Regular listeners to this show and its predecessor “Reformation” will know there is a semi-regular feature called “Farleys Fumbles” which is essentially a series of musical selections by my chum Fothergill Farley aka Mark Harris.
I have not been able to play any “Fumbles ” for a while so I set aside some time in diary to record a show with a good selection of them. Mark emigrated to New Zealand last year and has been living and working in Christchurch . I was putting this show together before the earthquake hit that city, and recorded it before the event so there is no reference to it in the show. We spent a few anxious hours waiting to see if Mark was OK and thankfully he was. Others were not as fortunate so this show comes at a difficult time for all in Christchurch and New Zealand as a whole.
I dedicate the show to the good people of NZ , especially the fire and rescue service, and all those working hard to assist in recovery from this disaster. The show is also dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives.
- The Fall – Hey Student – Middle Class Revolt – originally called “Hey Fascist” in the early days of The Fall this powerful piece of garage rock finds Mark E. Smith at his most acerbic with bile directed in any number of directions. Pearl Jam fans look away now!
- Cornelius – New Music Machine – Fantasma – Japanese pop-noise artist Cornelius (Keigo Oyamada) is a self-taught guitarist inspired early by Kiss and Black Sabbath, his musical alias was chosen from a character in the Planet of the Apes film series. His merging of pop and avant garde on this 1998 album is refreshing. Farley Fumble #01.
- Amplifier – The Wave – The Octopus – I’ve had this double album for a few weeks now and have been wanting to play something from it. Guitarist/vocalist Sel Balamir formed the band with drummer Matt Brobin and bassist Neil Mahony in the early 2000s in the heart of the post-punk madness of Manchester. They owe no allegiance to the Madchester sound offering a more progressive rock agenda. This self released third album is an epic piece of writing and performance. Show favourite Charlie Barnes guests on keyboards.
- Fairport Convention – Now Be Thankful – The History of Fairport Convention – Arguably the best British folk-rock band of the late ’60s, they did more than their contemporaries to develop an authentic variation on the folk-rock prototype by drawing upon traditional material and styles. This 1972 album is a good primer for the earlier work of the band. Farley Fumbles #02′
- New Order – Procession – Substance – as I remark on the show their is an uncanny resemblance between the opening and closing sections of this song and “Watcher of the Skies” from “Foxtrot” by Genesis. Substance collects the best of New Orders remixes, and in doing so showcases the innovative nature of their work, but also the best of their songwriting. Farleys Fumble #03.
- Glassheads – Young Lady – Demo Track – another demo from this new band from Wigan.
- Spirit – I gotta line on you – The Family That Plays Together – a bit of an indulgence from me with a classic. The second Spirit album, from 1968 saw the group put all of the elements together that made them legends. The album’s hit single, “I Got a Line on You,” has strong vocal harmonies as well as one of the greatest rock riffs of the period.
- Lilys – The Hermit Crab – Ecsamme The Photon Band – ostensibly the vehicle of singer/songwriter Kurt Heasley, the group’s founder and sole constant member. Their third album from 1995 dabbles in dream pop, a genre they soon abandoned. Farleys Fumble #04.
- PJ Harvey – To talk to you – White Chalk – her new album has got mixed reviews with obvious comparisons made to the excellent album which features on this show. Some would argue she needs to strap on an electric guitar and get back to the harder side of her work. Farleys Fumble #05.
- Greg Allman – I can’t be satisfied – Low Country Blues – his first album in four years Gregg has teamed up with T-Bone Burnett to re-imagine obscure blues tunes. A very satisfying record and probably his best solo effort to date.
- Bruce Springsteen – Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street – The Prodigal – this classic song from the first Springsteen album is re-released in a revised form on the recent Prodigal album. This is Bruce at his most playful with strong lyrics and a great song which shows strong influences.
- Portishead – Chase the Tear – Chase The Tear – Portishead joined forces with Amnesty International to release this tracks on the eve of International Human Rights Day. Farleys Fumble #06.
- Danny Short – Rossiter – Love Has Gone. To signal the release of our second free download – Danny’s Reputation EP – click here to get your FREE copy -I feature a track from his excellent new album “Love Has Gone” which will be released in April.
- Amplifier – The Chase – Fractal – those of us who bought “The Octopus” album mentioned above also got a free digital EP a couple of weeks ago which features improvisations from the sessions that produced the album.
Aural Delights 