This record is all over the place – not entirely in a bad way, but it can be a little disconcerting at times.  The pace and rhythm stop and start, and songs lurch off into new territory half way through, and in general the whole thing can come across as a direct challenge to the listener to not like it. That’s unlikely to be what you end up doing though because, as it crashes about, this record staggers through some marvellous moments that are easily enough to talk you into giving it the extra time it both needs and deserves.

There are hints of Man Man in some of the more unhinged moments, but not all that much. It can also be a little like early Modest Mouse and I can definitely hear some of Tom Waits’ more barmy moments here and there as well.

It’s too experimental to be excessively like any of these bands though. There are times when the songs themselves seem to grind to a halt, but there is a lot of great stuff on this album if you are prepared to give time and attention to a somewhat recalcitrant record that doesn’t necessarily surrender its goodies after half a glass of red wine and some lazy compliments.

Baby Walrus – Airplane Shuttle Blues
Baby Walrus – Some Dawns No Bird Will Sing

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I know it’s a bit obvious to do a podcast like this so shortly after my birthday, but it gives me the opportunity to ramble a bit and play some classics I might not otherwise have played.

There are so many wonderful songs about growing old, and I actually think I may have missed most of them.  I have no fear of being old, but for some reason it feels a little more immediate this year but I don’t know why.

So goodnight people, it’s been a pleasure.  Sleep well and don’t be too rough on yourselves.  Take Kirsty’s advice and “don’t be too rough on my cold, cold heart; it’s all I’ve got left to me now.”

That may be the smart-arsed line, but the most important line in this song is the bit where she says that “there’s a light in your eyes tells me somebody’s in and you won’t come the cowboy with me”.  It’s such a crucial judgment, isn’t it.  You take a bet on someone, you throw in your chips and you hope for the best.  So if you’re feeling brave, good luck to you.  Look after her, I’ll be there anytime soon.

Toadcast #47 – The Oldcast

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01. The Rolling Stones – Mother’s Little Helper (00.01)
02. The Band – Rockin’ Chair (07.46)
03. Michelle Shocked – Memories of East Texas (11.21)
04. Hafdis Huld – Tomoko (20.57)
05. Baby Walrus – Some Dawns No Bird Will Sing (28.44)
07. Donny Hue & the Colors – The World Came Running (30.25)
08. Mumford & Sons – Little Lion Man (34.21)
08. Soko – The Dandy Cowboys (43.31)
09. Kirsty MacColl – Don’t Come the Cowboy With Me, Sonny Jim (47.04)
10. Neil Young – Old Man (55.09)
11. Jeffrey Lewis – Back When I Was Four (58.12)