Jesse Malin / Kris Gruen- The Fleece, Bristol – 05/10/21

Jesse Malin / Kris Gruen- The Fleece, Bristol – 05/10/21

Been waiting a long time to reacquaint myself with a Jesse Malin live show.  Throughout the pandemic, I tried watching various broadcasts and live streams but, not one single effort caught my imagination and made me set a reminder to tune in except for one; ‘The Fine Art Of Social Distancing’  Jesse Malin is someone who has always been on my musical radar from the moment in the 90s his band D Generation managed to save the decade with their punk rock n roll and when they broke up I went to New York in search of Bellvue and then Jesse went solo and I just couldn’t get enough of it from the 169 EP to the present pandemic Malin seemed to cut through whatever genre he chose I was on board.

 

I find myself easing back into live surroundings and having taken in a few over the last few weeks I ventured into the Fleece with a minute to spare before the excellent Kris Gruen (sure yes he the son of Bob) I mean if Bob Gruen was my dad I’d be telling everyone and sundry but he didn’t drop that Clang! until well in the set.

 

Kris was stripped down to just his voice and an acoustic guitar and to be fair it’s an impressive voice to begin with as he regaled us with songs from his new album as well as a couple of choice covers.  You could have heard a pin drop throughout his set as he went about his business.  Sure it was a soulful blend of countrified rock and roll but his take on ‘Bankrobber’ was majestic but his interpretation of the Thunders classic ‘Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory’ won me over.  Haunting and memorable as he took ownership in a way I’m sure Thunders would have approved of.  Warm-up or opening act call it what you will Kris Gruen won over a few new fans tonight in Bristol for his style and quality of craft just what the doctor ordered.

 

Onto Malin and his Guitar, Bass, Drums, and a piano band that was geared up to race through his repertoire picking up a song from here and there like a Magpie fluttering over the shiny songs like pieces of gold and silver and buffing off any cobwebs that might have gathered over the past eighteen months of being left in the box.

 

With a stunning new album in tow Malin slotted in songs like the blissful ‘Shining Down’ alongside classics like ‘Downliner’ and ‘Wendy’ but its more than that Malin engages with his audience like its a private gathering and only you and his band in the room regaling us with stories he’s gathered on his travels about his songs and the journey he and these tunes have been on.   Opening the set with ‘The Way We Used To Roll’ from the new album and then hitting ‘Backstabbers’ another new one before dopping the earworm that is ‘Downliner’ and then back into the new album with ‘Before You Go’.  Already there was a sense that this was going to be something special and sending out three new songs in the set so early was brave but it’s exactly what we needed and the energy pouring off the stage was huge.

 

I’m not sure the mains needed turning up but the standout track from ‘New York Before The War’ was a stomper before the shimmering ‘Room 13’ gave us some respite before a top rendition of The Pogues classic ‘Fall From Grace With God’ enabled everyone in the room to get loose and get up to speed because live shows are back baby and seeing Malin move through the audience looking for a bar or vantage point to climb was a beautiful thing.  I love the new record and the Blondie Noo Yawk disco beat of ‘A Little Death’ fitted in nicely showing another side of Jesse’s songwriting masterclass.

To be fair before we hit the encore Malin had given up seven new songs throughout the set and whilst I could go on he didn’t play this or that and nothing from ‘The Heat’ and only a pair off the debut solo album it was one of “Those” nights where everything seemed to be perfect and whilst it looked effortless and the band just hit their groove I’m sure it isn’t quite that easy.  It seemed apt that Jesse offered up his version of ‘Sway’ to Charlie Watts it was his parting shot of the excellent hymn for travellers from his new album ‘St Christopher’ seemed to have always been in the set and with Kris Gruen joining for some team spirit and vocal aid it was the parting gift of The Clash classic ‘Rudie Can’t Fail’ that sent us off into the cold Bristol night knowing we’d just seen a fantastic set from a unique talent and one of the best songwriters out there.

You can get so far with a little PMA and a pocketful of dreams but you still need the tunes and Jesse Malin has got a whole fuckin’ suitcase full of em and more the only regret was he didn’t have some Noo Yawk saxophone with him now that would have been something, maybe next time, please. Hopefully, with a little PMA, it won’t be so long before we can do this all over again. I can’t remember almost two hours of live music passing so quickly and leaving me wanting more.  Just what live shows should do. Brilliant simply brilliant.

 

Author: Dom Daley

 

Sad And Beautiful World Review Here

Jesse Malin – ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Jesse Malin – ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Written and recorded during the lost year of 2020, through times of fear, anxiety and isolation, to a background of sirens, street protests and impending doom, ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ is Jesse Malin’s 9th studio album. A follow up to the 2019 critically acclaimed album ‘Sunset Kids’, this 17-track double album was recorded sporadically by Jesse in his native New York at Flux Studios, with his touring band of 10 plus years, in-between weekly livestream shows from The Bowery.

 

‘Sad And Beautiful World’ is a double album spilt into two halves. First, we have the more mellow ‘roots rock’ of disc/record 1, followed by the slightly more upbeat ‘radical’ disc/record 2. Jesse is a troubadour who sings songs and tells stories about what he knows and what he experiences, and this album is not so much a Covid record, as an observation of feelings, fears and searching for redemption. Overall, it comes across as a record filled with hope in troubled times.

 

From the laid-back Americana of opener ‘Greener Pastures’ to the closing celebratory and euphoric ‘Saint Christopher’, out illustrious host takes us on a journey, a trip through his mind if you will.

 

To be honest the themes of the two records blur into one with not much to distinguish between roots and radical, and while this whole double album would fit snugly on one CD (like record companies insisted sometime in the 90’s), Jesse is old school and releases albums like his heroes, so we’ll go with the double album format. The single ‘State Of The Art’ for example is as upbeat as you like, it hits like a statement of intent, from that piano intro to the killer, familiar pop melody that builds to a classic Malin chorus, it’s up there with Billy Joel and Springsteen as far as I’m concerned, and don’t take that statement lightly.

 

If you’re a fan, you will probably be aware of several of these tunes already, as there have been quite a few singles in the past 12 months. From the retrospective ‘The Way We Used To Roll’ to the Lou Reed groove of ‘Backstabbers’, onto the heartfelt, rootsy balladry of ‘Tall Black Horses’, they all showcase the diversity and depth of a singer/songwriter at the top of his game.

 

For me, there were two songs that stood out from the crowd in the lead-up to the release, and after a dozen play-throughs of this album they still come out trumps. ‘Todd Youth’ is a gloriously heartfelt tribute to a fallen friend, featuring pumping NYC street bass, handclaps, and HR from Bad Brains. The juxtaposition of sad subject matter and an upbeat, radio-friendly melody makes for a tune that imbeds itself deep in the soul. Jesse also pays tribute to another fallen hero/influence by covering Tom Petty’s ‘Crawling Back To You’, a lesser-known but highly sentimental trip from his 1994 solo album ‘Wildflowers’. The bare-bones recording with acoustics, piano, and that unmistakable Malin NY drawl, its melancholic, starkly beautiful, and as much an album highlight here as the original was in its initial release.

 

Come to think of it, the ghost of Tom Petty rears his head throughout ‘Sad And Beautiful World’. The country twang and heartfelt feel of ‘Lost Forever’ is as Tom Petty as you can get. But there’s also nods to another icon David Bowie in his 80’s heyday on the likes of ‘Before You Go’ and ‘A Little Death’. Sometimes it’s just in the bassline or the way he phrases certain things, just listen and you’ll hear it, trust me.

 

For me, ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ harks back to Jesse’s debut album ‘The Fine Art Of Self Destruction’ that came out nearly 20 years ago. The mark of a great songwriter is the ability to take you on a lyrical and melodic journey, and the fact that Jesse still has the power to create emotional works of art filled with hope, optimism and heartbreak in equal measures is a testament to his years on the road and his ability to express and keep it real. An essential purchase for all you rastas, as Jesse would say.

Buy here

Author: Ben Hughes

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

John E Vistic is a British-Australian, Bristol-based singer-songwriter, and the lead singer and guitarist for The John E Vistic Rock N Roll Soundsystem. Vistic is also lead guitarist with James Ray and the Blackhearted Riders, most recently touring and playing on their Broken Glass & Bullet Holes album. James Ray is known for his work with Gang War and The Sisters of Mercy. Vistic was lead singer with the band Crippled Black Phoenix on their ‘No Sadness or Farewell’ album and tour. Vistic’s last solo album Welcome Down the Night, was produced by Tristan Longworth (Jon Allen/The Third Degree). It features collaborations with members of Primal Scream, Morcheeba, Jon Allen, the Marc Ford band, and Rachel Stamp, as well as Katey Brooks and Vistic’s own band The John E Vistic Rock N Roll Soundsystem.

Find John E Vistic online at:WEBSITE / BANDCAMP /YOUTUBE

 

Produced by Bitch Queens (2021). Camera & Cut by Christian Taro. Assistance by Dominik Asche. Drones by David Löffel & Simon Lichtenberger. Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3BNrYoY Shop: https://store.bitchqueens.com

 

Singles Club – August / September – Still All Killer No Filler

Singles Club – August / September – Still All Killer No Filler

Poison Boys – ‘Little Speedway Girl’ (Riot Records) gang vocals, twelve bar chords on the chorus, snotty vocals why these Poison Boys spoil us with their Rock n Roll songs. Bring on the album already if this is what it consists of.  Love it long time baby. 

If someone is saying the Pandemic has killed Rock n Roll needs to go see the ear doctor because this is Rock and Roll as fuck and some.  Now go tell yer friends. The huge chorus has had us singing along since the song initially appeared on the b-side to 2017’s ‘Bad Mouth’ single, and the song is finally getting it’s time in the limelight after the band re-recorded for ‘Don’t You Turn on Me’.

Pre-Save/Pre-Order‘Little Speedway Girl‘ HERE

 

The Boys – ‘I’m A Believer’ (Action Records / Revolution Records) This is the 2021 single version of the classic rocker from the band’s last studio album ‘Punk Rock Menopause’ with that classic strumming acoustic guitar holding the rhythm whilst the vocals take it to the next level and more layered gang vocals that are always superb when these gents get hold of em.  Housed in a very impressive glossy CD gatefold always bucking trends the boys have only released this on limited edition CD  with a lyric insert. The second offering is the superb Honest John sung ‘She’s The Reason’, had this been released by The Ramones music fans would have said it was the last classic track by the bruvvers. For me, the main reason (sorry for the pun) is track three ‘(There Ain’t No) Just One Beer’ with a barnstorming guitar laid down by the one and only Petter Baarli and ably assisted on the ole joanna by Daniel Rossing.  Another day another awesome release from the band. Record of the week?  I should coco.

The single will be available on all streaming and download platforms also on 3 September. Hit em up here

 

The Black Halos – ‘Uncommonwealth’ (Cursed Blessing Records)  No brainer here.  Another new single from the most awesome Black Halos. Backed by a blistering take on the much underrated long-defunct UK indie hipsters Birdland who for any amongst us who ever saw them live embodied that spirit that The Halos have in spades and the superb ‘Fossil Fuel’ that was first released back in 2016 when the band played a few shows in Europe. The Black Halos have stayed true to the music that is coursing through their veins and always release passionate and worthy tunes and this is no exception –  a superb three-track EP that’s well worth importing wherever you are. Record of the week? It’s a tie break with the Boys for sure.  Now hurry up and deliver my wax please Mr postman I’m getting impatient, oh, there’s an album on the way which is even more exciting news – Buy it Here

 

 

Amazing Grave – ‘Dog Chained To Dog’ (Eric’s Cool Records)  You want noise?  we can deliver plenty of that or rather this Canadian duo can.  Coming on like Portishead brought up on some extreme metal and trip-hop meets Royal Blood.  Eric must have some pretty cool records if this is the fruit of his work.  Check em out here

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lorne Behrman – ‘When I Hit The Floor’  (Spaghetty Town Records) When the vocals kicked in I was instantly reminded of the excellent Pursuit Of Happiness. Some cool guitar licks with some sneered, spoken, cool lyrics delivered in a nonchalant way makes for a really good tune.  NYC rocker Lorne, singer-songwriter-guitarist who previously played in The Dimestore Haloes, L.E.S. Stitches, The Dead Tricks, and most recently The Sweet Things goes it alone on this EP released in early October but starts promoting it with this lead track and video.

WEBSITE /FACEBOOK /INSTAGRAM

KING ZEBRA – ‘Hot Cop Lady’ (Crusader Records)  New school old school hard rock. ‘Hot Cop Lady’ is a pure 90’s, hard-rock-infused banger of a track that harks back to the glory days when Biff in spandex was no big deal.

Who says you can’t have fun stretching the truth in a rock song? Hot cop lady, leather and chains, misogyny, finger tapping.   This fast hard-rocking crowd-pleaser will get you air-guitaring the riffs and chanting the anthemic chorus. From the epicentre of NWOSHM King Zebra raaaaaawk!

 

 

 

 

IRMANS – ‘Hermano’ (No Front Teeth Records & Dirty Water Records)  Unable to play live with their existing bands, Jose Reilly (Le Jonathan Reilly, Caballo Tripode) and Manuel Santos (Lucy & The Rats, Johnny Throttle, Thee Tumbitas, Michael Jackson) decided to put together some ideas and start rehearsing as a two-piece, new wave/punk band, “IRMANS” (“brothers” in Galician).

After two months of writing and rehearsing, they decided to add Francho Wilson as a third member of the band. With a background in electronic music with the act “We Are Not Brothers”, Francho added the synth they didn’t know they needed!

Their first release is a 7” single on the legendary No Front Teeth Records (physical) and Dirty Water Records (digital) entitled, of course, “Hermano” (“brothers” in Spanish).

Available to pre-order both vinyl and digital from https://irmans.bandcamp.com/releases.

 

Jesse Malin – ‘Tall Black Horses’ (Wicked Cool Records)  ‘Tall Black Horses’ is a single from Jesse Malin’s upcoming double album, ‘Sad and Beautiful World’, out September 24 on Wicked Cool Records.  Over his 40 year career, Malin has established himself across many genres from hardcore to Americana, and ‘Sad and Beautiful world’ embraces his versatility.  Of ‘Tall Black Horses,’ Malin says, “the song is about taking your worst fears and insecurities and owning them, conquering them, riding on through tall and big – being bold without fear and regret.  Everybody gets hurt. Everybody gets their heartbroken. It’s part of the journey. Ride on.”  He wrote the song on an acoustic guitar, and credits producers Derek Cruz and Geoff Sanoff for, “taking it to a much wider and vivid sonic place that I’ve never been before.”  Link

 

 

Kurt Baker – ‘Keep It Tight’ (Wicked Cool Records)  This is the second installment of Kurt Baker’s series of singles coming out this year, and the only one which will be available as a 7″ on vinyl.  The a-side, ‘Keep It Tight,’ was written by Michael Garrett and Gary Alan Holmes, and was originally released by Single Bullet Theory in 1980.  Kurt describes hearing the song for the first time as “an electric feeling.”  He says, “it’s been an inspiration to us for many years and many albums, but especially on our last full-length album “After Party”. A couple of songs we challenged ourselves to write our own version of “Keep It Tight”, or at least we tried.”  Their version of the song was originally recorded during the “After Party” sessions.  The b-side, ‘Get Away’ is an outtake from The Kurt Baker Band’s 2020 album, After Party, and was written by Julian Leal.  These tracks bring Kurt’s signature power-pop sound to the forefront, as well as honoring his inspirations.  Stay tuned for more in this series of singles. Pre Order

 

The Bloodshots – ‘Bad Moon Rising’  (Golden Robot Records) Canadian rockers THE BLOODSHOTS are back to follow up the success of their single ‘No Way Out’ with a modern, dirtied up version of the classic Credence Clearwater Revival tune, ‘Bad Moon Rising’, and why not?  Sure it’s tough to beat the original here but the guys give it a good go and it’s one of those tunes you’d have to try hard to really fuck it up which they don’t.  Enjoy!

 

Singles Club – The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Singles Club – The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

OK, so April is well underway and we pay a visit to the singles club as we’ve ad a few belters that need to be spun.  Its like London busses, when you wait for ages a whole bunch turn up at once  well.  The Singles Club is like that.

 

Chubby & The Gang – ‘Lightning Don’t Strike Twice’ (Partisan Records) London punks Chubby & The Gang are back with a no-holds-barred thunder in a bottle of pub Rockin blues based punk rock. Picture a bit of slide for a prelude before a quick drum roll that’s like a fumble around the back of the disco before the two litres of bow kicks in and its onto the dance floor with your mates because the DJ is playing Sham 69. Chubbys not fucking about with his gang as they knock out an infectious couple of minutes of noise that just burrows down inside your ear and stays put.  Can’t wait for the new album?  This will have to do…for now. Chubby ain’t going to lose on this evidence he’s a winner and I don’t think he should ever have doubted it.    We’ll run the news with the video later in the week along with links for where you can get your grubby mitts on this bad boy!

 

The Lancasters – ‘Scallywag’  (Fuzzy Cracklins Presents (CA))  Italian rock and rollers release a new video for the single ‘Scallywag’.  ‘Scallywag’ talks about the lies that people accept as words of truth, superstitions and other inaccuracies perpetuated by the media, the internet, and other scallywags.  From the video, you can hear the band have an ear for the likes of The Kinks and a bit of Dave Edmunds and even some McCartney going on here.  With a decent tune the band aren’t to be confused with the Oi! band of the same name.  This is a good time slice of rock and roll – enjoy it!  Grab it here

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Dinosaur Jr. ‘Garden’ (Jagjaruwar)  A second taster of the wizardly trio’s new album, ‘Sweep It Into Space’ (co-produced by the band and the inimitable Kurt Vile), ahead of it landing in a few weeks’ time.  This time out it’s ‘Garden’ getting an airing, which ranks among the finest Lou contributions to a Dinosaur Jr. record, a soaring, breezy ballad with soft guitar filigree that builds into a wholesome song that never gets out of hand and remains a heartfelt charming song and another great reason to preorder the album.  Lou sings on two of the songs off the new album with ‘Garden’ being one of his strongest offerings to date. check out the video here. Excited much?

 

 

Ravagers – ‘Down The Road’ (Spaghetty Town Records)  Another new track from the much anticipated long player (due September) from Baltimore’s finest.   Ravagers wisely used their downtime to decamp to record in Atlanta with Tuk Smith and Dan Dixon where they used their collective skills to hone the Ravagers into the lean fighting machine that we hear today on this single.

The song has a polished edge that wasn’t present on previous offerings and maybe that’s what they needed making them more assessable to the masses.  This has a great hook on the chorus and is short but oh so sweet more aggressive than ‘Nasty Night’ but its the second slice of Rock and Roll and a sidestep from the previous release which makes a mouth-watering proposition for the new album. Its littered with rock and roll diamonds glistening with every lick and pounding drum beat.  Get an earful of this and get September in yer diary as Ravagers new album month.

Spaghetty Town Facebook / Big Cartel 

 

 

Atomic Eater / Kool & The Gang Bangers – ‘Split’ (Helvetes Kitchen/No Front Teeth)  It was a no brainer that this slice of Scandi Punk would come out on NFT its the perfect fit, to be fair it’s lo-fi not no-fi with some added drum machine action to accompany the swirling synths.  They have a sound that’s a perfect fit for NFT Records and behind that scratching guitar that’s driving this hypnotic tune from start to finish is a really good song.  As for Kool & The Gang Bangers, it’s again a lo-fi extravaganza of abrasive guitars and crash band wallop then they were gone.  You know where to go for this split if not then head over to Bandcamp.  It’s short but oh so sweet!

 

 

 

 

DeeCRACKS – ‘Lost In The Middle’ (Pirates Press)  A most excellent song from Europes finest.  Its not as rapid as I was expecting and slowing down the attack has ‘Lost In The Middle’ coming across as more Rocket From the Crypt rather than The Ramones and its a really good tune for it. Pick up the album here

Bandcamp

 

Venomous Pinks – ‘Based On A True Story’ (Self Released)   Tracks taken from the bands Bridge City Sessions. Arizona punk rockin trio sound fantastic like the Ramones meets L7 with a whole bunch of attitude that seems like it’s well suited to the live session arena and seeing as they have a liking for TSOL in their press kit it was a no brainer for me.

 

Head over to iTunes Here or Spotify Here and save this cracker.  The lead track is indeed a take on the Joan Jett track but they amp it right up and give the original a damn good run for its money.

 

 

The Automatics – ‘Shine Everlasting’ It’s an uplifting track taken from the album’ A Grand Swandive Into The Void’  The band host an impressive back catalogue of old school punk n roll with catchy powerpop hooks and ‘Shine Everlasting’ is a great example of what they can deliver.  check out the video and their impressive back-catalogue over on www.theautomatics.co.uk.  they’ve been around for several decades and some and were regulars back in the day at venues like The Marquee Club when it was on Wardour street

 

HUMAN FAILURE – ‘Barbed Wire State’ (Riot Records)  Of course they’re punk as fuck – with a name like human Failure and singing about barbed wire states it’s like 82 never happened.  But from the bass rumble and caustic riff its howling feedback and raw vocals is always a winner. 

The bands upcoming ‘Urchin EP’ begins with a flat-out hardcore that’s done in the blink of an eye or 30 seconds, starting the EP with a bang and giving a taste of what’s to come. It then opens up to more melodic and metal flavours and ends with driving hardcore punk.  Check out these Australian noise bringers Here

Pre-order/pre-save ‘Barbed Wire State’ HERE

 

Jesse Malin – ‘The Way We Used To Roll’  (Wicked Cool Records)  Saving the best till last here’s the new one from the inimitable Jesse Malin  Available now on Wicked Cool Records Here

A laid back mid-period Stones like number sees Malin not waiting on a friend but forging ahead on his own.  Some great interplay going on here with a fantastic arrangement bring on a new album we need it!  ‘Time Runner’ is another with that Jesse Malin swagger going on upbeat and thoroughly enjoyable over and over again.

 

 

Best Of 2020

Best Of 2020

The Best Of The Best

according to the team at RPM Online

 

It’s gotten to the time of year when everyone seems to be putting the past twelve months in order and creating their lists or best of and we read on social media that it’s been a bit of a rubbish year for new releases etc. Now we know that’s not quite true and bands and solo artists have been making good use of lockdown and releasing some pretty impressive albums and singles be it virtually or remotely or when possible in an actual studio.

Here at RPM Online, we pride ourselves on bringing you the best of those releases from far-flung places and the darkest recesses of the Rock and Roll world and this is where the talented bunch of writers get to reveal what is at the top of their lists for 2020.

I’d personally like to thank the writers for the hard work and dedication during such a difficult year for everyone and first and foremost would like to thank them for their efforts in bringing such talented writing to everyone’s attention.  the one thing that stands out is whilst we all champion alternative music it’s generally a very diverse pool we dive in for our musical highs yet there are many common threads.  I’d also like to thank the PR that send through the countless emails and the ones who do an outstanding job above and beyond for the bands to make this past year work and not totally collapse as well as the labels who release a lot of these albums at great personal expense thank you one and all and the biggest thank you goes to those of you who’ve taken the time in real life to check in on us be it a daily read or the occasional glance thank.  so without further delay please check out our end of year list from Best Albums, Best EP, Best Single, Best Reissue, Best music-related Book, and yes live concert (there were plenty in the first few months honest)

Enjoy –

 

 

Craggy

Albums of 2020

Levellers – ‘Peace’ (On The Fiddle Recordings)

Bob Mould – ‘Blue Hearts’ (Merge Records)

Kathleen Edwards – ‘Total Freedom’ (Dualtone)

Soul Asylum – ‘Hurry up and Wait’ (Blue Elan Records)

Craggy Collyde – ‘Wrapped up in Ribbons’ (Break Me Records)

Warner E Hodges – ‘Just Feels Right’ (JCPL)

Pete Berwick – ‘Too Cow to Punk’ (Self Release)

Dark Rags – ‘Suburbia’ (Backstab Records)

Parketový Lev – ‘Parketový Lev’ (Papagájův Hlasatel Records)

Rabbit Slow – ‘Coming Waves’ (Self Release)

 

 

Nev Brooks

Albums of 2020

Bob Vylan – ‘We live Here’ (Self Release)

Jesse Malin – ‘Sunset Kids’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Humanist – ‘Humanist’ (Self Release)

Suzie Stapleton – ‘We Are The Plague’ (Negative Prophet Records)

Mark Lanegan – ‘Straight songs of Sorrow’ (Heavenly)

Duncan Reid and the Bigheads – ‘Don’t Blame yourself’ (Lbh Records)

Psychedelic Furs – ‘Made of Rain’ (Cooking Vinyl)

Asaf Avidan – ‘Agnorisis’ (Telmavar Records)

Me and that Man – ‘New Songs, Same shit vol 1’ (Napalm Records)

Nick Cave – ‘Idiots Prayer’ (Bad Seed LTD)

Dystopian Future Movies – ‘Inviolate’ (Lasairfhiona Records)

The Levellers – ‘Peace’ (On The Fiddle Recordings)

Ryan Hamilton and the Harlequin Ghosts – ‘Nowhere To Go But Everywhere’ (Wicked Cool Records)

The Cravats – ‘Hoorahland’ (Sef Release)

Sault – ‘Untitled (Black is)’ (Forever Living Originals)

Bill Fisher – ‘Mass Hypnosis and the Dark Triad’ (Septaphonic Records)

Stay voiceless – ‘Lies to Tell Your Children’ (GMC)

The Dowling Poole – ‘See You See Me’ (Self Release)

Jehnny Beth – ‘To love is To Live’ (20L07 Records)

The Strokes – ‘The New Abnormal’ (RCA Cult Records)

 

Top 5 e.ps

 

Bar Stool Preachers – ‘Soundtrack to your Apocalypse’ (Pirates Press Records)

Jesse Malin – ‘Ameri’ka’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard – ‘Non Stop e.p.’ (Communion Records)

The Damned – ‘Rockfield sessions’ (Spinefarm Records)

Paul Ronney Angel – ‘Seven Spanish Angels’ (Self Release)

 

Top 5 Re-issues / Boxsets

 

Twin Temple – ‘Present Their Signature Sound (Satanic Doo Wop)’ (Rise Above Records)

New Model Army – ‘Carnival’ (Attack Attack Records)

David Bowie – ‘Metrobolist’ (Parlophone)

Rolling Stones – ‘Goats Head Soup’ (Rolling Stones Records)

Prince – ‘Sign Of The Times’ (NPG Records, Warner Records, The Prince Estate)

 

 

 

Dom Daley

Albums of 2020

Stiff Richards – ‘State Of Mind’ (Legless Records/Drunken Sailor Records)

Chubby & The Gang – ‘Speed Kills’ (Partisan Records)

Mud City Manglers – ‘Give Me The Hammer’ (Beluga Records)

Wayne Hussey & The Divine – ‘Live At The Bridge’ (Eyes Wide Shut Records)-

Thee acid tongue – ‘Snake Rattle And Roll (Bear Beach Records)

Bob Mould – ‘Blur Hearts’ (Merge Records)

Bob Vylan – ‘We Live Here’ (Self Release)

Marylin Manson – ‘We Are Chaos’ (Lorna Vista)

Cabbage – ‘Amanita Pantherina’ (Brassica Records)

Deathtrap – ‘Stole Your Rock and Roll’ (Spirit Of Disaster)

Lovesores – ‘Bats From Planet Skull’ (Self Release)

Wyldlife – ‘Year Of The Snake’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Duncan Reid & The Bigheads – ‘Don’t Blame Yourself’ (Lbh Records)

The Good The Bad And The Zugly – ‘Algorithm And Blues’ (Fysisk Format)

Midnight – ‘Rebirth By Blasphemy’ (Metal Blade Records)

Tommy Ray  – ‘First Hits Free’ (Cool Cat Music)

Mick Rossi – ‘All The Saints & All The Souls’ (TJM Records)

The Hip Priests – ‘Solid Gold Easy Option’ (Speedo Wax Records)

Chuck Prophet – ‘The Land That Time Forgot’ (Yup Rock)

Bruce Springsteen – ‘Letter To You’ (Columbia Records)

 

Single of the year

The Black Halos -‘ Ain’t No Time To Say Goodbye’ (Self Release)

Rock ‘n’ Roll Manifesto vol 1(Stamp Out Disco)

Jesse Malin – ‘Todd Youth’ (Wicked Cool Records)

 

Reissue / Boxset

The Boys – ‘The Safari years’ (Cherry Red Records)

Motochrist – ‘Greatest Hits’ (Dr Wu Records)

New Model Army – ‘Carnival’ (Attack Attack)

Buzzcocks – ‘Sell You Everything’ (Cherry Red Records)

Keith Richards – ‘ Live At The Hollywood Palladium’ (Virgin America)

Coloursound – ‘Coloursound’ (The Great North Western Recording Company)

Manic Street Preachers – ‘Gold Against The Soul’ (Sony Music)

 

 

Music-related Books of the Year

Alvin Gibbs – ‘Diminished Responsibility Volume 1’ (Tome & Metre Publishing)

‘Clang!’ (Smiley drops a few) – Steve ‘Smiley’ Barnard (GTP)

‘What Makes The Monkey Dance’ – Chuck Prophet & Green On Red – Stevie Simkin (Jaw Bone)

 

Best E.P. 

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard – ‘Non Stop’ (Communion Records)

Bar stool preachers. – ‘Soundtrack To The Apocolypse’ (Pirates Press Records)

Chesty Malone and the Slice ‘Em Ups – ‘Covered In Blood! Quarantine Covers’

 

 

Live show of the year

Bar stool preachers – Bristol, Rough Trade

Mike Peters – Gathering – Llandudno North Wales

The Bellrays – le Pub, Newport

The Wildhearts – Cardiff, Tramshed

The Interrupters – Cardiff, Tramshed

 

2021 wishes?  I’d love to see an end to restrictions (stating the obvious I know) but it would be smart to see the Proposed Vive Le Rock show take place with Michael Monroe fronting the Lords Of The New Church and live shows becoming a thing again.  Other than that Stay Safe and look out for each other.

 

Dan Kasm

Albums Of 2020

Bambara – ‘Stray‘ (Wharf Cat Records)
…Trail Of Dead – ‘X The Godless Void and Other Stories’ (Dine Alone Records)
Airborne Toxic Event – ‘Hollywood Park’ (Rounder Records)
Bdrmm – ‘Bdrmm’ (Sonic Cathedral)
Zombeaches – ‘Zombeaches’ (Self Release)
The Blinders – ‘Fantasies of the Stay at Home Psychopath’ (Modern Sky Music)
Neonic Sundrive – ‘Lies Paradise’ (Self Release)
The Wildhearts – ’30 Year Itch’ (Round Records)
Neil Young – ‘Homegrown’ (Reprise Records)
Reissues / Boxsets
The Guilty Hearts – ‘The Guilty Hearts’ (Voodoo Rhythm Records)
Anna Calvi – ‘Hunted’ (Domino Records)
Virgin Suicides – ‘ost’ (Parlophone)
Neil Young – ‘After the Gold Rush’ 50th anniversary (Reprise Records)
Iggy & the Stooges – ‘You Think You’re Bad Man’ (Cherry Red Records)
EPs
Eyesore & the Jinx – ‘The Exile Parlour’ (Eggy Records)
Grow Rich – ‘Frantic Semantic’ (Self Release)
The Lotts – ‘We Are The Lotts’ (Self Release)
The Mysterines – ‘Love’s Not Enough’ (Self Release)
Various Artists – ‘Not Psycho Enough?’ Cosmic Psychos Tribute (Dull City Records)
Singles
The Dry Retch – ‘12000 Miles From New’
Murmur – ‘Shame’ (Self Release)
Salt The Snail – ‘Junkyard Cat’ (Self Release)
Psychedelic Furs – ‘Don’t Believe’ (Cooking Vinyl)
Silverbacks – ‘Drool’ (Nice Swan Records)
Music-related Books of the Year
Dave Haslam – ‘Looking for Love – Courtney Love in Liverpool’
Justin Quirk – ‘Ain’t Nothin’ But A Good Time – The Rise & Fall of Glam Metal’ (Unbound Digital)
Mikel Jollett – ‘Hollywood Park’ (Sceptre)
Gigs
The Wildhearts, Backyard Babies – Manchester Ritz
The Dry Retch, Tio Rico – Liverpool Outpost
Mysterines, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard –  Liverpool Jimmys
2021
I’m hopeful for the new year that I will get some normality in order to attend the inaugural event of the new Futurama festival as well as 2000 Trees, HRH Sleaze & Psych as well as numerous other gigs and events. Like a lot of people the past 9 months has put things in perspective, grab things with both hands and tick off ‘bucket list’ life events instead putting them off.

 

Fraser Munro

Albums Of 2020

Scumbag Millionaire – ‘Poor and Infamous’ (Suburban Records)

The good, The Bad And The Zugly – ‘Algorithm & Blues’ (Fysisk Format)

Beat City Tubeworks – ‘Top Rock’ (The Sign Records)

Mud City Manglers – ‘Give Me The Hammer’ (Beluga Records, Spaghetty Town Records, Ghost Highway Records)

Supersuckers – ‘Play That Rock ‘N’ Roll’ (Acetate Records)

Christmas – ‘Hot Nights In Saint Vandal’ (TNS Records)

DBOY – ‘New Records In Human Power’ (Dine Alone Records)

Hank Von Hell – ‘Dead’ (Sony Music)

Kvelertak – ‘Splid’ (Rise Records)

ACDC – ‘Power Up’ (Columbia)

The Wildhearts – ’30 Year Itch’ (Round Records)

 

Reissues / Boxset

Black Halos – FFTS Demos & Rarities (Bandcamp)

The Hip Priests – Solid Gold Easy Option (Speedowax Records)

Midnight Evils – Straight ‘Til Morning (Sweet Ohm Ramalama)

 

 

Gigs

Undertones et al – Minehead

Wildhearts / Backyard Babies – Cardiff

Wildhearts / Backyard Babies – London

Guida – Bristol

Showaddywaddy – Swansea

 

 

Johnny Hayward

Albums Of The Year 2020

Aerial Salad – ‘Dirt Mall’ (Plasterer/Roach Industries)

Henrik Palm – ‘Poverty Metal’ (Svart Records)

The Wildhearts – ‘30 Year Itch’ (Round Records)

Mondo Generator – ‘Fuck It’ (Heavy Psych Records)

Then Comes Silence – ‘Machine’ (Oblivion/SPV, Metropolis Records)

Midnight – ‘Rebirth By Blasphemy’ (Metal Blade Records)

Kvelertak – ‘Splid’ (Rise Records/World Records)

The Dowling Poole – ‘See You See Me’ (369 Music)

Lovesores – ‘Bats From Planet Skull’ (Self Released)

Dirt Box Disco – ‘TV Sex Show’ (Avenue Recordz)

Division Of Laura Lee – ‘Apartment’ (Welfare Sounds)

Spunk Volcano & The Eruptions – ‘Barry Milner Is Thick’ (Avenue Recordz)

Stay Voiceless – ‘Lies To Tell Your Children’ (GMC)

Deathtraps – Stole Your Rock ‘N’ Roll (Spirit Of Disaster)

Scumbag Millionaire – ‘Poor and Infamous’ (Suburban Records)

HMLTD – ‘The West Is Dead’ (Lucky Number)

The Hip Priests – Solid Gold Easy Option (Speedo Wax Records)

The Speedways – ‘Radio Sounds’ (Alien Snatch Records, Snap!! Records/Hurrah Musica and Beluga Records)

Marilyn Manson – ‘We Are Chaos’ (Lorna Vista)

Mariachi El Bronx – Musica Muerta Volumes 1&2 (White Drugs)

 

EPs

The Bar Stool Preachers – ‘State Of Emergency’ (Pirate’s Press)

Lickerish Quartet – ‘Threesome Vol 1’ (Lickerish Quartet/Label Logic)

The Wildhearts – ‘30 Year Itch’ (Encores) (Round Records)

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard – ‘The Non Stop EP’ (Communion Records)

Bob Vylan – ‘We Live Here’ (Venn Records)

 

 

Reissues / Boxset

UFO – ‘Strangers In The Night’ (Super Deluxe) (Chrysalis)

Def Leppard – ‘The Early Years’ (Mercury)

Bob Mould – ‘Distortion’ (Demon)

Keith Richards & The X-pensive Winos – ‘Live At The Hollywood Palladium’ (Mindless Records)

Black Sabbath – ‘Paranoid’ (50th Anniversary) (Sanctuary Records)

 

Music-related Books of the Year

Alvin Gibbs – ‘Diminished Responsibility Volume 1’ (Tome & Metre Publishing)

Rob Halford – ‘Confess’ (Headline)

Reuben Archer – ‘Rock N Rollercoaster Ride’ (Toxic Arrow)

 

Live Gigs

The Bar Stool Preachers – Rough Trade, Bristol – 6th March 2020

Great British Alternative Weekend – Butlins Minehead – 28th February – 1st March 2020

Bad Sam – Le Pub, Newport – 14th February 2020

Giuda – Louisiana, Bristol – 18th January 2020

The Bellrays – Le Pub, Newport – 17th January 2020

Wonk Unit – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff – 11th January 2020

 

Bandcamp Discovery

Guerrilla Teens

 

Best Single

The Hip Priests – ‘Zero Fucks Given’​/’​Social Hand Grenade’ (Shitpark Records)

 

Most Looking Forward to in 2021

Going to a gig.

 

 

 

Ben Hughes

Albums of 2020

Butch Walker – ‘American Love Story’ (Ruby Red Records)

Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts – ‘Nowhere To Go But Everywhere’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Wyldlife – ‘Year Of The Snake’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Baby Chaos – ‘Ape Confronts Cosmos’ (Three Hands Records)

Dangereens – ‘Tough Luck’ (Alien Snatch Records)

Hellbound Glory – ‘Pure Scum’ (BCR Los Angeles)

Hello Operator – ‘S/T’ (Self Release)

Me And That Man – ‘New Man, New Songs, Same Shit’ (Napalm Records)

Low Cut Connie – ‘Private Lives’ (Contender Records)

The Speedways – ‘Radio Sounds’ (Alien Snatch Records, Beluga Records, Snap Records, Hurrah Records)

 

EPs

The Lickerish Quartet – ‘Threesome Vol. 1’ (Label Logic)

Saint Agnes – ‘The Family Strange’ (Death Or Glory Gang Records)

Junkyard – ‘Rome Is Burning’ (Acetate Records)

Hands Off Gretel – ‘The Angry EP’ (Puke Pop Records)

The Future Shape Of Sound – ‘It’s Gone All Wrong’ (Self Release)

 

Reissues / Boxset

Diamond Dogs – ‘Too Much Is Always Better Than Not Enough’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

Diamond Dogs – ‘Weekend Monster’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

Diamond Dogs – The Atlantic Juice’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

 

Gigs 

The Wildhearts/Backyard Babies/CKY – 02 Academy, Newcastle

Jesse Malin – Headrow House, Leeds

 

Livestreams

Jesse Malin – The Fine Art Of Self-Distancing

Baby Chaos

Low Cut Connie – Tough Cookies

 

Gerald Stansbury

Albums

Soraia – ‘Dig Your Roots’ (Wicked Cool Recotrds)

Massive Wagons – ‘House of Noise’ (Earache Records)

Ward Davis – ‘Black Cats and Crows’ (LLC)

Karen Jonas –  ‘The Southwest Sky and Other Dreams’ (Self Release)

Brooke Brown – ‘Troubled Heart’ (Self Release)

The Nude Party – ‘Midnight Manor’ (New West Records)

Vulvarine –  ‘Unleashed’ (Self Release)

Dangereens – ‘Tough Luck’ (Alian Snatch)

The Rumours – ‘Suck It’ (Self Release)

Lucifer Star Machine  – ‘The Devil’s Breath’ (The Sign Records)

Gareth Leach – ‘Trigger’ (Self Release)

Steve Earle & the Dukes –  ‘Ghosts of West Virginia’ (New West Records)

Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen – ‘Hold my Beer Volume 2’  (Lil Buddy Tunes)

Tyla – ‘Isolation Crossing Collection’ (King Outlaw Records)

Low Cut Connie – ‘Private Lives’ (Contender Records)

D.L. Marble – ‘One Line at a Time’ (Self Release)

Reckless Kelly  – ‘American Jackpot/ American Girls’ (No Big Deal Records)

Givvi Flynn –  ‘Tomboy’ (Self Release)

Armored Saint – ‘Punching the Sky’ (Metal Blade Records)

Butch Walker ‘American Love Song’ (Ruby Red Production)

 

Single of the Year 

Charlotte Leigh – ‘Life’

 

EP of the Year

Quinn the Brain – ‘Wide Open’

 

Reissue of the Year

Def Leppard ‘The Early Years’

 

Gareth ‘Hotshot’ Hooper

Albums 

Duncan Reid And The Bigheads – ‘Don’t Blame Yourself’ (Little Big Head Records)

The Network – ‘money money 2020 part 2 we told ya so’ (Warner Records)

Billie Joe Armstrong – ‘No Fun Mondays’ (Warner Records)

Green day- ‘Father Of All Motherfuckers’ (Warner Records)

Deathtraps – ‘Stole Your Rock’n’Roll’ (Spirit Of Disaster)

The Damned – ‘The Rockfield files’ (Spinefarm Records)

Stop worrying and love the bomb – ‘Fake Nature’

 

Gigs

The Bellrays – Le Pub Newport

The Wildhearts  / Backyard Babies – Cardiff Tramshed

Reissues / Boxset

Iggy and the stooge – ‘From KO to chaos’

The Boys – ‘On Safari’

Johnny Thunders – ‘Que sera Sera Resurrected’

Buzzcocks – ‘Sell You Everything’ (Cherry Red Records)

Buzzcocks – ‘Late For The Train’ (Cherry Red Records)

 

Music-related Books of the Year

Alvin Gibbs – ‘Diminished Responsibility Volume 1’ (Tome & Metre Publishing)

Joe Strummer – ‘Redemption Song’

The Replacements – ‘All Over But The Shouting’

Gaz Tidey

Albums of the Year

Butch Walker – ‘American Love Story’ (Red Ruby Production)

Larkin Poe – ‘Self Made Man’ (Tricki Woo Records)

Lamb Of God – ‘Lamb Of God’ (Epic)

Bob Vylan – ‘We Live Here’ (Venn Records)

Ryan Hamilton & the Harlequin Ghosts – ‘Nowhere To Go But Everywhere’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Onslaught – ‘Generation Antichrist’ (AFM Records)

Baby Chaos – ‘Ape Confronts Cosmos’ (Three Hands Records)

C.J. Wildheart – ‘Siege’ (Devilspit)

Foxy Shazam – ‘Burn’ (EEEOOOAH Records)

Kvelertak – ‘Splid’ (Rise Records)

Tairrie B. – ‘Feminenergy’ (Self Release)

Cro-Mags – ‘In The Beginning’ (Mission Two Entertainment)

Mommy Sez No – ‘The Dwellers Below’ (Self Release)

EPs of the Year

The Lickerish Quartet – ‘Threesome Vol. 1’ (Label Logic)

Chesty Malone and the Slice ‘Em Ups – ‘Covered In Blood! Quarantine Covers’ (Self Release)

American Hi-fi – ‘Anywhere Else But Here’ (Rude Records)

Tyla’s Dogs D’Amour – ‘The Powder Dry EP’ (King Outlaw Records)

Chris Catalyst – ‘Acoustic Machines’ (Self Release)

Singles of the Year

Tyla’s Dogs D’Amour – ‘Superhuman’ (King Outlaw)

Jesse Malin – ‘Todd Youth’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Royal Blood – ‘Trouble’s Coming’ (Warner Records)

Reissue/Boxset of the Year

Sigue Sigue Sputnik – ‘Flaunt It’ 4CD Deluxe Capacity Wallet  (Cherry Red Records)

Music-related Books of the Year

Pete Paphides – ‘Broken Greek’ (Quercus)

Rob Halford – ‘Confess’ (Headline Publishing)

Justin Quirk – ‘Nothin’ But A Good Time’ (Unbound Digital)

There you have it a fine selection of music you’re likely to find anywhere as diverse as you like yet common threads woven throughout.  It would be a boring place if we all liked the same records that’s for sure and I’m sure there are records released we’ve forgotten about in the deluge.  Don’t let anyone tell you that there were no good albums released during the pandemic because we know by looking at the list that there were plenty & plenty of reissues and Boxsets that were released during 2020.

Onwards and upwards we move into 2021 and we hope to bring you more new albums to fill yer airwaves and a return of the live show and festivals.  We need em and so does the industry.  So raise a glass to days gone by and to a better future when we can all meet again and watch our favourite bands.  Be good and stay safe RPM Online looks forward to a great 2021!

Singles Club – November – Fired Up Like A Catherine Wheel

Singles Club – November – Fired Up Like A Catherine Wheel

The Bloodshots – ‘No Way Out’ (Golden Robot Records). What time is it?  It’s cock Rock O’Clock kids.  Big chorus’s big guitars Big drums and big attitude. Who said cock rock was dead? Well, it ain’t, The Bloodshots are proving that.  Gang Vocals big enough for Two Dokken albums and guitar soloing like there’s no tomorrow. Check it out, kids.  I’m only disappointed they haven’t all got cowboy boots on and big hair I feel somewhat let down.  Never mind turn it up and lets rock. Sharing the stage with the likes of Danko Jones can only be a good thing as the band evolves.

Facebook / Golden Robots Page / Instagram

 

 

The Cavemen – ‘Euthanise Me’ (Slovenly Recordings) Oh baby it’s always a good day when an email drops from Slovenly and it contains the words The Cavemen and you can see it contains new music.  Damn, I love this band of reprobates.  They play perfect trash and bash rock and Roll and ‘Euthanise Me’ is a four-track EP that just nails it. From the sonic explosion of the title track and all its trashy sing along beauty.  If that wasn’t trashy enough then get a load of the raw delights that is ‘Eat Your Heart & Wear Your Face’.  As close as you can get to ‘Raw Power’  without melting in the heat generated. They’ve also got time to give you a ‘Nightmare’ as they OD on the 50s Rock and Roll.  Hang on a minute, ‘Over You’ is a slower groove and an absolute peach of a track with a banging melody. and those guitars are like you’ve just wiped your ears with an angle grinder.  Brilliant!  Single of the week? Fuckin’ right it is. Facebook

 

Bitch Queens / Delilahs ’77 – Split (Lux Noise Records) Boom! Bitch Queens have been a band I’ve loved since I very first heard them and over those years they’ve managed to get better and better with each new record and live they are one of the best hard rockin bands out there. This split is yet more proof that they just kick ass and take no prisoners. A classic attack and takedown of a classic tune.  Bitch Queens absolutely own it – brilliant!

For all you collectors out there its available in several highly collectable colours. As for Delilahs, it’s a Misfits mashup and to be quite honest the ‘fits haven’t sounded this good for – oh God I don’t know how long – fantastic version. The classic ‘Some Kinda Hate’ is totally owned.  These two have form for sharing splits and this is a worthy addition to anyone’s punk rock 7′ collection.  Of course I’m saying Buy It! Here

www.bitchqueens.com / Luxnoise /www.delilahsmusic.com

 

The Hangmen – ‘Thunderhead / She Walks’ (Acetate Records)  It’s not every day you get a treat like this.  The Hangmen covering Gun Club – wow!  What a storming take on the Jefferey Lee Pierce Gun Club number. Blood and thunder with the slippy slide guitar and crash bang wallop its a really good take on a great song. Small talks about his love of Gun Club and pours his heart out in this cover.

As for she walks its got swagger and some awesome ivory tinkling going on, Hell it’s The Hangmen just go get it!

IT might only be a digital release through Acetate and Bandcamp but I’d love to hear more make it happen Brian.  Get it Here

 

 

 

Jesse Malin – ‘Ameri’Ka’ (Wicked Cool Records) Laid back Malin knocks out the best single he’s penned in a while. Troubadour or bard of NYC its got great lyrics and in the darkness there seems a hope and a look to the future going on.  Tough times call for tough songs and this is a beauty.  But then I’m always going to say that sure I’d love to hear the guy rock out but I also love the guys more roots American vibe and this is the latter – and very good it is too.

Buy ‘Ameri’Ka’ Here

 

 

 

 

Vacuum – ‘Fixated’ (Wanda Records) Some usual suspects from the London Punk Scene drop a two-track slice of toxic punk rock with a heap of melody and a chorus you can jump around to and sing along at the same time. Uh, Ha Fixated alright.

The B side is like the sound of some punk keying your car door then kicking your speaker cone in.  It’s snotty it’s brash its an open wound you just want to scratch and I love the breakdown and solo.

Buy ‘Fixated’ Here

 

 

 

The Dirts – ‘#2’ (Self Release) Five songs in under ten minutes, what’s not to like? No-fi, Tick.  The spirit of The Stooges and the Damned coursing through this is just about perfect.  Where do I pay my money? opener ‘Zero Boys’ is trashy as fuck but ‘Inside My Head’ takes it to the next level.  The vocals are barely audible but the guitar is throwing out the licks life his life depends on it.

Recorded at home (if your home is a cell with no windows then cool! and Helvete which is just about right.  Satans doorbell would be the ideal place to hang this one. This EP absolutely rips and only gets better.  ‘Nowhere To Go’ is bursting with energy but ‘Homicide Eyes’ is plain Evil.  Get some at the link pop pickers its a Garage punk fire fest and I love it.

Buy #2 Here

 

Drive-By Truckers – ‘The New OK’ ( ATO Records) Patterson Hood pens the hard-hitting title track from the new Truckers album and shoots a video during the recent Portland unrest.  Hood is residing in the Portland area and asks the question is the New OK OK? and hits the spot.  Always astute lyrics but these strike a chord with so many right-minded people around the world and we stand side by side.  Everyone should have the right to peacefully protest and everyone should respect that and Hood shoots a hard-hitting video to accompany the track. Top tune from a top band check it out.

The False Positives – ‘Favourite Things’ (self Release)  When the sleeve has albums strewn over a floor and I spy such classics as The Damneds debut, Motorhead, DMZ, Nick Lowe and The Flamin Groovies I just knew this was going to be a winner and low and behold it is.  A vibrant Rockin’ slab of Power poppin goodness. Two and a half minutes of Swirling Garage organs and tasty distorted licks with a solid chorus and do wap harmonies to complete the job and a lead vocal that reminds me of the late great Nikki Sudden.  Very nice work indeed.

Buy The False Positives Here

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Continental Lovers – ‘Out Of My Head’ (Self Release) Glam bang Thank you, man. Trashy Rock ‘n’ Roll with a delightful smudge of glitter and attitude.

The shuffle on the verse leading to the chorus is great and the arrangement is quality.  It’s a rapid burst of energy and quite possibly the best thing Joe has penned to date be it as a Breakdown or any other project he’s been involved in.  It’s a top tune and if this is just a taste of what’s to come then bring it on as Continental Lovers have a bright future.  Buy ‘Out Of My Head’ Here 

Facebook / Twitter

 

 

Baby Shakes – ‘Singles’ (Dimple Discs)  Glam stomping Rock ‘n’ Retro Roll.  Two Undertones-related records get the Noo Yawk makeover and to be fair they turn in a pretty faultless pair of beauties. ‘Sweet N Sour’ is a stomper that was originally released by Damian O’Neill on his solo record a few years back but my pick of the pair is ‘Really Really’ a song written by drummer Billy Doherty that could be found on the B side of the 1979 hit ‘Get Over You’ which they absolutely nail.

Buy Here

 

 

 

Bipolar – ‘Bipolar EP’ (Slovenly Recordings)  Thinking about how to describe Bipolar whilst the EP is playing then gancing down at the press release and seeing them described as SCREAMERS finger-banging THE DICKIES while THE SPITS egg them on I knew I couldn’t beat that so I’m using it. Bipolar is the twisted creation of Pouya and Obash, two Iranians living in Brooklyn.

Think SCREAMERS finger-banging THE DICKIES while THE SPITS egg them on – Pouya has already done time on keys with The Spits.

Of course its crude, Lo-Fi noisy and hell of a lot of fun.  ‘Virus’ sounds like a twisted punk rock Motorhead on the wrong meds.  As for ‘Fist Fight’ it sounds like what went on before during and after they pressed record. Its uncomplicated, dark punk rock blasts from people who truly get it.  Go find em if you dare.  Top EP. 

 

 

Jakob Mind – ‘Watch The City Burn’ (Lövely Records) Rotten Mind singer/vocalist Jakob Arvidsson’s newly established solo project unveils the first track and its the sprightly ‘Watch The City Burn’ and bloody good it is too. It’s the first glimpse of what will be a new album early 2021 and Jakob promises songs from straight-up punk rock to a more Roky Erickson vibe so what’s not to like there? ‘Watch The City Burn’ sounds like he plays everything and a bit DIY but in the best possible way.  Great song, great vibe and one to look out for.  Pencil it in your diaries folks April 2021.   Facebook / Instagram

I See Vultures – ‘Neversafe’ (Self Release)  Something of a Gallows tip or post-punk hardcore – a little less in your face maybe but coming from the same place are these Brit hooligans I see Vultures. drawing from the At The Drive-In, Rage Against The Machine pool. Its Big vocals full of harmony that’s quite proggy sounding against the rough lead vocal but swirling guitars is the name of the game before they build up into that Rage groove.  It’s glossy and rough in equal measures.  Check them out for yourself in the youtube video below.

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Atomic Eater – ‘Broken Earth’ (Self Release) Another off the Lo-Fi conveyor belt.  Swedens Atomic Eater goes for the electronic garage punk with a Bontempi keyboard to lead you into the dense verse /chorus thump. Imagine if the early Buzzcocks used synths and riffed on Tubeway Army vibes then you’d be in the right ballpark. ‘Nightshift’ is another uptempo punch to the throat and one you’ll be toe-tapping along to but pick it up quickly because it’s over with in the blink of an eye.  Crazy scandi punks.

Buy Here

 

 

 

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard – 30,000 Megabucks (Self Release)   Riff it up boyos Its like a prime time slab of boogie-woogie on the intro like Angus was born in Brecon.  It’s a double denim stomp off.  When times are tough and you’re looking for a little ray of sunshine in strut four lads with electric guitars and a pocket full of top tunes. Get on it now my 70s inspired rock and rollas turn the amps up and play your rock and roll.  This tune is majestic like the band riding over the rainbow throwing out fistfuls of magic stardust that cheer up the people via the medium of rock, I didn’t know it was possible to smile like a Cheshire cat for three and a half minutes but I do now – Buy It!

Buy Here

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

Doesn’t really need an introduction but here goes – Jesse Malin pays tribute to NYC hardcore legend and former bandmate in both D Generation and Malins St Marks Social. It features Bad Brains Legend H.R as well and you can order the 7″ via Bandcamp from Wicked Cool Records.

 

‘In the Shade of the Wild Oak Tree’ – from the album ‘Wrapped up in Ribbons’ by Craggy Collyde is up next and the 10″ record can be purchased from their Facebook page also shipping from the UK.

Finally, check this one from The Hawkins taken from their new album out this week on The Sign records.

45 RPM – its a revolution

45 RPM – its a revolution

 

If it were a six a side knock about I’d be quite pleased these bad boys were on my team some old some young some borrowed and, well, nothing Blue  Check out the last six singles for August and an amazing month for releases…

 

Divine Horsemen – ‘Mystery Writer’ (Self Release)  The first new music in thirty-three years and it’s pretty bloody decent to be fair.  With the duet vocals, it’s a slow-burning Rock and Roller reminding me of when the sisters of mercy rocked it up and some old school Keith inspired Rock n Roll.  As the guitars weave their merry web the melody rolls on.  On the virtual B side is the chunky riff of ‘Mothers Worry’.  A live cut with a bit of guts and plenty of attitude.  A decent offering and great pallet taster for the new music they must be releasing soon.

Buy Here

 

 

 

Jesse Malin – ‘Todd Youth’ (Wicked Cool Records) We jumped the gun a few weeks ago when we covered this Jesse Malin release but it’s here now. With an A-side paying tribute to former bandmate and guitar legend Todd Youth Jesse has penned a pretty upbeat number and not the tear-jerking ballad you might expect and he also gets Bad Brains legend HR to join him on the song. There’s a Motown feel here and a great way to pay tribute to one hell of a player and popular musician from coast to coast and continent to continent Youth touched many and its great he’s remembered here in such a fine way.  The flip side sees a funky ‘Sally Can’t Dance’ that I’m sure even Lou Reid would give a standing ovation to from the horns to the Bv’s and beyond.  Malin nails it again.

Buy Here

 

Pre Cog In The Bunker – ‘Precogs Dream’ (sister Raygun Records) Italian pair churn out a hellish noise of Garage rock goodness in the shape of Precogs dreams and on a wonderfully vivid pink vinyl.  It’s just Rock and Roll in the time-honoured Cramps, 60’s VU style. They hit things & chop out some phat riffs and throw in plenty of howls!  Its pretty much the MO for all three tracks its been done before but it will no doubt be done another million times with varying degrees of quality. This is a decent listen and whilst the songs are all mid-tempo its pretty good.  So the final track is hanging on by a thread before the breakdown which is very VU if I’m honest and there’s nothing wrong with that at all and ‘On The Run’ is my pick of the three tracks on offer here. I certainly wouldn’t object to hearing more of this when I get round to hearing the album they also released earlier this year until then this will do. Buy Here

 

Joe Desglose – ‘Too Much TV’ (Self Release) Joe thought he’d sneak these demo tunes out and people wouldn’t notice or more likely Facebook and their algorithm wouldn’t let it reach too many people but we’ve always liked Joe from his Breakdowns days and through his tenure with DeRellas Joe has a great pedigree and these raw song ideas show he’s lost none of that trashy fury even with just an acoustic guitar and a voice you can see and hear the songs taking shape.  From the uptempo ‘Tattered Star’ through the tribute to Ms. Jett in the shape of the excellent ‘St Joan’.  You have the more laid back ‘Conversations With The Girl’ which has a slightly continental feel and with the Johnny Thunders guitar break we like a lot and when this virus eases to the point where Joe can get into a studio with an electric band this might just get a lot more exciting if this is the quality of songs we can expect. Not a bad one amongst them and ‘Wedding Song’ sounds like a long lost Frankie Miller number Joe is on form and long may it continue. Check them out here

 

The Candy Snatchers – ‘Picture My Face’ (Fandango Records)  Heres the story for these two tracks and how they’re now getting their digital birth some time after the crime so to speak. The Candy Snatchers shouldneed no introductions to be fair I’ve said on numerous occasions how immense Larry Mays vocals are and how intense he makes every record sound and its always better than the last one and this is no exception absolute stone cold classics and this band should have been Fuckin huge no make that HUGE!

“Sometime in late 1997, Matthew Odietus handed Jake Starr a DAT with two new Candy Snatchers songs on it for a split 7” with Adam West on Fandango Records. Jake chose “Picture My Face,” a raucous cover of the Teenage Head classic, and released it as FR-012 limited to 510 copies. The 7″ single sold out nearly overnight and has never been repressed or released digitally… until now. This version of “Treda Douche” is the first take on the song and was originally released on a rare LP compilation on Intensive Scare Records. Both songs have now been remastered and are available for the first time digitally. These two songs also feature Black Market Baby drummer Tommy Carr, who was briefly in the band in between permanent drummers. Fandango is so proud to re-release these songs for your listening pleasure. Enjoy, kids!”  I couldn’t have said it better myself

Buy Here

Chaser – ‘Look Alive’ (Self Release) Its hard not to admire any band who donates 100% of the band’s proceeds from record sales will be donated to Equal Justice Initiative, Educational First Steps, Crisis Aid International, and Surfrider Foundation so here you go fill yer boots with the video of the track taken from the album of the same title.  Right out of the Bad Religion pocket.

Here are some details of where to pick up a physical copy –

The track, now streaming on all digital platforms, appears on the band’s upcoming ‘Look Alive’ 7″/EP out on September 4. Vinyl copies of the 7″ have sold out, but digital copies and merch are available at www.chaserpunkrock.com.

The sold-out ‘Look Alive’ 7″ was limited to 333 copies, and available worldwide in 4 different color variants via Thousand Islands Records (Canada), Sound Speed Records (USA), SBAM Records (Europe) and Pee Records (Australia).

A Song For Joe: Celebrating the Birthday of Joe Strummer

A Song For Joe: Celebrating the Birthday of Joe Strummer

Gates of the West & Dark Horse Records present ‘A Song For Joe: Celebrating the Birthday of Joe Strummer’ on Friday, August 21 at 8pm BST / 3pm EDT / 12pm PDT.

Taking place on Joe’s birthday, the event will honor Joe’s legacy and feature performances and testimonials by many of the former Clash front man’s friends and notable names in the music & arts community, as well as never-before-seen Joe Strummer live footage.

“To see so many musicians and artists come forward to honor Joe is really touching,” says Joe’s wife Lucinda Tait. “Community was always important to him. Whether it was playing music with friends, organizing all night campfires, or hijacking festivals, Joe was always focused on bringing people together. Even though we can’t all be in the same room together, I cannot think of a better way for us all to feel united. Joe would have loved this.”

Joe Strummer (never before seen live footage), Albert Hammond Jr. (The Strokes), Beto O’Rourke, Bob Gruen,Bob Weir, Brian Fallon, Bruce Springsteen, Butch Walker, Cait O’Riordan (The Pogues), C.C. Adcock, Cherry Glazerr, Craig Finn & Tad Kubler (The Hold Steady), Dave Hause, Dhani Harrison, DJ Scratchy, Dropkick Murphys,
Eugene Hütz (Gogol Bordello), Frank Turner, HR (Bad Brains), Hinds, The Interrupters, Jesse Dayton, Jesse Malin,
Jim Jarmusch, Joe Ely, Josh Cheuse, Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Lucinda Williams, Lyza Jane, Matt Dillon, Nikolai Fraiture (The Strokes),  Ray Gange (Rude Boy), Richard Dudanski (101ers), Sara Driver, Shepard Fairey, Spider Stacy (The Pogues), Steve Buscemi, Tom Morello , + very special guests

This free event will benefit Save Our Stages, which is being spearheaded by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) to preserve and protect the USA’s independent live music venues and promoters.

Save Our Stages
The mission of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live music venues and promoters throughout the United States. NIVA is making a final push to Congress to pass the Save Our Stages Act and the Restart Act in order to keep independent venues nationwide from closing permanently. Take action here.
Gates of the West 
Jesse Malin & Jeff Raspe created Love It To Life and the Gates Of The West shows to bring together some of the best musicians and celebrate the music of Joe Strummer and The Clash. Every show is a benefit for The Joe Strummer Foundation, Music & Memory and other charities. The six sold-out shows to date, have featured many special guests performing songs written and performed by Strummer and The Clash.

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