Getting Cosy with the Cobalt Cranes (some chit and chat)

Straight from the streets of LA, Cobalt Cranes are a foursome, who incorporate their immediate surroundings of sun, sand and silicone and bash it impeccably together with loud, raw, garage psychedelica. They are also an extremely nice bunch of individuals and have taken the time out to talk to us about Pumpkin Pancakes, cool LA bands and everyone's favourite Californian resident Arnold Scharzenegger.

Hello Cobalt Cranes, would you like to introduce yourselves ?
Tim: I play Guitar and sing
Kate: I'm Kate I play bass and sing if my mic is loud enough.
Mateo: My name is Mateo Leonardo. I play lead and rhythm guitar.
Travis: TRAVIS MOORE/ DRUMMS


How would you describe the Cobalt cranes sound? what does Cobalt Cranes stand for?

Kate: I would describe our sound as NU-Rage (the rage pronounced like the rage in garage; my lame marketing attempt). We are heavily influenced by 60's garage punk. So we started out with a very lo-fi garage sound. As we wrote more songs we began going in a different direction. we realized that we also have a very melodic side too. So It's kind of a" melodic garage" sound. Cobalt was the name of this zine my friend Lauren and I tried to start in middle school. There is half an issue somewhere, we never actually created a full one. That word Cobalt always sounded electric to me. It sounded cool. It also has two meanings as an element and a color. Same with cranes, an industrial crane or a bird. Someone should write a fucking poem.

TIM: We like a lot of old rock-and- roll like the Rolling Stones and 60's garage punk. We started writing and recording in an apartment in Korea Town. We had one microphone and very cool neighbors! The first song we learned was "Chinese Rocks" by Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers. We found this VHS tape with live recordings of Heartbreakers and really early Television performances. I think we got it at the Fairfax Fleamarket. We saw Sonic Youth play the Daydream Nation tour, and that influenced our sound a lot. Our name sounds cool, and it sounds like an old 50's gang.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in the last week?

TIM: There's this really funny French Bulldog that lives next door. He's afraid of everything. I can hear him from a mile away because of his gobblin like breathing. He always makes me laugh.

Travis: I GOT CALLD' A HOMO WHILE WALKING DOWN THE STREET.. HAHA.. THAT WAS ACTUALLY PRETTY FUNNY..

Travis: Listening to the Cobalt Cranes on your show and hearing you say that we are "wicked". That was funny and awesome at the same time. Thanks for the opportunity. It is an honor. That definitely made the week interesting.

Kate: I can't think of one from from last week. But one of my favorite funny moments or stories is my homemade fake i.d. story. I was 17 and I thought I could get away with anything. I found a forgotten i.d. in the register at the job I had at the time. I got a passport photo taken and went to a copy store. I waited until the youngest looking person was available to help me. I asked him to laminate my photo onto the i.d. he did. That night I went to the Troubadour. I told my on a date that I was 22, confidently walked up to the bouncer, and handed him my sweet i.d. He looked at it, looked at me, and in less then 10 seconds peeled the laminate right off. I took two steps back and bolted.













I have family who have just moved to LA and reside in Santa Monica, when I come and visit them, where would you recommend I go to see some interesting stuff?

Kate: Don't waste anytime! Get a head shot immediately and a waitering job. You never know when a reality TV scout is around. No but really, I would drive down sunset starting from Caesar Chavez in downtown and take it all the way to where it hits the ocean. I always thought that would be a cool if I wasn't from here. Every part of town has it's own thing happening. It's the small things in each Neighborhood that make LA interesting to me.

Mateo: I'll tell you what is cool: the art gallery scene. There are many little art galleries near downtown Los Angeles that have awesome shows. The coolest (or wickedest) bands play at these venues. The cover is always around 5 bucks and you can bring your own beverages.
The view of downtown Los Angeles at night is also very cool.
During the day I would definitely recommend outsiders a walk in Venice Beach.

TIM: There are so many cool things to do in L.A. First I would check out L'keg's calender and see if there is a good show that night. L'keg is a really cool music venue and hang-zone in between Echo Park and Downtown. I would also go to Topanga beach on highway 1. That beach rules.

Travis: I RECCOMENND L'KEG GALLERY, AND CRANE'S TAVERN... THERE PRETTY COOL RIGHT NOW...

I was actually in La briefly last year for a week and became addicted to Pumpkin pancakes, it's my birthday on Saturday and I want some for my breakfast, do you have any suggestions on how to make them?

TIM: I don't know about pumpkin pancakeses but there are a few cool places in L.A to get pancakes. Fred 62 in Loz Feliz has good ones, and Pan's Diner in Inglewood (where they shot the beginning and end of Pulp Fiction).

Kate: Happy Birthday. I don't know how to make Pumpkin Pancakes but as a Birthday present I have googled the recipe for you.

INGREDIENTS
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 3 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1 cup pumpkin puree
* 1 egg
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 tablespoons vinegar

DIRECTIONS
In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot














What are your influences?

Tim: Bands from the past and new bands that play rock-and-roll. The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Grahm Parsons, Bo Diddly, Motown, Black Sabbath, Link Wray, The Cars, Johnny Thunders and the Heart Breakers, Sonic Youth, Nirvana, the Ramones, The Black Lips, Liars, Elvis. Also Delta and Chicago blues, guys like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Howlin' Wolf.

Kate: Here are some: The Vaseline's, the B-Girls, wipers, the Adverts, Chuck Berry, Johnny Thunders and the Heart breakers, The ventures, The Sonics, Bo Didley, Black Sabbath,The Damned, Red Kross, X, 13TH floor elevators, The Rolling Stones (esp. Keith) Shellac, Nuggets, richard hell and the Voidoids, Sonic youth. Kim Gordon made me want to play the bass. Geezer Butler too. Lady Bo! Pj Harvey and Patti Smith gave me the guts to sing.

Here at Tuckshop we are always looking out for cool stuff, are there any bands/artists/people that you think we should check out?

Tim: There are some really cool new bands in L.A right now. Blue Jungle is a great band that reminds me of David Lynch's movies. They are dark and twisted, with lots of reverb and mean looks. The Tiajuana Panthers are a cool band from Long Beach that sound like a punk version of the Beach Boys, and the Allah Las are a cool new band from L.A that we have played with a couple times at L'keg. They do a great cover of a Bo-Diddley song where they add a noise-chorus .

Kate: Bands you should check out: Blue Jungle,The Grand Elegance, Indian Jewelry, Paint, Aids wolf, Tijuana Panthers, useless keys, The Allah Las, okie dokie, the Gossip tree, Ariel Pink, The B-girls. My Friend Lauren Dukoff's photographs are really incredible. I love her black and white photos the most. She has a book coming out soon called "Family". Also check the L'Keg gallery they're always curating new exhibits and they put together some of the funnest live shows I've been to in a while. It's a really unique all ages multimedia space, with a real DIY pulse. It's cool because artists and musicians can do their own thing. The L' Keg gallery is run by the band Blue Jungle and Walt who is the art curator. Our favorite shows have been at the L'Keg. Actually we played our second show there. Our very first show, we were too drunk to play a full set so we wound up playing "chinese rocks". Horrible.

Having looked at pictures from your L'Keg gig, I noticed these crazy drawings on the wall in the background, any idea who did them?

Kate: That was a really fun show. The L' Keg galley put together an exhibit called "Nostalgia's no good" documenting the la "underground" scene and the artists and bands involved. There were documentary videos, photographs,fliers, and other art. Check the link below to see the show's flier with all of the of the artists involved:
www.lkeggallery.com













In England, Arnold Schwarzenegger is seen as somewhat of a living legend, As weird as it may sound, we often spend hours over a few drinks repeating "Arnie Slogans" to one another. Do you like Arnie and what are your favourite Arnie quotes?

TRAVIS: "GET TO THE CHOPPPAAAA"
"COME WITH ME IF YOU WANT TO LIVE"
"ITS NOT AA TUMMMAARR"

Tim: Arnold made some great movies. Terminator 1 and 2 are so awesome. Does anyone remember the Club-Noir? Its in the first one, when Sarah Connor meets the Terminator for the first time, in slow-mo. The first time I came to L.A was to work on T3 as a PA intern (production assistant a.k.a non-paid grunt worker). It didn't last long. I would sleep a lot on the set because the hours were so terrible. I got caught sleeping in one of the trucks and got fired. I never saw Arnold. One funny quote , I forget which movie, was when a girl is about to die and Arnold shows up in the nick of time. The girl asks Arnold why he took so long to get there, and he just says "traffic".

Kate: I have the obvious Arnold quote "I'll be back". But I have an image of him from Terminator that has always stuck
The part when Arnold or the Terminator is "born" and he's naked in fetile position in a dark dirty alley. That was a tender moment. Don't Judge.

Mateo: Arnold is charming and a little scary. I don't have any favorite quotes from him, but I do remember watching somebody throw an egg at him. He didn't say anything, but that was my favorite Arnold moment.

Where can people find Cobalt Cranes?

Come to our shows!

We sell our cd's at our shows. We are recording our 12" Lp now that will be released in the summer.

Myspace.com/COBALTCRANES















Thank you Cobalt Cranes xx

From Poland with Love (short story of the Polish film poster)

Due to what I'm guessing was the influence of Communism. Poland has had quite a different relationship with American films. It has been the case in the past that American movies seldom make it past the Polish borders as the country is far more content in pushing it's own domestic film industry. When films do finally make it onto the local cinema screens they are quite a few years after the original release. Furthermore, the polish authorities don't like to use the original posters for these films and have thus commissioned artists to draw posters that they deem more appropriate for the polish public. Despite the fact that these artists have never seen so much as a trailer for these films the final product can often offer a completely new insight into the films title.



















Discovering Polish film posters has enlightened my life quite considerably over the last few months, I have spent many hours looking at these fine designs, I have even gone as far as purchasing my own piece of social history having invested in a poster designed for the stoner/bowling epic "The big Lebowski". This multi-coloured cultural masterpiece was purchased from the oh so brilliant www.polishposter.com, a company who are based in Warsaw and delivered my picture within 5 days of ordering, putting some of their British counterparts to shame. In addition to this, the poster arrived in a tube covered in these rather excellent, if not quite sinister polish stamps...Anyone interested in starting a Polish stamp collection?

Groundhog day with Animal Train (an interview)

Animal Train are from Pennsylvania, which is also where Groundhog day originated from. They're the kind of band that if were ever played on your stereo at a party, would encourage all the bad kids to throw your TV out of the bedroom window and try and get it on with your younger or older sister. It's raw, shouty punk, which we all love. Below are some rather articulate answers from them......enjoy!


Who is who in Animal Train?

Rich: Guitar, CJ: Bass and Vox, Ra: Drums

How would you describe your music?

Old school punk or at least we have been told so.

In England, a common interpretation of a punk, is someone who sports a Mohican. Whatt are you're feelings on this hair cut, have you ever had one and what color would you dye it?

It's a very tastee style.. we all agree we like lime green and it is best to have a nice round head and loveable ears. We like anything nonconformist that will piss off the right wing Bushies.

If i was to visit Pennsylvania, where would you reccomend me to go?

We'd welcome you to come party at our house, then hit the city of Philadelphia see the sites catch punk shows at the Unitarian Church hang out on South Street go record shopping head west to Pittsburgh

What would you recomend me to eat?

A Geno's "Phily Cheesesteak"
with SEVERAL Yuengling lagers : )

Am I right in thinking that Pennsylvania is the home of Ground Hog day? and what actually happens?

Yes, we think it all began with a guy who ate alot of mushrooms and drank a lot of lager : )
Here's the story as we've been told: The legend of Groundhog Day is based on an old Scottish couplet: "If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year." Every February 2, people gather at Gobbler's Knob, a wooded knoll just outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Residents contend that the groundhog has never been wrong. The ceremony in Punxsutawney was held in secret until 1966, and only Phil's prediction was revealed to the public. Since then, Phil's fearless forecast has been a national media event. The groundhog comes out of his electrically heated burrow, looks for his shadow and utters his prediction to a Groundhog Club representative in "groundhogese." The representative then translates the prediction for the general public. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it means spring is just around the corner. Approximately 90% of the time, Phil sees his shadow. Phil started making predictions in 1887 and has become an American institution.

What other bands should we be checking out?

All the bands in our top friends space are great and most def worth checking out.

Is there anything you like about England?

Everything! we completely dig England we’d love to come visit and hopefully get the opportunity to play Club Ugly!

Where can we find you?

myspace.com/animaltrain


Where can we get your records?

We’re currently working on our 1st EP once its complete ya can get a copy from us just drop us a line on our myspace page.

Awesome Italian Star Wars Poster

Although I wouldn't class myself as a Star Wars fanatic,the films do honestly evoke romantic memories of my childhood, being young and care free, the bad man wasn't the Tax Man or my boss, but the ultimate leader of the Death Star, Darth Vader. You couldn't help but notice Star Wars when I was a wee lad. I can remember buying myself a Y- wing with my birthday money and the intense anticipation when my dad announced he was going to the video shop to hire The return of the Jedi. Stumbling across a Star Wars poster book in a budget book shop during on my Lunch break was therefore quite a nice surprise.

The author is apparently one of the leading experts and biggest collectors of Star Wars memorabilia and man, he does indeed have a pretty amazing collection of posters. Star Wars was perhaps the first film to fully take advantage of merchandise so it is well worth a peruse should you ever see it. Having screened over the pages in the shop, I came across this beauty which is a proper bad boy. The book tells me it's origin is Italy and It also persuaded me to buy this hefty volume. A Volume, I can honestly say hasn't disappointed. Go check it out now..

Bedroom session mix with Jersey Royale

Deep, soulful, vocal house music and Tuckshop Comunity Radio is probably not an obvious match, however being extremely keen to extend our musical journey as far and as wide as possible, It should therefore come as no surprise to learn that for our latest "bedroom session", we have enlisted the talents of Saaaaaf laaandan revolutionists "Jersey Royale", a bunch of youngish whippersnappers who have been busy terrifying many a house head with thier awesome sets and DJ capers.

The World is indeed a small place and I have actually known Toby (one half of Jersey Royale) from 'the good old days' when we were both in the same Halls of Residence. We bonded on not only a diet of pasta and "Sauce" but also rather ironically, on a mutual love for the first Black eyed peas album (they were actually quite good before that damned Fergie got hold of them!).

To celebrate this fantastic collaboration, Toby kindly agreed to answer some of our questions.

The crab has been a massive inspiration on my life, what affect did he have on you and has he ever appeared at any of your gigs?

You know what, I’ve only ever seen the crab (socially) once and it had a profound effect on the way I have gone on to live my life... At the time I just thought ‘look at that balding, bespectacled man dancing round this bar like a crustacean, whatever you do, don’t end up like him’. In a way i’d like to buy The Crab a drink because thanks to him, i’ve managed to keep my hair, not wear glasses and I certainly don’t have any pincers. Hats off to The Crab. He’s never been to any of our gigs, though if he was to show up i’d shake him by the claw. Legend.

I remember when we are Uni Hall, Eau du Cologne used to waft through your floor and down the staircase, What ever happened to that fair smelling, pastel shirt wearing individual?

Yeah you’re right, at the time I seem to have inherited Phil Mitchell’s entire pastel, button down shirt collection from the BBC wardrobe department. Thankfully those days are over (the shirts are now in a South Wales landfill) and i’ve moved on to pastel polo shirts. I suppose it’s almost like Darwin’s theory of natural selection....but with shirts. The thing with University is it’s a real corrupter of fine young minds, I’m not saying I had a find young mind, far from it, but I was certainly corrupted. I lay the blame squarely at my erstwhile DJ partner Ben Gardiner.

What is this seasons ultimate accessory for any modern man?.......ever considered wearing a cravat?

Cravat’s are a little done and dusted now really, they are dapper as hell, but you need balls to carry it off if you are under 70 or don’t own a 12 bedroom house that you’ve inherited. For me, this season it’s all about pin badges worn on outer wear. Forget your country’s flag, if you can source a pin badge that features a game bird (I mean like a pheasant not Christina Aguilera) then it looks the nuts.

Where is your night and are there any other places where we can find you?

You can find us playing in Clapham South the first Sunday of every month at Gigalum and Inigo. Aside from that we do the odd shift at Plan B in Brixton for House Rules. In May we've got something really exciting lined up, but it's a a little to soon to announce so keep checking our page for updates.

What is the coolest thing you've seen recently?

Not sure if this counts as cool in everyone’s book (think Vice Magazine cool here..), but I was walking to my local Underground station a couple of weeks ago in the morning and I spied a rather rotund, young-ish lady wearing a white puffa jacket. She was sat down in the bus shelter opposite a cafe which had a big bay window and about 8 people standing around her waiting for said bus. Anyway, Her face was pretty red and her eyes were watering and she was wiping her mouth and looked pretty sheepish. I thought ‘here we go, something’s going on here’ and I looked down and she had literally just puked her breakfast up whilst sat in a bus shelter, surrounded by 8 people and about a dozen more all watching through the cafe window. She just sat there next to it and didn’t move. That’s cool under pressure.

If we were told that the world was going to end and that you would be reincarnated as a professional footballer from the late 80's early 90's who would you pick and why?

Definitely Aston Villa flyer Tony Daley. He had this wicked Jason Roberts haircut moulded to a severe wedge, which at the time was very forward thinking in my book. OR maybe Mick Quinn, just because he looks exactly like Bob Carolgees.

Expanding our musical experience, are there any records you recommending us listening to?

If you like your house music a little bit edgier then i’m enjoying Darkmountain Group’s ‘Lose Control’ on Ben Watt’s Buzzin’ Fly label, if it’s a sprinkling of soul you like on your cornflakes then i’d definitely recommend the new remixes of Gabriel Rene, Spirit. Also keep an eye out for producer Guy Robin, he’s only 18 and he’s been turning out high quality house tracks as if he’d been using a mixing desk from birth. Mark my words.

We hear you are a fan of Mario's on Clapham high street, should I ever be in the area, is it worth popping in for a bite? what would you suggest I try?

Absolutely. Mario’s is one of the more interesting dining options on Clapham High Street (Maharani’s excepted). It’s probably the most narrow dining space I’ve ever eaten in and the clientele could be described as ‘vibrant’ (that’s estate agent speak for unpleasant) but there’s something about the way Mario puts those breakfasts together that keep me going back. It’s the only place in London I’ve been where I haven’t had to ask for fried bread. He works his socks off and it’s open late. In the shadow of McDonalds next door, it’s the last word in proper British grub. Go support.

To listen to Jersey Royale's excellent bedroom mix just click below.



You can visit the Jersey Royale Facebook page and keep up to date with their upcoming gigs here

Living Room Session with 'Stages of Dan' and the Trinitron

The latest chapter in the "living room sessions" saga finds me outside ladbroke grove station on a Saturday afternoon. It is here where I am supposed to be meeting Roland, a man I have been in contact with through email who claims to be manager of the band called "Stages of Dan".

"Some of the band are on there way" Roland states as he leads me up a darkened corridor, and up a long flight of stairs taking me literally above the tube station. "They shouldn't be too long".
"Not a problem" I reply, trying to catch my breath embarking on yet another set. "I'm in no rush".

Finally reaching the top, my guide Roland knocks firmly on one of the many doors in the corridor. Promptly swinging open, I'm greeted by a young man dressed in what can only be described as a golden dressing gown, astounded by it's beauty and slightly blinded by the glistening garment, I happily step inside the Flat.













Stages of Dan, have got quite a following and a few of their more dedicated fans had even managed to come along to view the session, incredibly accommodating, I was quickly given a cup of tea by a young lady and was even offered a beer, which I declined politely. Dressed in a fine array of outfits, we become quickly accustomed with one another and begin to set up.

"We should be fine today, sound wise" Chris the drummer tells me, "I think our neighbour has either done a runner or died, giving us the opportunity to play as loud as we want"!

Sadly it transpires that our mics are unable to work well enough to record with, and due to having previously arranged a photo shoot for later in the afternoon, we all decide to "wing it" and record straight through the inbuilt mic on my trusty mac. The result is a fine distorted mix of mammoth melodies and crashing drums, which although may be raw, it is proper rock and Roll, which should be enjoyed by all.

To check out Stages of Dan, please visit their myspace page here and to listen to this fine session please visit our page by clicking below or visiting our sessions page here.

March Club Ugly was more Wacko than Jacko

Not only was March's latest Club Ugly installment an absolute stormer, It was nice to see it back to it's former self having suffered a heavy blow from Mother Nature at our last night (Remember the day when London shut down, due to the invasion of the cold white stuff?) It was reported that the London economy that day lost a billion squids, we managed to lose 1.5 bands and quite a few regulars!














With the March weather fair. Not only did all the bands make it down, but each one seemed to be on perfect, plectrum picking form. The Whole Schebang warmed up the crowd with ease , entertaining us all with not only amusing anecdotes but a happy blend of upbeat anti folk.













The Momeraths, sang, skipped and danced through their set, complete with Ironing board and flowers,melodies were sweet and uplifting, leaving us all with a happy glow, sweet smile and a tapping foot. Rumours suggest that this pack of pop powered pixies have been picked for Glastonbury, so be prepared to be carried away with the undeniably attractive Momeraths Movement.














Elegantly Squeezing through the doors, holding a back line of vintage amps and finely crafted guitars and all dressed to the nines from head to toe in sharp tailored suits, The Fabulous penetrators powered through their set, Almost blowing the roof off The whole of Little Portand Street, let alone The Social. Plenty of gain, fancy footwork and good old fashioned rock flew fast onto the the sweaty crowd, who rolled and shaked and moved in any way they could, allowing themselves to be fully possessed by the wizardry that was placed in front of their own eyes.


It was an absolute beauty and we hope to See you all in April for Man and the Vertebrates, The Zetland Players and Tom Mansi with his Ice breakers

Interview with Tijuana Panthers

If you're reading this and am from the Long Beach area, then the chances are that you're familiar with the Tijuana Panthers, for those however who have yet to be converted, These guys are a fine slice of West Coast living, promoting the all too easy lifestyle of surf, sea, sand and sleek hair cuts. A sound that has been happily filtering through my ipod all week as I battle through the London crowds to and from my place of work.

We may be miles apart, whilst I have Hampstead Heath, these guys have The Hole, but a mutual affection for Kentish Towns proudest Children Kitty, Daisy and Lewis, bonds us before they agree to devote a few minutes out of their lazy afternoon to answer some questions, which I pick straight from the "what to ask bands from California" handbook


First things first, Tijuana Panthers is an interesting name, does it mean anything?

My neighbor Max is an older guy that has had some tough living. Once he gave me this porcelain panther to fix and told me and a couple of friends the story behind it. He said he was down in Tijuana in the 70’s and bought it on the street. As he was walking down the street a man started coming towards him, real close like. So Max decided to pull his shiv out of his boot and stabbed him. He didn’t say what happened after that, I think he just ran, he was all hopped up on pills. So we named the band after that panther, I actually still have it too.

Where are you guys from? and what's the best thing about your hood?

Long Beach, CA… it’s a Port City.

Do you guys surf? if so where is your favourite spot?
Yes. The Hole

The Hole!, that sounds pretty ominous, Once when I was surfing back near my homeland in Cornwall, I had an interesting experience with a Seal, Have you ever come to face to face with one? Have you ever seen a great white shark?

No, I had a student show me a video on his phone of him with a baby seal cuddling on his lap, it was crazy.

I visited California in September of last year and got seriously addicted to Pumpkin pancakes. I've tried endlessly since to recreate them back at home, but have only succeeded in producing an orange mush that sticks like plaster to my pan, do you guys have any tips?

My mom makes the best Banana Pancakes very Saturday morning still to this day.

perhaps she can help me then with that particular problem!
Are there any British bands you guys are into at the moment?
Pete Doherty, Lady Sovereign (And Kitty Daisy and Lewis)

Anyone or anything you recommend we should check out from your native land?

The Soft Pack, Wounded Lion, Christmas Island, The Strange Boys

And if weve got a few spare moments, Where can we next see you?

maybe Fuel TV this month on the Daily Habit or catch Chad working the late shift at Shorehouse cafe

but I really want one of your records, how can I get hold of one?

We have 7” coming out this month that you will be able to pick up off our myspace. We sell our EP on myspace and mail them out. You can also get it on the online at itunes

Back to more important issues, I see you've written a song about getting a crew cut, was this a pleasurable experience?

Chad use to have a Flat top all through Junior High and High School, I think it served him well.

Chad does have great hair, but in your opinion which man has the greatest haircut?

Morrissey

So What is your favourite male hair cut?

Flat Top

Good Choice!

Please check out the Tijuana Panthers here....

And catch a load of their awesome video "Crew cut" below

The Toy Band are better than any version of Guitar Hero

About 18 months ago, when Tuckshop was still only a baby, I had the rather fortunate experience of hearing The Toy Band, a gang made up of young scallywags who were testing their musical talents in front of many, more than happy crowds up and down the streets of Cardiff. Armed with nothing more than a competency to play their instruments well and a knack of writing sweet tune after sweet tune, it wasn't long before their skill had taken them over the river Severn bridge and up to the bright streets of London.

I couldn't believe my luck, when I was invited along to their gig, and I quickly marked it in my diary. Sadly however my plans were somewhat thwarted due to an evening spent watching a friend drown his sorrows over a split with his then girlfriend.

A lot has gone on for The Toy Band since then of course, a host of rave reviews has followed a speedily gathered following of admirers and they are now sitting proudly on top of not only a list of fine gigs but on their hotly anticipated new single "all you have to do is cry". It was therefore hardly surprising that I was once again excited at the prospect of going to see the Toy band last Saturday, they even were kind enough to put me on the guest list.
















However.....It seems broken hearts are a tough cookie to fix and on my way to the gig I had to attend a engagement party of strangely enough my mates ex girlfriend. The evening was going nicely to plan, until of course when my good friend turned up in an uninvited drunken stupour. Once again I came to his rescue, removing him swiftly from the party, sharing another long "heart to heart" session.

Later, looking at my watch, I realised that I had yet again, missed another Toy Band gig.

The Toy band will undoubtedly give you far more pleasure than any axe wielding, air strummimg session on Guitar Hero, It is a massive shame that I was unable to make their gig on Saturday. I intend to catch them at full price next time they visit this fair capital, infact I may even insist that my heart broken friend ends his singledom by treating me to a date at their next gig.

All you can do is cry is out now on boy Scout Recordings and can be purchased here.

Watch a superb recording of "all you can do is cry" below...