MixClub 2019 Themeless Reveal
Thanks Mark
And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for
1 Off to a great start! Latin funk rock. Nice groove. No idea who it is but I’d like to know more about them. Would probably buy an album of theirs based on this. Nice one Senor/Senorita.
Mana - Tu Tienes Lo Que Quiero
Mana are to Mexico what Runrig were to Scotland. From the 1997 album Suenos Liquidos. A bit mainstream for my usual taste but I thought it would make a nice opener. I’m not so keen on their ballads but really glad that you want to investigate further.
2 Sorry, not keen on this! The guy just sounds like a smug so and so. Don’t mind the music so much – it’s bouncy and interesting in bits but the guy’s voice just aint for me.
The Clint Boon Experience – White No Sugar
A self produced single from 1999 taken from the album”A Compact Guide to Pop Music and Space Travel”. Clint is one of Oldham’s finest and, as well as previously providing keys for the Inspiral Carpets, he is also a legendary Manc radio presenter and Club DJ. Possibly an explanation for his smugness.
3 First few listens to this kind of passed me by. A shot on the ear goggles though and it’s maybe a different beast. A bit more going on than first meets the ears! Nice electronic grooves – especially at around 2.15. Really getting on better with this one now.
Wild Beasts – Punk Drunk and Trembling
From Kendal and fellow label mates of King Creosote. This was from their final 2017 EP before disbanding in 2018. Such a shame.
4 Dark, heavy vibe with fuzzy guitars and drums. I really like this but it’s probably not something I’d listen to a lot – kinda the point of mix club really! Hypnotic and brooding but the chorus is almost uplifting. Interesting one. Good stuff.
Toy Drum featuring Gavin Clark – Spirit
An offshoot of Unkle and featuring the late great and sadly missed Gavin Clark on vocals. This hails from 2015’s Evangelist which was completed after Gavin’s passing.
5 same category as number 2! Although this guy is even more annoying. Love the heavy bass and drums but this guy with his fake punk shouty ting is almost ruining it!
Life – Bum hour
From the album “A Picture of Good Health” released just a few months ago. I like the way they combine a B52’s feel to a post punk style but not to everyone’s taste so fair comment.. Produced by Luke Smith who has also worked with Depeche Mode and Foals (another favourite of Mrs C).
6 This is right up my street! African groove vibes. Wouldn’t be surprised if this had something to do with Paul Simon/Graceland/Ladysmith. Absolutely love this and could listen to it all day. 10/10!
Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens – Ukhulum’ Izindaba
From the 1988 album “Paris – Soweto”. A perfect example of South African Mbaqanga street music. Irresistable rhythms produced by the saxophonist and composer West Nkosi who went on to work with Zulu artists as well as Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The whole album is like this.
7 Listened to this a few times now and I still couldn’t tell you where it’s from! Maybe Brasil? Maybe eastern Europe/Baltic. Nah I’m saying Brazil. It’s nice though. There’s a lot going on but still manages to have quite a relaxed vibe at the same time.
Gruff Rhys – Pang!
This is the title track from the Super Furry/Neon Neon man’s album released earlier this year. Lyrics are sung in a mixture of Welsh and Zulu and the album was produced by the excellent South African electronic musical whizzkid Muzi.
8 This is a great wee reggae groover. I’ve heard it a few times I’m sure but couldn’t tell you who it is! Thumbs up from me!
Barrington Levy – Praise His Name
A vocal legend. Edited down from the 1983 12” single/dub version recorded at Dynamic studios with Sly & Robbie during the Money Move sessions for George Phang’s Powerhouse label.
9 This is just lovely. I surely know who this is? Acoustic guitar, gentle vocals, aaahhhs and strings. Very nice indeed.
Noah Hall & Whiskey Priest – Ghost Kid
From the 2014 album “Almost Satisfied” by our AETC Hub’s very own Whiskey Priest. A dear friend and member of our TOOBE musical collective. If you like this why not check out the album and other releases on
https://noahhallwhiskeypriestrfr.bandcamp.com/Noah is coming over from Oregon next year and visiting the East Neuk. Hopefully he will be doing a gig or two while he is here. Not to be missed.
10 This is someone really famous who has a lot of loyal fans eh? Like a modern day Leonard Cohen? All religious imagery and gothic spoken word darkness. Not for me I’m afraid. Gimme the African groove over this any time.
Leonard Cohen – If You Want It Darker
Included in this mix at the suggestion of Mrs C. The title track from Leonard Cohen’s final album before his passing in November 2017. Co-produced by his son Adam and Patrick Leonard who was responsible for production of several Madonna albums and who played the keys and bass parts of the track. Alison Krauss also contributes backing vocals. I won’t tell Mrs Cameleon it isn’t your cuppa!
11 This is great though! A southern belle singer. Acoustic guitar and a lovely, somewhat defiant voice. Only 2 minutes but it’s perfect!
Ane Brun – All My Tears
Sounds a lot like Dolly but shows just how versatile Norway’s Ane Brun can be. From the 2013 album “Rarities”. I may have included this in a previous MixClub offering but why not? Also worth checking out her “Duets” album which includes a collaboration with Ron Sexsmith.
12 Another one for the headphones! This is all Breathy female vocals with overdubs and electric bass. This is really well done with a subtle groove behind it. I’m a sucker for this type of thing to be fair, but this is really nice. The last few minutes when the rhythm drops out is quite dreamy! Ace stuff.
Daydream Daisy – Solstice
An exclusive taster from a soon to be released EP from another of our Hub members. Beautifully crafted. Andi is also a leading member of the TOOBE project and I strongly suggest you check out and purchase her previous EP from her Bandcamp site
https://daydreamdaisy.bandcamp.com/ as well as the Starlight EP as soon as it becomes available.
13 oh no. this sounds like some hipster trying to sound old fashioned but using auto tuned vocals and samples. Not for me.
Bon Iver – Naeem
From this year’s I,I album and named after Naeem Hanks, a hip hop artist who co-wrote U (Man Like) on this album with Justin Vernon, Chris Messina and Bruce Hornsby. I’m sorry it’s not something that instantly appeals. I’ve always thought that Bon Iver reflect the spirit of the collaborative process of The Fence Collective. Please trust me, the album is a grower.
14 It’s KC on accordion! Well, it’s probably not. Another one I really really like. A similar vibe to 11 in some ways. Accordion, string and acoustic guitar with a female vocalist who sounds weary at times but what a voice. This is epic around 2.50 mins in, beautiful. Would love to know more about this.
Emily Barker & Red Clay Halo – Nostalgia
An adapted version of this song was used as the theme music for a series of Wallander. This is the original recording from the 2008 album “Despite the Snow” recorded live in a Norfolk barn rather than in her native Australia.
15 Nah. Sorry. Maybe I’m just comparing it to 14 but it’s nowhere near as good as it thinks it is.
Soren Lorensen – Time Machine
Another selection by Mrs C. Soren Lorensen are Matt Hales (a.k.a Aqualung) and the wonderful orchestrator Davide Rossi who provided previously unused string arrangements to Matt to recycle and weave in his own magic. From the album “Lake Constance” released earlier this year. Mrs C will be upset Mark!
16 I think maybe we just skip this one.
Beck – Uneventful Days
This threw me totally when I first heard it because it is such a different direction for Beck now he has Pharrell Williams on board as a producer and co-writer. From the album “Hyperspace” which was released this October.
17 Superb! A brilliant cover of a brilliant song! Funnily enough I listed to the original recently and it was one of those moments where you have to stop what you’re doing and just appreciate. There’s so many covers of this but this is one of the best I’ve heard. Ace
Undisputed Truth – Papa Was a Rolling Stone
This band were largely unrecognised for their role within Motown and provided backing for almost all the major stars of the label as well as producing some cracking tunes of their own. Assembled by Norman Whitfield as a house band to try out his compositions and led by Billie Calvin who went on to write “Wishing on a Star” for Rose Royce. This is the original release of the song before it was handed over to The Temptations. Co-written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong (who also wrote War for Edwin Starr).
18 Modern gospel? This might be ok if they didn’t fuck about with it so much. The song itself is ok. Actually it’s quite a good song really. Those warped voices at the start would put you off though. Good enough though.
Justin Timberlake – Say Something
Our youngest son introduced this to me without telling me who it was and I was absolutely knocked out. The production and arrangements are spectacular and features 17 musicians plus a sixty strong choir. Rather than choosing the album track I decided to feature this version which was recorded in a single take to accompany the video which was shot in one continuous reel. Co written with the Country genius Chris Stapleton who also shares vocal duties and co-produced with Timbaland. Thought I would throw you a curveball with this track. Who would have selected Justin Timberlake?
19 Perfection! Not listened to this for ages but it’s a song I often find myself thinking about. Is this the first song I know the song and the artist on this mix? Maybe. Anyway, I don’t need to say anything here. Just let those voices hold you.
Alison Kraus – Down By The River
Recorded live with the First Baptist Church of Whitehouse from Tennessee. I’ve been listening recently to a lot of Gospel recently to prepare for a studio session that will end up nothing like Gospel at all! This was my go to choice for inspiration. Famous for her work with Robert Plant but an incredible singer in her own right. Incidentally she also supplies guest backing vocals on the Bon Iver album.
20 And a nice wee jig to finish off! Intricate accordion and guitar work on this wee toe tapper. I’ve never any idea how these folk remember all these tunes. Lovely finish to the mix.
Mairearad Green & Anna Massie – The Red Poppy
One half of Bhoy Gull and one of the finest musicians I have ever seen perform live on many an occasion. Not just with Kenny but also with Anna who is also one of the cream of Scottish folk talent.
The opening track from their joint album “Best Day”.
Bonus disc
1 The chipmunks!!!?!? Or the smurfs maybe? Merry Christmas to you too!
Smurfs – WWYAMC (Edit)
Well, we planned to get this mix to our recipient before Christmas. Suggested by Mrs Cameleon. No apologies for quality control!
2 Devil worshipping is it?!
Can – Oh Yeah
This is the track that Talk Talk played to announce their arrival on stage at the legendary 1986 Hammersmith gig which was their last ever UK gig. Taken from Can’s 1971 album Tago Mago. Hugely influential and the finest contribution German musicians have given the world. Well, perhaps along with Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Neu, Rammstein, Einstuerzende Neubauten and Polarkreis 18, but these guys were amazing as a band and individually. Don't think they were in to devil worship although their Japanese vocalist was a wee bit crazy. Kept playing hide and seek with my girlfriend of the time before the soundcheck!
3 Modern rap is rubbish I often think to myself. Is this modern? It’s fucking good whatever it is. Thumbsupemoji#
Leftield – Dusted
The opening track from the 1999 album “Rhythm and Stealth” and featuring the finest British Hip Hop artist ever, Roots Manuva, on vocal duties. An absolute delight both on albums and live and also contributors to the soundtracks for Shallow Grave and Trainspotting.
4 Not sure I’m too fussed with this tbh. They clearly think they are great though. Fair enough.
Mansun – The Chad who Loved Me
From their 1997 debut album “Attack of the Grey Lantern”. The string arrangement by Stefan Geradet is superb and reminds me of a John Barry Bond theme.
5 Our Man Dan! With lush strings. Nice.
Withered Hand – No Cigarettes
Spot on! From the recent EP of Good News and fresh from Dan’s magnificent gigs at the Voodoo Rooms. The string arrangements from our very own pha11 compliment this beautifully. Available as a physical CD or online from the Withered Hand website. Order it now.
6 Like simple minds slowwweed riiight down.
Talk Talk – I Believe in You
There’s been much praise of the genius of Mark Hollis and Talk Talk on the hub since Mark Hollis’s sad passing. From the album “Spirit of Eden”. My heart aches.
7 Echoey piano and female vocals. Nice enough.
Agnes Obel – Familiar
A faultless piece of work to my ears but “nice enough” is OK. I’ll accept that. I was chatting with Andi about skilful use of pitch adjustment during the recording process and this is a perfect example. The apparently male harmonies are actually created from pitch shifted recordings of Agnes Obel herself. I’ve been guilty of favouring Scandinavian musicians in the past but how could I not include this? Absolute perfection for me personally and the writing, performance and studio production still send shivers down my spine. Born in Denmark but now living in Berlin. She will be performing at Edinburgh Queen’s Hall on April 1st next year.
8 Nice enough again.
Bear’s Den – Bad Blood
Another track suggested by Mrs C. This was recorded live on a tenement landing as a gift to members of their fanclub. We saw them perform at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange this year and they played three songs with absolutely no amplification at the centre of the 3000 capacity audience area. Not even a pin dropped. A beautiful experience for everyone there but fair dooze for your review.
9 Reggae tune with some Latin vibes. What’s not to like!
Manu Chao – Roadies Rules
Originally an out-take from the Clandestino album this finally appeared on a special re-release of the album recently as a bonus track. These days road crew are highly talented and professional individuals but I remember when the breed described in the song were of the Fix it, Drink it, Fuck it, Load it in the truck variety.
10 A nice wee modern classical piece. Lovely stuff. I say wee but it’s over 6 mins. Not complaining though!
Stomu Yamash’ta – Wind Words
I wouldn't normally include long compositions on a single mixdisc, hence the reason for a bonus disc to allow a little more space to explore. Featured in the soundtrack for Bowie’s Man Who Fell to Earth soundtrack and from the 1973 album “Freedom is Frightening”. The haunting violin is played by Hisako Yamash’ta, wife of Stomu. Sublime.
11 Easy to just drift away with this one! Magical.
Jeremy Warmsley – January (Radio Edit)
From the excellent album “A Year”. I love the way he fuses different time signatures to create this atmospheric track. This album was released a track at a time each month throughout 2019 and is available from
https://jeremywarmsley.bandcamp.com/ including the full version of January plus bonus edits and a remix of April. A hugely talented musician with several film scores also to his credit. Can I also suggest you check out “Moment” which featured in the score for Wanderlust and contains elements reminiscent of Talk Talk’s Spirit of Eden.
12 Deep south outback swamp trash hooch blues. Or something. Enjoyable if maybe not very authentic?
Tom Waits – Gun Street Girl
From the 1985 album “Raindogs”. Engineered by Robert Russo who has worked with the cream of musical talent for almost 50 years and produced by Waits himself as only he could. Another Marmite selection.
13 Beatz.
Neukleus – Whizzdom
An instrumental beta mix from the forthcoming album “An Egg in Newton’s Cradle”. A shameless inclusion from yours truly and an opportunity to test the sonic waters.
14 Thought this might have been Portishead. It’s not though. It’s really not. Sorry might skip this.
King Crimson – Starless
From the album Red. One of my top ten records from my vinyl years but I knew it could be a marmite track Produced by Robert Fripp with the band and engineered by George Chkiantz who was responsible for Jimi Hendrix and The Small Faces at Olympic studios in the sixties as well as The Beatles and went on to engineer Hawkwind, Led Zeppelin and The Stones in the seventies. Not to everyone’s taste, particularly in the jazzy section before the coda.
15 Ha! Benny Hill does Xmas!
Los Lobos – Rudolph The Manic Reindeer
Edited down from the original and still a bit of Christmas fun.
16 When folk say they love Scotland they mean Edinburgh, maybe bits of the highlands, maybe the east neuk. They don’t mean Hamilton or Cumbernauld or Ayr. Some of those places are worse than England.
Mitch Benn – Moving to Scotland
Having moved to Scotland a few years ago, I had to include this comedy song. Our home and hearts are already here in Scotland. Available from Mitch’s Bandcamp site for just a squid plus there’s a video on YouTube although you are right, it was shot around Edinburgh and not Paisley. In my defence I should point out that I spent thirty plus years in some of the less tasteful parts of London’s struggling East End. There’s good and bad everywhere but I couldn’t be happier if our Hub brothers and sisters relocated here.
So out of 36 songs there were several I thought were really excellent and maybe 3 or 4 I just didn’t get at all. Pretty decent hit rate really!
Not a lot I knew so really looking forward to the reveal, especially 1, 3, 6, 9, 11 ,12, 14 and 17.
From the bonus disc 3 and 10 were strong favourites.
Thanks for putting this together. A really enjoyable and varied listen. It’s good to stretch the old ears in directions they maybe wouldn’t have normally gone. Appreciated!
All the Best!
Thank you so much Mark for your kind review.
I must admit, I did road test the mix with a few friends before sending it to you and I’m so pleased that you picked out Noah (Whiskey Priest) and Andi (Daydream Daisy) amongst your favourites. They are wonderful musicians and I’m hoping that the rest of our Hub will support them as fellow members. I love MixClub and the way that we all share our individual tastes and encourage each other to explore further.
It's been a pleasure.
Be Happy
Meic
