Retrosonic Podcast

We welcome Buddy Ascott (former drummer with The Chords, currently with The Fallen Leaves) into the virtual Retrosonic Podcast studio to discuss that often overlooked and undervalued component of a band - the Rhythm Section... Buddy nominates five of his favourite drummers, Keith Moon, Mitch Mitchell, Chris Sharrock, Pete Thomas and Topper Headon and he talks us through some highlights of their playing. Find out who features in our top ten chart of iconic Bassists and to top it all off there's even a quiz to name twenty superb Bass intros. For full track-listing and answers to the quiz please check out the corresponding feature at www.retromanblog.com

Welcome to the latest episode of Retrosonic Podcast "Music From The Edge of the Universe: The 5 Billion In Diamonds Story". We welcome founder members, the legendary producer and drummer with Garbage Butch Vig, Bristol UK producer Andy Jenks and UK DJ James Grillo to hear the definitive and fascinating story on how this star-studded Transatlantic project came to fruition. The band's second LP "Divine Accidents" (Make Records) was our Album of The Year 2020 and it's another imaginary soundtrack to another imaginary film - a dazzling sonic and cinematic mix of Psych Rock and Folk sounds. It features the same stellar cast of collaborators including singers Ebbot Lundberg of The Soundtrack of Our Lives, David Schelzel of The Ocean Blue, Damian O'Neill of The Undertones, Sandra Dedrick of The Free Design, singer Helen White and musicians including the Bristol Wrecking Crew of Alex Lee, Sean Cook and Damon Reece on guitars, bass and drums. The album also features new sublime contributions from James Bagshaw of British psych rockers Temples and gorgeous vocals from Martin Barnard from Jenk’s '90's combo Alpha. In this thoroughly entertaining journey through 5 Billion In Diamonds musical universe, Butch, Andy and James play and talk us through some of the many and varied influences on the 5BiD sound including John Barry, Ramases, John Carpenter, Jimmie Spheeris, The BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Michel Legrand, Linda Perhacs, Faust, Jeff Bridges and Richard Rodney Bennett. There's also a pick of their own music from both albums including the forthcoming single and a special sneak preview of the as yet unreleased vinyl-only bonus track featuring Jimmy Chamberlin from The Smashing Pumpkins. There's a comprehensive introduction to all of the 5BiD special guest musicians and vocalists and a Butch Vig edited medley of examples of their music. If all that is not enough, James tells us who is next on his special guest wish list, Andy plays a track from his new project Ree-Vo and Butch gives us an update on the new Garbage album. We even find out how TV presenter, naturalist and conservationist Chris Packham is involved with 5 Billion In Diamonds. So, sit back, relax and enjoy this very special episode, packed full of music from the edge of the universe. Please check out the feature at Retro Man Blog at the link below for further information, links, video to their current single and exclusive Paul Slattery photographs.

https://retroman65.blogspot.com/2021/02/music-from-edge-of-universe-5-billion.html

Welcome to "Nosferatu Elegant Debuchery", episode 41 of Retrosonic Podcast and it's another totally non-retro show featuring some more superb new music from Oh! Gunquit, Baby Shakes, Groovy Uncle (featuring Miss Modus), Autoramas, The Len Price 3, 5 Billion in Diamonds (featuring Ebbot Lundberg), Dragon Welding, Eileen Gogan & The Instructions, Hederosgruppen, Mattias Barjed, Ian Person, Jetstream Pony, The Folk Devils, Spizzenergi, The Nettelles, OHMS, Keller Machine, The Dupont Circles, The Know Escape, Human Toys, The Ace, Jonny Magus & The Bursting Bubbles, The In-Fuzzed and Dirt Royal So, pour yourself a drink, turn up the volume, sit back and enjoy Episode 41! For full tracklisting and links to all the featured bands please check out Retro Man Blog at the following link:

http://retroman65.blogspot.com/2020/12/retrosonic-podcast-episode-41-nosferatu.html

To continue our celebrations of the 10 Year Anniversary of The Galileo 7, we welcome back Allan Crockford and Viv Bonsels from the band to discuss their impressive back catalogue. Allan and Viv give us an album-by-album guide, picking out some of their favourite and most evocative songs. Along the way we discuss their song-writing process and some of the highlights of their time in The Galileo 7. Features a selection of superb tracks from all six of their albums. Don't forget to check out our first special Galileo 7 episode where Allan and Viv give us a track-by-track guide to their 7th and latest release "Decayed". You can stream/download that episode at Spotify, iTunes/Apple Podcasts or directly from our Soundcloud archive at the link below:

https://soundcloud.com/retrosonic-podcast/the-galileo-7-decayed-new-lp-track-by-track-guide-with-allan-crockford-viv-bonsels

For this very special episode of Retrosonic Podcast we are very pleased to welcome Claudia, Mary and Judy from Baby Shakes, New York's finest purveyors of pure Punk Power Pop into the virtual studio to discuss the band's history and influences. We chat about what it's like in New York for bands during lockdown, how the girls met, what inspired them to form a band and their song-writing process. We learn about some of the great musicians and artists they have gigged with and their favourite countries to play, including a special section on their affinity with Japan. Along the way they pick some of their favourite and most evocative songs including those that played a part in shaping the Baby Shakes sound. Then, of course we concentrate on the band's own music, from their very first single right up to date with their fantastic brand new release, "Sweet 'n' Sour", a glamtastic 7" single featuring Damian O'Neill and Billy Doherty from their heroes, The Undertones. Featuring music from The Undertones, The Equals, Slade, The Misfits, Bikini Kill, The Heartbreakers, The Starjets, The Incredible Kidda Band, Abba, The Rubettes, Firestarter, Carol, The Gymslips, Hector, Jook, Cock Sparrer, Chron Gen, Tequila and of course...Baby Shakes! Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy! For the full tracklisting, links and more info please check out Retro Man Blog at the link below:

https://retroman65.blogspot.com/2020/12/retrosonic-podcast-baby-shakes-special.html

Welcome to the first of two very special Retrosonic Podcast episodes dedicated to the 10th Anniversary of our favourite Psych Pop outfit The Galileo 7. Band-members Allan Crockford and Viv Bonsels discuss their superb brand new album of cover versions "Decayed", which is out now on their own Fools Paradise label. We go through the album track by track and find out the reasons behind the choice of songs and of course, give them a spin. This Podcast release comes with a bonus track not found on the album and a section on the Lockdown Sessions which saw Viv and Allan tackle even more cover versions for Kevin Younger's themed on-line open-mic evenings. These included songs by Katrina & The Waves, Haircut 100, The Stranglers, Robyn Hitchcock and The Dukes of Stratosphear and even the theme tune to Thames TV's Today programme! This thoroughly enjoyable episode spent in the company of Allan and Viv is soundtracked by The Galileo 7's stunning take on songs by The Who, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Nerves, The Monkees, Pink Floyd, The Soft Boys, Julian Cope, Terry Reid, X-Ray Spex, Shocking Blue, The Stranglers, The Association and Haircut 100.

Coming soon - "Ten Years of The Galileo 7" in which Allan and Viv go through their previous six albums and pick out and play some of their favourite and pivotal tracks from each release. Along the way we will discuss the band's history, inspirations and song-writing process. For full track-listing and links on where you can buy the album, please check out the corresponding feature at Retro Man Blog at the following link:

https://retroman65.blogspot.com/2020/12/retrosonic-podcast-celebrating-10-years.html

For Episode 9 of our special Lockdown Lowdown series we welcome Ian Greensmith into the virtual Retrosonic Podcast studio. Ian, a.k.a. Vic Templar, Herbie Greensmith, Vic Flange or just Ian Smith is not only a man of many names he's also a man of many talents as drummer with Medway Indie legends The Dentists, Armitage Shanks, Ye Ascoyne D'Ascoynes, The Dirty Contacts, Sine Waves, Rubberman 12 and The Nuevo Ramon 5. He's also a DJ, one of the promoters of The Fratcave club night and Beatwave Weekenders, author of the hilarious semi-autobiographical "Taking Candy From a Dog", keen gardener, badger watcher and retired cricketer. So yes, you can guess that this episode is packed full of many fascinating musical memories, inspirations, tales and adventures and, of course, some bloody great music! Ian takes us on a musical journey from his very first memory of hearing Aretha Franklin in the canteen at Butlins in Bognor Regis to the first record he bought with his own pocket money, his first gig and first time behind the drumkit. We learn about the early shows with The Milkshakes and The Prisoners, discovering the MIC Club and some legendary Medway Delta names such as Billy Childish, Graham Day, Russ Wilkins, Sexton Ming and more. There's the stories behind his own bands including The Dentists, Ye Ascoyne D'Ascoynes, Armitage Shanks and Nuevo Ramon 5 along with a pick of the best of their music. Then there's a stash of great tunes from his DJ bag, the gig he would travel back in time for, his perfect LP and 45rpm single and some of his favourite bands that he has put on at his own Club nights and Weekenders. There are brushes (excuse the pun) with Buddy Rich, Mark E Smith, The Monochrome Set and Johnny Echols and the story behind his superb semi-autobiographical book "Taking Candy From A Dog". Includes music from The Dentists, Armitage Shanks, Ye Ascoyne D'Ascoynes, The Milkshakes, The Prisoners, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Sammy Davis Jr & Buddy Rich, The Fall, The Byrds, Love, Buzzcocks, The Kingsmen, Gary McFarland, The Monochrome Set, The Wildebeests, The Fallen Leaves, Ye Nuns, Ramon 5, Little Richard and The Allisons. So sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy! For full tracklisting and links please check out the feature at Retro Man Blog here:

https://retroman65.blogspot.com/2020/11/retrosonic-podcast-lockdown-lowdown_27.html

In episode 8 of our special "Lockdown Lowdown" series we welcome DJ Jawa Jones from Monoloco Mixtape and Wanita into the virtual Retrosonic Podcast studio. Wanita is the Indonesian word for woman and is also the name of a night Jawa Jones founded and still runs in London with the idea to promote women in music and offer a platform for female DJs to showcase their talents. Jawa enjoys digging in dusty old record stores searching for weird and wonderful music from across the globe, so in this episode expect to hear a delightful mix of her eclectic choices of 60's R'n'B, Rock'n'Roll, Ye-Ye, Garage Rock, Grunge, Soul & Psych along with her musical memories, experiences and inspirations...enjoy! Featuring music from The Cramps, Beastie Boys, Rita Chao, The Latins, L7, Pink Floyd, Santana, Amyl & The Sniffers, 7 Year Bitch, Eileen, Les Kitschenette's, The Incredible Staggers, Sandy Edmonds, U.S.U.R.A. Legrand Mellon, Les Grys Grys, The Gypsies, Ervinna & The Stylers and Girlschool. For full track-listing and links please check out the feature at Retro Man Blog via the link below:

https://retroman65.blogspot.com/2020/11/retrosonic-podcast-lockdown-lowdown-8.html

For Episode 7 of our Lockdown Lowdown series I am delighted to welcome Damian O'Neill, guitarist with The Undertones, That Petrol Emotion, The Everlasting Yeah and (as Damian confesses) "guitar gunslinger for hire"! I wanted to find out more information about his recent collaboration with the excellent New York based Power Pop band Baby Shakes and their brand new single "Sweet 'n' Sour", a stomping version of a track from Damian's own solo album "Refit Revise Reprise". Damian and his Undertones colleague, drummer Billy Doherty produce and play on the single which also features a cover of the Undertones "Really Really". We talk about his involvement with Dimple Discs Records, the label he runs with good friend Brian O'Neill who have released "Sweet & Sour" as a stunning 7" single on coloured vinyl. We also discuss and play a track from another excellent Dimple Discs release from Eileen Gogan & The Instructions album "Under Moving Skies" and catch up with news on Damian's latest projects including new music from 5 Billion in Diamonds. Finally, we get a long-awaited update on what's been happening with The Everlasting Yeah. Podcover photo by Rosa O'Neill. Retrosonic Podcast Theme by Adam Donovan. Retrosonic Podcast has a valid PRS Licence. For full tracklisting and links to all featured bands, artists and record labels, please check out the feature on Retro Man Blog at the link below:

https://retroman65.blogspot.com/2020/11/retrosonic-podcast-lockdown-lowdown.html

In this special "non-retro" Retrosonic, Steve from Retro Man Blog selects 22 brand new releases from some of his favourite new International bands and artists alongside some superb fresh material from a few old favourites such as The Damned, Wire, The Go-Go's and The Fleshtones too. There's great music from BMX Bandits and The Sensible Gray Cells, Power Pop and New Wave from The Speedways, The Vapors, Treasures of Mexico and Phil Hendriks, Medway Garage Rock from Wild Billy Childish & CTMF and The High Span, French grooves from The Limiñanas, Ian Kay and Popincourt, Post-Punk from The Cult Figures and Of Arrowe Hill, Psychedelia from Melody Fields and Grandad Pants, Punk Rock from The Lurkers and we top it all off with some atmospheric Surf-Noir from Draculina. Retrosonic Podcast has a valid PRS licence. Retrosonic theme by Adam Donovan. This episode's cover star: Polina from Draculina. For full tracklisting and links to all bands please check out the feature at:

https://retroman65.blogspot.com/2020/09/retrosonic-podcast-episode-40-primitive.html