CONsumerism! (Part 1)

Spend, spend, spend. Why?, Why?, Why?. One possible answer lies in the Cold War politics of 'Game Theory' When both the USA and USSR played out a game of poker on the world stage, with each country trying to convince the other that they had a better hand of missiles. It was all about making the other side think that you had something they did not. While the cold war was playing out there was a growth in production of goods for the newly emerging consumer market, luxuries to make the drudgery of work seem worthwhile. Advertising marketed the goods and the competitive side of human nature did the rest. Just as the USA didn't want the USSR to think that had less military hardware, people didn't want their neighbours to think that they had more than them. The name of the game became Competitive Consumption, or keeping up with the Joneses. During the same time there was a move to non-conformity in countries like the US and Britain, people wanted to be different and dress differently to their parents, politically this change was expressed by the New Left movements in the US and Britain. Teenagers became a dominant force both politically and economically. Capitalists catered for this by providing the clothes and the goods that appealed to this market. Politicians offered a less conservative vision of the future. Rebellion and revolution was in the air. The teenagers wanted to be 'cooler' than their parents, but more importantly for the growth of consumerism they wanted to be 'cooler' than their peers. The Game had begun.

No.10 out of 16: SHAM 69 - Give A Dog A Bone: http://www.sendspace.com/file/5lybpk

HOW LONG WILL THEIR 15 MINUTES LAST?

the twang, these 'lads' have been touted as 'the next' Oasis, Kasabian...whatever, by NME, or should I say Smash Hits. Truth is they sound like Northside and Flowered Up, which wouldn't be a bad thing if it was 1991, not 2007. New Music....I don't think so, but then we are living in an age of retro-lution, where there is nothing new. Anyway see what you think, have a listen. Here's some of their demos:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/t6scfm

When Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, I don't think its citizens ever thought that in 10 years time the city would be under siege and in the midst of Civil War and Ethnic Cleansing. So lets not think it couldn't happen in Britain. Ignorance, Complacency and Apathy are the fascists friends.

'HERE WE STAND THE JUDGE AND JURY, DEAF AND BLIND AND FULL OF FURY'

Probably one of the most important band of the early 80's, along with Crass, in my mind anyway. THEATRE OF HATE. Saw them live a couple of times in Stevenage during 1980 and 1981, was hoping to post a tape of these shows, but sound aint the best, needs a bit of work. So instead here's a recording from The Lyceum, London (14/6/81) Theatre of Hate sounded like nothing that had been before them, they married that post punk Joy Division/Gang of Four sound with the rebel stance of The Clash and came out with their own unique style'n'sound. Pounding drums and bass, discordant guitars, stretched out saxophone solos, topped off with the high pitched warbling of Kirk Brandon and his soon to become fashionable quiff. Awesome. Lyrically they touched on the sins of the Catholic Church, Cold War politics and historical figures. 'Legion' remains one of my favourite songs ever! Theatre Of Hate were full of fury, but certainly not deaf, dumb or blind and neither were the fans to whom they offered hope, freedom and community in an age of Thatcherite politics, that were destroying everything. Westworld, their album is a landmark. Minimal, atmospheric, bleak and brooding yet uplifting. A classic! It also showcased Mick Jones(The Clash) production techniques, used to great effect on the first Big Audio Dynamite L.P and also his later work with The Libertines and Babyshambles. Anyway enough of my ramblings here is: Love is a Ghost Live at The Lyceum 1981 - http://www.sendspace.com/file/3lej44

Had to see the Inland Revenue today; trying to charge me a £100 for not filling in a form I didn't receive, which I shouldn't have got, as I didn't receive any money for what I was doing, and I'd stopped what I was doing anyway. Told 'em that Companies House had been given all this information already. Tax office said It didn't matter I had to fill in a form anyway, as the two offices don't talk to each other. I did say that if the two offices didn't talk how come I'd received a tax bill in the first place. Filled in the form, then the lady from the revenue said was the organisation I'd been involved with called ********* ****** *****, it was. Strange how the Inland Revenue knew that when I'd been told they don't communicate with Companies House. Then I was told I'd be getting another tax return form for last year, because no-one had informed them of the changes. FUCKIN' BUREAUCRACY.

Saw 8 police officers search a man today with a dog at Welwyn Garden City bus station . In full view of the passing public even made him take shoes off, didn't seem to be causing no fuss, would have been interesting to see how police would have reacted if he'd started 'kicking off'. Don't know how it all turned out as the bus carried on. Will get back to more of the usual over the next couple of days, bit more ranting and some rock'n'roll. Just taking a breather at the moment and re-charging my batteries. I suppose if I've got nothing worthwhile to say I could just not post anything, but I cant. Doing this blog has become like heroin to me.

Too Fucked Off to post anything meaningful today. Gonna go and listen to WASTED YOUTH'S Wild And Wandering courtesy of Roll Mops (link to yer left and down a bit) take a trip there if you aint heard this, but have heard about it and fancy a bit of pronto-goth or your vinyl copy, like mine is scratched to fuck. It saw me through good times and bad during the 80's, as an important record from the time as The Mob's Let The Tribe Increase and The Curse Of Zounds,a Desert Island disc of mine. Shame I'm not listening to it on a desert Island now..... WE ARE ALL SURVIVORS!

AN OBSERVATION.

So England could only draw against Israel in a 'Euro' 2008 qualifying game! Excuse me but since when has Israel been a part of Europe? Since they started entering the 'Eurovision' song contest? Is Israel part of the European Union? No. Like I said, just an observation, or am I missing something?

A NEW FACE IN HELL.

Britain has a new £20 bank note Elgar has been replaced by: Adam Smith an 18th Century Economist, the architect of our 20th/21st century downfall and disaster. He believed that it was good for capitalists to pursue their own self-interests at the expense of societies as there was an 'invisible hand' that would see society benefit from these self interests. Anyway I hand you over to the 'great' man himself.

“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. We address ourselves, not to their humanity but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities but of their advantages.”

“As every individual, therefore, endeavours as much as he can both to employ his capital in the support of domestic industry, and so to direct that industry that its produce may be of the greatest value; every individual necessarily labours to render the annual value of society as great as he can. He generally, indeed, neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it. By preferring the support of domestic to that of foreign industry, he intends only his own security; and by directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. Nor is it always the worse for the society that it was no part of it. By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good. It is an affectation, indeed, not very common among merchants, and very few words need be employed in dissuading them from it.”

This theory is the basis of Thatcher and Regans 'free market' economies of the 80's. Now the invisible hand is very visible and all it does is take from society, not just economically but morally. Society is falling apart due to self-interest; where no one gives a shit about anything other than themselves, and they only do anything if they are gonna benefit from it. There are pockets of Resistance against this attitude. The more people that kick against it, the sooner we'll show 'em who wears the trousers. (20 quid at TK Max) So every time you part with a £20 note, just remember that the face staring up from it is responsible for the shit we are living in, and the other one is a worthless figure head who reigns over the turd called Britain. 'Land of Hope and Glory' I don't think so.

No.9 out of 16: MANIC STREET PREACHERS-Motorcycle Emptiness(Live Brussels 2002) http://www.sendspace.com/file/rpul1s

OILS WELL.

15 BRITISH SAILORS KIDNAPPED BY IRAN. 179 PEOPLE KILLED IN IRAQ THIS WEEK.

THE SOUND OF WAR

Here's a live show by THE BLACK ANGELS, this is drone rock at it's best; Pounding drums and scorching guitars, it sucks you in and spits you out at the end, leaving you feeling like you've been through some spiritual journey. If you wanna know more about them check out this weeks NME. New Musical Express, ha, ha, ha don't me fuckin' laugh I did a post way back in December about this lot. Go on hit the link and check 'em out : http://www.sendspace.com/file/yh9igu

DID AL-QAEDA KILL BOB WOOLMER ?

YOU'RE NOT THE LAW.

If you like The Clash, The Ruts and Scum Of Toytown then you really need to get yer ears round this lot. A Skatastic bunch of scousers; THE DEAD 60'S. During NME's much hyped 'summer of ska' a couple of years ago the British music lovers took Hard-Fi to their hearts and kicked the Dead 60's into touch, the fools. Pop friendly sells, punk anger doesn't. Fuck 'em their loss, they went down a storm on The Vans Warped tour in the U.S.A. This live recording is from 2005, a French Session @ Maison De, (think it's a TV or Radio broadcast) it features the singles and their debut album. What ya waiting for ? It's just a click away:http://www.sendspace.com/file/kudr1g

ANOTHER BUDGET, ANOTHER CON. STUFF GOES UP STUFF GOES DOWN. SOME GET RICHER AND THE POOR STAY POORER, AND SO IT GOES. DON'T BE FOOLED THAT THIS BUDGET IS ANY DIFFERENT FROM ANY PREVIOUS BUDGET BY ANY PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT. NO MATTER WHAT PARTY IS IN POWER, THEY ARE ONLY THERE TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF CAPITAL AND SERVE THE CAPITALIST. (For more in-depth analysis check out Cactus Mouth Informer, link in the usual place over to the left)

NEW LABOUR; NEW FORMS OF SOCIAL CONTROL.

This New Labour lot are a sinister bunch of mutha fuckers obsessed with statistics and tables, which they are gonna use to create some new super society, were any defects are found out before they turn into a problem that cannot be controlled. For example. The Youth of today, demonised by the press, for their behaviour, which admittedly lacks a certain amount of respect and responsibility, but they are Thatchers grandchildren who's parents grew up under the mantra of 'there is no society', so it is only to be expected really. The future generations won't grow up like this, because new labour plan to introduce a monitoring system, which will be legally enforced where by every child's development will be assessed from when they are born until they reach five and enter the education system where they are already closely monitored. This is as well as plans to introduce government 'sponsored' day nurseries, where children can be kept under control by the watchful eye of Big Brutha and his friends the Statisticians. If children don't reach their 'targets' on government graphs then it's off to Room 101, where they can be disciplined and re-programed.

NEVER TRUST A HIPPY

This man is after global domination ! Records (Mike Oldfield and The Sex Pistols have a lot to answer for), books, soft drinks (tastes like piss), phones, trains(that crash) and planes. He claims to have a social conscience, true he wants to stop people flying domestically, but only so they'll use his trains instead. Yes, the new Virgin Media deals offer good value; so they should , he's made enough fuckin' money from the sales of his phones, and the rest of his branded shit. No wonder he's always smiling, Richard by name Dick by nature; ( I apologise to any one reading this who happens to be called Richard or Dick) a self seeking publicist who is full of more hot air than his balloon's.

DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES

I could rave on about the brilliance of NIKKI SUDDEN and how each of his numerous albums are classics, especially the ones he recorded with Dave Kusworth as The Jacobites, but I'll try not to. Nikki's songs are pure poetry, shear beauty; images of revolutionary France, kings, queens and castles; romantic tales of heartbreak, that can touch the soul of even the most hardened hardcore listener, depending on your mood. Not the best singer or guitar player but the most passionate. His death last year robbed the world of a genuine, humble roving minstrel. Never hugely 'popular' in Britain, but massive in Europe, in America he recorded with REM. His cult status was already assured from his work in the Swell Maps, loved by everyone from Sonic Youth to Graham Coxon. His solo work has been applauded by the likes of Bobby Gillespie and Simon Ratcliffe from Basement Jaxx, who described Nikki as "A singer songwriter, a kind of smacked out English Bob Dylan...he needs a good meal inside him...he can't really play guitar...it's all a bit messy, but its got charm." Saw Nikki a good few times live, from Camden Palace to Bay 63 where he was supporting My Bloody Valentine (who were crap, audience was full of students with pudding bowl haircuts), each time he was great, but of all the times the best was when I got him to play in Stevenage and he charmed an audience who'd never heard of him. This is recording of some of that night back in '93 : http://www.sendspace.com/file/pg27rr

25 YEARS SINCE THE FALKLANDS, 4 YEARS SINCE IRAQ. KIDS BEING STABBED AND SHOT TO DEATH ON BRITAIN'S STREETS, VICARS MURDERED IN CHURCH YARDS. WE HAVE BECOME A SOCIETY THAT IS AT WAR WITH ITSELF.

JUSTICE / HYPOCRISY. It's Oil or Nothing.

No sign of any 'regime change' for Zimbabwe. It's not surprising when there is nothing of any interest left there for countries like Britain. The minerals and metals that were there have long gone. Stolen during the empire building days of imperialism, when the area was proudly named Rhodesia after chief pillager; Cecil Rhodes. British interests continued until 1965 when the precious resources ran out. Rhodesia then sought independence from Britain and came under white-minority rule i.e the Brits who got rich as a result of imperialism. In 1970 Rhodesia declared itself a republic, that wasn't recognised by Britain or any other states. The 'free elections' of 1980 saw Mugabe come to power, (Rhodesia became Zimbabwe) and there he has been ever since. A tyrant who does what the fuck he likes to 'his people' Land Reforms saw re-distribution, but fucked their economy, critics are imprisoned and tortured, elections are rigged and his power remains unchecked. This one's down to Britain to sort out and we don't need America to make a bad situation even worse. Lets not forget that Britain went to war with Iraq for 'regime change' and a few months ago a certain Mr Hussein was sentenced to death and hung for crimes against 'his people'.

EVEN MORE TOTAL HONESTY AND NO BULLSHIT

The Punk and Hip-Hop generations meet, it's BEDLAM AGO GO. This is their only album, and it's like it says on the tin, Estate Style Entertainment, a dirty Hip-Hop rock punk hybrid with a solid soulful sound, I aint talking no shake your booty shit, this is kick arse, ram raiding, jaw breaking and brutal. The raps tell tales of bad drugs, mental institutions and back stabbing friends. The attitude is total punk, Ruts samples Crass references and the groove of The Clash. Similar in places to The Streets, who were just a muddy track when this was released in 1998. It was the sound of the future, shame the future didn't listen, but now you can. It's just a click away: http://www.sendspace.com/file/5v8i3w

In a week that's seen Britain's government spend £25 Billion pounds on 'games', it's down to a bunch of celebrities to ease theirs and the nations guilt, by encouraging us to dig deep, to support Comic Reliefs 'good causes' at home and abroad, while the real comedians continue to do nothing significant to relieve the suffering of millions across the globe. Your joke has worn thin and I aint fuckin' laughing, at least the celebes are doing something.

Well that's just Fuckin' great; Britain's gonna spend £9.3 Billion pounds on the Olympics. Bargain, I wonder who'll end up paying for that through stealth taxes ? Still nothing better than sport to instill a sense of national pride, and to make us feel good about the state of the nation and show the world what a Great country Britain is. It's no wonder people spend, spend, spend on useless shit to try and make themselves feel better and increase their social status, when they see their government doing exactly the same. What will they waste our money on tomorrow ?

Well that's just Fuckin' great; Britain's gonna spend £15 Billion pounds updating the Trident Missile system. A one party state vote saw this through our wonderful democratic system, the same one that is being forced upon other nations, that needs to be protected with 'weapons of mass destruction, from the suicide bomber armies of the 'rougue states' and their different ideologies. In an uncertain world the future is now very certain; more war games.

From 7/11 To 9/11

An American history lesson/is one long list of oppression/
Wounded Knee/McCarthyism/
Montgomery/Watts/
Cuba/Vietnam/Chile/El Salvador/
Rodney King/Afghanistan/
U.S Repression reigns supreme/Against those who defy the American Dream/CIA covert guerillas/Sanctioned presidential killers/

Iraq/Iran/Libya/ U.S global domination/McDonalds and Coke/ invade the hearts and minds of every nation//

No.8 of 16: MC5-The American Ruse(rehersal version):http://www.sendspace.com/file/6tztho

4 X Fucking 4's, Why ?

You can't go freely rambling through the British countryside, never mind driving over it. So how come there are so many of these vehicles on the roads ? Statistics show that if you are driving a saloon car and are involved in a crash with a 4X4, there is a good chance you will be injured or die. This rather obvious statistic explains the influx of these gas guzzling, environment polluting vehicles of war on our shores. Cos that's when it all started; the first Gulf War. As Americans watched the Hummers cruising across the sands of Kuwait, they thought they looked cool and offered protection. Both psychological and physical, so they started to buy them. The motor manufacturers soon picked up on this trend and started to manufacture similarly designed vehicles for the mass consumer market, which duly bought into them, because it made them feel safe and secure from unseen terror and other road users. Plus they are big enough to fill up with the rest of the shit that they buy. It wasn't long before the trend became global and the citizens of the UK were driving round like the Taliban on the school run.

'Only You Can Choose The Things That You Should Do'

I'm always listening out for new bands, not that I've heard anything too interesting recently. Came across this lot through a posting on The Clash forum (link to yer left and down a bit.) dunno what it was but they sounded like they'd be worth a listen, and I liked what I heard, a Lo-Fi, Pop, Punk racket, with a bit of passion. So I thought I'd unleash it onto an unsuspecting world. Here yer go, Its THE USUAL SUSPECTS. Anyway, I'm gonna hand you over to their publisict; Montgomery Clift to tell you a bit about 'em...........

'The Usual Suspects started out in late 2004 with Elliot on guitar, Mike on vocals and guitar, and Matt on drums. Chris later jumped on the project with guitar and backup vocals, and Elliot took over bass duties, at first Alvaro of a band Piñata Protest (Elliot also plays bass for them) was originally on for bass, but had other projects in mind. The first show was in the spring of 2005. The guys wanted to bring something good to the table with a lot of hardcore bands starting up, the punk/rock-n-roll scene was being diluted and they wanted to start something new and special. Chris and Mike had been in another band, Potential violence, which ended the same year the Usual Suspects started. Potential Violence was a well known punk rock band in the San Antonio scene but it ended after difficulty with the members, they couldn’t find time to practice or play shows or even come up with new material.

The Usual Suspects themselves had problems starting up and gaining momentum, they started playing small benefit shows but later on drummer Matt was sometimes unreachable and couldn’t show up for practices, thus they couldn’t get shows. The band also suffered from lack of good equipment.

In the summer of 2006 current drummer Mario of another band (Fire at Will) came onboard and he fit the band very well. They started practicing and after the first show it was apparent that Mario was a keeper. Shows started coming and the Suspects started to gain a following.

In the summer of 06 I started recording the band live and as an encouragement to the guys made a bit of a live cd which was posted on their myspace for a while, just to let people know that the band was revving up and to get their music heard. The quality was low-gen but it was good enough. The guys got serious about recording a demo and finally achieved it in Feb-07. The Lakeshore Sessions as we nicknamed them were recorded 50 miles outside of San Antonio in a small trailer by Lake Medina(Texas) Clayton Price was our generous host. He is of Raze Earth fame. He was producer/engineer of the Killers With Good Intentions E.P.

This E.P. was a DIY project that I helped them with, purchased silver cd-rs, sleeves and discussed the artwork with them. Printed and burned the cds. I have been following this band since they started, and have taken hundreds of photographs as well as some live footage. I really believe in what they are doing and I support them 100%'

There you have it, that's THE USUAL SUSPECTS for yer, all that remains is to listen to 'em. So what ya waiting for. It's just a click away..............

USUAL SUSPECTS - Killers With Good Intentions EP : http://www.sendspace.com/file/otc9jo

Cold war fears of Nuclear Armageddon, are sold back to those that lived through it as a tourist attraction. The fears were real, but now it's just a day trip for the family, like a visit to Auschwitz. Lest we forget.

Our history has now become our future; an exercise in consumption that bares no relation to the reality of mass murder or mass paranoia.

For sale souvenirs of suffering.

THE MOB - Ching

This tape only release has been a 'treasured possession' of mine for 26 years. Recorded live onto a cassette recorder in their squat on Brougham Rd, Hackney. The sound is rough, now much maligned by the band, but highly sought after by 'the fans'. Josef, the drummer hasn't seen a copy for over 20 years. I've left it as two tracks, to create the feel and vibe. THE MOB-Ching:http://www.sendspace.com/file/phs9y4

WOS BIN 'APPENIN'

Police beating up a black girl, who may or may not have been a 'chav trouble maker', reforms to the house of lords, another nail in the coffin of ermin clad privilege. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue, body count rises; Hurry up Harry come on.......get yerself to war. The cash for honours debacle carries on, it will only end when Blair is led from No.10 in handcuffs. Council Tax rises, more money from the people, for what..so I can step in dog shit when I walk down the pavement. Crufts is cruel to dogs. For example; The British Bulldog can't give birth naturally due to having an oversized head. Says it all really Britain aint so great, it's just that it thinks it is. If you're wondering what I'm typing about, scroll down the blog and find out. Dunno what you'll find out, but you'll find something. Music, Politics, Art or just shit, i dunno take yer pick. Feel free to comment, I don't bite. Coming up over the next few days, weeks, whenever will be much of the same. Look out for THE MOB - Ching (tape), NIKKI SUDDEN - Live @ Kwnn, Stevenage, a couple of new bands USUAL SUSPECTS and QUARANTINE. Also hopefully an unheard JEFF BUCKLEY show from a gig he did in Stevenage, and also the legendary JESUS AND MARY CHAIN North London Poly, riot show. The last 2 are in the hands of soundman, brutha Tim.K who is presently werking his magic over the dioxide chrome spools. Anyway enough....Cheers for reading and keep on keeping on watching the big picture.

No.7 of 16 : ALTERNATIVE TV - The Ancient Rebels http://www.zshare.net/audio/alternative-tv-theancient-rebels-mp3.html

MORE TOTAL HONESTY AND NO BULLSHIT.

Another bunch of 90's provocateurs. BLAGGERS I.T.A, Never mind In The Area, more like In Your Face. These guys pulled no punches, as an NME journalist found out when lead singer Matty assaulted one, after being questioned about his past involvement with the BNP, by now Matty was a reformed character and his and the bands Anti-Nazi stance was well known, playing many Anti Fascist Action benefit gigs. Their career basically ended after this altercation, dropped by EMI, thrown of a tour with the Manic Street Preachers and Credit To The Nation. Matty's life ended a couple of years latter with a heroin overdose. If you like listening to music with a bit of passion, anger and politics then check out these 3 tracks: Abandon Ship, Oxygen, Stress. http://www.sendspace.com/file/b3qka4

YOU CAN'T STOP THE INFORMATION !
Just recently it's all been kicking off in Athens and Copenhagen. Heavy handed state stormtroopers have been clamping down on the liberty of people living their lives, their way. Didn't read much about this in the British press. Check out Annies Animal and Greengalloway for indepth analysis. Links in the usual place. To the Left !

Mobile phones, where would we be without them ? Back in the dark ages, of piss stinking phone boxes and Buzzbee. It's good to talk, but for fucks sake..Shut up ! Nowhere is free from inane chatter, annoying ring tones and the tap, tap of texting fingers. Now you can watch TV and listen to music on your phone, great. Can't people wait till they get home to crank up their stereo ? no, they have to listen to it on the bus, and so does everyone else. Isn't technology a wonderful thing. No one knows if the phone signals are bad for our health, aerial's some disguised as trees and church spires blot our landscape as the blue toothed monsters intrude into our lives. The all singing all dancing Nokia 666, just what you need to make your life complete. People are dying for this freedom of speech. From the Civil Wars raging in Africa over the mining of minerals needed for mobile phone chips, to the child run over by a driver concentrating on chatting and not where he was going.

No. 6 of 16: JOHNNY THUNDERS - Get Off The Phone (Live in Detroit 21/12/80) http://www.sendspace.com/file/gbbjlw

GRANMA TO HAVANA

TRAVEL TO BOLIVIA

CONGO. SOUTH AFRICA

INSURGENTS TO THE BORDERLINE

BACK FROM MOTORCYCLE RIDE

CATALYST IF YOU INSIST

REVOLUTIONARY COMMUNIST.

USUAL SUSPECTS

TOTAL HONESTY. NO BULLSHIT

The soundtrack to revolution takes on many forms. In the John Major years THE 25th OF MAY, wanted the revolting dancing; with their hip-hop, dance, rock grooves and full on Class War Marxist rhetoric. Live they were awesome, but they never really took off, and fizzled out, like an unexploded molotov leaving behind a string of incendiary singles and one explosive album. Check out this track and start stamping your dancing feet to the tune of a different drum. Find out what was going on here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/8glmds

Contaminated petrol, stock markets falling; the capitalist engine starts to splutter.