Curry Around The World - The Spice Of Life - BBC series 1983 Retrodag1 2014-08-28 | The Spice of Life Series When the British left India they took home the memory of delicious Indian food in packets of mixed spices hoping they would be able to reproduce it. It was called curry powder. Today, whether from curry powder or direct from Indian recipes (as in Jamaica and Sri Lanka), a taste of India enlivens cuisines around the world. The Spice Of Life videos here are posted in tribute to Writer, Producer and Director Lyn Gambles http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2012/aug/09/lyn-gambles-obituary
Bits and Pieces - Serious Young Insects - live Retrodag1 2014-09-14 | Yet another Serious Young Insects live classic. One of Peter's power pop gems. Not sure where this one was recorded.
Music To Watch Girls By - Serious Young Insects - Live Retrodag1 2014-09-14 | Live version of this Bob Crewe classic! This was always a popular live song from their set and just showed a band that was confident enough with what they were up to to throw in a modern reworking of a 1960's "Lounge Music" standard. The recorded version is around somewhere to be uploaded soon!! This is posted as a tribute to the late great Bob Crewe; a classic song writer and greatly underappreciated!
In Indonesia - Serious Young Insects - live Retrodag1 2014-09-04 | Another live song. This is one of Mark's. Another one that rocks along at a cracking pace!
I Want You - Serious Young Insects - live Retrodag1 2014-09-04 | One of their classic covers of a big, heavy John Lennon song. This was a traditional encore closer; saved to the very end and one for the hard core fans. Imagine leaving the venue with this magnificent song ringing in your ears on the way home. Glorious!
Working The Face - Serious Young Insects - demo Retrodag1 2014-09-02 | This is a demo version of one of their earlier songs.I think I have a better version around that I will look for to upload. One of Mick's songs - he is on vocals - and the type of song that really set up their identity as quirky band with a distinctive and important new voice in Australian music. (in my opinion!)
In My House - Serious Young Insects - demo version Retrodag1 2014-09-01 | This is a demo version probably live recorded in the studio with no overdubs. One of Mark's songs, as he does the singing and also the drums. A regular song in the set and a nice change of pace that really shows their range.
Shower Song - Serious Young Insects - demo version Retrodag1 2014-08-31 | I first saw the band when they played the Green Records showcase at Paddington Town Hall in Sydney in 1980 (I think) They blew my mind! And this is the song that got me hooked for life. This demo version isn't a patch on the live version (which I hope to add in the coming weeks just to show the difference). I think this demo must be from around 1979 I will stop here as I can feel myself moving into "self indulgent rave" territory. Enjoy the song!
Being A Man _ Serious Young Insects - live at somewhere! Retrodag1 2014-08-30 | I cannot think of any other song in the history of rock or popular music where the drummer plays drums AND keyboard at the same time (let alone then adds back up vocals while doing all of that!!! Listen at the start for that crazy Casio mini-keyboard parked to the left (I think) of Mark White's kit and he kicks along the d One of the songs that came along in the later half of their time
Photograph Of Joy - Serious Young Insects - demo version Retrodag1 2014-08-30 | This is as rough as youwill ever hear in a demo! Typical of the quirky, angular stuff the band made their early name with. I love the really syncopated rhythms that run through the song. A band having a lot of fun messing with the "pop formula".. I hope to put up soon a live version of this just to contrast how the band was able to develop their songs over time. Enjoy it for what it is, particularly if you saw them live!
Big Wall - Serious Young Insects - demo version Retrodag1 2014-08-30 | Another demo, scrubbed down and uploaded for all to enjoy. What can I say?! Epic, epic song, and just a taste of where the band was heading just prior to their break up. This song begs the question: what could this band have achieved had fate dealt them a kinder hand. I think this is one of Peter's (he leads the vaocals), and I hear echos of this in Peter's co-written song "Great Wall" with Boom Crash Opera. (Peter, am I wrong??) Listen and enjoy, and lament what could have been...
Tuckshop - Serious Young Insects - demo version Retrodag1 2014-08-29 | A long lost demo version of a crowd favorite, now dusted off and presented here for your enjoyment. Yet another gem from this magnificent three piece!
My Position - Serious Young Insects -live at The Aberdeen Hotel Retrodag1 2014-08-29 | I am sure that this is recorded live at the Aberdeen Hotel. Another song thet the band used to close the show. Classic full ahead power pop.
I Must Be Dreaming - Serious Young Insects - live at the Aberdeen Hotel Retrodag1 2014-08-29 | This was a favourite finale piece. A racous crowd favourite and Mick Vallance song. One of his best! Recorded live at The Aberdeen Hotel. Enjoy!!
Saffron: Autumn Gold - The Spice Of Life - BBC series 1983 Retrodag1 2014-08-28 | The Spice of Life Series Introduced into Spain by the Arabs, saffron was used in almost all European food in the Middle Ages. See why the labour required in cultivating and extracting the spice limits its use to such special dishes as bouillabaisse of Marseilles, Jewish Challa bread and Spains paella. The Spice Of Life videos here are posted in tribute to Writer, Producer and Director Lyn Gambles http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2012/aug/09/lyn-gambles-obituary
Garlics Pungent Presence - The Spice of Life - BBC series 1983 Retrodag1 2014-08-27 | The Spice of Life Series In south west France, we see how this pungent member of the lily family is cultivated, and in Gilroy, California which supplies 90% of Americas crop,watch its processing into garlic powder and look in at their annual festival. The Spice Of Life videos here are posted in tribute to Writer, Producer and Director Lyn Gambles http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2012/aug/09/lyn-gambles-obituary
Herbs: Aromatic Influences - The Spice of Life - BBC production 1983 Retrodag1 2014-08-27 | The Spice of Life Series Prized by the ancients for treatment of ailments as well as for taste and fragrance, watch and learn about the rediscovery of herbs in the modern world. The Spice Of Life videos here are posted in tribute to Writer, Producer and Director Lyn Gambles http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2012/aug/09/lyn-gambles-obituary
The Spice of Life - Cloves: Natures Little Nails - BBC Production 1983 Retrodag1 2014-08-27 | The Spice of Life Series Traces the origins of cloves from the Spice Island Moluccan culture to its growth as a major Indonesian crop. Describes the many uses of cloves. Once thought to cure the plague, cloves originally grew only in the Moluccans.Learn how Magellans search for these islands in 1519 made him the first voyager around the world, how Moluccan culture suffered destruction by Dutch traders seeking to capture the spice, and how today Zanzibar has become the world's major source of cloves. The Spice Of Life videos here are posted in tribute to Writer, Producer and Director Lyn Gambles http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2012/aug/09/lyn-gambles-obituary
Nutmeg: Natures Perfect Package - THe Spice of Life - BBC 1983 series Retrodag1 2014-08-25 | The Spice of Life Series Classic BBC series narrated by Edward Woodward In 1621, the remote island of Banda in Indonesia was captured by the Dutch to acquire its trees, whose fruit yields two spices from its core;nutmeg and mace. The unusual versatility of nutmeg makes it one of the most widely used spices in the foods of many countries.
Allspice - One Spice -The Spice of Life - 1983 BBC series Retrodag1 2014-08-25 | The Spice of Life Series Classic BBC series from 1983 with Edward Woodward narrating. Illustrates the discovery and broad use of allspice. Columbus discovered not only the new world of America, but the allspice of Jamaica. Most of the world's supply comes from Jamaica, home of the fragrant pimento tree which produces the allspice berries, harvested with primitive methods by the islanders . Hear how Columbus discovered the allspice of Jamaica, home of the fragrant pimento tree, and see how the use of it in food preparation gave us the word barbecue.
Peppercorns - Fresh Ground Flavour - The Spice Of Life - BBC 1983 series Retrodag1 2014-08-25 | The Spice of Life Series 1983 BBC series narrated by Edward Woodward Peppercorns, either whole or freshly ground, provide a flavour that is as essential to the Nouvell Cuisine introduced by France as it is to a Manhattan deli pastrami or the pork sausages England inherited from the Romans. This program criss-crosses the world to show how peppercorns are used in dishes from New York to Singapore.
The Spice of Life - Mustard: The Spice Of Nations - 1983 BBC production Retrodag1 2014-08-23 | This is the episode on Mustard! Narrated by Edward Woodward
You Want - Serious Young Insects Retrodag1 2014-08-19 | This was always a popular opener to their set! Those four heavy power chords from Peter, underscored by that solid rhythm combo from Mark and Mick! Two and a half minutes of sonic pop overwhelm!!!
I Dont Know - Serious Young Insects - live version Retrodag1 2014-08-19 | Live version of this melodic and popular live favourite. One of Mick's compositions, I believe, as he sings lead vocals. Wonderful harmonies and spot on guitar lines from Peter.
I Want Cake live version - Serious Young Insects Retrodag1 2014-08-18 | This is a great version of the SYI classic "I want Cake"! This really would have been a cracking single, but the world was not ready for something as majestic and joyous as this!
When We Argue - another Mark White post-Serious Young Insects project Retrodag1 2014-08-14 | "When We Argue" - another Mark White post-Serious Young Insects project. This is where the SYI were heading before they folded. A waste of a talented band.
Youre Lucky - A Mark White post-Serious Young Insect project Retrodag1 2014-08-13 | "You're Lucky" - A Mark White post-Serious Young Insect project There are several more I am listing.
Butchers Blade - A Mark White post-Serious Young Insect project Retrodag1 2014-08-13 | This is from Mark White's post- Serious Younfg Insects work. Mark on vocals, drums, probably keyboards and who knows what else! A song about how the music industry can ruin a young band on the way up. That sounds familiar...
The Spice of Life - Garlic - (part 2 of 2) 1983 BBC production Retrodag1 2013-09-29 | The Spice of Life - Garlic - 2nd of 2 parts from the 1983 BBC production
The Spice of Life - Garlic (part 1 of 2) - 1983 BBC production Retrodag1 2013-09-29 | The Spice of Life -this episode features Garlic Uploaded in 2 parts Narrated by Edward Woodward
Stewart Copeland from The Police discusses his drumming philosophy with Jools Holland Retrodag1 2013-09-25 | Stewart Copeland from The Police discusses his drumming philosophy with Jools Holland. Includes a portion of "Spirits In The Material World" From 1982 or thereabouts
Serious Young Insects - Faraway Places live Retrodag1 2013-09-25 | Serious Young Insects - "Faraway Places" live
The Spice Of Life - The Spices Of India- 1983 BBC series - Edward Woodward narrating Retrodag1 2013-09-24 | The 1983 BBC production of The Spice of Life with Edward Woodward narrating. This is the episode featuring Curry.
Serious Young Insects Be Patient - Live on either Nightmoves or WROK Retrodag1 2013-09-24 | Serious Young Insects "Be Patient" - Live on either Nightmoves or WROK Live in the studio recorded at the same time as the other clip I have posted of Parents Go Mental.
Serious Young Insects - Be Patient - live on Countdown - with Molly presenting Humdrum Retrodag1 2013-09-24 | Serious Young Insects - "Be Patient" - live on Countdown in 1981 (I think) with Molly reviewing "Housebreaking" on Humdrum.
The Spice Of Life - Cinnamon: The Elegant Addition- 1983 BBC production Retrodag1 2013-09-15 | Cinnamon: The Elegant Addition The Spice of Life Series Discloses the many uses of cinnamon (or cassia) world-over. Cinnamon has been cherished for centuries for its fragrance as well as its flavor. The Arabs created a legend about it, and three European nations invaded Sri Lanka to acquire it. We see the harvesting of this labor-intensive crop in Sri Lanka, where methods have not changed for thousands of years.
The Spice of Life - Chilies: A Dash Of Daring - 1983 BBC Production Retrodag1 2013-09-15 | Chilies: A Dash Of Daring See how chilies, the fiery pepper plants with a 9,000 year history in Mexico,were taken to Spain by Columbus, and became, by the 16th century, the world's most popular spice.
The Spice of Life - Pepper: The Master Spice - BBC production narrated by Edward Woodward Retrodag1 2013-09-15 | Pepper: The Master Spice In the 15th century, Portugal's Vasco Da Gama navigated the first route around Africa to reach pepper's source, India, breaking the monopoly of wealthy Venetian merchant traders. Today, pepper is an important crop of Malaysia where it is shown at all stages of growing and processing for the world market. The Spice Of Life videos here are posted in tribute to Writer, Producer and Director Lyn Gambles http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2012/aug/09/lyn-gambles-obituary BBC Series narrated by Edward Woodward
Serious Young Insects interview on Sounds - 1982 - with Donny Sutherland Retrodag1 2013-08-20 | This interview was done with the band at about 10am on a Saturday morning after the band had finished a late gig the night before. I think they finished the show and backed up 4 hours later (hence the banter at the beginning about lack of sleep!). So the band is a little little laid back and the interview is a little bit laboured. But a wonderful insight into the things a new band on the way up has to deal with.
Serious Young Insects - Parents Go Mental live! - taken from Nightmoves Retrodag1 2013-08-20 | Serious Young Insects live recording from the Channel Ten program Nightmoves from the early 80s. Promoting their album "Housebreaking". I hope to add a few more videos from them in the next week or so.
Serious Young Insects - Faraway Place - presented by Donny Sutherland on Sounds Retrodag1 2013-06-16 | Serious Young Insects - Faraway Place - presented by Donny Sutherland on Sounds. Sorry about the poor quality of the video. It has been salvaged from my old Beta tape collection and now shifted to digital media! Their third single and from the Housebreaking album. More SYO material to come including a three-on-a-couch interview with Donny Sutherland.
Serious Young Insects - Talk Too Much Retrodag1 2013-06-09 | Another from the dusty archive of old and forgotten SYI gems. This one is the unrecorded and unreleased "Talk Too Much". One for the fans!
Serious Young Insects - Demo version of Colourblind Retrodag1 2013-06-08 | Recorded as a demo in the last months of their time together (1982?), it's a sample of the supreme promise that was left unfulfilled by the break up of the band. A tragic day that was... But a brillant song, nonetheless. Please forgive the poor excuse for a video. It is my first YouTube effort and i had to put vision to the song and this is the best I could do. I hope to put more of their lost songs onto YouTube in the coming weeks.
