some serious
organisation.
Notable on the schedule is the Crawley Folk Festival on June 30th. 'We
were looking for a band like Blyth Power,' they informed our besuited
avaricious agent. 'Then we thought - why not just book Blyth Power.' Why
not indeed? Jessi is unavailable that day, due to prior commitments at
the Ministry of Fun, so we will be joined onstage by Mr Gary Miller, of
Whisky Priests and Mad Dogs fame, who we believe will be able to get his
head round all three of our chords in time for the event. Congratulations,
by the way, to both Gary and Jane on the arrival of Archie, the latest
Miller, whom we hope will not be too perturbed by the twang and buzz of
blythsong as Gary works up a set for June.
The Besuited Avaricious one is working on a serious tour for August, when
the weather is at its finest for our trainspotting chums. Dates will be
posted on the website, and to the e-mail update list, so if you're not
on it, buy a computer.
Alternatively, Luddites, if you choose to scorn new technology then buy
a load of old vinyl from us. You know you want it!
So where is the next Blyth Power recording? Asks Puzzled of Tunbridge
Wells. Tragically, as he isn't on our mailing list we can't answer him.
For the rest of you though, we can assure you that it is in the pipeline,
and that as soon as TDL gets his finger out and finishes off the arrangements
and backing vocal lines for the last four songs we can proceed. Material
has been selected, artwork designs are under way, but as it is going to
be the best Blyth Power CD ever, we don't want to rush it. TDL is currently
shunting songs for the one after next, time that would be better spent
attending to the urgent domestic needs of his lawn, which has greeted
the onset of spring with a passion and enthusiasm most heartening to behold.
Many Dreams Have Been Brought To Your Doorstep
Among them are, of course, the Mad Dogs and Englishmen project. Over the
last 12 months the chaps have not had the time or opportunity to get the
trio out and about much. A handful of performances in Belgium and Austria
have kept their hands in, and the CD has been selling steadily. This year
they're taking things up a notch, and UK dates will be forthcoming. Indeed,
even as you read this TDL is frantically rehearsing the revised arrangement
for Seven Hills, which Mr Miller decided should be in the key of G instead.
Confounded as ever by anything that is neither A, D nor E, our fearless
figurehead is endeavouring to come to terms with the bewildering mass
of notes in time for the show in Newcastle on May 3rd. A support slot
at The New Roscoe in Leeds will follow this on May 6th, when the trio
open for a famous folk-rock band by the name of Blyth Power. Be there.
Dates are being added throughout the rest of the year, time and other
commitments permitting, but the project is a long term one, and as all
members have lots of other bands to play with, it is being allowed to
proceed at its own pace. Plans are afoot for another recording next year,
and TDL claims to have four fifths of his contribution allocated, one
of which contains the chord Q, of which regular viewers of his solo sets
will be aware he is inordinately proud.
Mad Dogs played at the folk club in Hensall on April 7th last. What do
you mean 'Where?' It lies in the shadow of Drax power station, and even
has a railway station. The folk club is eccentric, eclectic, and gave
the group a warm reception. Thanks for having us people, and hope to see
you again.
Talking of folk music, TDL and his lovely expensive new guitar pick-up
have been taking advantage of the winter months to gallivant recklessly.
Winter is a bad time to shiver and rattle around in a draughty van (no
offence Al), and the light has been too poor for railway photography,
so there has been a fair bit of solo work going on so far this year. TDL
has been expanding and improving the set, and has of late been confident
enough to trot out a couple of the old Blyth acoustic numbers. On one
occasion he even played Cannonade, which hasn't had an airing since 1986,
and at the grand celebration Of Womble's 40th birthday was so moved as
to perform a cover of Attila's Tyler Smiles. He will be auditioning for
Hearsay next week.
Definite plans are afoot for a new solo recording to replace Death Went
to Bed, which is now almost completely sold out (we think there are eight
left, but won't be by the time this reaches you). This was made as a promo
CD for booking dates, and the besuited avaricious one is now demanding
a new piece of product to send out that reflects the new improved performance.
The precise nature and track-listing is still undecided, but there are
certain songs which TDL claims belong neither in a Blyth set, nor with
Mad Dogs - Bluecoat Boy and To Market Today spring to mind - and these
will undoubtedly feature on the recording when it comes to light.
TDL appears live in Louth on May 4th, and the Whatfolk project will be
rolling on throughout the year. Come along and check it out if you haven't
yet. You'll be surprised at his fret board virtuosity.
It Wouldn't
Be Make Believe If You Believed In Me
So let's try and flog you something!
Firstly, we are pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative. With
the techno-aid of the mad Dr McBacchus we are now able to reproduce home
made CD recordings with full colour sleeves and labels. The first of these
will be Karpov Crosses the Border, which was the original Pastor Skull
recording, long suppressed. Now that both Pastor Skull and Rededication
are deleted in this format, we want to keep as many of the songs available
as we can. Track-listing is Sunne in Splendour, Westminster & Wandsworth,
Stonehaven, Lambert Simnel, House of Cards, Breitenfeld, Pastor Skull,
Carlisle, Lines of Graves, Stonehaven II, Man Who Came in Third and Pandora's
People. The recording features additional guitar from James Hince, and
some fiddling from Attila. Full colour sleeve by Steve Maden (must ask
him if we can use it). Available only from us, price £12. It's not
quite ready yet, but if you want to order now, then we'll get them sent
out as soon as we can.
The other amazing new plan is for the fabulous Blyth bring-and-buy sale.
Response to the auction of a couple of old 12"s recently was so enthusiastic
that the firm has decided to assist those out there who want ancient relics
to track them down, and those who want rid of them to find a good home.
In a bizarrely non-profit orientated move, we will be putting a page up
on the website for people to advertise their requirements, and will act
as go-between. Once the guestbook is up, you can do it without our assistance.
We have found a lot of people passing through the website who haven't
heard of the band for years. Some of these undoubtedly have dusty copies
of Chevy Chase and Junction Signal mouldering in their attics, and it
is our intention to try and put them in touch with those who want to give
a good home to such priceless artefacts. We realise that this will put
an end to our auctioning off rarities, but as we are saintly, noble, and
imbued with an overwhelming generosity of spirit, we don't mind. Besides,
the last Chevy we auctioned off raised enough for a timeshare in the Canaries.
Thanks to everyone who responded to that, and especially to those who
made the winning bids.
It's Only A Paper Moon
Now would be a good time to thank all those who made the birthday bash
for Dave 'Wake Up' Womble a great success. Thanks to all who turned out
on the night - except the mingy ones who didn't drop any cash in the bucket
- especially Pete at The Verge, and all the performers who gave their
services for free (except TDL who insisted on a hotel with Jacuzzi and
bidet, six stagehands, a whopping great fee, and five hot towels. Those
who thought that endlessly replenished table of food was for them were
mistaken. It was actually Mr Porter's rider.) Anyone who has known Womble
and all his good works over the years will appreciate the sentiments behind
the event. Those who don't know him should. Hurrah!