Diggin’ The New: 1Q14

OK business people, just under the wire before the end of the current fiscal period, it’s my quarterly report on some music-related items I’m enjoying during this endless winter.

The @PUNKandSTUFF Twitter account gives followers regular helpings of early punk and….well…stuff. They post pictures and facts related to (mostly) 70’s and early 80’s UK punk/post-punk bands. If that era and music are your sweet spot, follow them and you’ll look forward to the surprises your Twitter feed will have waiting for you every day.

Sitting at your computer shivering from the cold? Head on over to Cyprus Dub Community Radio for some great music that will warm you up and leave you feeling every little thing gonna be alright. You can get a fix of reggae, dub and related music at any hour of any day or night. They also feature occasional live shows, including appearances by our friend Dub Thomas (from the Dubophonic label featured here previously).

And fans of reggae will also want to check out Irie Magazine which started publishing in late 2013. Each issue is loaded with great photos, interviews, stories and interactive links to music and other information. Here’s a bit of a scavenger hunt for you – look for the great picture of Capleton seemingly defying gravity in the current issue (#3). If you want more roots, rock reggae and respect in your life, sign up for a free subscription and they’ll deliver every issue right to your email.

I recently ran across Horace Panter (a/k/a Sir Horace Gentleman) on Twitter. He is, of course, bass player and co-founder of that amazing band The Specials. Over the years he has been involved in various artistic endeavors: he has continued to play music, written a memoir, held teaching positions, and in recent years has revealed another side of his talents – his paintings. His website features his work, much of which has a music theme of one sort or another. I particularly like his “Cassettes” series.