anybody remember 'Ranting Sleazos' trio?

Subject: RE: anybody remember 'Ranting Sleazos' trio?
From: GUEST,Cath B
Date: 07 Oct 14 - 08:24 PM

I saw a clip of the "housework shanty" in this film (at 8'10)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqpROk2q8e8#t=603
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqpROk2q8e8#t=603

Does anyone have a weblink to an audio and/or lyrics?

Subject: RE: anybody remember 'Ranting Sleazos' trio?
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 28 Aug 14 - 02:48 PM

Leadfingers. I think you're getting mixed up with Sisters Unlimited. They wrote No Bed of Roses after they shared a gig with a shanty crew.

I knew the Sleazos well and don't ever recall them singing that one. In fact I would suspect the group broke up long before the song came into being.

Eileen. Great to hear from you. You mght not recall the name after all these years. However, I was a mate of Helen and Frank and used to sing a lot of traditional Irish songs - a capella of course.

Subject: RE: anybody remember 'Ranting Sleazos' trio?
From: GUEST,Eileen
Date: 28 Aug 14 - 02:31 PM

Thank-you Megan, It was great to read the comments. Jane, Pat and I had a great time so much fun for many years, sometimes we laughed till we cried, such good friends and many many happy memories.

A little word of warning Meg beware of men with "tick boxes"

Thanks to everyone for all the great comments Pat would have loved them and sure Jane will to.

Subject: RE: anybody remember 'Ranting Sleazos' trio?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 28 Aug 14 - 05:36 AM

The song of theirs that I remember is the 'Blood Red Roses' rewrite - Childbirth's no bed of roses , Bear Down !

And Pearl O'Neill (Mrs Admiral) sings 'The Housewife's Shanty' regularly at Maidenhead F C

Subject: RE: anybody remember 'Ranting Sleazos' trio?
From: GUEST,jane
Date: 26 Aug 14 - 01:46 PM

Subject: RE: anybody remember 'Ranting Sleazos' trio?
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 24 Aug 14 - 12:26 PM

If I remember correctly Eileen, although her beliefs ticked all the right boxes - feminism, socialism, pacifism, the environment etc - was also a magistrate.

Someone told me that she had to take all her crusading badges off before they would allow her into the courtroom. I've never been sure whether that was meant literally or metaphorically.

Subject: RE: anybody remember 'Ranting Sleazos' trio?
From: GUEST,Megan
Date: 24 Aug 14 - 11:54 AM

One of the members is my grandmother (Eileen Ashton) I am very proud of her and glad to see all of her "fans", I have recently moved to the u.s so I have emailed her the link in hopes that she might read it! She will be delighted to see this as was I and my mom (Eileen's daughter). Thank you xxx

Subject: RE: anybody remember 'Ranting Sleazos' trio?
From: GUEST,Phil Hare - Guitarist, Cambridge.
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 09:39 PM

I heard about Pat's death from Paul (her husband). They were good friends of mine when I lived on the Wirral (and even when I didn't!) and during the time I was gigging (and living with) with Mary-Ann Wise (the maverick fiddler and painter) we often went down to the 'Mags' to join the craic with Frank (McCall), Helen, Pat, Jane et al. Frank has of course since passed on (I played at his 60th and that was the last time I saw him).
Frank was somebody who influenced me - both musically and in life generally, but Pat was a larger-than-life, fearless, witty, compassionate and talented human-being who almost single-handedly created a 'mini-genre', rather than just being another 'feminist'. The Sleazos were brash, sexy, punky, funky and, at their best, irresistible. They often sang vaguely out of key, but it didn't matter one jot! With respect to Jane and Eileen - both redoubtable characters - most of the drive, energy and (technical) input came from Pat. They recorded my song 'Commoners Ballad' and truly made it their own.
When I heard of Pat's death, a little of me died. I have since revived the 'Housework Shanty' and changed the words to suit, as Pat did with my song. My thoughts will eternally go out to Paul and John-Paul & Ruth. She was just brilliant.
Phil 9/11/11

Subject: RE: anybody remember 'Ranting Sleazos' trio?
From: GUEST,Howard Hawksley
Date: 21 Sep 11 - 02:51 PM

I just came across this thread from an internet link. I used to be a resident at the Mags Folk Club back in the late 1980's along with Pat, Frank and Helen McColl,Dean Johnston and Jack Couts. I certainly remember the Sleazo's and their songs. I am sorry to here about Pat's passing.

    Howard

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 11 - 04:20 PM

Ruth Wilson

I am Pat's daughter Ru! I was so delighted to read this that I had to reply! I was so pleased you remembered the group and mum's songs that I have a little tear in my eye. Unfortunately mum passed away in 2007 from cancer aged 62. She was a really inspiring woman and mother and did so much in one lifetime I can only dream of achieving half the stuff she did!
Eileen and Jane are both fine and still sing from time to time!
Again thanks for the nice reminder Clive! :-)
Best Wishes!

Ru xxx

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 07:12 AM

Their LP was on John Heydon's Dragon Records and was recorded at my friend, Chris Harvey's then Dragontail Studios in Croston, Lancs. Chris is Strawhead's keyboards and accordion player. Don't think it ever made the transition to CD let alone cassette for that matter, but I bet Chris still has the master. The group floor-spotted at Southport's Bothy and went on to get a proper gig, when the Club was at the Blundell Arms - mid'80s I'd guess. We knew them quite well and, yes they could raise a few eyebrows and a few hackles! Bless 'em. That shanty with "all bound for Tescos in the morning" deserves a revival!

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: scouse
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 05:34 AM

Some how I missed this thread.. I sung at the Mags one night when over from Holland to see my Daughter an met the girls they gave their Lp and signed it for me. Still got it. Great gang of Ladies. Sorry to hear about your Mum's passing John-Paul.

As Aye,

Phil.

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 07:23 PM

A CD copy of their Album would be well received I feel !

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: GUEST,joan pugh
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 05:59 PM

Hi one and all, I not only remember Pat, but I was in the other 'girl group' also residents of the Magazine folk club called sally Racket, (comprising myself, Mary Ann wise, and Helen Mcall. So Pat was an old compadre of mine. I am absolutely mortified to discover tha Pat has passed away. I'm afraid I am a novice at the old I T! Myself and the girls had many good times together, it seems like mnay lifetimes away now. I hope her wake reflected the words to her song, 'when i am gone'. I see it was held in 'The Mags' well, according to the song, ''ave it in a brewery, when I am gone' were more or less fulfilled. Whenever I speak of Pat, I discribe her as a genius. She was intense, passionate, hilariously funny, and scrupulously fair in her critique of her fellow artists. I admired her enourmously, and I am very sad not to have connected with her before she died. I also came over to the house not a few times and have fond memories of your cat Noah! Rooey, (ruth) will also remember me, as I had a second childhood after my divorce, and we had much fun at 'Stairways' in Birkenhead. If any ex Magazine folk read this, please let me know you're out there. as the tragic death of Pat shows only to well, we are a small, and ever decreasing group. Pat, if you can hear me, you know I loved you. I'm sure you will teach the angels to sing, ' 'ereyare darlin. xxxxxxxjoan pugh

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: Amos
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 12:29 PM

SIgh. HEre I thought this was going to be a political thread about Savage, Riley, and Limbaugh. SOrry!


:>)

A

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: GUEST,John-Paul Wilson
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 12:03 PM

Thanks to you all! You don't know how much all that means to me, and anyone who has a damaged copy of the album let me know and i'll see if 'The Estate' can't come up with a decent cd copy for you all (me dad hates it when i call him that!).

In order then - Yes, I and my good lady sister Ruth are the "scurvy, spotty, idle crew" referred to in the song, incidentally, we got over the spots... Thanks Sylvia.

Pat's wake was actually held at the Magazine pub, and she lived just down the road from it. I think it was the folding of the folk club had her lose touch with alot of her friends there, the ones who weren't regulars without the music? Certainly after the folk club closed you would never see her drinking there.

One of my favourite pictures of Pat was taken by a friend of hers as she cuts that wire at Capenhurst, looking for all the world like the cat that got the cream - it's on my wall. There was a riot, too, at Risley while she was there, she denied all responsibility, naturally, but we all know better don't we?

Thanks again to you all.

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: Emma B
Date: 03 Oct 08 - 05:50 AM

I met and listened to these three very funny women on a few occasions; the most 'memorable' one being when, stopping at a motorway service staion in the company of a friend and the late Fred Jordan, Fred referred to them to their amazement and amusement as 'girlies' - only he could get away with that :)

I still have their (sadly, slightly damaged) LP

Sorry to hear of your loss John-Paul

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: Cath
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 11:30 AM

I booked them at the Nook in Holmfirth and they came over for the weekend to do workshops and performance for International Women's Day in Huddersfield. They were good fun and fine singers.
Cath

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 10:37 AM

The Sleazos used to be residents at The Magazine Folk Club, New Brighton, Merseyside. I believe they broke up some time after the club folded. Pat, as her son John Paul has mentioned, died about a year ago. Sad to relate, I don't think any of the Mags crowd learned of her passing until after the funeral was over.

I've no idea what happened to Eileen but Jane is nowadays into amateur dramatics.

Happy memory. The Mags did an evening of American songs once. The Sleazos turned up dressed as cheerleaders and took the piss mercilessly out of everyone who got up to sing, and quite a few who didn't. When it was my turn they started chanting "Cecil Sharp and Child are dead, but we don't care cos we got Fred." Honest!

Apart from, being a gas person, Pat earned my undying respect for one particular deed. During an anti-nuclear demonstration at Capenhurst, I think it must have been, she cut the perimeter wire and spent seven days in Risly Remand home.

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: breezy
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 12:12 PM

I saw them appear in Watford and at the Herga I was hugely impressed


I am sorry to learn of your ma's passing , please accept my condolences

She sure had impact, somewhere i believe I have the vinyl

John

And sylvia needham is a fine singer and dance tutor

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: Derby Ram
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 12:01 PM

Hi, this is Sylvia here, not Keith.

Unfortunately, I never go to see the Ranting Sleazos live, but I regularly sing your Mum's song "The Housewive's Shanty", I hope that's the correct name. Is this the song you mean, as it refers to a "scurvy, idle, spotty crew"? It's a great song and people really enjoy joining in.

Cheers

Sylvia

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: GUEST,John-Paul Wilson
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 11:44 AM

Hi, hope i can cast some light on what has happened to the band, if you are all still interested. Happened to be talking about me ma's band and we decided to look it up - and found you! I am very pleased she has made an impact on your side of the pond, she was all about impact, our Pat. You notice i wrote 'was', unfortunately she passed away just over a year ago from the big 'C'. The band didn't stay together for long after the trip to the USA, work and family commitments etc, but remained great friends and Eileen and Jane helped us all through the tough times. By the way, anytime you hear her song refering to her snotty teenage kids, that's me that is!! contact me on [e-mail] for more inf.

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 05:37 PM

You are right Open Mike... Utah did an adaptation of the Oppenheim song and that is the version that the Sleazo's recorded. I should have given full credit. My apologies - and nice catch!

Ron

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: open mike
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 05:31 PM

"Utah Phillips "Bread and Roses""
do you mean the song which is
attributed to James Oppenheim:
As we go marching, marching...?
whcih i believe judy collins did?

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 10:35 AM

Mr. Red & Breezy, your notes indicate that you are familiar with the group. Do you know anything about their current status?

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 08:04 AM

I remember the name and am pretty sure I have the right group. If so:

We booked them once, possibly twice I'd guess late 80s/ early 90s. They used to do a fair number of thier own femanist songs. The first time I heard them, I found them mildly ammusing but the second time which certainly was at our club, I found it more "in your face" femanism with no humour. I wasn't alone and we did get a few complaints that night.

I don't know what happened to them from then except to say didn't book them again.

Jon

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: Mr Red
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 07:59 AM

Check-out their "Tesco Shanty"

Which would translate to "Walmart" very easily.

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: Micca
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 07:38 AM

I noticed in passing that there is a Vinyl recording listed here Click Here
Just Scroll to to the "R"s in the index

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 03:48 PM

I forgot to mention, the group was from England, I believe the Liverpool area.

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: mg
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 03:19 PM

can't help you but I bet Janet or Susan in Rebel Voices would know.   Speaking of sad child situations, I was just thinking of Michael Smythe of Oregon (Corvallis?)..a beautiful song about a baby girl who has been abused..it is so subtle you don't really get what it is about at first...where is the baby I love the best, where is my dancing darlin.. mg

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 03:05 PM

Yes I do!

Subject: RE: Ranting Sleazos
From: breezy
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 10:55 AM

Do you play 'Behind the door' ?

Subject: Ranting Sleazos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 10:45 AM

Does anyone remember a trio that was known as The Ranting Sleazos?   I met them about a dozen years ago when they were visiting the U.S.   The group consisted of three women - Pat Wilson, Eileen Ashton, and Jane Leffman. They sang accapella and performed wonderful traditional and contemporary songs.   They gave me an album (vinyl!) called "Never Lost For Words" which features their renditions of "Harriet Tubman", "Must I Be Bound", "Blow Away the Morning Dew", Utah Phillips "Bread and Roses" plus original compositions. I was struck by one song called "Behind the Door" which was about a child who was found living in an apartment with her single mother who had passed away. Very moving.

Does anyone remember them? I have not heard or seen anything about the group so I'm guessing they are no longer together as a group. I would be very interested in hearing what they are up to. I still play the LP on my show.

Ron Olesko