BLAST-OFF

Into Space with Waddington’s BLAST-OFF!  Described as “The Game of Modern Space Exploration and Technology for 1 to 4 Players. It also states in the introduction “It is not necessary to understand the rules for all three stages at the start” A friend of mine gave me Blast - Off for Christmas some years back and I have been trying to fathom out how to play it ever since then. Blast Off comes with some rather superb dials to measure Fuel, Orbit and planets visited. The playing pieces are various coloured Space Capsules and Satellite docking stations. You first have to get your Satellite docking stations into orbit then have to get the Capsule docked into your Satellite. Next step is to land on the moon and then head off around the solar system ending up at Pluto. First to make it there is the winner. Along the way you could run out of fuel and have to return to earth or even the moon to re-fuel.
Blast - Off was released at a time of the Apollo 11 moon landing and the late 60s were a peak time for Space related toys and games (Major Matt Mason, Project Sword, Triangs SpaceX, Zeriods and even Action Man who had a Mercury Capsule) I was lucky enough to have Zeroids (here is my last one) and The Action Man Astronaut and Capsule, both long gone. Clarks shoes even got in on the space thing by creating their Wayfinder Moonshot Shoes (The Sole was a silver liner surface, that did not stay silver for long) also supplied for your space age fun with the shoes was a cardboard space/moon background that came with transfers and space capsule which with the aid of a magnet you could move around on your space background. At the time I thought it was all fantastic……I still do.

A very young me looking slightly confused at my Action Man Mercury Space Capsule.
(Think the shoes had seen better days) BTW I still have that slightly confused look, normally when I am trying to write some music.

End of Year Test Transmission Archive Reel 54

Its been quite a while since the last Test Transmission Archive Reel, and this is the last one for year. However for your end of year listening enjoyment we have John Dankworth, Petula Clark, Cosey Fanni Tutti, The Mistys, Hollywood Brats, Fairport Convention, Albion Christmas Band, Scorn, Bobby Krlic, Hawkwind, The British Stereo Collective and all sorts of other musical oddities and wonders. So until the next time, Have a Happy and a Merry. All the best and Happy New Year to you all.

Zokko

 

For quite a while now my brain has been telling me that when I was very very young there was a program on Saturday lunch times called Zokko.
I have the occasional memory flashes of watching this program but could never be 100% sure or if I had just imagined the whole thing. After much searching (typed Zokko into Google) I have found a few bits and images relating to it. Zokko did exist and was a kids tv series that ran from 1968 to 1970. Strangely the first series used to be repeated on Wednesday afternoons, but the 2nd series never was. It was devised by children's TV producer Molly Cox and Paul Ciani. It featured animations, music hall jokes, narrated comic strips fast zany humour, variety acts and a sic-fi serial called Skayn. This was all linked up by a Pinball machine who served as the programs presenter.
By the 2nd series The pinball machine was gone and replaced by bubbling tubes of liquid, but the voice remained the same. The Zokko Pinball machine was designed by Mike Ellis (Father of Blue Peter Present Janet Ellis) the voice of the Pinball was created by the Radiophonic Workshop’s Brian Hodgson. It would seem that only two episodes from  the 2nd series are all that remains of Zokko (BFI Archive) For a lot more in depth info on Zokko go to The Curious British Telly site.

New series All for fun! Fun for all! Tar-rah! Zokko! is back - your own, your very own electronic comic! The old favourites return with some new ones as well... There's Skayn, the space-hero, in an exciting serial; plenty of jokes; a weekly Walt Disney choice; and a brand-new music machine, the like of which has never been seen before. Featured this week on the flying trapeze The Sisters Inaros; Skayn and the Moon People: with the voices of Sheelagh McGrath, Gordon Clude, Anthony Jackson, and pictures by Leslie Caswell. Zokko! music by Brian Fahey. Animation by Ted Lewis. Devised and produced by Paul Ciani and Molly Cox. (BBC recording)

Test Transmission Archive Reel 53

 

Hi All. Its been quite some time since my last Test Transmission mix and a lot has gone on since then. My new EP Disjointed Oddities Vol 2 has been released and I have a new album on Castles in Space due for release in 2024. Have put together a Mix for Kate B over at Dark Train and have a live session for Zadagan Keep on Tak Tent Radio. So here we are with a new mix and what do I have for you all this time round? For your audio delight we have
Godley and Creme - Jack Harris (Butcher)
Crass - Sentiment
Warrington Runcorn - Rocksavage
Alex Harvey Band - Faith Healer
Andy Partridge - 10 Power (Rogue)
The Twelve Hour Foundation - Mole Cricket
Keith Mansfield - Teenage Villain
Bonzo Dog Doo Da Band - The Intro and The Outro
Flying Lizards - Summertime Blues
REVBJELDE -  REGRESS
Alien Sex Fiend - Ignore the Machine
Howlround - Paper Phantom
Lo Five - The Performance of Adulthood
Sandra Kerr & John Faulkner - The Old Woman Tossed Up In A Basket
The Shangri-las - Out In The Streets
Klara Lewis - Sell Art
John Baker - Man Alive UFO
Belbury Poly - Pixie-Led
Perrey and Kingsley - Winchester Cathedrel
Mount Vernon Arts Lab - Flames
Oloron - Shadow Pass and Air Move
Having less and less time to put these mixes together so really not sure when the next mix will be, so until then (who knows if and when) tata.

Through the Rainbow Books 68/80

 Through The Rainbow books, one from  1968 and the other from 1980 both the same, well sort of. Only 12 years separates these books. And yet the images from 1968 might as well be from the 1950s. Sadly I do remember having a 1950s style teacher who did look very much like the woman in these pictures from 1968. The reason I say sadly is because I remember her with fear.........not a day went passed without a large wooden chalk board erasure or heavy book being hurled at a member of the class by her. Another particular fav was if it was raining she would make you stand outside without a coat because "if you are lucky it will wash your naughtiness away" another specialty of hers was to creep up behind you and punch (and I mean punch not slap) you on the back of your head if you were talking. I lived not far from this teacher, and everyday would see her on the way to School, where she would always smile and say good morning, and all the parents thought she was a lovely and wonderful person, but us kids in our tatty snorkel parka's knew better. On the plus side a few years later there was a rather nice chap/teacher who wore a dark green crushed velvet jacket which had leather pads on the elbows. He also had big hair a centre parting and round Lennon glasses. He would start the day by asking everyone how they were? and on a Friday morning the question would always be "who watched Top of the Pops last night?" So not all bad as it turned out. But I digress...........Through the Rainbow, a lovely series of books from a time when things where maybe not so Rainbow (apart from the TV series of course)

 1968

  1980

 

1968

 

1980

 

1968

1980

 

1968

1980

The GPO Tower. "It belongs to them and always will"

 "Excuse me I oversaw the opening of this building. It was built using British Labour and skills with the money of the British People who paid for it with their taxes. It belongs to them and always will. Margeret Thatcher took it from them and gave it to you when it was not hers to give"
From the Nanny State Made Me. Stuart Maconie. Ebury Press 2020

Tony Benn said this to a besuited PR man who interupted an interview between Stuart Maconie and Tony Benn. The PR man tried in vain to tell Tony Benn that it was not the GPO Tower, but the BT Tower. I love the Post Office Tower, I have never said "look there is the BT Tower" or "Oh look there is The British Telecom Tower. To me it will always be the Post Office Tower. I saw it once in the 1970s (A School Trip) and looking up at it was mind blowing. It looked like the future...and still does (just not in a BT way)
Operational opening by Harold Wilson in 1965 and then opened to the public in 1966 by Tony Benn and Billy Butlin. The Tower was designed by the Architects at the Ministry of Public Buildings and Works (I love that term) Eric Bedford and G. R. Yeats. The location of the Tower was designated an official secret due to the the fact it transmitted secret military and govenment data to other transmitters round the country.
The rotating restaurant was eventually closed to the public for security reasons in 1980 and public access to the building ceased in 1981. The Tower has appeared in many Films and TV programs a couple of personal favs is towards the end of the film Smashing Time, set in the GPO Tower revolving restaurant and of course the mighty Kitten Kong from the Goodies.

Postcard from the Tower

 Some great promo films for the GPO Tower
https://youtu.be/aGuouabkzv0

https://youtu.be/3bi2_3gljm4 

https://youtu.be/_77Fz0VfNDs 

https://youtu.be/AOKHIUqzTTg 

https://youtu.be/G_IEBxZnuVQ

 

Here we are at Test Transmission 49 and this is the 1st Test Transmission featuring a Guest Mix. This time round it is from Mr Simon Heartfield. I have known Simon for decades. I have had the pleasure of working with him musically on many projects (Psylons, Seatman Separator and all sorts of other collaborations) always great company, a gentleman a scholer and probably is an acrobat. The 1st 21 minutes are my musical ramblings, from then on its Mr Heartfield. Until next time.....tata.
Tracklist
The Sound of Science - Everything’s made of Atoms
Billy Currie - Theremin
Large Plants - La Isla Bonita
PJ Harvey - The Crowded Cell
ToiToiToi - Never A Dull Moment
The Inigo Kilborn Group - A Tune For Lucy
Mike Sammes SIngers - Telephone Song
Mr Heartfield Guest Mix
PIKSEL - Walk In
THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Are You Hung Up?
SPACEMEN 3 - Just to See You Smile
BRIAN ENO - Late Evening to Jersey
FIELD LINES CARTOGRAPHER - Inside a Star
MOGWAI - Autorock (Live)
CLPPNG - Dream
HARA ALONSO - The Centre of the Sun is Empty
VANGELIS - Albedo 0.39
ROMEO RUCHA - Your Brain
THESE NEW PURITANS - Organ Eternal (Live)
HILDUR GUONADOTTIR - 12 Hours Before
LONELADY - Cries and Whispers
65 DAYS OF STATIC - d|| tl | | |
PERE UBU - Non-Alignment Pact
ASHER LEVITAS - Vapours
KARL O CONNOR & ANN MARGARET HOGAN - Temporary Thing

Test Transmission Archive Reel 48

After quite a long break, here is Archive Reel 48. Spring is here so I have a right old foot tapping collection to keep you going through the season. For your audio enjoyment we have Cate le Bon, Can, British Stereo Collective, Basil Kirchen, France Gall, Stavely Makepiece, Vince Guaraldi, Third Ear Band, Vic Mars, Billy Nomates, Unthanks, Pneumatic Tubes, Nathan Hall and the Sinister Locals and loads more. Do I know when there will be another Archive Reel.....have not got a clue???? might be a few changes to all this soon. So until then TATA

Test Transmission Archive Reel 47

 

Welcome to Test Transmission Archive Reel 47. The Winter Months are here and Festive celebrations are being thought about and prepared. So to see this strange old year out here is a 60s Psych/Electronic/Folk/Soul Mix. Everything in this mix is from 1960-1970…however I have excluded the obvious (Beatles, Stones, Hendrix, Velvet Underground, Who etc) with so much to choose from there was absolutely no reason to include any of those bands. So all sorts of musical Oddities and Quirkiness from West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, Perrey & Kingsley, the Aquarian Age, Marlena Shaw, The Nocturnes, White Noise, Fifty Foot Hose, The Mesmerizing Eye, Mary Hopkin, Joe Meek, David Cain, The Peanut Butter Conspiracy, The 101 Strings, United States of America, Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood, Free Design and loads and loads more. So until sometime in 2022 I will now leave you. Enjoy the Winter Months ahead and all the best for the New Year.

Test Transmission Archive Reel 45

 

Welcome to Test Transmission Archive Reel 45. The temperature is on the rise outside and getting very hot. So to keep you entertained here are some weird wonderful and footapping tunes to keep you all going throughout the long old summer.
Audio wonders from Billy Nomates, Television, Terry Thomas, ELO, Eccentronic Research Council, Drew Mullholland, Cyril Ornadel, The Inmates, Hattie Cooke, Altered Images, Maximilian, Concretism, Bellprover, Babe Ruth, Sandy Nelson, Beautify Junkyards & Belbury Poly a hint of Gregory's Girl and even Charlie and Lola.
As usual have no idea when the next one will be, so until then…all keep safe and look after yourself’s.

Quatermass and the Pit (Ending)

 I have for a very long time been quite fascinated by the bleak and very minimal ending of the Film version of  Nigle Kneale's Quatermass and the Pit (5 Million Years to Earth, US Title) I remember the 1st time I watched this film. It was Christmas sometime in the 1970s. My Dad said I could stay up and watch it with him. When the film finally finished, the ending intrigued me. A while back I mentioned this ending to a friend, he knew instantly what I was talking about and felt the same. I have watched the film many many times and probably have just watched the ending even more. The last sentence spoken in the film with 4:51sec to go is “You’ll have to go round and stop her” a few words said after that but no sentance, no great speech at the end or smiles of relief  that its all over, no warnings for the human race to beware in case it all happens again. Its just this. London has been saved, Andrew Keir (Quatermass) turns the corner and see's Barbara Shelley (Barbara Judd) sitting head hung low, they barely acknowledge each other...if at all. Quatermass stands while Barbara Judd sits. Both look worn out, lost speechless, and completely done in. There is no dialogue. Sirens and a dog barking in the distance the music creeps in and the credits roll, while the end footage of the two of them standing and sitting is looped. This continues until the credits are complete. This ending is very different from the original 1958 BBC version which finishes with the warning "If we cannot control the inheritance within us, this will be their [the Martians'] second dead planet." 
Film ending Credits sequence

Clarks Wayfinder Moonshot Shoes

 Did I have a pair of Clarks Wayfinder Moonshot shoes????? I sure did and at the time I was well chuffed. The shoes were part of Clarks Wayfinder range (I had style 38) The original Wayfinder Range had animal tracks on the soles...but Moonshots had silver soles with moon craters (very practical) and a magnet in the heel??? The Magnet was a spare one in case you lost the one you would use to move the space capsule around on your Shoebox Moonscape Panorama (with added action space transfers). After a few short walks to school the silver soles were fairly scuffed and after a bit longer the Lunascape on the soles looked pretty knackered.  I remember being informed very sternly by my Mum that they were very expensive, and twice the price of the standard shoes I would normally get for the school year.
The following year no Moonshot Shoes

Not my Wayfinders.
Just the standard good value, should see me through the school year shoes.

Children's Poetry, Spoken Word, Nursery Rhymes & Folk Tales LPs

Over the years I have acquired.....and lost a number of LPs that have contained some very interesting Children's Poetry, Spoken Word, Nursery Rhymes/Folk Tales and general strangeness. Here is a selection of some of my favs.Voices was on the Argo label and was part of a series of 6 volumes of sound music and speech, released in association with Penguin Education. I found one of my copies lurking about in a shop in Lynton. The Searching Years on Abbey was another interesting car boot find. The album consists of Childrens Poetry, Spoken Word, Orchestral and Organ pieces. All intros on The Searching Years are by Robert Gittings
Music for Children by Carl Orff was originally released in 1958 and re-released by Trunk Records. The copy I have is a 1958 version, which I found in the back of a box in a charity shop.

 

Test Transmission Archive Reel 43

 

Its Feb so time for the 1st Test Transmission Archive Reel of 2021. This time round we have music from Mount Vernon Arts Lab, Sandra Kerr & John Faulkner, The Beutify Junkyards, Field Lines Cartographer, Wolfen, Brian Prothero, Wings, The Damned, Twelve Hour Foundation, Simon Heartfield, A Certain Ratio, The Precisions and Something from The Why Don't You. Loads of other Oddities and such lurking about in there as well. So sit back put your feet up (or maybe not...you just might want to have a dance) Until next time. Keep safe and please look after yourself.

Aluminum Its the future of Christmas

Aluminum.....Its not just for gifts.....its for Trees as well.
Its so convenient

1969 World's First Electronic Pop Song/Groovy Dancing

1969 World's First Electronic Pop Song
This is to good 2.48 seconds of pure entertainment.
The couple dancing at 1.47 and 2.29 have to be my favorites.
They seem so happy to be there....and they def go for it when the cameras on them. Superb.
More info on Popcorn 

Focal Point Basic Design