THE TURN in the UK weather has brought out the BBQers, and it is a myth that ‘Spillers spend all their time indoors listening to music and organizing our record collections. Quite a few us venture outdoors for leisure on a regular(ish) basis … as long as there’s music. So come on over to The ‘Spill backyard/garden and bring us a tune.
People will have their own ideas about what makes a good BBQ tune, but to me the music is the salsa of the BBQ. It sets the tone and gives extra life to everything around it. I want it fresh, and I want some spice, but I do not want it to be in charge. I’ll start us off with Taller Children by Elizabeth & The Catapults because it’s nice and lively with a good mix of ingredients. I think it should go with anything you guys bring.
Lets go for something food related – Bhindi Bhaji by Joe Strummer and the Mescelaros. A joyous uplifting song guaranteed to put you in a good frame of mind. Unfortunately, the link here is for his Acton Town Hall gig just before his death (possibly the last time he played this song).
Oh yes, I could work up a thirst bopping up and down to this (or making shapes, which seems to be the new phrase).
A few really…
High Violets’ ‘Sun Baby’, which is very languid and lovely:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edRq99Kk6S0
Sunny Day Sets Fire ‘Wilderness’ – which is more playful:
Or, given present circumstances, the perfect song for summer:
A very nice selection. I liked the first one best. The third one made me chuckle!
Unemployed in the summertime =
track 18 in my procrastination selection
“I just did the sex quiz in your magazine”
If you need to waste time in a waiting room – it’s always fun to fill out the magazines sex quizzes with really bizarre answers – it’ll entertain the next person to pick it up. (or is that just me?)
& when are we going to hear this infamous procrastination playlist, Captain Tardy?
….you’ll ruin the joke if I have to post it before the next theme is announced..
What if it’s early songs next week?
luckily my ‘time/space wobbling wardrobe’© can sort that out..
but I can’t find it – so probably no time for me to post a playlist..
If it’s a BBQ it really ought to be (and usually is) reggae in my neck of the woods. But along with the booze and food, that would put me to sleep in the sun, so it’s got to be this one.
nice, I reckon some reggae would be good for later on, when it got a bit cooler.
This makes you sleepy, amylee? It makes me want to get up and dance (or do what passes for dancing).
No, no, reggae would make me sleepy! That’s why i went for the funk. If this didn’t make you get your tail up to dance, you’d be dead! Or passed out anyway.
Sleepy but filling
And exactly what a BBQ this neck of the woods sounds like.
I’d like to bring a touch of Bahia to the BBQ, take it away Gilberto!
This is very danceable too. Fun party!
As a vegetarian, I shall be bringing some vegetable kebabs and interesting salads, maybe some nag champa incense to surround myself with so I don’t have to inhale meat fumes! I’m not as sensitive as Moz, but you know they can be all about the dead animal.
I fancy a bit of lazing in the sun music, so we’ll add the Orb’s ‘Little Fluffy Clouds’
Cold cider anyone, cheers!
I don’t know how, but I have never heard this before. I think it is fantastically good. Perfect barbeque party song. The food choices sound good and the incense lovely!
glad you like the song, I spent much time in a sunny garden in Colchester listening to it whilst ‘revising’ for my finals. It’s gorgeous isn’t it?
Your offerings sound posher than mine, perhaps I should bring Babycham to be a bit more classy?
The Mint Juleps are posh? Only by association with Daisy Buchannan from The Great Gatsby! It’s just bourbon, water, crushed ice, crushed fresh mint from the garden and a very little powdered sugar (shaken, not stirred). I just like it better than Pimms as a summer drink.
Babycham is practically as posh as Cava.
One of my favourite records for heralding the summer is The Cardigans’ Life album, and this track is perfect for a sophisticated garden party (which is what a ‘Spill BBQ would be…right?):
I guess I’d better bring cocktails and pink champagne on ice (along with a few bottles of Badger Golden Champion). I’m another veggie, so will also bring halloumi kebabs and couscous.
Great one. You could have mentioned Gordon’s Garden Party, too. I’ll bring cocktails too – including my favourite bourbon and the stuff to make Mint Juleps. I’ll bring extras for TFDs sensational Margaritas. Anyone want salty beer? (No, I thought not.)
OK, what is this salty beer? And you know if you say “beer with salt in it” I’m going to put your chair over net to the garden shed where the cat pees.
*Sighs*
Fintan and I have both explained this before.
Take one ice cold Mexican beer, Tecate or similar (ordinary lager will do in an emergency)
Pour into a glass big enough with a bit over
Squeeze fresh lemon juice to taste (1 to 2 desertspoons)
Add a pinch of salt to taste
Be prepared to start drinking right away. The salt makes the drink fizz up in the glass.
If you want to send me to garden party jail, that’s fine.
*sobs daintily, yet effectively*
SpottedRichard – um, the song I posted was “Gordon’s Garden Party” – what did you think it was?!
Musta missed the last salty beer explanation. Sounds refreshing for the summer.
Um… I was listening to one song and replying to another, thinking I had already listened to it, when I had listened to somebody else’s.
I think I have low blood sugar….
Conversation, especially about music, is pretty important. Here’s one to get the discussion started.
Carl Perkins Wears The Crown – New Riders Of The Purple Sage
I do like the literal video with photos appropriate to the lyrics throughout, very useful. Nice mullet on display from Paul McCartney near the end.
I’m sure they’re right, it’s not my area of expertise, but I expect other spillers would have some arguments to make.
that was totally ace. I haven’t listened to enough New Riders in life.
Conversation, especially about music, is pretty important.
Uh oh, did you type bio info about New Riders in your dating site window? Good thing you caught yourself before adding here “..and bubble baths and long walks on the beach and…”
Signed, – cuddles081
(In all seriousness, I quite liked this song. Hadn’t heard it before)
Every Labor Day Sparks hosts one the biggest BBQs on the planet. The Sparks Rib Cook draws several 100,000 attendees every year. Estimate of over 400.000 last year. West coast fun loving band Mumbo Gumbo are on stage every year & many’s the time I’ve hoisted an Icky or two to wash down some fine ribs while these guys entertained. Couldn’t find a clean copy from the Sparks stage but here’s the CD version with pictures of the Auburn, ca. cook off. ( a warm up about 100 miles down the road). Appropriately the song title is – Barbeque!
Good one. Now, Fintan, do you people up there do the watermelon seed spitting thing, or is that a Southern thing?
Most watermelons here don’t have seeds anymore, they’ve apparently been bred out of them. If they do, they’re little edible white ones.
I grew up proudly defying my mom’s no spitting dictate. I thank that used to be very much an American thing. Well at least in the south & out west. Maybe east coasters didn’t eat much watermelon. The trouble now is finding a watermelon with seeds in it. Mostly only the seedless variety these days. A truly inferior melon if ya ask me.
10 Spill Points says I can out-spit you, Fintan. And the seeds ARE vital to the flavour.
(So is hot sauce.)
If we can arrange independent verification you’re on for today (BTW we’re expecting 50 t0 60 mph winds today. If I spit east Utah is possible.)
I didn’t see your post, amylee. People of New Jersey and Nevada – this is tragic! Texans, I am sure, require their watermelons to meet both eating and recreational criteria.
Too bad I don’t have one in the fridge, Fintan. But with your easterly wind advantage, I think we’d better put it off for a day when conditions are more equitable.
I’m eating my seedless watermelon cut up into my fruit salad with frozen yogurt right now as we speak. But i’m prissy even for a New Englander. I’m the only person i know who cuts my corn off the cob.
I don’t eat lobster, but few decades ago i worked in a steakhouse in NYC where we had to shell and plate the lobsters for the people tableside. I was always impressed on the rare occasions when someone, especially a female, said, no, I’ll do it myself. And then proceeded to strip is and suck the green stuff out of all the legs too.
And i eat my pizza slices with a knife and fork.
Amylee, I am not into lobster, was never into lobster and now can be certain that I never shall be.
Your watermelon/frozen yoghurt sounds wonderful.
But pizza with a knife and fork? Why, that’s the British way!
We need some of TP’s potato salad, obviously
My family recipes are the best potato salad, the best cole slaw, the best baked beans, and the best macaroni salads ever. Pennsylvania German based, they make their own mayo for them too. So i guess that’s what i’m bringing.
I am drooling. All of the food mentioned.
Okay, I have a fabulous Louisiana style potato salad recipe and a Swiss style potato salad recipe, too. With Tom Petty’s contribution as well, we’ll maybe have just about enough for everyone, but we might still need more.
The La one sounds awesome. mmmm, cajun / creole BBQ.
Nearly as good as Texas…. creamed corn, Whisky River beans, or just beans, the best barbeque sauce ever… and for meat fans… (close your eyes non-carnivores, this will upset you) … brisket and/or jalapeno and venison sausage ….
Could you tweet him and ask for the recipe please
Well, I would, but as amy’s bringing some anyway…
There are many different kinds of potato salad and they’re all welcome. So tweet the man.
Here’s a couple that I’ve played a lot recently, would work well with some ribs and scotch bonnet salsa.
Those were awesome GF. Going to be me some
Yeah, GF, i have to agree with Tin, those were both fantastic. Best thing i’ve heard all week.
Where’s Chris? The Dead are total BBQ music.
Think that depends what kind of BBQ you go to. I’m not into wasting a nice afternoon staring into the groovy coals.
Oh no. This is the perfect opportunity to get in the longest, most noodling Dead jam possible. You’re hopefully talking to the other folks around anyway – we’re talking a party here, not one of those obligatory family occasion type deals.
We had one for my nephew’s birthday or graduation or something, his grandfather’s sisters were both nuns and came. My mom told me i wasn’t allowed to swear that day. The nuns were actually lovely people, but it wasn’t a party either. Music would have been welcome. Bu the food was good, sister is a chef.
Having spent last Saturday on a course about curing and smoking (birthday present from Mrs Abahachi) I’m really looking forward to the barbecue season this year, with some hot smoked chicken, smoked mackerel, smoked cheese – and all the produce of the garden, plus some of my home brew and Sly and the Family Stone:
dond for Sly.
Somehow i thought you were a veggie though.
REALLY??? Good Lord. Nope, carnivore through and through, though with a great love for vegetables and pulses as well.
Pulses? I like to think I’m pretty open minded about food, but I’m not eating anything with a pulse.
Aba-
Sorry. Probably confusing you with Chinny again. And i know you grow a lot of veggies.
Too obvious? Oh well..
I don’t think I’ve heard or read Wendy Rene’s name in a decade. All of a sudden its all over the place. OK, by all over I mean I’ve seen it here & RR a few times. What gives?
Er, dunno. I think I may have nommed this track not so long ago. Songs about Gardens perhaps? I can’t remember…
Oh, I know what else to bring – my mother’s cheese-and-onion tarts, served at all her famous garden parties. I’ve got her recipe book somewhere…
Here’s Fintan’s BBQ appetizer. First ya need a big ol’ mess of shrimp. Grandes! the bigger the better. Saute in a good beer. Something with real body. Irish red will do. Liberally laced with crushed red pepper , garlic & sweet peppers. If you’re cooking sausage (andoulle is perfect) throw a bit in for flavor. The sauce needs to be real hot and only cook them till they’re just starting to to turn pink. Scoop them out with a strainer and finish them off on the BBQ. I have a large stainless deep fry basket I use for this. Makes it easy to shake & turn. Serve with beer of course. If you happen to be making rice (saffron yum!) you can use the sauce on top. Here’s Rufus to give y’all an invite.
I am positively foaming at the mouth. Can we run another post after this sharing recipes? What say you all? My Louisiana Potato Salad is a little too longwinded to post here… This is going to be big. I think there will be some great barbeque’s this summer.
Of course. Just start one. In fact, there’s already a “cooking” tag.
It’s the Spill – it goes wherever ppl want it to go.
(No mushrooms; I’m allergic)
OKAY. I’VE JUST DONE A POST FOR YOUR YUMMY RECIPES, FOLKS.
Quick pop-in. Off out for a meal. Restaurant tonight.
So first thoughts for food related music with a bit of a cick is this…………
Detroit Grand Pubahs………”Sandwiches”.
it’s ‘kick’, idiot…………..
Ummm… I’m pretty well-known for me Pimms, if that’s not too posh. Think I just found some Ry Cooder at the back of the fridge, but it seems to be frozen in (can’t link, for some reason).
Need Ry Cooder now. Your Pimms better be good.
We’ll chip in with a proper Paella. It should be cooked outdoors and on a charcoal grill (although nowadays a lot of people use monster gas rings). If it’s cooked indoors it ain’t paella: it’s just arroz (rice).
Will have a think about the music.
Drinks: a jug of Pimms would be nice and some Valencian Beer – there’s a sharp “real” lager from a microbrewery called Altura de Vuelo that would do the trick.
Music: Summer days from Amaral.
BBQ has been going for a while, so it must be about this time:
Phew. Someone has our backs covered. Fun song!
Any barbecue that had this on the stereo would be alright by me:
Is this for skipping, or for when you do the dance over the hot coals at the end of the party, bish?
Ahhh, the smell of Hot Rats on the early evening air. This stuff always sounds great outdoors, you got some decent bass bins in those stacks Tin?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKlAIhuXRLE
And I’m gonna do grilled peaches with grappa, a little marscapone on the side.
You’ll find me in the hammock with the rest of a bottle of grappa.
Fun tune. But you and Shoey with your rodents. No….
Peaches and grappa good.
Hope you feel guilty hogging the hammock while some of us are in seclusion behind the potting shed.
Hope you feel guilty hogging the hammock while some of us are in seclusion behind the potting shed.
Grappa absolves guilt, and sometimes dissolves fillings. You’ve done your time in the pen by now, surely? Could you turn my LP over, thanks, this is a bit of a figure hugging hammock, I might struggle to get out of it.
Oh, and while you’re over there, could you peel me a grape or five? Thanks, you’re a pal x
Squirrel is a tasty natural meat, well I’ve eaten Grey Squirrel which does need controlling in managed woodland in the UK, causes a lot of damage through bark gnawing. Hot Rats? Maybe.
Drunk men in hammocks are so funny – especially when they realise they need to get out and go pee and they can’tt without totally losing the vestiges of their dignity
. x
Hey I can hold my liq ‘hic’ our
‘burp’
As for my vestiges I always leave them in my vestibule and my dignity is between me and this hammock.
Bring more grapes!
Btw, will pass on those wieners in the pic, thanks.
Some years ago I saw George Melly singing this but he is’t on Youtube so here’s the original 1920s version by Butterbeans and Susie. it’s also on Spotify, as is George’s version. Hot dogs are very often found at barbecues – and there’s certainly plenty of sauce…
Fondness of Mr Melly was cemented when he did Old Codger with The Stranglers. Nice to see you here ‘spilling btw. Is that something else that we have to thank Sakura (VP Marketing) for?
@Shoegazer – Sakura’s encouragement did have an influence !
George is of course no longer with us, and even when I saw him which was quite a few years ago he had to sit down between songs, so that I was a bit concerned as to whether he would make it to the end of the show ! What a character…I’d certainly invite him to my barbecue if he was still around !
The title of the above is I Wanna Hot Dog For My Roll….
I won’t be bringing hot dogs to the barbie, however (forgot was supposed to bring food). Depends on the time of year – could be strawberries, or asparagus, or sweetcorn, or globe artichokes…. .
I have a confession to make. I live in one of the barbecue capitals of the US, and have never barbecued or even particularly care for the taste
Whew, I just had to get that off my chest and come out of the closet.
I mean it’s fine and all at a tailgate party if someone else is doing the cooking. I just have never had the patience for it.
And that reminds me…Why has the tailgate party not managed to cross the ocean? I mean, y’all like partying, football (the kicky round type), food, and I know y’all like drinking, so what gives?
Have never understood Tailgating – don’t want to party in the car park anymore than the kitchen or bathroom.
Most people take transit to the games here SweetHome. The stadiums are in densely urban areas and there isn’t room, or any need, for acres of suburban car parks.
That makes sense. Hadn’t thought of it that way.
Incidentally, the rivalry (derby) between UAB and University of Memphis in college (American) football is known as the Battle for the Bones, in honor of both cities’ barbecuing tradition. The trophy is shaped like a rack of pork ribs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_for_the_Bones
Sadly, its also a rivalry that will be ending when Memphis changes conference affiliation.
West Car Park at Twickenham on rugby days. Does get a bit Hooray-Henry, though, with lots of waxed cotton and sensible brogues….
Then there’s Glyndebourne…Or so I am reliably informed.
So SHA, you’re coming to the party with no food, no drink? :-0
Okay, Milo’s Sweet Tea for everybody. A local favourite, but it’s better out of the bottle since the cheap asses at Milo’s fill up a cup with 80% shaved ice and charge extra if you omit the ice.
I forgot that, on a work trip to San Rafael (just N of San Francisco) a couple of years ago, I was introduced to the husband of a colleague. He was a Marin County Champion Barbecuer, with secret marin(geddit?)ade spices and everything. Man, that pork belly was good….
If he shared the marinade recipe, you can divulge it in a future bbq recipe swap. I am thinking of doing my brisket rub and coffee marinade… yes, that’s right, coffee.
God, I’m so late for this barbeque the coals have gone cold!!
But what the hell – for those folks who’d enabled follow-up comments as email, I have three recommendations for you:
1. Early-play-in-proceedings-single-song: Little Village – Solar Sex Panel
That’s a particular favourite of DaddyPig and myself. Sunny in both disposition and lyrical content, it’s a sure-fire hit with all the balding middle-aged men in attendance!
2. Mid-session-play album: The Sundays – Static & Silence
Contains the peerless and apposite Summertime
3. Later-on-as-the-sun-goes-down-and-only-the-hardy-souls-remain-outdoors-under-the-patio-lights album: Dreams Of Freedom – Ambient Translations Of Bob Marley In Dub