[Ed. Note- we apologize for the delay in postings. rex’s post gone is a hot mess. As well, two trips to Toronto upon returning from Japan have slowed things down even further. If you receive this post please let rex know as he is feverishly working on a solution.]

Nothing brings people together in a positive way more than music and food.

Those of you that have been a member of our Group for a while have heard me speak of WALLY of The Beautiful Music label.

WALLY is an avid indie collector who knows more about indie bands and labels than anyone I know. By operating his CD only (so far) label, Wally has cultivated personal relationships with indie musicians and fans everywhere.

And so when he heard I was going to be in Tokyo he immediately put me in contact with KENNETH MAXWELL.

Kenny was born and raised in southwest Scotland.

His career as a financial journalist has offered him the opportunity to reside in many global destinations. He ended up in Japan 🇯🇵 in 2009. He has since married a Japanese financial journalist and they have a young son.

His “career” as a journalist has allowed him to have an “alternative indie career”.

We met for lunch at the nearest station and walked into a quaint residential neighbourhood to a delightful soba restaurant called Dashin Soan in Shimokitazawa.

Now for the meal.

Although we had never met in person, we discovered that we had many musical connections. Kenny once roomed with TERRY BANKS from faves DOT DASH 🇺🇸 who are on WALLY’S label. He also mentioned that he has performed with the MEMBRANES 🇬🇧 and Group Member JOHN ROBB.

It was a bit surreal when I told him that I know JOHN well as my close pals MIKE and LISA SIMKINS from BFG 🇬🇧 have been playing live with the MEMBRANES for a number of years!

KENNY is currently in a Tokyo based outfit called SLOW COUNTRY 🇯🇵. More on their FELT/ DURRUTI COLUMN type stylings on another post.

Today we will feature a track from the recent release by JIM’S TWENTY-ONE from their LP “Nadine”. This somewhat mythical outfit formed in Brussels in the mid 80’s when Kenny resided there and met up with other UK/ Irish musicians who were admirer’s of the Creation Record Label and ALAN MCGEE.

They recorded some tracks for a single. Now 40 years later the LP is released. It is entitled “Nadine.” She is the cover star of the LP. Nadine was the proprietor of the bar in Brussels 🇧🇪 where the band played their first gig- La Tulipe.

Here is an early favourite track as I listen to this blast of indie pop that makes me feel I am In Scotland and about to hear ORANGE JUICE play for the first time.

Thanks Kenny. Until we meet again!

Here is the opening track “That Means Nothing To You”. Not only is it a great opening blast on the LP, I was able to find a video of the song for your listening pleasure!

https://youtu.be/MLv3-cxylAE?si=o1tgzIlLSPXBhJgx

SPOTIFY-

https://open.spotify.com/track/2LDXN82sVh19m1qSDt3G52?si=ZKvM7kS2Qlqx2q5Z8jP6xg

(SONG 1648)

Play Loud Or Perish

4/18/2026