Kicking up a Stink

Another one from the vaults, another trawl into the archives. Today's blog concerns the band that I played in through the mid-nineties, the magnificent Stink.













Stink comprised Jack Rawlinson on guitar, Gashnois on bass and backing samples, and myself on vocals. A simple lineup, but by goodness we could make a powerful noise on our day. Unfortunately I haven't managed to find any of our studio recordings, only a scuzzy, feedback-drenched live recording from a gig at the Bull and Gate, Kentish Town, London from 1997. You can see us mentioned in the clip from the NME below, the 2nd band on the bill, last gig on the advert.


















Some of you out there may have heard the recording of the song Filth from this gig, but I doubt any of you have heard this version of Funny Old World from the same gig. It is a poor recording, and Jack's guitar is barely audible (he is a cracking guitarist, and was gutted by the sound of this recording), but I think you get a sense of the power and energy of Stink nonetheless.

Funny Old World (MP3 3.7 MB)

I really miss playing with Jack and Gashnois, we had a certain something in our chemistry. Different approaches making for a creative whole. Jack has since moved to New York and Gashnois is working for the School of Audio Engineering.

Monster Builder

I've uploaded the first track that Ronnie and I recorded last week. When you listen to this, try to remember that this is the first thing we recorded, on the first time we played together. I think it fair to say that we were both a bit nervous about what we would play, and how it would sound. I pressed record, and away we went. This is just me on bass, Ronnie on guitar, and a simple drum machine beat.

Monster Builder (3.3MB MP3)

The Rolling Squids

My friend Rolling Ronnie came over on Saturday for a jam session. We had a great day, and it was very productive. We recorded five separate pieces, all of which sound pretty good considering that they were made up on the spot! I'm hoping to mix down the session to CD later this week, and may even add a few embellishments just for the hell of it. Here's a picture of the Rolling Squids in action:














I've started mailing out the CD based on our holiday in Dorset. It's called Postcard, and I'm really pleased with the results. It seems to be going down pretty well with those who have heard it so far. My friends Moth and Jane were even inspired to nip down to Dorset to sample the charms of the place again this weekend. See Jane's blog.

If anyone would like a copy of the CD, please email me and I'll send you a copy, provided I don't get too many takers!