The RPM Online Podcast – Episode 95

The RPM Online Podcast – Episode 95

There is only one way to start episode 95, and that’s with a palet-cleansing blast of Zeke and their brand new single ‘Peterbilt’ out on 7″ vinyl from the most excellent Hound Gawd! Records. If only all shows began like that, no deaths, just loud, fast rock n roll. Then to follow it up with the brand new single from The Isle OF Wight punks Grade 2 with their brand new single ‘Cut Throat’ also available now on Hellcat Records.

We change the pace a bit and kick back as we introduce a second airing from the most excellent Fruit Tones and their recent single ‘Double Shot’ available from Chris’s favourite label Alian Snatch Records. These cats have got some serious swing with their garage rock n roll, and they hail from Manchester and sport some of Rock n roll’s finest facial hair and without doubt have one of the finest record sleeves this year. Get an eyeful of that beauty and on one of your five a day colour variants as well, and if they want to send us a copy, we’ll keep playing them, or so I’ve been told.

After reviewing the brand new Supersuckers album recently, there was a great take on the Lee Harvey Oswalds ‘Rocket 69’, so it’s a good time to play the original and what a treat it is too.

‘Inside Out’ from the Dogs is up next on the awesome Rum Bar Records who are prolific supporters of Rock n Roll and have an amazing output, of which the Dogs is the latest offering. Go check ’em out and tell Lou the RPM boys sent you.

Chris takes control for the next pick, and he Turns Up The Volume and drops one off the brand new Agnostic Front album. We do like a bit of NYHC, and there are none finer than Vinny Stigma and Roger Miret, and thankfully they are showing no sign of slowing down, still the kings of hardcore. If the Hardcore wasn’t your thing, how about some tip-top garage rock courtesy of the formidable Wild Billy Childish and his band Thee Headcoats with a track off their new record ‘And The Band Played Johnny B Good’ off the Damaged Goods album ‘The Sherlock Holmes Rhythm N Beat Venacular’.

Hotshots Hot Picks begin this week with the formidable and always excellent Ian Hunter and The Rant Band with ‘Bow Street Runners’ from the impressive ‘Fingers Crossed’ album. Hotshot has fallen head over heels for the Hunter catalogue, and we thought he’d gone underground, as we hadn’t heard from him in a while, as he delved into the incredible back catalogue of mr Hunter. I’m sure this wont be the last Hunter related offering from Hotshot.

Anyone who knows Hotshot is aware that his all time favourite is Elvis the pelvis Presley and his font of knowledge knows no bounds and he would easily win mastermind as his specialist subject which is a shame because his general knowledge is shocking othe rthan beer drinking and hellrasing but you can’t have everythign in life.

Hotshots third and final Hot Pick of the week is a brand new, I know its sounds a bit weird but T Rex have a new record out. Its unearthed recently which is amazing considering his passing was in 1977 Take it away Hotshot ‘I’m Dazed’.

One of the best new albums over the last 18 months happed to be the garage rock album courtest of Martin Savage and the Jiggers which cam e out on Damaged Goods. Before the Jiggers Martin was part of the Locomotions another brilliant album that was released on Alian Snatch Records and this is a track off their one and done LP entitled ‘Stockholm City Girls’. Ragged Rock n Roll that burned so brightly back in the early naughties go check em out. It’s loose but a real earworm.

Last week we brought a brand new track from The Sideshows, a three piece band featurign the awesome Sami Yaffa, Rich Ragany and Simon Maxwell. Considering whos involved in this project of course it doesn’t dissapoint and with the new year coming into focus theres a whole album coming down the track and all wrapped up. Not as full throttle as last weeks offering but its effortless cool and a real earworm but what else did you expect? head over to their social media page and get involved so you don’t miss out on any updates.

One of the greatest if not thee greatest punk rock n roller was the one and only Johnny Thunders who just has his epic ‘Que Sera Sera’ album released on two disc vinyl courtesy of Jungle Records who’ve always had thunders back and keep the flame burning. Its on a fetching pink vinyl 40th Anniversery edition with a clutch of outtakes and remixed brilliance. So what better way to remember Johnny than drop his track ‘Crime Of The Century’ from ‘Sticks And Stones Sessions’ that features Wayne Kramer maybe we’ll drop the original ‘Cool Operator’ in the next few weeks from ‘Que Sera Sera’.

Up next we drop a rare alternative recording of The Alarm Classic ‘One Step Closer To Home’ which happened to be Mike Peters favourite Alarm song and with Peters postumous autobiography coming out this week with the second instalment of three ‘Hope’ seems like the perfect time to remind everyone how bloody good this Dave Sharp song is.

Chris picks the excellent Bad Nerves with one o ftheir early single ‘Can’t Be Mine’. the band have been busy playing with th elikes of Green Day over in the States and also headlinging their biggest headline shows to date recently.

After releasing their latest album recently Ash began their UK Tour and Chris and myself were present its always a good time to play some Ash so Heres one off the new album ‘Ad Astra’ This is ‘Hallion’.

As we head into the homestraight the Mission recently announced a couple of dates for next year and their 40th Anniversery of their debut album. It seems fair that we play a track from their drummer Alex’s band Cheeks and a track ‘Transmission Interupted’ that fans should check out if they haven’t already.

The penultimate offering this week is Lemmy and his Black Flag cover ‘Thirsty And Miserable’ taken from the fund raising album for the west memphis three. Amazing story and how Rollins got involved you should go google the background but in the meantime the pick of the tracks on the album just happens to be Lemmy doign Black Flag and what a version it is too.

Finally this week we close the show with a track off the brand new Johny Vincent album Which is reviewed on RPM by Martin so watch out for that. Its a Glam slammin slice of snotty rock n roll. Johny explained it by saying, “This collection has been a long time in the planning. About 15 years ago Johny found a set of cassette demos of songs he wrote and recorded between 1983 and 87 using the overdubbing capability of a funky twin cassette karaoke machine from Argos. This was in the pre Skullknuckles days when he was known as plain old Johny Vincent.
These catchy little beauties were written for the band White Trash. Some of these songs would have made it onto the 2nd White Trash album (sadly the band fell apart before this happened). The large majority of this collection have never seen the light of day, until now that is.
These versions were recoded during the 1st three quarters of 2025 at Millionaire Mansion Studios (not using an Argos karaoke machine this time) and there you have it, the first instalment of “Songs Of Arrogance And Innocence”. the track off the album is ‘Two Time Train’ so enjoy and give us a listen and a save and if you’re feeling generous why not tell your friends about our little podcast as we hurtle towards 100 episodes which I might add has provided some amazing bands and we can safely say we’ve never played a bad song, yet. Go on give us a share on your socials and we promise to keep playing awesome music.

Diolch.

Episode 56 – The Podcast – Goodbye Ed

Episode 56 – The Podcast – Goodbye Ed

Eddie Garritys Slaughter opens the show with ‘Hell In New York’ which is a fitting tribute to a very popular singer. Taken from the ‘Bite Back’ LP Ed will be missed by family and friends and it’s a privilege to play the song Rest In Peace Ed.

Starting Early outta Arlington USA offers some Alternative rock action with their new single ‘Do As I Do’. One of the best bands currently hitting the stages in the UK has to be Split Dogs who have a new album due for release next month and a brand new single ahead of their Venn Records release so here’s ‘Lafayette’.

We’re going in early with our cover this week and the Ratchets do a rather interesting take on Depeche Modes ‘Policy Of Truth’ from the ‘Under The Covers’ album (pirates Press) which is a rather diverse bunch of covers to say the least with Tom Robinson, Cock Sparrer being just a few of the songs to tickle your fancy.

Dharma Guns are back with a new single. This time they’ve brought ‘The Vipers’ with them with its excellent guitar lick and addictive tune.

The second instalment of our three-from-one connections this week is three of the four members of The Heartbreakers starting with a Johnny Thunders Demo of ‘Subway Train’ that came out a few years ago on Remarkable records which features The Damneds Paul Gray. Then it is the turn of Jerry Nolan & The Profilers and a track from his 1990s recordings with Greg Allen alongside Jerry and ”Chicago Vin” Earnshaw of the Delinquents. The recording were curtailed by the passing of Jerry. Then the final offering is a classic Walter Lure song from The Waldos album ‘Rent Party’ and my favourite track ‘Sorry’ sadly Walter has also passed away over four years ago. such a talented band who deserved so much more but a massive influence individually and collectively on so many.

Lords Of The New Church are up next but two very different incarnations of the band. Firstly ‘Young Don’t Cry’ which was previously unreleased until it appeared on a compilation album and more recently another USA comp on gutterwail Records. Always a pleasure to play some Lords. Then we follow it up with a track off the ‘Hang On’ album that was sold on the band’s 2003 tour dates under the name The Lords. Let’s not argue over the name but revel in the majestic tone of Brian’s guitar as he slashes out ‘Heaven Stepped Down’.

How about an exclusive track off the brand new Evil EP we air ‘Romulan Death Stomp’ from the EP which also has a rather tasty cover of ‘Cough/Cool’ by the Misfits details are scarce at the moment but there will be a sales page but until then go bug Nathan and he’ll send you the details to purchase a copy on Cassette for just your £7.50 in UK money plus postage but don’t sleep on it or they’ll be gone.

Mike Peters has a new single out which we think is under The Alarm banner (no arguing please) called ‘Chimera’ as he tackles Cancer at the Christie in Manchester. We dedicated three songs last week to Mike and his family and want to reiterate our admiration for the guy and send him all the PMA we have at this pivotal time and look forward to his recovery and posting the best news possible. We’d also like to extend our warmest wishes to his family at this tough time for them as well he’s got this Cancer didn’t see Mike Peters coming either.

Another new track this week is that from Ricky Warwick and ‘The Crickets Stayed In Clovis’ taken from his forthcoming album ‘Bloodties’ due soon on earache Records.

Guitar Wolf announced a tour of Australia so what better than to blast out a track from the legends so ‘Can Nana’.

We turn it up a bit with sludgy alt-rockers Pigs, pigs, pigs, pigs, pigs, pigs pigs and their Sabbath-heavy riff-a-rama that is ‘Death Hilarious’. The Phantom Chords featured three members of The Damned and had one class album that got a reissue a few years back and also recorded another LP that didn’t see the light of day so why not spin ‘Someone Up There’.

A fantastic UK band The Speedways recently opened for Billie Joe Armstrong and his Cover Ups on their whistle-stop show in London. I might be correct in saying it was also the bands new guitarist’s introduction as well which would be super cool. what a debut that is. The band did a digital-only live album ‘Sunday Will Never Be The Same – Live Radio Broadcast WFMU – “The Todd O Phonic Todd Show”‘ and on it was the fantastic ‘Just Another Regular Summer’.

Another UK power pop punk rock beat combo that we absolutely love here at RPM is Cyanide Pills. The band have a split EP coming out to coincide with their European tour. It’s on Damaged Goods Records and will be a very limited run so don’t hesitate to order a copy because it won’t be available digitally.  ‘Falling For You’ which is a leftover unreleased track recorded for their debut album back in 2010 Plus ‘I Don’t Wanna Dance’ which was recorded at the same time as their most recent album ‘Soundtrack To The New Cold War‘. Snooze and you’ll lose and to whet your appetite we play ‘Falling For You’.

Wrapping up another action-packed show we bring you the fantastic Trash Bags and their track ‘Trash’. Such a great debut from these New York punk n rollers seems like a great way to end the show.

The Courettes – New Record coming late September

The Courettes – New Record coming late September

‘The Soul Of The Fabulous Courettes’ out September 27th via Damaged Goods Records

A rock’n’roll sensation from the word go, Danish-Brazilian The Courettes are back with their fourth and best album to date – ‘The Soul Of The Fabulous Courettes’. And this time, they’re bigger, wider and deeper than ever before as they add more to the blistering ramalama that’s seen them cause pandemonium across the venues, festivals and airwaves of the UK, Europe, USA and Japan. Hitting the sweet spot that straddles garage rock, girl groups, doo-wop harmonies, heartache and all points in between, here The Courettes build on the momentum of predecessor ‘Back In Mono’ with a collection of songs that opens up their sonic scope while confronting dark, emotional matter to reveal ‘The Soul Of The Fabulous Courettes’.

“We didn’t want to do ‘Back In Mono 2’,” stresses drummer Martin Couri.

“We always try to put ourselves into a zone of discomfort, which I think is where exciting things happen rather than just doing the same thing over again,” agrees singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Flavia Couri. “I mean, I know some bands can do that but we don’t see ourselves making the same album for the next 20 years. We thought ‘Back In Mono’ was our best album until this one!”

She’s not wrong. Having evolved with each album release, ‘The Soul Of The Fabulous Courettes’ draws inspiration from many of the duo’s numerous idols that have only previously been hinted at.

“We wanted to show our love of the Spector Wall Of Sound and Motown,” reveals Flavia. “It was a clear mission and we’ve absolutely nailed it.”

From the glorious opening beats and stabbing fuzz honks of ‘You Woo Me’ to the closing emotional tugs of ‘For Your Love’ via ‘Shake!’’s fuzzed-up urgency and ‘California’’s celebratory warmth, The Courettes have broadened their sound with an increased musical instrumentation and overall sophistication that’s evident in both their sound and songwriting. And crucially, they’ve achieved this without sacrificing any of the rock’n’roll grit that’s been scraped from Flavia’s guitar strings and Martin’s battered and pummeled drums. And aiding them in their quest for sonic perfection are a few guest musicians and back room wizards playing some very specific roles.

“We had La La Brooks of The Crystals singing on ‘California’ and ‘Run Run Runaway’, which for us was totally a dream come true!” enthuses Flavia. “I mean, the voice of ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’, which is for us is one of the best produced songs in the entire universe and this is something that we’re really proud of.”

Further magic was applied by direct connections to the source of all that The Courettes hold dear.

“We asked Darian Sahanaja, who worked on the production of Brian Wilson’s ‘Smile’, to mix the vocals on ‘California’ and ‘Run Run Runaway’, which he did in a Beach Boys style and we really dig it. And we also worked with Richard Gottehrer, who for us is like a songwriter god! He worked at the Brill Building and co-wrote ‘I Want Candy’. A mutual friend played him ‘Keep Dancing’ and he left a message on my phone saying, ‘I love your track and I really dig the lyrics’ and he mixed ‘Keep Dancing’ and ‘Boom Boom Boom´.”

“We also had Peter Kehl and Kasper Wagner from Danish band Black Tornado playing horns on ’Shake!’, ‘Better Without You’ and ‘Stop! Doing That’,” says Martin. “We had a session with them where they played trumpets and a lot of overdubs with tenor and baritone saxophones. That was really cool.” 

And joining The Courettes at their own StarrSound Studios in Denmark once again is multi-instrumentalist Søren Christensen who contributes Mellotron, organ, piano and backing vocals while producing the album together with C.T. Levine.

While the music has opened up to include acoustic and 12-string guitars, bass, E-bows, castanets and timpani, so have the kind of emotions that might not ordinarily be associated with The Courettes.

“Because I’m the one most responsible for the lyrics, I actually allowed myself to open up to some personal things,” admits Flavia. “And so that means that our souls are in the album both musically and also lyrically.”

She continues: “We lost both of our fathers. My father died of COVID. But my relationship with my father was non-existent. He abandoned me and my sister. It was a very difficult relationship and it’s not so easy for me to talk about it. ‘I Don’t Want You Back’ and ‘Keep Dancing’ are about his death and how he still has a power over me and bringing me down and what it’s like to break free from that. You know, some parents are cruel.”

“It’s a special subject to sing about and to make pop music out of,” says Martin. “It’s actually celebrating moving on and I think that’s really fantastic. ‘Keep Dancing’ is absolutely smashing.” 

“’The Soul Of The Fabulous Courettes’ blends two things,” explains Flavia. “First, of course, are the nods to the soul music and especially Motown, which is pop music the way we like it. But I think for the first time, lyrically, we actually open up to some deeper topics. It’s not disguised as teenage heartache songs anymore.”

Reflecting ‘The Soul Of The Fabulous Courettes’, the album’s monochrome album cover was shot by celebrated photographer Søren Solkær, who’s previously immortalised Amy Winehouse, The White Stripes and Paul McCartney among many others. 

“It’s such a cool contrast to the pop songs,” says Martin of the cover art, “but it’s also hand-in-hand with the album’s dark themes. He really goes into your soul. I think it’s amazing.”

For all that, ‘The Soul Of The Fabulous Courettes’ is an album aimed as much for what’s below the neck as above it, for this is an album that dances through the darkness to celebrate the joy that is living.

“Life is so fragile,” smiles Flavia. “But what are you supposed to do? I’d rather dance.”

And what better album to do that to?

The Sensible Gray Cells – ‘A Stupid Xmas’ OFFICIAL VIDEO

The Sensible Gray Cells – ‘A Stupid Xmas’ OFFICIAL VIDEO

Fond of all things yuletide at Damaged Goods HQ, having released a fabulous collection of Christmas records over the years, even if they do say so themselves! This one is up there with the best of them and is sure to sell out quickly!

The Sensible Gray Cells are Captain Sensible (The Damned) on guitar/vocals, Paul Gray (The Damned) on bass/vocals, with Marty Love (Johnny Moped) on drums.

Join with them in celebrating all things that are daft and frustrating about the festive season. The band’s Xmas ditty ‘A Stupid Xmas’ captures everything you love to hate about this special time of year. It also has the catchiest chorus since Slade and Wizzard ruled the charts! AND wait till you see the video!

So, if you’re bored with watching endless repeats of Morecombe & Wise, or on the other channel Nigel Farage scoffing bugs on ‘I’m A Celebrity..’ and maybe fancy a crack at trying to solve a real, modern day ‘whodunnit’ then flip the record over for the somewhat darker flavoured ‘B’ side ‘Keep it to Yourself’ which sees the band in full on ‘armchair detective’ mode, taking a look at the as yet still unresolved Madeleine McCann mystery.

***VINYL FANS TAKE NOTE*** A certain number of records will have a deliberate mistake hidden.. well, somewhere or other – a jolly wheeze inspired by some of those old Stiff Records ‘instant collector’s item’ mispressings. We won’t say anymore!

Singles Club – November

Singles Club – November

November is almost done and we can all get on the eggnog but before that there is time to squeeze in a right mixed bag of new singles and videos. From Kenny’s write-up of the brand new Valhalla Awaits track through some classic punk and pub rock to some balladeering and pop songs for you to get your heads around, Go check them out. But hold on Those cheeky chaps The Sensible Gray Cells begin the Crimbo madness before we unleash December’s festive tunes…Enjoy…

Valhalla Awaits – Is There Anybody Out There? (VA Records) The long-awaited new single from Welsh wonders Valhalla Awaits is finally unleashed and it’s been worth the wait. The band have been busy in the studio adding the finishing touches to their latest EP which will be released soon. The guys have had a busy summer with various festival performances, following on from their support slot with fellow Welshmen Those Damn Crows on their UK tour earlier in the year.

This taster from the EP has all the VA trademarks: A fantastic vocal performance, melody, riffs, tasteful guitar solos, powerhouse drumming and crystal-clear production values. A mid paced track full of atmospheric guitar melodies courtesy of Rhys Carter and Chris Green, a rock-solid performance from drummer Snoz Lawrence leaves bass player Sam Kilby to hold it all down on the bass front. The track builds beautifully and climaxes with some stunning guitar work.

Yet again, vocalist Andrew Hunt plays an absolute blinder. His velvet tones soar over the music with ease while giving us an ear worm of a chorus that has been in my head ever since my first listen to the track. The band just go from strength to strength, and I can’t wait to hear the EP and catch the lads in a live setting soon. Bravo guys!!

The track is available to stream/download now wherever you listen to your music. Author: Kenny Kendrick

The Sensible Gray Cells – ‘A Stupid Xmas’ (Damaged Goods Records) I couldn’t think of a better person to release the first christmas single than the good Captain and his Sensible Gray Cells. Join with them in celebrating all things that are daft and frustrating about the festive season. The band’s Xmas ditty ‘A Stupid Xmas’ captures everything you love to hate about this special time of year. It also has the catchiest chorus since Slade and Wizzard ruled the charts! The B side is classic Sensible a gentile romp with soe neat guitar work ably backed by Paul Gray and Marty Love.

***VINYL FANS TAKE NOTE*** A certain number of records will have a deliberate mistake hidden.. well, somewhere or other – a jolly wheeze inspired by some of those old Stiff Records ‘instant collector’s item’ mispressings. We won’t say anymore!

Christmas / Mrs. Anthrope – Split 7 (Self Release) Christmas drop their 19th release with this split 7″. The band are full of snot and anger on their side ‘Armageddon’ whilst the lyrics might be apocolyptical the music shows a way more melodic and softer side of Christmas and it really works for the band with a most excellent record. I certainly wasn’t expecting such a melodic gang vocal on the chorus. Also from St Wendel Mrs. Anthrope is a new band with their first song right here. ‘Squeezy Brains’ is a fast banger that just makes you wanna dance! oh and break stuff. Its punk rock baby and it rocks! Can’t wait to hear more from these guys as its always great to have new music from new bands. Great single!

FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES – ‘Brambles’ (International Death Cult / AWAL) second song to be taken from their forthcoming album ‘Dark Rainbow’.  With a palpable sense of foreboding and menace, and arrives as something of a plea for a perfect love With the first half of the song being some dark ballad like song it then enters a darker twist before some lush strings and hushed vocals. A melodic pop song from Carter moving in a different direction than I was expecting keeping fans on their toes.

Faz Waltz – ‘Rave A Comin’ (Spaghetty Town Records) Oh baby its coming on like the bastard children of Little Richard and Jerry Lee with its boogie woogie piano leading the way on Rave a Comin. Its full tilt get your party pants on and lets go. The B Side isn’t far behind with a trad bop n roll with plenty of swing. Pure Rock n Roll nothing more nothign less. Expect a new album in the early part of 2024 and on this evidence expect a whole bunch of Rock n Roll kids. Great stuff. Horns a honkin and ivorys tinkling get these cats on tour with Jim Jones Allstars or would that be Rock n Roll overload?

Jim Bob – ‘This Is My Mix Tape’ (Cherry Red Records) Hot on the heels of his most excellent long player released earlier this year Jim Bob has knocked together a 10″ EP of four classic covers from ‘Are Friends Electric’ to ‘Pretty In Pink’ but he also entertains a Squeeze cover and Dexys ‘Gino’. Of course, its quality its Jim Bob and he’s been in a rich vein of form as of late and this only adds to his quality catalogue and will have fans old and new beaming with his take on some pretty classic tunes. This might be his first mixtape but I hope it won’t be his last. I can think of a follow-up bunch of tunes right off the bat Go Jim Bob.

Greg Kuehn – ‘Medicine Man’ (DC-Jam Records) Greg Kuehn, (TSOL keyboardist and prolific composer) is releasing “Medicine Man” the first single off his upcoming EP on DC-Jam Records. ‘Medicine Man’ is a song about recovery and mental illness, a subject close to Greg’s heart. He has been in recovery for nearly 30 years. TSOL fans tak e a breath because this is a dark ballad from Greg but its dark and soulful and sincere. but most of all its damn good.

Bob Vylan – ‘Hes A Man’ (Ghost Theatre) Taken from the upcoming album ‘Humble As The Sun’ which is out in April of 2024. With just one vocalist (Bobby) and one drummer (Bobbie) they have created a unique and ever evolving sound, one that crosses styles and genres, doing away with the traditional and embracing new and uncharted sonic dimensions. They incorporate these styles within their music in an attempt to bridge and blend genres and subcultures together. It is this very unique style and sound that has found them embraced by rock, rap, punk, dance and alternative crowds alike.

Golem Dance Cult – ‘Ghost of Las Vegas‘ Taken from the bands latest album ‘Legend of the Bleeding Heart’. The idea was related to how we can feel alone even (especially) when surrounded by other people, like ghosts roaming in a casino…. in Las Vegas. The duo take chances and aren’t afraid to mix it up on their records but its sharp, captivating and interesting concepts. Besides if you don’t like a bit of Goth then getoutofhere. Here at HQ we love a bit of sparse bbuzzsaw guitar and low range vocals. Check it out.

Penny Rich ‘PC’ (self Release) Cardiff-based noise punks release a studio take and live version of ‘PC’ and it’s angry as fuck and comes out of the speakers swinging so get your dukes up and protect yourself. With a throbbing growling bass rumble, psychotic vocals, and that Grungy Punk riffage that served the likes of Nirvana really well. One to look out for for sure and hopefully I can catch them live soon and see how this brawler comes across – gumshields at the ready.

Johnny Moped – ‘Lockdown Boy’ (Damaged Goods Records) the loveable Lodon boys knock out a tuneful ragged slice of pub rock and they do it so well. Before you’ve heard it through once you’ll be spilling beer and singing along in your mates face with your arm tight around his neck moments before you either get turfed out of the boozer or you stumble and fall. Cheers guys its a belter and leaves me feelign warm and nourished. ‘The Other Side’ no the other side is like they left the tape running when they’re having a chat before the band kicks in with a short sharp burst of energy before fading away – strang? Yup but its Johnny Moped go check it out

Singles Club – September

Singles Club – September

Cyanide Pills – ‘Hope Your Having Fun’ (Damaged Goods) Another day another single lifted from the epic new long player from Leeds Leeds Leeds finest Cyanide Pills. ‘Hope Your Having Fun’ is from the album and the usual punchy power poppin snotty bop n roll dished up by these fine gentlemen this one comes on coloured wax and exclusive non album track B side in the shape of the raw riff-a-rama of ‘Don’t Tell Me Everythings Alright’ which is weird in a way because everythign is alright when there a new Cyanide Pills record to look out for but under Tory rule and the divvys who still vote for em then Cyanide Pills have always got material to write about and it keeps em honest and delivering quality tunes. Record of the week? Hell Yeah! I love Cyanide Pills even though they don’t play in south Wales. Buy it!

https://cyanidepills.com/ https://www.facebook.com/cyanidepillsuk /https://www.instagram.com/cyanidepillsuk/ /https://cyanidepills.keekmerch.com

The Uppers – ‘Manic Melodies’ (Spaghetty Town Records) Spaghetty Town Records are amassing quite the catalogue of top notch records. The latest off the production line are St. Louis/U.S.A. rockers The UPPERS. Its their second record after their 2020 “Get down with…” 7″ (NO FRONT TEETH/BOULEVARD TRASH) release. This has four tracks kicking off with the superb hooky ‘Stimulation’ ITs snotty bedfellow to the likes of The Briefs, The Boys, Exploding Hearts and such likes. Sugar sweet melodies played quickly and full of memorable melodies all covered in sweet bubblegum guitar riffs n classic drum licks. Superb stuff. Can’t wait fo ra full length LP if this is what they’re capable of – Simply, Buy IT!

Jonesy – ‘Doppelgangbangers’ (Heavy Medication Records) Not to be confused with the 70’s UK proggers with the same name, this Jonesy hails from Montreal and plays dirty, hormone-driven, catchy-as-hell bubblegum punk. While the first album fell on the Ramones/Dictators/Real Kids side of the punk spectrum, these four new songs throw some Slade and 70’s riff rawk into the mix while retaining all the pervy fun and un-PC humor that’s an integral part of the band’s modus operandi. It’s ten inches of sleazy pleasure centered around girls, cats, rock & roll and girls. You might need penicillin after listening to it!

Black Spiders – ‘Destroyer’ (Spinefarm Records) Hard Rockin mofos who are currently on tour have released a video for the track ‘Destroyer’ with a heavy as hell riff that has a Bass rumble thats like a fuckin anvil being dragged through your speakers its that low slung and heavy.

The Dictators – ‘Thank You And Have A Nice Day’ (self Release) First new material from the handsomeless Dictators is a Rockin swaggering bit of boogie woogie with plenty of groove and predictably a really decent tune. Sadly thats it the other three songs might well be freakin classics from these proto punks but I was expecting a couple of new tunes at least. ‘Avenue A’ is a stone cold classic as is the ‘Savage Beat’ still with HDM vocals and ‘I live For Girls And Cars’ is sleazy Rock n Roll rounding off a decent reminder that The Dictators still have it.

Duff McKagan – Longfeather (The World Is Flat) After the mellow and dark corners of his last solo album this single from ‘Lighthouse’ is more uptempo and, well, rockin. Duff has turned into a really accomplished writer and his vocals have grown to be a real force in his own right. This is excellent rock n roll from the GnR four stringer and if this is a sign of whats to come the album should be another really impressive piece of work.

Safety Pins MAgazine split. UK Subs/The Mistakes (T&M Records) Always an enjoyable read and always giving away a cool seven inch vinyl record and this issue is the turn of a pair of UK Subs demos and one off the brand new Mistakes album which we reviewed a few weeks back. The Subs demos are of ‘Shes Not There’ and ‘Brand New Age’ two cracking songs and two well collectable versions. Two previously unheard rare Subs demo tracks rescued and restored from a Pete Davies tape then given to T&M. ‘She’s Not There’ has Charlie Harper sharing the singing duties with Paul Slack on this ultra-rare take…

Cyanide Pills – ‘Soundtrack To The New Cold War’ (Damaged Goods Records)

Cyanide Pills – ‘Soundtrack To The New Cold War’ (Damaged Goods Records)

What new superlative can you use about a band who’ve constantly delivered above and beyond? Every time they released a record I’m so happy because they kill it every time, they don’t reinvent the wheel they just roll with it doing what they do and doing it better each time. They’ve pretty much delivered faultless, flawless Punk Rock mixed with power pop, good time rock n roll, and trawled the decades to improve each time. Always delivered with a sparkling production with timeless relatable themes with succinct lyrics and political commentary through the energetic, enthusiastic riffs ‘n licks that pour energy onto the blazing tunes that set the tempo to the soundtrack of your day. The Cyanide Pills are the leaders of the pack in a saturated scene they manage to shine through like diamonds with each album release.

Throughout the pandemic, I craved some music to pass the days of endless government BS and spin and scouring the Internet for any news on bands I love. Often checking in on Dirty Leeds finest, Come one Cyanide Pill it’s been too long I’d tell myself and then after a gap of too many years, I have the email to tell me the wait is over, a clutch of new tunes were in the can and I could wake up to a new soundtrack. Boy, was my anticipation rewarded! the soundtrack to the new Cold War was upon us and it burst into life Opening with the fantastic single ‘The Kids Can’t Be Trusted With Rock n Roll’. The first taster we had from the band still sounds fresh and makes me smile now hold off calling the Punk Rock Police.

If you’re familiar with the band’s output you’ll kinda know what to expect with the likes of ‘Running Out Of Time’ its classic Cyanide Pills, exactly what you want for these reprobates in leather jackets doing punk rock better than anyone currently kicking up dust on dancefloors. I love how sharp that overdrive riff is on ‘Hope Your Having Fun’ whilst the lyrics get spat out of the speakers it’s a bitter sweet pop tune riding a great clean overdrrivven guitar. But you can Bop til you drop for some ‘Low Budget Rock n Roll’ snot everywhere but be careful you 60s babies thinking you can still boss it this one’s quicker than you think.

‘Day After Day’ is power pop perfection with a big hook on that chorus as the riff leans on Joan Jett and of course, the Ramones why not when it sounds this good? ‘Lapdog’ is a slice of bootstomping Rock n Roll thats like a howling good time out on the lash with Mott The Hoople and Slade with some top riff-a-rama yelping at your ankles and who doesn’t want to howl Woof Woof!

‘Act Natural’ they say, don’t get too excited Phil whispers in my ear as the uptempo onslaught continues Catchy, energetic, poignant its all in here kids. Earworm, done. The jive talking ‘Won’t Be Long’ is a classic and I hope to God that the lyrics pan out. I so fuckin hope so, 13 years is long enough to suffer the smug cunts. Come the revolution I’ll be dancing round the burning skip singing ‘won’t be long’ on the top of my voice.

‘I Know What They Can Do’ heads down a darker road altogether but the attitude rises up and is a beast of a song. Whilst ‘Do You Wanna Go Out Tonight’ is a tub-thumping reminder of classic Hanoi Rocks punk rock. The record picks up steam as we head into the home straight and sixteen tracks more than makes up for the wait for this 4th long player but they’ve always offered quality and lots of it. That’s Alright With Us’ is a bittersweet, happy-go-lucky song with lyrics that would and should make you angry but it’s hard to stay fumin when the music is so fuckin good! We might be heading to Hell in a handcart but the soundtrack is fuckin’ champion. You know the drill by now ‘Tell Me Something New’ is beautiful. Simple this Rock n Roll game. Write a whole bunch of banging tunes and get rich and famous, isn’t it?The penultimatee rocker is ‘Pecking Order’ a straight no nonsense two minutes of crash bang and wallop. Leaving a happy go lucky ‘It’s Over’ to put a full stop on proceedings. Another day another masterclass from Cyanide Pills. Me I’,m going back to the start and playing this through again and again and again.

I hear by announce the final result, Cyanide pills are still in charge and on top of their game. They should be duly elected to run whatever they fuckin like. lifetime peerages all around me thinks. Buy this album it’s a Banger.

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author: Dom Daley

Various Artists – ‘A Damaged Christmas Gift For You’ (Damaged Goods)

Various Artists – ‘A Damaged Christmas Gift For You’ (Damaged Goods)

Those ever-busy folks at Damaged Goods Records are in festive mood, to an extent. So, if you fancy an alternative Christmas compilation, this will fill your stocking. As varied as expected, with Billy Childish, Helen Love, Holly Golightly, The Courettes, and many more…

Wild Billy Childish And The Musicians Of The British Empire kick it off with the decidedly un-festive ‘Christmas 1979’, a Scrooge like tale of Christmas past. The Courettes rescue the spirit with the gorgeous ‘Christmas (I Can Hardly Wait)’, and Holly Golightly brings some some country-fuelled warmth with ‘Christmas Tree On Fire’.

Helen Love is on the E numbers again with ‘Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight)’, which rattles past so fast you might need to play it again. I feel Joey would approve. ‘Silver Bells’ by Cookooland  is equally boptastic, while Wat Tyler strangles ‘Oh, Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ in record time.

Thee Headcoatees’ ‘Santa Claus’ is yet another version of ‘Davey Crockett’, and Severe tackle ‘Stop The Cavalry’ in Sham 69 fashion, which works surprisingly well. The classic ‘City Of Christmas Ghosts’ by Goldblade and Polly Styrene still sounds great, while ‘Little Stars’ by Holly Golightly is actually quite sweet.

The Singing Loins provide ‘Ding Dong Merrily On High’ for a traditional singalong, and the mighty Buff Medways blast through ‘Merry Christmas Fritz’. And, there’s more. If you’re a regular customer of Damaged Goods, you know what to expect, and will likely add this to your Yuletide collection.

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Author: Martin Chamarette

The Lurkers – ‘Sex Crazy’ (Damaged Goods Records)

The Lurkers – ‘Sex Crazy’ (Damaged Goods Records)

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.

 

Buy ‘Sex Crazy’ Here

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The William Loveday Intention – ‘People Think They Know Me…But They Don’t Know Me’ (Damaged Goods Records)

The William Loveday Intention – ‘People Think They Know Me…But They Don’t Know Me’ (Damaged Goods Records)

Seemingly untouched by the global crisis as much as any passing trend, Billy Childish continues to swell his catalogue at an amazing rate. After CTMF’s ‘Last Punk Standing’, comes the first of four albums by his latest project, The William Loveday Intention. Yes; four albums, already in the can. Joined by James Taylor and Dave Tattersall, “People Think…” has the flavour of a western-themed record. The Medway Delta is augmented by tales from the saddle, while Billy’s voice remains firmly in the Kent marshlands.

 

The production is lush, as befits the ‘widescreen’ feel of most of the songs here. Violins and mariachi trumpets enhance songs like ‘My Love For You’, which has the richness of The Urban Voodoo Machine, while ‘Again And Again’ and ‘This Wondrous Day’ reminds me of Dan Sartain’s recent ‘Blue Prairie’ album, though I imagine that Billy has cast an influence on them already.

 

The richer sound suits the songs and the cinematic feel throughout, but there are still the Lo-Fi elements you’d expect; the insistent, monotone keyboard riff of the title track, which manages to name check Kylie Minogue, and the fiddle led lament of ‘The Bitter Cup’.

 

I’m guessing that it’s Julie singing on ‘You’re The One I Idolise’, though I don’t have all the details to hand. A sweet song that echoes some slower T Rex tunes. Then there’s the skeletal blues riff of ‘My Father Was A Railroad Man’, one of the oldest riffs, that John Lee Hooker must have heard as a child.

 

This is an interesting side-step from Billy, and bears repeated listens. What the next three albums will bring, only he knows, but this is very promising.

Damaged Goods Records

Buy ‘People Think They Know Me’ Here

Author: Martin Chamarette