Märvel – ‘Brain Drain Diaries’

Märvel – ‘Brain Drain Diaries’

The self-proclaimed ‘Barons of high energy rock n’ roll’, otherwise known as Märvel, return with their 10th album, cunningly titled ‘Brain Drain Diaries’.

The Swedish three-piece have been in the game for 20 years now. King (vocals & guitar), The Burgher (bass) and The Vicar on drums play the sorta rock n’ roll we here at RPM adore, and their high-energy mix of Thin Lizzy, Hellacopters and Kiss is always something to get excited about.

Recorded and self-produced at the Sunshine Factory in their homeland, ‘Brain Drain Diaries’ is what we have come to expect from the masked trio who dress like evil henchmen from a 60’s Batman TV show. 

Lyrically, the band have taken a more reflective approach here, with themes of resilience, honesty and songs straight from the heart. But musically, it’s all about catchy hooks and killer riffs, baby! 

I’m pretty much sold on the album art to be fair, but the opening one-two of ‘Look It’s Rock n Roll’ and ‘A Beautiful Corpse’ seals the deal in magnificent style.

With the former coming on strong like latter-day Hellacopters, Märvel deliver a killer opener with a refrain to die for and a high-octane solo to boot. This is low-slung rock n’ roll at its finest. 

The latter, with its twin guitar attack, urgent beats and vintage Kiss feel, is pure rock n’ roll energy guaranteed to get the heart racing and the vocal cords working. That opening chorus will catch ya, hook, line and sinker. It’s probably the best track on the album. But it’s got some stiff competition. 

Märvel have a knack for wearing their influences on their sleeves with no shame. ‘Biding My Time’ drifts from a Lizzy-like verse to a Kiss-inspired chorus with ease, but just ends up sounding like Märvel to me. The glam rock stomp of ‘Time Has A Way’ has a very British feel, like Mud or The Sweet in their prime. It’s as instant as Instant Whip and twice as nice. You’ll be humming it before the second chorus kicks in, believe me. 

The likes of ‘Brain Drain’ and ‘Take A Stand’ prove not only that Märvel stole the beat from the Lord, but they may well have improved on it. 

Märvel may not have the same kudos as the likes of The Hellacopters, The Hives or Turbonegro in certain circles, but ‘Brain Drain Diaries’ continues a strong run of killer albums from a band who are up there with their contemporaries delivering the goods to the max.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Matty James Cassidy – ‘Tell It To The Ghosts’

Matty James Cassidy – ‘Tell It To The Ghosts’

“Tell It to the Ghosts”, written and performed by Camden-based Northern Irish singer-songwriter Matty James Cassidy, is a brooding, acoustic-led track with a noir atmosphere. Channelling the shadowy storytelling and grit of Tom Waits and Nick Cave, it explores memory, loss, and the ghosts we carry. Intimate and cinematic in feel, this is indie rock with depth, character, and pulse.

Matty hits the road supporting the Quireboys on their UK tour — plus a few final solo shows to close out 2025 Here

Bandcamp

Stream Here

Website

Ist Ist see the ‘Warning Signs’

Ist Ist see the ‘Warning Signs’

FROM UPCOMING FIFTH ALBUM:
‘DAGGER’
OUT 6 FEBRUARY, VIA KIND VIOLENCE RECORDS

ON TOUR THIS NOVEMBER, 
PLUS FURTHER UK TOUR DATES IN 2026

One of the most urgent, immediate and irrepressible tracks the band have delivered to date, “Warning Signs” is a lightning bolt of realisation and unrequited love. 

Of the track, vocalist Adam Houghton says:

”I wanted to write from a place of regret — that gut-wrenching moment when you realise pride and fear have cost you the person you love. The song is a confession and a plea, filled with what-ifs and too-lates. I wanted the repetition and directness to feel desperate, like someone haunted by what they didn’t say soon enough. It’s about confronting the pain of being without the one who grounded you and understanding too late that love requires vulnerability. The goal was to make the emotion feel raw, honest, and painfully human.’’

New single “Warning Signs” is an unignorable reminder of the band’s highly awaited fifth album ‘DAGGER’, as produced by Joe Cross (Hurts, Courteeners, Slow Readers Club). It arrives on 6 February 2026, via the band’s own Kind Violence Records. 

The new track comes complete with an official video shot by Joyce Van Doorn and edited by Shaolin Pete. Featuring live and backstage footage from IST IST’s triumphant recent tour of Europe, it’s a tantalising reminder for what’s to come at their upcoming UK comeback shows, which kick-off this week in Leeds, Glasgow, London, and Birmingham (28th November – 6th December, check dates below). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mXaLRyMlJM&feature=youtu.be


IST IST will also be hitting the road again in April 2026, with additional shows in Norwich, Exeter, Oxford, Newcastle, Sheffield, Nottingham, Bristol, and Brighton, paving the way towards their biggest hometown show to date, at Manchester’s Albert Hall in May. All dates are listed below, with all tickets on sale now.

Catch IST IST marking their decade-long career and playing new music from ‘DAGGER’ at the following UK shows: 

IST IST  – 2025/26 EUROPE & UK TOUR DATES


Friday 28th November – Leeds – Warehouse
Saturday 29th November – Glasgow – Oran Mor
Friday 5th December – London – 229
Saturday 6th December – Birmingham – O2 Academy2

****

THURSDAY 9th APRIL – NORWICH – THE WATERFRONT ** JUST ADDED **
SATURDAY 11th APRIL – EXETER PHOENIX ** JUST ADDED **

SUNDAY 12th APRIL – OXFORD – 02 ACADEMY2 ** JUST ADDED **

THURSDAY 16th APRIL – NEWCASTLE – THE GROVE ** JUST ADDED **

SATURDAY 18th APRIL – SHEFFIELD • NETWORK  ** JUST ADDED **

THURSDAY 23rd APRIL – NOTTINGHAM • RESCUE ROOMS ** JUST ADDED **

FRIDAY 24th APRIL  – BRISTOL – THEKLA ** JUST ADDED **
SATURDAY 25th APRIL – BRIGHTON – QUARTERS ** JUST ADDED **


Friday 1st May 2026 – Manchester – Albert Hall
w/ Support from DESPERATE JOURNALIST + THE YOUTH PLAY

Tickets for all shows on sale here:
https://www.ististmusic.com/pages/live
*****

Michael Monroe gets ‘Disconnected’

Michael Monroe gets ‘Disconnected’

MICHAEL MONROE

New Video/ Single

‘DISCONNECTED’

OUT NOW

New Album OUTERSTELLAR

OUT FEBRUARY 20

PRE-ORDER AT THIS LOCATION 

Michael Monroe releases the irresistibly anthemic second single ‘Disconnected’ from forthcoming new studio album Outerstellar, set for release on February 20th via Silver Lining Music. For pre-orders go to this location.

‘Disconnected’ speaks of something that Michael Monroe feels passionately about: that live music is a rare and vital space for people to find each other in the moment.

“Technology was supposed to bring people closer together, when, in fact, people are more disconnected than ever. They’re looking at their phones and their computers and downloading stuff” comments Michael Monroe. “And, you know, the Internet can’t take away the experience of being at a live show. You’re on stage, and you communicate with the audience who are there, in that moment. That‘s where the magic really happens, and absolutely no program or device or computer can reproduce that!”

The new album Outerstellar, is an experience as much as a collection of great songs, a sweet smelling, leathery, glitter-shimmered, sweat-soaked raunch and punch wrapped in one of the great voices in rock ‘n’ roll. The harmonies and vibes roll effortlessly in silk scarves, lounging in leather pants with liquor and a smile on a beat-up sofa in those small AM hours. And the sheer attitude, which screams carefree (not careless!) confidence (not arrogance!), a cocksure sense of self-bathed in the sheer joy of playing real rock ‘n’ roll the right way.

The recently released first video and single, ‘Rockin’ Horse’, is a defiant blast against critics and judges and comes with one of the craziest Michael Monroe videos you’ve ever seen. “I am who I am and I’m not going to edit myself for your benefit,” Michael says unequivocally for anyone who might doubt that fact.

From loud crashing guitars to harmonicas, to gorgeous acoustic moments, you’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll shiver, you’ll shake, and you’ll smell this wonderful exhilarating record in all its weathered biker jacket incense-coated glory and you’ll also realize that whatever the hell is going on in the world right now, when you put this album on, it’s an instant escape to carefree days and an emancipation from worries, fears and woes.  

Outerstellar will see a whole burst of life onstage when Michael Monroe and the band bring it to stages internationally over the next year. It is EXACTLY what rock ‘n’ roll in its truest sense is meant to be, in fact, just stop reading this, get off your ‘Rockin’ Horse’ and go see Michael Monroe on tour at your first opportunity! In support of the release of Outerstellar, Michael Monroe and band will embark on a UK co-headline tour with Buckcherry, kicking off in Southampton on February 24th. For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets visit: michaelmonroe.com – more dates to be announced.

2025:

24 Nov Rock Beyond Rock Vol. 2, Osaka (JP)

25 Nov EX THEATER ROPPONGI, Minato City (JP)

2026:

24 Feb The 1865, Southampton (UK)

25 Feb O2 Ritz, Manchester (UK)

27 Feb KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (UK)

28 Feb Northumbria Institute, Newcastle (UK)

1 Mar SWG3, Glagsgow (UK)

3 Mar Tramshed, Cardiff (UK)

4 Mar The Foundry, Torquay (UK)

6 Mar Rock City, Nottingham (UK)

7 Mar O2 Forum, London (UK)

8 Mar Chalk, Brighton (UK)

3-7 Apr Underground Garage Cruise, Miami (US) to Cozumel (MX)

Outerstellar will be available on Limited Edition 12” White Vinyl, 12” Turquoise Vinyl, 12” Black Vinyl, CD Digipak, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles. Available to pre-order now at this location 

Follow Michael Monroe:

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www.x.com/michaelmonroe 

www.instagram.com/michaelmonroeofficial

www.michaelmonroe.com/web/

www.tiktok.com/@officialmichaelmonroe 

Avalanche – Down For The Count

Avalanche – Down For The Count

The Next Big Noise from Down Under!

Avalanche release new single“Down for the Count” and announce album Armed To The Teeth to be released February 13th, 2026 via MGM

Pre-order album HERE

AVALANCHE, Australia’s own Rock N’ Roll Hard Rock Powerhouse drop knockout new single “Down for the Count“ set to shake up the Rock World!

Prepare to be blown away by ‘Down For The Count’, the new single from Australia’s hottest Hard Rock band AVALANCHE that will hit ya like a haymaker! Fresh off announcing they’ll be supporting Aussie rock royalty AIRBOURNE on tour across Europe and the UK and leading into their debut album Armed to the Teeth to be released on February, 13th 2026 – Avalanche bring you a song for the fighters!

This track delivers an unrelenting blast of pure rock fury, showcasing Aussie rock at its finest.  It’s the ultimate fighter’s anthem about getting back up when life hits hard and fighting ‘til the last bell! With perhaps their catchiest riff to date, this track features a knockout, ear-worm guitar riff, vocals strong enough to strip paint off the walls and the ultimate sing along chorus to chant along too in the pub or the stadium alike!

With a music video shot both in a boxing ring; and on tour in Japan, this song will have you up, dancing and going out swinging!

Since their emergence from a steel factory in 2018, Australia’s husband & wife led, hard rock powerhouse AVALANCHE (Veronica & Steven Campbell, Blake Poulton, Bon Lowe) have taken the world by storm. Headlining tours and festivals across Australia, Japan, Taiwan & New Caledonia, and sharing stages with rock titans like Nashville Pussy, Buckcherry, Fozzy, Rose Tattoo, Jesse Hughes (Eagles Of Death Metal) & more, along with winning Australia’s largest live original band competition; Passport To Airlie – Avalanche has solidified their reputation for explosive performances and raw, unfiltered Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Their relentless drive has earned them international acclaim, with 2026 set to be their biggest year yet. They will release their debut album Armed to the Teeth on Feb 13, touring it across Europe & The UK supporting Australian rock legends Airbourne, followed by Rock The Boat where they will play alongside Rock royalty Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Phil X (Bon Jovi), James Lomenzo (Megadeth) & more.

Produced by Grammy-nominated, ARIA award-winning producer Steve James, Avalanche’s sonic assault has resonated globally, earning airplay on influential stations like Triple M, Kerrang!, Planet Rock, and publications such as Classic Rock, Rolling Stone and more.

Their signature sound and hectic touring schedule continue to win new fans worldwide. Get ready to be swept away by the sheer power of Avalanche.

From frontman Steven Campbell on the album: 

“‘Armed To The Teeth’ has been over 2 years in the making, it is quite literally our blood, sweat and beers! And now to be touring it around Europe & UK with our biggest childhood heroes Airbourne is an absolute dream come true! 

The album name was actually inspired by (Airbourne’s) Joel O’Keffee; after sending him the masters, he very excitedly called us saying the track ‘Armed To The Teeth’ was one of the best new rock songs he’s ever heard, even comparing it to AC/DC’s ‘Let There Be Rock’ and that it would be a killer album name! For a riff that Veronica wrote when she was 16 and listening to Airbourne, it was the ultimate praise and utterly unreal, so we just had to go with it!

We can’t wait to get this out there, rock with ya’s around the world and get ya’s all armed to the teeth with us!”

AVALANCHE LIVE:


2025:

NOV 22 Australia, Sydney, The Loft

Avalanche supporting Airbourne on the Gutsy European Tour 2026:

FEB 14 Germany, Hamburg, Georg Elser Halle

FEB 16 Netherlands, Utrecht, Tivoli Vrendenburg


FEB 17 Luxembourg, Luxexpo

FEB 20 Germany, Cologne, Palladium

FEB 21 France, Paris, Zenith

FEB 24 UK, Birmingham, O2 Academy

FEB 25 UK, Manchester, Academy

FEB 28 UK, London, Roundhouse

MAR 2 UK, Norwich, UEA

MAR 3 UK, Southampton, Guildhall

OCT 25 – NOV 1 Australia & New Caledonia, ROCK THE BOAT Cruise 

W/ Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Phil X (Bon Jovi), James Lomenzo of (Megadeth) & more

TICKETS: HERE

Gary Moore – BMG Reissues

Gary Moore – BMG Reissues

BMG Announces Reissues of Four Classic Gary Moore albums on vinyl and CD 

Order Here

BMG and Gary Moore will reissue four beloved titles from the legendary guitarist’s catalogue Ian 2026: the studio albums Old New Ballads Blues (2006), Close As You Get (2007), and Bad For You Baby (2008), along with the live album Live at Bush Hall (2014, recorded in 2007). 

All titles will be available on CD from 27th February, with each release also presented on double vinyl, arriving 24th April.

Old New Ballads Blues, Gary Moore’s 15th solo album, continued his exploration of the blues with a mix of classic blues tracks—written by legends such as Otis Rush and Willie Dixon—and his own original compositions. The album also features Don Airey on keyboards.

One year later, Close As You Get was released, reuniting Moore with his former Thin Lizzy bandmate, drummer Brian Downey, who performed on every track. Stripped down and raw, the album finds Moore delving as close to purist, traditional blues as he had ever ventured.

Released in 2008, Bad For You Baby is Moore’s seventeenth solo album and the final studio album released during his lifetime. It leans toward the hard-rock-infused blues style he had embraced in previous years and includes covers of two songs strongly associated with Muddy Waters. The album also features standout collaborations with Cassie Taylor and Otis Taylor. Gary Moore passed away on 6 February 2011.

Concluding this group of reissues is the live album Live at Bush Hall. Recorded in 2007 at an intimate, invitation-only show promoting Close As You Get, the 13-song set once again pairs Moore with drummer Brian Downey. Thin Lizzy’s “Don’t Believe a Word” is the only Lizzy track to make it into the setlist and the performance features rare live versions of several songs, including Chuck Berry’s “30 Days,” the self penned “Trouble at Home,” and Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Eyesight to the Blind.”

Gary Moore rocked the worlds of blues and rock with his virtuoso guitar playing and soulful voice. Best known for his evocative solo hits Parisienne Walkways and Still Got the Blues, as well as his on-and-off membership in Thin Lizzy, Moore’s solo career comprises more than twenty albums. Throughout the 1980s, he rose through the rock hierarchy, but ultimately turned his back on what he regarded as the empty flash of metal and returned to his true passion—the blues—where, ironically, he achieved his greatest commercial success with his blues albums of the 1990s and 2000s.

Alongside leading his own bands throughout a successful solo career, Gary Moore played with some of the greatest names in rock and blues, both live and on record, including George Harrison, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Greg Lake, B.B. King, Albert King, Albert Collins, and many others. Widely regarded as one of the most influential Irish musicians of all time, Moore was honoured by both Gibson and Fender with signature guitars. The Northern Irish star remains celebrated as one of the finest guitarists in music history.

To pre-order the albums released on CD on 27th February, and on vinyl on 24th April go to: https://gary-moore.lnk.to/releases

Graham Bonnet Band- ‘Lost In Hollywood Again’ (Live) [Frontiers Records]

Graham Bonnet Band- ‘Lost In Hollywood Again’ (Live) [Frontiers Records]

What can you say about one of the most legendary voices of Rock that hasn’t been said before – not much, but I will say that Graham Bonnet and his band, the imaginatively monickered Graham Bonnet Band, are soon to be releasing a new live album that celebrates and commemorates Graham’s voice as one of the most recognisable in rock. Up there with Ronnie James Dio and only a few others. This album is a touching, yet relevant showcase of what the 77-year-old singer can do.

Recorded back in August 2024, at the famous Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, the Graham Bonnet Band rocked and rolled, and it has all been captured here on this the Lost In Hollywood Again album.

Opening with ‘Eyes of the World’, then straight into ‘All Night Long’ – you know that this band mean business and for the 16 song setlist – prove that class doesn’t age and only gets better with time.

‘Love’s No Friend’, ‘Making Love’ and ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ are up next, while many would keep the hits until last – Graham and band acerbate a confidence that is rarely seen these days.

Now would be a great time to introduce the band that is captured live here – Obviously, you know Graham Bonnet on the vocals, but the band, who are made up of Conrado Pesinato on guitars, Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass, Alessandro Bertoni on the Keyboards and Francis Cassol on drums. This band have clearly reinvigorated Graham, and the audience must have been in their oils as the music washed over them.

However, up next – poses the age-old question of the live album and should guitar/keyboard/drums solos should be included. I’m of the opinion that they should, as it gives the listener the time for a toilet break, just like they do in the live setting. Wasting no time, the band kick straight into ‘Lazy’ and then ‘Imposter’. Which again only highlights how good a voice Graham still possesses.

The closing gambit of this live album is another lesson in Rock N Roll greatness. How can anyone argue that the following cluster of songs is nothing short of brilliance – ‘Night Games’, ‘Into The Night’, Assault Attack’, Too Young To Die, Too Drunk To Live’ and ‘Lost In Hollywood’.

While albums like this will undoubtedly gain the artist some new fans, it is clearly a love letter to the OG fans and a record that deserves to be heard and played loud.

Buy Here

Author: Dave Prince

Raven – No Life Til Leather

Raven – No Life Til Leather

POWERFUL UNFORGIVING COVER OF METALLICA’S 

‘METAL MILITIA’ OUT NOW FROM SILVER LINING MUSIC’S NO LIFE ‘TIL LEATHER – A TRIBUTE TO METALLICA’S KILL ‘EM ALL OUT THIS WEEK

Pre-orders available here

DATELINE: November 12th 2025 – Silver Lining Music release No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All this Friday, November 14th. The fourth single from the all-star compilation is from the pioneering heavy metal legends  Raven, the ear-splitting take on Metallica’s ‘Metal Militia’.

You can divide the history of heavy metal into two distinct chapters: ‘before Metallica’ and ‘after Metallica’. When the Four Horsemen galloped to the top of dozens of countries’ charts with their self-titled album in 1991, they became the new measuring stick for their genre, and their standard is one that no hard rockers since have matched, let alone outdone.

No Life ’Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ’Em All unites Metallica’s favourites, their peers, and the generations that came next. Metallica’s first proper tour was with Raven in 1983, on the famous Kill ‘Em All For One venture. Thus, it is only fitting that   Raven feature on the album with their powerfully unapologetic rendition of Metallica’s “Metal Militia”. With unrelenting energy and raw precision, Raven channels the ferocity of the original while stamping their own unmistakable identity on the track — a bold statement that captures the spirit and intensity of the entire album.

“We are very happy and honoured to have been asked to be part of this awesome tribute to our old sparring partners,” comments co-founding lead vocalist and bassist John Gallagher. “Our cover version is many things, as you will hear… in the best tradition of the guys themselves, but I think we captured that Metallica “snarl”…. Especially by changing a few key elements! Features Mark on vocals, today all is revealed!”

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is a colossal celebration of the most propulsive debut album in heavy metal history, re-imagined by the legends who inspired it and the generations that came in its wake!

The veteran likes of Saxon, Diamond Head, and Motörhead, (three of Metallica’s favourite bands) are joined by rising stars such as Tailgunner and Swedish prog metallers Soen to create a who’s-who of heavy music, with each performer lending their unique sound to one classic track. Contributions from thrash giants Testament, ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, and New Wave of British Heavy Metal linchpins Tygers of Pan Tang show the label looking beyond their own artists to amass the greatest lineup possible.

The first single, ‘The Four Horsemen’, a particularly confrontational cover by hard rockers The Almighty, which propelled the band to go back into the studio for the first time with the founding line-up since 1991, is out now. Watch/listen to ‘The Four Horsemen’ Here.

The second single ‘(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth’, is a monumental cover of Metallica’s instrumental epic by the legendary David Ellefson. Watch/ listen to ‘(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth’ Here – video by Pamela Parks, edit by Freakshot Film.

The third single ‘Seek & Destroy’, is a super-charged cover of the Metallica classic by thrash metal icons Testament. Watch/ listen to ‘Seek & Destroy’ Here – video by Freakshot Film.

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is an ambitious achievement worthy of Metallica’s game-changing legacy. By the fans and for the fans, it reaffirms the Four Horsemen’s ironclad influence – and its stacked roster continues the band’s mission to shove metal up your ass!

“A project five years in the making, No Life ‘Till Leather, is more than a tribute, it’s a history lesson, a love letter, and a reaffirmation of heavy metal’s unbreakable spirit.” – FISTFUL OF MEAL

“No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All has to be given extra attention simply due to the impressive list of bands and their equally astounding performances.” – METAL-TEMPLE

“I see it as a great tribute and an act of love towards a band that has now become immortal! And “Kill ‘Em All” isn’t just an album! It’s an institution! And we’re still here, with our fists raised, shouting: No life ’til leather!”  – CHAOSZINE

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All track-listing:

  1. Hit The Lights (Tailgunner)
  2. The Four Horsemen (The Almighty)
  3. Motorbreath (Soen)
  4. Jump In The Fire (Tygers Of Pan Tang)
  5. (Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth (David Ellefson)
  6. Whiplash (Motörhead)
  7. Phantom Lord (Saxon)
  8. No Remorse (Diamond Head)
  9. Seek & Destroy (Testament)
  10. Metal Militia (Raven)

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All will be available as a vinyl, CD, and on digital formats. Pre-order here

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Johnny Thunders – ‘Que Sera Sera'(Jungle Records)

Johnny Thunders – ‘Que Sera Sera'(Jungle Records)

When Jungle said they were releasing a brand new 40th Anniversary edition of the classic ‘Que Sera Sera’ album, I was curious. Having such a small repertoire, or rather official output, Thunder’s always delivered exceptional records. This latest reimagined version of this fine record is well worth investigating, not just because of its shocking pink records, but there are hidden gems within.

Completely remixed and reimagined with the big claim that this is how it should have sounded (to be fair, they’re not wrong on this claim). Gone are the muddy mixes and replaced with crisp, vast widescreen takes. The second album is six previously unheard outtakes and live tracks. Remixed by the now departed Pat Collier, having revisited them because Johnny missed the original mix back in the day, so his guitars have been put in their rightful place – Front and centre and LOUD!

This fine package comes with a splendid overview from Nina Antonia with quotes from the people who were there, like Michael Monroe, who also added some exquisite sax on ‘Blame It On Mom’ and the majestic ‘Cool Operator’. The side I went to first had to be the brand new takes on side three, where you get a raw and vibrant version of ‘Blame It On Mom’ with an absolutely fire solo. Quite how ‘Take You Up Avenue D’ never made the original, I don’t know, with its slap funk Bass and wailing sax, it’s sleazy as hell and the embodiment of the place when this was recorded. ‘Short Lives’ is more of a guide jam with the vocal deep in the mix and Thunder’s unmistakable guitar right front and centre. And Johnny fucking up on ‘I Only Wrote This Song For You’ is classic. Bringing the studio takes to a close is the awesome ‘Cool Operator’ first take. They definitely nailed the final version that made the album way more funky than this pretty straight take. Lacking the swing and arrogance that elevates the original release. But to hear Johnny rip it up on guitar is a joy all by itself.

With your usual ensemble of legends who play on Thunder’s albums, this might have been his most creative with Tregenna, JC Carroll, Monroe, Suicide, Matlock and Wilco Johnson alongside his incredible band from the time this is how ‘Que Sera Sera’ was meant to be heard. From the iconic cover to the shocking pink vinyl, this might just be the definitive version. The real gold here is the unearthed Outtakes on side three of this record, worth it for these alone, as well as the excerpts from a live show in Northern France taking up side four. Johnny Thunders is still the greatest there ever was and will ever be. Cherish his archive and get on board with this lovingly preserved collection from people who give a fuck about his music and the search for perfection of how he should have and deserved to sound.

Having unearthed the live recordings, this is Thunders at his finest. Taken way too soon, he never realised his true potential, but the studio albums he did leave behind are lovingly preserved by the likes of Jungle, and apart from the punk police wagging their fingers, I’m all for hearing these unedited takes and alternative versions. Just buy it the guy was a genius.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

*There is also a 12″ and 7″ test pressing available of ‘Short Lives’ and a mix of ‘Cool Operator’

Continental Lovers – Hanger 18 Swansea 08.11.25

Continental Lovers – Hanger 18 Swansea 08.11.25

On a depressingly cold and wet night, Nottingham’s Rock n Rollas Continental Lovers brought the glamour and the tunes for a rock n roll support slot that kicked the backside of many a band. It was a pleasure to catch Nottingham’s finest at the early onstage time of seven thirty, but it was showtime, and the chaps from the East Midlands didn’t disappoint and proceeded to shake their shit and put on a down n dirty sleazy showcase that was exactly what the rock n roll doctor ordered.

Opening up a show can be a tricky proposition, but when you have the tunes on board and the unmistakable look of a rock n roll band, you can be sure as hell that they can walk the walk and talk the talk. With a swagger and a cheeky smile, Joe, Ben, Kerri and Ace had great on-stage chemistry and looked like they were true believers, hashing out some dirty Rock n Roll handed down by the good and the great, a smidge of Thunders and his Heartbreakers, the undeniable Ragged Glory of The Dogs D’Amour and that swagger I mentioned of Stiv Bators and his lords. No denim jeans, or Nike running shoes with a high street T Shirt for these boys, it’s Rock n Roll SLippers and Leather jackets all the way, baby just like Baby Jesus intended Rock n Roll bands to look and sound. Playing a relatively short but very sweet set, there were plenty of tunes from the band’s most excellent CD and even time for some new tunes. ‘Tape Deck’ is snotty, and ‘St Joan’ adds some dirt to the snot as we all hail the first Lady of Rock n Roll. The band move around when they deliver the punches, and Joe holds court centre stage whilst Ace Carlton pours petrol on the drums in the engine room, whilst giving those drums a good seeing to. They burn through the songs quickly, and the standouts happened to be the single ‘Wedding Song’ and a special mention for ‘The Girl’ power pop at its finest, delivered in style.

Joe has always written great tunes, but with the Continental Lovers, he’s found his sweet spot, and the rest of the band gives sparkle and dirt to the power pop, making it sound glorious.

Easily as good as any of the bands marauding across the US of A, like The Poison Boys and Ravagers. It’s refreshing to see and hear a band that looks like they know how it’s done and, more importantly, sound like they know how it’s done. Borrowing from the good and the great, it’s satisfying that Dirty power pop is in such good hands. I look forward to seeing them again and hearing the new songs in the studio. Get on it, boys n girls, that is if you want a great time and top tunes from a band who love to rock n roll.

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