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CHIP Z’NUFF – ‘PERFECTLY IMPERFECT’

CHIP Z’NUFF – ‘PERFECTLY IMPERFECT’

new solo album out 18.03.22

Pre Order Here

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to present ‘Perfectly Imperfect’, the new solo album by Chip Z’Nuff, who is best known for being one of the founding members of the popular Chicago-based rock band Enuff Z’Nuff. A first single and video from the record entitled ‘Heaven In A Bottle’ is out today, with the album out on 18th March.

‘Heaven In A Bottle’ is co-written by former Enuff Z’Nuff vocalist Donnie Vie, but all other songs on ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ are written by Chip, with the exception of a cover version of Honaloochie Boogie’ by Mott The Hoople. The album includes guest appearances from Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Steven Adler (Adler’s Appetite, ex-Guns ‘N Roses), Daxx Nielsen (Cheap Trick) and Daniel Hill (Enuff Z’Nuff).

“All the songs have been written as I see the world through my rose-coloured glasses. It’s my heroin letter to the new generation,” states Chip.

Chip Z’Nuff is an American singer, songwriter, bassist, producer and radio personality. He founded the popular glam rock band Enuff Z’Nuff in 1984, with their self-titled debut album issued in 1989 and becoming a huge hit. Chip has released more than twenty albums with Enuff Z’Nuff and has toured with the likes of Missing Persons, Steven Adler, Cheap Trick, Poison, The Tragically Hip, Foreigner, Alice Cooper, REO Speedwagon, Ace Frehley and more. The Grammy-nominated artist has also produced dozens of other records and has had his music hailed by renowned US TV host David Letterman and radio personality Howard Stern.

In addition to writing, recording and touring with Enuff Z’Nuff, Chip currently hosts The Monsters of Rock radio show on the Dash Radio Network, playing the finest hits in hard rock and heavy metal to a large and dedicated audience.

Social Media –

enuffznuff.com
facebook.com/enuffznuffofficial
instagram.com/chipznuff
instagram.com/enuffznuffofficial
twitter.com/enuffznuff

Pete Berwick – ‘Ballads That Bleed’ (Shotgun Records)

Pete Berwick – ‘Ballads That Bleed’ (Shotgun Records)

Following the release of 2020’s extensive compilation ‘Too Cow to Punk’, tenacious troubadour Pete Berwick continues the rich retrospective of his ever-expanding career with the arrival of ‘Ballads that Bleed’. Whereas the former focused mostly (but not solely) on the harder side of his creative spirit, the latter tackles the more melancholic side of Berwick’s personal journey.

As rousing as his tougher anthems may be, it’s the ballads where the biggest part of the story is told, and it’s where Berwick appears most in his element. While the audience might be calling for Nuclear Boy or Rebels and Cadillacs, it’s not difficult to imagine Berwick sitting comfortably in the corner of a dark roadside bar, bleeding out through the microphone over Only Bleeding, Island, or I Fought with Angels.

Ballads that Bleed contains 23 tracks covering much of this introspective output throughout the many years that he’s been honing his craft. From the beautifully delicate Just Make it You and Me Tonight, to the thoughtful Streets of Pasadena or the observant This Used to be a Town, each song inspires a different image – each presenting another small part of the wider picture Berwick is masterfully painting. Some songs are purely about hardship, such as I Ain’t Going Back There Anymore whilst others, like Anyway, focus on the complex nature of personal relationships.

As an accomplished storyteller, it’s fitting that for every hard rocking song that’s slugging it out in the trenches, there’s an equally self-defeating one, battered and bruised in the gutter. It’s a pattern many of us can relate to, and it’s part of what makes Berwick’s music indeed so relatable. As an artist there are many sides to Pete Berwick – musician, actor, boxer and all-round entertainer. For him the work never quits, and thus the journey continues.

And long may it do so…

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Author: Craggy Collyde

Black Francis – ‘The Golem’ / ‘Nonstoperotik’ (Demon Records)

Black Francis – ‘The Golem’ / ‘Nonstoperotik’ (Demon Records)

Hot on the heels of the Edsel box set ‘Black Francis: 07 – 11’ comes the vinyl debuts of ‘The Golem’ and ‘Nonstoperotik’. Color vinyl, 2LP, Remastered, Gatefold is just about right for this series of Black Francis releases on wax for the first time.

‘The Golem’ is (for those who are unaware) a soundtrack album written and performed by Black Francis for the San Francisco International Film Festival screening of the 1920 silent horror film ‘The Golem: How He Came Into The World’. Of the concept, Francis said “Film fest wants a soundtrack to be performed at a screening… I don’t know how to do that exactly, but the idea that me and some buddies hang out at a studio and make a record I understand. So that’s what we do.” This vinyl reissue features the “rock songs” version of the album across two 140g grey vinyl and very nice it is too. I guess having a decade of distance between the release and the re-release is great as you can really put some love into the detail. I’ve not seen the film and have no inkling to do so but I might after hearing this record. from the first real track ‘Makanujo’ with its jazzy saxophone my brain is bouncing. ‘Bad News’ is like something the Eels produce. eighteen tracks splashed out over two slabs of Vinyl is great and don’t feel intimidated by the “Soundtrack Album” tag because as Francis fans will know all his albums are more like a journey anyway and some of the songs here are excellent and some of his finest to date off any album.

It’s a lot of music to get through but the experience is rewarding and the songs are great even out of context or sequence I raised an eyebrow and chuckled at ‘Little Star Theme’ when I first heard it on CD and still do on record with its dramatic pauses and flute work. I guess as a record Francis was able to throw the kitchen sink at this project and from Flutes to harpsichords and loud distorted crazy horse guitars, its all in here The acoustic strum of ‘Stars’ to the chaotic ‘You’re Gonna Pay’ its a great bunch of tunes and well worth picking up.

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‘Nonstoperotik’ – First released in 2010, NonStopErotik is the final Frank Black Francis solo album. It was written in the back of a Cadillac whilst being driven around the “crispy brown hills of Cali”. It was then Recorded in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and RAK Studios in London. producer and frequent collaborator Eric Drew Feldman was at the controls. Black said of the recordings “I had the title of the record and decided that was the theme, so I guess it’s supposed to be an erotic record. For me, I think it’s more of a weird record.” Here it is on wax for the first time on coloured vinyl.

Two months after The Golem, ‘NonStopErotik‘ was done and dusted. The album was recorded in double quick time much like a lot of Francis’ records with cohort producer Eric Drew Feldman.

A lot of this record feels like it could have been Pixiefied and flows really well. tracks like ‘Corina’ are just rock n rollas plain and simple but with that lose feel. Again a record I perhaps overlooked when it came out and one I’ve not played in a few years but have throughly enjoyed revisiting it here. Sure I go back to the first three solo albums that were Frank Black but maybe these re releases have sprinkled a bit of magic in these here grooves and this one has benefitted from the straight rockin feel. ‘Six Legged Man’ is majestic lofi fuzzed up and to the point which is uncomplicated and spot on. Between two and three minutes long makes for a cool album I’m not sure its erotic but Frank was right calling it a little weird but not too weird except for maybe ‘Wild Son’ and the mental picture of ‘When I Go Down On You’ and the title track is piano heavy epic and dark all without being any of those things if you catch my drift? it never builds into a loud ending but maybe a touch jazzy and smouldering before ‘Cinema Star’ closes off a really good record maybe ut of step clocking in at almost six minutes sounding like a Sonic Youth song especially the first third but then veering off with the querky keys at the end.

Tip of the hat to Mr Francis / Black hes a great songwriter and releaser of records with a hefty and impressive back catalog that has now been rightly released on vinyl. Do yourself a favour and get involved and dive in. Quality!

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Author: Dom Daley

Paley & Francis – ‘Paley & Francis’ (Demon Records)

Paley & Francis – ‘Paley & Francis’ (Demon Records)

The man behind the Pixies who has contributed plenty to the musical landscape of the last 20 years, Black Francis, the singer, and chief songwriter, has produced plenty of albums under different banners and changed styles from Rock to Grunge, country to folk, and back again but has such a distinguishable voice that ties the lot together and makes sense of them all. His first solo album, 1993’s ‘Frank Black’ was a belter, as was his second, a real tour de force.   2006’s ‘Fast Man Raider Man’ had some country stylings and the synth and brass re-arrangements of his Pixies songs on ‘Frank Black Francis’, you could pick up a record, and whilst the style changed the voice didn’t and nothing was out of bounds and as a result fans seemed more accepting of whatever he would throw at them.

‘Paley & Francis’ isn’t any different. Teaming up with Reid Paley for this 10-track LP, sees this 2011 album pressed on wax for the first time and comes in a gatefold sleeve and gets the love it probably deserved. ‘Curse’, is still a great opener with its shuffling snare and walking bass line with Francis’ dirty telecaster guitar very much in the fore.

The record trades lead vocals as it meanders through some gentle Paley led tracks before you get to the off-kilter piano tinkering ‘Seal’ with its dragged six strings that sounds like it could fall into a drunken stupor at any moment or the pair would forget where they’re taking it but you know this is meticulously crafted don’t you?

It’s a record that works really well and the two styles bounce off for a really strong left-of-center album that is excellent in its flow. ‘The Last Song’ is Paley being dark and throwing up a Johnny Cash like drawl that plays with your brain. It’s been a while since I played this album but the Gun Club stomp of ‘Magic Cup’ fills me with joy as does the Johnny Thunders like ‘Copy Cats’ rock n roll of ‘Deconstructed’ with its sleazy saxophone over some uptempo rock n roll and there is the Neil Young like ‘Crescent Moon’ before it draws to a close with the dreamy ‘Happy Shoes’. A really good album that has stood the test of time and over a decade later still throws up new curves that excite.

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CUIR, MYCIAA – Le Point Carré, Angoulême, 22.01.22

CUIR, MYCIAA – Le Point Carré, Angoulême, 22.01.22

First gig of the year for me is a surprise treat. Synth punk CUIR (Leather) released one of my favourite albums last year, so I could hardly miss the opportunity to see him at my local venue in my adopted French town of Angoulême.

Opening tonight is relatively local band MYCIAA. Their blurb reads “if MYCIAA are adept at DIY (ethos) it’s only to reinvent themselves better with each album and to live each gig as if it’s the end of the world”. With four albums under their belt, they transform from meek offstage to wild and chaotic onstage, committed to their particular brand of electropunk noise. Their set was only marred by technical problems for their guitarist, who, after swapping guitars, took up the mic and joined the lead singer. If “life, death, electropunk, vegetarianism and animal liberation” are your thing, check out their Facebook page for details.

CUIR has the shorter set tonight, given that his album runs at a mammoth 19 minutes with 11 songs. For fans of OFF!, Ramones and Sigue Sigue Sputnik, from the one-word chorus of ‘Maniac’ (one word in the whole song, actually), it’s a series of short, sharp ear-worms. In his pink, rubber gimp mask, he’s joined by two masked ‘potes/mates’ on guitar and samples, occasionally battering a keyboard. It deserves to be busier, but given the current situation, I’m just glad to be here. Hopefully, soon he’ll be making floors shake in packed clubs. Whether it’s ‘Cut, Cut’ or ‘Schlag’, the lyrics aren’t essential, your head will be nodding along. It’s slightly tongue in cheek; before we’re dead, let’s get pissed and enjoy it all. The video for ‘Cut, Cut’ has him dancing with the grim reaper.

Quality over quantity, then. And an early night! A great way to kick off the new year. À bientôt…

Author: Martin Chamarette

Mud City Manglers – ‘Heart Full Of Hate’ (Beluga Records/Ghost Highway Records/Spaghetty Town Records)

Mud City Manglers – ‘Heart Full Of Hate’ (Beluga Records/Ghost Highway Records/Spaghetty Town Records)

We love loud guitars and this Beluga Records/Ghost Highway and Spaghetty Town Re-Release certainly ticks all the boxes as far as loud goes. To be fair these cats are the bastard children who will inherit the earth that The Stooges once strode on. ‘Shit You Talk’ can testify to that.

This particular bad boy is the long since deleted debut from the band and not since 2000 have you been able to get hold of a copy for less than a small mortgage off the likes of Discogs but now thanks to the true believers at these labels its available on a platter of wax. ‘Heart Full Of Hate’ has dated really well like a Ramones Leather or original SG it just gets better when it’s a little worn and knackered out.

Songs like the rapid barroom brawler of ‘1234 Motherfucker’ is nasty and up for trouble punch to the beak that’ll make your eyes water for sure. Theres no hanging around as one track collides into the next and just rips. Its riff after mother fucking riff for sure and The Manglers should have been a bigger success much the same as our own shit island heroes The Hip Priests the Mud City Manglers go full tilt and don’t deal in bullshit from the opening salvo to the explosive finale its all hands to the pump and rock the fuck out! it works and it still works to this day as a formula but only if you have the tunes. Boy, do the MCM have the tunes. It’s twelve bangers and thanks to these labels for not giving up on Rock and Roll and producing these long lost diamonds and pulling them out of the rough for our listening pleasure and getting them out to a wider audience for a second time.

Get yourself one more Beer and wrap yourself in any shade of black and don’t forget to keep a knockin’ because ‘Heart Full Of Hate’ is always rockin’ and will be another cool as record in your collection its equal parts Stooges, EF, Motorhead and a whole lot more besides and if you missed them first time out then don’t snooze this time get on this Hot Rod of electric guitars and snarling vocals its a blast!

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Author: Dom Daley

Tits Up – ‘Greatest Tits’ (Self Release)

Tits Up – ‘Greatest Tits’ (Self Release)

Kicking off the release with track ‘get ya on’ with the “if it’s not broken don’t fix it” punk rock formula. Ensuing pogoing is guaranteed! Things turn dramatically by the next number, ‘baby’. Almost as if we have taken a shortcut down a dark alley in the wrong side of town. Creepy and haunting in all the right ways. This first recording is a great testament to the group.


What I love about this EP is that it seems to get more and more aggressive with each passing track without losing any of their style and mystique. The ladies seemingly have the ability to be intimidating without losing any character and credibility and leaving the listener wanting more. 


This five track release is nothing if not consistent, every track is a stomper and leaves you unable to isolate any track as a stand out. Repeat listening is a natural side effect and the material keeps it strength every time. There is a run of the mill tradition when reviewing powerful releases from those of the feminine persuasion, to play some sort of “riot grrl bingo”. Name checking artists, whether they are actually all that similar to our subjects. I don’t want to go down that route as it’s over travelled already. All I will say is if you like Punk Rock and Alternative Rock from the past 40 years, check out this release because these three individuals rock the fuck out! 


I’m pleased to say that the first lot of physical copies of Greatest Tits has sold out already. A great achievement and the band has announced that they will try and get some more copies reissued soon. Keep an eye on their social media and their Bandcamp and also check out the live dates that are coming through for 2022. 

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Author: Dan Kasm

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

Welcome back pop pickers and a happy new year to one and all as we resume our Monday videos and today we have a few crackers and the first offering is the lead video from Kevin Preston with ‘Caprice’ It’s his solo debut 7″ which is out now via Wild Honey Records  HERE

Next, we have the latest track from the brand new album courtesy of Fast Eddy and their smoldering rocker that is ‘Take A Look’. The record is available on limited red vinyl, along with black vinyl, as well as on all major streaming and download sites from January 21, 2022.  Available in North America from Spaghetty Town Records and Boulevard Trash.  In Europe on Dragstrip Riot Records.

Finally here is the latest offering from Peter Doherty & Frédéric Lo. Taken from the album ‘The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime’ through Strap Originals on Friday 18th March.

‘The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime’ will be available on Vinyl (in multiple colours), CD, cassette and digital download along with exclusive and signed items from the Official Store  https://peterdoherty.tmstor.es/

BOB MOULD – RESCHEDULED 2022 SOLO ELECTRIC UK + IRELAND TOUR DATES

BOB MOULD – RESCHEDULED 2022 SOLO ELECTRIC UK + IRELAND TOUR DATES

NEW JUNE/JULY 2022 DATES ON SALE NOW

BLUE HEARTS LP OUT NOW ON MERGE RECORDS

DISTORTION RETROSPECTIVE SERIES OUT NOW ON DEMON

blakelittlephotography

Bob Mould announces rescheduled dates for his upcoming Solo Electric 2022 UK and Ireland tour, which now begin on June 9th at Brighton’s Concorde 2. The tour, originally scheduled for Jan/Feb 2022, has had to be temporarily postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

In a new statement to fans, Mould writes:

“Greetings from California.“As I mentioned last fall, I’m always concerned about the safety of my audience as well as venue workers. In early December 2021, I realised it would be difficult for me — even with three vaccinations on my dance card —  to stay Covid-free for the entirety of the January/February 2022 IE/UK Solo Electric tour.“Today, I’m happy to announce those shows have been rescheduled. Full dates are listed below. All tickets remain valid. Refunds can be available at your point of purchase.“Apologies in advance for any inconveniences. Lots of moving parts had to be re-positioned before announcing these new dates. With that being said, I’m hopeful for a better 2022, I’m anxious to get back to work, and I’m very excited to see you all this June!”

—

As Mould notes above, tickets previously purchased for the original shows remain valid across the board but for those unable to attend the rescheduled shows in June and July, refunds are available at their point of purchase. Please see further below for a full updated itinerary.

The shows – which include a new London date at Islington Assembly Hall on June 16th – will find Mould performing solo versions of music from across his iconic, 40+ year career, including songs from the lauded Distortion retrospective collection, from his landmark band Hüsker Dü and from 2020’s explosive and critically acclaimed Blue Hearts album. As Mould previously noted: “I’m looking forward to the upcoming Solo Electric shows in the UK and Ireland. I’m excited to be performing songs from 2020’s Blue Hearts, as well as revisiting the prior 40 years of my songbook.” Blue Hearts is available now on LP, CD and digitally via Merge Records. The 24CD Distortion: 1989-2019, 8LP Distortion: 1989-1995, 9LP Distortion: 1996-2007, 7LP Distortion 2008-2019, 8LP Distortion: Live boxsets and Distortion: The Best of 1989-2019 2LP, 2CD and 4CD compilations are all available now on Demon Music Group. 
UK/IE tour dates:

June 9th | Brighton, UK – Concorde 2
June 10th | Southampton, UK – Engine Rooms
June 12th | Birmingham, UK – The Mill
June 14th | Oxford, UK – Oxford O2 Academy 2
June 16th | London, UK – Islington Assembly Hall
June 17th  Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms
June 18th | Stoke-on-Trent, UK – The Sugarmill
June 20th | Bristol, UK – Thekla
June 22nd | Glasgow, UK – Oran Mor
June 23rd | Newcastle, UK – Riverside
June 24th | Liverpool, UK – Arts Club
June 25th | Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club
June 27th | Chester, UK – The Live Rooms
June 28th | Cardiff, UK – The Globe
June 30th | Belfast, UK – Limelight 2
July 1st | Dublin, IE – Whelan’s

Tickets for all shows available at https://bobmould.com/tour/
Bob Mould on Facebook
Bob Mould on Twitter
Bob Mould Website

Echo & The Bunnymen reissue Best Of album, ‘Songs To Learn & Sing’

Echo & The Bunnymen reissue Best Of album, ‘Songs To Learn & Sing’

Echo & The Bunnymen have announced the vinyl reissue of their first Best Of album, ‘Songs To Learn & Sing’, which was originally released in 1985 and features highlights from their first four albums including ‘Rescue’, ‘The Cutter’, ‘The Killing Moon’ and ‘Bring On The Dancing Horses’. The album will be released on 18 February on heavyweight black vinyl and a special edition splatter vinyl which includes an exclusive 7″ of their debut single, ‘Pictures On My Wall’ / ‘Read It In Books’. 


The album coincides with the band’s UK and Ireland tour celebrating a remarkable 40 years of magical songs which has witnessed twenty Top 20 singles and nine Top 20 albums and seen the band become a major influence on many of today’s biggest artists.

Pre Order Here

FEBRUARY 2022Tue 01 Sheffield City HallWed 02 Leeds O2 AcademyFri 04 Bournemouth O2 AcademySat 05 Cardiff St David’s HallMon 07 London RoundhouseWed 09 Dublin Olympia TheatreFri 11 Norwich UEASat 12 Gateshead SageMon 14 Liverpool Philharmonic HallWed 16 Manchester Albert HallThu 17 Nottingham Rock CitySat 19 Cambridge Corn ExchangeSun 20 Bristol O2 AcademyTue 22 London O2 Shepherd’s Bush EmpireWed 23 Northampton DerngateFri 25 Manchester Albert HallSat 26 Birmingham O2 AcademyMon 28 Glasgow Barrowland
MARCH 2022Tue 01 Glasgow Barrowland
APRIL 2022Wed 16 Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion

UK TOUR | SPRING 2022 | TICKETS here