Dear Scratchers,
Huge pride is ours at being the last window to open on this years Recharged Radio advent calender... many thanks to Jord, Minki, Alex, Dave, Mike, Justin and everyone else who have supported us so greatly in 2010... it's an honour to be so featured by a radio station that in their way, come from the same DIY ethic as us... long may it continue, cos Unsigned music and bands out of the industry clique need a voice and these guys give it to all the bands featured on the calender and all the many more hundreds that they feature.
It's easy to be lazy and stick your radio on XFM or Radio 1... and be playlisted to death by who has the biggest plugging budget... it's up to all of you, to keep the flag flying, so if you haven't yet go to www.rechargedradio.com and click play!... If like us, due to your busy lives you can't always catch the shows when they are broadcast, there is now no excuse, as you can download the podcasts for FREE! from itunes too... if you're into music, new music, non mainstream music, music that still has the potential for excitement, it's the best Xmas present you can give yourself!
Thanks to all the great bands and people associated with Recharged we have met, played with, got drunk with and seen in 2010. We look forward to doing the same in 2011.
Listen out for our session on 7th Jan at the Church of Steve Honest, where we hope to start the new year as we mean to go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Scratch
x
Friday, December 24, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Despite some early heartaches, it's a great night with The Heartbreaks!
Advanced sales had left the gig teetering perilously on the edge of a sell out... but as The Lead took to the stage (slightly late) at 9.10, it was clear that the weather was taking it's toll on the numbers… it was always going to though wasn't it, especially when you've looked forward to a gig as much as this…
The evening had started badly with Super almost getting stuck in Scotland, thankfully he managed to get a flight… but was delayed enough to miss the soundcheck, it made that part of a rollercoaster night surreal to say the least… next unwanted circumstance was the premature demise of the live Recharged Radio Stream of the Friday Forum show (and much publicised live broadcast of The Scratch's performance!)… it had started ok, Jordan had managed to interview Andy, setting the scene for what promised to be an exciting night of up and coming indie and new wave… but alas, within half an hour and despite the umpteenth reboot of the server the broadband gave up the ghost and the show had to be cancelled… :-(…
Soon it was time for the music to get under way. The lead put in a solid performance, even with the bizarre occurrence of their lead singer leaving the stage after the first song for "A dump"… only returning at song 4 as their guitarist struggled to be heard beneath walls of guitar.
Next, Dirty Thursday bowled in like the cloud of dust thrown up by the Tasmanian Devil cartoon and delighted their equally rowdy followers in the process… the evening was by the end of their set running a good 15 minutes late, but it was time for The Scratch…
With all the ups and downs of the evening, it was anyones guess what sort of show would be on offer, as it turned out the beaming and gorgeous faces of a deliciously 'lady heavy' crowd ensured that ultimate professionalism would be the order of the day… that and more than a dash of pathos, attitude and of course slapstick…
Kicking off with the newly revived Texture to the Flava the band were in their stride from the first chord… great reactions, followed great reaction as the assembled throng made the previous bands fans sound like nuns on a sponsored silence! Four newies ; Desire to be Thin, Biting on my lip, Weirder than we are and 88th day of rain were then rocketed one by one into the ether, with only a pause for a shout out for Lucy 'Fakers' Davies and her newly beloved Against the Grain… then it was a 'classic' hat-trick to finish…
An ecstatic Dear Maniac, smashed headlong into a punishing Teen Idol and then all too quickly it was time for the final number… with two of tonights celebrity guest Heartbreaks standing to the left front of the stage… Gas Taps saw probably it's finest hour to date… (If you can call utter chaos and stage destruction a finest hour?…) by the end of the 2 mins 20, all the monitors had been upended, mic stands lay like discarded swords on a battle field and Andy's once white jacket, was now at the very least a yellow, black and brown camouflage colour, at worst, an extreme dirty protest!… what a release, what a relief!
Illness and the weather had unfortunately deterred a few from making the trip, but those who did make it, I think will agree, they saw The Scratch finish 2010 with a great performance. There are two many of you as ever to thank individually, a special mention has to go to Hug(e)h Davenport, Tracy and girls for ignoring the weather warnings and making the long journey from Northampton, thanks too, to all of you amazing regulars who are there at every gig and also to all the virgins, (so great to see so many new faces again)… Final thanks to Luke and Rach from Juicebox for putting together a top bill.
And so it was left to The Heartbreaks to finish the night, take it from us, based on this performance, you can believe the hype and they were top blokes too.
That was almost it, but as they came to their last song, lead singer Matthew dedicated it to Juicebox and to The Scratch, "If their lead singer will come and do a stage dive for us"… well, what do you think happened next?
Red rag to a bull eh… if you want to see it for your own eyes… check out this link!… http://blog.thescratch.co.uk/
Have a great Christmas one and all and we'll see you again in 2011, listen out for us on 7th Jan when the Recharged Radio gremlins will be hung drawn and quartered live at The Church of Steve Honest!
The evening had started badly with Super almost getting stuck in Scotland, thankfully he managed to get a flight… but was delayed enough to miss the soundcheck, it made that part of a rollercoaster night surreal to say the least… next unwanted circumstance was the premature demise of the live Recharged Radio Stream of the Friday Forum show (and much publicised live broadcast of The Scratch's performance!)… it had started ok, Jordan had managed to interview Andy, setting the scene for what promised to be an exciting night of up and coming indie and new wave… but alas, within half an hour and despite the umpteenth reboot of the server the broadband gave up the ghost and the show had to be cancelled… :-(…
Soon it was time for the music to get under way. The lead put in a solid performance, even with the bizarre occurrence of their lead singer leaving the stage after the first song for "A dump"… only returning at song 4 as their guitarist struggled to be heard beneath walls of guitar.
Next, Dirty Thursday bowled in like the cloud of dust thrown up by the Tasmanian Devil cartoon and delighted their equally rowdy followers in the process… the evening was by the end of their set running a good 15 minutes late, but it was time for The Scratch…
With all the ups and downs of the evening, it was anyones guess what sort of show would be on offer, as it turned out the beaming and gorgeous faces of a deliciously 'lady heavy' crowd ensured that ultimate professionalism would be the order of the day… that and more than a dash of pathos, attitude and of course slapstick…
Kicking off with the newly revived Texture to the Flava the band were in their stride from the first chord… great reactions, followed great reaction as the assembled throng made the previous bands fans sound like nuns on a sponsored silence! Four newies ; Desire to be Thin, Biting on my lip, Weirder than we are and 88th day of rain were then rocketed one by one into the ether, with only a pause for a shout out for Lucy 'Fakers' Davies and her newly beloved Against the Grain… then it was a 'classic' hat-trick to finish…
An ecstatic Dear Maniac, smashed headlong into a punishing Teen Idol and then all too quickly it was time for the final number… with two of tonights celebrity guest Heartbreaks standing to the left front of the stage… Gas Taps saw probably it's finest hour to date… (If you can call utter chaos and stage destruction a finest hour?…) by the end of the 2 mins 20, all the monitors had been upended, mic stands lay like discarded swords on a battle field and Andy's once white jacket, was now at the very least a yellow, black and brown camouflage colour, at worst, an extreme dirty protest!… what a release, what a relief!
Illness and the weather had unfortunately deterred a few from making the trip, but those who did make it, I think will agree, they saw The Scratch finish 2010 with a great performance. There are two many of you as ever to thank individually, a special mention has to go to Hug(e)h Davenport, Tracy and girls for ignoring the weather warnings and making the long journey from Northampton, thanks too, to all of you amazing regulars who are there at every gig and also to all the virgins, (so great to see so many new faces again)… Final thanks to Luke and Rach from Juicebox for putting together a top bill.
And so it was left to The Heartbreaks to finish the night, take it from us, based on this performance, you can believe the hype and they were top blokes too.
That was almost it, but as they came to their last song, lead singer Matthew dedicated it to Juicebox and to The Scratch, "If their lead singer will come and do a stage dive for us"… well, what do you think happened next?
Red rag to a bull eh… if you want to see it for your own eyes… check out this link!… http://blog.thescratch.co.uk/
Have a great Christmas one and all and we'll see you again in 2011, listen out for us on 7th Jan when the Recharged Radio gremlins will be hung drawn and quartered live at The Church of Steve Honest!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Leicester Bangs - Still!
The Scratch – D.I.Y. (Ponyland Records)
Originally released in 2003, The Scratch’s D.I.Y. album looks older - more like a punk record that’s been lifted straight from that classic ’77-79 period, just before post-punk brought in the experimentalists and US hardcore rewrote the rules. Track titles like “I Relax To Spiral Scratch” and “X-Ray Eyes” don’t help, but get past the presentation and there’s a seriously good power pop / new wave record here trying to get out. Retro in feel, rather than slavishly derivative, D.I.Y. is certainly on nodding terms with the first wave of punk, but it draws from a host of other influences, too. The fore-mentioned “X-Ray Eyes” employs beats and acoustic guitars, and would feel equally at home alongside Sandinista period Clash or mid-phase Happy Mondays. “Rotten Soul” might well have crawled out of a ‘60s garage, dazed and confused, and “Back To Ten” is almost gentle. If any of this sounds interesting, be careful not to miss out this time.
www.myspace.com/thescratch
Rob F.
http://www.leicesterbangs.co.uk/oct10-16.html
Originally released in 2003, The Scratch’s D.I.Y. album looks older - more like a punk record that’s been lifted straight from that classic ’77-79 period, just before post-punk brought in the experimentalists and US hardcore rewrote the rules. Track titles like “I Relax To Spiral Scratch” and “X-Ray Eyes” don’t help, but get past the presentation and there’s a seriously good power pop / new wave record here trying to get out. Retro in feel, rather than slavishly derivative, D.I.Y. is certainly on nodding terms with the first wave of punk, but it draws from a host of other influences, too. The fore-mentioned “X-Ray Eyes” employs beats and acoustic guitars, and would feel equally at home alongside Sandinista period Clash or mid-phase Happy Mondays. “Rotten Soul” might well have crawled out of a ‘60s garage, dazed and confused, and “Back To Ten” is almost gentle. If any of this sounds interesting, be careful not to miss out this time.
www.myspace.com/thescratch
Rob F.
http://www.leicesterbangs.co.uk/oct10-16.html
God bless America!!!
Many thanks to Jonathan Zuckerman in the big apple for his review... We LOVE the the last line of the first paragraph best!
The Scratch: D.I.Y. By: Jonathan Zuckerman
It seems strange to re-release an album that was originally released only seven years ago, but when a band like The Scratch are doing so well in their native UK, maybe it is time to give their debut the ol’ re-master treatment. Though few people in the US are familiar with this band, they’ve earned five number one hit singles in the UK.
It’s that old story again though: a British band gets big at home, but find it difficult to crack into the American market. Blur were mega-stars at home, but are only known for one kind of wacky single in the U.S., which most critics attribute to their quintessential British-ness. The Scratch, I fear, may follow that same path, as they also sound pretty damn British.
The Scratch wear their musical influences on their sleeves. D.I.Y. kicks off with the awesome “I Relax to Spiral Scratch,” a tribute to the Buzzcocks. “Erotomaniac” sounds like Marc Bolan came back from the dead to lay down the vocals. “Alcohol’s a Depressant” is a particularly addictive glam rock gem with the great line, “Alcohol is a depressant but it helps me relieve my aggression.”
The album falters a bit though with the inclusion of several Madchester/Acid-House songs, which make the album feel completely uneven. Just be warned, The Scratch are more like two bands in one.
http://www.shortandsweetnyc.com/2010/11/the-scratch-d-i-y/
The Scratch: D.I.Y. By: Jonathan Zuckerman
It seems strange to re-release an album that was originally released only seven years ago, but when a band like The Scratch are doing so well in their native UK, maybe it is time to give their debut the ol’ re-master treatment. Though few people in the US are familiar with this band, they’ve earned five number one hit singles in the UK.
It’s that old story again though: a British band gets big at home, but find it difficult to crack into the American market. Blur were mega-stars at home, but are only known for one kind of wacky single in the U.S., which most critics attribute to their quintessential British-ness. The Scratch, I fear, may follow that same path, as they also sound pretty damn British.
The Scratch wear their musical influences on their sleeves. D.I.Y. kicks off with the awesome “I Relax to Spiral Scratch,” a tribute to the Buzzcocks. “Erotomaniac” sounds like Marc Bolan came back from the dead to lay down the vocals. “Alcohol’s a Depressant” is a particularly addictive glam rock gem with the great line, “Alcohol is a depressant but it helps me relieve my aggression.”
The album falters a bit though with the inclusion of several Madchester/Acid-House songs, which make the album feel completely uneven. Just be warned, The Scratch are more like two bands in one.
http://www.shortandsweetnyc.com/2010/11/the-scratch-d-i-y/
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Recharged Radio - Friday Forum
Friday night saw Andy's debut as a Radio presenter on Recharged Radio's Friday Forum, New Subs show. Assisted/nay guided by Jordan, Dave, the uber knowledgable Alex and Andy's specially drafted cohort Sam Vince. With guests: Alexis from Camden Calling (a collective who help homeless and vulnerable people access the arts and music scene), Jade Brightwell from The Playground, (the promoter and PR company, who recently put on The Scratch at 93 Feet East), who was brandishing a plastic skull signed by Gary Numan and Adam Ant (don't ask!, you'll have to hear the podcast!) and Lech from The Feel www.myspace.com/musictheFEEL (who's new album is the next thing in the ponyland cd player, when Andy has retreaved it from Super Sexy Sam's handbag!)
The Assembled crew then spent a highly enjoyable, (and hopefully entertaining?!) two hours listening too and commenting on the latest musical releases submitted to Recharged Radio this week... spiced with a little sparkling rose provided by Andy, more (non sparkling) rose from Jade and The Baron's favourite amber nectar provided by Alex! Lovely bubbly!!!!... time flew so quickly, it seemed only minutes had elapsed when suddenly it was time for Andy and Jordan to sign off at the end of the show, playing out to an absolute world exclusive first play of one of The Scratch's 'Weirder than we are', from the latest recording sessions (which sounded great Grim btw!)
If you missed it or more likely wanted to relive the excitement again ;-), you will be able to see how it went via itunes, early next week, watch out for a link in our next blog!
Then it was down to the extremely and uncharacteristically noisey Ship for more alcoholic enhancement, excellent musical chat and Alexis' boyfriends box of chocolates!...
Following a couple of hours of merriment, Andy and Sam left to visit Koko for the late night performance of new sensations (and former favourites of The Scratch Switches' new incarnation) Flash Fiktion...(that was a bit of a mouthful wasn't it!) If you aren't familiar with their last single Leni... you should be, so do so...
Then it was a freezing late night hike through a cabless Camden to an equally chilly Kentish Town, where amazingly the train arrived as if by magic and the evening was rounded off with chicken nuggets and chips, and a chicken wrapped in naan bread at the highly classy, but ever popular H&H by St.Albans City's station... a rock'n'roll night rounded off to perfection with a load of even drunker people, bouncers (yes at a kebab shop!) and a girl in sub zero conditions in the most micro mini, sleeveless lacy number Andy has ever seen!
Thanks to everyone who made the whole night such a blast! (Especially Sam for not once whinging about the cold or the long walk! and Matt for his (very) late night taxi ride, very much appreciated both!)
The Assembled crew then spent a highly enjoyable, (and hopefully entertaining?!) two hours listening too and commenting on the latest musical releases submitted to Recharged Radio this week... spiced with a little sparkling rose provided by Andy, more (non sparkling) rose from Jade and The Baron's favourite amber nectar provided by Alex! Lovely bubbly!!!!... time flew so quickly, it seemed only minutes had elapsed when suddenly it was time for Andy and Jordan to sign off at the end of the show, playing out to an absolute world exclusive first play of one of The Scratch's 'Weirder than we are', from the latest recording sessions (which sounded great Grim btw!)
If you missed it or more likely wanted to relive the excitement again ;-), you will be able to see how it went via itunes, early next week, watch out for a link in our next blog!
Then it was down to the extremely and uncharacteristically noisey Ship for more alcoholic enhancement, excellent musical chat and Alexis' boyfriends box of chocolates!...
Following a couple of hours of merriment, Andy and Sam left to visit Koko for the late night performance of new sensations (and former favourites of The Scratch Switches' new incarnation) Flash Fiktion...(that was a bit of a mouthful wasn't it!) If you aren't familiar with their last single Leni... you should be, so do so...
Then it was a freezing late night hike through a cabless Camden to an equally chilly Kentish Town, where amazingly the train arrived as if by magic and the evening was rounded off with chicken nuggets and chips, and a chicken wrapped in naan bread at the highly classy, but ever popular H&H by St.Albans City's station... a rock'n'roll night rounded off to perfection with a load of even drunker people, bouncers (yes at a kebab shop!) and a girl in sub zero conditions in the most micro mini, sleeveless lacy number Andy has ever seen!
Thanks to everyone who made the whole night such a blast! (Especially Sam for not once whinging about the cold or the long walk! and Matt for his (very) late night taxi ride, very much appreciated both!)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
SpursSimon reviews our performance at the 50ft Woman show on Thursday
Many thanks to SpursSimon for his review of our gig on Thursday night at Minki's excellent launch party...
"I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of the Menage a Trois EP by the band 50ft Woman which was in London last night (Thursday 4th) so went along with the good wife and her trusty camera. Due to the usual delays on trains, and then my usual man way of finding the venue which is to continue walking for ages and hope it appears, we were slightly late getting there, but fortunately arrived just as a band started.
The Scratch kicked off with a cracking set pulled from their career, focusing on the re-released DIY as reviewed here. It was some time before I glanced down at the singers shoes, and if there is anyone who can pull off wearing white platforms on a Thursday it is Andy Scratch.
A really energetic set certainly got the crowd going, and I have to say that a quality band on recordings these guys need to be seen live to get the full experience.
They neatly fit into the definition of "Rock 'n' Roll" - songs that start 1,2,3,4 and end with a proper ending, not just drifting off. Take the good bits of punk, sprinkle in some new wave and add a lead singer with a clear bit of glam / mod roots and that is The Scratch live. I Relax To Spiral Scratch was the highlight of the set for me, but the sight of Andy diving onto to and then singing while sprawled over the length of the bar while managing to still somehow look cool was the memory that I think the wife will have, especially as she didn't see him coming.
The wife's review was "He's barking mad".
Always gigging around and about, try and see them if you want a great night out."
Great stuff Simon much appreciated for the full review of the whole night just click here
http://spurssimon.blogspot.com/2010/11/party-with-50ft-woman.html..
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/thescratch/blog?bID=540433231#ixzz14WtOWybL
"I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of the Menage a Trois EP by the band 50ft Woman which was in London last night (Thursday 4th) so went along with the good wife and her trusty camera. Due to the usual delays on trains, and then my usual man way of finding the venue which is to continue walking for ages and hope it appears, we were slightly late getting there, but fortunately arrived just as a band started.
The Scratch kicked off with a cracking set pulled from their career, focusing on the re-released DIY as reviewed here. It was some time before I glanced down at the singers shoes, and if there is anyone who can pull off wearing white platforms on a Thursday it is Andy Scratch.
A really energetic set certainly got the crowd going, and I have to say that a quality band on recordings these guys need to be seen live to get the full experience.
They neatly fit into the definition of "Rock 'n' Roll" - songs that start 1,2,3,4 and end with a proper ending, not just drifting off. Take the good bits of punk, sprinkle in some new wave and add a lead singer with a clear bit of glam / mod roots and that is The Scratch live. I Relax To Spiral Scratch was the highlight of the set for me, but the sight of Andy diving onto to and then singing while sprawled over the length of the bar while managing to still somehow look cool was the memory that I think the wife will have, especially as she didn't see him coming.
The wife's review was "He's barking mad".
Always gigging around and about, try and see them if you want a great night out."
Great stuff Simon much appreciated for the full review of the whole night just click here
http://spurssimon.blogspot.com/2010/11/party-with-50ft-woman.html..
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/thescratch/blog?bID=540433231#ixzz14WtOWybL
FRIDAY 5th NOVEMBER - BONFIRE NIGHT at 93 FEET EAST
Being first on, expectation of a packed venue wasn't high, however, with the show running late, an 8.40 start had allowed a decent looking showing from the floor. The PA at 93 Feet East is the best around this circuit, everything is clear, the bass is heavy and the whole vibe was explosive, completely focused and completely on the game, Friday night saw The Scratch play one of their finest ever sets, trimmed by 3 tracks from Minki's do, the set was tight, incendiary and from the reaction of the people after, particularly a guy called Alan and his mates up from Essex for the night who we met in the bar later, highly entertaining too! Stage diving, the usual sodden pedal boards and finally, standing in the front row to witness his homage 'Weirder than we are'… was Pedro!
Big thanks, especially to Johnny B and Mrs Super, Pedro, Marco, Nigel and friends and not least Alan and all the others who spoke so glowingly of the show. What a great weekend, just can't wait till December now. spread the word Friday 17th December - The Horn in conjunction with Recharged Radio, Juicebox and with an NME radar headline band, it promises to be a perfect finale for a great 2010! So no excuses eh ;-)
Big thanks, especially to Johnny B and Mrs Super, Pedro, Marco, Nigel and friends and not least Alan and all the others who spoke so glowingly of the show. What a great weekend, just can't wait till December now. spread the word Friday 17th December - The Horn in conjunction with Recharged Radio, Juicebox and with an NME radar headline band, it promises to be a perfect finale for a great 2010! So no excuses eh ;-)
Friday, November 5, 2010
50Ft Woman Launch Party, Bedroom Bar Shoreditch
These double gigs are always so difficult to blog, cos there's always so much happening!… It all begins in the heart of 'cool London' - Thursday evening, The Bedroom Bar, Shoreditch… The occasion - The 50ft Woman ep launch do… Traffic was horrendous, parking was a nightmare and Steve Filth's car was packed tighter than a tin of no drain tuna… thus setting a big/small theme for the evening… the stage was tiny… Andy's platform shoes were big (well Minki had asked for people to wear their most stylish footwear, and Andy wanted to be able to look the hostess in the eye as she greeted the band at the door)… The PA was tiny… The band plugged in and set up in a three tier launch party cake formation; Grim and Steve at the front (fripperies and candy), Andy and John in the middle (Jam and Cream) and Super TC (The Sponge) at the back… ahem, apologies, digression…
Back in the room… Minki (50ft Woman) was looking especially radiant… and the clock was ticking, in what seemed like the blink of an eyelash the doors were open and it was time for the first of the Burlesque dancers… Each member of the band grabbed an arm or leg and with Super suitably restrained, the fun could begin… feathers, tattoos, sequins and flesh… now that's what I call an opening act… (strange 4play? no Super, down Super!)…
As 8.20 arrived… Alex Recharged span his last tune and it was time for The Scratch… platformed up and ready to go… a set comprising pretty much half new stuff and half familiarity was kicked off with Texture to the lava, the recently recalled DIY 'anthem'… that gave way to Desire to be thin, followed by Biting on my lip, 88th Day of rain, Weirder than we are, Against the grain and then it was into Spiral Scratch… but something was wrong… there was much head scratch and gesture coming from the fripperous candy boys, it transpired that Steve's guitar had cut out, the show was continuing but he was obviously at a loss for a solution… he manfully backing vocaled till the end of the song, but it was clear, some jiggery pokery was necessary… There was nothing else for it… Andy handed Steve his guitar and removed the mic from the stand, 4 songs earlier than usual (as you know kids, it's usually, mic off stand, Gas Taps and decension into chaos)… tonight, it was Critical Mass in more ways than one… the question was did Andy have more than the demented swan dive in his repertoire?… the new line up was really rocking; John and Super Solid as ever, a twitching Grizzle, now re-instated as the effect king and Steve improvising on a cross beam, wrestling a petulant guitar strap!… What commenced from then on was pure improvisation, there were camera licks, pole twirls, bar rolls, poof sits and even the 'play dead' exhibited during Teen Idol… with Minki who had joined the band on stage to sing dual vocal shouting "ok get up, get up" Andy lay motionless following a dramatic duck dive, this continued for the full middle 8, until suddenly on cue he rose like a very creased phoenix from the dead on the penultimate double chorus! Pure theatre?… you'll need to make your own minds up on that one…
A fabulous reception and it was time to make way for the star of the evening Ms Minki, fetishes to the max as per usual, Psychic Hygiene is still the favourite, but it now has a rival for our affections in the Ziggy meets AC/DC (yes the riff is pure Angus) Wham Bam! Before the finale Andy managed to scoop a prize from the hostess mid set, a convex mirror, not sure if it was a hint about the haircut?… and indeed, not at all sure what it was for now in the midsts of alcohol and love heart sweets, but it certainly weren't best shoes, they went to a lady in rather attractive silver sparkly pair… and then, all too soon it was over.
Well, not quite… for it was time to meet and greet! First off it was great to finally meet Spurs Simon, tweeter extraordinare and supporter, Mrs Spurs Simon (can't wait to see the pics!), Greg from Kamp David and all the others who said how much they'd enjoyed the set, not forgetting the Italian couple who wanted a photo with Andy, but then knocked his pint over with their bag, Mrs Steve (and her mates) fast becoming uber fan!, the bar staff who snuck us a couple of freebies and the burlesque girls who looked magnificent in their scratch badges (you must be careful where you pin them in the future though ladies!) and last but by no means least the Recharged crew especially Alex and Jordan, supportive and great as ever.
Before long Grim, Steve and John had departed on the trek home, leaving Andy and Super to schmooze a little further… when a rumour of an Adam Ant birthday bash at the Hoxton Underbelly came crackling through the room, an elite ligging crew was hurriedly assembled, including Alex, Minki and The Scratchers… but, not before the dynamic duo had lugged drums, guitar, amp and merch bag back to the hotel, in a bizarre grunting, laughing and struggling crocodilian formation… the look on the night porters face as on arrival in the hotel foyer, the errant twosome proclaimed to be 'sorry we're late, we're the band, where do we set up', was a sight to behold.
… Soon we were off in search of the club… Alas on arrival Mr Ant didn't show, but all was not lost, we had chance to exchange badges with Adam's guitarist Tree and a highlight on an already great night, was Andy being able to hand Mr Agent Provocateur himself Joe Corré (son of Dame Vivienne Westwood and the late and legendary Malcolm Mclaren) a 7" vinyl of I relax to Spiral Scratch… Ooh look at that for hobnobbing eh!
Never dull these nights never dull. Before I conclude the tale, an official and heart felt apology goes to Mrs John, for her being woken by the home phone at 2am, by a text from Andy proclaiming his excitement at his brief(s) encounter!…whoops… that alcohol, adrenalin, smart phone, combo still needs work Mr Scratch! And so, finally, after seeing Minki into a cab and following a 3am 'dirty kebab' Super and Andy bid the day farewell! Thanks 50ft Woman, that was pure Rock'n'Roll x
Back in the room… Minki (50ft Woman) was looking especially radiant… and the clock was ticking, in what seemed like the blink of an eyelash the doors were open and it was time for the first of the Burlesque dancers… Each member of the band grabbed an arm or leg and with Super suitably restrained, the fun could begin… feathers, tattoos, sequins and flesh… now that's what I call an opening act… (strange 4play? no Super, down Super!)…
As 8.20 arrived… Alex Recharged span his last tune and it was time for The Scratch… platformed up and ready to go… a set comprising pretty much half new stuff and half familiarity was kicked off with Texture to the lava, the recently recalled DIY 'anthem'… that gave way to Desire to be thin, followed by Biting on my lip, 88th Day of rain, Weirder than we are, Against the grain and then it was into Spiral Scratch… but something was wrong… there was much head scratch and gesture coming from the fripperous candy boys, it transpired that Steve's guitar had cut out, the show was continuing but he was obviously at a loss for a solution… he manfully backing vocaled till the end of the song, but it was clear, some jiggery pokery was necessary… There was nothing else for it… Andy handed Steve his guitar and removed the mic from the stand, 4 songs earlier than usual (as you know kids, it's usually, mic off stand, Gas Taps and decension into chaos)… tonight, it was Critical Mass in more ways than one… the question was did Andy have more than the demented swan dive in his repertoire?… the new line up was really rocking; John and Super Solid as ever, a twitching Grizzle, now re-instated as the effect king and Steve improvising on a cross beam, wrestling a petulant guitar strap!… What commenced from then on was pure improvisation, there were camera licks, pole twirls, bar rolls, poof sits and even the 'play dead' exhibited during Teen Idol… with Minki who had joined the band on stage to sing dual vocal shouting "ok get up, get up" Andy lay motionless following a dramatic duck dive, this continued for the full middle 8, until suddenly on cue he rose like a very creased phoenix from the dead on the penultimate double chorus! Pure theatre?… you'll need to make your own minds up on that one…
A fabulous reception and it was time to make way for the star of the evening Ms Minki, fetishes to the max as per usual, Psychic Hygiene is still the favourite, but it now has a rival for our affections in the Ziggy meets AC/DC (yes the riff is pure Angus) Wham Bam! Before the finale Andy managed to scoop a prize from the hostess mid set, a convex mirror, not sure if it was a hint about the haircut?… and indeed, not at all sure what it was for now in the midsts of alcohol and love heart sweets, but it certainly weren't best shoes, they went to a lady in rather attractive silver sparkly pair… and then, all too soon it was over.
Well, not quite… for it was time to meet and greet! First off it was great to finally meet Spurs Simon, tweeter extraordinare and supporter, Mrs Spurs Simon (can't wait to see the pics!), Greg from Kamp David and all the others who said how much they'd enjoyed the set, not forgetting the Italian couple who wanted a photo with Andy, but then knocked his pint over with their bag, Mrs Steve (and her mates) fast becoming uber fan!, the bar staff who snuck us a couple of freebies and the burlesque girls who looked magnificent in their scratch badges (you must be careful where you pin them in the future though ladies!) and last but by no means least the Recharged crew especially Alex and Jordan, supportive and great as ever.
Before long Grim, Steve and John had departed on the trek home, leaving Andy and Super to schmooze a little further… when a rumour of an Adam Ant birthday bash at the Hoxton Underbelly came crackling through the room, an elite ligging crew was hurriedly assembled, including Alex, Minki and The Scratchers… but, not before the dynamic duo had lugged drums, guitar, amp and merch bag back to the hotel, in a bizarre grunting, laughing and struggling crocodilian formation… the look on the night porters face as on arrival in the hotel foyer, the errant twosome proclaimed to be 'sorry we're late, we're the band, where do we set up', was a sight to behold.
… Soon we were off in search of the club… Alas on arrival Mr Ant didn't show, but all was not lost, we had chance to exchange badges with Adam's guitarist Tree and a highlight on an already great night, was Andy being able to hand Mr Agent Provocateur himself Joe Corré (son of Dame Vivienne Westwood and the late and legendary Malcolm Mclaren) a 7" vinyl of I relax to Spiral Scratch… Ooh look at that for hobnobbing eh!
Never dull these nights never dull. Before I conclude the tale, an official and heart felt apology goes to Mrs John, for her being woken by the home phone at 2am, by a text from Andy proclaiming his excitement at his brief(s) encounter!…whoops… that alcohol, adrenalin, smart phone, combo still needs work Mr Scratch! And so, finally, after seeing Minki into a cab and following a 3am 'dirty kebab' Super and Andy bid the day farewell! Thanks 50ft Woman, that was pure Rock'n'Roll x
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Chef Mike mike(at)rechargedradio.com tells it like it is!!!
Dear Scratchers, What can we say... WE LOVE RECHARGED RADIO!!!!!
26.10.10 Tuesday Night Diner: Scratch That Itch!
26/10/2010 06:18:07
Last year, just as I was joining the illustrious staff of Recharged Radio, a snotty, fiery, driving track called Teen Idol by London-based band The Scratch was blasting its way up the charts. Jordan sent that one round for us to listen to, and our collective jaws dropped. It had everything—pulsing bass, searing guitar riffs, and a punk attitude that grabbed us by the throats and shook us around for four minutes or so. What do you do when that happens? The only thing you can do—you listen to it over, and over again, and play it on your radio show (if you have one), or buy it for yourself, your friends, and your enemies. This winning hit wound up as one of my top singles for 2009 (The Electrifying Eleven), and wound up on all sorts of station imaging and jingles here at Recharged, and still does to this day.
Fast forward to right now—October, 2010. After a massive hit like Teen Idol, what happens next? Mere mortals might sit on their laurels, but alas, The Scratch are no mere mortals. They decided to keep firing back—and their latest effort is an incredible song that stands up really well alongside the last one. This one has everything too—clever wordsmithing, killer guitar riffs and solos, crisp drums, rock solid bass, and even hand claps and what sounds to my ears like a cello. There are elements of music from the `60s, `70s, `80s, `90s, and `00s. As always, these guys did the whole thing themselves. It sounds great way out here in California. As Andy from the band said on an episode of The Forum last year, “DIY till I die”. Nicely done, Andy!
It’s destined for the top, and on this week`s show, I’ll tell you how you can get a copy.
www.thescratch.co.uk/
We’re also going to explore heat. We’ve got songs about hot phones, hot moms, and hot vats of boiling lard. Seriously—our friends The Little Philistines, Hail The Size, and The Clutter Family are all of like mind this week, as they heat things up.
www.myspace.com/thelittlephilistines
www.myspace.com/hailthesize
www.myspace.com/theclutterfamily
If you`d like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you`d like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you`d like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the Tuesday Night Diner, Tuesday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com.
See you then!
Chef Mike
mike(at)rechargedradio.com
MN2BDNC
You! are the star Mike!
x
26.10.10 Tuesday Night Diner: Scratch That Itch!
26/10/2010 06:18:07
Last year, just as I was joining the illustrious staff of Recharged Radio, a snotty, fiery, driving track called Teen Idol by London-based band The Scratch was blasting its way up the charts. Jordan sent that one round for us to listen to, and our collective jaws dropped. It had everything—pulsing bass, searing guitar riffs, and a punk attitude that grabbed us by the throats and shook us around for four minutes or so. What do you do when that happens? The only thing you can do—you listen to it over, and over again, and play it on your radio show (if you have one), or buy it for yourself, your friends, and your enemies. This winning hit wound up as one of my top singles for 2009 (The Electrifying Eleven), and wound up on all sorts of station imaging and jingles here at Recharged, and still does to this day.
Fast forward to right now—October, 2010. After a massive hit like Teen Idol, what happens next? Mere mortals might sit on their laurels, but alas, The Scratch are no mere mortals. They decided to keep firing back—and their latest effort is an incredible song that stands up really well alongside the last one. This one has everything too—clever wordsmithing, killer guitar riffs and solos, crisp drums, rock solid bass, and even hand claps and what sounds to my ears like a cello. There are elements of music from the `60s, `70s, `80s, `90s, and `00s. As always, these guys did the whole thing themselves. It sounds great way out here in California. As Andy from the band said on an episode of The Forum last year, “DIY till I die”. Nicely done, Andy!
It’s destined for the top, and on this week`s show, I’ll tell you how you can get a copy.
www.thescratch.co.uk/
We’re also going to explore heat. We’ve got songs about hot phones, hot moms, and hot vats of boiling lard. Seriously—our friends The Little Philistines, Hail The Size, and The Clutter Family are all of like mind this week, as they heat things up.
www.myspace.com/thelittlephilistines
www.myspace.com/hailthesize
www.myspace.com/theclutterfamily
If you`d like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you`d like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you`d like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the Tuesday Night Diner, Tuesday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com.
See you then!
Chef Mike
mike(at)rechargedradio.com
MN2BDNC
You! are the star Mike!
x
Saturday, October 23, 2010
This is what happened to our Friday night! - Bar 62
Friday night saw The Scratch resume the DIY tour at one of their favourite 'locals'. 62 Catherine Street has been the home to many a music night over the years dating back to the Pineapple in the 80's, The Merry Minstral in the 90's and now simply Bar 62. last nights gig was another part of that rich St.Albans Heritage, in an ever growing live music scene of the City. True, many of the pubs are still favouring covers, but the tide appears to be turning.
The promise of a late license, Champagne Charlie's, gastro grub, a 50ft Woman and (of course) the fab 5 ;-) saw a healthy weekend contingent devour the floor boards with anticipated gusto!… 50ft Woman kicked off proceedings at 9 with a set that just seems to get better, with new ep Menage etois coming out on 1st Nov, morale is high in the camp… which you can find out more about this coming Thursday when Andy and 'Super' visit Minki for her Recharged Radio show, prior to both bands double teaming again on 4th November for the Ft's ep launch in Shoreditch.
So with a great platform lain, the night was fully taken by the Horns by The Scratch, who buoyed by the tour, the album, the reviews and the general vibe, were in party mood from the off. Angular gyrations were in overdrive, mad eyes, the trade mark banter back with a vengance, squealing guitars and the inevitable rhythmnised throb… The band have been mixing up the show a bit lately and tonight was no exception, kicking off with Against the Grain and Where's or the wise, the set inhaled, exhaled, dropped to a soft middle, with Undercover and Let there be us and then creshendoed, with the giant explosion (Andy had tweeted it would be sexy!), of the 'Golden Run' (Spiral Scratch, Critical Mass, Dear Maniac and Teen Idol).That as well received as it was came very close to being overshadowed by a potential new suitor... in the shape of the 3 track hat-trick! Biting on my lip, 88th Day of Rain and sure to be a future single Weirder than we are, which in mpst peoples minds was the best track on the night… Pedro… Pedro who the F*** is Pedro?….
Allied with the usual mic trashing chaos, a keyboard debut! and even a Rooneyesque shock omission (Gas Taps) to contend with this hugely enjoyable night rocked as only a gig by The Scratch can!
Once more, giant thanks go out to all who came down, especially Buzz who saved the mic stand in true roadie god fashion… all the new recruits… great to see you, Neil, Jon and the 62s staff for a great venue and hospitality and most of all our fans who turn up to every single gig we do. WE LOVE YOU. x
Next stop the 50ft Launch, before next official gig at 93 Feet East, Brick Lane, Friday November 5th, it's FREE entry and we're on nice and early to catch the afterwork crowd (on stage 8.15) expect fireworks guys. Gas Taps will be back!!!!! x
The promise of a late license, Champagne Charlie's, gastro grub, a 50ft Woman and (of course) the fab 5 ;-) saw a healthy weekend contingent devour the floor boards with anticipated gusto!… 50ft Woman kicked off proceedings at 9 with a set that just seems to get better, with new ep Menage etois coming out on 1st Nov, morale is high in the camp… which you can find out more about this coming Thursday when Andy and 'Super' visit Minki for her Recharged Radio show, prior to both bands double teaming again on 4th November for the Ft's ep launch in Shoreditch.
So with a great platform lain, the night was fully taken by the Horns by The Scratch, who buoyed by the tour, the album, the reviews and the general vibe, were in party mood from the off. Angular gyrations were in overdrive, mad eyes, the trade mark banter back with a vengance, squealing guitars and the inevitable rhythmnised throb… The band have been mixing up the show a bit lately and tonight was no exception, kicking off with Against the Grain and Where's or the wise, the set inhaled, exhaled, dropped to a soft middle, with Undercover and Let there be us and then creshendoed, with the giant explosion (Andy had tweeted it would be sexy!), of the 'Golden Run' (Spiral Scratch, Critical Mass, Dear Maniac and Teen Idol).That as well received as it was came very close to being overshadowed by a potential new suitor... in the shape of the 3 track hat-trick! Biting on my lip, 88th Day of Rain and sure to be a future single Weirder than we are, which in mpst peoples minds was the best track on the night… Pedro… Pedro who the F*** is Pedro?….
Allied with the usual mic trashing chaos, a keyboard debut! and even a Rooneyesque shock omission (Gas Taps) to contend with this hugely enjoyable night rocked as only a gig by The Scratch can!
Once more, giant thanks go out to all who came down, especially Buzz who saved the mic stand in true roadie god fashion… all the new recruits… great to see you, Neil, Jon and the 62s staff for a great venue and hospitality and most of all our fans who turn up to every single gig we do. WE LOVE YOU. x
Next stop the 50ft Launch, before next official gig at 93 Feet East, Brick Lane, Friday November 5th, it's FREE entry and we're on nice and early to catch the afterwork crowd (on stage 8.15) expect fireworks guys. Gas Taps will be back!!!!! x
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Recording weekend update - Album 4's taking shape
DIY month's proving a breathless affair! A break in the mini tour saw the band decamp to the bunker, for vocals, guitar overdubs and keyboards.., yes keyboards in The Scratch! Minus Super, who'd already done his part on the new recordings back in September. Andy, John, Steve and Grim settled in on Friday evening for a late one: on the agenda first were lead vocals, Desire to be Thin, kicked us off, followed by 88th day of rain, homely crackle, great adventure, down in the alleyway and a newer slightly slower let there be us... Steve and Grim added backing to the first 3 before curfew came down at 2.30am. Next morning bright and early, John and Grim were laying down bass intros, as Andy arrived, Grim then began adding his guitars, by the time Super arrived with cappuccinos all round, Steve had laid down most of his guitar parts too... then it was time for the keys... hinting without giving too much away, that album 4 may either be a return to the eclecticism of DIY or the chance to push into as yet unchartered waters... that'll be for you to find out ;-) x
See you all next Friday at 62's for what's looking very likely to be a memorable one!
See you all next Friday at 62's for what's looking very likely to be a memorable one!
Friday, October 15, 2010
What do you get if you mix a Queen of the desert with a White Worm and The Scratch?
Big thanks to Mr Davenport for another hug(e)ly enjoyable show. With John performing babysitting duties it was left to Andy and special guest Dave 'Wasabie Penis' White Worm to anchor the Eclectic Plectrum on crmk.co.uk with wayward Saharan trecky hero Hugh.... Although hero status surely had to go to the 15 women who shared a bedouin with him for a week in the desert! (But seriously congrats to Hugh and the ladies for raising over 40,000 for their charity!)
The theme of this times Hijack by The Scratch (for those who have been following our brief encounters in Milton Keynes over the last year or so) was in these testing credit crunch riddled times, the free CDs, and free music, you get from mags, newspapers, comics etc.... interspersed with exclusive plays from 50ft woman's new ep Menage et tois, the We are White Worm classic, anything u want it to be and 3 songs from DIY: Alcohols a Depressant, Erotomaniac and Supermodel.
Here's the full list of 21 tracks that the guys played over the two hours.
Afghan Whigs - Somethin' Hot
The Scratch - Alcohol's a depressant
PJ Harvey - Dress
Theatre of Hate - Do you believe in the Westworld
Larry Wallis - Police Car
Sleater Kinney - Combat Rock
We are White Worm - Anything you want it to be
Franz Ferdinand - Shopping for Blood
50ft Woman - (Strictly) Only Swinging
Sparks - Barbecutie
Minutemen - Political song for Michael Jackson to play
The Scratch - Erotomaniac
The Red Crayola - Hurricane Fighter Plane
David Bowie - Repetition
The Sonics - Strychnine
Hawkwind - Motorhead
The Boys - I Don't care
The Strokes - Last Night (original demo)
The CLint Boon Experience - White no sugar
The Scratch - Supermodel
Link Wray - Rumble
Next stop Bar 62, where u will hopefully be able to meet the intrepid Mr.D in person! X
The theme of this times Hijack by The Scratch (for those who have been following our brief encounters in Milton Keynes over the last year or so) was in these testing credit crunch riddled times, the free CDs, and free music, you get from mags, newspapers, comics etc.... interspersed with exclusive plays from 50ft woman's new ep Menage et tois, the We are White Worm classic, anything u want it to be and 3 songs from DIY: Alcohols a Depressant, Erotomaniac and Supermodel.
Here's the full list of 21 tracks that the guys played over the two hours.
Afghan Whigs - Somethin' Hot
The Scratch - Alcohol's a depressant
PJ Harvey - Dress
Theatre of Hate - Do you believe in the Westworld
Larry Wallis - Police Car
Sleater Kinney - Combat Rock
We are White Worm - Anything you want it to be
Franz Ferdinand - Shopping for Blood
50ft Woman - (Strictly) Only Swinging
Sparks - Barbecutie
Minutemen - Political song for Michael Jackson to play
The Scratch - Erotomaniac
The Red Crayola - Hurricane Fighter Plane
David Bowie - Repetition
The Sonics - Strychnine
Hawkwind - Motorhead
The Boys - I Don't care
The Strokes - Last Night (original demo)
The CLint Boon Experience - White no sugar
The Scratch - Supermodel
Link Wray - Rumble
Next stop Bar 62, where u will hopefully be able to meet the intrepid Mr.D in person! X
Monday, October 11, 2010
Tim Peacock of Whisperinanhollerin sums up DIY brilliantly in his review
Many thanks to Tim for this great review that is up their with the best we've received... Tim gets it, we love it!
'SCRATCH, THE' - 'D.I.Y (re-issue)' - Label: 'PONYLAND' - Genre: 'Rock' - Release Date: '11th October 2010'-
Catalogue No: 'PON071' - Our Rating: 8 out of 10
Hailing from St. Albans, THE SCRATCH may be geographically immune to the trendier London scenes, but their riotously intelligent self-made pop has been a much-needed provincial thorn in the industry’s side for the best part of a decade now.
Since 2002 they have served up three fiercely independent albums and eleven singles and continue to chip away at the shiny veneer of the establishment. Their debut album ‘D.I.Y’ initially landed on our doorstep as 2003 rolled into 2004, coming to us via the group’s own Ponyland imprint on a series of ‘home printed’ CDS. The two singles culled from it – ‘X-Ray Eyes’ and the memorable ‘I Relax to Spiral Scratch’ – were issued in small runs of 7” and 10” singles respectively and all have long since sold out. As a result, the LP has attained something akin to legendary status among the band’s fan base, so to herald the band’s arrival in the digital age, here it is again, re-mastered and available on CD and via download. The title ‘D.I.Y’ is wholly apt. This is a record harking back (in spirit as much as sound) to the original British Independent ideal. The same Punk and Post-Punk ethic that allowed The Buzzcocks’ ‘Spiral Scratch’ EP and Adrian Borland’s pre-The Sound combo The Outsiders’ debut LP to be released on small self-established labels of their own: leads that were soon followed by brilliantly diverse labels like Rough Trade, Factory and Postcard. In The Scratch’s case, ‘D.I.Y’ was just that, as it was mostly pieced together in lead guitarist Grim’s flat in Islington. However, while it fizzes with an anarchic spirit, that shouldn’t be misconstrued as shoddy and lo-fi. ‘D.I.Y’ is a vivid splurge of a record, full of attitude and great tunes from four lads whose primary urge seems to be to record whatever sounds cool to their ears and bugger everyone else. Wasn’t that, after all, what Punk was supposed to be about before the Corporations moved in? Large portions of the album rock pretty damn hard. The terminally ace ‘I Relax to Spiral Scratch’ is a great homage to the independent spirit and stuffed with effervescent, Buzzcocks-y guitars, while tracks like ‘Rotten Soul’ and ‘Supermodel’ also do that frustrated, youthful Punk-Pop thing akin to the ‘Cocks or Ash with layers of cool to spare. ‘Alcohol’s A Depressant’, meanwhile, is both a cautionary and celebratory ode to excessive drinking (“I clean my teeth and I go to bed/ I’ve still got your taste in my head”) that most of us can relate to of a Sunday morning. The Scratch are about a lot more than simply stinging riffs and sneering vocals, however. Tracks like ‘Brainstorm’ and ‘X-Ray Eyes’ have more than a touch of the late’80s/ early ‘90s Indie-Crossover about them, with loops and beats recalling genre-mashers like Jesus Jones or The Shamen in their great initial guise. ‘Texture to the Flava’, on the other hand, opens with a guitar figure akin to ‘She Sells Sanctuary’-era Cult, while ‘Back to Ten’ wrong-foots you with its’ deceptively mellow introduction before going for the burn big time. Perhaps best of all is the closing ‘Logical Mind’, which is again built around House-y beats and electronica and brings some lush balm for the soul to switch off and float away to. Not what you’d expect but twice as good as a result. ‘D.I.Y’, then, deserves serious re-appraisal. Recorded on a much lower budget than many under-achieving mainstream albums, it is the sound of a bunch of sussed, lippy upstarts on fire creatively and turning limited resources into something truly triumphant. It’s all the proof you need that wild pop bombs can still rock the provinces even in these conservative times.
'SCRATCH, THE' - 'D.I.Y (re-issue)' - Label: 'PONYLAND' - Genre: 'Rock' - Release Date: '11th October 2010'-
Catalogue No: 'PON071' - Our Rating: 8 out of 10
Hailing from St. Albans, THE SCRATCH may be geographically immune to the trendier London scenes, but their riotously intelligent self-made pop has been a much-needed provincial thorn in the industry’s side for the best part of a decade now.
Since 2002 they have served up three fiercely independent albums and eleven singles and continue to chip away at the shiny veneer of the establishment. Their debut album ‘D.I.Y’ initially landed on our doorstep as 2003 rolled into 2004, coming to us via the group’s own Ponyland imprint on a series of ‘home printed’ CDS. The two singles culled from it – ‘X-Ray Eyes’ and the memorable ‘I Relax to Spiral Scratch’ – were issued in small runs of 7” and 10” singles respectively and all have long since sold out. As a result, the LP has attained something akin to legendary status among the band’s fan base, so to herald the band’s arrival in the digital age, here it is again, re-mastered and available on CD and via download. The title ‘D.I.Y’ is wholly apt. This is a record harking back (in spirit as much as sound) to the original British Independent ideal. The same Punk and Post-Punk ethic that allowed The Buzzcocks’ ‘Spiral Scratch’ EP and Adrian Borland’s pre-The Sound combo The Outsiders’ debut LP to be released on small self-established labels of their own: leads that were soon followed by brilliantly diverse labels like Rough Trade, Factory and Postcard. In The Scratch’s case, ‘D.I.Y’ was just that, as it was mostly pieced together in lead guitarist Grim’s flat in Islington. However, while it fizzes with an anarchic spirit, that shouldn’t be misconstrued as shoddy and lo-fi. ‘D.I.Y’ is a vivid splurge of a record, full of attitude and great tunes from four lads whose primary urge seems to be to record whatever sounds cool to their ears and bugger everyone else. Wasn’t that, after all, what Punk was supposed to be about before the Corporations moved in? Large portions of the album rock pretty damn hard. The terminally ace ‘I Relax to Spiral Scratch’ is a great homage to the independent spirit and stuffed with effervescent, Buzzcocks-y guitars, while tracks like ‘Rotten Soul’ and ‘Supermodel’ also do that frustrated, youthful Punk-Pop thing akin to the ‘Cocks or Ash with layers of cool to spare. ‘Alcohol’s A Depressant’, meanwhile, is both a cautionary and celebratory ode to excessive drinking (“I clean my teeth and I go to bed/ I’ve still got your taste in my head”) that most of us can relate to of a Sunday morning. The Scratch are about a lot more than simply stinging riffs and sneering vocals, however. Tracks like ‘Brainstorm’ and ‘X-Ray Eyes’ have more than a touch of the late’80s/ early ‘90s Indie-Crossover about them, with loops and beats recalling genre-mashers like Jesus Jones or The Shamen in their great initial guise. ‘Texture to the Flava’, on the other hand, opens with a guitar figure akin to ‘She Sells Sanctuary’-era Cult, while ‘Back to Ten’ wrong-foots you with its’ deceptively mellow introduction before going for the burn big time. Perhaps best of all is the closing ‘Logical Mind’, which is again built around House-y beats and electronica and brings some lush balm for the soul to switch off and float away to. Not what you’d expect but twice as good as a result. ‘D.I.Y’, then, deserves serious re-appraisal. Recorded on a much lower budget than many under-achieving mainstream albums, it is the sound of a bunch of sussed, lippy upstarts on fire creatively and turning limited resources into something truly triumphant. It’s all the proof you need that wild pop bombs can still rock the provinces even in these conservative times.
10.10.10 100th gig... mmm sounds apocalyptic!
Our big DIY weekend finished off on a great high with an ace happening down at the Boot in St.Albans on Sunday 10.10.10... The release date for the digital DIY. So why the 60's Jive I hear you say, well, it must be something to do with the atmosphere of the unfeasibly low ceilinged Boot (one of the many rivals for Britain's oldest pub) and the general modness of the audience, any array of originals, revivalists and 21st century scenesters made up this excellent lazy Sunday afternoon gathering.
The Contrast between Friday's rock off and Sundays Matinee couldn't have been much different, with the band squeezed into a telephone box like corner of the pub, but still with the elasticity of that green slime you can get in joke shops, at all times threatening to explode over the crowd (...)
This the last of the year of this type of gig (a double setter) saw The Scratch celebrate their centenary with 26 songs executed with scarcely a hair out of place, new favourites 88th Day of Rain and Weirder than we are, rubbing shoulders once more with the golden run heavyweights... (Yeah don't get those sentences mixed up, or you may start wearing sowesters to gigs, what with Golden rain exploding over the front row!)...
We'd been told that the Boot crowd were really into their music and so it proved, with no interest at all in the retro CD market, all assembled only had eyes for our uber modern vinyl!
Massive thanks to everyone who stayed and swayed, bopped and jived, it was a really enjoyable gig and highly fitting for our 100th show. Top thanks go to super Sam and Matt for Bootlegging (no pun) the whole shebang for posterity!
Next stop on the DIY tour Bar 62 on Friday 22nd of October, with support from a 50ft Woman! You'd be mad not to check it out... wouldn't you :-)
oh and Don't forget to checkout itunes as DIY is now digital and waiting for your downloads!
The Contrast between Friday's rock off and Sundays Matinee couldn't have been much different, with the band squeezed into a telephone box like corner of the pub, but still with the elasticity of that green slime you can get in joke shops, at all times threatening to explode over the crowd (...)
This the last of the year of this type of gig (a double setter) saw The Scratch celebrate their centenary with 26 songs executed with scarcely a hair out of place, new favourites 88th Day of Rain and Weirder than we are, rubbing shoulders once more with the golden run heavyweights... (Yeah don't get those sentences mixed up, or you may start wearing sowesters to gigs, what with Golden rain exploding over the front row!)...
We'd been told that the Boot crowd were really into their music and so it proved, with no interest at all in the retro CD market, all assembled only had eyes for our uber modern vinyl!
Massive thanks to everyone who stayed and swayed, bopped and jived, it was a really enjoyable gig and highly fitting for our 100th show. Top thanks go to super Sam and Matt for Bootlegging (no pun) the whole shebang for posterity!
Next stop on the DIY tour Bar 62 on Friday 22nd of October, with support from a 50ft Woman! You'd be mad not to check it out... wouldn't you :-)
oh and Don't forget to checkout itunes as DIY is now digital and waiting for your downloads!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
DIY Launch party the Horn St.Albans - As it happened!
As ever with nights like this their is so much anticipation the weight of it threatens to blow your mind! Last nights album launch do, came as close as any gig by The Scratch to do that... what a fantastic atmosphere, what an amazing crowd and what amazing performances by the bands! And SO great to have Tina back on the scene!
The first surprise of a breathless evening was how prompt all the bands were for soundcheck!... it's become a standing joke on the inside of Scratch central that they are the only band around who adhere to soundcheck times!... but not last night! (boring and adminy I know, but, all these things help when you're running a do like this) ... before going any further we must say a big thanks to Bill Johnson for stepping in behind the mixing desk as the expected soundman had called in sick an hour earlier.
The Recharged Radio crew were already setting up ready for their live broadcast! when surprise number two appeared from the ether! As Andy took a call from Kelly Betts producer of BBC 3 Counties Introducing show, informing us that a BBC outside broadcast team were en-route to the Horn to interview Andy live on their show. A flurry of excitement ensued as Ian and crew erected their giant mast on the pavement outside the pub!... Great stuff, what with the big write ups in the local press too, this was fast becoming our best covered local gig!
Back in the Horn Recharged Radio (the best unsigned radio station around btw if we hadn't said that already!) had begun their live broadcast, Andy and Jord took 5 minutes following The Scratch soundcheck to set the scene. With much promising to watch the expletives, as the gig was going out live....
It seemed only 5 minutes had elapsed, but 8.30 was upon us and We are White Worm, were soon kicking off the show in fine style, not least cos they'd been baking prior to the gig and had laid out a fine array of fairy cakes on the front edge of the stage spelling out a launch party eulogy! (Great idea guys! nice cakes too, no that's not you Mark!) Don't be mislead however, bristling with new material, the normally placid lead singer 'Gez' Cheadle growled Cobainesqe through a furious set as the gyration-al Wasabi Penis led his rhythm buddies in a pied piper like dance of icing sugared glee. Undoubtably their finest night of Scratch supportage.
Next up the sumptuous Minki and her 50ft Women!... GRrrrrroowwllll! Resplendent in cat suit and chiffon; the Minkster, slinked and swooned her way through an excellent set, new eps, launch party's and a tightening of the bands dress code, made for a fantastic sassy performance... we can't wait for Bar 62 already!!!! (Fri 22 October, where 50ft Woman support The Scratch for a second time)..
The night was truly rocking. So much so, by the time the youthful cool of Khalazars took to the stage, the venue was beginning to gently creak under the weight of numbers! I don't know what it was, but this night seemed to have a different kind of magic about it... all the bands were playing 'personal bests!'... not least Khalazar who, despite missing heartthrob bassist Brett Howell, had the crowd transfixed with their new rocking revolution. (Anyone who'd been indifferent about their previous incarnation Herringbones, would have been blown away, by their re-birth). Despite pain killers for a back injury (its all down hill from 21 onwards mate!) Miles Howell was on excellent vocal form and being backed brilliantly by brother Taylor on drums, Harry on guitar and the new slightly smaller but no less solid Brett on bass... I can't wait for the debut ep... infact I can't wait for ep's from all of these bands!!!
Thankfully we shouldn't have to wait too long to hear how good they were, as they should all be available on the next Recharged Radio podcast download... Don't worry we'll keep you all informed!
Now as the clock ticked close to 11... it was time for the main event. The Scratch, were ready, willing and about to show how able! With Steve causing mischief sporting new spangly guitar, Super trouncing the drums into the brand new stage carpet, Grizz characteristically jerking, John visibly throbbing, and Andy as ever tearing the script to pieces!
Kicking off with a Lucy Davies* double header of Fakers and Against the grain, the tone was set. Rammed to the front of the stage, standing room gave way to the dancers... as a set intertwined with newies, DIY 'classics' and the greatest hits 'golden run' grew in momentum. Desire to be thin, Weirder than we are and probably new highlight 88th Day of Rain stood up brilliantly alongside Critical Mass, Dear Maniac and Teen Idol, with the returning Texture to the flava, probably taking the DIY gold medal on the night... before a quick-fire encore volley of Homely Crackle, a curiously disjointed Independent Unrepentant (not sure that double chorus goes there Andy!?) and a rousing Gas Taps, which saw the aforementioned one showered in glitter following an impromptu self dowsing in ice cold water! Breathless stuff! The only slight disappointment being loss of the 100% non swearing on the radio record... but by then most people were too danced out or drunk too care!
And that Dear Scratchers was that! DIY partied to the max!
Huge thanks to everyone who made the night so great not least the 81 people who bought advance tickets for the party. You guys ROCK!
Hopefully catch you tomorrow at the Boot for a matinee performance 5-7 for our hundredth gig of The Scratch and a 26 track set for the official download release day of DIY and best of all it's FREE entry!
xx
* if you don't know who Lucy is, you ain't being payin attention at our gigs for the last 5 years!
The first surprise of a breathless evening was how prompt all the bands were for soundcheck!... it's become a standing joke on the inside of Scratch central that they are the only band around who adhere to soundcheck times!... but not last night! (boring and adminy I know, but, all these things help when you're running a do like this) ... before going any further we must say a big thanks to Bill Johnson for stepping in behind the mixing desk as the expected soundman had called in sick an hour earlier.
The Recharged Radio crew were already setting up ready for their live broadcast! when surprise number two appeared from the ether! As Andy took a call from Kelly Betts producer of BBC 3 Counties Introducing show, informing us that a BBC outside broadcast team were en-route to the Horn to interview Andy live on their show. A flurry of excitement ensued as Ian and crew erected their giant mast on the pavement outside the pub!... Great stuff, what with the big write ups in the local press too, this was fast becoming our best covered local gig!
Back in the Horn Recharged Radio (the best unsigned radio station around btw if we hadn't said that already!) had begun their live broadcast, Andy and Jord took 5 minutes following The Scratch soundcheck to set the scene. With much promising to watch the expletives, as the gig was going out live....
It seemed only 5 minutes had elapsed, but 8.30 was upon us and We are White Worm, were soon kicking off the show in fine style, not least cos they'd been baking prior to the gig and had laid out a fine array of fairy cakes on the front edge of the stage spelling out a launch party eulogy! (Great idea guys! nice cakes too, no that's not you Mark!) Don't be mislead however, bristling with new material, the normally placid lead singer 'Gez' Cheadle growled Cobainesqe through a furious set as the gyration-al Wasabi Penis led his rhythm buddies in a pied piper like dance of icing sugared glee. Undoubtably their finest night of Scratch supportage.
Next up the sumptuous Minki and her 50ft Women!... GRrrrrroowwllll! Resplendent in cat suit and chiffon; the Minkster, slinked and swooned her way through an excellent set, new eps, launch party's and a tightening of the bands dress code, made for a fantastic sassy performance... we can't wait for Bar 62 already!!!! (Fri 22 October, where 50ft Woman support The Scratch for a second time)..
The night was truly rocking. So much so, by the time the youthful cool of Khalazars took to the stage, the venue was beginning to gently creak under the weight of numbers! I don't know what it was, but this night seemed to have a different kind of magic about it... all the bands were playing 'personal bests!'... not least Khalazar who, despite missing heartthrob bassist Brett Howell, had the crowd transfixed with their new rocking revolution. (Anyone who'd been indifferent about their previous incarnation Herringbones, would have been blown away, by their re-birth). Despite pain killers for a back injury (its all down hill from 21 onwards mate!) Miles Howell was on excellent vocal form and being backed brilliantly by brother Taylor on drums, Harry on guitar and the new slightly smaller but no less solid Brett on bass... I can't wait for the debut ep... infact I can't wait for ep's from all of these bands!!!
Thankfully we shouldn't have to wait too long to hear how good they were, as they should all be available on the next Recharged Radio podcast download... Don't worry we'll keep you all informed!
Now as the clock ticked close to 11... it was time for the main event. The Scratch, were ready, willing and about to show how able! With Steve causing mischief sporting new spangly guitar, Super trouncing the drums into the brand new stage carpet, Grizz characteristically jerking, John visibly throbbing, and Andy as ever tearing the script to pieces!
Kicking off with a Lucy Davies* double header of Fakers and Against the grain, the tone was set. Rammed to the front of the stage, standing room gave way to the dancers... as a set intertwined with newies, DIY 'classics' and the greatest hits 'golden run' grew in momentum. Desire to be thin, Weirder than we are and probably new highlight 88th Day of Rain stood up brilliantly alongside Critical Mass, Dear Maniac and Teen Idol, with the returning Texture to the flava, probably taking the DIY gold medal on the night... before a quick-fire encore volley of Homely Crackle, a curiously disjointed Independent Unrepentant (not sure that double chorus goes there Andy!?) and a rousing Gas Taps, which saw the aforementioned one showered in glitter following an impromptu self dowsing in ice cold water! Breathless stuff! The only slight disappointment being loss of the 100% non swearing on the radio record... but by then most people were too danced out or drunk too care!
And that Dear Scratchers was that! DIY partied to the max!
Huge thanks to everyone who made the night so great not least the 81 people who bought advance tickets for the party. You guys ROCK!
Hopefully catch you tomorrow at the Boot for a matinee performance 5-7 for our hundredth gig of The Scratch and a 26 track set for the official download release day of DIY and best of all it's FREE entry!
xx
* if you don't know who Lucy is, you ain't being payin attention at our gigs for the last 5 years!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
SpursSimon Blog about DIY
Thanks to @Spurssimon for his blog about DIY and our launch do tomorrow night!
The Scratch - DIY - Re-released 10/10/10
A local (ish) band geographically to me as it turns out, but it was the name of their debut single that caught my eye initially.
The title of the first release by The Scratch "I Relax To Spinal Scratch" should make anyone with a passing interest in the Punk / New Wave scene from the late 70s pay a little attention. For those who don't know, which I am sure there are a few, this has been variously called the first Punk single to be released, the best, and the most influential.
So quite a lot to live up to really.
While I would advise anyone who doesn't own it already to get this EP (that is what we used to call MP3s with bonus tracks in the olden days), and I could bang out about the Buzzcocks for hours, the reason I started writing was to let you know about the new album by The Scratch.
Originally released in 2003, it is being re-released having been tinkered with a little bit. This passed me by on the original go round, but I have already bought other stuff by them, so was pleased to notice it was getting another go. Starting with the aforementioned I Relax To Spinal Scratch, the album has a good mix of what would be classed as Indie / New Wave sounds, with a touch of the Madchester scene around the edges. Younger listeners may have to google some of these terms, but they are all meant in a complimentary manner by me!
While not following in the same vein all the way through track by track, the album is from the mould of making what you like and hoping that others agree. There is more than a hint of Primal Scream on a few of the tracks, Trigger Finger especially to me, which is no bad thing - this is followed by the only slow track on the album, Back To Ten, which I am sure during the live shows is a chance for grabbing some breath. A couple of the band members had previous incarnations in the dance music era of the early 90s, and the influence of that does run through much of the album. The great Alcohol's A Depressant, like we need reminding, towards the end is a fantastic tune, and the closer Logical Mind wouldn't be out of place on many NME compilation albums.
The new version has a more polished feel than the original, which is why I assume it is back out, to give a little more of what they were originally after. This album fits snugly amongst most of the content in my collection and holds it's own against the more "famous" contemporary bands, there is nothing not to like here.
I assume that it will be available from their site direct where you should really buy it from as that actually makes them money and is probably cheaper than the likes of iTunes, and is also available at their launch show in St Albans.
Ironically, I can't make that show, as I am actually going to see The Buzzcocks that night in Aylesbury - it's a funny old world sometimes.
The Scratch - DIY - Re-released 10/10/10
A local (ish) band geographically to me as it turns out, but it was the name of their debut single that caught my eye initially.
The title of the first release by The Scratch "I Relax To Spinal Scratch" should make anyone with a passing interest in the Punk / New Wave scene from the late 70s pay a little attention. For those who don't know, which I am sure there are a few, this has been variously called the first Punk single to be released, the best, and the most influential.
So quite a lot to live up to really.
While I would advise anyone who doesn't own it already to get this EP (that is what we used to call MP3s with bonus tracks in the olden days), and I could bang out about the Buzzcocks for hours, the reason I started writing was to let you know about the new album by The Scratch.
Originally released in 2003, it is being re-released having been tinkered with a little bit. This passed me by on the original go round, but I have already bought other stuff by them, so was pleased to notice it was getting another go. Starting with the aforementioned I Relax To Spinal Scratch, the album has a good mix of what would be classed as Indie / New Wave sounds, with a touch of the Madchester scene around the edges. Younger listeners may have to google some of these terms, but they are all meant in a complimentary manner by me!
While not following in the same vein all the way through track by track, the album is from the mould of making what you like and hoping that others agree. There is more than a hint of Primal Scream on a few of the tracks, Trigger Finger especially to me, which is no bad thing - this is followed by the only slow track on the album, Back To Ten, which I am sure during the live shows is a chance for grabbing some breath. A couple of the band members had previous incarnations in the dance music era of the early 90s, and the influence of that does run through much of the album. The great Alcohol's A Depressant, like we need reminding, towards the end is a fantastic tune, and the closer Logical Mind wouldn't be out of place on many NME compilation albums.
The new version has a more polished feel than the original, which is why I assume it is back out, to give a little more of what they were originally after. This album fits snugly amongst most of the content in my collection and holds it's own against the more "famous" contemporary bands, there is nothing not to like here.
I assume that it will be available from their site direct where you should really buy it from as that actually makes them money and is probably cheaper than the likes of iTunes, and is also available at their launch show in St Albans.
Ironically, I can't make that show, as I am actually going to see The Buzzcocks that night in Aylesbury - it's a funny old world sometimes.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Melanie Dakin interview with Andy for The Review Newspaper in St.Albans
The Scratch reclaim The Horn for DIY album launch4:01pm Tuesday 5th October 2010. By Melanie Dakin
Can-do attitudes are a bit of a buzzword these days as we haul our way out of a recession and there’s no better band to sum up the zeitgeist of the new 'make do and mend' era than St Albans post-punk outfit The Scratch, who are hosting a launch party at The Horn for their newly re-issued debut album, DIY.
I first interviewed The Scratch back in 2007 when they were picked up by XFM DJ Clint Boon, who offered the band the chance of opening the Versus Cancer show at the 22,000 capacity MEN Arena in Manchester via a listeners votes competition. Opening for the likes of Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller The Charlatans, Ian Brown and Echo & The Bunnymen, was certainly a high point. Boutique festival appearances followed and a successful residency at The Horn, which introduced the band’s third studio album, Whatever Happened to Friday Night? We’re not into X Factor style bands; it’s about people making an effort to do something themselves rather than following a template. Andy from The Scratch Now with new St Albans drummer Terry (aka Super) on board and the original four-piece stretched to five with the addition of Steve from Stevenage joining Andy, Grim and John, The Scratch are concentrating on rehearsing material for a fourth album that will be showcased for the first time at the launch.
“It’s been a complete rebirth if you like,” says lead singer Andy. “We went up quite a few levels with the MEN Arena and it’s hard to maintain that peak so we’re looking to local venues to reaffirm our determination. “You’ve got to get up and create your own stuff. We’re not into X Factor style bands; it’s about people making an effort to do something themselves rather than following a template.”Their electro-punk sound is certainly unique with songs like Teen idol and X-Ray Eyes packing quite a punch. Andy says the band’s influences are pretty wide: “Our influences include Ray Davies, the Buzzcocks, which is what Clint Boon picked up on and there’s also some ‘60s Kinks, ‘70s T-Rex and a Primal Scream Madchester thing going on.”
The Scratch also have a distinctive sense of Mod-influenced style. “What we try and do is create an atmosphere to get people up for it. We like to make an effort. We dress to impress.” The band also play The Boot and Bar 62 in October as part of a St Albans mini tour. The Scratch DIY launch party is at The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans on Friday, October 8. Details: 01727 853143, www.thescratch.co.uk
Can-do attitudes are a bit of a buzzword these days as we haul our way out of a recession and there’s no better band to sum up the zeitgeist of the new 'make do and mend' era than St Albans post-punk outfit The Scratch, who are hosting a launch party at The Horn for their newly re-issued debut album, DIY.
I first interviewed The Scratch back in 2007 when they were picked up by XFM DJ Clint Boon, who offered the band the chance of opening the Versus Cancer show at the 22,000 capacity MEN Arena in Manchester via a listeners votes competition. Opening for the likes of Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller The Charlatans, Ian Brown and Echo & The Bunnymen, was certainly a high point. Boutique festival appearances followed and a successful residency at The Horn, which introduced the band’s third studio album, Whatever Happened to Friday Night? We’re not into X Factor style bands; it’s about people making an effort to do something themselves rather than following a template. Andy from The Scratch Now with new St Albans drummer Terry (aka Super) on board and the original four-piece stretched to five with the addition of Steve from Stevenage joining Andy, Grim and John, The Scratch are concentrating on rehearsing material for a fourth album that will be showcased for the first time at the launch.
“It’s been a complete rebirth if you like,” says lead singer Andy. “We went up quite a few levels with the MEN Arena and it’s hard to maintain that peak so we’re looking to local venues to reaffirm our determination. “You’ve got to get up and create your own stuff. We’re not into X Factor style bands; it’s about people making an effort to do something themselves rather than following a template.”Their electro-punk sound is certainly unique with songs like Teen idol and X-Ray Eyes packing quite a punch. Andy says the band’s influences are pretty wide: “Our influences include Ray Davies, the Buzzcocks, which is what Clint Boon picked up on and there’s also some ‘60s Kinks, ‘70s T-Rex and a Primal Scream Madchester thing going on.”
The Scratch also have a distinctive sense of Mod-influenced style. “What we try and do is create an atmosphere to get people up for it. We like to make an effort. We dress to impress.” The band also play The Boot and Bar 62 in October as part of a St Albans mini tour. The Scratch DIY launch party is at The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans on Friday, October 8. Details: 01727 853143, www.thescratch.co.uk
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Scratch - Whatever Happened to Friday Night? [Album]
Amazing review by Stephen Smith of Altsounds!
Pony Land Records
September 6, 2010, 07:34 PM
The Scratch - Whatever Happened to Friday Night? [Album]
The Scratch blew me away. What else is there to say? Yet another band I have never heard of that showed up in my mailbox for review. There is something about The Scratch that I really love and is the best band I have reviewed via a mail CD by far!
The Scratch are from Saint Albans in the UK and Whatever Happened to Friday Night? is their third album. It was hard to find any background information about this band except for their MySpace, the main reason being that The Scratch are still unsigned after three albums. They gave up on waiting for the record industry to acknowledge them and went straight to D.I.Y. And there is a good reason why. The Scratch is pure, unpretentious, no holds barred, retro 1980’s punk and New Wave. They are a complete throwback to the more accessible, yet still dark world of 1980’s punk. This band puts you in a time machine set for the early 1980’s and blasts you off. The catch is, there is no way back. It’s a one way time machine. And once you hear this album, you will never want to go back to measly old 2010. There is no reason to leave.
The Scratch's sound is incredible and draws from the addictive, poppy hooks of The Dickies, the seering pop/punk of The Buzzcocks, and the dark, off kilter bass driven weirdness of Australia’s X. All the songs are incredible and, as I said, this band makes you feel you are trapped in time, reliving your favorite moments from the 1980’s again and again. It rips from beginning to end. Lyrically, you have the usual 1980’s subjects. Going to the club, worrying you hair is not dyed right, lamenting that one lost true love, and innocent starry eyed songs about failed relationships or missed opportunities. There is also a hefty dose of snotty, ugly, punkish reality and rebellion. There is some ugliness form the 1980's from which you cannot esacpe. So be careful about what you dream. This is about the 1980’s that really was, it is not the 1980’s that we tend to sugarcoat in our memories.
For those of you unlucky enough to not have grown up in the 1980’s, there is still plenty of great music for you here. The Scratches’ musical style is viscous and hopelessly catchy and transcends time. At times, some of the songs venture into the malicious sneer and attitude of The Sex Pistols. At other times the harmonies are so lush they head into the world of the 1970’s glam of T-Rex. No matter what, The Scratch manage to make their music modern and fresh sounding, mainly due to the huge sounding production. I challenge you to find a new punk release that sounds as good as this.
I just can’t get enough of The Scratch’s, Whatever Happened to Friday Night? The addictive, ultra catchy hyped-up, hand clapping, head moving choruses do me in every time. I’m so hyped about this album I’m tempted to go off on a lengthy track-by-track synopsis but I must hold myself back. Sadly there is no music available from these guys to post directly on here but luckily enough I have a link to their MySpace which is included below.
Check out the following songs:
* ‘Teen Idol’,
* ‘You Want the World’,
* ‘Destroyed by the Look of Love’,
* ‘Girls World’, and
* ‘Against the Grain’.
Click below, and bon voyage. Hope you come back from the 1980's OK.
Pony Land Records
September 6, 2010, 07:34 PM
The Scratch - Whatever Happened to Friday Night? [Album]
The Scratch blew me away. What else is there to say? Yet another band I have never heard of that showed up in my mailbox for review. There is something about The Scratch that I really love and is the best band I have reviewed via a mail CD by far!
The Scratch are from Saint Albans in the UK and Whatever Happened to Friday Night? is their third album. It was hard to find any background information about this band except for their MySpace, the main reason being that The Scratch are still unsigned after three albums. They gave up on waiting for the record industry to acknowledge them and went straight to D.I.Y. And there is a good reason why. The Scratch is pure, unpretentious, no holds barred, retro 1980’s punk and New Wave. They are a complete throwback to the more accessible, yet still dark world of 1980’s punk. This band puts you in a time machine set for the early 1980’s and blasts you off. The catch is, there is no way back. It’s a one way time machine. And once you hear this album, you will never want to go back to measly old 2010. There is no reason to leave.
The Scratch's sound is incredible and draws from the addictive, poppy hooks of The Dickies, the seering pop/punk of The Buzzcocks, and the dark, off kilter bass driven weirdness of Australia’s X. All the songs are incredible and, as I said, this band makes you feel you are trapped in time, reliving your favorite moments from the 1980’s again and again. It rips from beginning to end. Lyrically, you have the usual 1980’s subjects. Going to the club, worrying you hair is not dyed right, lamenting that one lost true love, and innocent starry eyed songs about failed relationships or missed opportunities. There is also a hefty dose of snotty, ugly, punkish reality and rebellion. There is some ugliness form the 1980's from which you cannot esacpe. So be careful about what you dream. This is about the 1980’s that really was, it is not the 1980’s that we tend to sugarcoat in our memories.
For those of you unlucky enough to not have grown up in the 1980’s, there is still plenty of great music for you here. The Scratches’ musical style is viscous and hopelessly catchy and transcends time. At times, some of the songs venture into the malicious sneer and attitude of The Sex Pistols. At other times the harmonies are so lush they head into the world of the 1970’s glam of T-Rex. No matter what, The Scratch manage to make their music modern and fresh sounding, mainly due to the huge sounding production. I challenge you to find a new punk release that sounds as good as this.
I just can’t get enough of The Scratch’s, Whatever Happened to Friday Night? The addictive, ultra catchy hyped-up, hand clapping, head moving choruses do me in every time. I’m so hyped about this album I’m tempted to go off on a lengthy track-by-track synopsis but I must hold myself back. Sadly there is no music available from these guys to post directly on here but luckily enough I have a link to their MySpace which is included below.
Check out the following songs:
* ‘Teen Idol’,
* ‘You Want the World’,
* ‘Destroyed by the Look of Love’,
* ‘Girls World’, and
* ‘Against the Grain’.
Click below, and bon voyage. Hope you come back from the 1980's OK.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
New recordings coming along.... STRONG!
Just a little update from the ponyland side of the fence, Andy, John and Grim, were last night holed up in the bunker recording lead vocals for the six new tracks we recorded in May:
Ajax Boogie Woogie Boy from Watford Gap
Weirder than we are (Pedros song!)
Let there be us (super fast and 10% slower version!)
Don't play along (Not sure, does Filthy own it this week?)
Stavin off the wheres or the wise
Biting on my lip
So once the backing vocals are done in September, those babies will be in the can, ready for mixing!... our next session down Farm Factory studios, will hopefully yield:
88th day of run (Previously unheard by anyone but the band)
Homely Crackle (The resurrection of a 2005 classic!)
Desire to be thin (already a live fave!)
Down in the alleyway (surely a nect summer numero uno! - in a Happy Mondays stylee)
Great Adventure (already got Brian's car in mind for the video!)
So all in all, though Supers on his hols, weve got lots going on, prior to the DIY re-launch and Tour in ROCtober!
Ajax Boogie Woogie Boy from Watford Gap
Weirder than we are (Pedros song!)
Let there be us (super fast and 10% slower version!)
Don't play along (Not sure, does Filthy own it this week?)
Stavin off the wheres or the wise
Biting on my lip
So once the backing vocals are done in September, those babies will be in the can, ready for mixing!... our next session down Farm Factory studios, will hopefully yield:
88th day of run (Previously unheard by anyone but the band)
Homely Crackle (The resurrection of a 2005 classic!)
Desire to be thin (already a live fave!)
Down in the alleyway (surely a nect summer numero uno! - in a Happy Mondays stylee)
Great Adventure (already got Brian's car in mind for the video!)
So all in all, though Supers on his hols, weve got lots going on, prior to the DIY re-launch and Tour in ROCtober!
Monday, August 9, 2010
The return. Endorse IT 2010 - No Sex, No Mud, Just Rock’n’Roll....
...oh and a few gallons of alcohol, cheesy chips and the colours black and yellow!
Hope youre sitting comfortably, here’s the little story of what happened when The Scratch played Endorse IT in Dorset 2010.
Dear Scratchers,
Friday 6th August, 1pm: The band arrived at Johns house. The three cars of the convoy were loaded to the hilt with all the usual festival paraphernalia, tents, sleeping bags, bin liners, beer, imodium and wellies, plus all our guitars, drum hardware, Steves giant packed lunch! and two new 30 foot guitar leads, one yellow (Johns) and the other a wasp like black and yellow custom made version (Andy’s)... more of wasps later!....
In addition to the band there were four other people in the gang for this current escapade. We’d searched long and hard to assemble a crack crew of merchandisers, photographers, videoers and pr gurus, so as to max our impact on the festival... Unfortunately, they couldn’t make it, so we ended up with Super Cockells mates Paul and Lee and die hard Scratchers, Lucy ‘Fakers’ Davies (although her fave song is now GAT, TAG... ATG!) and Francis ‘Scorsese, Bez’ Hemingway, (the incredible unsleeping man!)
I digress as usual... back to the action...
Hoorah, wed arrived and for starters, despite the forecast proclaiming apocalyptic doom... the earthy/wheaty track to the box office was firm underfoot, in marked contrast to our last visit to the fest in 2008, when we had to be towed in and out by a tractor! The 4 car convoy as it now had grown too, was unpacking tents. Super who was a veritable campsite virgin, was looking worried... with room service nowhere to be seen!
However his usually sunny demeanour returned quickly at the sight of our erections springing up everywhere... Grims tent was one of those trendy new pop-ups so only took approx 30 seconds, the others a little longer, but all was sorted within half an hour and it was time to visit the hospitality tent to sign in and get our drink and meal tokens!...
The organisers as ever had done an amazing job of hiding the 3,500 capacity festival behind a hedge, it was only as you walked past the artists camping that you could at last see the huge tented Desmond Dekkar main stage and experience the massive bass rumble!
Giddy by now with the excitement of a first girl guide summer camp, the hardened, combat ready, rock quintet entered the show ground in search of the Wildcat stage. By now it was 7ish (4 hours to blast off) and we were in serious need of an opening beer!...
With assorted beverages slopping in plastic cupped hands, we headed through the already electric atmosphere, last time (in 2008) wed arrived in the pouring rain and didnt see this great and growing fest in it’s best light, tonight was different, it was everything you could ever want: Music, beer tents, dance tent, food, interesting stalls and sideshows and best of all no frickin chavs, whos musical portfolio extended to little more than XFactor, Cowell and Shezza Cole!... This is proper!
Aussie Mike the Wildcat stage manager was a top bloke... (yeah just get your stuff here for 10)... The backline had been provided by the organisers, but us being a three guitar attack, Steve had brought his amp just in case.
Right, we knew what we were doing, so it was time to return to camp Scratch to get our glad rags on. As we arrived back at base, Lucy and Francis appeared over the horizon and were soon detailed their tasks... Lucy was photos, Francis video and Super’s boys flyers and badges and the task or corralling Grim’s groupies into an orderly line!
We’d had word that it was possible to drive the equipment up to the back of the stage, so Steve who was driving back after the gig, due to a wedding commitment, took Super and the gear, while the rest of the gang, headed on foot, via a deposit of vinyl, t-shirts and cd’s to the official merch tent! (ooh exciting!)
We were by now completely zoned in and still incredulous that promoter and obviously a fan of The Scratch Lamma, had given us the penultimate spot on the 2nd stage on the festivals opening night!
The Soundcheck/line check seemed smooth, Aussie Mike was buzzing about like a helpful bee (not a wasp!), as Andy tried to locate the amp that had the footswitch on it... it was the Crate, with the Marshall cabinet...on plugging in the attack seemed a little ferocious, but in context of all the other noises around, workable and in any case, past experience of Endorse IT told us, in the soundman we trust!
Things were going so smoothly infact, that Aussie Mike suggested we hit the stage early. Following an into from our spectacularly attired bell ringing compare... John led us on, resplendent in his erogonously infused bright red shirt, the crowd went wild... and so we were off and pretty quickly it was clear that Andys amp (on stage at least) was taking the paint off the walls of the B&B that we’d passed 6 miles down the road on our way here!... however, as I said earlier, in the soundmen you trust and from the reaction of the crowd in the arena, the PA was pumping out a far different storey to them (thankfully)
... not only did we get a prime spot on a great little stage, we also managed to pack 18 songs into our generous hour long set!
1) Fakers
2) 4 Play
3) Biting on my lip
4) Desire to be thin
5) Rotten Soul
6) Supermodel
7) Weirder than we are
8) Sweet Surprise
9) Freakshow
10) Ajax
11) Against the Grain
12) Spiral Scratch
13) Critical
14) Teen Idol
15) Dear Maniac
16) Independent
17) You want the world
18) Gas Taps
As Lucy snapped away in the moat between stage and crash barrier, Francis flitted back and forth like a moth on a campers torch and Supers boys Lee and Paul, bopped, badged and corraled...
Unfortunately, all too soon the set was coming to an end. With Super nailing the beat, Filthy buzzing mischievous and waspish, Grim twitching in his Xray glasses and John grinding out an incessant bass rumble, never better shown than on a truly magnificent sounding Teen Idol... (we really must work out a 10 minute festival version!!!!) And in what seemed like a flash our 2nd appearance at Endorse IT was over! but not before Andy did the Gas Tap and leapt from the beer and water soaked stage, just to test the moat for next year! Rock and Roll!
And rest....
As intimated earlier, Steve would be driving back straight after, so we moved briskly back to base... to give him time to lay out his 3rd pack lunch on the passenger seat, while the rest of us excitedly skimmed through
Scorsese and Fakers handywork...
Great great stuff guys!... now it was time to celebrate, so as Steves tail lights disappeared into the night, it was time to make use of the dance tent and boy did we! Grim and John were spirited back to their acid house heyday as Super made up for lost time on the Budvar.
Who knows what time we arrived back to base?!... but it was definitely after 4am... Lucy had taken an earlier night, but it wasnt long before the drunken, guy rope tripping male contingent, broke the solitude with a nightcap in the bijou lounge area of Andy’s luxury four man and a waterfall of festival wee!
Saturday 7th - the next day
Soon (and all too soon!) it was morning, we were awoken by the unwelcome drear of the (frickin) Eagles blasting from some obviously drunk and seriously deluded fellow artist’s campervan!...
The good news though was that Super had survived, as had his boys who had even less sleep than us, but this was nothing compared to Bez Scorsese who had just lain there wide awake listening to the late night then early morning hum from the nearby arena... it was also with great relief that John and Grim emerged unscathed from their cosy popup, considering theyd shared it with what sounded like a wart hog being murdered by a wildebeest, killing a flock or narwhal all night... oh and I nearly forgot... the wasp attack!... Some minutes earlier, Francis had casually mentioned to a semi conscious, dishevelled and fully clothed Andy that he a had a wasp on his neck... Andy hadn’t at first registered, but soon did as the little and now dead bastard stung him mercilessly on the neck!
The main talk over breakfast in the artists area was the rough total of the 36 wee breaks during the night, that and some bloke who had the entire contents of Noahs ark knitted onto his Christmas Jumper... and lets not forget the rather gorgeous young lady serving up the bacon and egg butties....
with our main event complete the aim of our day was to be compus mentus enough to see the Damned at the Desmond Dekkar stage at 11.00pm whilst taking in all the varied delights of the fest... The best way to do that we figured was spend our beer tokens on red stripe in the bus bar! So with 12 hours and counting, we set off, Lucy took the lead with a flat looking local bitter!...
Now, as most of the gap between that first beer and the eking out of the last few coins we had left for a last one, involved drinking, Im going to merely list in no particular order what we did, Saturday 7th went something like this
... we saw the world smallest disco, drank budva and best bitter, saw a great band from Wales called El Goodo (great 60s vibe, bit like the Coral and Super Furries), Super had a kip (or so he said!), sold some vinyl, Francis got up, saw a great 3 piece on the punk rock stage called the Racketeers, posed for photos at the hats for £3 stall (Andy bought one!) oh and an official t-shirt with our name on the back!, more buvar, some cheesy chips, oh and did I mention that wasp sting... (just cos you couldn’t see a Mark then,don’t mean it didn’t happen!) there is one now!!!!, watched a tattoed skiffle band, danced in the dance tent, saw a good band with ‘poxy badges’ called the Subautomatics, with whom we exchanged said badges with some of our great DIY ones!... gave in two cds at the hospitality tent for Lamma (hope you got them mate?), we did the sports car squeeze (5 big drunk blokes in Lucy’s two seater car), the Budvar song, the Croucher song (all around, stuffin it down), did I mention that wasp?, beef stew and dumplings, chips and beans, Lucys sleeping bag with arms and legs, more Budvar, more chips... and finally, our target reached and all too appropriately for such a great weekend a finale of NEAT, NEAT, NEAT by the Damned.
And so that was tale of The Scratch and our visit to Endorse IT in Dorset 2010. Our second trip and hopefully not our last, but don’t just take our word for it, ask anyone who came along with us for their first trip, it truly is one of the best little fests around. Alternative and what it should be all about the music and having fun! With giant thanks we bade farewell on a glorious (typically the best weather of the weekend) Sunday to Lamma, all at Endorse IT for putting us on and for putting on such a brilliant fest. Big thanks to our extended crew and oh, did I mention that wasp?
x
Hope youre sitting comfortably, here’s the little story of what happened when The Scratch played Endorse IT in Dorset 2010.
Dear Scratchers,
Friday 6th August, 1pm: The band arrived at Johns house. The three cars of the convoy were loaded to the hilt with all the usual festival paraphernalia, tents, sleeping bags, bin liners, beer, imodium and wellies, plus all our guitars, drum hardware, Steves giant packed lunch! and two new 30 foot guitar leads, one yellow (Johns) and the other a wasp like black and yellow custom made version (Andy’s)... more of wasps later!....
In addition to the band there were four other people in the gang for this current escapade. We’d searched long and hard to assemble a crack crew of merchandisers, photographers, videoers and pr gurus, so as to max our impact on the festival... Unfortunately, they couldn’t make it, so we ended up with Super Cockells mates Paul and Lee and die hard Scratchers, Lucy ‘Fakers’ Davies (although her fave song is now GAT, TAG... ATG!) and Francis ‘Scorsese, Bez’ Hemingway, (the incredible unsleeping man!)
I digress as usual... back to the action...
Hoorah, wed arrived and for starters, despite the forecast proclaiming apocalyptic doom... the earthy/wheaty track to the box office was firm underfoot, in marked contrast to our last visit to the fest in 2008, when we had to be towed in and out by a tractor! The 4 car convoy as it now had grown too, was unpacking tents. Super who was a veritable campsite virgin, was looking worried... with room service nowhere to be seen!
However his usually sunny demeanour returned quickly at the sight of our erections springing up everywhere... Grims tent was one of those trendy new pop-ups so only took approx 30 seconds, the others a little longer, but all was sorted within half an hour and it was time to visit the hospitality tent to sign in and get our drink and meal tokens!...
The organisers as ever had done an amazing job of hiding the 3,500 capacity festival behind a hedge, it was only as you walked past the artists camping that you could at last see the huge tented Desmond Dekkar main stage and experience the massive bass rumble!
Giddy by now with the excitement of a first girl guide summer camp, the hardened, combat ready, rock quintet entered the show ground in search of the Wildcat stage. By now it was 7ish (4 hours to blast off) and we were in serious need of an opening beer!...
With assorted beverages slopping in plastic cupped hands, we headed through the already electric atmosphere, last time (in 2008) wed arrived in the pouring rain and didnt see this great and growing fest in it’s best light, tonight was different, it was everything you could ever want: Music, beer tents, dance tent, food, interesting stalls and sideshows and best of all no frickin chavs, whos musical portfolio extended to little more than XFactor, Cowell and Shezza Cole!... This is proper!
Aussie Mike the Wildcat stage manager was a top bloke... (yeah just get your stuff here for 10)... The backline had been provided by the organisers, but us being a three guitar attack, Steve had brought his amp just in case.
Right, we knew what we were doing, so it was time to return to camp Scratch to get our glad rags on. As we arrived back at base, Lucy and Francis appeared over the horizon and were soon detailed their tasks... Lucy was photos, Francis video and Super’s boys flyers and badges and the task or corralling Grim’s groupies into an orderly line!
We’d had word that it was possible to drive the equipment up to the back of the stage, so Steve who was driving back after the gig, due to a wedding commitment, took Super and the gear, while the rest of the gang, headed on foot, via a deposit of vinyl, t-shirts and cd’s to the official merch tent! (ooh exciting!)
We were by now completely zoned in and still incredulous that promoter and obviously a fan of The Scratch Lamma, had given us the penultimate spot on the 2nd stage on the festivals opening night!
The Soundcheck/line check seemed smooth, Aussie Mike was buzzing about like a helpful bee (not a wasp!), as Andy tried to locate the amp that had the footswitch on it... it was the Crate, with the Marshall cabinet...on plugging in the attack seemed a little ferocious, but in context of all the other noises around, workable and in any case, past experience of Endorse IT told us, in the soundman we trust!
Things were going so smoothly infact, that Aussie Mike suggested we hit the stage early. Following an into from our spectacularly attired bell ringing compare... John led us on, resplendent in his erogonously infused bright red shirt, the crowd went wild... and so we were off and pretty quickly it was clear that Andys amp (on stage at least) was taking the paint off the walls of the B&B that we’d passed 6 miles down the road on our way here!... however, as I said earlier, in the soundmen you trust and from the reaction of the crowd in the arena, the PA was pumping out a far different storey to them (thankfully)
... not only did we get a prime spot on a great little stage, we also managed to pack 18 songs into our generous hour long set!
1) Fakers
2) 4 Play
3) Biting on my lip
4) Desire to be thin
5) Rotten Soul
6) Supermodel
7) Weirder than we are
8) Sweet Surprise
9) Freakshow
10) Ajax
11) Against the Grain
12) Spiral Scratch
13) Critical
14) Teen Idol
15) Dear Maniac
16) Independent
17) You want the world
18) Gas Taps
As Lucy snapped away in the moat between stage and crash barrier, Francis flitted back and forth like a moth on a campers torch and Supers boys Lee and Paul, bopped, badged and corraled...
Unfortunately, all too soon the set was coming to an end. With Super nailing the beat, Filthy buzzing mischievous and waspish, Grim twitching in his Xray glasses and John grinding out an incessant bass rumble, never better shown than on a truly magnificent sounding Teen Idol... (we really must work out a 10 minute festival version!!!!) And in what seemed like a flash our 2nd appearance at Endorse IT was over! but not before Andy did the Gas Tap and leapt from the beer and water soaked stage, just to test the moat for next year! Rock and Roll!
And rest....
As intimated earlier, Steve would be driving back straight after, so we moved briskly back to base... to give him time to lay out his 3rd pack lunch on the passenger seat, while the rest of us excitedly skimmed through
Scorsese and Fakers handywork...
Great great stuff guys!... now it was time to celebrate, so as Steves tail lights disappeared into the night, it was time to make use of the dance tent and boy did we! Grim and John were spirited back to their acid house heyday as Super made up for lost time on the Budvar.
Who knows what time we arrived back to base?!... but it was definitely after 4am... Lucy had taken an earlier night, but it wasnt long before the drunken, guy rope tripping male contingent, broke the solitude with a nightcap in the bijou lounge area of Andy’s luxury four man and a waterfall of festival wee!
Saturday 7th - the next day
Soon (and all too soon!) it was morning, we were awoken by the unwelcome drear of the (frickin) Eagles blasting from some obviously drunk and seriously deluded fellow artist’s campervan!...
The good news though was that Super had survived, as had his boys who had even less sleep than us, but this was nothing compared to Bez Scorsese who had just lain there wide awake listening to the late night then early morning hum from the nearby arena... it was also with great relief that John and Grim emerged unscathed from their cosy popup, considering theyd shared it with what sounded like a wart hog being murdered by a wildebeest, killing a flock or narwhal all night... oh and I nearly forgot... the wasp attack!... Some minutes earlier, Francis had casually mentioned to a semi conscious, dishevelled and fully clothed Andy that he a had a wasp on his neck... Andy hadn’t at first registered, but soon did as the little and now dead bastard stung him mercilessly on the neck!
The main talk over breakfast in the artists area was the rough total of the 36 wee breaks during the night, that and some bloke who had the entire contents of Noahs ark knitted onto his Christmas Jumper... and lets not forget the rather gorgeous young lady serving up the bacon and egg butties....
with our main event complete the aim of our day was to be compus mentus enough to see the Damned at the Desmond Dekkar stage at 11.00pm whilst taking in all the varied delights of the fest... The best way to do that we figured was spend our beer tokens on red stripe in the bus bar! So with 12 hours and counting, we set off, Lucy took the lead with a flat looking local bitter!...
Now, as most of the gap between that first beer and the eking out of the last few coins we had left for a last one, involved drinking, Im going to merely list in no particular order what we did, Saturday 7th went something like this
... we saw the world smallest disco, drank budva and best bitter, saw a great band from Wales called El Goodo (great 60s vibe, bit like the Coral and Super Furries), Super had a kip (or so he said!), sold some vinyl, Francis got up, saw a great 3 piece on the punk rock stage called the Racketeers, posed for photos at the hats for £3 stall (Andy bought one!) oh and an official t-shirt with our name on the back!, more buvar, some cheesy chips, oh and did I mention that wasp sting... (just cos you couldn’t see a Mark then,don’t mean it didn’t happen!) there is one now!!!!, watched a tattoed skiffle band, danced in the dance tent, saw a good band with ‘poxy badges’ called the Subautomatics, with whom we exchanged said badges with some of our great DIY ones!... gave in two cds at the hospitality tent for Lamma (hope you got them mate?), we did the sports car squeeze (5 big drunk blokes in Lucy’s two seater car), the Budvar song, the Croucher song (all around, stuffin it down), did I mention that wasp?, beef stew and dumplings, chips and beans, Lucys sleeping bag with arms and legs, more Budvar, more chips... and finally, our target reached and all too appropriately for such a great weekend a finale of NEAT, NEAT, NEAT by the Damned.
And so that was tale of The Scratch and our visit to Endorse IT in Dorset 2010. Our second trip and hopefully not our last, but don’t just take our word for it, ask anyone who came along with us for their first trip, it truly is one of the best little fests around. Alternative and what it should be all about the music and having fun! With giant thanks we bade farewell on a glorious (typically the best weather of the weekend) Sunday to Lamma, all at Endorse IT for putting us on and for putting on such a brilliant fest. Big thanks to our extended crew and oh, did I mention that wasp?
x
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Camden Monarch
Big thanks again to Jarrod Tourdate and Minki 50ft for inviting us to play at Camdens Monarch last night, as a happy twist of fate, we ended up playing 50 minutes, rather than our alloted 30, as the opening act couldn't make it... a bit of hasty cobbling with semi inked biros, saw pretty much all the newies and the Golden mile (our classic set ender) entertain a sweaty but very appreciative crowd. Great to see some old faces from the past, like Frank, Nigel, McKewan, Trev and his hommies and of course the die hard redoubtable Vince girls (not forgetting you Matt!)... Great to also see Minki and her 50ft Women again (special mention to the bass cab... we couldn't have done it without you! ;-) ) and Alex Recharged and Smoky John too.
So the run up of July dates complete, its now all systems go for Endorse IT for which we shall be feverishly rehearsing!... There are still some tickets if anyone who hasnt already got them, wants some:
http://www.endorseit.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=6
If you can't, were taking August and early September off from Live shows, to concentrate on recording the new tracks and rehearsing for a big push in early October and the exciting digital release of DIY (our long lost debut album) on 10.10.10... so have a great summer hols and we'll see you back at School in the autumn!
And dont forget... We isn't nuffin without you lemons!
xxx
Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=537663534#ixzz0v3lJ3wPE
So the run up of July dates complete, its now all systems go for Endorse IT for which we shall be feverishly rehearsing!... There are still some tickets if anyone who hasnt already got them, wants some:
http://www.endorseit.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=6
If you can't, were taking August and early September off from Live shows, to concentrate on recording the new tracks and rehearsing for a big push in early October and the exciting digital release of DIY (our long lost debut album) on 10.10.10... so have a great summer hols and we'll see you back at School in the autumn!
And dont forget... We isn't nuffin without you lemons!
xxx
Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=537663534#ixzz0v3lJ3wPE
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Scratch - Hot as a Blacksmiths.... A
nvil...
Many thanks to everyone who braved the sizzling heat of The Blacksmiths Arms in St.Albans last night, with a velvet curtained backdrop and a general gothic air about the place, The Scratch felt quite at home set up in front of the fire. To be quite honest if felt like it was on most of the night!...
So the last double setter of the summer, saw the band once more hitting top form, as they played to a great mix of old friends, fans, virgins and the odd... odd person... it's great to see the reaction that the new songs are getting, with Weirder than we are probably sneaking top billing over Desire to be thin and Biting on my lip... but you can judge for yourselves this Weds as, the word is that those 3 have been promoted to the 30 minutes set... extra thanks to Lucy and Sam for the help as merch sellers after the gig... we now officially sold out of Grey Medium Mens! Good to see the sturdy looking tables at the pub, managed to take the stage diving too... we don't wanna start paying to play now do we!
Can't wait for Wednesday and a night out in Camden with the Recharged crew and of course a 50ft Woman! One not to miss... it's your last chance before Endorse IT!
Many thanks to everyone who braved the sizzling heat of The Blacksmiths Arms in St.Albans last night, with a velvet curtained backdrop and a general gothic air about the place, The Scratch felt quite at home set up in front of the fire. To be quite honest if felt like it was on most of the night!...
So the last double setter of the summer, saw the band once more hitting top form, as they played to a great mix of old friends, fans, virgins and the odd... odd person... it's great to see the reaction that the new songs are getting, with Weirder than we are probably sneaking top billing over Desire to be thin and Biting on my lip... but you can judge for yourselves this Weds as, the word is that those 3 have been promoted to the 30 minutes set... extra thanks to Lucy and Sam for the help as merch sellers after the gig... we now officially sold out of Grey Medium Mens! Good to see the sturdy looking tables at the pub, managed to take the stage diving too... we don't wanna start paying to play now do we!
Can't wait for Wednesday and a night out in Camden with the Recharged crew and of course a 50ft Woman! One not to miss... it's your last chance before Endorse IT!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Pub... ROCKS!... Mini Snalbans tour kicks off with a split shocker!!!
Phew… good ole hot style rocknroll action!...
It was great to be back on the gig trail again this weekend, in our dual guises as The Scratch A-Sides on Sunday at Bar 62 and on The B-Sides on Saturday night at the Farmers Boy!... Porqoui? I hear you ask, what gibberish is this?! Well if youd seen both, and been of even average eyesight and numeracy, you’d have spotted, a slimmed down line up on Saturday (and no, not developments on Super’s famed water retention issues!) it was due to legal restrictions on numbers of performers in some pubs, that we gave Filthy Steve the night orf… plus Saturday had been hastily arranged as a home coming celebration for one of the bands biggest fans, who had jetted in from Melbourne in Australia, specifically to catch us live for the first time!... Ms Eliza (Gday) Briscoe!
Saturday 17th July – Farmers Boy – Eliza back from the outback fest!
Having set up, it was just as well it was a b-team game tonight, though Steve has the physique of a Rizzla paper, there was definitely no room for his amp, let alone his chaos theory!!... apart from that and the height restriction (which ensured Andy had to dive forward rather than up) during Gas Taps, the tight fit of the pub, made for a great little atmosphere… The other great thing about these pub gigs is that you tend to play two sets, so its an excellent opportunity to air some of your old linen (which Andy did literally as a result of a trouser splitting high kick during Critical Mass) and also you get the chance to try out a load of new stuff too! Case in point, the first set contained – Let there be us, Desire to be thin, Stavin’ off the where’s or the wise and the brilliantly received Weirder than we are…
Set two, saw more of a (greatest hits show ;-0), with Biting on my lip as the only newie, amongst Teen Idol, Dear Manic, current tourdates numero uno, I relax to spiral scratch and against the grain (ATG to you Lucy!)to name a few. Add to this the trouser split, the forward floor dive, Johns new black and white shirt, Grim’s barnet and Super Cs rapid hi-hat assault on Andys suit elbow and you got a (all be it small) pub full of people entertained and by the end palpably drunk on the fuel of good ole, hot style rocknroll action!... special thanks to Rich for breaking his duck and buying some vinyl, Reebs for modelling the t-shirt so perfectly, Nick for fighting the jetlag and most importantly for Saturday night, Eliza who danced her legs to jelly! Wish you could make all the gigs, at this rate, we’ll have retired by your third one… or been put in a home!
Sunday Night - 18th July – Bar 62
Sunday night saw a welcome return to Bar 62. An A-sides gig and the chance to spread out!... buoyed by the night before's shenanigans and with the addition of pocket powerpack Steve F on guitar… the band wasted no time getting into it… despite Steve’s reticence to take ownership of his first tune to be performed by the band. ‘Don’t play along’… was so well received it was duly re-adopted, by it’s creator straight after! There was some minor juggling of the set tonight (the beauty of having so much material these days!)), as Numbers was rested, for 'Freakshow' that had encored so well the night before, and Don’t play along came in for Destroyed by the look of love (left out due to a damaged falsetto!) With Weirder than we are being once again very well received and a first set highlight…. Second only to John’s magnificent bright red shirt of course!
It was a stifling evening, more conducive with pub garden than pub in doors, but it was great see a few faces from the previous nights gig (notably Matt, nice one), that we’d already got hooked! And of course so many of the hard core, most particularly Lucy, resplendent in new t-Shirt, Dave Whiteworm, who bought one after Thanks mate) and Superstar Tina Scratch! back on the scene from Manchesterland! PLUS a big thanks to Miles Khalazar for the loan of the mic stand!...
Tonight the trousers stayed in tact, but there was a candle and a pint glass on Dave Worm’s table that took a hit as Andy flew over it, much like the nursery rhyme involving a cow and a moon (no that was the night before wasnt it?) and out of the side door, during the Gas Taps finale!... another great fun evening, of good ole, hot style rocknroll action!... was had by all… can’t wait til next week for the Blacksmiths Arms!... Pub Rock eh?... it ain’t covers, so don’t knock it!
Many, many thanks to everyone who showed up over the two days. See you next week! Oh and 2nd week at number 1 for I relax to Spiral Scratch! Thanks all for your support and downloadings!
x
It was great to be back on the gig trail again this weekend, in our dual guises as The Scratch A-Sides on Sunday at Bar 62 and on The B-Sides on Saturday night at the Farmers Boy!... Porqoui? I hear you ask, what gibberish is this?! Well if youd seen both, and been of even average eyesight and numeracy, you’d have spotted, a slimmed down line up on Saturday (and no, not developments on Super’s famed water retention issues!) it was due to legal restrictions on numbers of performers in some pubs, that we gave Filthy Steve the night orf… plus Saturday had been hastily arranged as a home coming celebration for one of the bands biggest fans, who had jetted in from Melbourne in Australia, specifically to catch us live for the first time!... Ms Eliza (Gday) Briscoe!
Saturday 17th July – Farmers Boy – Eliza back from the outback fest!
Having set up, it was just as well it was a b-team game tonight, though Steve has the physique of a Rizzla paper, there was definitely no room for his amp, let alone his chaos theory!!... apart from that and the height restriction (which ensured Andy had to dive forward rather than up) during Gas Taps, the tight fit of the pub, made for a great little atmosphere… The other great thing about these pub gigs is that you tend to play two sets, so its an excellent opportunity to air some of your old linen (which Andy did literally as a result of a trouser splitting high kick during Critical Mass) and also you get the chance to try out a load of new stuff too! Case in point, the first set contained – Let there be us, Desire to be thin, Stavin’ off the where’s or the wise and the brilliantly received Weirder than we are…
Set two, saw more of a (greatest hits show ;-0), with Biting on my lip as the only newie, amongst Teen Idol, Dear Manic, current tourdates numero uno, I relax to spiral scratch and against the grain (ATG to you Lucy!)to name a few. Add to this the trouser split, the forward floor dive, Johns new black and white shirt, Grim’s barnet and Super Cs rapid hi-hat assault on Andys suit elbow and you got a (all be it small) pub full of people entertained and by the end palpably drunk on the fuel of good ole, hot style rocknroll action!... special thanks to Rich for breaking his duck and buying some vinyl, Reebs for modelling the t-shirt so perfectly, Nick for fighting the jetlag and most importantly for Saturday night, Eliza who danced her legs to jelly! Wish you could make all the gigs, at this rate, we’ll have retired by your third one… or been put in a home!
Sunday Night - 18th July – Bar 62
Sunday night saw a welcome return to Bar 62. An A-sides gig and the chance to spread out!... buoyed by the night before's shenanigans and with the addition of pocket powerpack Steve F on guitar… the band wasted no time getting into it… despite Steve’s reticence to take ownership of his first tune to be performed by the band. ‘Don’t play along’… was so well received it was duly re-adopted, by it’s creator straight after! There was some minor juggling of the set tonight (the beauty of having so much material these days!)), as Numbers was rested, for 'Freakshow' that had encored so well the night before, and Don’t play along came in for Destroyed by the look of love (left out due to a damaged falsetto!) With Weirder than we are being once again very well received and a first set highlight…. Second only to John’s magnificent bright red shirt of course!
It was a stifling evening, more conducive with pub garden than pub in doors, but it was great see a few faces from the previous nights gig (notably Matt, nice one), that we’d already got hooked! And of course so many of the hard core, most particularly Lucy, resplendent in new t-Shirt, Dave Whiteworm, who bought one after Thanks mate) and Superstar Tina Scratch! back on the scene from Manchesterland! PLUS a big thanks to Miles Khalazar for the loan of the mic stand!...
Tonight the trousers stayed in tact, but there was a candle and a pint glass on Dave Worm’s table that took a hit as Andy flew over it, much like the nursery rhyme involving a cow and a moon (no that was the night before wasnt it?) and out of the side door, during the Gas Taps finale!... another great fun evening, of good ole, hot style rocknroll action!... was had by all… can’t wait til next week for the Blacksmiths Arms!... Pub Rock eh?... it ain’t covers, so don’t knock it!
Many, many thanks to everyone who showed up over the two days. See you next week! Oh and 2nd week at number 1 for I relax to Spiral Scratch! Thanks all for your support and downloadings!
x
Friday, June 11, 2010
CRMK World Cup Hijack!!! all the facts
Dear Scratchers,
Big thanks to DJ Hug(h)ie Hugh for another thoroughly enjoyable night, where, as ever, his plans were completely scuppered by The Scratch's strong arm tactical force.
Everyone in the World was anticipating our much publicised England v USA World Cup cracker of a show... except Hugh... (bless)...
One of the beauties of CRMK.co.uk and particularly Hugh's 'Eclectic Plectrum' show is the immediacy, being as low-tech as you can be, while still broadcasting, gives the evening an extra 'Live' exciting quality, that you don't get from a podcast or listen again style 'modern' experience... and also it covers up beautifully for the fo-pahs, slander and general playing of the wrong tracks... but sod that, John Peel made a career of it (god rest his soul!)
Apart from finding out about John's brothers book of NME albums of the year 1976, (with special 'sleeve notes' from his older brother etched in pen alongside the titles), Hugh's mates who were getting married (Katy and Ross?... I made that up)... who he forgot to mention... (another hazard of too much chat... is you forget what you've said on air!)... the elusive Brighton interview... (Don't worry Jord RR, it's all still on his ipod!)... and Hugh's non comprehension of the England v USA 'only' - bands and tracks...
There was of course and always will be the star of the show. The music...
So without any further a do... with The Scratch representing England and a load of US bands you may have heard of representing America... here is the playlist!!!
1) I relax to Spiral Scratch - The Scratch (England) 1-0
2) School's out - Alice Cooper (USA) 1-1
3) Tina - Louis XIV (USA) 1-2
4) Sparklehorse - Hammering the cramps (USA) 1-3
5) Rotten Soul - The Scratch (England) 2-3
6) Take it or leave it - The Strokes (USA) 2-4
7) Cradle - The Joy Formidable (GOAL disallowed due to the band being Welsh and thus not eligible HUGH!)
8) Feel good hit for the summer - QTSA (USA) 2-5
9) Steady as she goes - The Raconteurs (USA) 2-6
10) X-Ray Eyes - The Scratch (England) 3-6
11) New Town - The Slits (England) 4-6
12) Loser - Beck (USA) 4-7
13) Come as you are - Nirvana (USA) 4-8
14) Liquid Liquid - Optimo (USA) 4-9
15) Wake up and make love to me - Ian Dury and the Blockheads (England) 5-9
16) Witness - Screaming Trees (USA) 5-10
17) Brainstorm - The Scratch (England) 6-10
18) You're the last high - Dandy Warhols (USA) 6-11
19) Jet Boy - New York Dolls (USA) 6-12
20) Supermodel - The Scratch (England) 7-12!
Final score England 7 - USA 12 ... anyway, that's an American football score! Now for the real thing ENG-ER-LUND!!!! ENG-ER- LUND!!!! ENG-ER- LUND!!!!
x
Big thanks to DJ Hug(h)ie Hugh for another thoroughly enjoyable night, where, as ever, his plans were completely scuppered by The Scratch's strong arm tactical force.
Everyone in the World was anticipating our much publicised England v USA World Cup cracker of a show... except Hugh... (bless)...
One of the beauties of CRMK.co.uk and particularly Hugh's 'Eclectic Plectrum' show is the immediacy, being as low-tech as you can be, while still broadcasting, gives the evening an extra 'Live' exciting quality, that you don't get from a podcast or listen again style 'modern' experience... and also it covers up beautifully for the fo-pahs, slander and general playing of the wrong tracks... but sod that, John Peel made a career of it (god rest his soul!)
Apart from finding out about John's brothers book of NME albums of the year 1976, (with special 'sleeve notes' from his older brother etched in pen alongside the titles), Hugh's mates who were getting married (Katy and Ross?... I made that up)... who he forgot to mention... (another hazard of too much chat... is you forget what you've said on air!)... the elusive Brighton interview... (Don't worry Jord RR, it's all still on his ipod!)... and Hugh's non comprehension of the England v USA 'only' - bands and tracks...
There was of course and always will be the star of the show. The music...
So without any further a do... with The Scratch representing England and a load of US bands you may have heard of representing America... here is the playlist!!!
1) I relax to Spiral Scratch - The Scratch (England) 1-0
2) School's out - Alice Cooper (USA) 1-1
3) Tina - Louis XIV (USA) 1-2
4) Sparklehorse - Hammering the cramps (USA) 1-3
5) Rotten Soul - The Scratch (England) 2-3
6) Take it or leave it - The Strokes (USA) 2-4
7) Cradle - The Joy Formidable (GOAL disallowed due to the band being Welsh and thus not eligible HUGH!)
8) Feel good hit for the summer - QTSA (USA) 2-5
9) Steady as she goes - The Raconteurs (USA) 2-6
10) X-Ray Eyes - The Scratch (England) 3-6
11) New Town - The Slits (England) 4-6
12) Loser - Beck (USA) 4-7
13) Come as you are - Nirvana (USA) 4-8
14) Liquid Liquid - Optimo (USA) 4-9
15) Wake up and make love to me - Ian Dury and the Blockheads (England) 5-9
16) Witness - Screaming Trees (USA) 5-10
17) Brainstorm - The Scratch (England) 6-10
18) You're the last high - Dandy Warhols (USA) 6-11
19) Jet Boy - New York Dolls (USA) 6-12
20) Supermodel - The Scratch (England) 7-12!
Final score England 7 - USA 12 ... anyway, that's an American football score! Now for the real thing ENG-ER-LUND!!!! ENG-ER- LUND!!!! ENG-ER- LUND!!!!
x
Sunday, May 16, 2010
TOUR PART 3 - THE FLAG WATFORD
And so for the finale of our mini tour, we took the relatively short trip down the A405 to Watford. The Flag is a gigantic old pub, that still has all the hallmarks of it’s coach and horses past. Right outside Watford Junction station its a transient stop off for all and sundry, yesterday on our arrival for soundcheck it was football fans making there way back from the cup final.
As we unloaded the gear it was clear that once again our literal interpretation of the contract either rendered us highly professional time keepers, or unlearning doughnuts, for knowing what normally happens (you hang around for an hour waiting for the headliner to bring the drumkit) and not heeding our vast collective wealth of experience in such matters. Ho hum, Luke the promoter was soon in evidence to allay any fears of a mere linecheck.
As the football fans drifted away, our entourage began to assemble... not least the Vince girls (Sarah completing the tour hatrick resplendent in homemade Scratch on tour t-shirt!)... big thanks too to John and Sarah’s assorted family members, some of whom were yet to experience a night out with The Scratch, plus all the others who made the continued sacrifice, Mrs. Supercockle Sue, Lee-Ann, Ray, the redoubtable McEwan, Mark L. Matt and respective mates et al... it’s been a great little tour, but what makes it extra special is the sight of you guys in the crowd (Big Love from us as ever)...
anyway, back to the gig, The Scratch were third on... the first two bands had toiled manfully with the swirling, booming vocal mix, which was a shame cos there was a good stage area and backdrop, spoilt by the high ceiling just in front of it... This architectural quirk, did not deter The Scratch however, who following two days of mega-morale elevationary rock nroll, were in no mood to let a bit of bad monitoring spoil the party. And so it went... straight in with 4 Play (well they are gentlemen you know, even Terry!)... ripping through Ajax, two newies, the ever growing Biting on my lip and the weird and wonderful Stavin off the where’s or the wise. This section of the set served as ever as a highly charged aperitif before the super seguewayed I relax to Spiral Scratch, Critical Mass and star of the show Teen Idol megamix, which sparked frenzied gyrations in front of the stage by 3 hither too unseen hoody style trucker dudes!... as ever once the atmosphere rises, so too does the anti, followed quickly by the Andy, this time scaling the pole at the edge of stage right, to dive at the feet of a couple of startled lady watchers, the prefect finale.
To sum up the general mood at Scratch central, by using another football analogy on Cup Final Day, the introduction of the big guy at the back has really moved things up a few notches, we're working hard together and are now tighter than Stuart Pearce’s football shorts in the early 90’s and most importantly having a great laugh.
A great final moment to mention, which perfectly sums up this mini tour, was, as John and Terry left the stage, the next bands respective drummer/bassists, whispered “You bastards, how do we follow that!” from fellow musicians with no vested interest, the compliments don’t get much sweeter.
It’s been great to be out on the road, everyone has thoroughly enjoyed it. Huge thanks to all of those we’ve mentioned in the tour blog, especially Jordan and the Recharged Crew, Hug(e)H Davenport, (yes we will have that interview mate!) Luke from Juicebox and hatrick hero Ms S.Vince! (We can’t wait to upload the photo’s!!!)
We’re going to be concentrating on new material for the next few weeks, before returning for a couple of 24 track full setters in St.Albans, in preparation for our summer festival highlight at Endorse IT with Captain Sensible and the gang!
All that’s left to say with our remaining, exhilarated, exhausted breathe is YOU GUYS ROCK!
xx
As we unloaded the gear it was clear that once again our literal interpretation of the contract either rendered us highly professional time keepers, or unlearning doughnuts, for knowing what normally happens (you hang around for an hour waiting for the headliner to bring the drumkit) and not heeding our vast collective wealth of experience in such matters. Ho hum, Luke the promoter was soon in evidence to allay any fears of a mere linecheck.
As the football fans drifted away, our entourage began to assemble... not least the Vince girls (Sarah completing the tour hatrick resplendent in homemade Scratch on tour t-shirt!)... big thanks too to John and Sarah’s assorted family members, some of whom were yet to experience a night out with The Scratch, plus all the others who made the continued sacrifice, Mrs. Supercockle Sue, Lee-Ann, Ray, the redoubtable McEwan, Mark L. Matt and respective mates et al... it’s been a great little tour, but what makes it extra special is the sight of you guys in the crowd (Big Love from us as ever)...
anyway, back to the gig, The Scratch were third on... the first two bands had toiled manfully with the swirling, booming vocal mix, which was a shame cos there was a good stage area and backdrop, spoilt by the high ceiling just in front of it... This architectural quirk, did not deter The Scratch however, who following two days of mega-morale elevationary rock nroll, were in no mood to let a bit of bad monitoring spoil the party. And so it went... straight in with 4 Play (well they are gentlemen you know, even Terry!)... ripping through Ajax, two newies, the ever growing Biting on my lip and the weird and wonderful Stavin off the where’s or the wise. This section of the set served as ever as a highly charged aperitif before the super seguewayed I relax to Spiral Scratch, Critical Mass and star of the show Teen Idol megamix, which sparked frenzied gyrations in front of the stage by 3 hither too unseen hoody style trucker dudes!... as ever once the atmosphere rises, so too does the anti, followed quickly by the Andy, this time scaling the pole at the edge of stage right, to dive at the feet of a couple of startled lady watchers, the prefect finale.
To sum up the general mood at Scratch central, by using another football analogy on Cup Final Day, the introduction of the big guy at the back has really moved things up a few notches, we're working hard together and are now tighter than Stuart Pearce’s football shorts in the early 90’s and most importantly having a great laugh.
A great final moment to mention, which perfectly sums up this mini tour, was, as John and Terry left the stage, the next bands respective drummer/bassists, whispered “You bastards, how do we follow that!” from fellow musicians with no vested interest, the compliments don’t get much sweeter.
It’s been great to be out on the road, everyone has thoroughly enjoyed it. Huge thanks to all of those we’ve mentioned in the tour blog, especially Jordan and the Recharged Crew, Hug(e)H Davenport, (yes we will have that interview mate!) Luke from Juicebox and hatrick hero Ms S.Vince! (We can’t wait to upload the photo’s!!!)
We’re going to be concentrating on new material for the next few weeks, before returning for a couple of 24 track full setters in St.Albans, in preparation for our summer festival highlight at Endorse IT with Captain Sensible and the gang!
All that’s left to say with our remaining, exhilarated, exhausted breathe is YOU GUYS ROCK!
xx
Saturday, May 15, 2010
TOUR PART 2! The Bury - Buntingford
We arrived at Buntingford’s football ground a little unsure of what to expect, all we really knew was it was an emergency services charity do Steve had organised...
On arrival, Steve was playing football, whilst the ‘medalsome’, old school throwback ‘master of ceremonies’, Les (or something like that) commentated on the match (He was a classic - repleat in best Bernard Manning untucked powder blue shirt and beer gut). Chuck into the mix a highly stressed beany clad (five generations younger), promoter, trying to set up the show behind/around and inspite of the raffle/auction table!!! and you get an idea of the scene we suveyed!
We have to be honest at this point, after last nights shenanigans it looked like tonight was going to be ‘a little after the Lord Majors show’... however.... as you all know kiddy winkies ... “don’t you judge a book just by the cover, unless you cover just another and blind acceptance is a sign of stupid fools who stand in line”... for once the crowd had settled down following the Elvis impersonator’s exit stage right, it was time for The Scratch... and once again, with a shortish, tight set, swopping Ajax in for Supermodel and Stavin off the where’s or the wise from Brighton’s set, the boys didn’t disappoint.
Sparking similar superlatives and reaction’s that each TC era gig has achieved with promises of repeat bookings. We had in classic smash and grab stylee, packed up and left around 40 minutes after our arrival, job done and buoyed still further and beginning to really feel at home on this touring lark!
Big thanks to ali, for your reaction, specially to Ali, Steve, Andy, Lucy, Sarah and co for your support (as ever!) and yes Chris lets get that gig sorted mate.
... next stop Juicebox and The Flag in Watford!
On arrival, Steve was playing football, whilst the ‘medalsome’, old school throwback ‘master of ceremonies’, Les (or something like that) commentated on the match (He was a classic - repleat in best Bernard Manning untucked powder blue shirt and beer gut). Chuck into the mix a highly stressed beany clad (five generations younger), promoter, trying to set up the show behind/around and inspite of the raffle/auction table!!! and you get an idea of the scene we suveyed!
We have to be honest at this point, after last nights shenanigans it looked like tonight was going to be ‘a little after the Lord Majors show’... however.... as you all know kiddy winkies ... “don’t you judge a book just by the cover, unless you cover just another and blind acceptance is a sign of stupid fools who stand in line”... for once the crowd had settled down following the Elvis impersonator’s exit stage right, it was time for The Scratch... and once again, with a shortish, tight set, swopping Ajax in for Supermodel and Stavin off the where’s or the wise from Brighton’s set, the boys didn’t disappoint.
Sparking similar superlatives and reaction’s that each TC era gig has achieved with promises of repeat bookings. We had in classic smash and grab stylee, packed up and left around 40 minutes after our arrival, job done and buoyed still further and beginning to really feel at home on this touring lark!
Big thanks to ali, for your reaction, specially to Ali, Steve, Andy, Lucy, Sarah and co for your support (as ever!) and yes Chris lets get that gig sorted mate.
... next stop Juicebox and The Flag in Watford!
TOUR PART 1 - Brighton Rocks, continued...
Dear Scratchers,
So a little, ‘meat on the bones’ time...
The advance parties of The Scratch - Andy, Terry, Sarah (photo’s, make up, comedy drive thru moment and top 10 list compilation!), and Recharged Radio - Lauren, Jordan, Dan and the mighty ‘fly-on-the-wall’ Hug(e)h Davenport, had already had a hectic, but highly entertaining day: Fish and chips and mushy peas on the beach, fly posting outside the insect circus, a visit to Resident records in the lanes, for a cheeky purchase of X-Ray eyes 10” and a brief rest stop at the Northern lights for a bit of acoustic artisanship and light Latvian refreshment! all of that and it was still only 4pm when the merry band of gypsies finally rocked up to the (highly tucked away and compact) Live Lounge. To be greeted by the second wave of the Scratch massive (Grim, Filthy and John) who had just arrived.
As the cars were being unpacked, Hugh decided to make his way back into the hub and was soon getting in the swing: Flyering, getting chased out of pubs for ‘taking other landlords trade!’ and interviewing manically...
Meanwhile, the (Slightly tucked away) live lounge appeared a little slow to get up to speed, with The Scratch taking it upon ourselves to begin gradually piecing together assorted, disparate bits of PA and missing mic stands...
Soundcheck was finally finished by 6.30, and the entourage made its way back to base camp (The Best Western on the sea front) to get changed before heading back to the venue for 7.30...
First up were Self Help Group, followed by Jespa and then the mighty 50 ft woman delivered 30 minutes of Sexy glam, ‘sleaze’, before jumping back on the train to London, Little Philistines had the unenviable task of following, but delivered undaunted with great aplomb and then it was time for The Scratch.
Taking the floor at 9.40. The set kicked off with Strange 4Play and ended 30 minutes later with an ever manic Gas Taps (complete with Mic against the teeth action). These two provided the pitta bread in a late night ‘dirty Kebab analogy’ with: Fakers, Supermodel, Biting on my lip, I relax to Spiral Scratch, Stavin off the where’s of the wise, Teen Idol, Dear Maniac, ATG, Critical Mass and Independent Unrepentant as the donna meat and Chilli Sauce and extra onions, it was nothing less than continuation of our ‘moulten momentum gathering snow ball’.
Asked at the end, by an enthusiastic convert, “how long have you guys been together”
our reply of, “8 years” ... received a heart warming, if fanciful... “It won’t be long now” (Breath continues to be held, world!) but, It’s feeling like a damn good band to be in at the mo!...
Following Projects set (and attempted poaching of our newest recruit.... hands off our Super Cockle you cheeky boys!) We dumped the car back at the hotel and decamped for a chill at the fishbowl, soon to be joined by Mr D who had been interviewing most of Brighton in the interim (not sure I should mention inter rim?)!... Anyway, by 3.30 am it was time for more fast food replenishment, so we pointed Hugh in the general direction of his hotel after finally managing to drag him off the dance floor!... and with a mix of curry sauce, cheese, chips, meat pies and saveloy’s we headed for the hills job done. Great night.
Big thanks to Jord, all at recharged and the whole Scratch entourage and to Ben and Pat, glad you liked the ‘goody bags!’
x
So a little, ‘meat on the bones’ time...
The advance parties of The Scratch - Andy, Terry, Sarah (photo’s, make up, comedy drive thru moment and top 10 list compilation!), and Recharged Radio - Lauren, Jordan, Dan and the mighty ‘fly-on-the-wall’ Hug(e)h Davenport, had already had a hectic, but highly entertaining day: Fish and chips and mushy peas on the beach, fly posting outside the insect circus, a visit to Resident records in the lanes, for a cheeky purchase of X-Ray eyes 10” and a brief rest stop at the Northern lights for a bit of acoustic artisanship and light Latvian refreshment! all of that and it was still only 4pm when the merry band of gypsies finally rocked up to the (highly tucked away and compact) Live Lounge. To be greeted by the second wave of the Scratch massive (Grim, Filthy and John) who had just arrived.
As the cars were being unpacked, Hugh decided to make his way back into the hub and was soon getting in the swing: Flyering, getting chased out of pubs for ‘taking other landlords trade!’ and interviewing manically...
Meanwhile, the (Slightly tucked away) live lounge appeared a little slow to get up to speed, with The Scratch taking it upon ourselves to begin gradually piecing together assorted, disparate bits of PA and missing mic stands...
Soundcheck was finally finished by 6.30, and the entourage made its way back to base camp (The Best Western on the sea front) to get changed before heading back to the venue for 7.30...
First up were Self Help Group, followed by Jespa and then the mighty 50 ft woman delivered 30 minutes of Sexy glam, ‘sleaze’, before jumping back on the train to London, Little Philistines had the unenviable task of following, but delivered undaunted with great aplomb and then it was time for The Scratch.
Taking the floor at 9.40. The set kicked off with Strange 4Play and ended 30 minutes later with an ever manic Gas Taps (complete with Mic against the teeth action). These two provided the pitta bread in a late night ‘dirty Kebab analogy’ with: Fakers, Supermodel, Biting on my lip, I relax to Spiral Scratch, Stavin off the where’s of the wise, Teen Idol, Dear Maniac, ATG, Critical Mass and Independent Unrepentant as the donna meat and Chilli Sauce and extra onions, it was nothing less than continuation of our ‘moulten momentum gathering snow ball’.
Asked at the end, by an enthusiastic convert, “how long have you guys been together”
our reply of, “8 years” ... received a heart warming, if fanciful... “It won’t be long now” (Breath continues to be held, world!) but, It’s feeling like a damn good band to be in at the mo!...
Following Projects set (and attempted poaching of our newest recruit.... hands off our Super Cockle you cheeky boys!) We dumped the car back at the hotel and decamped for a chill at the fishbowl, soon to be joined by Mr D who had been interviewing most of Brighton in the interim (not sure I should mention inter rim?)!... Anyway, by 3.30 am it was time for more fast food replenishment, so we pointed Hugh in the general direction of his hotel after finally managing to drag him off the dance floor!... and with a mix of curry sauce, cheese, chips, meat pies and saveloy’s we headed for the hills job done. Great night.
Big thanks to Jord, all at recharged and the whole Scratch entourage and to Ben and Pat, glad you liked the ‘goody bags!’
x
Friday, May 14, 2010
Brighton Rocks!!!!
Dear Scratchers,
Phew, just got back from Brighton and are still catching our collective breath!
Have just got time to lay down the bare bones, as we're off to Buntingford in 5 minutes for part 2 of the tour... so for now here's a brief outline!
A great night and great performance was once again turned out by the Snalbans five. I think the best way to illustrate the show will be when we upload the fantastic pics taken by Super Sarah Vince who was on hand to catch it as it happened!!! Introduced on stage by another of our Scratch glitterati Hugh Davenport, the band went for the throat from the off, promoting superlatives and an impromptu finale pogo-mosh-clinch-extravaganza involving at least Andy, Jordan Recharged, Hugh and another as yet unidentified collaborator!
Other notable performances came from Minki Recharged's 50ft Woman, Little Philestines and Projekt... there is talk of the first two of these coming to St.Albans in OCtober for the DIY release party, we'll keep you posted!
See you tonight!
xx
Phew, just got back from Brighton and are still catching our collective breath!
Have just got time to lay down the bare bones, as we're off to Buntingford in 5 minutes for part 2 of the tour... so for now here's a brief outline!
A great night and great performance was once again turned out by the Snalbans five. I think the best way to illustrate the show will be when we upload the fantastic pics taken by Super Sarah Vince who was on hand to catch it as it happened!!! Introduced on stage by another of our Scratch glitterati Hugh Davenport, the band went for the throat from the off, promoting superlatives and an impromptu finale pogo-mosh-clinch-extravaganza involving at least Andy, Jordan Recharged, Hugh and another as yet unidentified collaborator!
Other notable performances came from Minki Recharged's 50ft Woman, Little Philestines and Projekt... there is talk of the first two of these coming to St.Albans in OCtober for the DIY release party, we'll keep you posted!
See you tonight!
xx
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Tour starts in Brighton tonight!!!!
Dear Scratchers, We are very excited here at The Scratch HQ, as today is the day that we begin our mini tour! First stop is Brighton's Live Lounge, we're on at 9.40 this evening, so don't be shy if you're in the area. It's free entry and we are on the bill with 5 other acts, so you can't say it wouldn't be value for money (if you were paying!)... not only that, but superstar DJ Hugh Davenport will be in best journalist mode, so you may even get yourself featured in the radio special we're recording for the occasion!. Stay tuned for regular tweets and updates. It's gonna rock!
x
x
Sunday, May 2, 2010
losing today blog, caps a great day!
Dear Scratchers, not content to write us two great reviews on the subject... but Mark and the losingtoday.com crew have penned us yet another glowing eulogy... to make a great day for The Scratch, just about perfect! x
the scratch
Category: Music
The Scratch ‘x-ray eyes’ (pony land). Many thanks to Andy Scratch for despatching with haste a finished copy of the must have 100 only 10 inch repress of the bands ‘x-rays eyes’ single - our copy coming adorned in all manner of autographs and well wishes which I don’t mind saying that aside having us much humbled and at a loss for words will be find itself pride of place framed and hung in a suitably centre of attention location when the losing today singled out shed of sound finally moves into pastures anew (more about that shortly).Anyhow this cute thing first saw the light of day in that golden year 2004 and serves as a pre-teaser for the re-release of the bands debut and re-mastered debut full length ’diy’ which I think I’ve commented on in the not so distant past is of such scarcity that I’m fairly certain we’ve not got a copy. Enough of that - this ten inch set gathers together a brace of golden oldies from the Scratch’s back catalogue ‘x-rays eyes’ itself briefly commented upon a blog or seven ago asserting itself amid a rather nifty austere post punk throb fused to a pulsating and dirty grinding death disco underpin replete with Gang of Four additives, Ry Cooder slides and some classically drilled Pigbag re-wiring. Over on the flip ‘brainstorm’ offers a spot of darkly unfurling softly seducing and brooding psychotropic loveliness, the marinating of mooching locked grooved chime riffs, the spy school noir tipped backdrops and the subtle bathing in swathes of electronic hypno swirls all coalesce with mercurial mesmeric zeal to fracture and unravel into something that both Working for a Nuclear Free City and Genaro would weep with envy on hearing. Essential type purchase then.
Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=58054418&blogId=533737592#ixzz0mnr92nHP
the scratch
Category: Music
The Scratch ‘x-ray eyes’ (pony land). Many thanks to Andy Scratch for despatching with haste a finished copy of the must have 100 only 10 inch repress of the bands ‘x-rays eyes’ single - our copy coming adorned in all manner of autographs and well wishes which I don’t mind saying that aside having us much humbled and at a loss for words will be find itself pride of place framed and hung in a suitably centre of attention location when the losing today singled out shed of sound finally moves into pastures anew (more about that shortly).Anyhow this cute thing first saw the light of day in that golden year 2004 and serves as a pre-teaser for the re-release of the bands debut and re-mastered debut full length ’diy’ which I think I’ve commented on in the not so distant past is of such scarcity that I’m fairly certain we’ve not got a copy. Enough of that - this ten inch set gathers together a brace of golden oldies from the Scratch’s back catalogue ‘x-rays eyes’ itself briefly commented upon a blog or seven ago asserting itself amid a rather nifty austere post punk throb fused to a pulsating and dirty grinding death disco underpin replete with Gang of Four additives, Ry Cooder slides and some classically drilled Pigbag re-wiring. Over on the flip ‘brainstorm’ offers a spot of darkly unfurling softly seducing and brooding psychotropic loveliness, the marinating of mooching locked grooved chime riffs, the spy school noir tipped backdrops and the subtle bathing in swathes of electronic hypno swirls all coalesce with mercurial mesmeric zeal to fracture and unravel into something that both Working for a Nuclear Free City and Genaro would weep with envy on hearing. Essential type purchase then.
Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=58054418&blogId=533737592#ixzz0mnr92nHP
Friday, April 16, 2010
Your maniac, teen idols cause gas explosion
Many thanks to all at Recharged Radio especially Jordan, Dan and (the elaborately and amazingly vampish) Minki and all connected with last nights gig at 93 Feet East, where some great performances were topped excitingly by one of The Scratch's most incendiary shows in the last year. A hugely enthusiastic group of Scratchers, whooped and cheered every mention of the bands name prior to the show and upped it some during a flashing 30 minutes... Starting with a newie 'Biting on my lip', the boys were looking mean and focused as with each, swagger, strum and grind they built an intense smouldering fire that grew by the time they had introed (the massive sounding) Teen Idol into a raging inferno. Easily the wildest crowd repsonses followed each of the preceeding numbers, first Dear Maniac and finally one of the most unhinged 'flying squirrel meets iggy pop' Smell the gas taps to date.
Massive thanks to all Scratchers, friends, fans and worms for your amazing support.
Next it's a seaside special... don't forget your sunnies!!!
Massive thanks to all Scratchers, friends, fans and worms for your amazing support.
Next it's a seaside special... don't forget your sunnies!!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Recharged Radio special - last night!!!
Dear Scratchers,
There were plenty of name checks (Hugh Davenport and particularly Clint Boon) as an hour flew by last night on Andy's latest visit to the studios at Maple Street W1 of Recharged Radio. Host Jordan expertly guided the audience through all things The Scratch with an erudite line of questioning. Starting with Jordan's and The Scratch's Recharged signature track Teen Idol, Andy plotted a course from DIY (I Relax to Spiral Scratch), through Night Bus or Milk Train (Undercover, Smell the Gas Taps) and onto Whatever Happened to Friday Night (Girl's World and Independent Unrepentant), filling in the blanks all the way, with news, stories and info over the past 8 years and beyond!
Many thanks to Jord as ever. See you all on Thursday, with our appetites now firmly whetted!!!!
If you missed it all is not lost!!!, just look out for the podcast on itunes which you can get from www.rechargedradio.com
x
There were plenty of name checks (Hugh Davenport and particularly Clint Boon) as an hour flew by last night on Andy's latest visit to the studios at Maple Street W1 of Recharged Radio. Host Jordan expertly guided the audience through all things The Scratch with an erudite line of questioning. Starting with Jordan's and The Scratch's Recharged signature track Teen Idol, Andy plotted a course from DIY (I Relax to Spiral Scratch), through Night Bus or Milk Train (Undercover, Smell the Gas Taps) and onto Whatever Happened to Friday Night (Girl's World and Independent Unrepentant), filling in the blanks all the way, with news, stories and info over the past 8 years and beyond!
Many thanks to Jord as ever. See you all on Thursday, with our appetites now firmly whetted!!!!
If you missed it all is not lost!!!, just look out for the podcast on itunes which you can get from www.rechargedradio.com
x
Monday, April 12, 2010
TC's debut brings the house down!!!
Pub gigs aren't usually where The Scratch, excel or indeed feel most at home... there's something about the no stage thing that doesn't feel quite right... but Bar 62 in St.Albans is a bit different... (yeah it's Andy's mates place, so if ever there was a home banker, Bar 62 is it)... but last night was one of the highlight gigs of the latter Scratch history. Apart from the nailed on performance it was the sheer metronomic brutality of new man Terry C that really smashed the band back into the public eye, a mere 4 months since the departure of The Baron. To a person the assembled throng were full of praise for one of our best gigs in years... Two setters are always strange affairs, harking more to 'covers for cash' than the usual 30 minute smash and grabs we aspire to, Sunday felt a bit like a ram raid that went in, out, drove home, dropped off the stash and then drove back for more taking out the other supporting wall and bringing the whole house down on top of everyone. 3 newies too (Staving off the where's or the wise, let there be us and Biting on my lip), were a real buzz (great to play/hear new material), but old faves such as Strange 4Play, Spiral Scratch and particularly in it's year of re-release... DIY era trio, Alochol's a depressant, Supermodel and finale Texture to the flava!!! left many penciling in the Flag in Watford as there next big gig!
PS. Apologies if anyone sustained any broken toes from the enthusiastic nature of the frenzied dancers... but it was a rock'n'roll show after all!!!
Many many thanks as ever to everyone who made it down. This IS the dawn of a new era for The Scratch! so, see you all on Thursday at 93 Feet... it's gonna rock dudes!!!!
PS. Apologies if anyone sustained any broken toes from the enthusiastic nature of the frenzied dancers... but it was a rock'n'roll show after all!!!
Many many thanks as ever to everyone who made it down. This IS the dawn of a new era for The Scratch! so, see you all on Thursday at 93 Feet... it's gonna rock dudes!!!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
VOTE The Scratch!!! - For the emerging talent awards!
Dear Scratchers,
Now it appears to insiders that we're doing it somewhat in slow motion!... but we've been nominated as 'Best New Band' and 'Best Live Act' for the Camden Crawl Emerging Talent Awards, which is, as it says for emerging bands and would be rather a good thing to win... being that you've helped us to many glorious victories in the past (who could forget the M.E.N.!!!!) please spend just a minute of your time to click the button on the link
http://www.emergingtalentawards.com/vote/band/the-scratch
Here's the low down... Thanks so much, vote like mad!
The top 15 voted artists in each category will be announced on the site on the 15th of March, leaving the ETA judging panel to select the final winners of each award from the total pool of 45 short listed artists with the short list being opened up to the public again to decide Peoples Choice Award.
The Panel for this years ETA’s who consist of music professionals with expertise in a variety of areas to help give a balanced perspective. On board this year are:
Stephen Street (producer), James Sandom (artist management – Supervision), Korda Marshall (record label director – Infectious), Natasha Bent (booking agent – The Agency), Akala (artist), Simon Raymonde (record label director – Bella Union), John Leahy (marketing director – Polydor), Toby Langley & Dan Monsell (Rockfeedback), Eddie Lawrence (music editor – Time Out), Charles Holgate (radio producer Rinse FM) and Lisa
Paulon (Camden Crawl organiser).
The final award winners will be announced approximately 3 weeks prior to the Camden Crawl scheduled to take place 1st & 2nd May 2010. Each winner will be invited to play a 30 minute live set at the Emerging Talent Awards stage on one of the 2 days and will be presented with their award.
Now it appears to insiders that we're doing it somewhat in slow motion!... but we've been nominated as 'Best New Band' and 'Best Live Act' for the Camden Crawl Emerging Talent Awards, which is, as it says for emerging bands and would be rather a good thing to win... being that you've helped us to many glorious victories in the past (who could forget the M.E.N.!!!!) please spend just a minute of your time to click the button on the link
http://www.emergingtalentawards.com/vote/band/the-scratch
Here's the low down... Thanks so much, vote like mad!
The top 15 voted artists in each category will be announced on the site on the 15th of March, leaving the ETA judging panel to select the final winners of each award from the total pool of 45 short listed artists with the short list being opened up to the public again to decide Peoples Choice Award.
The Panel for this years ETA’s who consist of music professionals with expertise in a variety of areas to help give a balanced perspective. On board this year are:
Stephen Street (producer), James Sandom (artist management – Supervision), Korda Marshall (record label director – Infectious), Natasha Bent (booking agent – The Agency), Akala (artist), Simon Raymonde (record label director – Bella Union), John Leahy (marketing director – Polydor), Toby Langley & Dan Monsell (Rockfeedback), Eddie Lawrence (music editor – Time Out), Charles Holgate (radio producer Rinse FM) and Lisa
Paulon (Camden Crawl organiser).
The final award winners will be announced approximately 3 weeks prior to the Camden Crawl scheduled to take place 1st & 2nd May 2010. Each winner will be invited to play a 30 minute live set at the Emerging Talent Awards stage on one of the 2 days and will be presented with their award.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Radio 2XS - Teen Idol, riding high!!!
Dear Scratchers, we've just had a mail in to let us know that Teen Idol, is still up there punching its weight with the big boys on radio2XS in Sheffield - Playing new music, live sessions and 60 years of rock n roll, 24/7
We're 44th out of their top 60, which ain't bad when you look at some of the acts on the list! (Not sure what the maths mean, but sounds impressive eh!)
x
Latest Statistics
During January 2010:
We were listened-to over 540,000 times.
Our AVERAGE listening time per listener was 1 hours 18 minutes.
We had over 1.7 MILLION hits on our website.
Listener numbers for the Top 60 Tracks heard on 2XS January 2010
ENGINEERS - Clean Coloured Wire 49973
BILLY BOY ON POISON - Happy Valentine`s Day 45779
DOMMIN - My Heart Your Hands 43031
JUNKIE XL - Remember 41977
PLACEBO - Bright Lights 41594
DECAY ENDS A DECADE - Frozen In The Night 39757
HELL - U Can Dance (ft Bryan Ferry) 38864
ROB ZOMBIE - Sick Bubblegum 37339
ASH - Space Shot 36413
ERLAND AND THE CARNIVAL - Trouble In Mind 36068
FRAGILE AUDIO - Heaven Won`t Take 35396
NICKELBACK - Burn It To The Ground 34860
LAROCA - Unit 125 (Aaron Jerome 100 mix) 34708
IDOLS ARE HIGHER - Left To Design 34679
GEORGE PRINGLE - Pop Hit 32674
FELIX DA HOUSECAT - We All Wanna Be Prince 29846
LEE MacDOUGALL - Joanna 28546
GLASS (The) - Superhero (Sam Roqwell & I Sancho mix) 27716
SENADEE - My Fault 27631
PARA! DISE LOST - Faith Divides Us Death Unites Us 26768
WOO WORTHS (The) - Plasticine 26460
DEVENDRA BANHART - 16th And Valencia, Roxy Music 26411
TRICKY - Joseph (ft South Rakkas Crew) 26283
TURBOWOLF - Let`s Die 24579
BIFFY CLYRO - The Captain 24327
IAN BROWN - Just Like You (Prodigy remix) 23625
TIN SOLDIERS - Just What I Needed 22484
ERRORS - A Rumour In Africa 21898
LOST PROPHETS - Where We Belong 21844
HIM - Heartkiller 21488
MOBY - Stay Down 21135
DR RUBBERFUNK - Sunset Breakup 20474
WALDECK - Memories 20458
CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG - Heaven Can Wait (ft Beck) 19463
A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS - Stop Slipping Away (South Central mix) 19377
VITALIC - Poison Lips 19146
EDITORS - No Sound But The Wind 18353
NICK HOLLYWOOD - Deep Henderson 18231
CARAVAN PALACE - Jolie Coquine 18229
PLASTISCINES - Bitch 18215
DEPECHE MODE - Fragile Tension 17655
GREEN D! AY - 21st Century Breakdown 17532
LITTLE DRAGON - My Step 17336
SCRATCH (The) - Teen Idol 17201
EELS - A Line In The Dirt 16808
DEPECHE MODE - Perfect (Roger Sanchez mix) 16414
KAP BAMBINO - Batcaves (Maton mix) 16196
WE KNOW MASON - Man I Want To Become 15664
CHEMISTS (The) - This City 15466
VOODOO TROMBONE QUARTET - Voodoo Juju (Lemon Refresher mix) 14504
EIGHT LEGS - I Understand (Blame James remix) 14018
SOUND OF GUNS - Dead Sea Scrolls 13961
DEPECHE MODE - Hole To Feed 13722
BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB - Done All Wrong 13007
LIMOZINE - Honey Yeah 12962
COLD WAR KIDS - Audience Of One 12886
RINGO STARR - Fill In The Blanks 12029
STRAIT LACES - Seconds Out (Uber Gliterrati mix) 11652
JULIETTE LEWIS - Romeo 11637
MOBY - One Time We Lived 11611
We're 44th out of their top 60, which ain't bad when you look at some of the acts on the list! (Not sure what the maths mean, but sounds impressive eh!)
x
Latest Statistics
During January 2010:
We were listened-to over 540,000 times.
Our AVERAGE listening time per listener was 1 hours 18 minutes.
We had over 1.7 MILLION hits on our website.
Listener numbers for the Top 60 Tracks heard on 2XS January 2010
ENGINEERS - Clean Coloured Wire 49973
BILLY BOY ON POISON - Happy Valentine`s Day 45779
DOMMIN - My Heart Your Hands 43031
JUNKIE XL - Remember 41977
PLACEBO - Bright Lights 41594
DECAY ENDS A DECADE - Frozen In The Night 39757
HELL - U Can Dance (ft Bryan Ferry) 38864
ROB ZOMBIE - Sick Bubblegum 37339
ASH - Space Shot 36413
ERLAND AND THE CARNIVAL - Trouble In Mind 36068
FRAGILE AUDIO - Heaven Won`t Take 35396
NICKELBACK - Burn It To The Ground 34860
LAROCA - Unit 125 (Aaron Jerome 100 mix) 34708
IDOLS ARE HIGHER - Left To Design 34679
GEORGE PRINGLE - Pop Hit 32674
FELIX DA HOUSECAT - We All Wanna Be Prince 29846
LEE MacDOUGALL - Joanna 28546
GLASS (The) - Superhero (Sam Roqwell & I Sancho mix) 27716
SENADEE - My Fault 27631
PARA! DISE LOST - Faith Divides Us Death Unites Us 26768
WOO WORTHS (The) - Plasticine 26460
DEVENDRA BANHART - 16th And Valencia, Roxy Music 26411
TRICKY - Joseph (ft South Rakkas Crew) 26283
TURBOWOLF - Let`s Die 24579
BIFFY CLYRO - The Captain 24327
IAN BROWN - Just Like You (Prodigy remix) 23625
TIN SOLDIERS - Just What I Needed 22484
ERRORS - A Rumour In Africa 21898
LOST PROPHETS - Where We Belong 21844
HIM - Heartkiller 21488
MOBY - Stay Down 21135
DR RUBBERFUNK - Sunset Breakup 20474
WALDECK - Memories 20458
CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG - Heaven Can Wait (ft Beck) 19463
A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS - Stop Slipping Away (South Central mix) 19377
VITALIC - Poison Lips 19146
EDITORS - No Sound But The Wind 18353
NICK HOLLYWOOD - Deep Henderson 18231
CARAVAN PALACE - Jolie Coquine 18229
PLASTISCINES - Bitch 18215
DEPECHE MODE - Fragile Tension 17655
GREEN D! AY - 21st Century Breakdown 17532
LITTLE DRAGON - My Step 17336
SCRATCH (The) - Teen Idol 17201
EELS - A Line In The Dirt 16808
DEPECHE MODE - Perfect (Roger Sanchez mix) 16414
KAP BAMBINO - Batcaves (Maton mix) 16196
WE KNOW MASON - Man I Want To Become 15664
CHEMISTS (The) - This City 15466
VOODOO TROMBONE QUARTET - Voodoo Juju (Lemon Refresher mix) 14504
EIGHT LEGS - I Understand (Blame James remix) 14018
SOUND OF GUNS - Dead Sea Scrolls 13961
DEPECHE MODE - Hole To Feed 13722
BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB - Done All Wrong 13007
LIMOZINE - Honey Yeah 12962
COLD WAR KIDS - Audience Of One 12886
RINGO STARR - Fill In The Blanks 12029
STRAIT LACES - Seconds Out (Uber Gliterrati mix) 11652
JULIETTE LEWIS - Romeo 11637
MOBY - One Time We Lived 11611
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Scratch get nominated!!! - vote now please!
Dear Scratchers,
Just wanted to let you know that we’ve been nominated for The Justin Wayne Show's Birthday Best Awards… for our track TEEN IDOL!!!!
You can vote for us here
Vote at http://thejustinwayneshow.com/vote
Details of why when and who are below, thanks in advance, we know, we can rely on you guys!...
now a word from Justin….
To mark another fabulous year of independent music on The Justin Wayne Show we've nominated the top 55 songs of the year to be played on our Birthday Best Anniversary Show and we've chosen you (The Scratch)! (This is out of over 1000 submissions this year!) We've also included the full list below so you can check out your competition.
The awards show is just after our 2nd Birthday on February 3rd, 2010 at 8pm GMT, 3pm EST, 2pm CST, 1pm MST, and 12pm PST. (Or pop over to the site http://thejustinwayneshow.com and we can convert that to your timezone.)
What does this mean? (The Scratch) You'll be featured on two nomination podcasts coming out over the next two weeks and judged by the staff and other chosen members of the independent music community. Then, if (our) your song is chosen you will be played on the Birthday Best Awards Show on the 3rd of February.
Along with the Top 25 Countdown from our judges' voting we'll also be giving out the following awards:
* Best Artist of the Year
* Best Song of the Year
* Best Band Name of the Year
* Presenter's Picks (Each Presenter gets one of these)
* Audience Choice Award
The Audience Choice Award is up to you (YES YOU!). Send your fans (YOU GUYS), mates, mum and dad, and the rest of your supporting crew to http://thejustinwayneshow.com/vote to cast their vote for you. Then, (you'll) they'll also know where to go February 3rd to listen LIVE to the Awards Show.
You (The Scratch) will also be featured on our website as well as Recharged Radio's website, the Association of Music Podcasting's website and other podcast forums around the world.
Nominees for The Justin Wayne Show Birthday Best Awards Show
To be aired Wednesday, 3rd of February at 8pm GMT on Recharged Radio at http://rechargedradio.com
Vote at http://thejustinwayneshow.com/vote
Just wanted to let you know that we’ve been nominated for The Justin Wayne Show's Birthday Best Awards… for our track TEEN IDOL!!!!
You can vote for us here
Vote at http://thejustinwayneshow.com/vote
Details of why when and who are below, thanks in advance, we know, we can rely on you guys!...
now a word from Justin….
To mark another fabulous year of independent music on The Justin Wayne Show we've nominated the top 55 songs of the year to be played on our Birthday Best Anniversary Show and we've chosen you (The Scratch)! (This is out of over 1000 submissions this year!) We've also included the full list below so you can check out your competition.
The awards show is just after our 2nd Birthday on February 3rd, 2010 at 8pm GMT, 3pm EST, 2pm CST, 1pm MST, and 12pm PST. (Or pop over to the site http://thejustinwayneshow.com and we can convert that to your timezone.)
What does this mean? (The Scratch) You'll be featured on two nomination podcasts coming out over the next two weeks and judged by the staff and other chosen members of the independent music community. Then, if (our) your song is chosen you will be played on the Birthday Best Awards Show on the 3rd of February.
Along with the Top 25 Countdown from our judges' voting we'll also be giving out the following awards:
* Best Artist of the Year
* Best Song of the Year
* Best Band Name of the Year
* Presenter's Picks (Each Presenter gets one of these)
* Audience Choice Award
The Audience Choice Award is up to you (YES YOU!). Send your fans (YOU GUYS), mates, mum and dad, and the rest of your supporting crew to http://thejustinwayneshow.com/vote to cast their vote for you. Then, (you'll) they'll also know where to go February 3rd to listen LIVE to the Awards Show.
You (The Scratch) will also be featured on our website as well as Recharged Radio's website, the Association of Music Podcasting's website and other podcast forums around the world.
Nominees for The Justin Wayne Show Birthday Best Awards Show
To be aired Wednesday, 3rd of February at 8pm GMT on Recharged Radio at http://rechargedradio.com
Vote at http://thejustinwayneshow.com/vote
Friday, January 22, 2010
'Sounds of the suburbs' - Mon Feb 8th - Recharged Radio
Dear Scratchers,
It's been a slow start to 010, but, at last we have a confirmed date for our radio special 'Sounds of the Suburbs'. Devised by Andy and Put together with Hug(e)h help from Mr Davenport of CRMK fame and our own Johnny V. SOTS is a one hour radio special about The Scratch/Ponyland Records, St.Albans, the venues and where to get a late night curry!
The show features interviews from 'Scenesters' We are White Worm and Khalasars, live chat with punters down the Horn (venue) a brief history of Ponyland records, news from The Scratch and music from: The Scratch, Harringtons, We are White Worm, Mamajamas, DIY Or Die Organisration and Means of Production and all of this is joyously topped off by an extra special interview with superstar XFM DJ Clint Boon.
Not to be missed. www.rechargedradio.com
x
It's been a slow start to 010, but, at last we have a confirmed date for our radio special 'Sounds of the Suburbs'. Devised by Andy and Put together with Hug(e)h help from Mr Davenport of CRMK fame and our own Johnny V. SOTS is a one hour radio special about The Scratch/Ponyland Records, St.Albans, the venues and where to get a late night curry!
The show features interviews from 'Scenesters' We are White Worm and Khalasars, live chat with punters down the Horn (venue) a brief history of Ponyland records, news from The Scratch and music from: The Scratch, Harringtons, We are White Worm, Mamajamas, DIY Or Die Organisration and Means of Production and all of this is joyously topped off by an extra special interview with superstar XFM DJ Clint Boon.
Not to be missed. www.rechargedradio.com
x
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Unorthadox, but 2010 is off and running...
Dear Scratchers,
And so, despite the snow, Friday evening saw 2010 begin for The Scratch with Andy's phone appearance on recharged radio, via the back alley of Andy's mates pub! Host Jordan asked about plans for 2010, discussed the bands latest (theft!!!) setback, this time the loss of all the bands video footage for Teen idol and all the bands amps via a stolen car! Plus, Andy outlined details of the digital re-release of first album Diy, new drummer Terry and the forthcoming radio special that he, John and Crmk dj Hugh Davenport have put together about the St.Albans scene. 'Sound of the suburbs' is an hour long show featuring the bands, fans, venues, ponyland records and best local curry houses! More news will follow in the next couple of weeks, as to when the show will be aired, so keep a weather eye open! Don't forget, If you want to listen again to the show again, just visit www.rechargedradio.com
x
And so, despite the snow, Friday evening saw 2010 begin for The Scratch with Andy's phone appearance on recharged radio, via the back alley of Andy's mates pub! Host Jordan asked about plans for 2010, discussed the bands latest (theft!!!) setback, this time the loss of all the bands video footage for Teen idol and all the bands amps via a stolen car! Plus, Andy outlined details of the digital re-release of first album Diy, new drummer Terry and the forthcoming radio special that he, John and Crmk dj Hugh Davenport have put together about the St.Albans scene. 'Sound of the suburbs' is an hour long show featuring the bands, fans, venues, ponyland records and best local curry houses! More news will follow in the next couple of weeks, as to when the show will be aired, so keep a weather eye open! Don't forget, If you want to listen again to the show again, just visit www.rechargedradio.com
x
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