The Muffs – ‘New Improved Kim Shattuck Demos’ (Omnivore Recordings)

The Muffs – ‘New Improved Kim Shattuck Demos’ (Omnivore Recordings)

Now the dust has settled on another wallet-busting RSD, it’s time to assess the picks of the pops and if you weren’t lucky enough to pick one up there are some floating around the internet from shops that unbelievably didn’t sell their allocated copies. Limited to 2500 copies.

During the period leading up to 2004’s ‘Really Really Happy’, The Muffs had been keeping a busy schedule of live performances as well as working through an ever-increasing list of songwriting demos from singer/guitarist Kim Shattuck a process explained on the inner sleeve notes by fellow bandmate Ronnie Barnett. Once this bunch of tunes was narrowed down, the band set to recording them for the album. Appearing as bonus material on the upcoming, expanded 2-CD/Digital reissue of ‘Really Really Happy’, ‘New Improved Kim Shattuck Demos’ represents the only vinyl appearance of these 16 tracks, composed and performed entirely by Kim.

The 16-track, black vinyl LP is fully endorsed by Kim’s friends, family, and bandmates. It also contains a personal note to Kim from bandmate Ronnie Barnett. The world lost Kim to ALS in 2019, ‘New Improved Kim Shattuck Demos’ shows the enigmatic singer, songwriter, and performer in her true creative element. While The Muffs turned this material into their classic fifth album, it all began with Kim.” To get beyond the loss of such talent is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that you were always told was a myth. One of the must pick up items these will all go. So until the CD is released this will more than do.

The pick of the pops would have to be a vibrant run through ‘The Story Of Me’ and a banging take on the melodramatic ‘A Little Luxury’ with the raw edge of a demo but it loses none of the drama and with hindsight, I hope she found her Luxury.

Sure it’s missing the final polish and gleams that a fully finished and mastered record has but it’s those rough edges and rawness that hold up these fantastic tunes and if it was possible to love them a little more then it’s job done.

It’ll be interesting to see what the CD is like as it features twenty-two tracks (all of these demos, and a further six that will be released on a 7″ hand stamped single). The explanation on the inner sleeve is a beautiful thing and quite how this took almost twenty years to emerge is another miracle. Much like some of the other RSD releases Bleeding Hearts is the one that springs to mind, an absolute belter of a release and why I’m not down on RSD (not yet) but having these gems to listen to long after the studio finished recordings come out is what loving music is all about and why people are so passionate about it. If you can buy it!

Author: Dom Daley

The Drowns – ‘Lunatics’ (Pirates Press Records)

The Drowns – ‘Lunatics’ (Pirates Press Records)

Long EP or short album you decide. For my sixpence on The Drowns blistering slab of Rock and Roll is this. ‘Live Like Yer Dyin’ just about does exactly what it says on the tin and has a healthy dose of Rock and Roll along the lines of label mates and stalwarts The Harrington Saints. their cut from the same blue-collar roots rock n roll. With a wonderful disposition and outlook of positivity and whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. It’s a blast straight out of the traps.

The title track is less Rockin in one respect but more upbeat in other respects as it touches on the Galic vibe with shades of SLF and maybe Dropkick Murphys feel with a great walking bass line throughout get your martins on and go for it.

‘The Working Dead’ is a happy-go-lucky thumper with PMA running through its core. It’s comfortable and familiar for sure but it also comes across as fresh and full of excitement.

This is the real deal. If you want some punk rock but a band that also adds some Rock n Roll and isn’t afraid to rock out (‘She’s The Knife’) then this is a band you should get behind, Possibly my favourite track on the album for those Malcolm young rhythm riffs and DC stabs (no pun intended) it’s a top tune full of energy.

Six tracks just isn’t enough I’m sorry but I want more and I love the vibe on the acoustic ‘Look What We’ve Become’ – resisting breaking it out after the opening verse is great. More Gaslight Anthem meets Downtown Struts for sure but that’s another string to the bow. Then to wind things down with the final cut of ‘Tokyo Red Alert’ which pulls several styles together with a social Distortion meets Green Day kinda thing that really works with a country jig vibe on the melody. Just buy the record and go play it – it’ll make perfect sense and you can thank me laters.

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Author: Dom Daley

O.C Rippers – ‘Wasteland Blues’ (Ruined Records)

O.C Rippers – ‘Wasteland Blues’ (Ruined Records)

By no means a new record this bad boy was sent via the US mail and probably took the duration of lockdown to get over the big pond to RPM HQ. These gutter punk rockers hail from outta Ocean County New Jersey and are channeling the spirit of the Stooges, Dead Boys, Ramones, and a few other legendary punk rock bands.

From the opening riff-o-la of ‘Do The Whip’ you get the flavour of the Rippers MO and it’s a healthy dose of scuzzy punk n roll in places, they remind me of the epic legends that were Uncle Sam mixing up the punk rock with a bluesy vibe. ‘Brats’ being a great example.

Hell ‘White Lightning’ I hope its a tribute to the lovely drink of the same name but alas I think that refreshing drink never made it stateside but the Rock n Roll is like WL bottled and cut loose in the studio. then to follow it up with the Sleazy groove of the Stooges like ‘I’ve Had It’ with a good lick on that old guitar ringing out makes for a decent tune. The record gathers pace from there with ‘Born In Waco’ a thunderous ride on a hotrod fueled on moonshine.

Following that Stooges vibe Side two gathers pace and is ‘Never Coming Down’ with its meaty punk rock. The songs never outstay their welcome seeing as most clock in at less than two minutes even ‘Vomit Pig’ keeps me interested. ‘Rock N Roll Til I Die’ rocks out like a sped-up Cramps and I like that it would make for a hectic pit in a smelly boozy club. Get some O.C. Rippers whilst they’re still with us and not spontaneously combusting on some stage somewhere or a highway to hell.

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Drive By Truckers – New song previewed & Tour Dates

Drive By Truckers – New song previewed & Tour Dates

SPIRITED HORN-BLASTED ANTHEM HERALDS UPCOMING NEW ALBUM,’WELCOME 2 CLUB XIII’ OUT 3RD JUNE ON ATO RECORDS

UK SHOWS JUNE

Drive-By Truckers have announced the premiere of ‘Every Single Storied Flameout’, the latest track from their upcoming 14th studio album, ‘Welcome 2 Club XIII’, due via ATO Records on Friday, June 3. Pre-orders are available now. 

The spirited, horn-blasted ‘Every Single Storied Flameout’ sees founding member/vocalist/guitarist Mike Cooley looking back at his younger years with unsparing self-reflection and a bit of rambling wisdom.   “I wrote that song when my son was turning 16 and going through a rough patch for a bit,” Cooley says. “Luckily, he’s turned it around and he’s doing great now, but it was a tough time for a while. Part of my way of dealing with it was to take ownership of the example I might’ve set, in the hope of leading him out of it.”

LISTEN TO ‘EVERY SINGLE STORIED FLAMEOUT’ ON SPOTIFY, YOUTUBE AND SOUNDCLOUD PRE-ORDER  ALBUM ‘WELCOME 2 CLUB XIII’

JUNE1 – Berlin – Kesselhaus †

Photo Credit: Brantley Guitierrez

2 – Koln – Kantine †

3 – Antwerp – De Roma †

5 – Raalte, Netherlands – Ribs and Blues †

6 – Amsterdam – Paradiso †

7 – Brighton – Chalk †

8 – London – O2 Forum †

9 – Leeds – University Stylus †

11 – Dublin – Vicar Street †

12 – Glasgow – SWG3 TV Studio †

14 – Tilburg, Netherlands – 013 (Jupiler Zaal) †

15 – Paris – La Maroquinerie †

17 – Mendizabala, Vitoria-Gasteiz – Azkena Rock Festival

19 – Eridge Park, UK – Black Deer Festival

† w/Special Guest Jerry Joseph

CONNECT WITH DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS:

DRIVEBYTRUCKERS.COM

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YOUTUBE

The Honeymoon Killers – ‘The Love The Lost & The Last’ (Bang! Records)

The Honeymoon Killers – ‘The Love The Lost & The Last’ (Bang! Records)

With a howl of feedback and some inspiring floor tom thumping The Honeymoon Killers are thumping their way into my affection at a rate of knots. With levels that would give a modern sound engineer a heart attack The Honeymoon Killers’ final album gets its much-belated release on vinyl thanks to the good people at Bang!.

Noo Yawk City 91 is the place and all three Blues Explosion members join up with Jerry Teal to kick out the jams motherfuckers and what a beautiful noise they make.

From the wild and reckless ‘Guess I’m Falling In Love’ the line in the sand is drawn and the chaotic, unbridled abandon in which these Rock and Rollers create their beautiful noise is blasting through the speakers. Like the love child of The Stooges, Jesus And Mary Chain, early Damned, and a whole bunch more besides sees that Noo Yawk was still getting its groove on into the 90s. The choppy guttural punch to the throat that is ‘Love Man’ is brilliant in its simplicity and the fact that these cats just want to rock n roll and to hell with the fineries of obtaining a rounded mix – it’s all about the vibe and the moment and capturing the excitement of what’s being created and this is like lightning in a bottle.

They’ve even got time for a trashy romp through ‘Oh Oh I Love Her So’. It’s all about the love on side A and when they rip a hole right through the heart of Dead Boys classic ‘What Love Is’. IT’s a raging thumper of a track but a fine line to get it right and if you have it coursing through your veins then you’ll nail it every time and The Honeymoon Killers just gets it. ‘Love Love Love Love Love’ is pure Spencer magic. To finish up side one there’s even time for a cheeky ‘Love Is All Around’ that needs to be heard – tuning is for pussies or something like that.

Side two begins with da Blooze with a gob iron honking ‘Who’s Driving Your Plane’ that twitches and twangs like a cat on a hot tin roof. The guitar tone for ‘Dead Again’ is exceptional like a refined East Cost Brian James on a hack and slash mission to kill every other instrument other than the crisp snare.

Man, Noo Yawk City has spewed some amazing bands that didn’t get the coverage they deserved when they were taking names but thanks to labels like Bang! we can pick up some of those recordings for less than a mortgage on a house. This record crosses the T’s and dots the i’s on a top turn. Get on cool kids you wont regret it!

http://www.bang-records.net/

https://www.facebook.com/BANGRECORDS

Author: Dom Daley

Various Artists – ‘Forever Reigning – A Tribute to Slayer’

Various Artists – ‘Forever Reigning – A Tribute to Slayer’

Slayer’s legacy is a strong one. Throughout their reign (see what I did there) as the undisputed kings of thrash metal, they influenced and inspired a whole generation of metal heads to pick up a (pointy) guitar or a pair of drumsticks. Unfortunately, that also means some of the bands that have inclusions on this pointless tribute album. There are (some very ropey) covers from bands such as the charmingly named Skull Fuckers Incorporated, Skrog, and Bloat Toad, and others you’ve never heard of. It really is about as welcome as a dose of crabs. Awful production values and poor performances just make for a total mess of an album that absolutely no one needs to hear. That’s not to say that some of the attempts here don’t have some merit, Eulogy of Blood’s version of Bloodline is half decent, along with Skrog’s attempt at a lesser-known Slayer track – Divine Intervention.

Apart from that, it’s all very forgettable. The least said about Slokill’s murdering of the track Disorder (which was nicked from the Exploited in the first place) the better… dreadful. If you’re a Slayer fan like me, do yourself a big favour and avoid Forever Reigning like the plague. Just go and listen to the genuine article, you really don’t need this in your life.

SSSLLLLLAAAAAAAAYYYYEEEERRRRRR!!!!!!

Author: Kenny ‘Don’t Fuck With Slayer’ Kendrick

Giuda – ‘Live At Punk Rock Raduno’ (Wild Honey/Striped Records)

Giuda – ‘Live At Punk Rock Raduno’ (Wild Honey/Striped Records)

Of all the bands that I miss seeing live in these days of gig drought, Giuda are top of the list. Luckily, I saw them three times before moving to France. A guaranteed great night out, and always a friendly atmosphere. For me, there are two types of great live bands; the ragged, seat-of-the-pants variety, and the ones who manage to replicate their studio sound onstage. Giuda are clearly in the latter category, but lose none of their power in doing so.

So, the logical step was to release a live album. Thanks to Punk Rock Raduno Records, in collaboration with Wild Honey/Striped Records, there is a limited (probably sold out) run of 300 vinyl copies in black, pink or white. No details of a CD release yet. For once, I’m thankful for streaming services! If you can get yer mitts on a copy, have at it and quickly.

This is a fantastic sounding set of the “hits”; a smorgasbord of delights for the ardent Giuda fan. 14 songs at just over 40 minutes, from the opening salvo of ‘Tartan Pants’ and ‘Back Home’ to ‘Teenage Rebel’, ‘No.10’ and ‘Wild Tiger Woman’. Even ‘Interplanetary Craft’ is improved in concert. The Raduno punk rock festival in Bergamo, Italy, has been going since 2016, the next one is due 14-17th July. Giuda will be back on the road from 12th May in France, maybe I’ll get a chance to see them again. If not, this is as close as you’ll get to the real thing. So, turn it up, get your thumbs in your belt loops and get with it!

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Author: Martin Chamarette

JD & The FDCs go Vinyl

JD & The FDCs go Vinyl

On 2nd July 2022 JD & The FDCs debut LP ‘Recognise’ turns 10 years old. To celebrate They’ve decided to dust off the armbands and take to the stage one more time. OG line up! After all, real FDCs don’t die.

Ten years to the day since the original release they’ll be playing a very special one-off reunion show at The Rescue Rooms in Nottingham with support from good friends and the Shit Island’s very own The Hip Priests.

Presented by IKE Productions, tickets are on sale now: Here

For the first time ever on vinyl, 10 years after its original release, here is Recognise X!

Black and gold splatter 12″ vinyl, hand-numbered and limited to only 165 copies, so do NOT snooze on this one!

Featuring brand new artwork and a gold/black theme, a full colour insert and the first 50 orders come with an additional sleeve, signed by all members of the band!

Please note, this is NOT a pre-order: These records are here and they will ship immediately, with FREE UK SHIPPING!

Recorded by Jason Sanderson (Rolo Tomassi/Ginger Wildheart) and mastered by Howie Weinberg. (Nirvana/Public Enemy/Beastie Boys/The Clash/Ramones)

Side 1
1. Recognise
2. Ujpest Dozsa
3. Mirrors & Wires (featuring Rob Lane)
4. Burn This City Down
5. From The Shadows (featuring Dez Cadena and Amy Dumas)

Side 2
6. The Secret (featuring Acey Slade and Andee Blacksugar)
7. No Way Out (featuring Richard Bacchus)
8. This Town Of Infamy (featuring Johnny Bonnel)
9. Never Gonna Stop
10. Anti-Destination League (featuring Jesse Luscious)

Jon Spencer & The Hitmakers – ‘Spencer Gets It Lit’ (Bronzerat)

Jon Spencer & The Hitmakers – ‘Spencer Gets It Lit’ (Bronzerat)

The indelible Jon Spencer (Blues Explosion, Boss Hog, Pussy Galore, Heavy Trash, etc) is back in the room and this time he’s brought The Hit Makers whilst the Blues Explosion takes a break.

Well, What does it sound like man? Is it a departure for Jon has he gone pop? First off you get plenty of bang for your buck as this bad boy contains Thirteen phat beating, fuzzed up, Groovy Rock n Roll baby, and that right where you want to be. Hell, it’s Jon Spencer god damn it. ‘Junk Man’ is like the beastie boys got transported into Spencer’s head and he poured out that hustling groovy vibe with a paper thin synth lick on top of a big beat with added howling from your main man, Perfick innit!

Spencer sure does get things lit as he delivers his fucked up sounds and if you’re not on board by the time ‘Get It Right Now’ is in full flight your head is rumbling to the backbeat and Spencer’s whack vocals and lyrics. Gets It Lit delivers in spades, it’s exciting, Fucked up, depraved, and all in his inimitable gonzo style. It sure is a head fuck and ‘Death Ray’ is only the third track on offer. As the guitar flickers to life via a paper thin lick its a shuffle and some tweaking blinking synths as Spencer dishes out his sermon about God knows what (a second inside his head would terrify 99.9% of the population Who knows how he manages to get that shit out and onto tape at the best of times but I can’t help but feel that he’s got a cheeky grin in the booth when recording this record. It’s messed up for sure it’s a melting pot like no other but damn it’s good. fuzz guitar, fat synths, rhapsodises, Wild guitar breaks, and lyrics intended to mess with the most stable mind. Spencer Gets It Lit for sure. Whilst there is a lot going down it sounds like the best of times and a lot of fun melted into the plastic on this disc.

I’m loving ‘Primary Baby’ for its solid groove and great vocals. Playing this on jaw vibrating volumes takes it to the next level and is a lot of fun, even the neighbours would agree. I’d love to hear Jon do a collaboration with Bobby Gillespie I think they could make some sweet sweet music and ‘Bruise’ is what made me think of that musical marriage. “All I Want Is Everything” he shouts out but I think he’s already got everything, well, except the kitchen sink – This I know because I’ve been playing this record for days and to be fair it’s probably got the kitchen sink in here somewhere.

By the time we get to ‘Push Comes To Shove’ I need a time out and to sit in a field to gather myself before I dive back in for the rest of this beautiful noise. ‘My Hit Parade’ is about the straightest song on here just a twisted pop song with some twang on that guitar.

‘Strike 3’ is a stonker with a sharp guitar lick and some garage beats for good measure. The record signs off with ‘Get Up And Do It’ which is like he’s brought up the ghost of Lux and walks off into the sunset with a touch of Cramp. I hope the next offering isn’t too far off because this was a blast! Now lets all go get Lit!

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Author: Dom Daley

DESPERATE MEASURES – TOUR AND ALBUM NEWS!

DESPERATE MEASURES – TOUR AND ALBUM NEWS!

NEW SINGLE LAUNCH SHOW LONDON WATER RATS MAY 20TH

It’s shaping up to be another busy year for New Zealand born, London based rockers Desperate Measures. Following their mini album ‘Rinsed’ on Easy Action Records and a full UK tour with Paul Cook’s post-Pistols rockers The Professionals at the end of last year, Desperate Measures have started recording their debut full length album, due early 2023. Working once again with Andy Brook (who has produced, engineered, and toured with the like of Status Quo, Ginger Wildheart, Wonk Unit, Hayseed Dixie…) at The Brook Studios in Wallington, Surrey, Desperate Measures have completed work on a new single titled ‘Thinking Of England’ that lyrically captures the yearning to escape from a place or a situation you might not want to be.

The single will be released in time for the Queens Jubilee on June 3rd. Desperate Measures will play a single launch show at London’s Water Rats Theatre on May 20th to coincide. Says Eugene Butcher, “we’ll be showcasing a few songs from our forthcoming album, plus the new single which has just happened to coincide with the Queens Jubilee. And we’ve got The Duel and Seven Days and Doesn’t Die along for the ride so expect a right Royal knees up!”

Tickets for Water Rats May 20th available HERE:

See Desperate Measures in 2022!

April 30                 Angel Weekender, Coalville

May 13                 London Powerhaus (*with Nashville Pussy)

May 14                 Westworld Weekender, Wolverhampton

May 20                 London, Water Rats

June 3                   Strummercamp Fest, Oldham

July 1                     229 Club, London (*with UltraBomb)

July 8                     Bedford Esquires (* with The Rose Of Avalanche)

July 9                     Manchester, Night People (* with The Rose Of Avalanche)

July 22                   Hope & Anchor, London (* with Sick On A Bus)

August 4              Blackpool, Rebellion Festival

August 20            Unity Festival, Corby

September 3      Banfest Festival, Banstead

Find Desperate Measures online at:

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