Jim Jones And The Righteous Mind, 100 Club London 21.03.19

Jim Jones And The Righteous Mind, 100 Club London 21.03.19

On the 21st, I probably witnessed the gig of the year. My right ear hasn’t recovered yet. Jim Jones And The Righteous Mind, plus many guests, put on a dazzling and deafening performance for their sold out ‘Collectiv’ album launch at the 100 Club. Apologies for anyone that I forget…

Support was provided by rockin’ duo, Trixie And The Trainwrecks. With Trixie on distorted acoustic guitar, vocals and percussion, and Charlie on blues harp, they were an ideal start to the evening’s proceedings and made new friends in the capacity crowd.

 

With ‘Collectiv’, JJATRM have really found their groove. They’ve honed the sound that they began on ‘Super Natural’, and consequently, the likes of ‘Heavy Lounge’ and ‘No Fool’ seem more cohesive when played live. But, tonight, they open with the mighty slab that is ‘Sex Robot’, and there’s no doubt that we’re in the presence of something special. Jim Jones has been treading his own path for decades now, and with this line-up, he’s hit the jackpot. Which, given his past collaborators, is high praise.

 

This is not a night for subtleties, so the quieter songs are mainly absent. It’s a full-on sonic attack, with ‘Satan’s Got..’ as the new classic. The new songs are, for me, eagerly anticipated, as the album’s been on repeat. ‘Attack Of The Killer Brainz’ and ‘Shazam’ are amazing, and ‘I Found A Love’ reaches new heights with Soul Sister Cookie adding her sweet vocals.

 

Other guests included Paul-Ronney Angel and Luci Fire of The Urban Voodoo Machine, Barrie Cadogan, Alan Clayton of The Dirty Strangers, and….

 

….the reappearance of Revue men Nick Jones and Elliott Mortimer for the encore of ‘Rock n Roll Psychosis’ and ‘512’, playing like men possessed. So, when I say you should have been here, I really mean it. Luckily for you, JJATRM are playing more dates later in the year. Do not miss out. Rock n roll simply doesn’t get better than this.

Author: Martin Chamarette

 

 

 

The Retrobaits – All Systems Go (The Western Star Recording Company)

The Retrobaits – All Systems Go (The Western Star Recording Company)

My weekend couldn’t have got off to a better start when through my letterbox popped the new album from The Retrobaits ‘All systems go’. The Retrobaits are a 3 piece band consisting off David on lead vocals and guitar, Stuart on double bass and backing vocals and Darren on drums and backing vocals. They play great vintage Rock’n’ Roll (plain and simple).

The album kicks off with the title track ‘All Systems Go’ which is a great introduction into their music with its classic rockabilly feel and catchy harmonies all topped off with some great backing vocals.

The 2nd track on the album titled “hey mr. bottle” starts with a great guitar intro which carries on through the track and keeps the quality high.

‘Cryin’ At My Front Door’ is another instantly catchy tune that will have you toe-tapping along. Whereas ‘I Just Know’ is a slower number with great playing from each band member.

‘Hey Hey, Haley’ is a fast Rock ’n’ Roller that will make you want to dance and sing along from the first listen.

To be fair and give the band the credit they richly deserve there is not a weak track on this album, The band coming together and create a great vintage sounding rock’n’roll mix that’s not always easy to achieve and it brings back memories of the great original 50’s artists they also add their own special magic to the mix which brings this album bang up to date.

In summary, it’s a great Second album by The Retrobaits and another impressive release from The Western Star Recording Company.

Pick up a copy Here

Author: Gareth ‘Hotshot’ Hooper

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The Retrobaits – 'All Systems Go'

Posted by The Retrobaits on Friday, 16 November 2018

The Briefs – Platinum Rats (Damaged Goods Record/Burger Records)

The Briefs – Platinum Rats (Damaged Goods Record/Burger Records)

What twelve years?! Really?! Shit, it feels more like five minutes but if that’s what the distance between this and the last album then boy where have we all been.  So things have changed yes? Uh, Nope.  Steve E Nix still has bleached hair and still slings round that Gibson like its made of plastic and the world is still fucked in the grip of Right-wing politics here there and everywhere. like a pack of rats, more and more people are seemingly on board with that shit.  Luckily We’re not and neither are The Briefs and to be fair whilst everything moves at a million miles an hour and nothing seems to stay the same  It’s kinda cool and refreshing when you stumble across something that just can’t change for anybody or nothing and that’s The Briefs.  I don’t want them to change.  They’re winning and because they’re winning in life I’m winning in life and that’s because I’ve got a brand new record from the Briefs in my hand and its got Twelve brand new tunes for me to devour.

You won’t get much from the jacket its silver and has a great big fat rat on it so nothing given away there then.  what you do get is a dozen blasts of punk rockin’ power pop and it ranges from the pogotastic opener of ‘What’s the Use’ that has the band riding into town on a massive throbbin’ bass lick and a guitar riff stolen in the night right out of the classic Townsend box of guitar licks and its welded onto a smart chorus complete with gang vocals and blistering solo.  That’s just how I want the Briefs to sound – Big – Bouncy and Beautiful. If you’re lucky enough to see them on their recent stint out cruising the mean streets of the USA you should have picked up a copy of the record complete with reflective silver sleeve others will have to wait until they’ve crucified the lord on Good Friday.

Anyway, Just before Christmas, we had the rapid single ‘Kids Laugh At You’ with its big chorus for you to chant along to. It’s turning into a Christian festival based review – who knew? ‘Out Of Touch’ isn’t something you could level at The Briefs because they were probably never in touch but its motoring along nicely as they dip from vocalist to vocalist and back again with ease and the listener isn’t sure anymore whos singing what as they’ve morphed into the same voice anyway but ‘Dumb City’ is like a homage to The Undertones but with better playing and more bubblegum and added Ramones.

‘The Thought Police Are On The Bus’ is rockin’ and as the album weaves towards its conclusion you can’t help but fall in love with ‘I Hate The World’ with its breakneck speed and harmonies its like a full speed metronome keeping time as the band see how tight they can play without pausing for breath (to be fair its pretty quick and bloody tight) ‘Underground Dopes’ is altogether more punchy and a little bit pissed off. ‘GMO Mosquito’ is something of a Briefs slowey.  Its got a big chorus and stomps in the Boys territory which is always a good place to ply your trade. Take a deep breath because the other side to that single they released before Jesus’ birthday is up next and ‘She’s A Rat’ is classic Briefs if you were asking.  No! not asking! OK, I’m telling then, its got a juicy hook with a big fat melody hanging off it and a bit of DEVO on the breakdown before dipping back into the chorus.

The next few tunes project the same format,  its the briefs mun not some experimental Nine Inch Nails record.  Its punk rockin’, power pop exactly how we know and love it and if you were expecting more then I’m sorry but cramming one’s album full of hooks, melody, great rhythm, splendid playing and feelgood tunage in an age where we seem hell-bent on heading towards the flames in a handcart I want some Briefs to help make life less painful and stressful and if we are Hellbound I want a good bloody soundtrack and quite frankly ‘Platinum Rats’ fits the bill perfectly.  Now don’t leave it quite so long between albums again I’m not getting any younger you know.

 

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Buy Platinum Rats: Here

 

 

Los Pepes – Positive Negative (Wanda Records / Adrenalin Fix Music / Snap! Records / Spaghetty Town Records / God’s Candy Records)

Los Pepes – Positive Negative (Wanda Records / Adrenalin Fix Music / Snap! Records / Spaghetty Town Records / God’s Candy Records)

Los Pepes are punky pop time bomb, jam packed with buzz-saw guitars and spiky melodies. Think Vibrators, think Buzzcocks, think Briefs…….now doesn’t that sound sexy?!

This international power pop syndicate were cooked up in London from the best ingredients the world had to offer. From the UK to Japan, Brazil and Poland, the call came and this lot answered and like the Milk Tray man they’ve left Positive Negative as a calling card.

Out of the blocks comes ‘Still Belong To Me’, fast and frantic, balls to the wall and more hooks than a pirate convention. Jesus wept !!!!

Next up is the album’s title track ‘Positive Negative’ and it’s a banger. Full on and super sexy, the Motorhead of power pop know how to write a good tune and how best to ram it into your ear holes.

‘Let Me Tell You’ has a Stranglers edge to it and ‘Ain’t Life Easy’ follows that direct pub-rock feel. I’m talking the tight ass melodies of Eddie and The Hot Rods and not the generic covers band nonsense that litter the drinking establishments of today.

Anyway has a fantastic Who-like mod feel, all be it with a steel edge that’ll cut your nuts off. ‘We Need It’ throbs along, colliding perfectly with the explosive ‘Medication’. ‘Think Back’ has all the hallmarks of a great tune, bringing together everything you love about abrasive pop music and packaging it in a familiar yet satisfying 2 minutes and 31 seconds.

 

‘Frustration’ kicks in with thunderous drums and Thunders-esque guitar riff. Another banger. As an album, ‘Positive Negative’ starts strong but is simply blistering in the closing straights, with each track on side 2 fighting to be my favourite track on the album. I’m pretty settled on ‘Your Justice’ taking the award but closer ‘Action’ the bands cover of the Knots track doesn’t want to give up without a fight so the original has it.

Los Pepes 4th album ‘Positive Negative’ is a proper album by a proper band. Support the boys and make some noise and available on some of the coolest labels all spreading the gospel of Los Pepes!!!!!

Author: Fraser Munro

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Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

First up in anticipation of their soon to be released new album ‘Barrage Rock’ we thought you’d like to get down and get with it at Zegema Beach.

Next up is a video that should come with a health warning – no not because of the ginger mullet but the sandal and socks combo.  Jesus wept as my good friend ginge would say.  But there is no denying this bunch of Australian punks can write top tunes Smoko it might not be but zero fucks are given by the looks of it. *Not For Vegans*

Finally getting this week off to a bang seeing as they hit the UK clubs this week we have some classic Electric Eel Shock – Enjoy

 

Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind – Heavy Flames – Deathtraps – Jacs Aberdare 15.03.19

Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind – Heavy Flames – Deathtraps – Jacs Aberdare 15.03.19

Friday night it’s pissing down and we’re heading to some town in the middle of the Welsh valleys for what promises on paper to be one hell of a night out.  Once we navigate around the one-way system (Manhatten it isn’t) we still manage to fuck it up mind you but the Gods are with us and as we enter the venue Deathtraps are about ten seconds into their set and Loud it is.  To be fair I’ve seen these boys a few times lately and by a country mile, this was the tightest they’ve sounded and kudos to the sound man because he got their Garage punk action rock sound lock-in and wringing the shit out of the sweet spot.  With two albums in and another on the way, This three-piece are on fire and the people of Aberdare are in early and in fairness giving the band a healthy round of applause and their uncompromising set is going down really well (and so it should) With a well-balanced set of songs from both albums with ‘Teenage Knife Crime’ Going down particularly well and sounding huge.  Once again an enjoyable set but having a great mix helped and that not something you can always say about support bands.

Next up were local lads Heavy Flames at first they ambled onto the stage and looked like a bunch of misfits (maybe they are I’m not judging) but to be fair once they started playing their bluesy garage rock n roll sounded decent.  Of course, I didn’t have a clue what the songs were but they sounded alright and Bez on the harmonica was a nice touch to the sound.  Leading the band and patrolling the front of the dance floor the singer had an excellent voice and really belted out the numbers and to be fair pulled everything together.  I possibly wouldn’t go out of my way to see them but if they were on the bill I’d make sure I was there in time to catch them play. Which is something the locals obviously agreed with because the room was filling up nicely as Aberdare got down with their local band and really got behind them.

Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind has a brand new record out and tonight was the first night of the tour.  I’m always pleased to travel to this kind of venue because it would be so easy for a band as good as JJ&TRM to give somewhere like Jacs a swerve and just play your usual handful of big city shows to people who are generally spoilt or get more than their fair share of live gigs.  Well, tonight much like the last time they played south Wales in Ebbw Vale Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind really put on a show and for the next hour and some delivered life-affirming, high octane, earth-shaking rock and roll.

With a decent crowd intent on having a good time the band didn’t look or sound like a band on the first night of the tour as they burnt through the set list like a band possessed with hardly any mid-song banter Jim kept it tight and let the music do the talking and as they threw out songs from the debut album and the new ‘CollectiV’ they were going down a storm.

My trusty travelling companion was witnessing the power of a Jim Jones show for the first time and commented that Jim had the best Rock and Roll voice he had ever heard in a live setting and he was indeed correct and it was an intuitive observation as Brother Jim bellowed out his words of wisdom from his rock and roll altar.  Decked out in matching turtle necks the band were in danger of overheating such was the heat generated from their performance as the audience moved as one to songs like ‘Shazam’, ‘Killer Brainz’, or the magnificent ‘Satan’s Got His Heart Set On You’ Even songs off the first album like the epic ‘Til It’s All Gone’ or ‘Boil Yer Blood’ went down a storm. This band are on fire and whatever they play just sounds like dynamite easily one of the best live bands anywhere and tonight they weren’t going easy on Aberdare as they played until they couldn’t physically play anymore and the performance didn’t drop one single percent had they been playing the Albert Hall or Jacs it matters not because Jim Jones And The Righteous Mind are about the people and getting out there and doing it these guys walk the walk and Aberdare was lapping it up every second of it.

If you want Rock and Roll played with passion, conviction and a tonne of brilliant songs then hit up Jim Jones And The Righteous Mind because these lifers deliver every single time and not a second is wasted with insignificant guff because time is precious and ‘I Found Love’ its called Jim Jones And The Righteous Mind the time to Testify is now people sit up take note and jump on board. The Gospel of Rock and Roll was set on fire in Aberdare and I was a witness Now come back and play ‘Aldecide’ you must have forgotten to play it this time.  Simply stunning! now to spread the word and get people to join the CollectiV because the evil power of Rock and Roll is alive and well and with bands like this it’s in safe hands –  for now.

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Author: Dom Daley

 

*Seeing is believing so this week we don’t just bring you the opening night of the tour but in a few days you can read what went down when Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind played the iconic 100Club London*

RSD part two From G to Z and some

RSD part two From G to Z and some

Following on from his saw blade release previously this year the ever-popular Ginger Wildheart releases ‘Maggie‘ on a shaped 12″ it’ll be limited to 1000 copies and features Two brand new exclusive tracks from The Wildhearts frontman. Recorded as part of ‘ The Pessimist’ s Companion’ album sessions – to be commercially released later in 2019 – and produced by long-time collaborator Dave Draper (The Wildhearts, Ginger Wildheart, Ryan Hamilton, Terrorvision). ‘I Wanna Be Yours’ – originally performed by John Cooper Clarke and ‘No Regrets’ – originally performed by The Walker Brothers. Diverse as ever get ready to rumble in order to secure your copy expect to pay £15.99 for this one.

 

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five’ s debut studio album ‘The Message‘ was released on Sugar Hill Records in October 1982 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential hip hop records of all time. The title track, seen as an offshoot of funk upon its release, has since been credited with re-calibrating the direction of hip hop and was hailed the Number 1 greatest hip hop song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. This limited expanded edition features bonus tracks and instrumentals pressed on 180g Sugar Hill Blue vinyl and also commemorates the 40th Anniversary of Sugarhill Records.  Oh, and you’ll get a penny change probably for this double album.

 

‘Green Day Woodstock 94‘.  don’t even look on eBay at this one it’ll make you giggle like a school kid with the prices quoted a laugh in themselves.  this will obviously be a very popular record to track down on RSD so good luck and remember kids don’t pay eBay prices. Even if it is a bog standard release no doubt with no picture inner bag it’s not on coloured vinyl nor is it 180gm so I’d imagine this will retail about £17.99 and I’ve no idea how many are pressed so I’d imagine a lot.  Pssst if it does sell out then there are bootleg copies on the web I’m sure of it a friend told me.

 

 

whilst we’ll brush over the plethora of Grateful Dead releases Green River are seeing a follow up to the ‘Rehab doll’ and ‘Dry As A Bone’ reissues a 2000 piece release of a live show,  It’s taken from the bands personal archives. Recorded on Sept 28,1984 at the Tropicana in Olympia Washington. It might be fairly unspectacular to most but I’d bet its a damn good show but might be a little uninspired considering what else is on offer. I’m sure it’ll set you back around the £20 mark.

 

 

 

 

One that will no doubt fly off the shelves (much like the CD did)is this fantastic offering from Heavy Drapes. Described as the brightest burning meteorites in the UK punk scene; a band that soared from playing to twenty-odd people (I’m sure they weren’t odd) in Bathgate in Scotland to the main stage of Rebellion 2017, the biggest punk festival in the world in little over 24 months. The sudden death of frontman and motormouth Garry Borland was the only thing that could have possibly stopped them and that tragic event has seen the best band in the UK dissolve before the release of this, their long-awaited debut album. Thankfully, the surviving band members and producer Mark Freegard have made sure that the legacy of Garry lives on. He lived and breathed this band and this is exactly how he would have wanted it. Garry spent every waking hour in the pursuit of his dream – the dream that Heavy Drapes would release the best album that they possibly could. It was a long time in the making; that was Garry, it had to be perfect. These ten songs stand tall and proud; Heavy Drapes took a very simple formula and gave it a towering, enigmatic makeover. Dangerous, glamorous, sexy and soaring, all of the things that punk rock generally isn’ t in the modern world. Heavy Drapes have crafted an album that truly doesn’ t have a dull moment on it – these songs do not need to be fawned over; they need to be played, loud, proud and indignant, just like Garry……NOW for the first time released on YELLOW VINYL. I’ll have one of those thank you very much! A bargain at £18.99

Ian Gillan ‘Mr. Universe’ 40th Anniversary edition what seems like a very poignant record now in light of the recent passing of Mr. Torme this might just be a hidden Gem in this years RSD releases. Demon Records proudly presents the 40th Anniversary Special Edition of Mr. Universe, the second album and the first issued in the UK. This exclusive and unique Record Store Day release includes Split Coloured (blue and red), 180g heavyweight vinyl. Pay around £22.99 for this one.

 

 

 

Now it wouldn’t be RSD without an Iggy Pop record so this year’s inclusion is a 7″ Dark green ‘Pain & Suffering‘ and its the first time on vinyl. Numbered. also, this year is this bad boy Never reissued on vinyl. No new vinyl is available online. Recorded live during the ”Lust for life” tour at l’Hippodrome de Pantin, Paris, on September 23, 1977. Released with authorization of Iggy Pop. this Packing includes Green color double vinyl with original record labels, printed inner sleeves, gatefold cardboard jacket with 2 pockets that has the original cover art and LP marketing OBI (side spine) with RSD April 2019 logo. but wait for it, it retails at mouth-watering £57.99 for the double vinyl import.  Due to that I’m out which is a shame.

 

This RSD release is the 2 x lp version of the album Jacobites ‘Robespierre’s Velvet Basement’ Originally issued in 85 as a single album as it was regarded as too expensive for a double lp . It has never been re issued on vinyl in the uk since that time . Here we have for the very first time the tracks in the original desired running order and remastered for vinyl and expanded to the 2 discs.  Presented in a gatefold sleeve with unseen photos from the time and liner notes from surviving member Dave Kusworth. ( partner Nikki Sudden having died in 2006). The album is already an Underground Classic. This version will be pressed on red white and grey splatter vinyl to incorporate the colours from the sleeve art. around £23.99 seems like a fair price.

 

Japan – ‘Life In Tokyo’ / ‘Quiet Life’ Released to mark the 40th anniversary of the groups’ 1979 breakthrough single ‘Life In Tokyo’ and follow up album ‘Quiet Life’, this 4 track, double A-side RSD exclusive 10″ is released on original Hansa red vinyl and includes ‘Life In Tokyo part I and II’ and the UK 7″ and extended mix of ‘Quiet Life’. coming in at £14.99 doesn’t seem to bad either.

 

 

 

 

Joe Strummer’s ‘The Rockfield Studio Tracks’ features ‘Forbidden City (Demo)’ and ‘Cool Impossible’. This limited edition 12″ is pressed on heavyweight vinyl and the artwork features an image of the original audio master tape with a removable photo of Joe.  These previously unreleased tracks from 1993 are taken from the Joe Strummer Archive and follows the recent release of the critically acclaimed ‘Joe Strummer 001’ – the first compilation to span Joe’s entire career outside of his recordings with The Clash featuring remastered and unreleased recordings from the 101ers, The Mescaleros, solo albums, soundtracks, and rarities. To be fair this one also looks like it’s coming in at £11.99 which is pretty decent for a 12″ these days.

Johnny Thunders – ‘Que Sera Sera Resurrected‘ The 1985 studio album gets the VIP treatment from Jungle and boy have they done a good job (RPM will review this in the run-up to RSD)- completely remixed and revamped with many unheard tracks – as it should have sounded. It Includes two unreleased tracks left off the original album, plus a bonus album with six previously unreleased outtakes and six live versions. Includes 12″ x 24″ lyric insert with unseen pics. Remixed by The Vibrators’ Pat Collier, for the first time with the guitar fully up in the mix! Johnny missed the mixing sessions, now it can be heard as he originally intended. Limited edition in purple & white vinyl. New sleeve notes by Thunders biographer Nina Antonia. Every Record Store Day has a winner and this boys and girls is this year’s winner.  a stunning album just got better! Expect to pay about £20.99 for this double album
Mansun – Legacy This double EP is on 12″ vinyl for the first time. The single’ s lyrics mocked pop and rock bands vying for stardom, but with tongue firmly in cheek as the memorable official promo video featured puppet versions of themselves on their pathway to fame. The EP was released in two parts in 1998, each with four songs, and is now released on one 12″ for the first time – on exclusive RSD19 red vinyl with an OBI wrap sleeve similar to the original 7″ single packaging. Not a bad little purchase this and should only be £19.99 Ben has it firmly in his sights but I’ve not been able to find out how many were pressed to ease his tension.
Ming City Rockers – ‘Lollipopper‘ This is the first Ming City Rockers release since their Steve Albini recorded album ‘Lemon’ in 2016. It is a new line up for the band who have been touring extensively in Europe for the last two years. It signifies a change of musical direction for them and whilst its obviously Mings, their love of hip hop has come to the surface. Mings will be touring the UK to support the release. It will be their first full UK tour since touring with Palma Violets in 2016. There will be a download code with the single. This song is the first produced by Ross Orton (Arctic Monkeys, The Kills, MIA, The Horrors etc) No sleeve and a bank bustin £10.99
Whilst on the letter M there are a few Motorhead releases out this year possibly the best being the artwork for their cover of the Ramones classic ‘Rockaway Beach’ but the picture disc 7″ is one Johnny Hayward has firmly in his sights and with it limited to 1000 copies he might have to camp out and sharpen his elbows ready for the bun fight. A 40th anniversary double 7” picture disc celebration of the loudest, dirtiest, bastard rock ‘n’ roll of 1979, the year Motorhead released both the seminal Overkill and Bomber albums. This die-cut, gatefold two single set contains the lead singles from those classic albums. Limited to 1000 Copies. £23.99 for this double single as well which isn’t cheap. Whilst ‘Rockaway’ will only set you back £13.99

The New Barbarians ‘Buried Alive‘ gets the triple album deal and clocks in at £33.99  The reasons that Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards, Ian McLagan, Stanley Clarke, Bobby Keys and Joseph ‘Ziggy’ Modeliste toured as  The New Barbarians in 1979 started piling up five years earlier, when Keith took time out from the Stones to join Ronnie, then  finding time away from The Faces to record his first solo album. Their obvious affinity, both musically and personally, led not only to  Ronnie replacing Mick Taylor in the Stones but to the formation of the New Barbarians as a truly back-to-basics Rock ‘n’ Roll project.Neatly timed to coincide with the punishment duly allotted for Keith’s 1977 Canadian drugs bust, the band performed alongside the  Stones at two 1979 benefit gigs for the Canadian National Institute For The Blind before embarking on a short North American tour.  In May they headlined at the Capitol Center Arena in Largo, Maryland, and this superb 3 LP set documents that show.  Originally released on black vinyl as a boxset in 2010, it is now being made available exclusively for RSD 2019 on black yellow and red vinyl x 3 (triple vinyl) in a beautiful gatefold sleeve – this historic epic show is an essential purchase for all fans of Ronnie, Keith and The Rolling Stones – for Rock ‘n’ Roll outlaws everywhere.

Staying with Keith and Ron for a bit there are several Stones related items up for grabs sadly nothing too spectacular with ‘Through The Past’ Volume two being reissued as well as Vol one being the ‘Big Hits’ High Tide and Green Grass album. with the most interesting being the 10″ of ‘She’s A Rainbow’  recorded a couple of years ago which will be about £11.99 wheras the two LP’s are both gatefolds so look to cough up £29.99 each!

The Sonics – ‘Night Beats‘ Few artists loom larger in the garage-rock legend than THE SONICS. With raunchy, cult classics such as “SHOT DOWN” and “HE’ S WAITIN” off their 1966 album, BOOM, the pioneering band staked their claim on rock ‘ n roll, putting the Pacific Northwest scene on the map and cementing their place as heroes for future generations. Those that followed include Danny Lee Blackwell’ s NIGHT BEATS, a group with its own underground origins as well as a direct, fuzz and feedback-coated link between the impact of THE SONICS and their own potent sound. It’ s this connection that led NIGHT BEATS to record BOOM in its entirety, a proper homage to their musical forbearers. Blackwell, along with an arsenal of ace musicians manage to maintain the spirit of original recordings like “CINDERELLA,” “DON’ T YOU JUST KNOW IT,” and a particularly unhinged version of “LOUIE LOUIE,” while injecting their own brand of earth-quakin’ soul-shakin, maximum R&B. Blackwell takes the lead on vocals and guitar, interpreting Gerry Rosalie’ s mean scream with ease. Mike Brandon holds things down on drums as his partner in crime, bass genius Nate Ryan, while Julien O’ Neill grooves things up on keys and Joe Santa Maria wails on the horns. Finishing touches come from Marlon Rabenreither on acoustic guitar, plus Cole Alexander and Dan Gerbang on backing vocals-all working together to keep THE SONICS’ legacy intact, even as they tear the whole place down.Next time you hear a loud boom and your windows rattle, it’ s probably a sonic boom alright; but on the other hand, it might just be “THE SONICS BOOM.”  £23.99 for the single album.

Thin Lizzy – Black Rose Released in 1979, Black Rose is one the iconic Irish bands best loved albums, the record has the only occasion guitarist the late Gary Moore recorded with the band and his influence is felt throughout the album. The album peaked at No 2 in the UK charts and is one of the bands most successful albums and a firm favourite with the fans This version exclusive for Record Store day contains the original album as well as a set of unheard (till now) Demos of the record from Phil Lynott’s archive. The album has enhanced artwork and a new cut has taken place of the record for the best audio quality. It’s a double album and coming in at £29.99 doesn’t seem too bad considering the vaults have been raided for the bonus disc

Teenage Fanclub ‘King’ Repress of second album by Fanclub, originally deleted on its day of release in 1991.  don’t snooze this time will cost around £22.99

UK Subs – ‘Another Kind Of Blues’ the 40th ANNIVERSARY edition of the debut album by Punk Legends U.K.SUBS.Originally issued in 1979 and now issued as a deluxe double 10″, in two different shades of Blue Vinyl. It comes with a gatefold sleeve and two inner bags featuring new liner notes by the band members plus lyrics and a repro of the original inner bag. This new edition now features 6 bonus tracks including the UK hit singles “Tomorrows Girls”  and “Stranglehold” £25.99 for these 10″ records.

Various – ‘Max’s SKAnsas City’ Recently unearthed ‘lost recordings’ from the early New York ska scene in 1980, in limited edition milky clear vinyl LP. When the NYC ska scene germinated in parallel to the UK Two-Tone movement, the Max’s Kansas City club was at the heart of it. The clubs pioneering record label, run by Max’s booker Peter Crowley, recorded a number of sessions in 1980, including with legendary Skatalites founder Roland Alfonso. But only two 7” singles, by San Francisco’s The Offs and NYC’s The Terrorists, ever got issued. Subsequently, the NY ska scene exploded, with many bands achieving great success. Only now can these previously unreleased studio tracks by Roland Alphonso, The Terrorists and The Offs be heard. The album has 15 tracks, eleven of which are issued for the first time, and it comes with authoritative sleeve notes by ska writer and player ‘Marco On The Bass’.and retailing at £17.99 its one of the best bargains this RSD

Venom – Manitou  Released as part of the bands 40th Anniversary celebrations this shaped disc is a classic slab of Black Metal and we all love a bit of Black Metal and Venom this 12″ is going to be the (un) Holy grail as there are only 300 copies made.  We’ll be filling up on cup-o-soups of virgins blood the night before and looking for some Bealzibub assistance in picking up a copy Johnny Hayward has put the call out to his local coven to ensure he gets his cloven hoof on a copy and with it costing £21.99 I’m only disappointed it was £6.66 ITs a teaser for the soon to be released whopper of a box set that is believed to be signed by Cronos as well. Seems like as good a time as any to play this then

X-Ray Spex – ‘I Am A Cliche’ Available for the first time on double coloured vinyl (pink and green dayglo to be precise), this brand new compilation brings together all the classic tracks from punk legends, X-Ray Spex’ exclusively for Record Store Day 2019. The limited edition album will be available on pink and green vinyl and packaged in a gatefold sleeve featuring exclusive images from the Poly Styrene archive. The album features the classic singles ‘ Oh Bondage Up Yours!’. ‘ Identity’, ‘ The Day The World Turned Day-Glo’, ‘Germ-Free Adolescents’ and ‘ Highly Inflammable’ plus a bonus 12″ featuring an early 1977 live recording from The Roxy Club, London. A hefty £29.99 will see this added to your collection.  And that just about wraps up RPM’s guide to what’s hot in this years RSD shakedown.  you might agree or disagree you might wonder why on earth we haven’t mentioned this or that and where is the Stiv OST we wanted to keep something under wraps for ourselves Doh!  happy shopping folks I hope you get what you want and it doesn’t leave you short. If it does don’t worry its only rock and roll.

RSD is every day isn’t it? Not just once a year

RSD is every day isn’t it? Not just once a year

Let us guide you through some of our choice picks from the pile of this years RSD releases and the ones we fancy as well as the ones that might just be a Record shop bun fight. As fans go toe to toe for that collectible 7″ that you hope and pray won’t be on eBay for even larger inflated prices than you pay on the day.  Anyway, we’ve picked through the list alphabetically and where possible we’ll give you online guide prices (some of which will make your eyes water).  This is part one – part two will follow tomorrow.

First up is a no brainer for us as The Alarm celebrate reissuing ‘Strength’ on vinyl and give it the old dark arts of a remaster there is also a RSD double live album of one of their best bootlegs live from Boston Orpheum in 85 on the Strength Tour. Four of the tracks (Where Were You Hiding?, Deeside, Sixty Eight Guns & Knocking On Heaven’ s Door), were used as B-sides and extra tracks with the band’ s ‘ Spirit Of ‘ 76’ UK single release of early 1986 which put the band into the UK Top 30, with ‘ Howling Wind’ being issued in the USA only as part of the ‘ Live For Life’ IRS Records cancer benefit compilation album. The audio was recorded by WBCN Radio Station in Boston, MA on November 9th 1985 and was a pretty hot show to record.  Certainly, one to pick up.

 

Second up is possibly one of this year’s most popular releases that of ‘Bingo Hand Job – Live At The Borderline 91‘ Who you might ask? Well, if you have asked its probably not for you then.  It’s none other than REM and some friends such as Billy Bragg pre-MTV unplugged superstardom taken from a set they played in London under the name BHJ.  Again this is a two-disc LP and has reached mythical status amongst REM fans over the years as to its validity.  Heads down 1-2-3-4 Go! Expect to pay stupid money for a copy of this if you find yourself without a copy on the day.

Next we see Bob Dylans classic ‘Blood On The Tracks‘ being advertised as the original New York Test Pressing and its also to be found on rough Trades website for £26.99 the story goes like thus – Months before Bob Dylan released ‘Blood On The Tracks’ in early 1975, a small number of test pressings were circulated, consisting entirely of material from sessions at A&R Recording Studios in New York City. (Dylan re-recorded five of these tracks in Minneapolis for inclusion on the final album.) Those original records were soon bootlegged, and the alternate history of one of Dylan’s most acclaimed works was born. This LP is an exact duplicate of the test pressing, containing unique mixes from the New York session available for the first time. It doesn’t say if this is limited so I’d imagine this might well be pressed in big numbers thus making it available after the furor of RSD has gone.

Next is Brett Smiley and ‘Sunset Towers‘ an eight-track release. Brett recorded a session at what was to become Cherokee Studios, in the Valley in Los Angeles. Owned by The Robbs, three brothers who had previously been the house band on ‘60s TV music show Where The Action Is (and who backed Brett on the session) and produced by Del Shannon, the session has lain in the vaults till now. This album of previously unreleased recordings is a what could have been for American glam music. expect to pay £21.99 for this album

RSD stalwarts Cheap Trick have something to offer this year that is one of the limited pieces and will be globally sought after ‘The Epic Archive Vol. 3 (1984-1992) (Limited 2-LP “Flame Red” Vinyl Edition)’ After Releasing Two Packages of Cheap Trick Rarities on LP for Record Store Day and BlackFriday to Great Acclaim (and Great Sales), Real Gone Music Is Back with Its Third and FinalCompilation of Hard-to-Find Epic Label Nuggets. coloured vinyl and limited to 2000 pieces this will fly which is why they’ve put an eye-watering price of £44.99 on it for a double album! Ouch!

The first seven-inch single we are really interested in is from Chuck Mosley. Never before released its limited to 750 copies worldwide. Chuck former singer with Faith No More, Bad Brains, Indoria and Primitive Race decided to pursue a solo project with a raw, psychedelic, acoustic direction. Armed with his guitar, a vocal effects processor, and a few friends (Cris Morgan, Randy Pirosko, and Douglas Esper), he embarked on a two-year tour and completed a few recording sessions. During a six-hour block in August of 2017 with producer Joe Haze, Chuck recorded two covers, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” originally written by Prince (and originally made famous by Sinead O’ Connor), and “Take this Bottle” by Faith No More (a FNM cut recorded during Mike Patton’ s reign). The two recordings have never been released until now. This ended up as Chuck’ s last time recording in a studio before his death on November 9th 2017. His guitar solo on Nothing Compares 2 U never got completed as the band had to leave for a show that night in Salt Lake City. Tracks : A Side Nothing Compares To You B Side Take This Bottle.

Bowie always a RSD favourite for the scalpers as they look to take advantage of the limited quantities available this year sees ‘Pin Up’s‘ getting the picture disc treatment and already its advertised on eBay for upwards of $80 a snip I guess if you can’t be bothered to go find a copy and go against everything RSD stands for even if it does look a very nice record. Good luck baggin’ one of these folks.  It doesn’t say how many have been pressed but I’d imagine it’s not enough to satisfy the demand.

 

 

 

The Crow – OST Original motion picture soundtrack to the movie of the same title, to be released on vinyl for the first time since its original 1994 release. The album features covers, including Nine Inch Nails who covered Joy Division’ s “Dead Souls”, Pantera who covered Poison Idea’ s “The Badge”, and Rollins Band who covered Suicide’ s “Ghost Rider”, and Rage Against the Machine re-recorded their 1991 B-side “Darkness of Greed” and renamed it “Darkness” for this soundtrack. It’s a three-sided record with side four being an etching.  It seems like this is the popular thing at the moment to leave side four blank and put an etching on it but hey maybe I’m old fashion I’d rather some more music.  Expect to pay  an eye watering £34.99 for this but it is limited to 1000 pieces

 

 

‘Dexys Midnight Runners Live At The BBC‘ is also on some RPM lists as this 1982 recording of the band at the peak of their powers and for the first time on vinyl, this legendary Newcastle BBC In Concert was regarded as a turning point in the band’ s career. the concert features a host of the finest Dexys’ tracks as well as introducing the audience to Dexys new “Celtic” sound including ‘Geno’, ‘Let’ s Make This Precious’, ‘Jackie Wilson Said’, ‘The Celtic Soul Brothers’… The concert introduces the Emerald Express string section and the audience are treated to the not heard before ‘Come On Eileen’-listen to the reaction after… The LP set finishes with 4 tracks from a David Jensen session from the same year. This double album pressed on Green Vinyl will look to set you back £27.99 if you’re lucky enough to bag one of the 1400 copies.  Good luck!

The first real big money item has to be ‘The Doors – London Fog’ pressed on 10″ this Individually numbered limited edition (if you can call 18,000 limited – cough cough) will look to set you back £42.99. It’s a Lift-top package designed to look like a vintage storage box.and has Seven songs on both CD and a 10-inch record that’s made to resemble a test pressing, Postcards, Setlist handwritten by John Densmore, Liner notes included from Sunset Strip legend Ronnie Haran-Mellen and Five black and white 8×10 reprints of unpublished photos.  sounds neat but limited?

 

Pink & Blue Double LP (3 sided, the 4th side is etched) live recording from The Oakland Coliseum April 1984 another I know several RPM scribes will be all over this in their shoulder-padded coats jostling to the front of the shop to make sure they get their copy.  Oh didn’t I say its Duran Duran. This one surfaced originally as a bonus to the 2010 reissue of ‘Seven And The Ragged Tiger’ ‘As The Lights Go Down’ has never been officially released on vinyl.  until now that is. only 5,500 pieces available.  One thing I often think about RSD is the packaging often it leaves a lot to be desired and seems rushed considering the mark up they put on the records it could and should be much better.
Whilst the Fall seems to have about as many releases as they had band members in the 90’s its Fallen Angels that really interests us.  Getting the double coloured vinyl treatment it also comes in a gatefold and has a cool booklet with extensive notes and pictures from the recordings.  It features the original album plus bonus Lp of singles and extra tracks. In 1984 Hanoi Rocks were signed to CBS and about to hit the charts they found themselves with a few weeks off. Meanwhile, The Vibrators were also taking a break, and Knox had some great new songs sitting there waiting for fate to intervene. It did, and they got together for this much-lauded and awesome album.  Jungle has done this release proud and you should be able to score a copy for around £21.99 which is money well spent if you ask me.  RPM will be reviewing this release in depth just before RSD.
Frank Black also sees his long out of print albums ‘Teenager OF The Year‘ and self-titled albums get a long overdue re-release on coloured vinyl but these should be available after RSD has passed.
We’ll end this first part of our RSD round up with another 7″ single this time it’s a Red Vinyl contains two previously unreleased mixes of the classic single ‘ Your Generation’ and later b-side ‘ Trying For Kicks’ From the mighty Generation X. Both tracks are previously unreleased and are Exclusive to this release and do not feature on the Deluxe Edition of the band’s album that is being released later on in April through Chrysalis Records.

Old Firm Casuals – Holger Danske (Pirates Press Records)

Old Firm Casuals – Holger Danske (Pirates Press Records)

Now expanded to a four-piece Old Firm Casuals are back with a big sounding Rock record no make that Huge sounding record. Sure they mix it up a bit but the riffs are like Duffy when he was on his DC Electric tip and this is more of that Cult from Electric era riffage than aping old Oi! greats but there is plenty of punk and Oi! to keep the masses happy sure there is but OFC are more than that and this record is proof of that.

Lars voice might not be classicly trained but his stories are compelling and there is passion aplenty in there and the tone of this really lends itself to lars style.  From the spikey top to the skinhead boots and braces OFC is more of a melting pot than a lot of people give them credit for and this album proves that.

Classic rock riffs and handclaps to rapid hardcore blasts ‘Holger Danske’ has it all. From the opening horn blowing this might just be the bands finest hour. ‘Get Out Of Our Way’ takes no prisoners with a brutal full bloodied left and right hook straight from the off. It’s like Venom and Motorhead playing some Oi! and Punk and the breakdown is rather tasty.

‘Motherland’ and its heads down lets fuckin’ ave it! Is a bit of a foot stomper with swirling keyboards and a trademark Lars vocal.  Some great backing vocals that get the blood pumping. Then back to the big riff of ‘Pendulum’, perfect to get any dancefloor a bit messy and some great lyrics.  The riffin’ on ‘De Ensulum Uve’ is more Angus than Hetfield but only lasting for just under a minute it sets the tone rather nicely for the title track and its acoustic guitars which wasn’t something I was expecting but it was a welcome trade-off and only adds to the grandness of the song and again Lars tells the story and you want to listen to his tales from Denmarks history its something that works really well..

They continue to raise an eyebrow as the street Rock and Roll of ‘Casual Rock and Roll’ is anthemic and fist pumping. There’s time for some AC/DC riffing on the intro and this will get the blood pumping. It’s a simple tune and the chorus will no doubt get the crowd singing along.   There’s always time for a quick blast of hardcore street punk and ‘Traitor’ is that song.  Short sharp and fighting for its space in an already really good and diverse record the band moves effortlessly from style to style whilst keeping it all smooth and like it belongs on the same record.

Another instruments intro or short interlude is ‘The Golden Fall Pt 1’ which leads the band into the hard ‘Thunderbolt’ which riffs like fuck coming over more Hetfield or Body Count than some straight up street punk or Oi! which is what sets these boys apart that they are prepared to take that risk and if a song needs to be heavier then so be it to be fair ‘Overdose On Sin’ is more early Slayer complete with Moon the Loon drumming before the guitar shredding begins and its heads down and see you at the end with a fuckin’ huge sound its rapid and menacing and that bass thump is excellent.  There are no prisoners taken here its shock and awe all the way. Driving the pace of the song to be one of the best tracks on the whole record.  Great stuff!

It only leaves ‘Nation On Fire’ that sounds most like it could be off a Bastards record and to end ‘Zombies’ is a slower more menacing introduction before gathering pace and it’s a melting pot of several styles and they’re all stitched into one cohesive blend that makes this band different and this second album very listenable indeed.   ‘Holger Danske’ still lies sleeping and if he wakes and needs a soundtrack to go into battle then maybe he could give Lars a call because the OFC have got some tunes he might be interested in. It doesn’t matter if you’re a metal head or a punk rocker or boots and braces type of guy this album might open you up to other styles and the bottom line is Lars and the boys have hit the bullseye because ‘Holger Danske’ is game set and match and easily their best offering to date. and Lars that is one fierce Donkey Jacket fella you are rockin’ it big time.

Buy Holger Danske Here

Author: Dom Daley

City Saints – ‘Pa Svenska’ (Sunny Bastards Records)

City Saints – ‘Pa Svenska’ (Sunny Bastards Records)

You never really know what musical curveballs you are going to get when a new album from Swedish streetpunks City Saints drops on your desk for review, although with their fourth long player ‘Pa Svenska’ you could say the writing is on the wall, or perhaps, the sleeve.

That’s because ‘Pa Svenska’ or ‘In Swedish’ is a collection of a dozen songs written and recorded in the band’s mother tongue.

Having had a bit of a soft spot for bands that do just this ever since I first heard the French language version of Trust’s ‘Repression’ LP (I learned more French from that album than I ever did from my piss poor chain-smoking schoolteacher that’s for sure) and more recently the likes of Kvelertak and the hugely impressive Ondt Blod having both made sizeable dents in my trusty old Wharfedale cones, I have to admit I’m really intrigued to find out what City Saints have to offer this time around.

Diving straight in then and if anything ‘Pa Svenska’ is the most straight-ahead street punk rock ‘n’ roll record that Stefan Johansson on vocals and harmonica, Gabriel Aadland on guitar and backing vocals, Carl Linnaeus on bass and Robbin Larsson on drums have recorded since their ‘Kicking For The Working Class’ debut.

The opening 1-2-3 of ‘Banditer’, ‘Verklighet’ and ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ all motor along on razor sharp riffs filled with infectious melody lines and if anything these songs remind me of another album that I was listening to around the time I first got into Trust, namely Rose Tattoo’s seminal debut record.

‘Enade’ (a song about uniting against the evils of politics) has more than a hint of City Saints long time influence, the mighty Cock Sparrer, going on in the guitar intro and I’m pretty sure that the total thrash out that is ‘Skallebank’ has more than a little bit of a Dirt Box Disco going on within its grooves. This is still very much City Saints though and as ‘Karma’ proves a fantastically catchy song is a fantastically catchy song whatever language it is written and sung in.

The boogie-tastic ‘Göteborg’ ‘Fyllecell’, ‘Stryk’ and ‘Tvär’ will immediately have you tucking your thumbs into your belt loops as the Swedish frantic four invite us to a riotous double denim party, you just need to bring your own party seven to make it complete. Rounding things off on side two ‘Parasiter’ and ‘Svin’ somehow manage to drink in the spirit of early Undertones whilst raising a one finger Stooges piano driven salute to racists everywhere.

With a running time of 28 minutes, ‘Pa Svenska’ simply flies by in a blur of memorable riffs and hooks and you’ll be speaking Swedish before you know it.  Perfekt!

Buy Here

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Author: Johnny Hayward