© Words Matteo Sedazzari
November 2013 saw Universal Music re-release all of The Jam’s studio  albums, on viny In the City May 1977, This Is the Modern World November 1977, All Mod Cons November 1978, Setting Sons November 1979, Sound Affects November 1980 and The Gift March 1982 (originally released on Polydor). Six great albums LPS (if we are going to get nostalgic) that have certainly stood the test of time well. Be it the poignant, yet angst, Away from The Numbers (In The City), the rhythmic paranoid and eerie Scrape Away (Sound Affects), or the power pop ballad Carnation (The Gift).  

© Words – Matteo Sedazzari

“Play it fuckin' loud!” Bob Dylan, true words from a great songwriter.  Even though Dylan may not be a direct influence to London veterans, The Fallen Leaves, they certainly do play it fuckin’ loud.  Formed in West London in 2004 by Rob Symmons ( guitar) and Rob Green (vocals), and Paul Myers (bass), all three seasoned performers from the punk and new wave circuit.

© Words Matteo Sedazzari

The origin of the 12” single originated from Jamaica in the late 50’s, and developed further into the sixties with the birth of ska, rocksteady, early reggae and sound systems, where party goers would dance to the beat of home grown talent that was longer than the three minute single. Furthermore, with the birth of disco in the 70’s, with the clubs of New York and such like, soul, funk and r ‘n’ b influenced tunes, in 4/4 time, with the bass pumping the music along, the disco dancers needed the groove to go on forever, beyond conventional airtime. 

© Words Matteo Sedazzari

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains  (directed by Lou Adler, Up in Smoke  and ex owner of Dunhill and Ode record labels) is a marvellous film that captures the trappings of fame, life on the road and general chaos experienced in rock ‘n’ roll.  Released in 1982 although made in 1980, with additional footage shot two years later to offer a more positive ending to same.  It tells the story of an all female punk/new wave band The Fabulous Stains from Pennsylvania.  Looking like sixties group The Shaggs, led by the arrogant and distrustful Corinne “third degree” Burns  played by Diane Lane

© Words Matteo Sedazzari
“You don't get anywhere without effort, do you lad?” Ruxton Towers Reformatory’s Governor - The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962)

Harsh words of encouragement to young offender Colin Smith, the central character in the above. A young man who finds himself incarcerated, due to a burglary. Smith is a rebellious youth, whose only form of solace is to run long distances, where he feels he is away from the world,

© Words Matteo Sedazzari
It would unfair to say that Nile Rodgers is having a renaissance, as his music has never gone away nor has it aged, be it Sister Sledge or Chic, timeless classics that still enthral and pulsate any dance floor,  regardless of age.  I remember back in my days of clubbing, late eighties to early nighties, that Sister Sledge’s Thinking of You  became a club anthem, the smiles on the dancers faces were truly beautiful,

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The Jar Family are from Hartlepool, a tough port town in the North East of England, and it seems that The Jar Family are a collection of musicians from this background.  Stemming from adversity, minimum pay jobs or near homelessness with a bleak future ahead, it seemed the only thing they had was music.

Fender have a Stratocaster to giveaway to one lucky winner who heads over to their official UK & ROI Facebook page.

© Words – Matteo Sedazzari
© Top Photograph Derek D'Souza

“I know I come from Woking and you say I'm a fraud “  The Jam - Sounds From The Street,

Classic lyrics that certainly put Woking and Surrey on the British rock ‘n’ roll map in 1977. Since then The Jam made their stamp on music,  the suburban town has always been synonymous with the ‘best fxxking band in the world’. 

© Words – Matteo Sedazzari

What he said must be spoken quickly, for most of them had no patience. What he said must be put strongly, more acted than spoken, for they had to be hooked to stand and hear.
The Warriors - Sol Yurick