It’s a Blog ! Not a Log !

Was in my opinion the shittest Giant Bradley Day I’ve been to . . .

This year they decided to hold it on the football field and charge everyone £1 to get in, so why was it shit ?, well apart from the 4 food stands, 1 beer tent (not even being run by a Market Weighton Pub), 6-7 tombola stands, a small funfair, the live music and Punch & Judy there was fcuk all else to keep you interested for the 5 – 10 minutes it took you to walk round the field, though we did hear that the birds of prey would be on again this year, but as I say after 5-10 minutes you’d seen everything, so you could either go away and come back later on just sit around twiddling your thumbs until the time came for them to come on.

There was’nt even a Fun Day Dog Show this year, which was a big disappointment for us and a few other dog owners . . .

I think we stayed for about 20 minutes which was more than enough time to see the “Sights” and then we drove back to Manchester, what a wasted journey that was, just thankful my mum still lives in Market Weighton, so at least the 160 mile round trip was’nt a total waste of petrol.

Why they ever decided to take the celebrations off the High St I’ll never know, but if they want it to be a success they really need to be doing a bit more to make the new site of the event a little bit more than a Tombola meet or bring it back to the High St

We won’t be going next year

Well what can I say except that the Unabombers End of Year Riot at Electriks at Legends was a belter of a night . .  the venue the DJ’s, the music and most of all the people were fantastic, not had a night out as much fun as that in god knows how many years . . .  has definitely set me up for tonight’s NYE party at Electriks Bar.

I took a few picture of the night and am still in the process of uploading them to flickr, should hopefully have them all uploaded later on today, so keep checking back, didn’t get any video footage as it was way to dark in there to film.

Highlights of my night apart from the music and the people were the lovely Gemma who I know from going to Electriks Bar was recognizing me and asking where Blue was and some absolutely bolloxed up guy ambling across to me, grabbing me by the hand, shaking it profoundly and saying he was very upset that my Essential Mix on Radio 1 hadn’t been voted the top mix of the decade . . .  looking a little bemused I asked him who he thought I was . .  apparently according to him he thought I was Brandon Block . .  made me laugh . .

Anyway the night was a right good laugh, met some really nice people, who I shall hopefully bump into again at some point . ., guessing the same will happen tonight.

So before  go better wish you all a Happy New Year and hope to see you on the other side later

Could’nt sleep this morning so decided to upload a few more videos to YouTube.

First one’s of Blue in Longford Parkin Chorlton enjoying running through the Daffodills, she seems to like them, reminds her of long grss no doubt

This second one’s of our return journey from Yorkshire to Manchester, not to sure about the music I added to it though think I might have to change it to something a bit more uptempo

Anyway enjoy and feel free to comment

On the way to work this morning Barton Road in Stretford was cordoned off just before the Robin Hood Pub, my first thoughts were that there’s been a crash of some sort, but as I continued to work there was a report on the BBC News that a 16yr old boy had been shoot outside the pub in the late evening of Sunday.

Seems that the young lad had been with friends at a music event at the pub and as he was leaving in a car with a group of friends the car they were all travelling in was shoot up by someone, out of the four in the car he was apparently hit in the head and later died in Trafford Hospital.

Just when you think you know somewhere you discover that its not as safe as you first thought, I know Stretfords pretty crap, but I never thought there’d be drivebys on its streets, thoughts go out to this lads family and to any family effected by gun crime, Police initially arrested 3 people in connection with the shooting, but have released 2 and keeping the other for further questioning, I’m guessing the 3 arrested were the people in the car with him and there just going through the process of questioning them and figuring out whats gone on.

Its bullshit that people have to resort to guns to sort out differences, that such young life’s have to be wasted because there members of the wrong gang or in the wrong place, just hoping that the Police can find out who did it and get another killer off the streets, but as one goes to jail there will always be another waiting to take there place.

A very sad state of affairs our worlds coming to . .   and people wonder why I don’t want to bring children into this world . .

Just had a feast of a tea from electriks, Bangers & Mustard Mash with a grand helping of gravy, comfort food if ever there was, and its all being slowly washed down with a couple of pints of Vedett, never had Vedett before tonight and I’m certainly liking it, seems they’ve ran out of Hoeggarden, so I’ll be on this for the rest of the night.

Anyway while I’m in here I’ll be uploading some videos to YouTube that I should of uploaded ages ago to be honest, so expect quite a few listed in my next post.

Now what can i tell you about the bar I’m in apart from the fact it sells good beer and good food, well its the brainchild of 2 of Manchesters finest . . .  Luke Cowdry & Justin Crawford, put togeather these 2 gents make up the Unabombers who together run The Electric Chair (Home of The Unabombers / Electric Chair nightclub).

They’ve turned what used to be the Revise bar into there Chorlton adventure “Electrik’s Bar”, its situated on the main road opposite the legendary 24hr off-licence A & S Booze and it’s certainly seems to have been embraced by the locals, as can be seem Friday and Saturday nights when it’s fairly rammed with people enjoying themselves.

They’ve certainy got a good selection of beers and spirits to keep everyone happy and to add to it all they’ve got a free jukebox, so no more looking for pound coins to put in it, though don’t expect to find anything commercial on it, its a bit of an eclectic mix of tunes from all styles and periods of music.

But for me the best thing is its a dog friendly bar and they definatly make Blue welcome, she’s even donated a dogbowl to them so she’s always got something to drink ouut of when she visits.

Now that’s what I’m talking about . . , so where am I enjoing this value for money breakfast . . .

Orlando’s Bar in Chorlton of course, where else would I be on a Saturday morning.

So what is the £3.95 breakfast made up of then:

2 x Rashers of bacon
1 x Sausage (Very tasty sausage indeed)
1  x Fried Egg
1 x Hash Brown
1 x Portion of Baked Beans
1 x Portion of Tomatoes
1 x Portion of Mushrooms
1 x Black Pudding
1 x Sliced toast

Not bad for £3.95 and you get to eat it in lovely surrounding, where the music is conducent to relaxing while eating and as usual the staff are friendly and fun.

Orlando’s is also doing a full Roast Dinner for £4.95, something I’ve not sampled as yet, but will probably give it a go tomorrow and let you know what  thought of it, but for now I’m going to enjo my breakfast.

I actually feel a bit more alive now after that, plus the ibuprofen are starting to kick in a bit now.

Anyway last nights visit to the Windmill was definately worth it, got to see 2 of the bands that were on last night, these being Kovak a five piece band comprising of Abby Harmony: Vocals, Karl: Vocals, Guitar, Dazza: Drums, Toby: Bass  and Martin: Synth, there musics a sort of mix of electro, indie dance(reminds me a bit of Blondie in some ways), Abby thelead vocals definitely has a voice that you enjoy hearing, has a sort of hypnotic sound to it, just makes you want to swing,bop,dance and just generally gyrate, filmed some of their set last night and will be sticking it on YouTube shortly for your enjoyment, had a bit of a chat with them after the gig and they seem like decent types (even if they are southerners lol), the band come from Brighton and seem to have quite a big following down there, they also have a a club night called  ? yep you’ve guessed it Club Kovak down there where I’m guessing they’ve been cultivating there sound and their fanbase, next time I’m in Brighton I might have to check it out as from the sounds of the music they play live I’m guessing the Club Night will be just as good.

Now why don’t you do the decent thing and instead of reading my quick and rather rubbish review (not the best reviewer in the world am I) go and download there latest single, you can find it here I Love the Dancefloor and tell me what you think.

Anyway its time I took Blue for her walk, shes sat here whining at her dad, so I’ll be back later with a review of the 2nd Band “OneandaZero”

Well it started at the Green Windmill, where we enjoyed a few good bands and a few good drinks, saw Zoe and her partner, whose name I never did quite here the first time I met him, blame it on the loud music, so my apolgies for not knowing your name, anyway when we left the Green Windmill the night was still quite young so after a few times being a taxi I got everyone back to Bernies and were all here now, the roll call so far is :

Bernie, Amanda, Debbie,Nicola, Stacy, Lisa, Cath,Liam, Damian, Kev, Andy, Paul,Steve,Phil, Jon,Mel and Me.

Think it might turn into a bit of a mad one, shame Ben, John, Sophie and Ash are’nt here, but its not to be, saddens me a bit does that, Niki and Andy are’nt here either or Kenny again a bit of a shame, but theres always next time.

Not seen Kev and Andy since Blackpool, good to see the pair of them, really good lads the pair of them, was’nt to sure of Kev when I first met him a couple of years ago, but then again we were both a bit fucked to be honest, but think Kev and Andy are top lads, invited them out for our lads night out in Nov while Mel’s away the cats will play.

Leslie and Tim were out with us, but they decided not to come back with us, Leslie’s had a shit week, shame as it would have been nice again to have everyone here, so what is it about us lot when we get togeather, were mad for it as they say, were more then mad for it I think, we enjoy it to much to be mad for it, I’ve managed to rest control of the music so we’re listening to a bit of dance music which everyone seems to be getting into, well I hope they are anyway, if not tough shit I’m the dj for the night so fcuk em all

So does Bernie look any older for being 43 well her tits seem closer to the floor, but thats about it, shes still the same excitable Bernie that we all love and hold dear, and we would’nt want or have her any other way . . .

Happy Birthday Bernie may many birthdays follow and may all of them be in the company of friends and to those who are’nt here I’m thinking of you all and your here in spirit if nothing else.

Well its nearly 3:00am here and while I’m typing this the party’s going on around me and I now need to say bye for now and go mingle and mix.

BACK TOGETHER AFTER 25 YEARS!
This is’nt actually my post, I’ve taken it from a forum I use, but thought I’d just have to share it with you all as this looks as though its going to be one hell of an evening, going to try and get there myself

Calling all dance music aficionados. You may never again get the chance to see such an impressive gathering of seminal Manchester DJ’s together at one unique event.

It’s nearly time for the electrospective.

4pm to 3am Saturday August 30th – just over a week to go!

None of these DJ’s should need any introduction, but just in case you don’t know who we’re talking about:

Greg Wilson, who’ll be hosting the event, was a major underground figure from back in the day – the first DJ to mix live on UK TV. Remembered for his cutting-edge Electro-Funk nights in the early 80’s at Legends and Wigan Pier, his groundbreaking mixes on Piccadilly Radio, and for his pioneering role at The Hacienda way back in ’83. Made a hugely successful return to DJing in the past 5 years after a 2 decade hiatus, and now appears at clubs and events throughout the world.

Colin Curtis is one of the most respected UK DJ’s of all. He played a key role in the development of not just one, but three major dance movements here in Britain – Northern Soul, Jazz-Funk and House, playing at a whole spectrum of influential venues in the North and Midlands, including Blackpool Mecca, The Ritz, Rafters, Cassinellis, The Powerhouse, Rock City, The Locarno, Berlin, The Playpen and Legends.

Between 1978 and 1986, Mike Shaft’s Piccadilly Radio Soul Show, ‘Takin’ Care Of Business’ was something of a Manchester institution. Along with Greg Edwards and Robbie Vincent in London, Mike completed the trio of most influential black music presenters in the UK. Also a major force in clubland, Mike would move on to BBC Radio Manchester, before launching specialist black / dance music station, Sunset, in 1989. All these years on, he can still be heard, in his inimitable style, on Radio Manchester.

Hewan Clarke is perhaps the quintessential Manchester DJ. He’s been playing quality tunes in the city for 3 decades, be it at Moss Side’s hallowed Reno, to The Haçienda, where he became the first resident in May ’82. A black music selector par excellence, Hewan has seen them all come and go down the years.

Having followed Greg Wilson into Wigan Pier and Legends, as well as taking over his Piccadilly mix slot in 1984, Chad Jackson was one of the first British DJ’s to fully master the Hip Hop styles of cutting and scratching, Jackson would later go on to become the DMC World Mixing Champion in 1987, and in 1990 scored a Top 3 hit with ‘Hear The Drummer (Get Wicked)’.

Also in attendance – original members of the great Manchester breakdance crews, Broken Glass & Street Machine, with Tim’ Bones’ Forde’s film, ‘The Birth Of British B Boys’, screened at 8pm.

Full running order as follows:

16:00 Doors open
16.30-17.00 Greg Wilson-Introduction
17.00-18.15 Discussions with Colin Curtis & Mike Shaft
18.15-18.30 Break
18.30-17.45 Discussions with Hewan Clarke & Chad Jackson
19.45-20.00 Break
20.00-21.00 Tim Forde aka Bones Film / Q&A
21.00-21.05 Broken Glass & Street Machine-Introduction
21.05-21.45 Breakdancing-Open floor
21.45-22.00 Break (change around for club night)
22.00-23.00 DJ Chad Jackson
23.00-00.00 DJ Hewan Clarke
00.00-01.00 DJ Mike Shaft
01.00-02.00 DJ Colin Curtis
02.00-03.00 DJ Greg Wilson
*please note that all timings are flexible & subject to change

electrospective – manchester pre-rave 82-88

Manchester District Music Archive has teamed up with electrofunkroots to bring a marathon celebration of Manchester’s 1980s electro scene.

The event, led by pioneering DJ and producer Greg Wilson, will explore the impact of this seminal underground movement through films, talks and music. Greg will be hosting Q&As with key figures from the era, followed by the first ever public screening of Tim ‘Bones’ Forde’s life-affirming film, ‘The Birth of the British B-Boy’, a 40-minute documentary about Manchester’s legendary breakdance crew ‘Broken Glass’.

The event will climax with a club night featuring some of the scenes most important DJs and dancers.

Tickets only £6 available from Quaytickets (0870 428 0785) or over the respective counters at Piccadilly Records, Vinyl Exchange and Fat City.

http://www.quaytickets.com/WhatsOn/EventDe…px?EventId=2134

electrospective facebook
Includes Electro-Funk Fix – a download a day right up until the event.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33864547848

Further Info
http://www.mdmarchive.co.uk
http://www.electrofunkroots.co.uk

E Mail
electrospective@hotmail.com

X Press 2

So every couple of months I get an email from those lovely people at Skint records touting there wares and every so often they have a little competiton to win stuff, so everytime there is one I have a go and enter it and I got and email back just a few moments ago to tell me I’ve just won 2 guestlist places for this

Be upstanding for the legendary X Press 2!!!
Rocky, Diesel and Ashley Beedle have become world famous as the trio that make up X-Press 2 and to help celebrate the launch of their Best Of Collection titled Raise your Hands the guys are dropping by to do what they do best and DJ for 6 hours for the Gallery at Ministry of Sound. Combining 3 mixers, 6 decks and a myriad of EFX and quality tunage the boys are always sure fire winners with crowds across the globe and the Ministry of Sound and Gallery are the natural hosts for the London leg of the tour. The trio have been dishing up Balearic house, progressive, disco and pop house since the early nineties often employing male vocalists such as David Byrne (‘Lazy’) and The Music’s Rob Byrne (‘Kill 100′) and Kurt Wagner (‘Give It’) on their biggest singles. Raise your Hands lifts its title from the Sole Fusion sample used on their second single ‘London X-Press’ and the collection includes their four big singles from 2002′s crossover album Muzikum, three cuts from follow up Makeshift Feelgood as well as early singles on Junior Boys Own. The collection also comes with a second remix disc including big X-Press 2 re-rubs by Carl Craig, Freeform Five and Superchumbo as well as X-Press 2′s remix of ‘Star69′ by Fatboy Slim and The Gallery faithful will no doubt be treated to a bevy or original and remixes throughout the six hours. In short… this is the London Album Launch Party and it’s gonna be one unmissable event!!

We’re giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets for this party (3 pairs available to first 3 correct answers out of the email hat)

But heres the sad bit of news I can’t fcuking get there because Mrs HP’s dad’s staying with us and although I’d love to say sorry future father in law but you know how I said I’d take ya out for a beer on Friday, well tough I’m going to London town for a bit of a laugh and a crack . . I cant cause then I’d have me rations reduced by Mrs HP, so at the moment I’m just trying to get hold of a mate in London to see if he can go instead.

4 comps I’ve entered with Skint records and 4 times I’ve won some guest pass or other and 4 fcuking times somethings come up to prevent me going . .

How unlucky am I