Thursday 30 April 2009

Like your Surf with a bit of Prog?



"In Progression" by The Knights, A Progressive Surf-Rock Instrumental Adventure.

What a fantastic album this is. Don't just take my word for it though, read this review then listen



Review by By Michael Daley, MA - CBC Radio, Toronto.


- A WALK THROUGH THE TRACKS -

"In Progression" - A baroque march and some fuzzed-out arpeggios from Jason begin this powerhouse opener. Dick takes over for the tune proper a few seconds in, with Jason’s distorted backing. Following Dick’s clean, mellow statement, Jason returns with a multitracked guitar choir and solo. There is a slight Latin tinge to the rhythm section backing of bassist, Ritch Stewart and drummer, Steve Hudgins. The opening section returns to bookend this song.

"Ragtime Surf" - An unusually subdued opening is followed by a harmonized minor-key riff from the father-son guitar team. The ragtime element can be heard in the surprisingly chromatic theme.

"Torreon" - Another high-energy romp, with the two electric guitars in tandem, one octave apart. The bridge section features some dense guitar harmonies. Jason’s distorted guitar provides a distant counterpoint to the proceedings. The coda is quite symphonic and dramatic, with overdubbed cymbal flourishes from Hudgins and a driving frat bass by Ritch.

"Yellow Jacket" - This, the first of two covers on this collection reanimates the ubiquitous surf anthem with a back-and-forth father and son guitar duel.

"Awakening" - A beautiful, fingerstyle opening gives way to a jazzy, upbeat guitar melody. Stewart father and sons then establish a deadly accurate double-time backing that percolates under a restatement of the main theme. Yet another contrasting section follows and a final theme statement closes off proceedings.

"Surfin’ the Badlands" - Probably the most traditional surf-music melody and formal structure of this set, "Surfin’ the Badlands" displays the roots from which this contemporary version of The Knights springs. Jason Stewart contributes a soaring solo. Heads up for the ping-ponging stereo steel guitar overdubs played by Johnny Hogan.

"Pipeline" - The Chantays on steroids. Listen for Dick’s mastery of vintage, surf-rock tremolo bar technique. Some rapid-fire string rubs (strangely reminiscent, to me, of hip-hop record scratching) in the middle section gives way to Jason Stewart’s self-duetting doubled solo. A final twang-bar mash from Dick closes the show.

"Shelbi with an ‘I’" - For my money, this is the single. Section after section of catchy melody with even a harmonically tense middle section to provide some contrast to the overall upbeat sunniness. Some very interesting clean-toned solos from Jason, complete with double-picking and Wes Montgomery style octaves. Dick’s offer of deft pedal steel work provided by Johnny Hogan had me reaching for hyphenated descriptors for a new style . . . Country Surf? Western Instro Rock?

"Agua Loca" ("Crazy Water") - Though Dick takes the melodic lead on this cut, it’s Jason that sets the tone for this rocker. His heavy rhythm backing and metallic fills are the dominant force, and it’s Jason that takes over for the solo, using pick harmonics and a variety of low riffs to create a thoroughly modern atmosphere.

"Simple Wonders" - The ethereal opening recalls some of Jimi Hendrix’s more subdued work. But it’s the Edge from U2 that informs the rhythmically echoing guitar, multitracked into a small orchestra of sparkling lines. The rhythm section is, in fact, absent for this beautiful coda to "In Progression." Only the sound of guitars remains . . . the center of surf rock and the center of The Knights as they refashion surf music for a new millenium.

Wednesday 29 April 2009

Defective Orangatangs on the loose!!



Loaded have recalled Orangatang In Heat wheels...

We are recalling all Purple (83a) Orangatang 75mm In Heat wheels purchased between 2/27/09 and 4/29/09 as well as all Orange (80a) Orangatang 75mm In Heat wheels purchased between 3/14/09 and 4/29/09.

We've recently determined that a small percentage of the cores (produced by a third party vendor) used in these batches are not up to our rigorous quality control standards and may run the risk of shearing the bearing seat (blowing out the core and possibly causing the wheel to separate from the truck while in motion), creating a safety hazard to the user.

This is a voluntary recall: Consumers should stop riding these wheels immediately and return the wheels (along with date of purchase so we can ascertain that it's from this batch) to an authorized Loaded Boards/Orangatang dealer or to Loaded Boards, Inc. for a free replacement set. Loaded and all Dealers will gladly exchange the wheels for any wheel of choice, including the new Freeride wheels, provided the wheels are in stock or accessible.

The silver lining is that, while these cores have worked well up until this batch, we will be switching over to a new 3rd generation core for future In Heats
that provides better wear and slide characteristics. We encourage the performance use of these wheels and do our utmost to ensure that they will hold up to the rigorous use and abuse that they are designed for. We are fully committed to every product we build and we hope you will love them as much as we do.

RETURNING YOUR WHEELS

Remember you can return your In Heats to any Orangatang Dealer. The EASIEST and quickest would be to exchange the wheels at any skate shop that carries Orangatang. It does not matter if you bought the wheels from them, you still can exchange there. If you don't have a shop near you that carries O'tangs, you can return them to the online stores on the web you bought them from or Loaded Boards.
WHAT IS PROOF OF PURCHASE?
- we need to see a receipt of some kind so we know when you bought these wheels
-it can be a bank statement with the date and the costs of the wheels
- the actual receipt if you still have it
-the online order receipt - If you don't have a Proof of Purchase, email us. coreissue@loadedboards.com.

REMEMBER you only need to return all Purple (83a) Orangatang 75mm In Heat wheels purchased between 2/27/09 and 4/29/09 as well as all Orange (80a) Orangatang 75mm In Heat wheels purchased between 3/14/09 and 4/29/09. If your IN HEATS do not fall in these dates NO NEED TO RETURN.

1) Take your wheels off the board and take out the bearings. Give the wheels a kiss goodbye.

2) If you are returning to a shop just bring the wheels in, with Proof of Purchase and exchange the wheels for any wheels you would like that the shop has in stock. The shop will ship the wheels back to us.

2a) If you choose to mail your wheels to the online shop you bought it from or Loaded boards, find a shoe box, or any box and put the wheels in there.

3) Find a sheet of paper and write down the following:

a. Your name and Email address
b. A copy of your proof of purchase so that we can see the date you bought it.
c. Write down what set of new wheels you would like, it could be the same exact kind of wheels you sent in to us or you can get something completely different. CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING:

In Heat "Orange" 80a
In Heat "Purple" 83a

4President "Orange" 80a
4President "Purple" 80a

75mm Durian Free ride 83a
70mm Stimulus Free ride 83a
65mm Fat Free, Free ride 83a

4) Seal the box up with some tape.

5) Send the puppy to the address of the online shop you bought the wheels from or

Loaded Boards Inc ATTN: Core Issue.
8370 Wilshire Blvd. #209
Los Angeles, CA 90211

Make sure to write "ATTN: Core Issue." That will help us know what the box is.

For your nearest dealer or any questions, please call (323) 782-0322 x 22 or email coreissue@loadedboards.com.

Sorry for the hassle but on the BRIGHT side, a NEW set is coming your way.

Sing a song,

Orangatang Wheels





Luckily mine are all older than the dodgy batch and it's only the big ones that are affected...

Sunday 26 April 2009

Da Da Da

Da Da Da (feat. Stephan Remmler)


Just got back from a skoot on my pump-plank.
Hadn't used my mp3 player for ages, turned it on and this came on.
It's Señor Coconut and his Orchestra
Fandabbydozy.

Saturday 25 April 2009

Wally, Z-Rollers, No Skoolz




I'm getting to like this deck now, the 1st time I tried it a while back I couldn't get on with it.
The trucks have had a bit of tweaking, wedged and Bones Hardcore bushings and turn better than my Indy's. So there.

Friday 24 April 2009

RollsRolls Woody



I love this shot I took of Keiths RollsRolls at Dorney.
Horrible board though.
Too flexy for a fatty like me, shortish platform and I decided I like to see my wheels.

Got a few distance things coming up starting with 6th June Bath To Bristol...

Thursday 23 April 2009

Big Ol' Boneless One



Fook me!
That's a big one.
Cab at Birmingham Wheels Ramp 1988 Bones Brigade Tour.

Wednesday 22 April 2009

Bjobs?




Just got back from a couple of days in France and Belgium.
Spotted this.
2 birds with one stone.
Citroen Berlingo and it's a Telecom van.

Tuesday 21 April 2009

The Surfin' Lungs - Mickey's Car



Bracknell's finest surf band.
This was their 1st single, released on their own label Lovers Leap.
1983.
I used to go see them a lot back then.They are still gigging and big in mainland Europe.
I went to school with bass player Steve. They've been through a few lin-up changes but I think this is the classic one.
They are still gigging and big in mainland Europe.

Monday 20 April 2009

Whip it, whip it good...


Here's a snap of Whip Crail Sliding the big quarter at Skaterham.
Styling...
Check out his blog


Friday 17 April 2009

Cozmo Smallpiece



I picked up some wheels off of eBay, arrived yesterday.
Cozmo Man In Blacks, 58mm 98A .
Made in Australia.

Not a brand that I'd heard of so I did a bit of digging and asked a friendly Oz skater.
Turns out they were made by Tim Dawe of Cockroach and Cortech fame




I guess chronologically they fit inbetween the Cockroach and Cortechs, apparently made in about '93 acording to my sources.

They've yellowed with age, might be time to break out the Rit Dye...

Thursday 16 April 2009

Where's my time machine?


Blimey! Look at these prices.
This is the back page of Alpine Action Number 7, Summer '81.
Kryptonics Foam Cores, they couldn't give them away. A steal at only £9.95.
In fact they were selling a complete with 8" Gullwings and Benjy Superboots for only £29.95.
Imagine what that would fetch over on eBay these days!!!

Wednesday 15 April 2009

Tuesday 14 April 2009

The Surfadelics - Too Good To Be True



An early 80's band from South London (?)
Playing a mixture of Surf and 60's Garage Rock, their version of The Troggs Wild Thing had to be heard (and seen) to be believed.
I used to go and see them a lot usually at the Clarendon Hotel in Hammersmith and usually they were on a double bill with The Surfin' Lungs.

This was their debut single.

They are not to be confused with the Italian surf band of the same name...

Monday 13 April 2009

Natural Reaction



1980 and I used to work at Tesco in Wokingham, there was a girl called Anne who worked there too.
One day she asked me if I wanted to buy one of her bands singles.
The band she was in were called The Mighty Strypes a local reggae group.
I bought one.
Listen here.
Enjoy.
BTW I've seen this advertised on t'internet at £13+ if only everything I'd bought had appreciated so much.

Anne if you are out there in cyberspace get in touch...

Sunday 12 April 2009

Alva at Guildford skatepark

As I mentioned yesterday Tony Alva came to skate at Guildford skatepark.
This place was one of, if not, my favourite place to skate.

To say it was busy that day would be a bit of an understatement.
Here's a picture taken by Gavin Clarke (of Surrey Skateboards fame) showing the crowd.



That's me with the big red arrow sticking out of my head, it was a bit tiring having that there all day. ;-)
I didn't know this photo existed until about 4-5 years ago when I was in Surrey Skateboards Gavin showed me his album of old photos and I spotted myself.




Above is a photo of the man everyone came to see in the 'Gold Bowl' taken by my dad.

I asked Alva to sign the back of my t-shirt (the Skateboard Escape one, keep up) thinking he'd write it like the logo on his decks.
He just wrote A L V A in big letters across the back, I was pissed off slightly and none of my mates that weren't there that day didn't believe that he'd done.

The shirt went into storage for about 30 years...

Saturday 11 April 2009

Skate History


My t-shirt that I bought from the 1st skatepark in England.
Skateboard Escape was on the Isle of Portland in Dorset.

I was on holiday down in nearby Weymouth. Must have been 1977 I think.

I was wearing this t-shirt the day Tony Alva came to skate at Skatestar in Guildford.

Friday 10 April 2009

Jellyhead @ Unit1

Here's a little clip of my mate Jellyhead at Unit1 in Rochester last Sunday.


Wednesday 8 April 2009

Wayback in the day

Hmmm, I reckon it must have been 1976 and there was a skateboard competition held in Bracknell in Sperry's car park.
I remember me and all my mates getting very excited about the prospect.
I built myself a little freestyle deck out of plywood and it snapped the morning of the competition. I can't really remember much else about it now.
I know my freestyle routine went really craply and I forgot what I was gonna do after I'd been practising for a few weeks.
Here I am in the slalom and the downhill events, I'm wearing a motorbike helmet with a clear visor in the downhill picture.


Dunno where I placed in any of the events I entered...

Tuesday 7 April 2009

Mmmm Cheese

My favourite book...



the Mitchell Beazley Pocket Guide To Cheese...















"Comprehensive, international and organized alphabetically for easy reference. The Mitchell Beazley Pocket Guide To Cheese constitutes an ideal gourmet's companion for use when travelling, shopping locally or abroad, or eating out . Over 1200 different cheeses from around the world are described in mouthwatering detail."

I never leave home without it...


Monday 6 April 2009

Dogtown Boyz @ Dean Lane

Back on a Bristol trip again today...

From Skateboard! Session 12 1989.

Bill Danforth, Jeff Hartsel, Eric Dressen and John Thomas (snigger) take on the DLH.



Sunday 5 April 2009

The Wig Wam Jam

Had a little skootle with the boys today down at Unit1.



T.A and Stacey turned up.

Ol' Gnar Dog T put in an appearance too...


Saturday 4 April 2009

Way Out West In Merry Cider Country....

Well I'm gonna continue with the Brizzle theme today and here's another article from Skateboard! Issue 1.

A weekend in Bristol with the Skateboard Test Team or as they put it a "weekend in mutie land". The muties being the "Skate Muties Of The 5th Dimension" a 'zine created in the aforementioned skate capital of the west which went on to feature heavily in the incarnation of Skateboard!



An interesting little article about the state of skateboarding in that part of the world over 20 years ago...

Both Rollermania and Shiner are still trading showing what a hotbed of skateboarding the city still is I guess...

Friday 3 April 2009

The Legend That Is Spex



May 1988 and a new skate mag hits the shops...

It's the reincarnation of Skateboard! This time around it's edited by Bristol skater Skane (Steve Kane) so features a lot of Bristolian skate shenanigans.

This 1st Issue contains an interview with local skate legend Spex.



He's still ripping it up and so is his boy Gilbert O’Spexivan

Here's one of Bobs pics of Spex at Hengrove.





Check out Bob's blog here soon for some Filton action of the bespexticled one.

Thursday 2 April 2009

Wacky Plastic Camera




Still haven't gotten around to sticking a fillum in the Vivitar UW&S camera.




Here's my other 'wacky' plastic point and shoot camera.


It's a Lomo Actionsampler Flash.


4 lenses and 4 flash bulbs, it takes 4 shots in the space of about a second all on one frame of the 35mm film.

Unfortunately the flash packed up on mine, I did take it apart to see if I could figure out why but I couldn't.


Then it got knocked off of my desk and the battery cover broke, still, thinking about it the batteries were only to power the flashes so it'll still be usable in daylight.


Here's a shot of ol' monkeylegs going over the light in the gaffers old school pool, that's old school as in the school the gaffer went to not old schoool as in old school...









Bring on the bright Summer days and a bunch of mates at the skatepark...




Wednesday 1 April 2009

Alpine Sports Newsletter

Back in the day the shop to buy your skate gear was Alpine Sports in Brompton Road London (well it was before the days of Surrey Skateboards).

To be honest there weren't a lot of shops around in those days anyway.
They were a shop that sold skis and the like hence the name.

This was of course before the days of the internet so ordering entailed sending postal orders or a cheque with a letter and then waiting for the stuff to arrive or if you lived anywhere in the south-east you went up to the smoke on the train and drooled over the stuff in the shop.
Their adverts in the UK Skateboard magazines were always the biggest and glossiest but with your order they sent out their newsletters these were photocopied black & white sheets.
I picked some up off of eBay a few years ago. For starters here's Issue One: Summer 1979...