Singles Club – December singles and EPs round up

Singles Club – December singles and EPs round up

Whilst Santa is hauling his huge sack around the spinning rock he managed to call in early to RPMHQ and drop off 1988s singles and a bunch of lovely jubbly EPS to get us in the mood for some Yuletide Rock and Roll.

Dead Beats – EP (Self Release) ‘Monsters prefer Blondes’ or so I’m told. This rockabilly punk n roll EP begins with a crash bang wallop! What’s not to like on this six track EP ‘Wanted: Undead Or Alive’ is an all out rocker. Infectious sing-a-long chorus and plenty of grunt but wait the whole damn EP is full to bursting with energy. ‘I Hate Humans’ creepy crawls out of the speakers with some top vocals from Johny Kopek Millionaire doing a sterling job. It might not be the seasonal lyrics that draw you in but there is a whiff of Hanoi Rocks in the melody as the track races along.

I love all six tracks to be fair ‘Zombie Party’ is spooktacular as it kicks and screams in a whirl of horror punk that’s been missing from the musical landscape for ages. Misfit fans should be all over this rumbling, growling slice of B Movie soundtrack. The band take a walk on the darkside for the misty ‘Your Last Breath’. ‘Suburban Chainsaw Action’ signs off this most enjoyable romp through the graveyard rock of the Dead Beats. I look forward to hear what these guys dish up next time but until then this will more than do – my advice, pick up a CD Now in time for the scool disco you might attend this Christmas. Buy Here

The Hip Priests – ‘Shakin Ain’t Fakin’ (The Sign Records) The Good news is incoming thick and fast as Shit Islands finest The Hip Priests release a brand new single ahead of their full-length album ‘Roden House Blues’ released early 2023 on the Sign Records. ‘Shakin Ain’t Fakin’ will come as no surprise to fans of old. Its bombastic, Loud, blurring the lines of old school hard rock some fast and furious punk n roll and a beating heart full of napalm and Garage rock. With a thunderous duel chug this bad boy is on fire! The Hip Priests sound huge and I mean huge. The chorus is pure Hip Priests and will no doubt be a firm favourite when they return to the stage in 2023. Von Cruz is in fine form on the middle eight before the solos sound like a flame thrower. the Hip Priests are about to take it to the next level and Brothers and sisters hit that pre save button to get on board. Beautiful Noise – I’m in. Facebook Pre Save Here

Faster Pussycat – ‘Like A Ghost’/’Pirate Love’ (Golden Robot Records) Winding the clock back like its 1988 Faster Pussycat release new double-A single ‘Like A Ghost’ and ‘Pirate Love’, their first on Golden Robot Records.

‘Like a Ghost‘ is a track about growing up in the 70’s, listening to the radio and doing what kids do and the memories it brings back. It features original Pussycat Taime Downe with his instantly distinctive vocals carrying the song through its Radio friendly big chords like a slice of winter sunshine. The production on this track is second to none with blistering guitars and the band in full force. hit em up for a 7″ copy on coloured vinyl which has on the flip side a romp through the Heartbreakers classic ‘Pirate Love‘ with its sleazy raunchy chords a song that was made for Faster Pussycat. Of course faster Pussycat walk that walk and talk the talk.

Chubby & The Gang – ‘Violent Night (A Christmas Tale)'(Partisan Records) Available as a flexi disc and download this 70s tinged stomper is Christmas Bootboy style. Chubby’s vocals aren’t Santa friendly even if his lyrics are. Handclaps and a backbeat that all crimbo parties need the only thing missing is some jingle bells but that’s cool because ‘Violent Night’ is the best seasonal tune we’ve heard all year by a country mile. Oh, wait on the solo I hear sleigh bells so that’s it every box ticked. this year’s seasonal winner is Chubby and the Gang. Banger – Stream Here

Rowsie – ‘Christmas In Soho (Self Release) ‘Christmas In Soho’ is a story of love, loss and goat-head rings during the Christmas season, with the band delivering a solid rock’n’roll track to drive it all home… After a distinct lack of festive party anthems this is the first and pretty much the only one to grace the letterbox of RPM HQ be it physical or be it digital. Regardless its a quality mid paced tune and one we fully endorse.

Steve Vincent – ‘Poison Heart’ (Bombshell Records) When recording his long awaited album ‘Recovering from my past’ Steve did a few of his favourite covers and released it to fans as RE-Covered from my past, (I like it) He’s also added the Ramones classic ‘Poison Heart’. He knew releasing music under his own name had its advantages- with nobody to convince but himself he made a great choice because the likes of Stiv Bator and Tyla have also taken on this classic Ramones tune so he’s in great revered company.

Not content with covering Da Bruthers he’s delved back into the 70s for some classic B-A-Y City Rollers for a suitably trashy stab at ‘Saturday Night’ Having a ball Vincent gives it a fresh lick of paint and the trashy BV’s give it some welly. Another well trodden path for Rock and Rollers is the classic Stones late night anthem ‘Dead Flowers’ again well worn but also well delivered and the passion and love shines through on this presentation of the Mick n Keith classic. To be honest the real gems on this here EP are the two acoustic songs – Stripped bare from his solo album work really well. No effects, no guest slots, no studio trickery, just a voice and guitar laid bare works a treat. Just in time for Santa to deliver some extra time from Mr Vincent get yourself some sleazy rock n roll from Steve Vincent he walks the walk. Buy Here

The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs – ‘Know Your Product’ (Rum Bar Records) Oh Hell Yeah! If you can’t get the Saints then the next best thing is get Frank and da Boys round to take good care of the finest tunes from down under bar none. We raved about this covers album when it came out and if it keeps rolling by drip feeding the globe with videos lifted from it then we’re gonna get behind it 100%. Put simply – Banging tune covered by a banging band on a banging label – Bosh! go get some

West Coast December 2022 LIVE Dates, catch The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs doing what they do best before the year is up:

Fri Dec 9th @ Permanent Records Roadhouse in Los Angeles with The Ravagers at 8pm – Facebook Event Page

Sat Dec 10th @ The Dollhut in Anaheim, Orangewood Childrens Home benefit show with The Anti-Virals, Change Today feat Joe Wood, Tastee Nuggz, Anxious Annie, Splntr at 8pm

The Courettes – ‘Daydream’ (Damaged Goods Records) Anyone up for a cheeky multilingual pre-order? A Japanese language 7″ from this dynamic duo, it features two versions of ‘Daydream’. The A-side is sung in Japanese with the flipside in English! Set to be released at the final knockings of January 23 pre orders are up for grabs now! They’ve been heralded as the hardest working band currently anywhere on this spinning ball and with dates in the UK for April and this single coming out that claim might be well founded but their talent knows no boundaries with their multilingual skills to the max on this record. Buy Here

The Shang Hi Los ‘Takes One To Know One’ (Rum Bar Records) Taken from the forthcoming 1/20/2023 full length album release: Aces Eights & Heartbreaks. ‘Takes One To Know One’ cranks up a great mix of garage rock and highly produced polish. Walking that old Blondie line… a little punk, a little glam, a little disco, a little girl group, all Shang Hi Los. Love the outro where they just get the job done. One to wet the tastebuds for the album when it comes early 2023. Enjoy!

Dealing With Damage – ‘John’s Gone’ (Little Rocket Records) This’ll shake off any cobwebs you might have after over indulging this festive season. Lifted from the album ‘Use The Daylight’ that’ll be out at the end of January You can get in on it early doors by pre ordering from Bandcamp Here If the rest of the album is as good as this glimpse behind the curtain then bring it on ‘Johns Gone’ more fool john he’s missing out – this is a banger!

The Balladmongrels – ‘Ballad Of The Knucklemen’ (King Outlaw) Well, I didn’t see this coming. What a banger! When under lockdown the pair of Tyla J Pallas & Matty James Cassidy spoke about putting out a 7″ single with a song from either on either side – (Sounds fair) Then they decided after a few shandy’s to take it further and maybe write a whole new album of material together and the idea was born.

Anyway, what we have here is the first song to come from this project with Matty & Tyla handling the vocals ‘Ballad Of The Knucklemen’ is quite far removed from actually being a ballad in fact when you get far enough away keep going this tune rocks! an absolute banger. It’s got a swinging pair of bollocks and plenty of windmilling in the melody. Its piraty good fun with raw guitars, dark romantic lyrics, a beautiful melody and a rousing chorus to boot. Once you play it – it’ll be on repeat, and the earworm will have burrowed itself into your brain and you’ll be singing the chorus over and over. If the rest of the LP is half as good as this then 2023 has just got really exciting! Get on it! Pre Save it Here / Facebook

Sunday Morning – ‘Explain The World/Junkie Don’t Care’ ( ) Covid purchased synth, Bruce Wilson decided to learn the Art Bergmann song “Junky Don’t Care” as a musical experiment trying to weld the tune into a Nick Cave meets Suicide style song. It features Shawn Mrazek from the excellent band Flash Bastard on the wonkier alt rock of ‘Explain The World’. Its dark and brooding and rather good from the melody which is a bit goth and dark its like The Bunnymen from the 80s brought into the here and now kicking and screaming. Violinist Emily Bach brought some X factor to the darkness of the Art Bergmann track ‘Junkie Don’t Care’. It’s certainly got the I’ve got a synth and I’m gonna use it. Marc Almond meets Cave style at times he reminded me of Michael Hutchens in his softer Inxs times. sparse crooning on what is an excellent cover on an excellent single.

Stream Here

Iselder – ‘Cynefin’ (UKEM Records) Iselder is a one-man black metal band from Wales, formed in 2015 by sole member Gofid. Since then, he has gone on to write a handful of EPS, as well as three full length albums. The newest of which is titled “Cynefin”.

Cynefin is the Welsh word for habitat, but it can also be used to describe the elements of our situation
and personal history that influence our thoughts and decisions in ways we don’t understand. Shying
away from his usual message of Welsh nationalism, Gofid instead has opted to write lyrics about his
personal mental health struggles throughout the years, with the music being as ferocious and as
depressive to match the experiences he has gone through because of it. Its a heaving sludgy slice of Black Metal perfect for this season of being jolly n all that. It’s got that classic Norwegian True Black Metal production and the Sabbath sludge on the guitar along with Hell ripper the UK has certainly upped its game recently. Go Gofid we’ve got your back and who doesn’t love a bit of the Blackest Metal in their soul? Top tune.

Cynefin releases February 17th, and is available on CD and Cassette via UKEM Records. Pre Order Here

The Black Skies – ‘Come And Get Me’ (Bad Dog Records) Third single from Northerners The Black Skies sees their slick modern Rock get a very polished big production. the original duo have expanded the band to a five piece and have entered the studio to record their debut album. Its dark, brooding part Rock part Grunge or indie – its got a big global feel to it as the band gears up to take on the world as they ask if you’ll ‘Come And Get Me’ -Exciting times ahead for the Black Skies. Website

Penny Rich – ‘Last Meal’ ( Self Release) Hailing from Cardiff south Wales Penny Rich make a pretty decent racket. Loud – thoughtful – post punk – hardcore, Grunge its all in there. Call it what you like but ‘Last Meal’ is decent.

With a full meaty sound – sharp choppy guitars and a full bodied raging rhythm section this is excellent introduction to the three piece and a great introduction to what else they might have to offer. Buy Here

Beyond the Lamplight – ‘Shelter’ (Feat. Frank Turner) (Flail Records) Harmonies – Banjos – Frank Turner helping out on the vocals will see Beyond The Lamplight reach a much wider audience with their latest single ‘Shelter’.  A song about loving another who has created a guarded existence from the outside world. A story about coaxing someone out of their shell that they hide inside of. Sharing your own strength with that person in hopes to bring them out of their shelter; their shield against the anxieties and stresses of life. Trying to show them the beauty of not only the world but also the beauty in themselves.

The Erotics – ‘Rot In The Shade’ (Self Release)

The Erotics – ‘Rot In The Shade’ (Self Release)

I think it was Lemmy who once said If Motorhead moved in next door your grass would die and if a nuclear war was to happen the only things to survive would be cockroaches and them, well, he was wrong. The Erotics would crawl out of some downtown bar on their hands and knees barely alive but hungover and ready to Rock. Ladies and Gentlemen the Motherfuckin Erotics are back in the room and they’re taking a swing at everyone and everything. they’re plugged in, loud and rockin’ out.

‘Knocking On Deaths Door’ is loud obnoxious and soloing with the best of them. It’s like a time machine has taken me back to the late 80s and I’m on the strip with a headache and a thirst for more loud Rock and Roll and then in the distance, I hear Micky Trash and the boys hauling ass and everything is on ten and there are fireworks exploding all over my speakers.

Sleazy aint the word and that Stooges saxophone on ‘Helltown Boogie’ is dirty, low down and dirty as fuck. The guitars are loud and distorted and there is added harmonica and sax here and there and Micky sings in Spanish just for shits and giggles. It’s like classic Cooper meets some dirty Noo Yawk attitude some sleazy hard rock and punk swirling round a tumbler full of cheap whisky it’s not good for you but you can’t get enough of it. It’s broadway but late at night – it’s razzmatazz but out of step.

‘Diamonds’ is laid back mixing up some Guns n rose when they were fresh and up for it. you might have stumbled upon this late night in the St Moritz club way back in the day and most of those glamourous punks have gone away but thankfully some are still here and some are called The Erotics.

‘Too Hot To Stop’ has got a classic sleazy riff and it’s twirling its mic stand like a punk rock Diamond Dave. For sure The Erotics aren’t gonna change the world or sell a million records but they are honest and clearly love what they do and the world is a better place with them in it and that’s good enough for me as they play their hearts out living the dream lying in the gutter looking at the stars and feeling like a million bucks and if you ain’t wearing a smile when that riff kicks in on ‘Bless Your Heart’ then you might wanna go to the Emergency room to check for a pulse. Power to the Erotics and all who set sail with them it’ll be the best of times I’m sure of that.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Hurriganes: Crazy Days On The Road 4LP/2CD pre-sale begins

Hurriganes: Crazy Days On The Road 4LP/2CD pre-sale begins

Hurriganes’ original guitarist Ile Kallio had returned to the band to replace Albert Järvinen in June 1975. The situation was very different from when Kallio left the band three years earlier at the beginning of the band’s career. Hurriganes had quickly become the country’s most popular band, and also Kallio’s debut recording in Hurriganes’ ranks, Crazy Days, released in 1975, sold the amount entitled to a diamond disc in an instant.

In April, Svart Records will release a 4-LP or two-CD package consisting of live recordings, which documents the stage energy and playing condition that the renewed band had on the tour after the release of Crazy Days.

The material of the Crazy Days on the Road box consists of live tapes recorded by singer Hande Mertanen, which were originally intended for the band’s private use. The three best gigs of the post-album tour – Oulu (24.11.1975), Hämeenlinna women’s prison (13.12.1975) and Pori (2.1.1976) – have been selected for the collection, and the tapes have been restored and mastered by Finnvox.

The publication comes with a nice booklet, which contains Risto Vuorimiehe’s wonderful photos from the Crazy Days tour and accompanying texts by editor Pekka Laine. The collection contains 145 minutes of previously unreleased live recordings and 48 songs, two of which the band never recorded.

Svart Records will release the Crazy Days on the Road box set as a set of four vinyls and two CDs on April 21, 2023.

In addition to the traditional black vinyl, there is also an orange vinyl edition that is only sold in the Svart store, which comes with a Crazy Days themed sticker sheet.

Pre Order Here

Suzi Quatro – The Queen of Rock N Roll – Releases Uncovered EP

Suzi Quatro – The Queen of Rock N Roll – Releases Uncovered EP

An EP of Beloved Rock and Soul Songs

Suzi Quatro is the trailblazing Queen of Rock’ n’ Roll. Not only a global legend who has sold over 55 million records worldwide, she is also a record producer, actress (Happy Days, Minder, Absolutely Fabulous, Dempsey and Makepeace, Rock School), poet, author and radio presenter (BBC Radio 2)

Under the renowned Tennessee-based legendary independent record label, Sun Records, often referred to as the place “where rock and roll was born,” Suzi has released a 6-song cover, EP .  Uncovered  boasts cameos from famed two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper (Booker T. & The MGs, Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, The Blues Brothers) on two iconic tracks he co-wrote, Wilson Pickett’s “Midnight Hour” and Otis Redding’s “Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay.” The first single from the EP see’s Suzi digging into the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic, “Bad Moon Rising” and is Out Now.

The EP includes six incendiary renditions of popular 1960s and 1970s rock n’ roll and soul classics filtered through Suzi’s distinctive musicality – showcasing her honey and whiskey rasp – Uncovered features nuanced and grooving musicianship that keeps each song’s timeless intentions aflame, while the musicians also punch the jams up to match Suzi’s hard rocking energy. Completing the impressive track list are Suzi-fied versions of Carole King’s “I Feel The Earth Move,” James Brown’s “The Boss,” and Rufus Thomas’ “Walking The Dog.”

Suzi says: “Since I first picked up a bass guitar and started playing and singing in my first band in 1964, many artists helped show the way, I honor them here with this eclectic choice of songs. Every one of them is here for a reason. Thank you all for your inspiration.”

Since her debut in 1973, Suzi has released 63 singles, 18 studio albums, 20 compilation albums, and two live albums. Over the span of almost 50 years, Suzi is reported to have sold over 50 million records worldwide. Select career highlights include her UK chart-topping singles, “Can the Can” (1973) and “Devil Gate Drive” (1974), and her recurring role as the bass player Leather Tuscadero on the popular American sitcom Happy Days.

To this day, Suzi remains active as a touring and recording musician, and she also keeps busy working in radio broadcasting.

Uncovered is Out Now

CLICK HERE to purchase the album

Rediscover The Dwarves on Vinyl with extras

Rediscover The Dwarves on Vinyl with extras

REDISCOVER THE DWARVES’ CLASSIC POP/PUNK CATALOG WITH REMASTERED REISSUES ON VINYL!

FIRST TIME IN PRINT IN DECADES WITH NEW ARTWORK & BONUS TRACKS!

‘Blood Guts & P*ssy’ (1990)

‘Thank Heaven For Little Girls’ (1991) & ‘Sugarfix’ (1993)

‘Come Clean’ (2000) & ‘Radio Free Dwarves Redux’ (2022)

And More

The Dwarves have been thrashing concert halls and destroying eardrums for four decades, but all of their records have never never been in print at the same time…until now! Greedy Media is proud to present a slate of reissues guaranteed to turn on music fans and Dwarves heads as well!

These reissues join the rest of the Dwarves discography – classics like: The Dwarves Are Young & Good Looking (1997); Must Die (2004); Born Again (2011); Invented Rock & Roll (2014); Take Back the Night (2018) and the compilations Lick It (1983-1986) and Free Cocaine (1986-1988).
And the rest of the unique Greedy Records catalog:
Penetration Moon (1993); Earl Lee Grace (1996); and Candy Now (2007).

Socials:

Dwarves Website: http://www.thedwarves.com

Blag Dahlia Website: http://www.blagdahlia.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheDwarves

TW: https://twitter.com/thedwarvesband

IG: https://www.instagram.com/blag_dahlia

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thedwarves

Gary Moore – A Different Beat’ (BMG/Sanctuary Records)

Gary Moore – A Different Beat’ (BMG/Sanctuary Records)

A first time pressing on vinyl for this the twelfth Album released by the former Thin Lizzy guitarist. Gary Moore played with a style and passion for his craft that was heralded around the world for his style and songwriting ability. His virtuoso guitar playing and soulful voice being loved far and wide and his premature passing has been sadly missed by fans and musicians around the globe and from all styles.

Having played in numerous legendary bands including Thin Lizzy and Skid Row, alongside his own solo career, Moore is regarded as one of the most influential Irish musicians of all time. Having been honoured by both Gibson and Fender with signature guitars, the Northern Irish star is still regarded as one of the best guitar players of all time. Its funny when long after their passing people still crave the back catalogue of revered artists like Moore so it’s no surprise that ‘A Different Beat’ gets the vinyl treatment (finally) spread over two records it also includes a remix of ‘Can’t Help Myself’ (E-Z Rollers remix)’.

‘A Different Beat’ sees Moore exploring a new direction, in this case combining his love of the blues and his guitar work with contemporary dance beats. Fusing blues and dance music ‘A Different Beat’ stands as the boldest thing Moore ever did. A move too far for some and one giant step for others. From the off the distorted guitar work makes way for a beat more akin to the Happy Mondays guitar based dance music rather than trad Blues. I know Moore loved some Hendrix and there are moments throughout this record that have you imagining that this is something Jimi might have tried had he not left this earth as well it’s not like he hid his admiration for Hendrix because he funks up ‘Fire’. Moore also had a better singing voice than he possibly got credit for and had a fair set of pipes that are well worked on songs like ‘Lost In Your Love’. and his take on ‘Fire’.

Moore loved to turn it up but he also had a softer gentler touch. ‘Worry No More’ is more laid back but whilst pushing boundaries like the pure funk of ‘Fatboy’ with all its tricks and grooves. like on the I’m sure he’d have chuckled to himself when making this Marmite record but having it pressed on Vinyl might be the opportunity for fans to look back and show some love for a real guitar legend who really did mess with the Blues.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

HANOI ROCKS: ORIENTAL BEAT – 40TH ANNIVERSARY RE(AL)MIX

HANOI ROCKS: ORIENTAL BEAT – 40TH ANNIVERSARY RE(AL)MIX

Oriental Beat by Hanoi Rocks gets the redux treatment, officially mixed and revived from the original sessions, and released on March 17th on deluxe vinyl, CD and digital formats.

Michael Monroe says: “now, 40 years after its original release in 1982, we finally got the album sounding as great as it deserves, with no overdubs or samples,” and McCoy adds that:  “It’s better now than ever. This is what it was meant to sound like. So enjoy it…Another shot of Hanoi Rocks”.  

Pre-orders are open! We got black, blood red and exclusive blue vinyl Pre Order Here

Dr Feelgood – ‘Damn Right!’ (Grand Records)

Dr Feelgood – ‘Damn Right!’ (Grand Records)

It’s a surreal feeling, preparing to write a review for a new album by Dr Feelgood just days after the announcement of Wilko Johnson’s death. While Wilko’s recent health issues have been well documented, quite literally, his passing was a shock. For myself and so many others, he was an influence and the heart of the original line up.

That said, the current line up have achieved the feat of releasing an album of eleven new songs, all original compositions, which I believe is a first for the group. I admit that I’ve not paid close attention to their recent releases, but on hearing ‘Don’t Pull Your Punches’ on Spotify, my ears pricked right up. Something familiar here, a bit more muscle and intention than expected. Checking their website, I saw that guitarist Gordon Russell has rejoined the group, which goes some way to explaining it. No disrespect to anyone else, but he was always a class act; ‘Doctor’s Orders’ was great largely due to his playing.

So, he and vocalist Robert Kane have written a whole set of originals, from the addictive aforementioned tune, onto the more bluesy ‘Put The Blame On Me’ with its slide riff and harmonica. The album pitches its sound perfectly between Russell’s original sound whilst incorporating both styles of Wilko and Gypie. Put simply, it’s like they’ve rediscovered the fire in their belly. ‘Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is’ wouldn’t shame Mr Brilleaux, with its Canvey Delta strut, and ‘Damn Right I Do’ is like a tip of the hat to Mr Mayo. Class. It’s quite a shock.

Kevin Morris and Phil Mitchell hold down a tight rhythm section, as expected, which shines on the Wilko-flavoured ‘Take A Second Look’. It only slows down for ‘Blues Me’ and ‘I Need A Doctor’, but, crucially, the quality doesn’t drop. ‘Mary Ann’ sounds like you’ve always known it, the head starts nodding, and it brings a smile. Kane never tries to sound like Brilleaux, and his style suits the songs. ‘Inside Out’ should get your feet shuffling, simple but effective, while the instrumental ‘Last Call’ finishes things off in style.

After the first listen, I had to play it again. This album really is worthy of the name Dr Feelgood, and I don’t say that lightly. My Wilko portrait tattoo is testament to that. Sometimes life provides a pleasant surprise, just when you need it. It’s been a bittersweet week, but the Feelgoods have an album to be proud of.

Buy Here

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Author: Martin Chamarette

Del Greening – ‘Jinxed – How Not To Rock n Roll’ (T & M Books)

Del Greening – ‘Jinxed – How Not To Rock n Roll’ (T & M Books)

I loves a book, a real book with pages and everything especially when it’s about Rock n Roll and its excesses be it 100% honest or half honest and half bullshit but a good yarn all the same, I’m in. Come Join Del Greening, aka Del Strangefish, on a soul-destroying, ill-fated, near-100% real, everyday tour through the depths of rock ‘n’ roll without the private planes and seven-star hotels.

A chaotic 45-year ‘mission’, playing guitar, singing and producing records for iconic punk band Peter and the Test Tube Babies and his seven-year glitch sliding further down the slippery walk of shame with legendary rockers Flesh for Lulu (A band I happen to love). A bit harsh that Flesh For Lulu were a great band and featured the talents of One-time Urban Voodoo Machine six stringer Nick Marsh. Anyway, Let’s not get side-tracked.

He might well be misunderstood, Del turns his hand to touring the world, working with outrageous chart-toppers such as Ian Dury and the Blockheads and Lily Allen, until his sordid world of misadventures
is brought to a grinding halt by the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. This book is an unadulterated page-turner, over 300 pages of tales with pages of colour pictures from Del’s own archive. It’s 40 Chapters! either dive in from start to finish or dip in here and there its an easy read that lends itself well to the latter.


I recently giggled my way through Dwarves infamous drummer Vadge Moore’s autobiography and kept looking over my shoulder wondering if and when the taste police were going to show up and feel my collar so to speak. Well, Dels might not be quite as depraved, but it is certainly a page-turner. Lily Allen and Tony Hawkes are written about as is Lemmy. Del dishes the dirt in a funny engaging way that is a must-read for anyone who – like me loves a good Rock n Roll read. Its like the geezer sat in the pub telling stories tall or not I can turn page after page of this fluff.

Peter And The Test Tube Babies might not be a household name but fuck me sideways they had a laugh. Riots, punch-ups and everything in between. I never thought West Brom would get mentioned along with the odd arrest here and there but they are. Del doesn’t dress his tales up and there are no big words to bamboozle you with to give off the impression he’s a clever chap – far from it. It’s like a chat in a pub with a top bloke who knows he has a story or ten to pass the best night out away in a memorable fashion.

His early years seem quite normal and unspectacular and he lays his childhood out in unspectacular facts. Lucky Del I guess. He writes about early punk and how the Test Tubes came into being and tales of harassing John Peel without a care in the world. There are plenty of recounted stories from people who were there as some sort of legitimacy tactics from Del and maybe on times a way of passing the buck of responsibility for what went on but it works well and does indeed add weight to some of the tales. Christ, I wouldn’t remember what happened last week sometimes let alone decades ago. Girls for a pound wouldn’t happen today, would it? Look I don’t want to spill the beans on this mighty tome I’ll just let you know that it’s well worth the read and once again Those Tome & Matter boys have delivered a mighty fine read for the discerning punk rock reader. ‘Jinxed’ is right up there with the best of ’em – really well written and funny as hell. I highly recommend this book and like me you’ll be checking out the Del catalogue of work and appreciating some fine music from over the years.

NOT AVAILABLE IN BOOKSHOPS
ONLY AVAILABLE FROM TH WEBSTORE: Here

Brad Marino – ‘ Basement Beat’ ( Rum Bar Records/Hey Pizza Records)

Brad Marino – ‘ Basement Beat’ ( Rum Bar Records/Hey Pizza Records)

During the pandemic downtime, Marino has been writing a lot. As sort of a little songwriting challenge every once in a while he’d write some Ramonescore tunes. Considering that, it is almost a concept album. Most of the songs were written in 2020/2021. However, a couple are some of his first attempts at songwriting circa 2004.

Brad Marino was originally going to release this under an alias but decided to just make it a Brad Marino album on the advice of some of his closest people. It’s different than “Looking for Trouble” and “Extra Credit,” but it’s all rock and roll. Brad Marino did vocals and all instruments on the LP, except for drums, which were handled by Beau-Beau Basement.

Hell, not enough bands are worshiping at the altar of Da Bruthers and knocking out the rhythms. I know times change and music evolves but every now and again its wonderful to hear that at least someone still gets it. From the brattish riff-a-rama of those downstrokes to the Joey drawl and those insanely catchy melodies Dee Dee wrote in his sleep. ‘Communist Creep’ being one of the finest tunes Dee Dee never wrote.

Man, Brad must have been gutted that only he and the drummer were in on this bad boy. Twelve tracks of unadulterated joy from the player to the listener this is a wonderful tip of the hat. there are times I have to stop myself from wondering what Ramones album this or that was left off haha! running the whole gambit of Ramones styles Marino nails it song after song and for a lockdown project I’m yet to hear anything come close to this bad boy. Take a bow Mr. Marino you’ve done yourself proud and you’ve done the Ramones legacy a huge tip of the hat and ‘Baby Doll’ is just a killer. I don’t want to jinx another lockdown on anyone but who else could possibly get the tip of the hat treatment? Maybe every year you could do an EP at the very least, just a thought.

Vinyl Here / CD Here