Absolute Beginner

The rather gorgeous frontage of the Tavistock Hotel in Bloomsbury. Unfortunately the rooms don’t live up to the roaring twenties promise.

Just had an email from the company reglazing my glasses saying that due to costs they ‘don’t ship to the EEC’. Ah those were simpler times…

Works every time. However, never try it with close relatives - unless you’re from The Fens.

YouTube video by gregorypope23 THE MOONDOGS - Who's Gonna Tell Mary from Granada TV's Moondogs Matinee

Never thought you were being rude. Who’s Gonna Tell Mary remains a classic of the second division genre ! Here’s a bit of Moondogs Matinee to bring back those after school temps perdu… youtu.be/Hy8_ByqQA3Q?...

I loved the Moondogs - whoever commissioned that deserves a medal for trying to single handedly resurrect powerpop.

Those shoes with the pink laces would have been considered very much in-crowd only back in 67, a mod wouldn’t be seen dead in Clarks t-bar sandals at pre school.

For me?

Mine was the short lived, but memorable Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Dibble and Grub. IYKYK.

They’re not as good as this lot.

Mine seeded and is everywhere now… it’s a losing battle if you don’t keep it in pots.

Do you think the owner told the spray shop ‘I want it themed around English Rose’ and they misheard?

YouTube video by Emma Noble Emma Noble - Woman of the World (Animation)

International Women’s Day - putting this up here for my daughter. youtu.be/_wcHkiPDfZE?...

Here’s to Starmer giving it some serious thought then going ‘Nah mate, I’m going to invite the Spanish PM over for drinks instead’.

🎶They say this cat’s raft is a bad mother (shut your mouth)… 🎶

I finally found an affordable repress on vinyl last year after having had the cd for a long while. Rarely far away from the turntable.

Nice glass, but an essential record!

And the same jukebox in an Italian bar circa 1959 - the stories…

Always!

Thanks - not as many as I’d like, but it is a. My pride and joy and, b. A very good excuse to keep buying singles.

YouTube video by flatop47 Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich - Please

Have had this for decades and unaccountably have no memory of the b-side, which I just played. Not half bad, actually very good by DDBM&T standards. youtu.be/PqCbe3irEk8?...

And a few of the books too…

A ridiculous pile of records.

Had to empty the shelves for some damp proofing to take place. Where did all these come from - no recollection of spending all my wages on them at all…

Atomic cocktail shaker and a very dirty martini

The weekend starts here.

Sound of Birmingham

The Birmingham 81
open.spotify.com/playlist/18A...

Carnaby Cavern as I recall. They just sewed one of their skinny ties down the side of one of their nasty cheap suits. Yes I bought one. In my defence I only wore it once. Sorry. I still feel dirty.

YouTube video by THFCMOD Small Fakers - Leaving Here with Ali McKenzie from The Birds - Mod R&B 100 Club 11th November 2009.

Not sure this is the same night - but here’s a taste. youtu.be/l7QRSF1717s?...

I saw Ali McKenzie fronting the Small Fakers at the 100 club about 15 years ago as they ran through the Birds back catalogue - the man still had one hell of a voice.

Now might be the time for a bit of entryism.

La Cabina anyone?

Their owners certainly were - and the names of their beers alone made me not want to taste them. Always wondered if any of the artists that they traded off the back of ever got any payback - suspect not.