I hear the sirens calling
As the rain is gently falling

Pod gave rock ‘n’ roll to you

Posted: 14/02/2012 | Author: | Filed under: Films, Music | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Congratulations to the guys at Podrophenia, who have just aired the 50th edition of their tasty radio show/podcast. Recorded in a bunker hidden beneath the golden streets of sunny Southend in Essex, Podrophenia is hosted by two dons of the UK music blogging world – Mondo from Planet Mondo and Piley from Start The Revolution Without Me. Each programme has a different theme (Charity Shop Classics and Ghosts, Ghoulies, Gremlins are among the memorable recent offerings) and Podrophenia 50 is a film special handily called, err, The Film Special. Tune in for Jackie Mittoo’s reggae version of “From Russia With Love”, Sigue Sigue Sputnik frontman Martin Degville covering “The Streets Of London”, and a pre-Small Faces Steve Marriott kicking up “Consider Yourself” from the original stage production of “Oliver!”, plus tales of the six-fingered man in “Get Carter” and how The Beatles talked about buying the film rights to “The Lord Of The Rings” back in the Sixties.

You can hear Podrophenia live on Tuesdays at 9pm on Chance Radio or click here to access the Podrophenia library at Planet Mondo and listen to the pods of your choosing at your leisure.

While Mondo and Piley are old hands at this podding thing, Steve Worrall from the Retro Man blog isn’t too familiar with the world of microphones and jingles, although you’d never guess that from his debut Retro Sonic pod. It’s a confident start and no mistake. The Retro Sonic 1 playlist takes in American psychedelic soulsters The Chambers Brothers, Aussie punk pioneers The Saints and Mancunian powerpopsters Fast Cars, and Steve’s got some quality guests with him in the studio as well – rock photographer Paul Slattery, who is maybe best known for his shots of The Smiths and Oasis, and the walking punk encyclopedia that is Adam Donovan from The Jetsonics. Well, when I say ‘studio’, I’m not sure they are actually in a studio, because there’s a big log fire crackling away in the background. “Think of it like the crackles on a nice bit of worn vinyl,” says Steve.

Click here for Retro Sonic 1 and here for a special bonus Retro Sonic interview with Paul Slattery.

Huey Morgan’s wine column

Posted: 10/02/2012 | Author: | Filed under: Magazines, Music | Tags: , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Huey Morgan's Wine Column from Mondo magazine (Issue 1)Huey Morgan's Wine Column from Mondo magazine (Issue 2)Huey Morgan's Wine Column from Mondo magazine (Issue 3)Way back when, I was the editor of a magazine called Mondo. It wasn’t around too long (2000 and 2001), which was a pity because I think we had some corking editorial ideas. But then I guess I would say that. Anyway, one of our regular features was Huey’s Wine Column – a wine column by Huey Morgan of the Fun Lovin’ Criminals, who’s now maybe best known in the UK for his shows on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music. Huey didn’t pen his column himself, mind. It was ghost written by Mondo deputy editor Mark Wernham, who would fill a big box with bottles of wine, grab the office tape recorder, and meet with Huey at some secret location every month. That was generally the last we’d hear from Mark for a couple of days.

I’ve seen mentions of Huey’s Wine Column in lots of different places over the years (it’s on Huey’s Wikipedia page), but the copy has never been re-published anywhere (either in print or online). Not to my knowledge or Mark’s knowledge anyhow. So here, for your delectation and your delight, are scans of Huey’s first three Mondo wine columns, as they appeared in the magazine. Click an image for a large, readable version. Huey’s views are very entertaining, but you’ll find lots of useful tips too. I mean, when he says “Don’t drink wine with shit swimming around in it”, you’ve got to admit that’s sound advice.

Huey Morgan photos by Neil Cooper