Out On Blue Six: The Timelords (aka The KLF)

This week's repeat of Top of the Pops had a rare treat at number one - Doctorin' The Tardis by The Timelords, once described by Pete Paphides as 'the one novelty record most people admit to liking' and by The Timelords themselves as 'probably the most nauseating record in the world'

All I know is that, as a kid sat in front of the TV in 1988, I loved it. And I still do now if I'm honest! It's pointed title (sending up the recent hit Doctorin' The House by Coldcut feat Yazz) mix of the Doctor Who theme tune, Gary Glitter's Rock and Roll Parts 1 and 2, The Sweet's Blockbuster and football-style chanting was the perfect primer for what was to come with The KLF.

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Out On Blue Sixmas: Slade and Wizzard

So here it is, Merry Christmas as Sir Nodward of Holder once sang. Once? He does again here - my way of wishing you all a very happy Christmas. 

And why stop at Slade? Let's have Wizzard too, also from 1973. Christmas hits that year were really something weren't it?

Merry Christmas comrades xx

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Out On Blue Six : Mott The Hoople, RIP Peter Overend Watts

Last year we lost drummer Dale Griffin and the band's greatest champion David Bowie, now bass player with 70s rock outfit Mott the Hoople, Pete Overend Watts has died of cancer at the age of 69

RIP

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Out On Blue Six : Alvin Stardust, RIP

More sad news, as veteran glam rocker Alvin Stardust's death has been announced today. He was 72 and had been battling prostate cancer. 

Bit of trivia, he was once in our street when I was a kid, buying a German Shepherd from a neighbour who used to breed them.

RIP

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Out On Blue Six : The Sensational Alex Harvey Band

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Out On Blue Six Xmas : Slade / Wizzard

So here it is, Merry Xmas...don't you wish it could be everyday?

What else could I pick to celebrate the day itself but the two biggies from Brum; Slade and Wizzard's 1973 hits that each battled for the number one spot that December. Slade inevitably bagged the prize, but they each found a place in our hearts and collective consciousness 

Merry Christmas to all my readers!

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Out On Blue Six : The Timelords/KLF

Seeing as today is The Day Of The Doctor, Doctor Who's 50th anniversary, it's only right that I take the Out On Blue Six time and spaceship back to 1988 when I was still at junior school, Sylvester McCoy was at the helm of my favourite programme and KLF (those justified and ancient bound for mu-mu land who were going to rock you) released Doctorin' The TARDIS - a mash up song of the Doctor Who theme, Gary Glitter's Rock and Roll Part 2, and Sweet's Blockbuster that was panned by the critics, but beloved by the nation who took it to number one in the charts (it also scored the top spot in New Zealand too) and had me and my mates singing it ad infinitum in the playground for weeks!

So enjoy the original single version and video...

And the 12" version...

And don't forget to vote for your favourite Doctor here on the blog before the polls close later today. Results will appear in due time, before the big broadcast tonight! 

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Out On Blue Six : Sweet

The beautiful 12" version of Love Is Like Oxygen

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Out On Blue Six : Mud

Primarily showing for Cherry Gillespie of Ruby Flipper (and Pan's People) little solo shimmy 

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Out On Blue Six Xmas : Slade (and Slade In Flame)

What next after Wizzard? Well, Slade of course!

And speaking of the Black Country band, it's worth pointing out that BBC4 will be having a Slade night this Friday, which will include the excellent film Slade In Flame, a movie I've been banging on about for years and did indeed do so on this very blog way back here Flame


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Out On Blue Six Xmas : Wizzard

Many moons ago, well about 10 or 11 to be precise, when I worked in a jobcentre, Roy Woods Christmas classic was one of several piped into the office on a loop each day in the run up to the festive season. To amuse myself I concocted a story that my workmate, the gorgeous Jane, on reception was one of the children singing on this song, and proceeded to tell any clients passing that that was the case. She got some very funny looks and comments from them I must say, including one who asked her if she received royalties for each play!

A favourite since childhood, Christmas would not be Christmas without Roy Wood and Wizzard.

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