Blow Up Records & Club News

Fay Hallam live at Blow Up: 'Lost In Sound' Launch Party - June 1st

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:40:39 GMT

BLOW UP feat. FAY HALLAM live 'Lost In Sound' Launch + Jubilee Special Blow Up presents the album launch for Fay Hallam & The Bongolian's new album 'Lost In Sound' (Blow Up Records) with a rare live London show by the Mod Queen herself, with a brand new band line-up, and featuring special guest appearances by ex-Prisoners/ Prime Movers/ Phaze/ Solar Flares, bass-legend, Allan Crockford.

Blow Up's monthly West London residency at Ginglik in Shepherd’s Bush with Blow Up DJs Paul Tunkin & Ian Jackson (and the occasional guest) spinning their trademark mix of Pop Stylism, 60's Soul, Beat, Garage, Funk, Ska, Soundtracks, Electronica, Library Music colliding with British Pop, Glam, Indie-Pop and New-Wave.

A celebration from the other side of Pop where the Kinks, Bowie, Blur share the dancefloor with current newcomers Pete & The Pirates, British Sea Power and Metronomy, all alongside Swinging Soundtracks & TV Themes (The Italian Job to Barbarella), 60s Exotica & Electronica (Jean-Jacques Perry), 60s Club Soul (Motown, Stax etc.), Northern Soul, Beat, Mod Jazz, French Pop (Jacques Dutronc, Bridget Bardot) and New Wave (XTC, Wire).

Blow Up back in the USA! LA 27th April / SAC 28th April / SF 1st May

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:57:49 GMT

Blow Up is back in the USA for 3 dates this April: LA / SAC & SF!

Blow Up Club returns to Sacramento - Saturday 28th April

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 16:32:02 GMT

BLOW UP returns to Sacramento! With Cellar Doors (San Francisco) live, DJs Paul Tunkin (Blow Up founder) & Roger Carpio spinning Pop Stylism, 60's Soul, Beat, Garage, Funk, Ska, Soundtracks, Electronica, Library Music colliding with British Pop, Glam, Indie-Pop and New-Wave. Plus a light show by George Holden (a lightshow artist since 1966 and one of the pioneers in the field. He first worked with Abecrombe Lights featured by Bill Graham at the original Fillmore West and Winterland shows in San Francisco). Art by Galine Tumasova!

3 New Blow Up Signings for 2012 + Free Downloads

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:43:56 GMT

We're pleased to announce that we now have 3 new additions to Blow Up Records' roster for 2012: Fay Hallam & The Bongolian (a new collaboration), singer-songwriter David Woodcock from Southend-on-Sea and Sicilian duo Daiquiri Fantomas. Plus, 'Towers' the long-awaited follow up to Baltic Fleet's self-titled debut will be released this Summer, followed swiftly by the second album for Alfa 9 'Gone To Ground'. FREE DOWNLOADS: The first 2 singles for 2012 will be 'Engage' from Baltic Fleet, and 'Dancing' from Fay Hallam & The Bongolian which we'll be giving away as free downloads for a limited time, links below...

David Woodcock + Thee Attacks (dk) + Powersolo (dk) added to Easter Special with Sulk + Fractures - Thursday 5th April

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:05:35 GMT

Alongside the excellent Sulk and Fractures, David Woodcock, and 2 Crunchy Frog acts: Thee Attacks (dk) + Powersolo (dk) have been added to the Blow Up Easter Special Party bill on April 5th at Ginglik

Blow Up Snaps: 2011 Highlights

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:02:28 GMT

Some Blow Up highlights of 2011, including HMV’s Next Big Thing back in February, another return to the USA and Japan, Latitude Festival in July, The Bongolian’s fourth album and the club finally coming of age (b. October 16th 1993).

Sulk + Fractures live at Blow Up - April 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:02:42 GMT

Blow Up’s new monthly West London residency at Ginglik in Shepherd’s Bush continues with live guests this month hotly tipped new bands SULK and FRACTURES with Blow Up DJs Paul Tunkin & Ian Jackson… SULK.... Under the rainy skies of London, the shining sounds of Britpop, Shoegaze and Psychedelia are back in bloom. Locked up in the back room of an east end gallery stirring up 90s inspired sonic harmonies, this five-piece’s influences are less worn on their sleeves, than branded on their hearts. Bands such as The Stone Roses, Suede, Ride and The Verve are wholly evident, but this isn't nostalgia for old time’s sake. It’s a whitewash of powerful prettiness; with sun-drenched vocals, ethereal guitars and pounding drums, rooted in 90s vibes but with its eyes to the future... "Epic, stadium-indie guitars, baggy beats and trippy lyrics, this Suede-meets-Oasis number sets Sulk far above other 1990s revivalists" The Independent, November 2011

B-Movie: 30th Anniversary Show at Blow Up - May 2012

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:05:44 GMT

Cult 80’s New-Wavers B-Movie return to Blow Up for a special one-off Anniversary Show for their single ‘Nowhere Girl’

The Wolfmen live at Blow Up - March 2012

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:58:58 GMT

Blow Up's new monthly West London residency at Ginglik in Shepherd’s Bush, continues with live guests this month THE WOLFMEN, BERMONDSEY JOYRIDERS & RKC... Marco Pirroni and Chris Constantinou formed The Wolfmen in 2005. Marco (guitars) enjoyed extraordinary success with ADAM & THE ANTS and later worked with Sinead O’Connor. Chris (bass, lead vocals) previously led JACKIEONASSID and has worked with Adam Ant, Annabella Lwin(Bow-Wow-Wow)...

The Bongolian Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show BBC 6 Music

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:33:13 GMT

THE BONGOLIAN will be in session on the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show this Saturday 26th November on BBC Radio 6music! Along with some banter, he'll be performing tracks form his new album 'Bongos For Beatniks'. Tune in / listen online from 7pm GMT: bbc.co.uk

Blow Up Christmas Party: The Bongolian + Thee Faction live - Fri. 2nd December

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:02:45 GMT

The 2nd of Blow Up's new monthly West London residency at Ginglik in Shepherd’s Bush, and just in time for Christmas! Always guaranteed to get the party going is BIG BOSS MAN's Nasser Bouzida aka THE BONGOLIAN & his band, with support from THEE FACTION. Plus of course Blow Up DJs Paul Tunkin & Ian Jackson (and the occasional guest) spinning their trademark mix of Pop Stylism, 60's Soul, Beat, Garage, Funk, Ska, Soundtracks, Electronica, Library Music colliding with British Pop, Glam, Indie-Pop and New-Wave. THE BONGOLIAN: Playing tracks from his eagerly-awaited 4th album 'Bongos For Beatniks' released this May - a wildly eclectic rare groove fusion of Funk Soul Hammond Beat Jazz and a Sci-Fi Boogaloo. The first single from the album 'The Riviera Affair' was a BBC 6music Lunchtime Love and if you listen to Craig Charles you will have heard more than a few spins on his show too: "Mightily funky, Hammond driven bongo rhythms... part mod, part Sergio Mendes, very swingin'..." TIME OUT "A bakers dozen of gems. Bongo powered grooves at their very best. Preston Epps eat your heart out" SCOOTERING 'RECOMMENDED' THEE FACTION: Blistering, visceral socialist R&B with an explicit political agenda: "As good as Slade Alive. Yes, THAT good" Chris Roberts, The Guardian

Blow Up 18th Birthday & New Monthly Residency - Friday 4th November 2011

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 06:56:43 GMT

BLOW UP 18TH BIRTHDAY PARTY & NEW MONTHLY RESIDENCY @ GINGLIK FRIDAY 4th NOVEMBER 2011 Blow Up is pleased to announce that it will be taking the club to other parts of London outside the West End, starting this Autumn with a new monthly residency at Ginglik in Shepherd’s Bush, launching on Friday 4th November for Blow Up's 18th Birthday. Blow Up's playlist is far from being defined by the Brit Pop genre it helped kick-start back 18 years ago in 1993: alongside live bands expect to hear British Pop, Glam and New-Wave colliding with 60s Soundtracks & Electronica, Library Music, Indie-Pop, 60's Soul, Beat, Garage, Funk, Ska & more. A celebration from the other side of Pop where the Kinks, Bowie, Blur share the dancefloor with current newcomers Pete & The Pirates, British Sea Power and Metronomy, all alongside Blow Up’s trademark mix of Swinging Soundtracks & TV Themes (The Italian Job to Barbarella), 60s Exotica & Electronica (Jean-Jacques Perry), 60s Club Soul (Motown, Stax etc.), Northern Soul, Beat, Mod Jazz, French Pop (Jacques Dutronc, Bridget Bardot) and New Wave (XTC, Wire). Advance tickets £6: ticketweb.com • seetickets.com • wegottickets.com • Please arrive early!

Blow Up TOKYO - October 7th 2011

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:45:47 GMT

Blow Up heads to Tokyo! Blow Up founder / DJ Paul Tunkin will be joined by DJ Nori (aka Masanori Ikeda), Blow Up resident DJ from the Laurel Tree / Wag-era Blow Up back in the mid-90s! http://www.blowupclub.com/eventinfo.aspx?id=111007t http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=217106668350808 http://www.blowup.co.uk/blog/#201110_Blow_Up_Tokyo http://www.liquidroom.net/schedule/20111007/7848/

Blow Up back in the USA - California June 2011

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:33:57 GMT

This June Blow Up teamed up with Leisure (San Francisco), Club Underground (LA) and Lipstick! (Sacramento) - thanks to everyone in California for making this trip the most memorable yet! Photos here >>>

Blow Up @ Latitude Festival 2011

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:32:43 GMT

Blow Up has been invited to see out the final night at Latitude Festival this year - check out link for more info + line up on Latitude site:

"A wild celebration from the other side of Pop where the Kinks, Bowie, Blur share the dancefloor with current newcomers Pete & The Pirates, British Sea Power and Metronomy, all alongside Blow Up's trademark mix of Swinging Soundtracks & TV Themes (The Italian Job to Barbarella), 60s Exotica & Electronica (Jean-Jacques Perry), 60s Club Soul (Motown, Stax etc.), Northern Soul, Beat, Mod Jazz, French Pop (Jacques Dutronc, Bridget Bardot) and New Wave (XTC, Wire). Club founder & DJ Paul Tunkin will be joined by long-time co-resident DJ Mr. Ian Jackson who both guarantee to keep you dancing 'til dawn (well 2am!)"

Bongos For Beatniks - 4th Bongolian album out now

Thu, 05 May 2011 22:09:14 GMT

THE BONGOLIAN releases his long-awaited 4th album 'Bongos For Beatniks' this May. The album continues the musical journey where 2007's Outer Bongolia left off, bringing us back down to Earth possibly via France circa 1967 via 2011, in a wildly eclectic rare groove fusion of Funk Soul Hammond Beat Jazz and a Sci-Fi Boogaloo.

Neon Plastix 'Gentlemen's Gold' in US ASICS ad

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:13:29 GMT

'Gentlemen's Gold' from Doncaster's finest Neon Plastix has been used in a new US TV ad for ASICS new '33' range entitled 'Gravity, Meet Your Archenemy'.

Baltic Fleet live at Rough Trade Shops Curates: Sensoria 2011 - Saturday 30th April

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:30:08 GMT

Rough Trade Shops will be curating a night at this years Sensoria with a live performance from Baltic Fleet and Rough Trade Shops DJS - FREE ENTRY. Baltic Fleet's eponymous debut was a Rough Trade East Album of the year back in 2008, and they'll also be showcasing new material from the forthcoming 2nd album.

Blow Up Easter Special: 21st April feat. live: The Bongolian + Special Needs + Silvery + Blow Up DJs

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:08:19 GMT

Following February's sell-out HMV Next Big Thing night, Blow Up returns to its one-off events with an Easter Special at Madame JoJo's on Thursday 21st April. This will be the first of several larger club events for 2011 in the UK and abroad featuring special live guests. Confirmed live for 21st April: The Bongolian + Special Needs + Silvery + BLOW UP DJs + TBA

The Bongolian 'Bongos For Beatniks' - album out May

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:24:41 GMT

The sleeve for the Bongolian's 4th album is finally revealed! 'Bongos For Beatniks' will be released on Monday 9th May, but if you can't wait that long you can download the first single 'The Riviera Affair' which was recently featured on Nemone's Lunchtime Loves on BBC 6music (she also interviewed Nasser before his BlowUp/HMV show in February), alongside support plays by Gideon Coe and Craig Charles. The track is also Sky Sports Soccer AM's track of the week. The album is also featured in Scootering Magazine's 'Recommended Listening' this month alongside an early review of the album, an interview with The Bongolian and a live review of February's Blow Up/HMV show. Stay tuned as from next week the album will be available to pre-order, with some limited edition bundles.

Little Barrie live at Blow Up - Saturday 5th March

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:49:36 GMT

Little Barrie return to Blow Up, where they played one of their first ever London shows almost a decade ago. The now London based power trio take their name from singer and guitarist-extraordinaire of the same name Little Barrie. Barrie has lent his talents (either on tour or in the studio) to the likes of Primal Scream, Edwyn Collins, Morrissey, Paul Weller, Spiritualized to name but a few. more ...

Silvery : Two Halves Of The Same Boy - new single out now

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 06:45:10 GMT

'Two Halves Of The Same Boy' - the third single from Silvery's 2nd album 'Railway Architecture' is released this week and makes it onto the BBC 6Music playlist for a 5th week running.

The Riviera Affair - New single from The Bongolian out Now

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:23:38 GMT

'The Riviera Affair' - the first single from The Bongolian's forthcoming 4th album 'Bongos For Beatniks' is released week. The single was featured on BBC6 Music's Nemone's Lunchtime Loves last week, and Nass from The Bongolian popped in for a quick interview on air on Friday while he was in town for the sell-out Blow Up @ HMV event.

Big Boss Man added to Blow Up @ HMV Next Big Thing - Fri 4th Feb

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:48:38 GMT

BIG BOSS MAN ADDED TO THE BILL - playing a late night show as part of the Blow Up club night that follows.

Blow Up @ HMVs Next Big Thing - February 2011

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:39:49 GMT

Just announced Blow Up @ HMV Next Big Thing 2011 - The Bongolian, Baltic Fleet & Silvery live followed by Blow Up club - February 4th 2011

The Bongolian - live at Blow Up - Saturday 4th December 2010

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:07:22 GMT

Following his show in France, The Bongolian (aka Big Boss Man's Nasser Bouzida) and his band drop into London for a rare Christmas show at Blow Up. They will be previewing tracks from his forthcoming 4th album (early 2011) alongside tracks from 2008's critically acclaimed 'Outer Bongolia' and early classics such as Bongohead. Let The Bongolian take you on musical journey though dirty percussive bongo driven Funk and Spaced-out Latin Soul - 100% Heavy Bongo Vibes guaranteed! Followed by resident Blow Up DJs Paul Tunkin & Ian Jackson bringing you a mix of Orgasmic Pop 60s Mod Soul New Wave action. Expect to hear a selection of pop from Beatles to Bowie to Blur, 60s - Soul, Garage, Ska, Beat and Swinging Soundtracks. Since his 2001 eponymous debut, THE BONGOLIAN's albums have become recordbox essentials for DJs, finding a wide appeal from Dance and Hip-Hop to rare groove and funky 45s fans, and to date The Bongolian and his band have toured USA, UK and Europe: "Nasser Bouzida is a man with talent to spare. A Latin-flavoured jazz-funk odyssey" Q "Forget your preconceptions, this is the REAL incredible bongo band" Clash "Totally mind-blowing" WHAT'S ON "Mightily funky, Hammond driven bongo rhythms... part mod, part Sergio Mendes, very swingin'..." TIME OUT

Silvery 'Railway Architecture' on Steve Lamacq Blog

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:31:41 GMT

Long-time supporter of the band Steve Lamacq has reviewed the album on his official blog this week: "SILVERY whose debut album was a minor work of crazed genius, are back with a second LP which really ups the maverick ante" Steve Lamacq

Silvery live at Blow Up: Saturday 21st August + Saturday 11th September

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:31:38 GMT

Following the release of their critically acclaimed 2nd album 'Railway Architecture' this August, London artrockers Silvery play two intimate shows at Blow Up on Saturday 21st August and Saturday 11th September: Silvery founder and singer-songwriter James Orman is still immersed in Bowie, Blur, XTC and all things eccentrically English, The Silvery sound is based around an amalgamation of non fiction, childhood memories, love of historic machinery, 70's TV detective-isms and a musical philosophy of 'anything goes'. From the glam rock assault of previous single 'Devil In The Detail', New Wave blast of debut 'Horrors', neo Bond theme drama of 'Will Self', through brief snatches of ska to music hall and spoken word, there is very little left untouched in between. Sounding somewhere between a Dada or Situationist musical, the new album has been described as: "Exhilarating art-pop from band bordering on greatness" * * * * UNCUT "Hunt down this album" * * * * ARTROCKER "Delicious and daringly at odds with almost everything else out there" * * * * CLASH "Genius twisted pop. A truly original masterpiece" * * * * BIG CHEESE

Silvery news: 2nd album 'Railway Architecture' - out now

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:09:44 GMT

Silvery release the follow up to their 2008 debut Thunderer & Excelsior with their 2nd album Railway Architecture - out today and available from: Rough Trade, Fopp, Norman, Piccadilly, Townsend, Juno, Amazon, Play.com, iTunes, eMusic, Napster, Amazon Digital and more Railway Architecture sees Silvery to continue their creative brainstorming, and Railway Architecture which sees bands singer/songwriter James Orman continuing his journey into the very English and eccentric world of the mad, bizarre and absurd. With a doff of a stove-pipe hat to Blur, Bowie, XTC and Sparks, their sound is an eclectic but commercial proposition. The album expertly blends post-punk, Britpop (for want of a better word), music hall and 60's pop into this year's most exciting release yet, and recently described as: "Exhilarating art-pop from band bordering on greatness" 4 STARS - UNCUT "Hunt down this album" 4 STARS - Artrocker "Delicious and daringly at odds with almost everything else out there" 4 STARS - Clash "Genius twisted pop" 4 STARS - Big Cheese

Silvery - Rough Trade East In-Store - Friday 6th August 7pm

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:03:58 GMT

Silvery will be doing an exclusive live in-store at Rough Trade East next Friday 6th August - get down early to buy a copy of their new album 'Railway Architecture'.

SILVERY - live at Steve Lamacq's new club night - this Thursday 29th July (London)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:59:44 GMT

SILVERY have been invited to open up for long time supporter STEVE LAMACQ's new monthly club night 'GOING DEAF FOR A LIVING' ahead of the release of 2nd album 'RAILWAY ARCHITECTURE'. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137040442993177

THE SOUND OF POP ART live at BLOW UP - Saturday 7th August 2010

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:55:33 GMT

Just confirmed for Saturday 7th August are The Sound Of Pop Art (acoustic set) and an opportunity to hear some genuine Beatnik Pop / Acoustic Soul of the finest order. Think, Odessey & Oracle The Zombies, Syd Barrett, Up The Junction Manfred Man, John Barry TSOPA features Chris Free who previously wrote/played sonic guitar for one of the UK's first & finest beat punk groups The Users, and was asked to join Paul Weller's Respond label as songwriting duo A Craze, penning the 1983 UK summer soul hit for Tracie Young Give It Some Emotion: "English to the hilt, Cambridge's T.S.O.P.A. see former The Users and A Craze guitarist/songwriter Chris Free (with Users drummer Andrew O'Hanrahan) propelling a trio who update Mod riffs and attitudes and pour sunny harmonies over them. Influenced by The Who, The Kinks and The Jam, they succeed in turbo-charging these time-honoured tropes with gung-ho gusto. Tony Jenkins sings of shopping centres and high street girls in a flurry of optimism. 'Visions Of You' and 'Let's Make Love in London' add a dash of Barrett/Bowie whimsy. Infectiously enthusiastic, this is classic boho pop: plenty invigorating" **** Chris Roberts - Uncut

Silvery - live tonight 7pm on BBC 6music with Marc Riley

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:18:46 GMT

Silvery are recording a session for Mark Riley on BBC 6music to be broadcast live tonight from 7pm. Expect to hear previews of tracks from their forthcoming 2nd album Railway Architecture which will be released on August 9th, and is preceded by the single The Naked & The Dead on July 26th which was recently up for 6music's Rebel Playlist. If you're not in the UK or don't have digital radio you can listen online here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/bbc_6music Here's what they've said so far about Railway Architecture: "Exhilarating art-pop from band bordering on greatness" * * * * UNCUT "Please hunt this album down" * * * * ARTROCKER "One of the most distinctive sounds you're currently likely to hear. Irrepressible and exhilarating" NUDE Look out for Artrocker's Summer Special issue out now - the covermount CD features the Silvery track 'Identity' taken from the new album. Check out the video for The Naked & The Dead, directed by Alastair Brotherton and Jock Mooney, and produced by Rich Barnett/Trunk, the same team behind Silvery's video for 'Horrors', which was awarded Best Music Video at the London Short Film Festival in 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWD3oVkesQU

Blow Up & Silvery at Leuka Mini Masters - 16th July 2010

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:24:01 GMT

Blow Up's Paul Tunkin will be spinning records as part of the Leuka Mini Masters annual celebrity golf tournament in aid of the Leuka charity, and Silvery (Blow Up Records) will be playing live too. Find out more info at: http://www.blowupclub.com/eventinfo.aspx?id=100716a

Silvery news: 2nd album 'Railway Architecture' and BBC 6 music session for Marc Riley

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:30:16 GMT

We're pleased to announce that Silvery will be releasing the follow up to their 2008 debut album with their second album Railway Architecture on August 9th. The first single 'The Naked & The Dead had its first play last Thursday on Marc Riley's 6 Music show, and if you're quick you can listen back on the BBC iPlayer(38 mins in). Riley has invited the band in for a BBC 6Music Session on 12th July - stay tuned for more details. Silvery's debut Thunderer & Excelsior was a BBC 6 Music Album of the Day, Artrocker Album of the Year (No 19), an Organ Top 10 album of the year and gained a multitude of supporters across press and radio including Steve Lamacq, Marc Riley, David Quantick amongst others.

Neon Plastix 'Awesome Moves' - debut album out now (UK)

Wed, 12 May 2010 09:25:26 GMT

After one hell of a siesta Neon Plastix release their long awaited debut album Awesome Moves this week. It's chock full of electro tinged dancefloor pop, including On Fire, Gentlemen?s Gold and ten other future smashes... Available from all good stores on CD and download including: Rough trade, Piccadilly, Norman, Townsend, amazon.co.uk, amazon.com, play.com, hmv.com, emusic, Napster, itunes and more...

Big Boss Man live at Blow Up - Saturday May 29th 2010

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 05:50:10 GMT

Just confirmed at Blow Up are Blow Up Records' very own Big Boss Man - on stage 10.30pm (doors 10pm): The band are fresh back from their 2010 tour of Spain , and along side favourites such as 'Sea Groove' and 'Party 7', Big Boss Man will be playing tracks from their 3rd album 'Full English Beat Breakfast'. Followed by resident Blow Up DJs Paul Tunkin & Ian Jackson bringing you a mix of Orgasmic Pop 60s Mod Soul New Wave action. Expect to hear a selection of pop from Beatles to Bowie to Blur, 60s - Soul, Garage, Ska, Beat and Swinging Soundtracks.

Blow Up Exclusive Blend Volumes 1 and 2 go digital...

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 08:32:44 GMT

For the first time ever Volumes 1 & 2 of the Blow Up presents Exclusive Blend Series are available for download from iTunes, Amazon, Napster, eMusic and more.... Don't forget, both have recently been reissued on LP (& CD) too if you'd rather get your hands on some vinyl - from all good stores, as well as Blow Up Records mail order Volume 1 sees Paul Tunkin, DJ & founder of Blow Up club, taking us on a journey deep into the vaults of the KPM music library. Originally released in 1996, the Blow Up Exclusive Blend series were one of the first commercial introductions to Music Library and the twilight world of the session man. Volume 1 features the cream of the KPM Music Library writers including Keith Mansfield, Alan Hawkshaw, Alan Parker and Johnny Pearson. Most of these tracks had never been commercially available before this release. Volume 2 sees Blow Up's Paul Tunkin entering the vaults of De Wolfe, Amphonic and once again KPM. As with a bulk of Exclusive Blend 1, many of these tracks were receiving their first commercial airing on this album?s release. Originally released in 1997, the album also introduced James Clarke?s Wild Elephants to the world, which was later retitled ?Blow Up A-Go-Go? as a thankyou from the writer and became the title track for the successful V2 / Blow Up compilation ?Blow Up A-Go-Go! Dancefloor Classics from The Legendary Blow Up Club?. This album includes tracks from many great music library theme writers including Keith Mansfield, Alan Hawkshaw, Syd Dale, and Alan Moorhouse.

Neon Plastix 'Awesome Moves' - debut album 10 May 2010 (UK)

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:06:41 GMT

Neon Plastix release their long awaited debut LP 'Awesome Moves' on May 10th 2010 (UK) after taking one hell of a siesta. The album is chock full of electro tinged dancefloor pop, including On Fire, Gentlemen?s Gold and ten other future smashes. Album will be preceded by single Gentlemen's Gold. The band have achieved a cult following both in the UK, Europe and USA, despite having only released 2 singles to date (Neon Invasion/Prick Tease, On Fire/Dream), and secured deals along the way with E.A Games ?Need For Speed? and Sony Eriksson for use of their music. Neon Plastix have played multitudes of dates across Europe, even including a spot at Glastonbury, as well as touring with Late Of The Pier amongst others (who they also remixed). After they declared an inevitable hiatus whilst some members finished college courses and such, the band have woke up and rubbed their eyes, dusted themselves down and are ready to release their debut album ?Awesome Moves?

Big Boss Man Spanish Tour Dates - March 2010

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:42:45 GMT

Big Boss Man return once again to Spain with an 11 date tour this March including Madrid, Barcelon, Alicante, Leon and more. See all dates here to see if they're coming to a town near you. They'll also be paying a visit to France in April (St. Nazaire) and June at the annual 'Riviera Affair '60s Mod Weekend' in Nice. They'll be performing tracks from their first 2 albums Humanize and Winner, and from their critically acclaimed new album Full English Beat Breakfast!

Blow Up in Oxford - Friday 29th January

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:06:05 GMT

Blow Up comes to Oxford for a special one off at The Cellar this January - Resident Blow Up DJs Paul Tunkin & Ian Jackson will be bringing you a mix of Orgasmic Pop 60s Mod Soul New Wave action. Plus special live guests Blow Up Records' The Bongolian.

Blow Up New Year's Eve Party - Tickets Now On Sale

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:29:58 GMT

Blow Up will be seeing the New Year in at our regular haunt 4 Denmark Street - tickets on sale from 4.30pm today Monday 21st December.

Blow Up in the USA - 16th Birthday dates this December

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:06:52 GMT

Blow Up is pleased to announce the first of a series of Birthday Shows to celebrate it's 16th Anniversary. Starting with two one-off shows on the East and West Coast of North America. More dates tba for 2010.

Louis Eliot (ex-Rialto) confirmed for 5th December at Blow Up

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:17:54 GMT

Just confirmed for Saturday 5th December are Louis Eliot & The Embers. Heralded by Vogue magazine as a "country troubadour" and the Times as a "true pop genius", Louis Eliot is the former main man of 1990s Britpop Romantics, Rialto, who enjoyed three UK top 40 hits and a top 20 album, read more: http://www.blowupclub.com/eventinfo.aspx?id=091205r

This Saturday 31st October - Blow Up Hallowe'en Special

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:34:21 GMT

This Saturday 31st October - Hallowe'en special for Blow Up in its new basement venue at 4 Denmark St., with 60s horror flicks and creepy drinks. Expect the usual mix of orgasmic pop 60s mod soul new wave action from Blow Up DJs with some spooky soundtracks thrown in for good measure! Event Info: http://www.blowup.co.uk/club/events.aspx#LDN091031 FB invite: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158955536052

Big Boss Man live - Fri 2nd Oct in Newbury, Sat 3rd Oct at Blow Up

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:36:19 GMT

Catch Big Boss Man live this Friday 2nd October at The Arlington Arts Centre in their hometown of Newbury and there's another chance to see them in London at Blow Up on Saturday 3rd October

Big Boss Man - BBC Radio 2 session for Mark Lamarr - Saturday 18th September 2009

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:20:26 GMT

Big Boss Man have been invited to record a live session for Mark Lamarr at the BBC's famous Maida Vale studios, including tracks from Full English Beat Breakfast - hear the session this Saturday 18th September on BBC Radio 2 at Midnight

Big Boss Man - Full English Beat Breakfast - 3rd Album - out now

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:01:53 GMT

The long awaited 3rd album from Big Boss Man 'Full English Beat Breakfast' is now out! Available on CD, a lovely vinyl LP and as a download from all good retailers including Norman, Piccadilly, Rough Trade, Amazon, HMV, iTunes, eMusic, Amazon Digital and more....

Blow Up Club: New London Venue for Saturdays! 12th September 2009

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:13:32 GMT

Blow Up are pleased to announce that Blow Up club will reconvene for its Saturday night residency in London from Saturday 12th September 2009. The new basement venue is a stone's throw from the Metro Club (RIP) in London's legendary Denmark Street aka 'Tin Pan Alley'. The first night will have live guests Blow Up Records very own Big Boss Man who will be playing tracks from their third album 'Full English Beat Breakfast'.

Big Boss Man - Full English Beat Breakfast - 3rd Album News and Preview

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:10:10 GMT

Blow Up is pleased to announce that the long awaited third album from Big Boss Man - 'Full English Beat Breakfast' is soon to be released. Shipping from September 2009, the album will be available on CD, LP and as a download from all good retailers. Go to http://www.myspace.com/blowuprecs or http://www.blowup.co.uk/records/ to listen to a preview of the album! As usual the band have made good use of their extensive collection of vintage (and temperamental) gear for Full English. Head honcho Nasser Bouzida (a.k.a the Bongolian) plays mini-VIP, Farfisa and Hammond organs, Wurlitzer piano, Moog synths and drums and percussion. Driving fuzz guitar and bass beat is provided by bassman Scott Milsom "the Hawk" and guitarist Trev Harding. The band have once again created a superb spaced-out selection of prime 60?s inspired dancefloor tracks: Northern Soul vibes with ?Black Eye?, Garage sounds with ?The Bloater?, Boogaloo with ?Pies and Pastiche? and even Samba with ?Full Brazilian?.

woZZon interview with Blow Up founder Paul Tunkin

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:42:16 GMT

woZZon's John Coleman talks to Blow Up founder & resident DJ Paul Tunkin about the Blow Up club and label...

Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck - 'Moves On The Screen' - out now!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:43:16 GMT

Available now from all good download stores and taken from their acclaimed debut album 'Days And Go' is the second single 'Moves On The Screen' from Swedish indie-posters Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck DAYS COME AND GO quotes... "Think The Concretes with strings and a folky/indie edge. Grand songs, delivered well" Stool Pigeon "Lovely, gentle folk inspired indie pop that invokes the idea of Jens Lekman fronting Belle & Sebastian. Simple as that" indieMP3 "Wry but sincere hometown poetry" NME "An album to pay attention to" AllMusic

Silvery 'The Nishikado E.P.' with brand new tracks - out now!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:34:57 GMT

Silvery - the 'The Nishikado EP' (Blow Up) featuring brand new tracks - out now from all fine purveyors of digital sounds... "Silvery have produced a tribute to the one and only Toshihiro Nishikado to whom we give gratitude for the remarkable invention that it is Space Invaders - those little critters everyone knows and loves. With wild synth riffs and vocals resembling David Bowie, Silvery suck you in to the unrestrained indie madness. Identity and Murder Holes continue the fairground theme, with unruly synth sections distinguishing Silvery from current and past indie bands." KRUGER "Wow. Take a deep breath before you enter the crazy world of Silvery. The grandiose circus music of The Nishikado takes you on a whirlwind with its relentless and spiralling organs. The cacophony of different sounds can all get a bit confusing, until the chorus when the glorious mess seems to find it's way. The furious pace of the EP will have you bouncing off the walls and collapsed in an exhausted heap in the corner by the end. In the words of me Dad, "What a bloody racket." But an utterly exhilarating racket, it has to be said." ARTROCKER RECOMMENDS

Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck - Rough Trade East In-Store - Sunday 7th June 2009

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:44:01 GMT

The second of 2 one-off UK dates for Blow Up's swedish indiepop 8 piece Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck (the first being the night before at the Blow Up club, supporting Lucky Soul). This will be an acoustic show, and entry will be free - so what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon - on stage at 2pm.

New Silvery EP 'The Nishikado' - Artocker.tv and iTunes exclusive!

Mon, 18 May 2009 12:16:34 GMT

Following their Christmas single You Give A Little Love last December, London eccentrics Silvery release their 5th single on Monday 15th June 2009, previously featured on a live BBC Radio 1 Lamacq session and a standout track from their much talked about debut album Thunderer & Excelsior (which made the ARTROCKER and ORGAN top releases of 2008 lists). The Nishikado EP features a new mix of the lead song (inspired by Toshihiro Nishikado - the creator of Space Invaders in the 1970's) and 3 brand new tracks: Identity, Murder Holes and The Public Purse. Think Sparks at their most Glam Rock, mixed up with all sorts of musical tricks Blur and Bowie would be proud of. Watch the video now exclusively on Artrocker.TV EP. will be available 3 weeks early as an iTunes exclusive on Monday 25th May 2009 (general availability from 15/6/2009)

Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck to support Lucky Soul on June 6th at Blow Up Club

Fri, 08 May 2009 10:05:36 GMT

Blow Up's very own swedish indie popsters Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck will be supporting Lucky Soul on Sat. June 6th at the Blow Up Club

Lucky Soul confirmed for Blow Up Club - Sat. 6th June 2009

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:06:14 GMT

The excellent Lucky Soul have just confirmed for Saturday June 6th at Blow Up... "Pop at its most glorious and heartbreaking" 5/5 Metro Album of the Week "A band to fall in love with" Independent on Sunday "A glorious collection of pop symphonies...it's hard not to be won over" **** Uncut "Grand, unabashed pop." 8/10 Pitchfork

Silvery - Beat Happening Session - Wed. 22nd April 2009

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:04:24 GMT

London's Silvery released their critically acclaimed album debut 'Thunderer and Excelsior' last year one and have been lauded by everyone from Artrocker to Marc Riley to Steve Lamacq to David Quantick. The Beat Happening will be chatting to them about Britpop, Brechtian cabaret, their favourite top hats, before they perform. Plus support provided by the uber-cool Parlour Records: Le Tetsuo + Project: Komakino. Wednesday 22nd April, The Victoria, 110 Grove Rd, Mile End, London, E3 5TH Tickets: https://fan.musicglue.com/sale/saleproducts.aspx?productid=75011142-ca50-4d8c-a0dd-dad5ae6cc751

Brand new Mockingbird Wish Me Luck track for free on new Eardrums compilation

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:39:00 GMT

Brand new 'Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck' track for free plus some other rather good artists on the latest Eardrums download compilation

Blow Up now on Twitter

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 20:39:50 GMT

You can now follow Blow Up on Twitter for all the latest on the Blow Up Club and Blow Up Records

Blow Up Club New Residency Launch at Bar Rumba - Sat. 24th Jan

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:57:00 GMT

Saturday the 17th January 2009 was last night ever of the Metro Club, 19-23 Oxford Street, London W1. Thank you to everybody who celebrated our last night with us and helped us go out with a bang! (more about the venue closure here). A very special and very memorable night (photos to be uploaded soon). Apologies to everyone who queued in the rain and didn't manage to get in! Tomorrow on Saturday 24th January 2009, Blow Up will start a new Saturday night residency at Bar Rumba, 36 Shaftesbury Avenue. This is an exciting move for the club, signalling another new era with a shift back to the Wag-era concept of Blow Up - a bigger capacity with 2 sound systems once again, lights, visuals - and essentially a return to the larger weekly 'special event' featuring weekly live showcases as part of the club itself. Blow Up DJs Paul Tunkin and Ian Jackson will be also be joined by weekly guests DJs including some familiar names from over the club's history.

Last Blow Up at the Metro / Last Ever Night of The Metro Club - Sat. 17th Jan. 2009

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:35:27 GMT

Take part in history - this will be the LAST EVER NIGHT at The Metro due to the venue closure. The Metro Club has been open as a club (under various names) since the 1950s - this will be your last chance ever to come to the venue. Tickets will not be on sale for tonight. Doors will open early - early arrival recommended! Blow Up will continue the following week on Saturday 24th January at Bar Rumba.

Silvery - exclusive interview on Dave TVs weekly vodcast - bands to watch 2009

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:27:52 GMT

An exclusive interview with Silvery on Dave TVs weekly vodcast, in their Bands to Watch for 2009.

BLOW UP club moves to new Saturday residency at BAR RUMBA - Sat 24th Jan 2009

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:33:10 GMT

Sat. 17th January 2009 - Blow Up - Last Ever Night of The Metro Club (details below) Sat. 24th January 2009 - Blow Up - Opening Night at Bar Rumba - (details below) A bona-fide legendary club night, and now in its 15th year, Blow Up was the centre of the early to mid Nineties Brit Pop explosion, influencing the style and sound of a generation, and voted No.4 in Time Out's Top Ten Clubs of the 90s. From its original venue The Laurel Tree, Camden Town (1993-1996), to the Wag Club (1996-2001) and then to the Metro Club (2002-2009), Blow Up has continued its long run of sold out nights for over 15 years in an unbroken run. And now, after a seven year residency at the Metro Club, Blow Up will be held here for the very last time on Saturday 17th January 2009, which will also be the last ever night for the Metro Club itself, after which its doors will close forever as a live venue and club (for press release re. venue closure see: www.blowupmetro.com/closure.aspx). The following week, on Saturday 24th January 2009, Blow Up will start a new Saturday night residency at Bar Rumba, 36 Shaftesbury Avenue. This is an exciting move for the club, signalling another new era with a shift back to the Wag-era concept of Blow Up - a bigger capacity with 2 sound systems once again, lights, visuals - and essentially a return to the larger weekly 'special event' featuring weekly live showcases as part of the club itself. Blow Up DJs Paul Tunkin and Ian Jackson will be also be joined by weekly guests DJs including some familiar names from over the club's history . Blow Up was founded by DJ and promoter Paul Tunkin in a Camden pub in Oct 1993. Records were played from the emerging 'British pop' scene (that came to be known as Brit Pop) together with Brit-centric 60s and 70s moves and grooves; swinging soundtracks to Mod Beat and Soul; classic pop from The Beatles to Bowie to Blur. The club still stays true to its early ideals - you will hear a selection of indie pop, new wave, pop electronique, underground 60s instrumentals, experimental grooves and easy listening - all sitting nicely alongside a selection of the current favs from artists such as MGMT and Vampire Weekend. Despite its love of buried treasures, Blow Up remains an accessible yet essential night that is always a great party, week after week, year after year.

Blow Up New Year's Eve Party - Last ever at The Metro Club

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:01:49 GMT

This will be the last ever New Year's Eve at The Metro Club and as usual Blow Up will take the controls for the celebrations... Tix. £15 adv from the usual agents... http://www.myspace.com/blowupclub

Give A Little Love by SILVERY - download now!!

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:26:59 GMT

Ladies and gentlemen we present you the perfect antidote to all the current doom and gloom... We give you... Silvery performing a brand new recording of You Give A Little Love, a cover version of the Paul Williams song as featured in the musical Bugsy Malone. The song has often featured in the Silvery live set and the band thought it was high time to put a studio version down. This track is not included on their fabulous debut album Thunderer & Excelsior, but will is downloadable from all reputable purveyors of digital phonograms and just in time for Christmas! ....Its time to party like its 1929!!!

Vote for Baltic Fleet in Rough Trade's People's Voice Award

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:38:38 GMT

Pick your top 3 albums from Rough Trade's Top 50 albums of 2008 for their 'People's Voice' award vote

Blow Up Metro Club venue to close - January 2009

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:37:39 GMT

***************************************** METRO CLUB TO CLOSE - January 2009 ***************************************** On Tues 20th Jan 2009 The Metro Club, 19-23 Oxford Street, London will close. This is due to the proposed Tottenham Court Road Station extension. We have been notified by Transport For London that the venue is to be acquired by a compulsory purchase order, under the Crossrail Act. Although the rumblings of Crossrail have been going on for many years it has come up far quicker than any of us could have expected. At present we are looking for new premises to relocate the venue to but have yet to find one suitable. Ultimately it is another nail in the coffin for Central London's live music and club scene. And when you are about to be served 28 days notice just before Christmas you have to ask why not give people more time to relocate? Why destroy successful businesses when in a recession? Why the hurry? Where is the Westend heading? The final club night of The Metro Club will be Sat 17th January 2009, which will be the Blow Up Club night, currently in it's 15th year. Blow Up took over the running of The Metro Club as a separate venture to our club night and record label on November 5th 2001, just as the new new wave of bands were about to really start making their moves, many of them at the venue. From debut UK appearances from The Killers, Kings of Leon, to early shows from Bloc Party, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kaiser Chiefs, to hundreds of other new and breaking acts as well as a few legendary characters making an appearances such as Dion's first and only UK show in 18 years in 2007 and madcap krautrockers Faust. And to name a few from the pop world: MIKA (first ever show), Scissor Sisters and Robyn. A totally independent venue - not corporate - which is rare, and soon to be even more so in central London. Today we have launched a photo gallery on http://www.blowupmetro.com, featuring just some of the photos from our archives taken at the club over the last 7 years, with more to be added soon. If you would like to leave any comments on our closure, please leave them here on the official venue facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/London-United-Kingdom/The-Blow-Up-Metro-Club/30711874380 Thank you to everyone who has supported the club. Please stay tuned and lets go out with a bang! Paul Tunkin Blow Up Metro read more... http://www.blowupmetro.com/closure.aspx

Baltic Fleet debut album no. 29 in Rough Trade's Top 50 Albums of 2008

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:24:44 GMT

Baltic Fleet's eponymous debut has made it into Rough Trade's Top Album's of 2008 at No. 29. Rough Trade's Top 50 here.

Give A Little Love by SILVERY winner of this weeks BBC 6 Music Rebel Playlist!

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:29:45 GMT

Silvery's next single 'Give A Little Love' won this weeks 6 Music Rebel Playlist, so thanks to everyone who voted! http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/steve_lamacq/

Vote for SILVERY on this weeks BBC 6 Music Rebel Playlist!

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:06:50 GMT

Following Monday's debut play of Silvery's next single 'GIVE A LITTLE LOVE' its now up for BBC 6 Music's Rebel Playlist, the winner of which makes it onto the official playlist. You can listen to the new track on our myspace or on the BBC 6 Music site where you have until midnight this Sunday to register your vote! The track brand new recording of Give A Little Love, a cover version of the Paul Williams song as featured in the musical Bugsy Malone. The song has often featured in the Silvery live set and the band thought it was high time to put a studio version down. This track is not included on their debut album Thunderer & Excelsior, but will be downloadable from Monday 15th December from all reputable purveyors of digital phonograms and just in time for Christmas! http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/steve_lamacq/

Silvery 'ACTION FORCE'/'THE NOD' - BBC 6 Music Single Of The Week!

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:58:39 GMT

Action Force / The Nod is Steve Lamaqc's *BBC 6 Music Single of The Week* (27/10/08) The single has just been chosen by Steve Lamacq as his Single Of The Week on BBC 6 Music, which means it'll be spun every day

Silvery 'ACTION FORCE'/'THE NOD' - now available for download!

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:52:09 GMT

After weeks of plays on BBC Radio (Lamacq, Riley, Lamarr, Crowley, Radcliffe & Maconie) and both BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music live sessions, Silvery release their third single 'Action Force', taken from their debut album 'Thunderer & Excelsior'.

The double A-side is 'The Nod', a new non-album exclusive recording of a live favourite. Its the perfect showcase for their unique and riotous Victoriana inspired sound and a worldview that suggests a heady concoction of British Sea Power through a filter of Sparks, Bowie, XTC and Blur at their punky fairground best.

'Action Force is my favourite rapid-fire, jerky pop song of the year' Steve Lamacq (BBC Blog)

'Tumble-dried Blur melting Sparks into liquid pop' What's On The NME Stereo?

iTUNES:
http://phobos.apple.com%2FWebObjects%2FMZStore.woa%2Fwa%2FviewAlbum%3Fi%3D292640776%26id%3D292640763%26s%3D143441

Napster:
http://sms.gb.napster.com%2Fduet%2Fgeneral%2Fhandle_napster_link.html%3Fopcode%3Dswitch%26tab%3Dbrowseartists%26artistid%3D12101512%26albumid%3D12982219%26class%3Dalbum%26artist_id%3D12101512%26album_id%3D12982219%26p%3DDeeplink%26plc%3DGBTool%26c%3DNapsterLink%26t%3DTextLink

Vote for Silvery tonight on BBC Radio 2

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:40:44 GMT

Silvery's next single 'ACTION FORCE' has been described by Steve Lamacq as 'my favourite rapid-fire, jerky pop song of the year' and by the NME as 'Tumble-dried Blur melting Sparks into liquid pop' and it will be getting a spin on Radio 2 tonight on Chris Evans Drive Time Jukebox Jury between 5pm and 7pm. You can vote for the track by email or text.

Blow Up Club is 15 years old!

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:38:42 GMT

It's official, last Thursday 16th October was exactly 15 years after the club opened its doors for the first time in Camden. Here's some of the nice things below that people have said over the years, and stay tuned for the Anniversary celebrations next year! If you've got any memories or photos from the last 15 years we'd love to hear from you too, drop us a line at webmaster [at] blowup.co.uk or on our facebook group / fan pages: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21140595328 http://www.facebook.com/blowup Don't forget we're still on every Saturday at The Metro, and as usual arrive early! http://www.myspace.com/blowupclub http://www.blowupmetro.com/clubinfo.aspx?id=bu