I received the following from TFL’s friend Bill from the band Funkspiel. If you enjoyed their music on Three From Leith, I’d be chuffed if you’d consider helping support them in their quest for airplay on BBC 6 Music (the BBC’s digital music station):

Hi there. Bill Walsh here.

As you may or may not know, I play in a band called FUNKSPIEL. Vic McGlynn of BBC 6 MUSIC is kindly helping to promote our tune ‘DEAD BUNNIES’ throughout May 2006 as part of her ‘Spare Room Music’ feature.

As well as having our tune played on BBC 6 MUSIC some time between 1300 and 1600 GMT on Monday 1 May, we’re up against three other artists in an online voting competition for a chance to win… even more airplay on national digital radio!

CLICK HERE AND VOTE FOR ‘DEAD BUNNIES’ BY FUNKSPIEL

THANK YOU!

You can keep voting until the end of May. So, please forward this email to your other half, your best mate, your Auntie Mabel, or anyone else you can think of!

funkspiel

Do what you can; I know you’ll do what you can if you feel you can help.

Thanks.

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Welcome to another weekly instalment of cracking independent, podsafe music. This week I’ve even managed to emphasise the international nature of the show by including a tune resplendant with bagpipes by a Scottish band with – wait for it – an Argentinian piper !

I mention in the show about these shownotes and whether I should retain their rambling verbosity or trim them back. To illustrate the point this week I’ll use short notes – let me know what you prefer. (You can see the rambling version in previous shows !)

The Scottish Enlightenment – Pathetic Ascetic
MySpace
Email The Scottish Enlightenment

Electrum – Interference
MySpace
Email Electrum

Stone Autumn – Revolution Song
Email Stone Autumn

This week’s Scottish Expression is “radge”.
The soundbed is ‘Seabed’ by the Reeds
Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Big props given out to:
Santapod – The Santa Dog podcast, featuring their Scottish mini-tour audio diary (including the TFL gig)
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – issue 3 out now, and 4 out soon !


Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

Technorati Tags: podsafe, Scottish, The Scottish Enlightenment, Electrum, Stone Autumn, Reeds, Three From Leith, computermusictutorials, Santapod, Santa Dog, AMP’ed, podcast, podcastusermagazine

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Well, as my Granny used to say, “That’s it a’ as far awa’ as ever it was again” – and wise words they are indeed. The ‘Three From Leith Presents:’ gig has been and gone, and I think I can safely say that it was a huge success and that all present had a fabulous night !

Everything went smoothly and like a dream. I was in my element getting to see everyone live, people were dancing and swaying about, everyone whooped and cheered and I managed to keep my anonymity pretty darned well 😉

All of the bands had fun and cheered each other on, and after all was said and done we made our way to a local hostelry to celebrate with a few beers and oddly-name shooters. We had a ‘win-the-shooter-that-the-Santa-Dog-table-ordered-by-mistake’ quiz, ably won by Stewart whose intellect was working slightly faster than the rest of the Opal Sky table. Bowel habits were discussed (heh heh !!). Martin came up with a series of badge suggestions worthy of someone obsessed with educational subjects. Rob acquired a faraway look inspired by his return to Edinburgh, a city he lived in and loved.

Basically, we all had a great night and everyone got on like a house on fire. So, if you missed it – here’s a chance to relive what the night was like, musically:

Chocyamo – Leaves
Winning the prize for being the youngest-looking band of the night, and for the best leaps off into the audience. Oh, and for impressing Martin Maidment with their melodica (as he brought his along too !)
Chocyamo’s Myspace
Lindsay’s MySpace
Andrew’s MySpace
Email Chocyamo

Santa Dog – Chemical (2006)
For their prizewinning antique of the evening (Martin, oldest man on stage on the night !), buying me my dinner and refusing to let me pay for a round of shooters ! Oh, and for giving me such a good laugh with their post-gig banter and conversations. Nice one ! But most of all for being the catalyst for the event, for arranging the venue and the support bands and for creating the stunning posters. My undying thanks, love and respect to you all.
Santa Dog’s MySpace
Email Santa Dog

Opal Sky – Dead & Gone
Yes, I’ve played this before on TFL, but it’s a stunning song and even more breathtaking when it’s played live. Prizes go to Thilo for his bad-hair-hiding woolly hat, despite the heat on stage, and to Karina for her crackling rapport and bantering with the audience.
Opal Sky’s MySpace
Email Opal Sky

This week’s Scottish Expression is absent; it will return next week !

The soundbed is ‘Rumble Groove’ courtesy of George Fletcher – Bourbon Renewal on the PMN.
Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Big props given out to:
Tom the soundman at Cabaret Voltaire for his top work and getting it all spot on.
“Ruby Studios – Rob Williams from Santa Dog’s studio, as used by Santa Dog, Mr Bennett and Slow, amongst many others.
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – issue 3 out now !


Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

Technorati Tags: Opal Sky, Edinburgh, Chocyamo, Three From Leith, computermusictutorials, Cabaret Voltaire, Ruby Studios, Santa Dog, Mr Bennett, Slow, AMP’ed, podcast, podcastusermagazine

*** UPDATE ***
I’ve backed out the changes I’d made and it looks like it’s resolved the issues for now. If you’re still having problems, let me know.

It looks like the problem isn’t just with iTunes, as I’ve noticed that my own aggregator (RSSRadio) is not showing any audio enclosures (though my Feedburner feed definitely has them in there).

Oh heck. That’s the last time I try and use any new WordPress podcasting plugins….

I’ll do my best to get this rectified asap. In the meantime, you should be able to direcctly download the files from the site by right-clicking on the Listen here link on each show post.

Is anyone having issues tring to get show 34 through iTunes (especially if you’re using a Mac) ?

I’ve had one email reporting a problem affecting Mac users using iTunes, and this week’s stats are showing a massive and unexplained drop. Now either there are lots of you out there on holiday and not downloading this week, or you don’t want an acoustic show, or there’s a genuine problem with the feed or Libsyn or iTunes.

If you’re having trouble with show 34, please let me know asap so I can take the appropriate steps.

Cheers !

Just a quick post to let everyone know that the gig went down a storm and a great night was had by all, which then carried on to drinks in the pub followed by an “Opal Dog” excursion for a 2am drink’n’dance session…. at which point I had to bow out and head home to bed (sad old wimp that I am). I’m sure I’ll hear the gory details from those involved soon and I’ll share them all with you 😉

Seriously though, my HUGE thanks and gratitude to the bands for making the night possible and for everyone who turned out to show their support and have a damned good time. I’ve had a number of enquiries about ‘the next one’ and bands have already been asking if they could take part, so watch this space….

I’ll be posting up the pics very soon.

Here it is (I say ‘it’, as I haven’t decided on the thing’s sex yet, nor has it been christened – all suggestions for a name are welcome !).

Sadly, it was blowing a gale so my little dream of going for an afternoon spin had to be shelved. Bloody Scottish weather !

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I don’t think I’ve ever put together a show yet that was pretty much acoustic-based, so now is the time to remedy that. This week’s Three From Leith features two solo artists and one band who demonstrate three distinct flavours of acoustic music. It’s an altogether different show but still one which is highly entertaining, enjoyable and showcasing some of the best independent talent out there. Time to get unplugged !!

Kim Edgar – Shelf
As recommended by her friend Karen Keighren who sits opposite me at work, another undiscovered local gem for your delectation. If you like what you hear, you can check out and buy Kim’s music here.
Kim’s MySpace
Email Kim

Mr Bennett – Pink Mane
As recommended by Santa Dog’s Links page, Mr Bennett is a Canadian living in Bristol who does a great line in witty, twisted lyrics in a vocal style reminiscent of the lovechild of Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed. Catch a CD for yourself here or email Mr B for more sales info.
Mr Bennett’s MySpace
Email Mr Bennett

Dropkick – Fiver Bag
My favourite local boys gone bad, m’kay ? with their tale of wee fiver bags of smack (or “smake” as I once saw it graffitied on a wall in Leith by the local illiterate neds), Buckfast tonic wine, chasing dragons and getting a shag. Get your hands on their priceless mini epics of Scottish life captured in song here.
Dropkick’s MySpace
Email Dropkick

This week’s Scottish Expression is “caw canny”

The soundbed is ‘Introvert4’ courtesy of Chronos on the PMN.
Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Big props given out to:
“The Hussy’s” for the CDs and for letting me know that TFL listeners from around the world have been getting in touch after hearing them on the show.
“Three From Leith presents:” gig tickets can be bought online here
Ruby Studios – Rob Williams from Santa Dog’s studio, as used by Santa Dog, Mr Bennett and Slow, amongst many others.
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – issue 3 out now !


Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

Technorati Tags: Leith, Kim Edgar, Mr Bennett, Dropkick, Chronos, Three From Leith, computermusictutorials, The Hussy’s, Three From Leith presents, Ruby Studios, Santa Dog, Slow, AMP’ed, podcast, podcastusermagazine

In case you aren’t already aware, PodcastUser Magazine Issue 3 is now out, featuring more podcast reviews by yours truly amongst other excellent articles for both podcasters and listeners alike. You can find it online at www.podcastusermagazine.com, or subscribe to the RSS Feed and have it ever new issue delivered to your feed reader / aggregator of choice for free !

Technorati Tags: PodcastUser Magazine, www.podcastusermagazine.com, PodcastUser

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As a child, I grew up watching a developing a fondness for the ‘Carry On’ films. They’re a national institution, treasure and the source of endless hours of double-entendre-ridden amusement. Indeed today, if you say anything which could be misinterpreted in a mucky way, the other person is likely to respond with “Ooooohhh, Matron !”, quoting the much-loved Kenneth Williams.

Ah yes, Kenneth Williams. Wit, raconteur, actor and all-round funnyman; yet underneath it all a deeply unhappy, sexually-repressed and contradictory human being. I’ve read ‘The Kenneth Williams Diaries’ twice in my life and last week watched the BBC4 film “Fantabulosa“, which was a drama of his life based on his diaries. A mesmerising and stunningly accurate portrayal by actor Michael Sheen – expect a few BAFTA nominations for it soon.

Anyway, what has this got to do with Three From Leith ? Well, looking at the titles of the songs that I chose for the show this week I can see that there’s been some subconscious echoing of some major themes and emotions from Williams’ life. I hope you all enjoy them and if you’ve never seen a Carry On film, I urge you to go look them up and try one out as soon as you can. Now I’ve got to “stop messin’ about” and get on with the show !

eddyfink – In For Me
Described by ‘Dead or Alive’ as “Radiohead meets The Artful Dodger.” Whatever they are, this London 5-piece are a damn fine band.
eddyfink’s MySpace
Email eddyfink

46Bliss – Desire Give Way
“David Cooper, Clare Veniot, and Jack Freudenheim are 46bliss, the sophisticated electronica band taking over the pop culture landscape by stealth, and not a moment too soon” says Indie-Music.com
46Bliss’s MySpace
Email 46Bliss

The Martial Arts – Contemptuous Disdain
Doing very well in Sweden and abroad, this 4-piece Glasgow outfit deserves much more home support, so visit their site and show them your love !
The Martial Arts’s MySpace
Email The Martial Arts

This week’s Scottish Expression is “puggled”

The soundbed is ‘The Journey’ courtesy of Incidental Fusion on the PMN.
Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Breaking news– friends of Three From Leith, The Silent Revolution, are playing in the Emergenza Battle of the Bands Semi-Final this Friday, 7th April, at the Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh. Battling against them are 7 Story Ruin, Something Illegal, 10th Commandment, Bo Deadly and Elysium. Tickets are 5 pounds in advance from the band or 9 pounds on the door so it would be better to get them from the band ! If you’re able to, please go along and support Ali and the gang.

Big props given out to:
All of my many friends (listeners, bands, artists and fellow podcasters) who took the time to wish me a Happy Birthday last week – you made an old man very happy ! Thank you all very much.
“Three From Leith presents:” gig tickets can be bought online here
The FML Jukebox Podcast – JT’s official podcast of the Free Musician List.
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – issue 3 out now !


Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

Technorati Tags: Carry On, Kenneth Williams, Michael Sheen, eddyfink, 46Bliss, The Martial Arts, Incidental Fusion, Three From Leith, computermusictutorials, The Silent Revolution, Three From Leith presents, AMP’ed, podcastusermagazine