Happy New Decade

Bosnia-The Reegs Live at The Duchess Of York-Leeds 1998

That show was recorded on audio too. Hopefully will be released one day!
Happy NY everyone

Coconut DF Live@Library Bar 5th Dec 2009 Lincoln UK
Part 2

Dead Baby Parade was the first full band on the stage. How did Simon, Deli, Josh, Anais and Sarah did fit on the stage is a miracle. But they delivered again like in Pats memorial last September a fantastic show with their stunning indie-psychedelic folk.

Dead Baby Parade&Diamond El Fonsbrook

I really hope the guys release a full album soon can't wait to hear it. Apparently there are rumors that Dave Fielding might produce them something on the near future but nothing is confirmed yet.
Meanwhile you've got their Myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/dbparade

'Take my home' and 'Keep it hidden' are amongst my favorites. Not sure about the set list but 'Pretty' and 'Bleed Away' were deffo played.

It was then time for Helium 3. I was really hoping they were as good as they were the morning before on the rehearsals were I could hear two new songs and also the mint cover of The Cure '10:15'

Josh&Mark

Helium 3

Helium 3 Set list :

-Feels like
-Never Stop
-This Time
-Bad stuff
-10:15 [Cure cover]
-I wish

Great show and the best openers indeed for Coconut DF. A mint set of spacey trippy alt punk rock.

Helium 3: Josh&Mark&Dave Jackson

Ever seen a Cat on a gig?

Ooshka enjoyed the gig

Ooshka enjoying on the backstage. She even did catch some mice outside on the canal while Dave was playing the show, so lucky night for her!

Its raining again

This is reality

Has anyone seen Ooshka?-Dave asked the crowd.

Mr. Fielding legendary ebow didn't disappoint a bit with that ethereal sound over a trancey backdrop. One step beyond.

Dan Bongoman and Josh played both the percussion.
Fielding is also considering to play some gigs abroad. Germany and perhaps Spain is on the cards probably on the dance circuit. Also its possible we will see a new release of Coconut DF on the new year so we will post about it as soon as we have more confirmed news.
The night ended about 2am with another dj dance set 'Undertone'. It made everybody dance around.

Also special mention to the sound engineer too. I forgot his name but he mentioned he was involved on the recording of Bosnia in the studio for new The Reegs double remastered cd.
Nice one.

So a great night was had by all like I said and a nice gathering of some of the Lincoln finest crew. We hope to have more on the near future. Perhaps a live 'on the boat' Coconut DF show along Lincolnshire canals?

More photos on the Coconut DF Facebook group link below:

Coconut DF Facebook group

All photos by Pedro Vila.

Coconut DF Live@Library Bar 5th Dec 2009 Lincoln UK
Part 1

This is reality

So here we go with another excellent night with live bands from the Lincoln music underground scene.
I traveled over from Spain for the weekend to see the show as I didn't want to miss it. I did attend Coconut DF gig on Pats memorial do in Lincoln as well last September but this time it was also our Gaz [Gary Topliss] birthday Party and his band Helium 3 was playing supporting Coconut DF too so it was a perfect excuse to visit Lincoln again [Currently most probably my favorite city in England] and also to stay away of this Christmas non sense.

The venue was The Library Bar located in the Brayford University area of Lincoln which is mostly surrounded by lakes and water.

Brayford Lincoln

I have visited the Shed before [Which is the next bigger pub-bar] and had a pint or two with Dave there, but didn't noticed the Library Bar so I was a bit curious about the venue. The place has a huge canal and also loads of narrow boats parked there. Swans, ducks and other birds are easily seen on the water. Dave Fielding owns a large narrow boat and he lives there with his Cat 'Ooshka' [Queen of the night] .
Apparently its possible to travel all over England with one of those fuckers as all the north and the south is well connected by the canals. They are very well prepared and you can get all facilities you can find in a normal house.
Maybe he will take us one day for a ride?

Ethereal ebow

The view at night from the bar is stunning with the lights of the Cathedral and other old buildings from the city. Lincoln has a special feeling very medieval I would say. The weather was cold though but the whole place has a class atmosphere that reminds me some posh sailing clubs here in Spain. And Guinness was very good!

Those were the bands lined up for the night:

Coconut Dog F*@k
Helium 3
Diamond el Fonsbrok and The Dead Baby Parade
Lab Rat&Trouble Djs
Undertone club closed the night.

So around noon I brought some of the equipment from Gaz shed to the venue and also helped a bit to unload the van and set the band gear on the stage. I really enjoyed doing that, it was my first time ever as a stage hand employee! so I hope I didn't bother much.

our Gaz a Happy man

A pint here and there and most of the drums and boxes were placed and I could see how people started to gather outside the venue. All Lincoln wanted to be there!
Dead Baby Parade and Helium 3 did their usual sound check.

Del-Dead Baby Parade

The day before I saw Helium 3 rehearsing two new tracks . 'Bad Stuff' [?] and 'Angels and Demons'. They both sounded ace to me. ' Josh [Dave Jackson son] deserves a special mention as he joined again with 3 of the bands that played on the night. Drums, bongos and a rather good work with the guitar. Sterling job mate.

Simon-Dead Baby Parade

Helium 3 rehersals in Gaz freezing shed

Dave Jackson used to play in the legendary Lincoln cult band AReprisal [Top man, very experienced bass player..and always smiling!] along with his brother Martin and Pete Clayton [Who was there that night too]. Those were the 80s!

AReprisal-Lincoln Left to right: Dave Jackson, Pete Clayton, ?, Simon Cox

AReprisal-Lincoln Left to right: Pete Clayton, Simon Cox, Dave Jackson, ?

Dave soundcheck

So Dave Fielding did sound check at the end of the afternoon. The ebow seemed on top form and sounded as good as ever. The first chords had that special feeling that instantly filled the [not for so long] empty room.

McGinty

Dj LabRat was the dj opener. Which place better than England to hear the new trends on techno-dance beats? Mc Ginty blasted a top set.

More soon in Part 2

Exit Calm Hearts and Minds -Leadmill Sheffield

Here is a video I recorded on last Exit Calm in Sheffield. Sound doesn't do justice obviously as it was a crap pocket photo camera with a compressed mic. But hey, better than nothing!
They delivered a tremendous show.
Can't wait for the release of the album in April 2010
By the way don't miss Rob Marshall here, he is on fire!

Exit Calm Hearts and Minds

Thanks to Yvo [Furry] for the editing job.
More photos from the show soon.

Exit Calm Live at the Leadmill Sheffield 21 Nov 2009

Nicky Smith-Exit Calm

And yet another fantastic gig of Exit Calm [And a top gathering of friends] last Saturday 21th November at the Leadmill in Sheffield. A total celebration.

Exit Calm

Leadmill Sheffield 21 Nov 2009 set List:

You've Got It All Wrong
We're On Our Own
Atone
Forgiveness
With Angels
Don't Look Down
All On You
Hearts & Minds
-----------------------
Higher Learning (Encore)

Exit Calm album release 18th April 2009 [Subject to confirmation]

'With Angels' Exit Calm new cd single signed by the band

A big thanks to all who made the evening terrific. If the new album songs are half as good as this single release, Exit Calm debut is gonna be without a doubt the album of the decade.

More photos and footage on the upcoming days!

Ta

Pedro Vila

The Chameleons Wishville shut down

Without any notice The Chameleons Wishville official message board has been shut down indefinitely.

Wishville Official Chameleons site

Wishville was a pretty extended database of Chameleons related threads worked and supported with the collaboration, hard work and contribution of their fans since 2001, Fans who bought all their releases and proved their support attending to their old shows. Wishville was a a top source for updates of new re- releases, live shows or other band members solo projects.

We believe in freedom of speech and that there is no room for censorship in Rock 'n Roll.

If you agree with us click and join our Facebook group 'Bring Back Wishville' below.

Bring Back Wishville!

Ta
Pedro Vila

The Chameleons Second Skin covers

Here is a couple of The Chameleons covers from their song Second Skin I've found on the internet the other day.
The first is from a german house-dance band called Scooter. Its not too bad although I would prefer a more techno based sound rather this soft euro dance.
It will hopefully give more exposure to The Chameleons and hopefully some royalties!

Belenger is a spanish lad from Valencia who has covered a couple of decent covers too. Second Skin of The Chameleons and The Nastyside of The Reegs.



www.myspace.com/belengermyspace

Nice one

Pedro Vila

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez video

Video dedicado a mi amigo Antonio Blanco [Tony] asesinado el 11 de Septiembre de 2009 en El Salvador.
Tu familia y amigos no te olvidamos.

-------------------

Video in the memory of me best mate Antonio Blanco Rodriguez murdered in El Salvador the 11th september 2009.

We will never forget you Tony

Keep walking.....

Edited by Pedro Vila

Music:
God-Plastic Ono Band
The Nasty Side-The Reegs

More info on Antonio facebook group

Exit Calm Live Recordings

Exit Calm from Barnsley at V Festival in Leeds summer 2009

Here is a list of Exit Calm live Bootlegs links to download. Courtesy of our friend Alex [Big Clive]. Thanks Alex!

Exit Calm DVD.part1
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KXMXRN77

Exit Calm DVD.part2
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FBXOIW3T

Exit Calm DVD.part3
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NM56XELB

Exit Calm DVD.part4
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7HQPROD6

Exit Calm-Barnsley Carters Old No 7 20 Oct 08
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=F0DIGH0J

Exit Calm-Barnsley live Polish Club 1 May 09
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PIVYTWTN

Exit Calm-Manchester Moho Live 15 May 09
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SMX8N8M7

Exit Calm-Manchester Night & Day Cafe© Bar 18 Dec 2007
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7VE97KVF

Enjoy!!

Pedro Vila

Antonio Blanco In Memoriam [R.I.P 1966-2009] Facebook group

We have created a group for Antonio Blanco Rodriguez [Tony] in Facebook [See link below]. This is an open group for everyone to share memories and keep his flame alive. If you have photos or you crossed paths with him in the past, please share your story with us all.
Thank you.

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez Facebook group

Hemos creado un grupo en Facebook [Link arriba] para que todas aquellas personas que tuvimos la suerte de conocer a Antonio Blanco Rodriguez [Tony] podamos compartir aniversarios, memorias, anecdotas o fotos y así de ahora en adelante mantener siempre su memoria viva.

Gracias

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez & Pedro Vila Seattle 1991

Pedro Vila

Coconut DF show in Pat's Memorial event. Jolly Brewer 26th September 2009 Lincoln UK [Part 2]

Dave Fielding Coconut DF sound check

Dave Fielding: Coconut DF

So after Helium 3 supporting act it was time for Dave Fielding to join the stage. The place was rammed as it was the main music act of the night so no one wanted to miss it.
Dave told me minutes before the show that he was very nervous. I couldn't believe at first how someone with such a long music career can still get that previous stage fright but suddenly I realized it was a very very special night for him and he wanted everything to work as perfect as possible. On the last minute Ralph the original Coconut DF drummer couldn't make it to the gig, so Daniel 'Bongoman' Heard and Josh Jackson [again] joined on the last minute. And they both did a perfect job I have to say.

If I had to play along an 80s guitar legend like Dave Fielding I would be anything but relaxed!

Pure ecstasy

There was a fast connection with the crowd gathered there. All the show set list was improvised [Like all Coconut Dog Fuck shows on the past], they jam the songs on the most natural way and never rehearsed it before hand.
To me it doesn't sounds unrehearsed at all to be honest.

That's me taking pics btw. Photo Courtesy of Cath Aubergine

The good mood and the positive energy started to flow . Dave was wild, he was literally on fire. He is undoubtedly very skilled and has a long wide experience. That is why he makes it work!.
I can guarantee you that you have never heard or experienced anything like this sound before.
Mr. Fielding takes music experimentation to the next level. Basically he managed to shake his glorious past and moved on. Which is to me the right thing to do. If you add that its not easy to play Dave's well known unique trademark delayed echoed guitar effects on a high uptempo dark psychedelic Trance-Dance Beats.

Dave on trance

Dave's emotional speech for Pat

Dave is a professional. He has played all along all his musical career on the main major venues around the world, America, Europe etc....and on the early 80s days supported and shared stage with some of the major acts of the time like The Cure, U2, Echo&Bunnymen, The Cult, Simple Minds, The Sisters Of Mercy, Talk Talk [You name it...] and a long long etc.... Its countless the amount of guitarists Dave [And Reg!] have influenced on a whole generation [Bands like Editors, Interpol, etc..]., its all out there proved and quoted in the music journalism. They were the pioneers and they well deserve the recognition.
He is been around with his very different musical projects since Years [Pre-Chameleons] in 1979 and you can tell as soon he joins the stage.

Dave took everybody to an unknown [but very pleasant] strange sonic landscape.

Clockwise: Daniel Heard, Dave Fielding and Josh Jackson

The show was about 3 or 4 long improvised songs. Highlights were 'Bosnia ' [Surprisingly not played at the end of the set this time due to the crowd request of an encore] and also some nice 'The Shadows' chords filled the room at the middle of the 2nd or 3rd set.
A nice surprise indeed!

I had the infinite pleasure to hear Bosnia several times on the past, and that night was probably the best one. I am very happy it was finally included it on the last The Reegs double cd compilation released last July, as it never was recorded in studio with lyrics before. Although I have to say I always personally enjoyed it to the max when he played with The Reegs on the late 90s.with Reg Smithies there backing [Can you imagine??!!].
There are some recordings of The Reegs last shows in 1998. They are brilliant, I really hope they decide it to release them some day, and more particulary The Duchess of York in Leeds which was their last show ever. day, and more particulary The Duchess of York in Leeds which was their last show ever.

Dave Fielding taking off!

Wild!

But back to Coconut Dog Fuck show, Dave feelings were very very intense like I said. He was jumping around and dancing like a...... possessed Shaman?. I recall he even almost felt over the drums once!
At some point I think he was in some sort of trance for his sadly missed friend .....and we all were there to join his mystic experience.

For a very few moments I had the sensation that Pat was somewhere watching everything and giving us all his distinctive and very own warm [always[ honest smile.

Dave Fielding: Coconut Dog Fuck

Dave played his legendary Microfret guitar his ebow on a way that anyone else cant. Quoting my friend Cath's Aubergine from Manchester [The person I know has seen more live bands ever, literally hundreds per year!]:

' .....ask me how I would rather spend a Saturday night - purely on a MUSICAL level - and give me darkly psychedelic techno over rehashing history; present over past; every time. This is just how it is for me. Dave Fielding can do things with a guitar that nobody else in this world can, and the rest of the band provide a quite brilliant foundation on which he can do so.'

Double 12" string guitar. Last Dave adquisition. Shame it wasnt used.

People dance, people had fun. Happiness isn't a crime!

Dave Fielding brought also a double fret twelve string guitar but its a shame he couldnt tune it on time. I personally would love to see him playing that on the most 'Jimmy Page style'!
At the end of the night about midnight Pat Sister Bernardette gave a little speech to thank everyone for turning up to the gig. Also some money was raised for Pat's family who were there, his mum, Dad and brothers&sisters which I had the pleasure and honor to speak briefly with.

Coconut DF The real thing!

For Pat, sadly missed but not forgotten!

They all were very happy and proud. We all gather backstage at the end of the night , and the feedback was so positive by those who turned up. Everybody smiled and was satisfied. I personally had a fantastic and very memorable night and some [Actually several!] Guinness where raised on Pat's memory. Proper Irish wake.

Pat sister Bernadette gives the final thank you speech

Special mention to the show for the lightning too [Gaz Top personal equipment ] as it gave a great atmosphere to the show. Many thanks again mate for such a great job organizing everything, you nailed it!. And also thanks everyone who got involved on the event helping or just turning up. My most sincere apologizes as well if I forget to mention anyone [So many people to say hello there!]. You know who you are.
To me it was well worth the quick trip from Spain. Despite I lost a few days before my best friend Antonio Blanco Rodriguez who was brutally murdered in El Salvador the 11th September and therefore been very very difficult times for me, there was no way I was going to miss Pat's memorial tribute.
Personally It was like a two in one occasion.

That goes for you too Tony !

I am pretty sure Pat would be very proud with all of us.

Pat's memorial will go down in history for ever, and quoting Dave 'It was our best Coconut DF gig!!'.

Like I use to say....... Nobody dies if we keep his memory alive.

Pat Taylor

R.I.P. Pat.

Hasta siempre amigo!.

Ps: I managed to take a couple of video shots from Coconut DF with my pocket camera, although sounds is compresed and obviously isn't very good [Soundwise], it shows quite well the spirit of the night [I recall some other guys with proper video cameras so hopefully more stuff will surface one day.] I will upload them when I have a bit of time off.
Also more photos were taken on the night. If you want to see them join our Facebook groups for The Reegs and Coconut Dog Fuck. or Pats memorial event.

Ta

Pedro Vila