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Stiff Little Fingers are pleased to announce additional UK/EIRE tour dates

Stiff Little Fingers are pleased to announce additional UK/EIRE tour dates

Stiff Little Fingers are pleased to announce additional UK/EIRE tour dates this summer.

After the traditional and critically acclaimed run of UK dates in March, the band is back on the road in May and August to deliver their usual energetic and spellbinding performance to fans across the country. With a career spanning over more than 40th years, Stiff Little Fingers’ live shows always become something special and a unique event that never disappoints.

2019 Celebrates 40 years of the band’s iconic debut album ‘Inflammable Material’.
Released on 2nd February 1979, the album features the legendary tracks ‘Suspect Device’ and ‘Alternative Ulster’.

Stiff Little Fingers have been very incredibly active in recent years, playing some very prestigious live shows, including two years of headline sold-out hometown performance in Belfast’s Custom House Square; London’s Hyde Park British Summer Time concert with Green Day; the 28thtraditional St. Patrick’s Day sold-out show at Glasgow iconic venue Barrowland.

In addition to the live performances, the past 5 years saw Stiff Little Fingersrelease two records: their 10thstudio album “No Going Back” in 2014, which showcases a band at the height of their powers, still able to capture the heart of the listeners with relevant topics and honest sound, reaching #1 in the UK charts; and a live album “Best Served Loud – Live At The Barrowland” in 2017, which immortalizes Stiff Little Fingers’ epic performance at their annual St. Patrick’s Day show.

Formed in 1977 in Belfast Stiff Little Fingers were among some of the pioneers of punk rock. Joining ranks with the likes of The Clash, Sex Pistols, The Damned, Buzzcocks, and Undertones they brought in a new era of music and they still persevere in keeping that spirit alive 42 years on!

UK TOUR DATES 
Fri 16thAug – King George’s Hall, Blackburn
Sat 17thAug – Hardwick Live Festival – Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, Co. Durham
Sun 18thAug – Tivoli, Buckley
Tue 20thAug – KK.’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
Wed 21stAug – Guildhall, Gloucester
Fri 23rdAug – Academy, Dublin
Sat 24thAug – Putting The Fast In Belfast – Custom House Square, Belfast

Tickets available from all usual outlets. 
USEFUL LINKS 
www.slf.rocks / www.facebook.com/StiffLittleFingers / www.twitter.com/RigidDigits

FRANK TURNER RELEASES NEW TRACK AND LATEST PODCAST EPISODE

FRANK TURNER RELEASES NEW TRACK AND LATEST PODCAST EPISODE

FRANK TURNER
RELEASES NEW TRACK AND LATEST PODCAST EPISODE
STREAM ‘EYE OF THE DAY’: Here 

LISTEN TO THE NEW EPISODE OF ‘TALES FROM NO MAN’S LAND’:
9 DATE UK HEADLINE TOUR
INCL. LONDON ALEXANDRA PALACE THEATRE:
NOVEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 3, 2019 – BOTH SOLD OUT
NEW ALBUM ‘NO MAN’S LAND’- AUGUST 16TH 2019
Preorder album here:

FRANK TURNER today releases ‘Eye Of The Day’, the latest new track to emerge from his forthcoming eighth album, ‘NO MAN’S LAND’ (out August 16th on Xtra Mile Recordings/Polydor Records), produced by Catherine Marks and featuring an all-female cast of musicians. Frank has recently revealed details for a 9 date UK headline tour showcasing material from the new project – including two sold-out dates at London’s Alexandra Palace Theatre on November 30 and December 3, 2019. The tour will see Turner put a new twist on his formidable live set up, featuring a solo set followed by an unplugged band performance in seated venues. Stream ‘Eye Of The Day’ here: https://FrankTurner.lnk.to/MataHariPR.

Arriving alongside the fourth episode in Frank’s popular companion podcast series, ‘Tales From No Man’s Land’, ‘Eye Of The Day’ pays tribute to the life of Mata Hari in one of the album’s most starkly affecting tracks. Originally born Margaretha Zelle in late 1800s Netherlands, Mata Hari became celebrated as a dancer in turn-of-the-century Paris, taking her stage name from an Indonesian term meaning ‘Eye Of The Day’. Following the outbreak of World War One, however, Mata Hari was arrested by the French authorities on suspicion of involvement in espionage, and following a perfunctory trial was identified as ‘Agent H21’ and executed.

‘No Man’s Land’ is dedicated to the vital stories of women from history whose lives have all too often been overlooked by dint of their gender. Hailing from across wide geographical and historical lines, they also include Byzantine princess Kassiani (The Hymn of Kassiani), Egyptian feminist activist Huda Sha’arawi (The Lioness), and Resusci Anne (Rescue Annie) an apocryphal drowned virgin whose face was used as the model for the medical CPR mannequin across the world. There’s the serial killer from the Deep South who plucked her victims from lonely hearts pages (Nannie Doss), the jazz-obsessed heiress who fought for the Free French (Nica Rothschild) and a rowdy coach house landlady from 17th century Camden Town accused of witchcraft (Jinny Bingham).

“It’s bringing together my two main interests in life, which have always been separate from each other – history and songwriting,” explains Turner, who can be found seeking out long-forgotten historical sites on self-guided psychogeographical strolls when he’s not packing out arenas or headlining festivals.

The ‘Tales From No Man’s Land’ podcast is available from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast and all other podcast platforms.
NO MAN’S LAND features thirteen tracks:

  • Jinny Bingham’s Ghost
  • Sister Rosetta
  • I Believed You, William Blake
  • Nica
  • A Perfect Wife
  • Silent Key
  • Eye of the Day
  • The Death of Dora Hand
  • The Graveyard of the Outcast Dead
  • The Lioness
  • The Hymn of Kassiani
  • Rescue Annie
  • Rosemary Jane

YOUNG GUV (solo project of F’cked Up and No Warning’s Ben Cook) New Video

YOUNG GUV (solo project of F’cked Up and No Warning’s Ben Cook) New Video

Young Guv has revealed his new video and single, “Patterns Prevail”. He explains, “the track is a love letter written by my collaborator Aurora Shields, but dissolved into a song. As long as the patterns in the colours of a rainy summer sky mash together with a glowing streetlight continue to prevail in a bittersweet tangerine tone, so do the patterns in the musical notes of yearning and infatuation, of tenderness and chaos, rapture and combustion. Complimentary patterns of the night and day will always prevail. We are all experiencing sadness and happiness through love, and that’s the balance of it. That’s life, I suppose. ”

Young Guv’s latest endeavour GUV I, delivers a collection of staggeringly poignant and infectious pop tunes which he describes akin to “people-watching in a foreign country in the morning, trying not to cry from the overwhelming feeling of sadness and happiness.” Another way of putting it; Young Guv songs are about being alone. The album is the first volume of a two part LP series and sees its release August 2 on Run For Cover Records — details on the second to come.

Young Guv: Instagram. Twitter. Run For Cover.

Jack Oblivion & The Dream Killers – Lost Weekend (Beluga Records / Ghost Highway Records)

Jack Oblivion & The Dream Killers – Lost Weekend (Beluga Records / Ghost Highway Records)

Jack “Oblivian” Yarber was an absolute unknown to my ears I’m not afraid to admit even if he is on solo album number seven!.

Finding time doesn’t seem to be a problem for the prolific Yarber as the list of bands Yarber has been a member of over the years is Huge and a review all of its own but he has spent time with Johnny Vomit & the Dry Heaves (a high school punk project that also featured future Squirrel Nut Zipper Jimbo Mathus), ‘80s new-wavers the End, ’68 Comeback, Knaughty Knights, and Tav Falco’s Panther Burns. Two of Yarber’s former bands — the Compulsive Gamblers and the Oblivians — have seen their reputation and following swell in the decade since their demise, especially the Oblivians, whose international fan base borders on rabid. Due largely to his stint in these bands, both partnerships with Greg Cartwright, now of the Reigning Sound, Yarber has been an acknowledged influence on artists such as the White Stripes, the Hives and Jay Reatard. and breath.  Don’t worry I’d only heard of the last three bands as well.

So what do they sound like you ask? Well, its got a melting pot kinda vibe about it but all within the confines of playing some tasty Garage Rock and Roll and some swampy blues thrown in for good measure. The first track is an instrumental bluesy workout that has plenty of guitar choppin’ but in the time-honored tradition of Thunders opening with ‘Pipeline’, it’s not the longest song in the world and helps the listener get comfortable before heading deep into the record.

‘Scarla’ is a stomping bluesy bit of slide driven Rock and Roll with the merest whiff of Psychedelia on those vocals but its a toe-tapper. ‘La Charra’ is brooding but I keep waiting for the drums to kick in over the honking horns but it doesn’t and before you know it the songs moved on.  That’s another point here the songs are pretty short which is why they’ve managed to cram in Sixteen songs. Maybe treat the instrumentals as more like musical interludes while you go get anouther beer from the cooler.  ‘Girl On The Beach’ has a little bit of Reggae going on and does remind me of Jaya the Cat in a weird sort of way.

The recording sounds a little lo-fi but that’s sympathetic to the style the band is bustin’ out ‘Stick To Me’ is like they’re channeling their inner Keith Richards which is never a bad thing right? Right.  That Lo-Fi vibe is never more evident than on ‘Dream Killer’ with its drum machine buzzing by. Things get snotty on ‘Boy In A Bubble’ whilst it sounds like they’re leaning on Wilco Johnson on ‘Funky Blue’.

I love the folkiness of ‘Bank, Gun, Jail’ its like Dylan never happened. Possibly saving the best til last as ‘Loose Diamond’ is Chuck Prophet leading the Urban Voodoo Machine through a slow smoke filled daydream a very decent tune indeed.  I think if some of the chaff was cut away off this record Jack would be sitting on an excellent garage blues album that’s not saying its not a very good record but it might help focus the listener’s attention better or is it just me?  Either way, go check out this cool slab of wax and drift away to something entirely different.

Author: Dom Daley

Beluga Records Here

Ghost Highway Here

MOTÖRHEAD – DELUXE COLLECTOR’S BOX-SET & More

MOTÖRHEAD – DELUXE COLLECTOR’S BOX-SET & More

BMG & MOTÖRHEAD EMBARK ON
EXCITING LEGACY JOURNEY

DELUXE COLLECTOR’S BOX-SET 1979, AND SPECIAL 40thANNIVERSARY INDIVIDUAL DELUXE REISSUES OF
OVERKILL & BOMBER 
TO BE RELEASED ON OCTOBER 25th 2019 

PREORDERS PLUS
WATCH A PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED,
LIVE VERSION OF ‘BOMBER’ 

Here

After several years of planning, Motörhead and BMG are delighted to announce the start of an exciting, extensive and detailed ultra-fan-friendly release programme spanning the band’s career from the 70s, ’80s, 90’s, and beyond!

Kicking things off with the ‘Motörhead ‘79’ campaign, it celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the incredible Overkill, and Bomber albums with fantastic new deluxe editions, both as hardbound bookpacks in two-CD and triple LP format.

The releases feature previously unheard concerts from the ’79 tours, interviews and many unseen photos. Also, the ’79 campaign will see the release of the spectacular ultimate fan/collectors 1979 Box-Set.

All three of these releases have been created with the full cooperation and involvement of the estates of Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, “Fast” Eddie Clarke and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor.

The 1979 Box Set contains:
*Both the original Overkill and Bomber albums half-speed mastered and pressed on 180-gram vinyl created from the original master tapes
*Two double-live albums of previously unheard concert material from the ’79 tours
*A 40-page period-accurate ‘music magazine’ featuring unseen photos and fresh interviews regarding the era
* The Rest of ’79 Vinyl, featuring B-sides, outtakes and rare tracks
* ‘No Class’ 7” single with gatefold art
* The Bomber tour programme
* Overkill sheet music book
* ’79 badge set
* All encased in black biker jacket box

By going through the band’s extensive private archives, to receiving the assistance of key people who were part of their ’79 circle of friends, crew, and accomplices – as well as consulting with super fans – all parties are immensely proud to show the level of detail and commitment which has gone into all three of the ’79 releases, and which will continue with future projects.  It was always Lemmy’s demand to give the fans the very best possible in every respect, we believe we have achieved that with these reissues.

A further element of the ’79 box-set release is to offer Motörfans new, old and in-betweenish the full scope and context of how life was when these classics were being created. 1979 was a seismic year for many reasons, and both Overkill and Bomber were written, recorded and toured against a Great Britain dealing with strikes, Margaret Thatcher, football hooliganism plus Buggles and the Bee Gees!

And on the 9th March 1979, millions of unsuspecting viewers tuned into the BBC’s Top Of The Pops to witness the loudest, most raucous, dangerous and downright exciting band on earth perform the title track of their album Overkill.

A hybrid of punk, rock and heavy metal played with relentless, ear-curdling power, Motörhead were a force of nature propelled by bassist & vocalist Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke and drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor.

The alchemy between these three outrageous and utterly immortal men was nothing short of life-changing for millions, and all three shared a wonderful ‘mad band of brothers’ approach to life and music; there was no ‘off’ switch and they became legends as a result.Overkill and Bomber are icons, brain-damagingly brilliant to the nth degree, and their enormous influence still reverberates through all genres of music to this day.

See below for full details of the Overkill and Bomber releases and be sure to visitThe Website for news and updates!

BOX SET TRACKLISTING
Overkill
Side One
Overkill
Stay Clean
(I Won’t) Pay Your Price
I’ll Be Your Sister
Capricorn

Side Two
No Class
Damage Case
Tear Ya Down
Metropolis
Limb From Limb

Bomber
Side One
Dead Men Tell No Tales
Lawman
Sweet Revenge
Sharpshooter
Poison

Side Two
Stone Dead Forever
All The Aces
Step Down
Talking Head
Bomber

Good N’Loud
Live At Friars, Aylesbury – 31st March 1979
Side One
Overkill
Stay Clean
Keep Us On The Road
No Class
Leaving Here

Side Two
Iron Horse / Born To Lose
Metropolis
The Watcher
Damage Case

Side Three
(I Won’t) Pay Your Price
Capricorn
Too Late, Too Late
I’ll Be Your Sister

Side Four
I’m Your Witchdoctor
Train Kept A-Rollin’
Limb From Limb
White Line Fever
Motörhead

Sharpshooter
Live At la Rotunde, Le Mans – 3rd Nov 1979
Side One
Overkill
Stay Clean
No Class
Metropolis

Side Two
All The Aces
Dead Men Tell No Tales
I’ll Be Your Sister
Lawman
Too Late, Too Late

Side Three
Poison
(I Won’t) Pay Your Price
Sharpshooter
Capricorn
Train Kept A-Rollin’

Side Four
Bomber
Limb From Limb
White Line Fever
Motörhead

The Rest Of ‘79
Side One
Too Late, Too Late (Overkill 7″ B-Side)
Like A Nightmare (Alternative version of No Class B-Side)
Over The Top (Bomber 7″ B-Side)
Stone Dead Forever (Alternative Version)
Sharpshooter (Alternative Version)

Side Two
Bomber (Alternative Version)
Step Down (Alternative Version)
Fun On The Farm (Bomber Outtake)
Treat Me Nice (Bomber Outtake)
You Ain’t Gonna Live Forever (Bomber Outtake)

No Class 7”
Side One
No Class

Side Two
Like A Nightmare

Glam Skanks ‘Anything in Between’ (Unison)

Glam Skanks ‘Anything in Between’ (Unison)

A lot can change over the course of three years. The debut full length by the Glam Skanks rocked my musical world with its mix of 70’s glam and glitter influences mixed with classic rock, hard rock, and a healthy dose of attitude. After living with the album for quite some time, it became the first review I ever wrote so it carries that special memory with me as well. Since that time, charismatic vocalist Ali Cat left the band during the end of the touring cycle for the album with her replacement Vanessa McNiel joining, and the band continuing to tour. I was shocked at the change because I feel Ali just has “it,” that star quality that so few possess. Vanessa had huge shoes to fill for my musical taste, and I had totally unfounded concerns in my head soon after the change that this would be the end of that special musical connection I felt with the band. My hunch is the members spent the time touring and discovering that they have a great chemistry with Vanessa as well, whose excellence I will champion throughout this piece. Another key change in the world involved the presidency here in the United States and several things that have come to be due to current policies. Lyrically, there have been some changes where the band have some songs spell out exactly how they feel. With ‘Glitter City,’ some of the lyrics dealt more with interpersonal relationships and the bad things that can happen to people when they treat others poorly (‘Karma’ and ‘Bad Bitch’ for example); the band has successfully addressed much larger social issues on this album. The Glam Skanks have come forward to remind us that not only are they one of the best up and coming bands, but they are also one of the best bands period.

A gradual fade in introduces ‘No Way to Live’ which carries with it some AC/DC edge in the verses combined with some 70’s glam accents on the end of the chorus that really give the song more character and a Glam Skanks stamp on it. Veronica stands tall as one of my favorite guitarists as she lays down the riff and resists the urge to overplay on songs. This lead song immediately told me that things would be a little different than their debut. While I have heard their lead single from the album many times, I did my best to black it out while listening to the album.  Vanessa gets some open verses to highlight and make her voice known. Her voice fits the band perfectly, and you will be singing along with her by the last chorus. ‘How Do You Sleep at Night?’ features a great riff by Veronica with a nice groove being laid down by Millie (bass) and Jessica (drums). Sound-wise, the band has perhaps channeled more 70’s rock than glam on the album, but this is quite simply timeless in its execution. The chorus on this one is not complicated, but it has enough to become addictive without feeling repetitive. Vanessa uses a combination of power and a lighter touch in her vocal as she encourages the listener to pay attention and take action in the world. Another awesome riff and groove feature in ‘Push and Pull Me (like you do)’ features one of my favorite hooks on the album and provides a great showcase for Veronica to lay down a great guitar solo.

‘Anything in Between’ follows and is another hard rock gem with the band expertly explaining why gender norms are not necessary and up to each person. This is another great chorus that immediately demands to be sung while the guitar riff is part Aerosmith, part NWOBHM (think Def Leppard and not Diamond Head), and pure excellence. ‘Jurassic Snark’ comes from the same musical well as ‘Karma’ from their debut with the slow hard burning blues putting the emphasis on the power. It provides a great close to the first half of the album as each musician gets to shine on this one.

First single/ video ‘Time Warp Woman’ opens the second half of the album, and, while it took a couple listens for me, this is another great hard rock song with another anthem for a chorus. I love that beat that Millie and Jessica lay down with the piano in the mix really highlighting that this song comes from the ’70s by way of today. It is a brilliant melding of musical worlds. The vocals in the bridge are a highlight from the album, even if I wish it stretched out a bit more, as well with the band showing yet another side to their sound. The band then change gears with a slower early Alice Cooper vibe giving way to a sizzling performance by Vanessa on the vocals where her tone and feel recall a big ballad approach. This combination with some tasteful backing vocals give the song a unique approach. It also continues to show that the Glam Skanks are not going to be boxed into any categories. They showed incredible diversity on ‘Glitter City’ and have continued to show they do not want to make songs that all sound alike, but they also all have this common DNA which let’s us know that we are listening to the Glam Skanks. Their albums become a journey where you do not want to just listen to a song or two, you want to hear them all because they all bring something different to the experience. The band bring together decades of rock n roll with the ‘Spirit of Rock n Roll’ recalling many trailblazers from the past, similar to ’29 x the Pain’ by the Wildhearts. The guitar solo comes from the spirit of Chuck Berry with the band also musically recalling everyone from the likes of David Bowie, T.Rex, and Suzie Quatro.

The last two songs go deeper lyrically with today’s social media dominated world being address in ‘Who’s Watching Who?’ where the band questions our goldfish bowl type approach to life. The bluesy groove fits the song perfectly with the pre-chorus setting up a great hook. Veronica lays down another great solo which is short on the album but could be a great opportunity for an extended one live. Final track ‘Land of the Free’ features spoken word style vocals as the current story of the southern border of the United States is told. The band brings many elements to the table here with the initial samples at the beginning and the chorus of voices near the end of the song being joined by some punk spirit that reminds us of how varied and deep the Skanks are in their approach. The closing sample again reminding us of our civic responsibilities to do what needs to be done.

‘Glitter City’ was a landmark debut for me, and I was honestly afraid this album was doomed to fail when the change in singers happened. I have seen drummers come and go in the band more frequently than Spinal Tap, so those changes have not rattled me. The musical combination of Veronica and Millie is quite simply magical. Ali brought with her strengths and contributions which will always be amazing; Vanessa has demonstrated that she fits the band equally well with her own unique abilities. The old adage that a sophomore slump is to be expected because of the length of time artists have to create their debut versus the follow up can be thrown out the door here. The Glam Skanks have continued to grow and develop as artists while creating 10 new songs that do not copy what they did before but instead also provide them with 10 more songs that can be used in the live setting to highlight their diversity. In a year with so many great albums being released this summer, it takes a lot to take up musical residency on my system, but this one has joined the rotation with the likes of the Wildhearts, Poison Boys, Dogs D’amour, Darts, Geoff Palmer, and the Sweet Things. Rock n roll is truly alive and well.

‘Anything in Between’ is available now.

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

 

 

Bored – Take It Out On You (Bang Records)

Bored – Take It Out On You (Bang Records)

‘Take It Out On You’ is 1990 Bored! E.P. Which has now, On this release been expanded by adding a bombastic and brutal take on ‘Iron Man’  to complete these sessions from that year; it features Tim Hemensley on both Bass and Vocals. Australias best exponents of loud over the top Rock and Roll!

Its dark – mysterious – dirty;  Detroit dripping Australian Rock and Roll at its absolute finest.  Perfectly marrying that Stooges fuzzed-out – Fucked up reckless Rock and Roll with some of Australia’s finest like Birdman and a clear understanding of punk rock and at the sharp end of the Grunge explosion along with the likes of Mudhoney they get all that Detroit influence.

From the opening ‘Conquest’ you certainly get the impression of a band who’ve left the tape rolling inside a studio with no windows or air-con and a band who are just playing harder and harder.

It’s a killer collection of full of wild riffage and attitude soaked vocals. ‘Mr 10 Percent’ is everything you wan tit to be.  Purposeful, angry yet just being under control and even when the solo takes off it never sounds like they’ve lost control.

‘Sweet Charity’ is pure ‘Funtime’ era Stooges with its stretched out jam vibe and seven minutes of sonic excellence as it assaults your senses on several fronts.  Its a heaving angry jam and played loud is a Godsend of Garage punk Rock. the title track, however, has a handle on a more rock n Roll Misfits kinda vibe rather than being just punks they take the Garage Rock route.

There isn’t a huge body of work behind the band but there is a history of quality and Bang Releasing this on the back of 2016 ‘Piggyback’ compilation is a pretty decent place for you to start if you’re new to Bored!

Side two of this album starts off with my favourite track on offer here ‘Final solution’ has a huge throbbing bass chug and sort of mashes up some Jon Spenser Blues Explosion with some of that Detroit Action Rock n Roll and absolutely own it.  I love the chorus and the laid back tempo and groove of the song is exceptional. ‘Motherfuckin’ Motherfucker’ is like Iggy fronting Motorhead and as far as attitude goes what are you expecting considering the song’s title?  All killer and no filler is about the best place to start.

‘Iron Man’ is heavier (if that’s possible) imagine if Sabbath were a punk band weened on VU and the MC5 rather than UK psychedelia. It does, however, sound like a whole world of fun and I’d imagine more than a couple of stubbies were downed in the making of this racket and when the tempo changes someone is certainly channeling their inner Kramer meets Iommi and that’s always a cool place to be.

If you like loud guitars and songs with a great sound in the Garage Punk hard rockin’ style than fill yer boots you’ll love this bad boy.

To be fair to BANG! Records they have pushed the boat out as far as Bored! goes and have plenty on offer over on their web site.  BORED! “Get off my wah-wah and suck this!”, BORED! “Piggyback”, 2LP, BORED! “Negative waves”, LP-CD, BORED! “Junk”, LP, BORED! “Scuzz”, 2LP, TIGER BY THE TAIL, S/T, LP-CD (Featuring Dave Thomas on vocals and guitar)and to complete the set ‘Take It Out On You’ is here. Buy it
Bang! Records Here

Author: Dom Daley

The Brothers Steve ‘#1’ (I.V Pop Records)

The Brothers Steve ‘#1’ (I.V Pop Records)

Let me start this with a disclaimer for readers outside of America. The band is trying to work out a way to make the vinyl and shipping costs affordable for everyone around the world so vinyl is currently only shipping to addresses in America. The band has made a digital two-song single available around the world so I will highlight which songs they are in the review. Hopefully, a label in Europe will step forward for distribution, or the band will make the entire album available digitally. Now, let’s talk about the actual music here.

The Brothers Steve break down the door of the power pop genre with some tasty nuggets influences incorporated at times to make it a bit more rock n roll. These songs really harken back to a different time when life was much more streamlined. I am thinking of minimal television stations with no cable or satellite. You didn’t know what calls you missed while you were away from home and didn’t stress about it.  I keep wondering if I went back through American Bandstand if I could find The Brothers Steve playing on the show in some weird time travel paradox. These songs are packed with hooks, diversity, and instant accessibility. They have made a favorable debut album that improves with each listen.

‘Angeline’ (digital single track) gets started with a great up tempo vibe that gets some crunch from the rhythm section of Jeff Solomon (bass) and Coulter (drums). Os Tyler’s vocals remind me almost of a cross between Robin Zander and Jeff McDonald of Redd Kross with the high pitch giving the songs an immediate identity. Jeff Whalen and Dylan Champion both provide guitars and vocals for the band. If you are thinking you know the majority of the musicians here from somewhere else, you would be correct as they at times sound like TSAR as well. ‘Angeline’ representing one of the prime examples, but the guitars also feature some great acoustic work in the mix that makes the song a little softer but just as addictive. Having some confidence (and a dash of arrogance) can work very well for bands with the self-assured ‘We Got the Hits’ coming next. The tempo stays firmly rocking with the diversity of vocals in the chorus creating a cool catchy refrain that would not be out of place on an early Bangles album or the Go-Go’s. ‘She’ comes from a pool of power pop purity with the glossy lead vocals getting some great layered backing vocals from the band. This is a straight forward acoustic track that could have come straight from the late 60’s or 70’s. It has also been a song that has slowly grown on me with each listen. While listening in the car the first few times, this one had a way of passing me by, but this one will get you in time.

The other digital single ‘Carolanne’ slows the pace for a great ballad that was my introduction to the album and created my excitement for wanting to review the album. The acoustic guitar and vocals draw the listener in closer for the first verse before the rest of the guys join to propel it forward. The harmonies are fantastic, and this song should find a place in a summer blockbuster film that carries it (and the band) over to the mainstream. Wrapping up the first half of the album, ‘C’mon Pappy’ brings a harder edge at the beginning before giving way to an uplifting acoustic rocker that again recalls the nuggets of yesterday. It provides a great close to side one and gets the listener excited to flip the album over for what comes next.

‘Songwriter’ keeps the tempo fast and loose with Redd Kross coming to mind. The harmonies shine again, but this is one of the songs with extra bite in the music. It ends all too quickly with an instant transition to the glossy sheen of ‘Carry Me’ leaving me to wonder why artists like Matthew Sweet and the Posies never hit the mainstream big time. While not my favorite song on the album, it is still enjoyable and does not overstay its welcome. ‘Good Deal of Love’ gives off a loose jangly feel with a chorus that mines the same territory that the Gin Blossoms do. The vocals are stunning, and I would love to see this one also become a single in the future. This stands as my favorite from the record right now.

The descriptive ‘Beat Generation Poet Turned Assassin’ constantly makes me think there is an old Beatles movie out there with this song featured in it. This one carries more distortion than most of the songs here. I just wish there was a bit more to the chorus than the title repeated as it loses something in its execution. The acoustic opening strum of album closer ‘Sunlight’ provides a welcoming texture that really feels like the early rays of a sunrise washing over you, which is the ultimate in ironies as the lyrics are completely counter where the person is instead welcoming the darkness and solitude of staying at home. It provides a solid close to the album that makes the listener want to spend more time with these songs.

The Brothers Steve have taken their years of experience to create a very enjoyable album that has awesome harmonies and hooks while also retaining some crunch. This album has been a grower which might actually have more to do with me initially looking for something more akin to ‘Calling All Destroyers’ by TSAR than the material here. If you live outside of America, this might be a great time to make an American friend who can buy and ship the album to you, or you might reach out to some of the distribution companies over there and ask them to get a licensing deal to press it in Europe. In the meantime, grab the digital single and introduce some sunshine into your summer listening.

‘#1’ is released on vinyl on July 27th     Here

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

JIM JONES & THE RIGHTEOUS MIND ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE, PLUS UK TOUR DATES & SPECIAL LONDON SHOW

JIM JONES & THE RIGHTEOUS MIND ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE, PLUS UK TOUR DATES & SPECIAL LONDON SHOW

With the debris barely settled following the release of their critically acclaimed explosive second album,‘CollectiV’, and near sold-out spring UK and European tour, testifying rockers Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind have announced details of brand new, limited edition 7” coloured vinyl single, ‘Get Down Get With It’. It will be supported by 11 UK gigs in September and October.

 

Made famous by Little Richard and Slade, ‘Get Down Get With It’, will be limited to just 1000 copies. Released by Ma§onic Records via Cargo on 20 September on pink vinyl and backed with a reading of Link Wray’s ‘Ace Of Spades’, it will be on sale only at tour venues and selected independent record stores.

 

Pushing the VU meters well into the red, ‘Get Down Get With It’ is arguably the noisiest and rawest record that Jim Jones has recorded over an illustrious career that has seen him front the legendary bands Thee Hypnotics, Black Moses and The Jim Jones Revue. What is beyond debate is that it’s a glorious call to arms guaranteed to get your ass off your seat and your feet on the floor.

 

Speaking of the new single, Jim Jones says: “’Get Down Get With It’ became the rallying cry for the ‘CollectiV’ tour, so it made sense to go back into the studio, turn everything up to 11 and totally rip it up.”

 

He continues: “Liars and charlatans have got the world tearing itself apart right now when really, we should be coming together. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, this absolutely does that and lives up to its name.”

 

Jim Jones & the Righteous Mind will also embark on a UK tour that calls in at Manchester, London, and Brighton among others. Billed as ‘An invitation to get down get with it’, the London date takes place on 21 September at The Garage in Highbury. Promising a Saturday night extravaganza with a full supporting cast of special guests and performers, the event is topped off with a 2.30am late night license for extended reveling.

 

“We had to turn people away when we last played London so we wanted to go to a bigger venue and put on a really special event for our hometown,” explains Jim Jones. “In addition to support from Ye Nuns, Chrome Mountain and Suzie Stapleton, we’ve got rock’n’roll DJs Helene de Joie and Las Titis to keep the party going into the early hours, as well as dancing from Rebel Skin and more.

 

“You can also expect some very special guests who we’ll reveal on the night.”

 

He adds: “With tubes and buses running all night and all of Sunday to recover, it’s the perfect night out.”

 

Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind will tour the UK in the autumn. They play:

 Tickets are on sale now here: http://www.righteousmind.co.uk/

SEPTEMBER

 

19 – York, Fulford Arms

20 – Manchester, Night & Day Café

21 – London, The Garage

22 – Bristol, The Exchange

26 – Norwich, Waterfront

27 – Brighton, Green Door

28 – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach

29 – Southampton, Joiners

 

OCTOBER

 

03 – Southend, The Railway Hotel

04 – Hastings, The Piper

05 – Bedford, Esquires

 

Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind are:

 

Jim Jones – vocals and guitar

Gavin Jay – bass/contrabass/backing vocals

Mal Troon – guitar/pedal steel/backing vocals

Matt Millership – piano/organ/backing vocals

Andy Marvell – drums

 

JIM JONES & THE RIGHTEOUS MIND ANNOUNCE STAND ALONE NEW SINGLE, ‘GET DOWN GET WITH IT’, AND UK AUTUMN TOUR

JIM JONES & THE RIGHTEOUS MIND ANNOUNCE STAND ALONE NEW SINGLE, ‘GET DOWN GET WITH IT’, AND UK AUTUMN TOUR – TEASER AND TICKETS HERE!With the debris barely settled following the release of our critically acclaimed explosive second album,‘CollectiV’, and near sold-out spring UK and European tour, we’re thrilled to announce the release of our new, limited edition 7” coloured vinyl single, ‘Get Down Get With It’, and autumn UK tour.Made famous by Little Richard and Slade, ‘Get Down Get With It’, will be limited to just 1000 copies. Released by Ma§onic Records via Cargo on 20 September on pink vinyl and backed with a reading of Link Wray’s ‘Ace Of Spades’, it will be on sale only at tour venues and selected independent record stores. Pushing the VU meters well into the red, ‘Get Down Get With It’ is arguably the noisiest and rawest record that Jim Jones has ever recorded. Jim Jones says: “’Get Down Get With It’ became the rallying cry for the ‘CollectiV’ tour, so it made sense to go back into the studio, turn everything up to 11 and totally rip it up.”He continues: “Liars and charlatans have got the world tearing itself apart right now, when really, we should be coming together. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, this absolutely does that and lives up to its name.” Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind play:SEPTEMBER19 – York, The Fulford Arms20 – Manchester, Night & Day Cafe 21 – London, The Garage22 – Bristol, Exchange26 – Norwich, The Waterfront Norwich27 – Brighton, The Green Door Store [SOLD OUT]28 – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach29 – Southampton, The JoinersOCTOBER03 – Southend, The Railway Hotel. Clifftown Road04 – Hastings, The Piper05 – Bedford, Bedford EsquiresTickets are on sale now here: http://www.righteousmind.co.uk/Get Down Get With It!

Posted by Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind on Monday, 22 July 2019

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