The Record Player Goes Forth.

Welcome stranger, pull up a chair and have a brew.

May 2013 sees the Record Player spread it's wings to pastures new.

Along with the regular Thursday nights at the Tyneside Cinema -  the good folk at the Durham Gala have invited me along to spin a choice from some of the more popular Record Player nights so far.

Tuesdays are now the night for the rocking and the listening, we begin with Rumours  by The Fleetwood Mac Five.
As is traditional, all albums are played on vinyl, from start to finish, accompanied with a splendid slide show
There will also be a quiz with some stupendous prizes.

Tickets are only FIVE ENGLISH POUNDS and you can hear yesterdays sounds today along with some general daftness.

We mustn't forget up and coming shows at Live Theatre as well.

There's another special coming up in July in a venue that will not only serve you beer, it will afford you a splendid view.

Do contact me should you have any queries, it's always nice to make new friends.

Folk I Have Met.

Last weekend I was in the same room as a man who wrote over 50 Motown hits. Alright, Cliff Richard was there as well, but let's not quibble. Lamont Dozier was that man, a man whose genius has soundtracked the lives of millions.

I once shook the hand of DJ Fontana, he played the drums on Jailhouse Rock. With Elvis. I never expected that in my life. Suzi Quatro once rang me up and I have offered my flat as a bail address for a Housemartin.

There is an argument that should never meet your heroes, but, sadly when I do, I can't help myself. Fanboy takes over. I once stuck my head through the sun roof of a Ford Granada to tell David Sylvian that I liked his records and there was that time that Peter Hook told me to fuck off.

When I got the chance to meet Brian Wilson, I was both chuffed and cynical. Here's a man whose songs are on the radio everyday. Since the 1960's. But he's bonkers, he's addled by drugs and age. As we queued a little American barked at us 'one autograph, one photograph'. Duly we met the man, a brief blur of signing and a quick snap.
For the few seconds I stood by him, all I could think was; 'bugger me, it's Brian Wilson'. He's a genius.
We were soon turfed out, but the good feeling remained.

So what's the point then? It's the Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys classic at The Record Player on Thursday, and as part of the fun, there's a competition to win the copy of Smile I got Brian to autograph.
Here it is:

http://www.tynesidecinema.co.uk/whats-on/mr-draytons-record-player

NO MORE Mr. NICE GUY

Sadly this weeks Record Player comes with a dark cloud hovering above it's head. After last weeks shenanigans I feel it's time to bring down the heavy hand of authority. I have to do this to protect those who come along to enjoy the music every week.

The Record Player prides its self in bringing a relaxed atmosphere, a place to take time out from the day, a place to listen.

So it began last week. Abbey Road played and a scuffle broke out during Maxwell's Silver Hammer. All well and good, not everyone likes this piece of McCartney whimsy - Lennon called it 'Paul's granny music' after all.

Further investigation revealed the scuffle wasn't over the merits of the song. It was members of the audience attempting to suppress a triangle player. He'd brought the triangle along to 'enhance the vibe'. I gave the audience a stiff talking to.

Afterwards, some came along to aplogise. They admitted to bringing along the following - a stylophone to Dark Side of the Moon, a comb and paper to The Stone Roses, marimbas to Ziggy Stardust and harp to Bon Iver.

I feel guilty for not noticing. I'd thought these new sounds were coming out from the uncompressed beauty of vinyl. Turns out it was some kids fannying on with instruments they'd brought along.

I never thought I would have to say this, it saddens me that I should have to. From here on in - NO MORE INSTRUMENTS.

Anyone who looks as though they're carrying will be searched, and if found in possession of instruments will be taken to the Record Player parallel universe version where Phil Collins 'No Jacket Required' is in perpetual rotation. You have been warned.

Queen II by The Queen Group this week.

Far Beyond My Wildest Dreams....

...as side one of The Record Player comes to a close, I have to say the last four weeks have been above and beyond. Each night has brought it's own particular brand of magic.

Last week we went wiggy with Ziggy, this week (which I expected to be  empty because of the heat) a fantastic crowd sat and soaked up the melancholy gorgeousness of Bon Iver.

I can't get over the fact that people will come to simply enjoy music. Running the Record Player has allowed me to listen afresh. I used to cycle to work with my ipod on. Now, if I'm going to play music, I take time to sit and listen. I hear it.

I'd like to extend the hand of friendship to all those who bothered to come.  Thanks to the Four Timers - Susan and Ewan. Nuff respec' (see what I did there?) to the cool kids who came tonight - they took the time to come from Washington to listen to a record.  How cool is that? Ice Cold.

And - the lovely folk at Tyneside Cinema, the only place see a film or listen to an album.
Thank you.

Week off next week, I'm off bear baiting with Jackie Charlton.

The Record Player Charts will follow soon, as will the playlist for October/November 2011.
See you on the 13th.