Playlist 20.08.12

Mott The Hoople had some reasonable chart action in 1974 with 'The Golden Age Of Rock And Roll'. The song was essential, fall-about boogie with some glam tendencies and there was a defiant line in the chorus: "gotta stay young, you can never grow old". Ian Hunter, the former Mott vocalist and author of a wonderful book, 'Diary Of A Rock And Roll Star', is now 73 years old. He still has the corkscrew hair and the croaking vocal. He revived Mott for some emotional gigs two years ago, but he's also putting out solo records of some distinction. The latest is called 'When I'm President' and it chugs along nicely, recalling the likes of Tom Petty or Dylan. The title track is a sardonic put-down of political intrigue and the dirty compromises en route. Bless him, Ian Hunter still has it. Once every five years or so, I meet with some kind of financial advisor, and they always ask when I hope to retire. I tend to laugh, knowing that my rubbish provisions will never result in a pension of any worth. But as a traveller in the business we call rock and roll, I also recognise that retirement isn't much of an option. I love the life. I can think of nothing better do to with my time. Sometimes I joke that I'll need a laptop and some Wi-Fi in my coffin in case there's a last minute commission or a worthy blog that needs posting. With the encouragement of rock and roll, I may never, properly, grow old.

Part One

Echo And The Bunnymen - Bring On The Dancing Horses (Warner)

Seven Summits - Sooner Or Later (white)

The Stone Roses - Ten Story Love Song (Geffen)

Fern Kinney - I'm Ready For Your Love (Oxford American)

Black Keys - Never Gonna Give You Up (V2)

Patterson Hood - Better Off Without (ATO)

Ani di Franco - Freight Train (Preservation)

Moon Duo - Sleepwalker (Souterrain Transmissions)

Gilberto Gil - Lively Up Yourself (Warner Brazil)

Seven Summits - Burning Heart (white)

Jerry Douglas - The Boxer (Membran)

Would Be's - Ivy Avenue (Fife)

Grizzly Bear - Yet Again (Warp)

Part Two

The Doors - Hello (Elektra)

Crybaby - We're Supposed To Be In Love (Helium)

Ian Hunter - When I'm President (Proper)

The Lost Brothers - Hey Miss Fannie (Bird Dog)

The Time Jumpers - Yodel Blues (Rounder)

The Bootleggers, Emmylou Harris - Cosmonaut (Sony)

Antony And The Johnsons - Cut The World (Rough Trade)

Aaron Shanley - Sometimes People Just Fall Out Of Love (white)

Ralph Stanley - White Light / White Heat (Sony)

The Time Jumpers - Someone Had To Teach You (Rounder)

Jesse Boykins III - The Perfect Blues (white)

The Lost Brothers - Until The Morning (Bird Dog)

Tu Fawning - Wager (City Slang)