The Almighty – ‘Welcome to Defiance: The Complete Recordings (1994 – 2001)’ (Cherry Red Records)

The Almighty – ‘Welcome to Defiance: The Complete Recordings (1994 – 2001)’ (Cherry Red Records)

While the Almighty’s ‘Soul Destruction’ (the final album released with original guitarist Tantrum) ensured them some regular airtime on MTV, it was the grungier direction of ‘Powertrippin’’, with new guitarist Pete Friesen, which showed that the band had more routes to take. After leaving Polydor records in 1993, the band would release a run of hard and fast, punk-inspired material that would make them one of the most beloved bands of the new golden era of British rock music. It is this part of the Almighty’s output that will be available in ‘Welcome to Defiance: The Complete Recordings (1994 – 2001)’, released in March through Cherry Red Records.

I recently watched an old interview with Lemmy where he was asked about Motorhead’s influence on others. Whilst dismissive of bands that had taken only the fast aspects of it, he specifically mentioned the Almighty for having taken the best parts of it. It reminded me of the story I once heard Ricky Warwick tell at an acoustic gig in Brighton several years ago, about the first time he met Lemmy. A funny story which I won’t re-tell here but surely you can find on YouTube.

At that time, Ricky was playing mostly as a solo acoustic artist and when asked about reforming the Almighty he quickly dismissed the idea. The Almighty, evidently, was part of the past and not the future. Fast forward to now, and not only is he continuing to head an ever more successful solo career (the new album ‘When Life was Hard and Fast’ is released this month), but he is also fronting the hugely popular Black Star Riders, which evolved from the reformed Thin Lizzy.

What does remain of the Almighty, though, is a wild and wonderful back catalogue, much of which is included in this 7-disc collection.

In 1994, the same year that Therapy? released ‘Troublegum’, and a year after ‘Earth Vs the Wildhearts’ was born, the Almighty released the hard-hitting album ‘Crank’, ripping a hole in the universe and adding to what was a glorious time for British and Irish rock music. Songs such as ‘Jonestown Mind’ and ‘Wrench’ would register among some of the greatest material the band would ever produce. Notably, the artwork on the album was provided by Jamie Reid, most famous for his ‘Never Mind the Bollocks’ cover. ‘Crank’ was followed up in 1996 by the excellent ‘Just Add Life’ and the popular singles ‘All Sussed Out’ and ‘Do You Understand’. The album would ultimately signal the end of the most creative and stable period for the band.

The Almighty went on to release two more strong albums, though. First was the self-titled offering in 2000, Floyd London having left the band before release and Friesen having already been replaced by Nick Parsons on guitar. ‘Psycho-Narco’, the bands final album to date, was released a year later. Both albums certainly have their moments, and it’s interesting listening back to them now alongside their other releases, hearing the way that the Almighty developed from album to album.

Also in this new collection is the live album Crank and Deceit, recorded in 1995 in Japan, a collection of B-sides and remixes, and a series of live B-sides and sessions, all recorded between 1994 and 1996. All this in addition to a booklet with the details for each disc, making for one excellent collection of the Almighty’s later period.

For Ricky Warwick the Almighty may well be the past (and who could blame him with his current activities) but, as this collection shows, it is certainly one hell of a legacy.

Buy Here

Author: Craggy Collyde

THE HOLD STEADY announce The Weekender 2021

THE HOLD STEADY announce The Weekender 2021

THE HOLD STEADY announce The Weekender 2021,  a duo of shows to be live-streamed for audiences in the UK + EU,  from NY’s Brooklyn Bowl

 

Friday March 5 + Saturday March 6

Single-show tickets, two-night passes and exclusive soundcheck tickets on sale now exclusively via fans.live

New album Open Door Policy arrives Feb 19

 

The Hold Steady announce plans for an unprecedented 2021 edition of The Weekender, the band’s annual multi-night live event for fans in the United Kingdom. Traditionally held at the legendary Electric Ballroom in Camden, London, this year will see The Weekender livestreaming directly from Brooklyn, NY’s Brooklyn Bowl for two concerts on Friday, March 5 and Saturday, March 6 at 20:00pm GMT. Tickets are on sale now via FANS.LIVE, including single-show tickets (£15.00 / $20.00) and two-night packages (£27.50 / $35.00). In addition, fans purchasing show tickets will be able to buy additional tickets for an exclusive Soundcheck event, set for Saturday, March 6 and priced at £20.00 / $25.00.

The Weekender will see The Hold Steady performing two completely different sets featuring classic tracks, fan favorites, and new songs from their upcoming album OPEN DOOR POLICY. An exclusive The Weekender merch bundle will be unveiled in the weeks leading up to the event. The Weekender shows will be available on demand for a limited time via FANS.LIVE following the final performance on March 6.

 

The Hold Steady’s eighth studio album OPEN DOOR POLICY arrives on the band’s Positive Jams label via Thirty Tigers on Friday, February 19. OPEN DOOR POLICY is available for digital and physical pre-orders now. All pre-orders are joined by instant-grat downloads of the recently released tracks,  “Spices,” “Heavy Covenant,” and “Family Farm.” In addition, OPEN DOOR POLICY is being released in a variety of formats, including standard black vinyl and limited editions of CD and colored vinyl. Positive Jams/Thirty Tigers will also be offering an exclusive limited-edition colored vinyl for independent record stores.

PRE-ORDER OPEN DOOR POLICY

 

The Hold Steady: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify

Deniz Tek ‘Take It To The Vertical’ to get a March reissue

Deniz Tek ‘Take It To The Vertical’ to get a March reissue
DENIZ TEK
GROUNDBREAKING FIRST SOLO ALBUM ‘TAKE IT TO THE VERTICAL’ FEAT. THE STOOGES’ SCOTT ASHETON  AND RADIO BIRDMAN’S CHRIS MASUAK REISSUED ON 19TH MARCH VIA WILD HONEY RECORDS
Garage rock legend Radio Birdman founder Deniz Tek has announced the reissue of the groundbreaking album ‘Take It To The Vertical’. The album will be released for the first time on vinyl, digitally and on DSP’s on 19th March via Wild Honey Records.
‘Take It To The Vertical’, originally released by Redeye/Polydor Records Australia in 1992, was Deniz Tek’s first solo album. Recorded at historic SugarHill Studios in Houston, Texas, the album features Radio Birdman’s Chris Masuak on guitar and keyboards; and The Stooges’ Scott Asheton on drums. There are extensive liner notes, never before seen photos, and a bonus track that was not on the original release.
This amazing album has been long out of print, rare, and nearly impossible to find. It will now be available worldwide from Wild Honey as part two of a series of archival releases of Deniz Tek’s work.
Deniz has now shared the first track from the album. ‘Press On’, a ripping rock and roll anthem about air combat, was recorded live in the studio during the “Vertical” album sessions. This rare, unreleased track features Deniz and Chris Masuak, veteran Radio Birdman guitar slingers doing what they do best, and a smoking hot rhythm section led by the legendary Scott “Rock Action” Asheton on drums.
AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON VINYL, DIGITALLY AND ON DSP’S
HEAR FIRST TRACK ‘PRESS ON’ HERE, ON SOUNDCLOUD AND BANDCAMP

Sonic’s Rendezvous Band – ‘No Sleep Till Ypsilanti’ (Bang Records)

Sonic’s Rendezvous Band – ‘No Sleep Till Ypsilanti’ (Bang Records)

During their tenure the Sonic’s Rendezvous Band only released one 7” in the shape and form of “City Slang” that supposedly had the song in stereo on one side and mono on the other although the general consensuses are, they are identical. If you were not lucky enough to have the aforementioned 7” the only other source was the badly recorded Bootleg album “Strikes Like Lightening” that surfaced in the 1980s. That was until the late 90’s when soundboard live records started to surface and were officially released. The latest is the vinyl 12” “No Sleep Till Ypsilanti” that was recorded at the Huron Inn, Ypsilanti MI 10th April 1976 and released on the Spanish label Bang!  

“No Sleep Till Ypsilanti” is an interesting release because it’s only the band’s 2nd set. They would go on to play a total of three that evening. Apart from the opening number of “Grand River Soul” which was collectively written by the band the others are either covers; Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone”, Ray Charles’ “I Believe To My Soul” and “Part-Time Love” by Clay Hammond or were written by Scot Morgan giving it a more soul and blues feel with only “Mystically Yours” and “Electrophonic Tonic” hinting at the onslaught of guitars that is synonymous with the band. Morgan’s vocals sound like he’s spent far too long at a Dive Bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans; supremely laidback. It’s clear that this is an early gig with the band finding their feet with original bassist WR Cooke, who sadly passed away in 2015, still on four-string duties. The LP is limited to only 500 copies and to be honest, is really for completists as the whole three set concert is readily officially available elsewhere. However, having said that I’m hoping that Bang! records will, in the fullness of time, be releasing set 1 and 3 as standalone albums.    

 Buy Here

Author: Armitage Smith

The Dirts – ‘The Dirts’ (Helvete’s Kitchen Records)

The Dirts – ‘The Dirts’ (Helvete’s Kitchen Records)

Mysterious Swedish Rock and Rollas knock out nine demo tracks that sparkle with promise.  Sure the quality is like some fifth-generation tape trade but closer inspection and a fine ear will show the listener that there is a lot to admire within the songs written by The Dirts.

 

From the opening fuzzed-out full on assault of ‘Take Me Away it deserves so much more and it would be great to hear where these songs can go it’s like the first time I heard ‘(Gotta Get Some Action) Now!’ by the Hellacopters   – the energy is ferocious and with a thundering drum beat and throbbing bassline this would / could be killer and it just soars from there on.  I have to stress that these are Demos so it would be unfair to be too harsh.  Most bands knockback and fore songs built on pro tools and Garageband but these punks fly by the seat of their pants recorded on four-track.  Wow, it’s like the 90s never happened and tech never was a consideration its all about living in the moment and the buzz off hearing some rapid punk Rock and Roll kicking off in your speakers is a joy to behold.

The intro on ‘Knowhere To Behold’ is excellent it’s like they’re trippin’ on the Dolls and The Stooges and ‘Getting Over You’ is cool as from the sleazy riff to the muffled distorted melody on the vocals and the chorus is majestic. They should keep the guitar sound  and just build a phat sound around it then sit the vocals on top I recon they’d be onto a winner (but what do I know).

 

I’d imagine in a small club with a low ceiling this would be fantastic It’s full of snot and vigor and a passion for Rock and Roll when it’s hard and fast and I bloody love it.  The Dirts have let the genie out of the bottle and getting it back in would be impossible it’s just too wild and out of control.  Keep an eye on the kids and hopefully, someone will get hold of em and give em a hand and they’ll soar just mark my words.  Buy It!  There’s an EP that came out just before this bunch of tunes and that’s equally as essential – trust me and as if by magic the cassette has been re-released so get em whilst you still can

 

Buy The Dirts Here

Author: Dom Daley

Ryan Hamilton announce his 1221 project

Ryan Hamilton announce his 1221 project
January saw Texan singer/songwriter Ryan Hamilton announce his 1221 project, the concept of releasing twelve new songs, one every month across the year of 2021. His initial release was a gorgeous cover of the Spin Doctors ‘How Could You Want Him (When You Know You Could Have Me)’, which proved a hugely popular choice with fans and the Spin Doctors alike, with high praise coming from members of the band.
This month’s release – just ahead of Valentine’s Day – is a rockier number, suitably packed full as a box of chocolates with “I love you’s”.
On the story behind ‘Déjà Vu, Hamilton explains: “being in love, and in a relationship is a lot like a dance… and you need a good dance partner to be successful. When you’re with the right person, whether things are good or bad, having a sense of ‘I’ve been here before, and I know what this person wants/needs’ is an important thing to have. That’s what this song is about. It’s about that ‘dance’, and being able to weather the proverbial storm in a relationship.”
Boasting more hooks than a pirate convention, evoking the feel of classic Weezer thrown into a blender with the Killers, Déjà Vu instantly has the feeling of a song that will prove a live favourite, once in-person shows become a thing again.
Accompanying the new song, Hamilton sports a dizzying array of looks in his new video, some oddly unsettling, some downright hilarious. “Firstly, I’ve never had more fun making a video,” he says. “I wanted to portray different people from different walks of life, and love… But I don’t think I was quite ready for the level of ridiculousness. Haha. But, sometimes you just gotta embrace the fun. I think this is my favorite video I’ve ever made.”
Using present-day recording techniques over the internet, 1221 sees Hamilton continue to collaborate with UK-based producer Dave Draper. The pair recorded Hamilton’s solo EP of Country covers, ‘Communique’, during the very first lockdown of 2020, in isolation on two separate continents. Communique proved to be a winning formula, scoring Hamilton his first iTunes No. 1, a feat repeated with his subsequent release with the Harlequin Ghosts, ‘Nowhere To Go But Everywhere’, an album that also scored high on multiple Official UK Charts.
Hinting at what future 1221 releases have in store, Hamilton teases, “I am LOVING the diversity, and freedom of this ‘1221’ project. I’ve been in touch with some of my favorite music friends, and I’m excited to let folks know about upcoming collaborations. But, I better not say anything just yet.”
 
Until then, let’s experience a little Déjà Vu.
Hamilton was recently heralded by Spin magazine as one of the ‘Best Lesser-Known Artists of the Last 35 Years’.
Each monthly ‘1221’ track will be released digitally across all regular platforms for download and streaming via Stevie Van Zandt’s ‘Wicked Cool Label.
RYAN HAMILTON RELEASES “Déjà Vu, I Love You”
12 FEB 2021, VIA WICKED COOL

LINK TO TRACK HERE: https://orcd.co/1221february

Cult Figures – ‘Deritend’ (Gare du Nord Records)

Cult Figures – ‘Deritend’ (Gare du Nord Records)

There are tales of bands getting together back in the heyday of new music and adventure that was the 60s ’70s & ’80s when things were new and adventures were fresh for kids who had instruments and an ambition to tread new exciting frontiers only to find that the streets weren’t paved with gold (well, not for everyone they weren’t) and fell into jobs and relationships and gave up on their dreams.  Now sometime later after they’ve had their career and kids they find they had unfulfilled passions and ambitions but had the means to investigate the songs they had written together as part of a gang and as time falls behind then they contact their former bandmates who have been through similar life journeys and find themselves thinking if only’s and what if we do it nows. We’ll its been Forty years between recordings for post-punks that are Cult Figures.

 

After trudging around the midlands during their ’77-’78 incarnation and releasing their debut in 2018 it seems only right to put out the follow up amidst a pandemic ravaged time these tracks are not old songs given a restart but have been written from 2016 onwards since they reformed and enthused they embrace punk rock attitude, pop melodies and some psychedelic Rock to mix it up with a modern-sounding record that embraces their past and tips the hat to whats gone before them from the sprightly opener ‘Chicken Bones’ through the melodic and catchy ‘Donut Life’ and energetic and excellent ‘Lights Out’.  There an alignment with some of the recent SLF songs and the opener reminds me of Kirk Brandens recent releases.

 

There is a maturity to the songs because it doesn’t sound like carefree kids that’s for sure.  ‘Silver Flames’ has an energy and a well-constructed song more power pop with the layered big acoustic guitar chords is great to hear and really well recorded with warmth and energy.

 

I see they mention that Roger Taylor from Duran Duran once held the drum throne in the band however relevant and thin the tenure is why not throw that clang! out there. They follow up ‘Silver Flame’ with ‘White Noize’  ‘Julie Anne’ that has a great floor tom thump. Again, keeping up the energy levels is good midway through the album and the chorus is uplifting before the first track to be accompanied with a video is ‘Concrete And Glass’ that nods to the past lyrically slightly reflective but with a present sound and comes across as reflective laying back after the sprightly previous songs.

Finishing off with a bit of a dancefloor filler ‘Privilege’ is a fitting full stop to a really good record. With a post-punk meets a bit of a mod vibe Cult Figures prove that it’s never too late to strap on those guitars and turn those amps up and get your groove on from releasing your debut single with Swell Maps helping out Gary Jones and Jon Hodgson should be well proud of this record shame it took so long to get here but grateful it did.  Check em out.

 

Bandcamp

Facebook

Author: Dom Daley

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

The Coop heads up this Monday’s videos and this is the first taste of his new record and what a banger it is.  Check out ‘Social Debris’ taken from ‘Detroit Stories’ which you can pre order Here

 

 

Following the release of their new EP ‘Threesome Vol. 2’, The Lickerish Quartet have just unveiled a hazy video for ‘The Dream That Took Me Over’. Which was reviewed on RPM Here

Set in Los Angeles, or is it set in a dream? Has this happened before or is this the first time? ‘The Dream That Took Me Over’ reflects on longing as well as the uncertainty of desire and its addictive pursuit.

 

 

Finally here’s a banger I can’t stop listening to from The Dangereens who released one of the best albums of 2020 – Enjoy some real good time RnR.

 

Walking papers reveal three videos from the new album

Walking papers reveal three videos from the new album

To listen to WALKING PAPERS is like gaining access to a secret society, like stumbling upon your new favorite bar behind an unmarked door — the kind where every patron has a story, and every night is a late one. With THE LIGHT BELOW, we’re once again invited behind the velvet curtain, to the smoke-filled room where whiskey-voiced Angell holds court, telling his tales over bluesy riffs with an alluring darkness.
Known for his bruised, evocative vocals, and craftsman-like songwriting, he uses the new album to build on an already formidable catalog, with a cinematic style that oscillates between lust and loathing. Described by Angell as “a sort of mindfulness exercise,” the new tracks focus restless energy left in the wake of personal loss and creative self-doubt. “I’ve always used music as a way to deal with negative experiences and to figure myself out,” he explains, “I’ve lost a few close friends the last couple years and some of these songs provided the light I needed to process that. Those same songs have now become a way to continue a conversation with the ghosts.”

PancakesAndWhiskey.com went on to call THE LIGHT BELOW, “…a powerful rush of dark rock…mesmerizing… has a uniquely cinematic feel…a sit-down-and-listen, edge-of-your-seat kind of record, but it’s equally pleasing when you might be listening more passively; a gripping life soundtrack that makes everyday moments feel like film noir. From Andrews’ strikingly precise drumming to Anderson’s vivid keys to the vibe-setting saxophone by Lothian, it’s a colorful base on which Angell paints his pensive lyrics. THE LIGHT BELOW is like a sonic trip to a place where neon signs and car headlights illuminate leather-jacketed late-nighters.”
While PhilsPicks.com called it, “One of 2021’s essential albums,” RPMOnline.com declared, “…a contender for album of the year already,” and MyGlobalMind.com proclaimed, “Bluesy, alternative, artful rock music. This is the sort of music that I always imagine Talking Head’s David Byrne telling all of his friends about. It’s got everything Byrne embraces when it comes to style, art, lyrical content and more…This is a great release that reminds us that great music is out there if we look for it.”

With a diverse array of legendary supporting members itching to hop in and jam over the years, including Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees), it’s no surprise that caliber of musicianship is what WALKING PAPERS has become notorious for. This time around, they’ve recruited Will Andrews (drums), Gregor Lothian (saxophone), and Dean DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots) for some roof-raising guitar work on “Divine Intervention” as well as “Stood up at the Gates of Heaven.”
“Who you’re playing with obviously changes the dynamics of what you’re doing,” explains Angell. “As with most labor of love projects there was blood, sweat and tears, but those shared the space with a lot of laughs and personal epiphanies. It’s never easy to articulate something you hear in your head to another person. But in the end, what we achieved was beyond our expectations and I think we’re all better for it.”
THE LIGHT BELOW buy link: Here

DeeCRACKS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM “SERIOUS ISSUES”

DeeCRACKS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM “SERIOUS ISSUES”
AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE ON MARCH 12th
Vienna, AT – Austrian punk rockers DeeCRACKS have announced they will be releasing their new album, Serious Issues, on March 12th. This is the follow-up to their 2018 full-length Sonic Delusions.
DeeCRACKS formed in 2003 and have played nearly 1000 shows around the globe and have more releases under their belt that most bands twice their age. Serious Issues is another step forward for these hard working punks as this new album is what fans of DeeCRACKS have come to expect – 16 tracks of fast punk with catchy melodies and singalongs.

Find DeeCRACKS online: Facebook / Bandcamp / Instagram / Twitter