Bruce Haack

Up to 4 years ago I had never heard of the musician Bruce Haack. I 1st came across his work when I picked up a copy of the Rough Trade CD Electronic: 01. There was one Bruce Haack tune on the album, Mean Old Devil. With its odd and quirky electronics and vocoder style vocals I decided it was time to find and hear more. Bruce Haack was born on May 4 1931 in Alberta Canada. In 1954 Haack met what would be a lifelong friend Ted Pandel. Haack and Pandel appeared on the I've Got a Secret Show demonstrating The Dermatron which was a touch and heat sensitive electronic instrument. Bruce Haack was a musically inventive children’s songwriter of the 1960s and ’70s, and teamed up with the childrens dance Teacher Esther Nelson whom he collaborated with on childrens music. Haack made synths and modulators out of any gadgets and surplus bits and pieces he could find. As the 60s progressed Haack released his 1st rock influenced album Electric Lucifer. Up to then Haacks recorded output was mainly chidrens educational records The Dance Sing and Listen series
In 2005 the documentry film Haack The King of Techno was released. In places the documentary is a tad poor, with not a lot of info about Haack's recording techniques and the technology he used and developed. Also would have been nice to have more on the work produced by Haack and Esther Nelson. That said there is still enough interesting bits in there to make it worth a watch. Bruce Haack passed away in Sept 1998. 

Religious/Christian Album Covers

 Are You Really?

 And very excited they are to

 Steady on now

Should I call Social Services

 Take that unbelievers

mmmmmmmm......no thanks

He is!!!!!............Run away

After a busy old day trawling around the internet here are a number of awesome religious/Christian album covers.  Its all very touchy feely with this lot. 

Robert Rental and The Normal

I recently rediscoverd The Robert Rental and Thomas Leer Album The Bridge. I had forgotten how great this album was. So I thought time to see if there is anything on Robert Rental and Thomas Leer on Youtube. I was very pleased to discover on my search, not just Robert Rental and Thomas Leer but a short film on the Robert Rental and The Normal (Danial Miller/Mute) collaboration. Robert Rental and Danial Miller collaborated on the 1979 Rough Trade tour supporting Stiff Little Fingers and Essetial Logic. The only recording of this collaboration was the one sided Live at West Runton Pavillion EP (Rough US 2) So I was very very pleased to find this short film of their live performance. Robert Rental only released two singles the excellent Paralysis/ACC. Released on Rentals's own Regular Records and Double Heart on Mute Records. Sadly Rental died of lung cancer in 2000 at the age of 48. For even more in depth info on Robert Rental, Thomas Leer and The Normal go check out The Same Mistakes music blog

The Modern Antiquarian

I recently got hold of a copy of the Julian Cope book on Stone Circles and Megalithic Britain The Modern Antiquarian. I visited Avebury last year for the 1st time and was blown away by the size and scale of the place. So this coffee table colossus was a must. I have always liked and followed Mr Cope's music, even though sometimes I admit I have drifted from it. But likewise I always seem to drift back to him. Now I know that Mr Cope has been called Barmy, Nuts, Bonkers and other such things. His exploits of the past are well documented. Performing Passionate Friend on Top of the Pops on Acid or cutting himself up and quoting Kenneth Williams from Carry on Cleo "Infamy infamy they've all got it infamy" during  Reynard the Fox at The Hammersmith Palais.  Julian Cope may be a tad eccentric, but nothing wrong with that. Julian Cope spent 8 years compiling and writing this book, and it leaves you in no doubt about Mr Cope's passion for this subject. The book is packed full (and I mean Full) of photos essays information  and Ordnance Survey grid references, regarding these Megalithic sites. What is particularly enduring about the photos in the book, is at times its like a glimpse into Cope family world. With images of Julian's wife Dorian and the kids sitting and standing at all these old megalithic sites and even a picture on page 285 of the remains of the family car, after it had blown up. The BBC produced a programme of the same name in mid 2000. In 2004 Julian Cope released his 2nd book on this subject The Megalithic European. For more and up to date info visit The Modern Antiquarian. Also have a visit to Dorian Cope presents On this deity. Its definitely a family affair in the Cope house.

Vintage IBM

Found these wonderful old Vintage IBM ads here at the IBM site. Lots of lovely vintage IBM ads and photos. definitely worth a look. 

Sunday March 11th

Keith Seatman and Simon Heartfield will be playing from 7.30pm at The King St Tavern Southsea on Sunday March 11th. Dub Funk Post Punk Radiophonics Electronics Soundtracks Soul Krautrock and all sorts of other Audio Oddities.

Sam the Record Man

On a visit to Toronto a  few years ago I was a bit sad to see that Sam the Record Man on Yonge and Gould had closed. Over the years I have visited Toronto many times, and on these visits would always pop into Sam the Record Man for a Coffee and a Browse. Sam the Record Man closed in June 2007. The Iconic neon record signs were lit for the last time in October 2008. I only recently found this photo and movie I took of the shop front. You can just make out the large neon records of Sam's lit up towards the middle of the movie. For more images and info on Sam the Record Man and Toronto things, check out the Lost Toronto Blog.

Test Transmission Archive Reel 7

Finally at last after countless upload problems here is Archive Reel 7. This time round we have music from Spacedog, Kevin Ayers, The Caretaker, Wall of Voodoo, Bruce Haack a track from the new Belbury Poly Album Belbury Tales, and loads more.

New Album Tracks (excerpts)

I have finally uploaded 4 new tunes (excerpts) to Soundcloud. The 4 tunes are to be included on my new album, which I hope to release in Sept/Oct 2012. The tunes can be heard here.

Some Old Apples

I have been a user of Apple computers for a very very long time. I have always refused to get into the Apple vs PC debate because basically you use whatever tool is good for the job you are doing. And if you use a PC or Apple then thats up to you. I went from a Spectrum to a Commodore to a Mac SE30 and stayed with the Mac from then on. Anyway I do like these old ads for Macs, but not sure what is going on with the Girl and the chap in the 3rd ad down. I will try to not worry about it to much, but I am a tad concerned.

Amazon.com not .UK???????????

Finally have found out why my album is not available to download from Amazon UK. It would seem that Tunecore and Amazon UK/EU have had a bit of a falling out over money (no surprise there), and so Amazon UK/EU have taken all music distributed by Tunecore down. The daft thing is that Amazon.com are still selling all this music. Tunecore are blaming Amazon UK/EU and Amazon UK/EU are blaming Tunecore.  For the next album might have to try someone else. But for now though my album can still be downloaded from iTunes (UK Worldwide) Spotify and good old Amazon.com. 

Not Quite What They Wore

From Mechanix Illustrated March 1961, we are informed that "This is what they will wear on the Moon" Nope.........................I do not think Neil Armstrong wore one of them. But its the thought that counts. It does remind me that I do need a new swing bin. I picked this copy up at a car boot sale. Lots more images from Mechanix Illustrated at Found Objects.

Coming Soon in Feb

Coming soon.................but not yet.

Devo, Mr Packer and Forgetfulness

I have recently been watching and listening to a lot of very old Devo stuff. Have been watching the Men who make the music video and listening to the early albums. Hard Core Devo vol 1 & vol 2 is Devo from 1974 to 1977 and is just 1st class crunchy 4 track Devo. Now........I forgot that many many years ago I managed to see Devo play on their Freedom of Choice tour. I went along with my friend Mr Packer. For some strange reason I had totally forgotten this concert???????? really not sure why I forgot about this gig because it was very very good. I remember them playing amazing high speed versions of Gut Feeling and Smart Patrol/Mr DNA. Mr Packer reminded me that towards the end of the concert Booji Boy appeared in the balcony and gave a little speech about Devolution and us all being spuds (if the spud fits.....wear it) in time I did lose interest in Devo. Their later albums Oh, No! It's Devo and Shout, just did not work for me. Perhaps to polished and maybe to corporate.
Soooooooo................what with Devo and catching up with Mr Packer here is a clip from Devo The Men who make the Music and Mr Packer's track, Me and This City from his album Monotone to Monochrome.

Consistently Mediocre and Daydreams Amazon Probs

For some reason My album Consistently Mediocre and Daydreams is unavailable from Amazon UK, at the moment but is available from Amazon here. Its also still available on  iTunes and Spotify. I am trying to find out what is going on with the Amazon UK download???? God knows how long that will take????

The Belbury Tales

Very pleased today when the postman turned up, as there was a package for me from The Vicar of Belbury. In this package was a copy of the new Belbury Poly album, The Belbury Tales. The album which is due out on 24th of Feb, is quite wonderful. Definitely a Prog/Psychedelic feel to a number of tunes on the album. I will include a track on my next Test Transmission Archive Reel 7 in early Feb. But for now best you get yourselfs over to soundcloud for a few sneak peaks of The Belbury Tales.

Freak Zone Track Free Download

My track I.C.D.I which was played on Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone on Sunday 15th is now available as a free download on Soundcloud. 

Keith Seatman on Freak Zone

On Sunday 15th Jan Stuart Maconie played my track I.C.D.I on The Freak Zone.
I should point out that the tune I.C.D.I was never released so I should get round to putting it on Soundcloud soon. Also a slight Freak Zone error as I was called Bob Seatman not Keith Seatman. Never mind, many thanks to Mr Maconie for playing the track.

F.C. Judd

A tad excited about this new release called Electronics Without Tears. Its a collection of work by the often overlooked and almost forgotten  British Electronic Music pioneer Fred Charles Judd. Its been released by  those wonderful Public Information bods. Electronics Without Tears is available from Bleep, Boomcat, Piccadilly Records, Rough Trade, HHV, Honest Jons, Second Layer.

Audio Magazine

Well here we are in 2012, and to start the year of on New Years day I was having a browse around the internet when I came across these wonderful Audio Magazines for sale.

These ones are all dated fro 1971 and can be bought from the Phantom Production's Vintage Recording Collection. This site is a goldmine of old Recording Magazines, Reel to Reels Audio Advertising, Edison Wax Cylinders and Microphones. It kept me busy on New Years Day.

A few new tunes

Have been working on some tunes for the new album. Have not really got a clue when it (The Album) will be done. I have 6 or 7 audio ideas at the mo. So thought it was time to put a couple of these ideas here on Soundcloud. All work in progress.

Happy Christmas

Well people  its that festive time again, and this wonderful Christmas card I received was made by my friend Mr Palmer, and what a lovely picture it is. I am now currently working on new tunes for my next album plus sorting out Test Transmission Archive Reel 7 for Feb 2012. Also recording some new Seatman Separator tunes with Mr Heartfield and Mr Packer. So a tad busy. I thought I would leave you with some classic K-tel and Ronco ads. I hope you all have very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. TATA.

Spacedog Album

Back in March 2011 I heard Spacedog for the 1st time on Phantom Circuit 66. I was fascinated by them. Spacedog are Sarah Angliss Jenny Angliss and  Stephen Hiscock.  "We create live music for theremin, vocals, saw, percussion and our famous uncanny musical robots. Our work reflects our obsessions with defunct machines, faded variety acts and the darkest English folk tales". If musically you like the weird the wonderful the odd and the eccentric, Tommy Cooper, Robots and Theremins. Then you really should get this album.

I have been informed by Sarah that CD copies of Juice for the baby will be available very soon. In the meantime you can download Juice for the baby from Bandcamp for just £7. I did.

Davros v Bond

I should have posted this a long time ago but forgot. This short film was made by the wonderful Bollops. What makes this so good??? Is it the motorbike sound?? Godzilla arriving on a bus??? is it the strings on Thunderbird 2??? Is it that it took 2 years to make. Whatever it is, it works for me every time I watch it.

More Sainsburys

More images from the truly wonderful Jonny Trunk book Own Label Sainsburys Design Studio 1962 - 1977. Have a bimble over to Trunk Records there are all sorts of very interesting things to buy. I got this book. In fact I got 3 copies to give as Christmas presents. How lucky these people will be.

Wire de-construct

I like the band Wire. Have liked them for decades, and have always been impressed with their approach to songwriting and performing their songs live. Wire's attitude is this. Once the song is written recorded etc, thats it for that version. Their reluctance to play certain songs live or in the stye that the audience anticipated or expected was always very interesting. You could never hear the same version of Pink Flag twice. As Graham Lewis said once when people were calling out for their favorite Wire songs to be played "we are not a Jukebox" Wire's knack of de-constructing their own songs has always led to some very interesting developments musically. One of my favorites is the Peel Session version of the 154 album track The Other Window. Listen to the Peel version then play the 154 version. Both versions good and both completely different. Finally the album was called 154 because it was said at the time that the band had played 154 gigs. 

Some old Synth Tat

I have recently started work on some music which I hope will be the the basis for my next album. I also recently got a new camera, so I decided to head up to the loft and do that cheesy thing and take a picture of my Keyboards/Synths. At the back we have an SH101. In front of that is an old Yamaha SY1 with a Melos echo chamber on top followed by a Yamaha DX100. In front. of the DX 100 is my old Boss DR-220 and next to that is a Casio PT-1. To the right is a Yamaha CS01 and on the far left is an Oxygen 8 midi keyboard. Not forgetting my old Dynatron Headphones which I do love. So there you go thats the lot. Now back to work for me.