Music Video For Nigel Planer and The Values

Nigel Planer and The Values are working on a cover version of Christmas at the Airport which was originaly written and recorded by the Jesus of Cool: Nick Lowe. Listen to Nick singing HERE. The new version is arranged and produced by Simon Edwards who is the former bass player of Fairground Attraction, and Red Box. Simon currently records and tours with Graham Parker, and Billy Bragg. The new version features Francis Macdonald (of Teenage Fanclub on acoustic guitar), Paul Cuddeford (of The Spammed, and The Boom Town Rats)) on electric lead guitar), Claire Kenny (who has worked with Sinead O'Connor, Edwyn Collins, Indigo Girls) on bass guitar, Tim Smart (of The Specials) on trombone, Paul Speare (who has worked with Dexys/ Costello/Paul Weller) on sax, Terry Edwards (of The Higsons) on trumpet, Tim Weller (of The Divine Comedy) on drums. The song is about someone who is trapped in an airport and forced to spend Christmas Day alone. The twist is that the person doesn't think it's that bad a thing and is able to make the most of being there on his own. I've made a new painting to go with the last line in the song (he discovers a thrownaway hamburger). Meanwhile the artist Pierre Julien is working on a painting of Nigel asleep in a closet.

Here are the rest of the lyrics: Outside the taxi window On the way to catch my flight I noticed snowflakes playing In the ever failing light When you dropped me at departures I was really coming down Deep and crisp beneath And it settled on the ground It looks like Christmas, Christmas at the airport All the planes are grounded And the fog is rolling in It looks like Christmas, Christmas at the airport This year Doors are locked and bolted Let the festivities begin The terminal was seething Without much Christmas cheer So I found an empty closet And bedded down in there When I woke much later I was quite alone Checkin' was deserted Everyone had gone It looks like christmas, christmas at the airport I took a set of xrays and they came out very well It looks like Christmas, Christmas at the airport this year Now I'm doing Santa's sleigh ride on the baggage carousel It looks like Christmas, Christmas at the airport I should be at the table with all my kith and kin It looks like Christmas, Christmas at the airport this year Don't save me any turkey I found a burger in a bin

Paul Gambaccini continues to broadcast despite Alzheimer's diagnosis

I was really sad to hear the news that veteran radio DJ Paul Gambaccini has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I think Paul deserves his reputation for not only being "The Professor of Pop" but also for being one of the good guys. Way back in 2014 "The Great Gambo" and I swapped a few emails and he was supportive about the first track Francis Macdonald and I collaborated on, which was, 'Sympathy For Jean Luc Godard' when I sent it to him. He wrote: "To my great surprise, I liked this.  Don't feel offended by my use of the phrase "to my great surprise".  It's just that, as you might imagine but will never experience, I have been sent many incredibly duff demos in my time.  My favourite hopeless cassette was one sent to Rocket Records in 1975, in which the would-be recording artist simply sang along tunelessly to Elvis songs. Keep up the good work." Obviously the Bonjour album didn't exactly trouble the charts but I still get messages from people saying they too are pleasantly surprised by it. Yesterday a friend pointed out a signed copy of the album is now worth £89.48p. What a bargain.

Paul was diagnosed last year. In a recent statement he explained: "There’s no denying it’s a serious condition with an uncertain future, but for now life goes on as normal and I continue to broadcast The Paul Gambaccini Collection on BBC Radio 2 from 8-10pm on Sundays, and my shows on Greatest Hits Radio. I’m grateful for the kindness and support I’ve already received. I will be as open as I can as things progress. For now, I wish to be given the space to keep on broadcasting the music I love to the listeners I love even more."

Radio Caroline's Mark Dezzani Podcast

Mark Dezzani's show on Radio Caroline is always worth a listen because he knows how to select the perfect mix of exciting new songs, rare old stuff and old faves. Last Tuesday's show was a real treat - why not judge for yourself by clicking HERE

ABOVE: David Devant And His Spirit Wife have just released a new compilation of all their best B-Sides. If you listen to the podcast you can hear 'Dolphin Square' which is one of the many highlights of the new comp.

Also on the show we hear a fab recording from 1975 by Steeleye Span featuring Peter Sellers entitled New York Girls.

Another treat is the first ever radio play for 'Harry Rag' by Mikey Georgeson and The Values. This Kinks cover which was arranged and produced by Julian Wakeling in 2013 features penny whistle played by Paul Speare and has a spoken intro by the late, great Jock Scot.

On the latest podcast you also hear Mark Dessani (above) introduce great songs from Peter Gabriel, Johnny Marr, Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Sarah Jane Morris, Blood Sweat and Tears, The Smiths and many more - splendid stuff.

Harry Pye's Elvis Lives tribute featured in Co-Dependence exhibition in Washington's M Galleries

ABOVE: Elvis Lives Part One by Harry Pye

ABOVE: Elvis Lives Part Two by Harry Pye

Pete Mountford, Marq Kearey, Darren O'Brien, Fion Gunn, Harry Pye, Andrew Kerr, Benjamin Medd Phillips, Audrey Mullins, Mark Pearson, Frances Norton from the U.K. and Rita Asch, Berendina Buist, Susan Hockaday, Marsha Levin-Rojer, Frank Magalhaes, Frank May, Liz Mitchell, Nova Darkstar, Laurie Pettine, Roberta Rose from the U.S. all have work in a new art exhibition called Co Dependence that opens on the 4th of July at: M Galleries, 67 E Washington Ave. Washington, NJ 07882 USA.“CO-DEPENDENCE” plans to shine a light on how the US and UK have developed and responded to each other over the past 250 years.

ABOVE:M Galleries image one

ABOVE: M Galleries image two

ABOVE: M Galleries image three

ABOVE: M Galleries image four

ABOVE: M Galleries image five ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Follow M Galleries on insta: HERE Follow Co-Dependence on inst: HERE

David Devant Live at Oslo

It was good to visit Hackney last night. David Devant And His Spirit Wife have just released an enormous round up of fab and rare b-sides. I think you should snap it up while you can. The boys were on great form. The Support act Tuppenny Bunters were also very good and got the crowd warmed up. Devant's setlist was... My Magic Life, Dilettante, Mr Talent, Dolphin Square, Work Lovelife Miscellaneous, Everything Fits Into Place, One Hand, Sublime, Rough Magic,Slip It To Me, Cookie, Ginger, Life on a Crescent, I Think About You, and I'm Not Even Going To Try.

Above: Would you buy a CD from this man?

Above: Dr Mikey Georgeson pre gig

Above: David Dulake is 50 % of Tuppenny Bunters the other half is Fiona Dulake. They have been touring since 2012, the same year they got married. I was very impressed by their set.

Above: Gasp

Above: Wild times

Above: The Incomparable Paul Putner

Above: Sing a Holiday Hymn it's Vic Godard from Subway Sect

CO-DEPEDENCE opens at Washington's M Galleries in the 4th of July

CO-DEPENDENCE is part of the Semiquincentennial Celebrations of 250 years of independence. 10 uk based Artists have been selected to exhibit with 10 across the Atlantic.

Pete Mountford, Marq Kearey, Darren O'Brien, Fion Gunn, Harry Pye, Andrew Kerr, Benjamin Medd Phillips, Audrey Mullins, Mark Pearson, Frances Norton from the U.K. and Rita Asch, Berendina Buist, Susan Hockaday, Marsha Levin-Rojer, Frank Magalhaes, Frank May, Liz Mitchell, Nova Darkstar, Laurie Pettine, Roberta Rose from the U.S. all have work in a new art exhibition called Co Dependence that opens on the 4th of July at: M Galleries, 67 E Washington Ave. Washington, NJ 07882 USA.“CO-DEPENDENCE” plans to shine a light on how the US and UK have developed and responded to each other over the past 250 years. We’re both “independent,” but we are also entwined in an ongoing relationship and share the same language. We have stereotypical views and opinions of each other. We have shared common human experiences. This exhibition plans to document our ongoing dialogue from a variety of view points and will provide a further opportunity for artists to create and develop international and cultural links. Opening Reception: Join us ONLINE on Saturday 4th July 6-9pm (UK,GMT) via: https://discord.gg/GYV6ABhrSh The Gallery Talk will be Saturday 1st August 6-8pm (UK,GMT) ONLINE via the M Galleries Talks Channel: https://discord.gg/XSDX7ydb7Z Follow the show's Insta account: https://www.instagram.com/codependenceusuk

The Junklooms live at The Birdsnest

Last night I saw The Junklooms, Lamy Lawson, and Damon (from 'Nuke On Route') live at The Bird's Nest, 32 Deptford Church Street S.E.8 The frontman of The Junklooms is Jason James (pictured above) who is also the guitarist. 'Faith' is the first track released by the Junklooms, it will feature on their debut album ESKAGO! You can buy the track via their bandcamp. If you love ska bands such as The Beat I'd suggest you give it a listen HERE It was great to witness the first ever perfomance of Lamy Lawson who are two thirds of Lovers of the Fancy. Damon was the first act on and he warmed us up with a punky Anti BNP song. Jason talked about the possibility of doing a regular night at the Bird's Nest and inviting different guests each time. I hope it happens.

Above: Damon

Above: Damon's setlist

Above: Mr Lamy of Lamy Lawson

Above: Mr Lawson of Lamy Lawson

Above: Keyboard player from The Junklooms