Reggae '76

This video is from an episode of the LWT arts series "Aquarius" from 1976, this episode on British reggae and narrated by Carl Gayle. Although the presenter states the show focuses on Brixton and Stoke Newington, it also features footage of Carnival and West London musician Delroy Washington as well as scenes from Chalk Farm recording studio. Part two features footage of Ijahman Levi, who released two albums on Island, Ladbroke Grove area locals Aswad and scenes from the Q club in Paddington. Great stuff!

Blur back on 45

Blur are set to release a surprise new single, their first for seven years.  They have already recorded the new material, two new songs, in between Albarn's commitments with his other group Gorillaz, and will release the 1000 limited issue single for Record Store Day on the 17th of April. 

Malcolm McLaren dies at age 64

The man most famous for his role in managing the Sex Pistols has died from cancer at the age of 64 in Switzerland . He was said to have been suffereing from Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer since his diagnosis in late 2009 and died due to a sudden worsening of his condition.

Although McLaren was most well known for having solidified the role of the Sex Pistols in the punk rock history books, he managed ( and disbanded) several other groups before and after them, most notably the New York Dolls, Adam and the Ants and after disbanding them, with the musicians that made up the Ants, he put together and managed new wave one hit wonders Bow Wow Wow, best known for their cover of "I Want Candy".

His foray into music management flourished from opportunities he saw arise from running his own shop on the Kings Road with designer and former partner Vivienne Westwood beginning with Let it Rock, which led to Sex and then to Seditionaries - all influencing and changing the look of an entire sub culture.

McLaren himself was a musician, releasing the critically acclaimed Duck Rock in 1983 which featured a number of new wave musicians of the time, from Trevor Horn to Thomas Dolby. The album had two major hits, Double Dutch which featured African and South American inspired instrumentation and Buffalo Gals, of which parts are taken from an traditional folk song from the 19th century. He would continue to release albums until 2009, with Shallow- Musical Paintings.

Whether you call him the godfather of punk or an opportunistic capitalist, McLaren will be remembered for his enthusiasm for cutting edge entertainment and of always bringing something new to the forefront. McLaren's body is said to be returning to the United Kingdom very soon and he is to be buried at Highgate Cemetry in North London.

Motor City's Burning: Detroit from Motown to the Stooges

Great to see John Sinclair in this BBC documentary. John is a GrooveGroveGraphics supporter and contributor. As manager of the legendary MC5, he was an extraordinary cultural catalyst and campaigner on Detroit's late '60's music scene.

Blues Britannia - Can Blue Men Sing the Whites?

A great documentary with brilliant music shown on BBC4. Who'd have thought that the Chicago and Delta blues could be transported to West London?