Some things have happened since the last update to this news section. One, the "Down By The Jetty" Collectors Edition (double CD set) has arrived to these shores as the full commercial release. And, oh boy, have EMI been doing a fantastic job. I couldn't have imagined a better product than the one I'm holding in my hands. First, the booklet is excellent with lots of photos and a well written piece by Will Birch. 

As to why one should buy this release on the strength of the music, I'd like to point out, that if you don't, then don't call yourself a Dr. Feelgood fan. This is chock full with alternative versions, other unreleased and/or brandnew songs. As fot the altetnative versions, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to make out the differences in the tracks laid down to the original ones. As I've read it in the meantime, the stereo versions of some of the tracks were either lost or just substandard, so EMI had to use different takes. And that makes this album so special. Thank you EMI for a job well done.

From high up north, from the land of the perma frost and would be bear hunters (if you're living in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, you'll understand the pun), comes this release here. Dr. Feelgood "The EMI Anthology 1974-1981" released by EMI Finland. I don't think you'll be able to buy this compilation outside of Suomi. Your best bet is probably some mailorder outfit. Or a ticket on Finnair to fly to Helsinki.

As with the "Down By The Jetty" release, EMI have done their job very well, and once again I have to tip my (non existing) hat to these guys and gals. Excellent booklet with lots of photos and a seven page piece by my good friend Teppo Nättilä. I mean, I don't understand a single word what he's saying there, but I'm sure it's excellent (if you happen to practice the finnish idiom). As it goes with compilations, you can argue until doomsday, but I think that's a very good job done on this front as well. 

Of course, I can be the measly type of guy now and demand an explanation why "Java Blue" has been chosen. But, overall, this is a very worthwile showcase of Dr. Feelgood during their United Artist years. No unreleased material on this double CD set, but for the booklet alone and the fact that this will be a rarity in no time due to its limited distribution, you should pick up some, if you can. Trust an old fellow Dr. Feelgood fan. Oh, and btw, this is remastered all the way through.

As for mailorder, http://www.epes.net/ has the CD on stock and apparently does international mailorder too. Search for Dr Feelgood (and not Dr. Feelgood, as this will get you no results at all). And btw, when you're at it, you might as well order the book "Dr. Feelgood And Wilko Johnson - From Roxette To Ramona" from the same seller.

Week 43/2009 saw a film about Canvey's Finests hit the cinematic screen in the U.K. Julien Temple released the full feature film "Oil City Confidential" which gets a limited release in theaters on the island. Hopefully, there's going to be a DVD release, otherwise I'll miss out on this one. There's not much I can tell you about this, as I've obviously not seen it myself. There are a few online reviews and I had this slighty mad grin on my face, reading about "Temple wisely ends his film when Wilko leaves" and "Amazingly, there's still a band doing the circuit called Dr. Feelgood, with none of the original musicians as members, presumably playing Dr. Feelgood songs. But that's the 21st century for you". There's an article on the website of theartsdesk "Oil City Confidential, London Film Festival". Recommended reading. On the same website, you'll find a rather extensive interview with Wilko Johnson, about the film and other matters. This is "Q & A: Wilko Johnson". This is really the most personal and private interview I've read regarding Wilko Johnson. Sometimes almost unbearable to read. There's a man who's been hurt badly. I wish him all the strength he can muster (and some more).

Just a small update on the Wilko Johnson front. There's a new "Best Of" on the market. Two single CD's (Volume 1 and 2). Songwise no real surprises, except that a few good ones are missing. Some of the songs have been rerecorded with Dylan Howe in drums. I know, I don't have to mention it, but here we go: Even if you have the complete output of Mr. Johnson, it's not complete without this one. I'm a lazy bugger these days, but these two CD's are  on the floor, leaning against one of the record shelves in the living room, reminding me every day to get going. I'll do a piece here soon. Whatever that means!
May 10, 2010

Good news to come all the way from Japan. The official worldwide website will be up again and is to be reopened sometime during February/March 2009. Point your browser here. I'm glad this is back in Yuriko's capable hands again. thanks a bunch. It'd have been a shame if the website went under without a trace. 

P.S.: There's some delay with the new Wilko Johnson website. The amount of data to reopen it is staggering and it will take a while until everything is set up and running again. I'll let you know as soon as there are news about this.
December 26, 2009

The new CD is called "Full Throttle No Brakes" and is released on Goofin' Records again. This is really a Johnny Spence (of Pirates fame) & Doctor's Order release and consists of R'n'R classics. Johnny Spence on Vocals (no bass playing) and Arto Grande-Archie Hämäläinen on guitars, new drummer Kimmo "Mighty Man" Oikarinen on ... what? ... drums, of course and Teppo "Teddy Bear" Nättilä on bass (no vocals).
 

Of course, I gave it a spin in the CD-player, listened to it over and over again, and the results of the Swiss jury can be found here. Let me just point out, that the release has indeed won "douze points". It's somewhat different from previous albums, but ... read for yourself.
February 25, 2009

Recorded 1972, released the first time around in 1997 (vinyl only) and now rereleased on Garden Of Delights (CD 149) with bonus tracks from their one off gig in Zweibrücken (Germany) on November 22, 2008. 

This is Krautrock at it's best (I have to admit, I'm a hardcore fan of the 1969-1975 output from Germany). Of course, I did witness their 2008 performance at the Stadthalle in Zweibrücken (sold out crowd, about 1700 punters and it looked like the whole town was paying tribute to their local legends). And, it was an excellent gig. Action rocks! 

Please click on the cover to read more about this "must have" release.
May 21, 2009

A new CD from Mad Man Blues arrived on these shores a while ago. I've been playing this record nearly to death. In the times, when vinyl roamed the world, that would have been, until the white shone through. 

I'm always a bit nervous when I put a new piece by bands like Doctor's Order or Mad Men Blues into the player. I know, they don't fail me, but between not failing and being on top of the game, is quite a gap. Usually they pull it off quite nicely. Same here, I was worried, when I needn't be. The CD is one of a kind again. 

If you want to read, what I have to say about it, just click the cover. 
December 26, 2009