Playlist 03.04.09

The Stray Cats aren't celebrated so much these days, but in 1980 they were awesome. They played rockabilly with a punk rock ethos and it was a marvel to hear what you could actually do with a big old semi acoustic, a whammy bar, stand up bass and a bloke blattering the life out of a snare drum. 'Runaway Boys' was a rumbling invitation to check out Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Sun studios and maybe even Groovy Joe Poovey.

Their UK success was a prelude to even greater acclaim in the US, and I followed them through a couple of less interesting records. Then in 1988 I got the invitation to meet Brian Stezer as he worked on his solo career. Would I like to hook up in Milwauke, home of the beer, the Harleys and Happy Days? Oh go on, then.

So myself and Brian hung out for a couple of days, as he played the State Fair, and dazzled on his Gretsch. After the gig, we convened in his hotel room with a renegade bass layer, a giant bust of Elvis and some golf clubs. For the next couple of hours, we pitched and putted with no great finesse. I've witnessed more excessive rock and roll activities in hotel rooms, but I've rarely had so much fun.

Playlist 03.04.09

BBC Radio Ulster, 92-95 FM

Online: www.bbc.co.uk/radioulster

Fridays, ten - midnight

The Pogues - Rainy Night In Soho (Stiff)

Imelda May - Feel Me (Universal)

Andrew Bird Fitz - And The Dizzy Spells (Bella Union)

Morrissey - One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell (Polydor)

Ben Kweller - Fight (ATO)

Stray Cats - You Don't Believe It (Arista)

Great Lake Swimmers - She Comes To Me In Dreams (Nettwerk)

Diana Jones - Soldier - Girl (Proper)

Elvis Costello - Psycho (F Beat)

Buddy And Julie Miller - What You Gonna Do Leroy (New West)

Graham Coxon - Look Into The Light (Transgressive)

Mahalia Jackson - I'm Gonna Wait Until My Change Comes (Metro)

Jon Hopkins - Light Through The Veins (David Holmes mix) (Double Six)

Peter Bjorn And John - I Want You (V2)

Stevie Wonder - Tuesday Heartbreak (Motown)

Stephen Marley - Master Blaster (Motown)

Peter Bjorn And John - Blue Period Picasso (V2)

Diana Jones - Something Crossed Over (Proper)

Everly Brothers - So Sad To See Good Love Go Bad (Rhino)

School Of Seven Bells (Full Time Hobby)

Max Wall - England's Glory (Stiff)

Holly Golightly - Run Cold (Damaged Goods)

Ben Kweller - Sawdust Man (ATO)

Teenage Fan Club - Mellow Doubt (Creation)

Teenage Fan Club - Planets (Creation)

Mark Black - Travelling Riverside Blues (Dizzy)

Junior Boys - Hazel (Domino)