The Extricate Blog Spot

Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Johnny Turnbull interviewed by Mark Dezzani on Radio Caroline

On Tuesday 19th November Blockheads legend Johnny Turnbull was the special guest on Radio Caroline’s Mark Dezzani Show. Tracks played on the show included 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick', 'Wake Up And Make Love With Me', 'Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll' 'Billericay Dickie' (by Ian Dury & The Blockheads) 'Sausages' 'Little Ray of Sunshine' and 'Bless Our Love' (from Johnny's new solo LP 'Never Mind The Frolics') 'On Love' (by Skip Bifferty) 'Close The Gate' (by The Loving Awareness Band) 'Ship of Fools' (by World Party)

Johnny talks about early bands, dodgy managers, bad contracts, Ronan O'Rahilly (who is the man who launched Radio Caroline also instigated The Loving Awareness Band which Johnny was a member of), How the Blockheads met, the Stiff records tour, The Small Faces, His friendship with Karl Wallinger and their final collaboration, and much, much more.

Listen to the show: HERE

Above: Johnny in Skip Bifferty

Above: Ronan O'Rahilly of The Loving Awareness Band.

Johnny's album “Never mind the Frolics“ is available on CD by post. CD orders are now available through PayPal. Use the following link to place your order: paypal.me/Nevermindthefrolics

'Never Mind the Frolics' is a 13 track CD that features the talents of among others The Heavenly Host, Charlie Charles, Karl Wallinger , Leonard Cohen, Mitt Gamon, and many Blockheads.

Tuesday, 19 November 2024

Vic Flick and A World Without Love

Yesterday it was announced that Vic Flick, the English guitarist behind distinctive riff on the James Bond theme, had died at the age of 87. Vic Flick is arguably the most influential session guitarists that this country has produced. Flick’s guitar playing was an essential part of the success of the big hits by Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Shirley Bassey, Cliff Richard, Petula Clarke, Herman’s Hermits, Nancy Sinatra, and many others. So many great songs are connected to Flick one song I feel is a bit neglected and underrated is A World Without Love which was composed by Paul McCartney and made famous by Peter and Gordon.

When Paul McCartney and John Lennon began writing songs together they would often work in the bathroom of Lennon’s home in Menlove Avenue. After the sessions the young McCartney would have to walk home in the dark. The worst part of this journey was crossing a golf course. McCartney would often sing to himself and on one occasion, whilst walking across a golf course in total darkness he came up with the song A World Without Love.

When McCartney played the song to Lennon it was met with derision. It was the opening line of the song (“Please lock me away”) that Lennon thought was unintentionally hilarious, maybe it reminded him of the sort of thing Peter Sellers would say in The Goon Show? It was agreed that the song wasn’t good enough for The Beatles and no more was said about it. Two years later, In April 1964 however the song was released in the U.K. by the duo Peter & Gordon and it spent 2 weeks at number one. It was also number one in Ireland and New Zealand. And in the U.S it topped both the Billboard and Cashbox Hot 100.

The producer of A World Without Love was the head of EMI records Norman Newell. Newell wrote lyrics for singers such as Mat Monroe. He also enjoyed working with comedians such as Ken Dodd, Norman Wisdom, and Joyce Grenfell and Newell also had great success with musicals the only genre of popular music he didn’t really understand Rock and Roll. So it was fortunate for everyone that Vic Flick was on board to deliver the perfect guitar part. Without Vic I don’t think the song would have knocked Can’t Buy Me Love off the number one spot.

Although The Supremes recorded a cover version of World Without Love for their third album it’s not a McCartney track many other artists have performed or recorded. Doc Pomus (who co-wrote classics singles by The Drifters, the Searchers, Dion and several of Elvis Presley’s biggest hits) said that out of all the songs Lennon and McCartney wrote together or apart, World Without Love was his personal favourite. Maybe the song's magic comes from the combination of Vic's slick guitar and the innocence of Paul’s lyrics.

So I wait and in a while

I will see my true love smile

She may come, I know not when

When she does, I'll know, so baby, until then

Lock me away

And don't allow the day

Here inside

Where I hide

With my loneliness

I don't care what they say

I won't stay in a world without love

This text by Roberta Ann-Smith originally appeared in What Goes On?

Tuesday, 15 October 2024

Johnny Turnbull releases fantastic new album Never Mind The Frolicks

Johnny Turnbull’s brilliant guitar playing has featured on many much loved albums by The Blockheads, Bob Geldof, World Party, David Stewart, Paul Young, and Talk Talk. This month sees the release of his fab new solo CD “Never Mind The Frolics“ which is available from: paypal.me/Nevermindthefrolics

Q: My favourite lyric from Never Mind The Frolics is “All the world is quiet, all the world is still, Everybody is praying that their God will pay the bill, Everybody Is Hoping For The Perfect Happy Pill” – how did they come about?

Johnny: “The words to ‘Perfect Happy Pill’ came on a morning walk in Crouch End. Twas a still, calm morning and words just flooded in. Emma-Clare helped me a bit with the title. Dave Stewart told me a John Lennon quote about songs being like postcards which is a good line of thought. Don't fret too much - when inspiration strikes just go with it - the flow is always the right way."

Q: ‘Everything Is Broken’ is an amusing song that reminds me of George Formby – are you a fan of Mr Formby?

Johnny: “I enjoyed writing ‘Everything is Broken’ on my drives to the studio. We had moved to an old cottage near Derby and most things needed attention. So it was all true. I had the tune on Ukulele for a while and yes, I am a big George Formby fan."

Q: ‘Figure It Out’ is a sweet love song – have you been lucky in love and do you have any advice for young lovers?

Johnny: “Figure It Out started at Karl Wallinger’s studio Seaview. He recorded me on acoustic and he played a bass on Moog. Karl also suggested I tweak the lyric here and there. He was a fabulous producer -arranger and a dear friend. My advice to young lovers would be to try to stay in love and to love like you’ve never been hurt.”

Q: The first 3 minutes of ‘Anniversary Bash’ is quite gentle music accompanying a singer whose pondering the rights and wrongs of a band who does a crown pleasing show that consists of trips down memory lane but then there’s a fantastic 2 minute jam at the end. Can you talk about what inspired the lyric or would you rather keep it mysterious and ambiguous?

Johnny: “Anniversary Bash is an out take from Blockheads album ‘Where’s The Party?’ I took a monitor mix at the end of the session .It’s good to have a mix even if the song doesn’t make it on an album. I love the jam on the outro. Gilad Atzmon plays beautiful Soprano lines and Dylan Howe on drums mashed it up nicely. Mickey Gallagher on electric piano, Norman Watt-Roy on Bass, Chaz Jankel on Moog. The lyric was originally about Eric Clapton. I played at his Hall of Fame event in New York at the Armoury. I was in Spiritual Cowboys with Dave Stewart. I spoke with Eric after sound check. He was kind and very relaxed even though his life must have been complex and tinged with sadness. The other influence was Ian Dury at the Palladium. His last ever concert with The Blockheads and special guest singers.”

Q: To my ears both ‘Little Ray of Sunshine’ and ‘Flirting With Mountains’ are quite Beatle-esq – they wouldn’t be out of place on later albums by The Fabs such as Abbey Road. Have you met any of The Beatles or worked with them? Do you get a little star struck when you meet your heroes?

‘Little Ray of Sunshine’ also started out at Karl Wallinger’s studio many years ago. I had the tune and Karl was mumbling words including the title. We never finished it sadly … When Karl died I decided to write more words .The night before his funeral I finished it and sang it to his family. They approved so I tagged it on the end of the new album. I may have borrowed a few Paul McCartney chords for this one but I don’t think he would object. The last time I saw Paul I told him I had bought all his records and he said thanks mate…I did meet all the Beatles. Paul and Ringo were very kind and relaxed. Ringo let me play his drum kit when I was recording Kai Olsen’s album at Tittenhurst studios. The snare drum still had a piggy packet taped on the skin from years ago. I was chuffed to bits... John Lennon asked me to help find his glasses late one night at The Speakeasy club London. We found them and he was grateful a little bit drunk at the time...Twas a late night lock in and most people had gone home…. George was always moody to me and I think I know why. We both fancied a beautiful woman.. I don’t want to mention the girl’s name so we will leave it at that. Bless him.”

Q: Karl Wallinger died in March of this year aged just 66. You played in World Party with him for quite some time. Can you share a happy memory of working with Karl and do you have a favourite World Party song?

“The Beatification of Saint Karl….We were recording ‘The Whole of The Night’ I was using my Gibson Melody Maker guitar which is easy to play but to Karl’s ears sounded a bit thin so he put it through his latest bit if trickery and got a fantastic sound which inspired me onto bendy tricky licks .We celebrated with a fat one and a cup of Tea. On my first solo record ‘Quantum Frolics’ Karl loved the song ‘Love and Magik’ so he stayed up for hours sorting out my vocals and did a wonderful mix.'

The Blockheads (who now consist of Chaz, Mickey and Johnny with new boys John Roberts on drums, Dave Lewis on sax, Nathan King on bass, and singer Mike Bennett) will be playing Dingwalls on the 14th of December. To see all their tour dates for next year visit: HERE

Tuesday, 1 October 2024

Private View of Geometropology by Larissa Kouznetsova is on 30th October

The Private view of Larissa Kouznetsova's solo exhibition, 'Geometropology' is on October 30th, from 6pm to 9pm at the lovely Café Phillies, 2A Phillimore Gardens, London W8 7QB (Near High Street Kensington). The cafe is open every day from 7am to 7pm . https://www.instagram.com/larissanet/

Monday, 26 August 2024

The 2024 Ramsgate Affordable Print Fair Price List

Opening at 6pm on Friday the 13th Sept

BILLY CHILDISH: Giclée Print Title & Price to be confirmed.

BOB LONDON: A3 Giclée Print in an edition of 30 (unframed £30)

CARSON PARKIN-FAIRLEY: "My Own Private Paradise" (£50 framed)

CEDAR LEWISOHN: Thermographic Print £100

CHRIS TOSIC: "Badge of Peace" Giclée print on Hahnemühle Bamboo Paper.Size 297x210mm, Unframed £99

CRISTINA CALVACHE: Riego de pena (Irrigation of sorrow) Digital print - Giclée in recycled paper. Price: £40

CORIN JOHNSON: A One off print : £80 unframed

DENESE MORDEN: ‘Here we go’ from an edition of 10 (A4 size)

GORDON BESWICK : "Magic Mountain" £20 unframed £40 framed

HARRY ADAMS: Giclée Print £50 unframed

HARRY PYE: "The Sad Flower And The Happy Bee" This Riso print is 34cm wide 29cm high is in an edition of 10. The prints are made with soy based inks on 300 gsm Munken paper with colours selected by Luke Gottelier. £50 unframed

JAIME JOVER: "De-Stijl Experiment number 2" Computer Print 2024 T.B.C

JAMES LAWSON: (Unframed screenprint in an edition of 15) :£50

JARED SCHILLER: Henry Hoover Lino Cut: £20, Dixon zine: £5

JO MAMA: "I Am Jo Mama" £10 (includes frame)

JONAS RANSSON: ‘Study for Enfants Riches Déprimés’ Acrylic screen print on 300gsm archival paper (From an original gouache drawing) Edition of 30, 70cmX50cm. Special Ramsgate price: £100

JULIA MADDISON: 'Sulking in Leopard Print' 2022 Monoprint £100 (Note: Price does not include frame)

JULIAN WAKELING: 'Beach' screenprint. Special Ramsgate Price: £100

KATE MURDOCH: The 'I always wanted to be...' series) A4, inkjet print on photographic paper (framed) £40

KELDA STORM: 'Double Speak' (Neon Pink) 2024 In an edition of 10 Special Ramsgate price: unframed £95. 'Double Speak' (Pale Pink) 2024 Screenprint Each Edition of 10. Special Ramsgate price:Unframed £95

KITTY McCARRON: Untitled A4 inkjet print (£30 price includes frame)

LEE MAELZER: £100

LORETTA WALL: 6 x monoprints by Loretta Wall. 'Alien love seeds' Monoprint in resin

9 cm x 9 cm £85

OWEN THOMAS: To be confirmed

REECE HIGHAM: 'Ride The Pony' a5 Linio print

RUSSELL HERRON: ‘Cardboard Skull’ Five colour screenprint on 300gsm Somerset satin paper, hand torn edges, hand signed, dated and numbered on the reverse. 42cm x 29.5cm. Edition of 25.

£100

SANDRA MIRALLES ALCAZAR: Sunflowers (2024) Size A4 (210 x 297mm) Framed: £55 Unframed: £35 and Untitled (2024) by Sandra Miralles Alcazar. Size A4 (210 x 297mm) Framed: £55 Unframed: £35

SANDRA TURNBULL: 'Gold Cloak' £80

SARAH WOOD: Couple (Study)’ Gicle print on Hahnemuhle German etching paper

Edition of 10 + 1 AP £80 unframed

SUZANNE SPIRO: Inkjet Prints £100 each

TINSEL EDWARDS: 'Socks 1' (2024) one off monotype unframed print, approx 42 x 30cms, £45. 'Socks 2' (2024) unframed (42cm x 30cm approx) One off mono type print with added oil pastel. £45

TWINKLE TROUGHTON: £25 for the A5 prints unframed, (Framed £35). And £35 for the A4 print unframed, £50 framed.

Sunday, 21 July 2024

Graham Parker records cover of the classic Bonzo Dog Band song Urban Spaceman

Graham Parker has been releasing albums since 1976 (3 of which went Top 20 in the UK) and one of which ('Squeezing Out The Sparks') Rolling Stone Magazine claims is amongst the greatest records ever made. Special guest musicians to appear on albums by Parker over the years include Rolling Stones keyboardist Nicky Hopkins, Steve Nieve and Pete Thomas from The Attractions, Gilson Lavis from Squeeze, Roy Dodds and Simon Edwards from Fairground Attraction, John Sebastian from The Lovin’ Spoonful, Garth Hudson from The Band and Bruce Springsteen. Graham Parker has written songs that have been covered by Ricky Nelson, Rod Stewart, Nick Lowe, Dave Edmonds, and Bob Geldof. And in 2012 Parker collaborated with the comedy writer/director/producer Judd Apatow in the hit movie 'This Is 40'. For more info visit: www.grahamparker.net

This video for Urban Spaceman features portraits of Graham Parker from 35 esteemed artists. In order of appearance the artists are... 1)Edward Ward, 2)Julian Wakeling, 3)Vanessa Winch, 4) Harry Pye, 5)Stuart Ridley, 6) Francis Macdonald, 7) Georgia Hayes, 8)Ben Dickson, 9) Rowland Smith, 10) Suzanne Spiro, 11) Marguerite Horner, 12) Tinsel Edwards, 13) Sandra Turnbull, 14) Charlotte Bracegirdle, 15) Lady Lucy, 16) Alberto Kunnapu, 17)August Kunnapu, 18) Otiz Cannelloni, 19) John Moseley, 20) Pete Mountford, 21) Bob London, 22) Daisy de Villeneuve, 23)Chris Webster, 24) Martin Bramnah, 25)Louise Colbourne, 26) Tine Frellesen, 27) Reece Higham, 28) John Heywood-Waddington, 29) Russell Herron, 30) Paul Burgess, 31) Gordon Beswick, 32)Yildiz Kavak, 33) Tansy McNally, 34) Sarah Doyle, 35) Michael Hughes. The video also features blink and you'll miss them cameos from the comedians Harry Hill, Robin Ince, John Pape, and Nick Revell.

The song "I'm The Urban Spaceman" was written by Neil Innes. It was a top 5 hit in 1968 (the producer of the track was Paul McCartney). Songs of Inspiration is a project that Gordon Beswick and Harry Pye do just for fun. Previoulsy they made a video for Nigel Planer singing 'Let's Be Natural'. More covers from fans and friends of Neil are just around the corner. If you are a fan of Neil Innes make a date in your diary for the 24th of Oct when 'Dip My Brain In Joy: a life with neil Innes - the official biography' by Yvonne Innes is published by Nine Eight Books And the 28th o November when there will be a special tribute night held at London Indigo at the O2 in Greenwich.