THE FIRST TASTE FROM THE FORTHCOMING ALBUM – ‘IT’S CHRISTMAS ALL OVER’
PRE-ORDERS AND LIMITED-EDITION MERCH BUNDLES AVAILABLE NOW
October 2, 2020 – Multi-platinum, four-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band Goo Goo Dolls are releasing “This Is Christmas”, the debut single to be taken from their forthcoming recordIt’s Christmas All Over, out October 30th, 2020 via Warner Records. The first of two original songs to be featured on the album, “This Is Christmas” is a timeless ballad that encapsulates the warmth and spirit of classic Christmas music. Listen to it HERE.
Pre-orders and limited-edition merch bundles for It’s Christmas All Over are available now via the band’s website HERE. Recorded during lockdown this year and produced by front-man John Rzeznik alongside the band’s frequent collaborators Brad Fernquist and Jimmy McGorman, the album will feature a diverse collection of songs including cover renditions of iconic holiday tracks such as “Let It Snow” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, some notable covers like Tom Petty’s ‘It’s Christmas All Over’, as well as several rarities and a jazz-infused medley finale.
Singer John Rzeznik said “This album we dedicate to everyone, everywhere, who still believes in hope. God knows we need a lot of hope this year. From the deepest part of our hearts, Happy holidays from all of us to all of you.”
WARRIOR SOUL is releasing a blast of a covers album called ‘Cocaine and Other Good Stuff‘ on Livewire/Cargo Records on November 13th 2020. The album is preceded by the timely release of the single ‘Elected’ on October 9th 2020.
The album is an incendiary compilation of songs that everyone in the band, both current and previous members, had some input choosing, and it shows true honesty in the recordings, making it a fresh take on some very listenable rock jams.
Kory Clarke – “We wanted to make a record that was not about all the crap we are all living in, as it seems like a well worn path for . So, I had to think out of the box“.
The album was recorded all over the western world (Edinburgh – Scotland, Newcastle – England, Copenhagen – Denmark, L.A. – USA, NYC- USA, Chicago – USA, Detroit – USA, Sheffield – UK, Costa Blanca – Torrevieja – Spain) in home studios.
1. Good Times Roll (Ocasek)
2. Cocaine (Cale)
3. Crosstown Traffic (Hendrix)
4. Cold Gin (Frehley)
5. D.O.A. (Van Halen, Van Halen, Anthony, Roth)
6. Elected (Cooper, Buxton, Bruce, Dunaway, Smith)
7. Outlaw (Kilmister, Campbell, Dee)
8. Firehouse (Stanley)
9. Get Down Tonight (Casey, Finch)
10. We’re An American Band (Brewer)
11. Living After Midnight (Halford, Downing, Tipton)
The idea for a covers album started when mainman Kory Clarke was contacted by legendary rock photographer, Alex Ruffini‘s brother, enquiring if Warrior Soul would record a cover of a KISS song, which was Alex Ruffini‘s favourite band, for a tribute in aid of Cancer Research. Warrior Soul recorded ‘Cold Gin‘. Once the band started recording, it sounded really positive and they decided to assemble a complete record of covers ranging from Motörhead to KC and the Sunshine Band.
Kory Clarke – “I contacted many of the musicians who have played with Warrior Soul recently and asked if they wanted to be part of it – everyone was very much up for it and ready to go. We called John Dryland at Livewire/Cargo Records, and he said ‘of course, go for it‘, the irony of recording ‘Good Times Roll’ during a global pandemic really works as you can hear the sneer of sarcasm right through every chorus!”
Warrior Soul are known for recording some electrifying covers previously including songs by Joy Division, Iggy Pop and David Bowie. Kory Clarke has performed on several compilation and tribute albums singing other acts songs but this is the first complete album of its kind from Warrior Soul.
Warrior Soul have taken their straight-ahead, honest, full-on rock n’ roll approach to these songs and encourage you to raise a glass and sterilize your tooter – cause there ain’t no vaccine for this jamdemic.
Some of you will be aware of The Breakdowns obviously members now front The wonderful Speedways and of course, Joe has just started his new project well here they all pop up helping out former member Aron. His previous work was Hot Rod Linkun well he’s back and this time he’s wound the clock back and knocked up a real 12 bar retro fest of roots rock and roll with plenty of rockabilly that would make Setzer and slim jim blush.
Most of this was recorded back in 2017 and features most of the breakdowns who played on their wonderful ‘Rock and Roller Skates’ album. Its been mixed on an old school desk with real echo tapes and spring reverb for that authentic feel that you just can’t get from pro tools. Songs like ‘Radio Active Rock and Roll’ have the DNA that The Beatles had when they hot-footed it over to the Reeperbahn knocking out quality bar room boogie like this.
I remember The early years my dad would always have music on in the house playing similar acoustic/electric like ‘You Burn Me Up’ , my father would play albums by Chet Atkins and Eddie Cochran The Everley’s and Chuck Berry I get the same feeling playing this that Cadillac went through the same scenario. Man, Cadillac has got it going on. For authenticity and capturing that same magic, it’s nailed every time ‘Hanging With The Back Row Girls’ and ‘Sodapop Rock’ has it going on in spades. You don’t have the guitar histrionics of Setzer or a Reverend Horton Heat but you do have the genuine feeling that this record comes from the same place and a love of the beginnings of Rock and Roll and it’s why this record had to come out.
Ten songs of pure passion and love of Rock and Roll. jump on it and turn it up, its catchy and will put a smile on your boat race as wide as the river Thames Good Golly indeed. Get it!
After having a right good chuckle at the cover artwork here it was down to business and right from the kick-off the chug of that riff and a rock-solid pound of ‘Fits You Like A Glove’ it was a right proper meaty punk rock showdown happening. right through to the catchy chorus you’re singing along and punching the air. there’s something about this here punk rock malarky that draws you in for a lifetime of “oh yeah that feels good that does” and The Lurkers who’ve been around a while I might add certainly know a trick or two and as far as openers go this ones catchy, meaty and a right good tone-setter.
I enjoyed the GLM album four years ago when it was released, My God was it really four years ago? Wow well, they’ve spent those four years well knocking together this set of banger. There isn’t any new ground being trodden and the path they head down is well worn but it seems much like Cock Sparrer on ‘Forever’ it seems these old punks can teach them young guns a few new tricks; when I say tricks I mean they can teach ’em how to write a good solid tune. ‘London Jeepster’ is another melodic toe-tapper.
The title track has the feel of the more recent Subs albums its focussed and powerful with a great sympathetic production from the formidable hands of Pat Collier. Pete Stride said in an interview that ‘The Boys In The Corner’ was autobiographical and it’s a measured look down memory lane but not in a cheesy way at all, no sir, Its got a bit of punch to it and sounds like one of those end of set drinking songs that middle-aged (cough cough) punks like This ones spot on.
If you want rockers then ‘Approaching System Overload’ the bands (eco-awareness number) will service your needs whilst ‘High Velocity’ is a right punch up featuring guest vocals from Danie Centric from The Feathers. To be fair this is a really solid set of thirteen songs with variety and a cheeky grin here and there from the opener to the Ramones like ‘Electrical Guitar’ via the cool ‘Doll No.5’ and the booze-soaked ‘The Boys In The Corner’.
If you’re looking for another ‘Fulham Fallout’ or ‘Gods Lonely Men’ then you might not find it here but you will find a band full of energy and a fistful of top tunes for these weird times we currently find ourselves in and another gawp at the artwork will give you a good giggle as well. Get on it you wasters.
Racism and homophobia, homelessness and job loss, fear-mongery, anxiety, and suicide. These are not new words, but along with ‘Pandemic’, are these the keywords that we will look back on to describe the year 2020? One thing’s for sure, there’s been a lot of relevant music released so far this year that seems to fit the lockdown vibe, but you need look no further than Bob Vylan for the ultimate reaction and the perfect soundtrack to the new normal.
‘We Live Here’ was actually recorded in 2019 and is self-released because the music industry won’t touch them with a barge pole. Even radio and magazines cite them too extreme, and fair play, this 8 track EP from the London duo Bobby Vylan and Bobb13 Vylan is 18 minutes of uneasy listening, but it is also essential listening.
A mash up of grime and punk rock, ‘We Live Here’ pulls no punches from the very first pulsating beats until a cheerful girl signs off at the end of the last track, telling us not to forget that “the Queen killed Diana”!
My first introduction to Bob Vylan was the single ‘We Live Here’. It is one of the most brutal, hard-hitting tunes I have heard in a long time. A sloppy Slaves-esque guitar riff, frantic rhythms and a diatribe of childhood racial abuse, delivered with the rage of a lion and power of a ten-ton hammer coming down on a balsa wood Houses of Parliament. It’s no coincidence that Bobby is sporting a Crass t-shirt in the video, this is politically-charged punk rock 2020, and utterly essential listening.
Police brutality is covered in the hardcore ‘Pulled Pork’. A song that channels Rage Against The Machine and Body Count to great effect. You want edgy? Well, this is teetering on the edge of the fuckin precipice, bruthas and sistas! And the skulking beast that is ‘Lynch Your Leaders’ could very well incite you to do just that with its hypnotic beats and deep, thought-provoking lyricism.
You just can’t ignore Bob Vylan. This is life through the eyes of black working-class youth, an angry mouthpiece for generations of black minorities that have suffered prejudice in the same country they were born in.
“I can’t breathe, just leave me alone” screams Bobby on the fear and anxiety induced trip through the London underground that is ‘Northern Line’. Scarily, it mirrors recent events more than the writer could have ever imagined. Then ‘Save Yourself’ offers retribution before blasting into a 2 minute brutal assault on the senses. It’s the last song proper before ‘Moment Of Silence’ literally gives you breathing space to digest the Bob Vylan experience.
This is an album that needs to be heard, a wakeup call that is loud and clear. It crosses genres and it crosses classes. Like the musical equivalent of LiveLeak, it’s what the ‘powers that be’ don’t want you to hear, what they don’t want you to feel or act on. This is the sound of the streets, the true punk rock and the most relevant collection of songs you will hear all year.
You won’t hear it on the radio, you won’t be able to stream it on Spotify, but you can buy it directly from the band on their own Bandcamp page. I strongly suggest you get clicking right away!
It’s all gone a bit Bob Mould bonkers this last month what with the post Husker Du reissues and Box set bonanza and this here new album. Solo album number fourteen if I’m not mistaken has seen him go from the darkness of ‘Black Sheets Of Rain’ to his last offering ‘Sunshine Rock’ covering just about everything in between the polar opposites.
‘Blue Hearts’ see that sunshine hidden behind some pretty dark clouds from the crackle of the opening acoustic Mould certainly does wear his heart on his sleeve as he pulls no punches. Government, Climate change its a sad portrait he paints but one that can’t be denied or refuted. From there on the guitars are turned up to eleven and the ‘Next Generation’ crashes in.
Sure it’s familiar territory but I kinda like it when Bob Mould is raging against the machine. Like being hit on the temple by a wrecking ball, Mould gives his guitar one hell of a seeing to as he doesn’t go gently into the night. But wait it gets darker, ‘American Crisis’ is as angry as I can remember him Husker Du and Sugar included. Regan Bush and now Trump there seems to be an ever lasting conveyor belt of shit rolling through the white house doors and Sub two and a half minutes punk rock with a dark melodic chorus is the only thing that can save us. It’s crushing. Pausing momentarily in the middle for breath (Not).
Fourteen songs mean its not anywhere near prog lengths for each number as one crashes into the other like a stormy sea its wave after wave as your senses get pummeled with each track devouring the last but there is respite with acoustic guitars being abused on ‘Forcast Of Rain’ even with its church organ sarcastically filing ever corner of darkness with more darkness its bleak and depressing but it isn’t if you know what I mean.
I don’t know if I should admit to being pleased that Mould is pissed off or disappointed with the wider world because it brings out the beast in his songwriting and this has been the case here. He voices his disappointment at the state of the US at religion at the fact that man in the western world doesn’t seem to learn from its mistakes and as he roars “never thought I’d see this bullshit again” yet here he is. It’s fair to say Trump won’t ever see Mould wearing one of his trucker caps nor waving a patriotic flag at a rally any day soon.
‘When You Left’ sounds like a one-take number as Bob tries to break his voice it does mellow (did I just say mellow) I mean ease up a little on the next couple of tracks maybe Bob thought we needed to catch out breath and he’d be right.
I bet Bob’s guitar amps all go to eleven, it sounds like they do and it must be exhilarating to listen to the playback in a good studio as he wrestles to control the feedback on ‘Baby Needs A Cookie’.
The fact that this came out the same day Idles released their new album I think it’s safe to say that alternative guitar music is in safe hands. Men who give a shit are standing on a mountain raging against the pricks and I like it.
It might be brand new but I already love it. Don’t ask me in a month I love it here and now and it’s just what I need to hear every time I turn on the news I’m disappointed and I find myself shouting at the interviewers to hold the politician’s feet a little closer to the fire and I wish one day the powers that be will tell the truth or be a little honest or humble but until then I’m getting behind people like Bob Mould because they can turn that rage into something quite beautiful. ‘Blue Hearts’ is Bob Mould doing what he excels at just at the right time. Anger is an energy and energy is something Bob Mould has in spades – come to think of it anger is something he’s pretty bloody good at as well – Exquisite record.
Let’s not hang about here ‘War’ is the sound of bombs dropping from the sky and panic on the streets. Idles are on it and as a unit won’t be stopped by conventional weapons or pandemics it would seem. Taking it to the next level after the joy of the Glasto performance and it would seem being taken into the bosoms of the press beast and being hailed as the saviours of alternative post-punk rock and roll all by themselves. Idles have taken it in their stride and just gotten on with it, seemingly oblivious as to the outpouring of adulation currently being heaped upon them.
I liked ‘Brutalism’ and I liked what they offered as the next step on ‘Joy As An Act’ so it was with an intake of breath I pressed play on this their third long-player as the band lock-in and pour out what is inside them onto the black grooves.
Frontman Joe Talbot says of “Grounds”: “We wanted to write a song that embodied self-belief, and gave us self-belief – a counter-punch to all the doubt we build up from all the noise we so easily let in. We wanted to make the sound of our own hearts’ marching band, armed with a jackhammer and a smile. We wanted to make the sound of our engine starting. So we did. Thank you.” Talbot sounds like he knows the score. top tune and instantly recognisable and more honed in, more finely tuned. Sounds like they know exactly where they’re going with this lark.
If you thought the band had hit the peak on ‘Joy’ and the worm might turn from here on in, well, think again this album is more vibrant, focussed and raging than the previous offerings. Across all twelve songs, there is a brutality as the band continues the social commentary of their past work, with themes of class, gender inequality, nationalism, community, and toxic masculinity and empowerment and ultimately fighting back. Its not preachy it poignant and informative that there are people who think just like you!
Produced by Nick Launay (Nick Cave, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire) and Adam ‘Atom’ Greenspan (Anna Calvi, Cut Copy), ‘Ultra Mono’ sounds huge. The album also features guest vocals from Jehnny Beth (Savages), and additional guest contributions from Warren Ellis (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds), David Yow, and Jamie Cullum like it needed any.
The constant touring sounds like it has galvanised the band and they’re locked in as one and the twists and turns of the opening few tracks are epic and brutal but quite beautiful as well.
Safe it isn’t but I’m sure there will be a hipster backlash along anytime soon saying something along the lines of them selling out or commercial this and that and not being the same anymore (not with these lyrics). Tosh, I say this is where they’ve been striving to get for the last two albums and this is excellent. Even after a few plays I’m easily enjoying it as much as the previous offerings if not more due to the production and songs being a lot tighter.
I’ve not read any of the reviews yet but I’ve seen the comments to the videos released so far and I like it and it would seem so do the punters (those that matter anyway). Hopefully when all this pandemic strife is sorted and we can get back to live music being a thing I’m sure these songs will take on a new life as they get performed and dissected more by the public as we break them in.
Its a pummeling album and songs like ‘Mr. Motivator’ has taken things to the next level without a doubt. I’m sure reviews will champion them as the soundtrack to the revolution, Well, the likes of the Guardian and Mirror will and The Mail will hate it. Fuck em! This album is demanding another spin and I’m already liking it a lot “How D’you like them cliches?”. To be honest, Idles have managed to create music that is pretty much universally recognisable which is always a bonus and something bands strive to achieve – sure they borrow bits here and there who doesn’t but the magic when they are in full flight is awesome.
Ultimately ‘Ultra Mono’ is a document of its time and a bloody good one at that. They look destined to get bigger and bigger. From their Rebellion Festival appearance to their Glasto triumph and now this release and the raft of enormadomes they will play once it’s safe to do so is proof that alternative music is alive and kicking and screaming.
Crack on Idles I love it. Some will love join me – some just won’t get it and others will shy away because they’re too popular. fuck that if you can’t love ‘Anxiety’ then why not? Talbot hits the nail on the head lyrically and when he states our government does hate the poor he means it but not to be cool or trendy but because it matters and people need to wake up maybe this is the sound of the fightback.
It’s not all crash, bang, wallop mind. Well, I say that ‘Kill Them With Kindness’ has a polite intro before Talbot barks his best Iggy Pop. ‘Carcinogenic’ has a lovely throbbing bassline as does ‘Reigns’ as they push the envelope a little further again. A dozen songs later and I’m thinking that Idles have penned a classic of its kind it’s easily their best twelve songs thus far (no seriously) Check it out. Stream it (if you have to) buy it on tape if you’re hip but turn the volume up for others to hear and sing along. ‘Ultra Mono’ might only have just been born but it sounds like a band has grown in stature and become a real force to be reckoned with – alternative music always needs bands like Idles so let’s enjoy them here and now – Buy it!
Right then. I’m gonna listen to this bad boy blind, just burn it to CD and let it rip a couple of times and fill in the bands and bullshit later. Six bands, twelve tracks, two each. Off we go…
The Drippers – ‘Stuck with You’: Overkill to the max. Full-on no-compromise rock & roll. Motorhead-tastic. I like it a lot!
The Hip Priests – ‘666 Sister’: Okay, I recognise Cruz’s voice straight away. Short sweet and with wah-wah frenzy soloing filling ever bit of breathing space.
Stacy Crown – ‘Heavy Rain’: Kind of reminds me of The Almighty and throws me right back to the dawn of nighties. This lot aren’t wah-wah shy either. You even get a Black Diamond build up at the end. Cool stuff.
Black Gremlin – ‘Cosmic Death’: Doomy riffing that kind of hits me with a seventies sounding Metallica flavour.
Grindhouse – ‘City High’: Yeah Grindhouse straight off the bat. A band I need to see so I can buy their records. Straight down the line rock & roll with and edge of mental.
The Empire Strikes – ‘Not in Toulouse’: This is a sleazy beast. Very different from the tunes so far. It’s a laid back and dirty affair, kind of Hanoi plays Fleetwood Mac. Ooooh, nice but naughty.
So I guess I’m half way through now and have heard each of the bands once. Retro Vox have really pulled it off again, there’s not a stinker amongst them. Honest !!
The Empire Strikes – ‘No Action, Non Rock’: Ah ha, this is the last band again. More riffed up and rockin’ than before. Kind of like a decent Reckless Love. I bet they’re from Finland !!! (Yup, I was right)
Grindhouse – ‘Shit Together’: Another slice of Grindhouse. Hooky as fuck. Proper black magic from the earth’s under carriage.
Black Gremlin – ‘Quiver’: I recognise that this must be the “doomy band” from side 1. More metal than the other bands on offer here but with some great chug going on. I definitely need to check this lot out.
The Drippers – ‘The Monetary Selection’: Okay, so this is The Drippers?!? I haven’t seen the track listing at this point so I’m still flying blind. Yeah this is right up there with the best Gothenburg has to offer. Proper good.
The Hip Priests – ‘Head Over Heels’: Back to the Priests with a cool Motherfucker Superior kind of tune. This one is right up there with their best tunes. Wah-tastic mates.
Stacey Crowne – ‘Fool Hearted’: This is Hellacopters enough to melt the hearts of any closet Scandi-rocker. Yeah…. you gotta love it.
Demolition Derby Volume 2 is released on Retro Vox Records on October 23. Give it a listen and pre-order it on all kinds of sexy vinyl: Here
Marilyn Manson’s latest album ‘WE ARE CHAOS’ has debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200. This album marks Manson’s eighth consecutively to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200. Internationally, WE ARE CHAOS debuted Top 10 in several countries. The album is produced by Manson and GRAMMY® Award winner Shooter Jennings [Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker] and includes previously released singles “WE ARE CHAOS”.
Manson releases the video for “DON’T CHASE THE DEAD”, which stars Manson alongside Norman Reedus.
Next up is this in the studio recording from The Bloodstrings. “Heavy Cross is something we should have written a long time ago”, says Celina, singer of the band that has been playing worldwide tours including legendary festivals like Wacken in Germany or Rebellion in England.
“It is about being a woman in the music industry or in society itself. It is about being treated differently, being sexualized. Every woman knows the feeling of having to defend herself in her job, in her relationship or in her everyday life. I personally have been treated different than my male band mates on shows and festivals and that song is a clear statement against that.”
The song, originally written to be a feature on the next album of The Bloodstrings, was part of a series of live sessions that also included a cover-song of The Interrupters hit “Gave You Everything”. The Bloodstrings are going new ways with their sound: They founded the band as a horrorbilly/trash-punk band and made their way through different influences, eventually ending up with a unique style of pop-punk meets rock n roll meets alt-rock.
Finally, the third video we bring is ‘War’ the opening cut from the new Idles album – Enjoy.
One beacon of light for music fans worldwide throughout this sorry Covid-19 mess has to be the website Bandcamp. It’s given us a veritable treasure trove of new stuff to discover these past six months (The Hip Priests, Bob Vylan, Division Of Laura Lee, Stay Voiceless and Phoxjaw to name but a few of those all getting some of my shilling) plus to top it all off they also went and set up “fee waiver days” to further support their clientele currently unable to work.
Now that to me really is keeping with the true spirit of punk rock, so it’s kind of apt that Scott ‘Deluxe’ Drake a veritable legend of the US punk rock scene has decided to utilize the platform to launch his new band Guerrilla Teens.
Having already released a contender for album of the year in the shape of ‘Bats From Planet Skull’ (via the then already disbanded Lovesores) back in April, Scott has wasted little time in bringing us Guerrilla Teens – formed once again out of Portland Oregon by members of The Humpers, Lovesores, Suicide Notes, Magick Gardens, Epoxies, 8 Foot Tender and Sex Crime, with the band line up consisting of Guerrilla Deluxe aka Scott Drake on vocals, Anna Bananas aka Anna Anderson on bass and vocals, Deaf Jeff aka Jeff Fieldhouse on guitar and vocals, Tim Panzee aka Tim Connolly on drums and vocals and finally Saul Teen aka Saul Koll on guitar.
Originally released via Bandcamp in staggered bite-size segments across consecutive months ‘All Our Hits’ is all the band’s Covid-19 demos, together in one convenient package, however in saying this the most immediate thing that hits you from the first guitar chime of opener ‘Dillinger Red’ is just how NOT demo sounding these tracks actually are. Each of the ten tracks bristling with uneasy low-slung guitar energy, the bass and drums pumping out hypnotic rhythms over which Scott works his trademark sneering vocal magic.
Take one listen to the likes of ‘Tell Me What To Do’, ‘Super Aces’ or ‘Black Weather’ and you’ll feel the immediate need to self-isolate with this album on constant rotation. It’s infectious and dangerous and if it does ever get a physical release it absolutely demands the full gatefold vinyl treatment just so you can lie on your bed, headphones cranked, staring dreamily into the band members bloodshot eyes.
Straight outta the Covid-19 garage, Guerrilla Teens really are a full throttle sonic assault on the senses – a 100% ballad free zone, which in these anxious times, really is music to my (perma-ringing) ears
Looking ahead Guerrilla Teens have already stated (right here on RPM) that post lockdown they would love to tour the UK and Europe just to kick the living shit out of Boris Johnson, plus of course play ‘All The Hits’. So, please make sure you all click on the link below – go purchase your download and let’s make this happen!!!
THE FIRST TASTE FROM THE FORTHCOMING ALBUM – ‘IT’S CHRISTMAS ALL OVER’
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