RECORD OF THE WEEK - GYPSY AND THE CAT, Time to Wander

I HOLD my hands up. 
I only bothered to listen to this because I like the band name – but I’m glad I did. 
Gypsy and the Cat’s upcoming single Time to Wander (out June 21) is a gentle synthy-pop song that’s memorable, gentle and lends itself to a good Ibiza beach tune remix. 
And the Aussie duo – Xavier Bacash and Lionel Towers – only began making music a year ago.
I couldn't find an official video but you can see the Joan of Arc remix here.

LIAM GALLAGHER IN JOG SHOCK + LITTLE J'S RECKLESS MEDICINE

WHAT'S happening to our rock idols? They’re getting respectable in their old age. My spies spotted an early morning jogger legging it through Hampstead last week, dressed in all the kit. Closer inspection revealed it to be Liam Gallagher. I’d say this is a more shocking image than the usual pics of him swearing and scowling at photographers.

• There’s something uncomfortable about watching Gossip Girl actress Taylor Momsen fronting The Pretty Reckless. Over here recently on tour with her 40-something band, the 16-year-old singer/actress resembled a character from Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride – spindly, pale, and with eyeshadow so heavy, her eyes were two bottomless holes. In interviews she came across almost as moody as her character little Jenny has become, and equally as pretentious. But, I’m ready to give her the benefit of the doubt – it could just be the trappings of fame and naivety of youth. Her mesh of Courtney Love grungy angst and Juliette Lewis’s country twang is mesmerising and her vocals are unexpectedly soul-laden. Single Make Me Wanna Die is out now and debut album is released later this year. Look out for My Medicine, easily the best of the short selection I’ve heard so far. This is the clearest footage of the My Medicine I could find.

• One Taste, one of south London’s hottest underground music and spoken word nights, has been the launchpad for many fledgling unsigned acts. Scroobius Pip, Beth Rowley and Newton Falkner have all graced its stage and now it’s coming to Camden. One Taste Koko brings together unsigned acts with established artists in an alternative showcase on June 16, featuring Va Voi Woon, Polarbear, Kate Tempest, David J, and Mercury nominees Portico Quartet.

ANGHA - THEY'RE QUITE HAPPY YOU KNOW

THERE'S the one who can sprint really fast, the playboy, and the man with the irresistible voice. Angha sound more like a slick team of crimefighters than the latest R’n’B band from Islington.

But that’s exactly what they are – a trio of musicians who first realised their mutual dream of being in a band over a game of football. They still have day jobs, two still work in gyms and another has a council office job – but they’re on the verge of breaking through into the mainstream.

They were due to support 90s US group Dru Hill at the 02 Academy Islington on Monday – now postponed, apparently thanks to Sisqo’s seafood allergy – and have gained great support from radio networks. Producer D-Dash and vocalists/ rappers, Play and DVD make up Angha.

Former Highbury Grove pupil Play, 25, said: “Play comes from playboy. I party a lot and like having a good time anywhere I think there’s a party going on. DVD stands for Divine Vocal Dialect – the ladies tend to love his voice – and Dash comes from when we played football. He used to be a sprinter.

"Dash is the comedian of the group. He’s always got tricks up his sleeve. DVD's the most serious. He pulls everyone together. He acts the oldest.””

He admits the band name’s deliberately misleading: "Dash stumbled over Angha and realised it meant a mythical bird that gives kindness and goodwill. From the pronunciation people are going to be drawn to it and think it’s an angry group, but if they research it they will see it’s the opposite of what it appears.”

As teenagers, the group would play football together, later realising they were all interested in music. They would hang out in Dash’s studio where they would write songs to his beats. Play started writing his own material aged 15, putting it on karaoke machines. 

“I was probably writing about playing football, or girls or little teenage experiences, having a crush for the first time,” he said. “Now, it’s about experiences, relationships, going out, partying, going to clubs.”

Debut single For You is out on June 7 and Angha have already established their own label.

Play said: "Major labels like to see the following you've got before you can approach them.We wanted to keep our own creative freedom. If you’re on your own label and they become interested in you, you can ask them to sign up your label and you can control your direction. The music game is cutthroat at times and you’ve got to be prepared.”
Play, who lives in Stoke Newington, said: “I loved growing up in Islington. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was fortunate. You hear a lot of people going the wrong way in life but there was so much for me to do. There was Mayville Community Centre, football. Life was easier. The majority of time was cheerful.”
Angha recently played The Cross Kings for a British Heart Foundation charity gig, proving they can appeal to all audiences.
Play said: “It wasn’t our sort of crowd but because it was a charity event we were more than happy to be performers. It was mostly indie bands. The reaction and feedback was really good. They were pleasantly surprised. It was probably the biggest nerves I’ve had but they were brilliant.”

BLOB Angha launch debut single For You at Elbow Room, Chapel Market, on June 6.

ANTI RADAR FUNK BOYS DROPPING THEIR TUNES IN A CHARITY SHOP NEAR YOU

NEXT time you're flicking through the vinyls in Marylebone High Street's most famous Oxfam store, spare a thought for the cassette rack.

It may just be that amongst the countless discarded tapes of A-Ha, M People and Michael Bolton, a priceless treasure is lurking. 
The guys behind music blog The Soulful Strut love nothing better than to trawl the record stores for some rare recordings and now they've decided to share the love.

They've been putting together compilations of killer funk and soul 45s - including copies of some of their most precious finds - and secretly depositing them on the shelves of charity shops across London - usually to be found in the NW1 area, though they do stray further afield.
So if you see a clearly marked Anti-Radar Funk tape, just know, these secret offerings are more precious than Willy Wonka's golden ticket, and worth even more than the keys to a chocolate factory.

In fact, when you do take it to the charity shop till and they ask for the measly 50p or whatever the going rate for second-hand charity shop cassette tapes is these days, offer more - you know the true worth. 
This is a treasure hunt that gives few clues and no map.
And to add to the mystery, they've posted a couple of clips of the secret tape drops on their blog - can you work out where the latest one has been deposited?

http://thesoulfulstrut.blogspot.com/2010/05/anti-radar-funk-v-home-of-britpop.html

Let this be the beginning of a movement that inspires many of like mind...

GOOD TUNES LOST IN A BAD NAME

REMEMBER those naff compilation tapes they used to sell in Woolworths?
Back in the day I picked one up which turned out to be one of my favourite summer tapes ever, a classic selection of lazy hip-hop tunes featuring the likes of De la Soul, Tribe Called Quest and Bomb the Bass.
I listened to it on repeat for one long school holiday, then I lost it at some sleepover party.
So, 18 years on, I've embarked on a hunt to find a copy, although I'm not having much luck online.
What I've learned so far is it was released on July 20, 1992, on a label called Dino Entertainment and no-one seems to have a copy.
It was a brilliant selection of summer tunes that definitely need a resurrection but don't be put off by the twee name - Let's Talk About Love.
In the meantime, while my search continues, I thought I'd put the full track listings on here so anyone who's so inclined can replicate the playlist on their i-Pod.
Let me know if you have a copy - and put a comment on this post if you like the songs.

1 – Set Adrift on Memory Bliss, PM Dawn

2 – Summertime, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince

3 – Unfinished Sympathy (Nellee Hooper 7" Mix), Massive Attack

4 – Dub Be Good to Me, Beats International

5 – Have You Seen Her?, MC Hammer

6 – There's Nothing Like This, Omar

7 – It's a Shame (My Sister), Monie Love featuring True Image

8 – The Rain, Oran' Juice Jones

9 – On a Sunday Afternoon, Lighter Shade of Brown featuring Shiro

10 – Winter in July, Bomb The Bass

11 – Do You Want Me (Vocal Version), Salt ‘N’ Pepa

12 – Now That We Found Love, Heavy D and the Boyz

13 – Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey) (Party Line Edit), De La Soul

14 – Can I Kick It?, Tribe Called Quest

15 – Wear Your Love Like Heaven, Definition Of Sound

16 – Lovesick, Gang Starr

17 – Wishing on a Star, Fresh 4 (Children Of The Ghetto)

18 – Gangsta Luv, South Central Cartel

19 – I Need Love, LL Cool J

20 – Why Can't We Live Together (Lasting Peace Mix), Timmy Thomas

COLLABORATIONS I'D LIKE TO SEE - PART I

AMY Winehouse and Paolo Nutini?

Just a thought...

MUTYA BUENA'S CAMDEN CONNECTION? AND MORE...

EVER walked by Stables Market and thought: “I want to capture that sound forever?” Well, the guys who own the market have roped in ex-Sugababe Mutya Buena to guest on a series of albums called The Sound of Camden. I’m not sure what her Camden connection is but Mutya’s promo quote says: “I am connected to the market and now I am singing songs that my mother loves as well, it’s amazing.”

The albums, sold at 2,800 market stalls, cover electronic, classic and revolutionary sounds of bands such as U2, The Pixies, The Rolling Stones and more, featuring tracks that are synonymous with the sound of Camden.

• Beware the small print. I couldn’t believe it when I read Blackstreet were playing at The Hill, Haverstock Hill on Friday. Then I heard it was two ex-members and a guy who was never in the original band – anyone know different?

• Jongleurs hasn’t left Camden but the venue has been renamed Highlight. There’s a pop-up variety cabaret show on Tuesday (May 25) including Mandy Muden MC – who combines comedy and magic, ping-pong ball mouth juggler Rod Laver, musical impressionist Duncan Wisbey, comedy circus performance artist Kaliki Hula Girl, 16-stone prima ballerina Madame Galina, the world’s fastest tap-dancer James Devine, and octogenarian Barry from Watford – got to beat any Britain’s Got Talent line-up. Tickets from 0844 499 4064 orwww.thehighlight.co.uk

• Sadly just learned I missed out on a screening of Love Story, a documentary about Arthur Lee’s genius psychedelic band Love at Westminster Reference Library on Monday. I heard Darwin Deez recently played there too. Definitely a venue to keep an eye on.
Here's Arthur Lee in later years - still struggling to find footage of him with the original line-up.

RECORD OF THE WEEK - FAITHLESS, Not Going Home

THE festival season is upon us. And what outdoor bash would be complete without the latest Faithless anthem. Sadly, their first single in four years is not quite the banging tune we’ve come to expect. It’s more like a mellow mid-album gentle club track. Still it’s good to hear Maxi Jazz’s comforting tones remain crystal at the ripe old age of 52.

BILLY BRAGG ET AL IN VOTES BETRAYAL, HURTS' OPERATIC TURN, AC/DC'S STRAIGHT MAN AND THE ROCK 'N ROLL SUPERGROUP

MUSICIANS love their causes don’t they? And when it comes to politics, some of our most outspoken ones just have to interfere. 

Yet I'm starting to feel sorry for all those figures who backed the Lib Dems and told all their followers to do the same. Judging by the comments on Twitter, Billy Bragg, Jon McClure and Dan le Sac are feeling a little bit cheated right now. They never expected a Lib Dem vote to morph into a Tory one overnight. 

Le Sac is demanding his vote back, McClure says “Nick Clegg What ya done man?” and poor old Bragg’s just opened a “kick my ass” page on Facebook. Hard times.

• I caught electro-80s duo Hurts at Koko’s NME Radar gig on Monday. You wouldn’t have a clue these guys are so young.

They managed to create incredible drama with little fuss – and just one male opera singer. Frontman Theo Hutchcraft - in smooth black suit and white scarf combo and gelled hair so shiny you could see your face in it - commanded the stage with the puissance of the Phantom of the Opera. Rumour has it he carries a little comb with him at all times so not a hair falls out of place. Look oout for the onstage grooming.

After hearing it live, I’d like to recall my original review for new single Better Than Love, which has all the makings of a festival anthem.

• Die-hard AC/DC fans – did you know the band’s original singer was called Dave Evans? Not such a rock ’n’ roll name as Bonn Scott but that’s not his fault. Anyway he’s coming to Holloway’s The Gaff on May 26 – for those who need to complete their rock education.

• A little-known supergroup of sorts, The John Moore Rock and Roll Trio, have been playing a series of fortnightly retro gigs at Lower Ground Bar, 269 West End Lane.

Head there to see what became of the remnants of the Jesus and Mary Chain, Black Box Recorder, Lush and The Soledad Brothers – when they turned to old fashioned rock ’n’ roll and blues. Dates on their MySpace page myspace.com/johnmoorerockandrolltrio

RECORD OF THE WEEK - THE CHAKRAS Build Me a Swan

THEY'VE not released an album yet but this Dublin five-piece could just have struck the right chord with this single. From the first note it builds into a mega-indie anthem. 
They've been touting it around for a while but it's officially out on June 21.
The vocals are a little surprising, a slight Brian Molko tone, and a little higher than expected, but they are grounded by the choral backdrop.
Expect to hear this on a radio soon. 
Their most recent video on YouTube just seems to be a collection of photo stills so I've picked this earlier version from 2008.

OZZY OZBOURNE GOES DARK FOR THE ROUNDHOUSE ITUNES FESTIVAL

TIME was, Ozzy Osbourne was primarily associated with Black Sabbath, alter-ego The Prince of Darkness and his on and offstage antics.

But in these days of celebrity obsession, half his family have overtaken him. The media spotlight spends more time shining on wife Sharon’s celebrity judge stints, daughter Kelly’s weight-loss and son Jack’s latest daredevil stunt.

In turn, Ozzy’s become the Boris Johnson face of heavy metal – a harmless-looking amiable mumbling chap, with unkempt hair, a questionable past and  oft-seen wobbling on  two wheels. But give the guy a break, he’s taking his limelight back and will be trying to be as convincing as possible as The Prince of Darkness at July’s month-long iTunes Festival at the Roundhouse.

The full 31-day line-up – featuring more than 60 acts – has not yet been announced but we do know Scissor Sisters, Tony Bennett, Faithless, The XX, Chew Lips, The Drums, Chipmunk, Darwin Deez, Ellie Goulding, Kate Nash, Diana Vickers and Daisy Dares You are all on the bill. 

Pick the right gig and you could inevitably find yourself witnessing one of those rare, historic sets that brings more than you bargained for. At last year’s festival Liam Gallagher made headlines at one of Oasis’s final performances when he strode on stage in a furious mood, eyeballing the crowd and swearing about students throwing beer at him. Even so, they played on for two hours, although at times it looked like Liam was about to go on strike.

The atmosphere between him and Noel was visibly tense, as big bro dismissed his sulky younger sibling and played on while Liam collected himself. But the entire evening was electric and one that won’t easily be forgotten. The irreparable cracks were pushed further apart and it was only a matter of time until our boys just couldn't stand to share the same stage any more.

The iTunes sets are usually quite short but who’s complaining when there’s the chance to see some huge acts up close for free. 

That’s not to say you can just walk in. Apple is making tickets available through Facebook and a series of competitions and giveaways. My only reservation about this is it seems you can only access their iTunes page by allowing it to access your own Facebook page and take the details of your friends.

I may be wrong about this, but I could find no other way of getting on to it. 

It will be the first time that Ozzy, Scissor Sisters and Tony Bennett have graced the Roundhouse stage.

All performances will be recorded and can be bought from iTunes stores worldwide. The best of the festival will be broadcast on ITV.

• Visit www.itunesfestival.co.uk