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
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
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
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