The Medium Wave Podcast

Important Notice:

2009-07-28T00:10:00.002+01:00

I said I want to Podcast...

2009-06-03T04:13:00.002+01:00

Greetings Podfans, Episode 15 of Medium Wave is just a click away and just in case listening to it isn't enough here are your hosts with some information about it.
First up, DJ Rules...king of the simile, master of the metaphor, this week he reckons we're a Picnic.....

DJ Rules Writes:
"People...Its summer in the city and everyday is a stoned soul picnic at Medium Wave. So settle yourself down on DJ Rules' Gingham blanket and lets open that wicker hamper and explore the aural delights of a fine Medium Wave spread.

Next to the paper plates I see a delicately wrapped copy of The Premiers' "Farmer John". Looking as juicy and appealing as it did back in '64 this is an East LA crazy hep cat workout driven by a gaggle of screaming pedal pushing lovelies known as the Chevelles Car Club: the record was the party and if you see "Kosher Pickled Harry" do let me know. For the story behind this tune check out http://www.richieunterberger.com/premiers.html

Sitting snuggly beside the ham sandwiches neatly cut by Dr Volume rests the rather more contemporary Mr Day with DJ Vadim and the Curtis homage "If I Can't Love You". Presented as a delightful 7" white vinyl pressing this slab of pure 70s stoop funk is one of DJ Rules tunes of the year so far. With the vocals and melody floating along like a crisp packet on a hot New York sidewalk Mr Day is clearly going to stay a believer and I'm right beside him. Find out more or purchase at http://www.myspace.com/eric_aka_mrda y

Perfect as a side dish I have also packed a good helping of sunshine pop with The 5th Dimension's "Good News". Originally known as The Versatiles, a name change and the support of Jim Webb (songwriter) and Bones Howe (arranger) saw these 5 crazy cats purring slick soaring soul harmonies. You may well remember "Up-Up And Away" as well as "California Soul" and "Stoned Soul Picnic" (written by Laura Nyro - ed) everyone a winner baby and that's no lie...check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_Dimension

Finally every picnic needs a slightly left-field nibble, I personally go for anchovies in olive oil but this time decided to pack a little Coco Rosie with "By Your Side". From their 2004 debut La Maison De Reve this slice of Lo-Fi Parisian playfulness is rocking my boat in ways that the good Doctor finds difficult to understand but then we don't all like anchovies...http://www.myspace.com/cocorosie
So people that's DJ Rules and his hamper of summer goodies, enjoy the treats and roll one for me x"

And now over to our correspondent Dr Volume....

Dr Volume Writes:
"Get yer Factor 15 on, make sure you're carrying an umbrella...its the old curmudgeon Dr Volume here. Firstly, what on earth is "Stoop Funk"? I've just Googled it and the only thing it came back with was...this very blog entry by DJ Rules! As for Coco Rosie..I recall it got very good notices when it came out but its one of those records I can very easily judge as one that I simply do not like. I just find the rather self-consciously "fragile" production values rather mannered. Deliberately squeaky 'iccle-girlie' vocals are also one of my pet hates, see also Talulah Gosh, The Cranes and Deerhoof. I like Anchovies though. Especially their third LP "Double Squid and Patatas Bravas".

Anway I played some records as well..it all seems a long time ago and I'm now busy deciding which Swell Maps track to put on next weeks show (at the moment, its all of them but I'm sure I can narrow it down).
Well, I played the rather fine Junior Boys who are now 3 albums in and still doing a fine job of imagining what 80s Electro Pop might have been like if the Fairlight and the Linn-Drum had never been invented. Its pop music alright, but also full of air and space..kind of Dub-Pop. Not that I have anything against the Trevor Horn style kitchen-sink approach but its an interesting exercise.

I gave Deerhunter a spin too. These are much blogged already so I won't add to the mountain of publicity that has already been heaped upon them, but I must say they were excellent at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds last week. They continue to do that weird thing of playing very loud, intense music almost without a break and then pausing to riff with the crowd in a very disarming way, somewhat at odds with the Psychedelic maelstrom still ringing in your ears. This gig ended with a rather protracted attempt by a (tired & emotional) Bradford Cox to ring his mum over the PA System (aided by their laconic sound engineer). He eventually succeeded and god knows what Mama Cox thought of the message left by her son speaking through a digital delay with 200 rather merry fans cheering in the background.

Good to get a Chrome track in too. This one pushed DJ Rules' Lo-Fi garage rock button! I got this on the strength of the sleeve, and all I can say is the cover accurately depicts what it sounds like:

Also in my selection were tracks by the excellent Ametsub, Working for A Nuclear Free City and the mighty Boredoms. Thanks for listening. Podcast 16 coming very soon, I've been down to the bargain basement for this one so should be good. "

That's all from your two resident DJs. Stick around for Episode 16. Oooh Matron...."

Listen on....

We ate peanuts and played records

2009-05-17T00:15:00.011+01:00

The man with the dog walked past and cast a glance through the window. The local teenager shuffled on by parading the now and anticipating the event. A Toyota pulled up and a man stepped from the vehicle with a rather large bag. The rain started falling as the mic stands were set up and at 9.45 a rather angular and bovine young lady passed by with a takeaway. At 10pm the lights were dimmed and the scotch eggs had been eaten. The show started at 10.15 precisely. DJ Rules explored his full repertoire, stepping gently into J Dilla and Slum Village and directing the orchestra into a statesman like version of 'Fall in Love' conducted by Carlos Nino and Miguel Atwood Ferguson. As the night fell and the city slowed a touch of Ariel Pink 'Getting High in the Morning' was deftly introduced followed by The Millenium Psych-ing out 'To Claudia on a Thursday'. As the last peanuts were crunched and the Carlsberg drained a stirring rendition of the Phreek classic 'Weekend' was reinterpreted by Class Action aka Leroy Burgess. At 12.30 the mics were unplugged and at 1am the Toyota reappeared and a tall man climbed into the back. I do hope the bovine young lady enjoyed her takeaway and you enjoy this performance of Medium Wave.

DJ Rules with acknowledgement to Dom Cerulli and the sleevenotes for the 1965 classic; Milt Jackson at the Museum of Modern Art.

J Dilla and Slum Village (http://www.myspace.com/slumvillage)

Ariel Pink (http://www.mysp ace.com/arielpink)

The Millenium (http://thealwa ysbluesociety.blogspot.com/2008/03/millenium-begin-1968.html

Class Action aka Leroy Burgess (http://www.soulwalking.co.uk /Leroy%20 Bur gess.html)

Episode 13: Oak style flooring with a Khaki and Orange Colour Scheme

2009-04-28T02:11:00.010+01:00

Well Podfans, the Medium Wave Fun-Bus has pulled into a well known UK 'Leisure complex' and Episode 13 is upon us. Press play on the PodPlayer at the top of the page and browse our extensive facilities, or read on for the full brochure.

Here is DJ Rules to tell you about some of the gramophone records he played on the show:

DJ Rules Writes:
"Mines a single malt...hep cats, beatmakers and soul breakers welcome one and all to Medium Wave episode 13. As you will know DJ Rules is a man not scared to show his love so I open my arms to you all and say don your leisure suit, slip on those free slippers and pad on down to the Medium Wave leisure complex. You can check in anytime and we offer a range of family friendly activities...bookable in advance of course with a valid credit card and copy of the Daily Mail. First off may I introduce you to Shafiq Husayn head of light entertainment and soul soaring hip hop beats. We play "Push" from the album Jank Random Vs Earl Leonne. Check out more at http://www.myspace.com/leossun"

"Over at the Medium Wave Cafe le Dysfunctionale we have the ever helpful Thee Oh Sees serving up a healthy family platter of wild garage rock with a delightful surf topping. Check out their low carb menu at http://www.myspace.com/ohsees And remember moms for every copy of "Ruby Go Home" you order Medium Wave will give you a free Kids colouring pack of favourite stills from that Disney classic 'Look Mom Hannah is a Whore'

"Once your belly is full why not slide on over to the Medium Wave bar and join mein host the Dukes of Stratosphear. Renowned for their friendly welcome and only recently returned from a highly successful Cruise Ship tour let the boys spin away your clogged artieries and help you eat your monkey mind with the cocktail classic "My Love Explodes" Find their summer schedule at http://www.xtcidearecords.co.uk/ And I have to say the album is very well modelled by Dr Volume and his somewhat Morriseyesque chin!!"

"So there you go people its always 25 o clock at the Medium Wave leisure complex...and no we don't offer a checkout facility but then why would you want to do that....Donuts to ya all ..DJ Rules head of housekeeping and tobacco supplies"

Thank you DJ Rules, and now here is Dr Volume to tell you about the noises that came out of his computer when he pressed the button marked "Music".

"I'll have a Krombacher, and get us some Peanuts would you? I've just realised if you click my link to the Krombacher Website it plays 'Belfast Child' by Simple Minds as one might imagine Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits might play it. I find that somewhat disturbing. I hope DJ Rules doesn't listen to it, as it may bring back haunting memories of his woodland Utopia. Anyway, I played some music on the Podcast too! 'Selina's Melodie Fountain' by the hugely unsung Serena Maneesh, was one of them. This lot get accused of being Shoegaze revivalists but while the lurching guitars and FX-laden production obviously nod toward My Bloody Valentine there is a Stones-esque swagger and giddy Pop sensibility to this which is more....Stargazing than Shoegazing. "

"I also played a remix of a Débruit track by Alfred Weisberg-Roberts aka Daedelus. Not only has he done a fine job of mashing up the wonkiest Gallic Hip-Hop with New Order's 'Perfect Kiss' he also sports some quite splendid sideburns which would make both Mike Nesmith and Richard O'Sullivan of 'Robin's Nest' fame quite jealous."

"Manchester Funksters A Certain Ratio featured in our 'Warm Baguette...or Mouldy Old Dough' spot this week. The result is somewhat predictable as I still feel a certain loyalty to the band I've followed for over 20 years. They have been through enough stylistic and line-up changes to earn the title of the 'Fleetwood Mac' of Post-punk. It is fair to say that at times they have tested my loyalty! They do actually have a new LP out which has been available for a few months but you can't buy it in the shops and as yet its only available on import from Son De Marquis. Its a mixed-bag of a record which references the past a lot, and I agree with my co-presenter that there is a bit too much thrown into the mix and it would be great to hear Ratio pare it down a bit.
ACR Live is another matter entirely, and if you haven't seen them play before you really should go aong and see how Cowbells were meant to be walloped. You can catch them at the Deaf Instiute in Manchester on 24 May and the fab Brudenell Club in Leeds in 4 July. More dates here".

"Finally, DJR explained to me that his post includes a reference to Hannah Montana. I had little concept of this charmless, Aryan, Disneyfied Bimbotron until I saw her on Jonathan Ross last Fiday. I can only urge that if yer kids insist on seeing her new movie that you also get them the original 'Fame' and 'Saturday Night Fever' on DVD which have good singalong songs, and also have a meaningful plot, a bit of gritty realism and Non-White people in them."

Listen with DJ Rules and Dr Volume

2009-04-07T11:23:00.005+01:00

Well said Dr Volume!. Also worth mentioning that the Four Tet track is a collaboration with the Sa Ra Collective and, man, we are talking a far out tune. Its going to turn your toes to jelly and your eyes to ice cream...you'll wake up at a children's party being served as the pudding whilst whistling a Sore Eros tune. Seriously people this show is a killer, and the Mind on Fire Guys are about to let loose some serious beat abuse in the Manchester area...watch this space mes amies..

Keep on looking under those carpets ...DJ Rules carpet beater extraordinaire.

Episode 12 Coming Soon.

2009-04-07T00:03:00.004+01:00

Episode 12 has now been digitized and will be up here for your listening pleasure just as soon as Dr Volume has removed all the libellous, scandalous and rubbish bits. It will almost certainly feature music by Quincy Bright, Four Tet, Cheapskate, Thomas Dolby, Move D, Bauhaus, Super Furry Animals, the jaw-dropping new single by Tim Exile and many many more.
Plus we have our special guest from the Mind Of Fire collective with news of their various exciting cultural happenings down Manchester way. Stay tuned, its gonna be a belter.

My people - Episode 11

2009-03-29T20:50:00.011+01:00

My people were wobbly and had flowers in their hair....beat abusers, accoustic soundscapers and downright wrong'uns gather and shake those copies of the guardian for we refuse to be labelled... we come to dip our furry toes in the pool of Medium Wave. Yes, episode 11 is amongs us and what a treat of aural impudence it is. Some of DJ Rules highlights include (on my left) that electro classic COD, In the Bottle. A full on effect 1983 electro stromer of Gill Scott Herons tune with a little bit of the smurf mixed in for added head spinning. Found a great site the other day which has collected stacks of the old NYC early rap and hip hop flyers from around 79 to 85...check out http://toledohiphop.org/images/old_school_source_code/
On the more furry feet tip I can only say get out folksters and purchase your copy of the new Sore Eros album. Ethereal, celestial and all those other ials that DJ Rules loves to snuggle up with on a chilly Spring evening. Stand out tracks include, In my Heart and Lips Like Wine, the latter a little like being dipped in warm chocolate and then whispered dry by a collection of French au-pairs. http://www.myspace.com/soreeros

Yann Kesz was a real treat and I could have pretty much picked any one of the thirteen sublime wobbly hip hop/disco edits on this platter. It came out in 2007 and is another formidable from the French beats scene. Featuring Eagle Nebula, Lorett Fleur, Karim Nazem, DJ Suspect, LMNO, LD and Boddhi Sativa its on the Tradvibe label which can be found at http://www.tradvibe.fr

Finally I doff my rather jaunty Kangol hat to the Reggae and Dub pioneer Mr Dennis Bovell. Now DJ Rules is no part time sucker and he respects true talent and innovation so I say arise Sir Bovell aka Blackbeard and stand proud. From the Slits to I Roy, the Pop Group through Madness, Dennis has played that desk like a true believer. We played Electrocharge from the Blackbeard album I Wah Dub and I suggest you find a horizontal position and let the UK Dub Master take over...... http://www.myspace.com/dennisbovell

Well beautiful people thats DJ Rules on the blog letting you know where my hat is at. Keep on listening, send in comments, send us records and stay believers. Peace Dub and Flowers ...

Brussels to Manchester

2009-03-11T22:00:00.018+00:00

Stop sniffing that shiny plastic and lend me your ears for a moment. Pull up a chair, that's it....a little closer, for I am going to tell you a story. Perhaps you should close your eyes...now picture a young DJ Rules. A handsome Mancunian rascal of, dare I say 13 years old, on his first trip to alien shores. A camping trip to France and Belgium, very exotic in that kind of 1980s "people like us aren't meant to do this kind of thing" type way. Aspirational would perhaps be the better term.
This trip was a mere day or so after I had come into close physical contact with Siouxsie at the Apollo and my young heart was full of wonder, my trousers full of magic and my aspirational pockets very empty. Most of my "spends" had gone on nasty miniature bottles of Vodka, Gin and Whisky on the boat along with supplies of French Gaspers and dibs on a share of good quality continental porn. So...we arrive on a coach in Brussels, twenty innocent rascals and chancers, given rather generously and somewhat foolishly 3 hours to have a look at the sights "be back on time" ...yeah mate sure we will.

Now DJ Rules at 13 already had the joy coursing through his youthful veins and of course found himself in Brussels finest vinyl emporium. A world of import wonders before me, a belly full of joy and empty pockets. What's a resourceful scamp to do but utilise his fine mind in planning to remove records from the shop without intruding on the counter staff or tills. These were the days of limited intercontinental travel my friends, and a commotion of 6 Mancunian teenagers arguing loudly and shoving each other was certainly distraction enough for the sly boy Rules to sidle out of the shop with Siouxsie and the Banshees-Once Upon a Time Stories and David Bowie-Live...to name a few! Beating a hasty retreat to the local bench we managed to clear a good half of the miniature mixers stock and had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon flirting with Brussels beauties....oh those days. And yes, dear reader I still have the records and will indeed post a picture of said items with the original Belgian Franc price stickers.

So onto contemporary matters I hope you enjoyed the Anagram Jam tunes, I believe a very very limited release (69 vinyl only) from Andy Votel's Finders Keepers label. A great all round package with fantastic artwork (see orange sleeve above). Jaunty felt hats off to those fellas. The Norwegian dub ('Manna-Salma I Dub'. Record shown above) was an interesting find and has kept my head nodding for many a night, you can find out more at http://www.smartpatrol.no/.
I love the simplicity of the tracks particularly refreshing after hearing the new Disrupt album..the best dub is often very simple in DJ Rules book. Finally the Anthony Valdez track was a real treat of pure soulful hip-hop with the beats coming from those Flying Lotus guys who seem to have their sticky fingers in every pie at present. Its a 7-inch on the recordbreakin.com label, one of the best; putting it our there in a wonky soulful way. Previous releases include the delightful Kissy Asplund and DJ Junior.

Enjoy the new show people and as the man Curtis says "stay a believer". Peace and joy to you all....now get your nose back into the shiny wax!! The man Rules with big love to the Big Toes and Mungo's Gang...the future is in the north...Tak

DJ Rules on the cameraphone

2009-03-05T22:06:00.008+00:00

Ok suckers in the donut shop your daddy has picked out a few select cuts for your viewing pleasure....so here we go. First off the Ras G album African Space programme...got to be the most creative and challenging album I have heard in years, spaced out on a Sun Ra vibe and mixing up jazz, soul, techno, dub n pure bass with the odd folk leaning its circulating around DJ Rules inner sanctum at present.

Next up a rollers classic Gong and Radio Gnome...man its got a pixie in a tea pot on the cover and they jam on space rock...medium wave classic all over.

Finally my good sugar munchers we have the essence of DJ Rules and its the P and P (you know Mr Adams and Brown) productions Cloud One, Funky Disco Tracks...Grandpa Rules tells me this one used to shake the paradise garage to its knees !!!! Its soaring, cheeky, rude and a delight to be with...a DJ Rules favourite every time and even better that the good Doctor dislikes it...far too happy for that miserable old shoe gazer....peace and big hats to you..Im off for a cup of tea x

The joy and how to find it ........

2009-03-03T21:20:00.003+00:00

So......DJ Rules wraps his fingers around the cigarette paper and rolls his digits and mind to the rhythm of the joy and how to find it. You my friend will know the joy, its that moment when you hold an unknown wonderous melody, tune or bassline in your soul and melt and envelope within it...it may only last seconds, if lucky minutes and if walking in big mans shoes perhaps a whole hour...but thats rare. I found it last week when discovering the Akron/Family album and the song Love is Simple (refrain) I placed the needle on the groove and that was it...THE JOY...I searched for two hours in the local record store for the joy yesterday...nothing. Single after single, album after album, going deeper and deeper and in the same process seemingly moving further and further away. The joy seems to hold no indicators, its seldom repeated by the same artist, you can look in elusive corners and its behind you in the 50p singles, its in your friends sisters collection whilst your talking with her brother about the latest nu folk release, it sneaks up with no calling as you flick and dig and then BANG ...the JOY...

It came today in its usual innocuous slightly bemuddled manner...I had noticed a record with a bright orange sleeve sitting on the floor behind the counter at piccadilly records. It had been there for the past two weeks sat in the same place just out of clear vision. Bright orange, on the floor, watching me. And it happened, a simple sentence...."whats that on the floor" a simply reply "Oh thats some weird secret promo thing we had in, had lots of them but they all went quick dont really know why thats still there" an exchange of looks built up over the past 20 years ..."Do you want to listen to it" needle...record and JOY JOY JOY ...

So dear listener DJ Rules invites you to share this new JOY on the next show Im sure you will share my delight and until then keep digging, keep looking, keep listening and keep loving.

Peace and anagrams, its a clue!

DJ Rules

DJ Rules

2009-03-02T22:53:00.003+00:00

Welcome to our weird and slightly wonky world where good tunes are those that hide under the carpet, creep around at nightime and scare little kids. We are in the business of playing the edge of wonky soul, hip hop, space rock, drones, moans and gems...and the odd bit of acid folk if Dr Volume goes out of the room. Come and say hello and view our ramblings...its like Radio Gong but actually coherent....

peace and donuts people