Sulo – ‘Rough Diamond + Rare Gems and Rowdy Tracks’ (Wild Kingdom)

Sulo – ‘Rough Diamond + Rare Gems and Rowdy Tracks’ (Wild Kingdom)

Released way back in 2003 ‘Rough Diamond’ in the debut solo album from Sulo Karlsson, frontman of Swedish glam boogie merchants Diamond Dogs. It’s a bit of a lost gem actually, a limited release on CD at the time, it was recorded sometime between 1997-99 at the legendary Sunset Studios by the even more legendary producer Thomas Skogsberg (Hellacopters/Backyard Babies). If you’re an avid Diamond Dogs fan, you probably have it in your collection, if not then you’re in for a real treat as It has now been reissued on vinyl for the first time with the added extra album ‘Rare Gems & Rowdy Tracks’. 

‘Rough Diamond’ opens with an early version of the Diamond Dogs classic anthem ‘Weekend Monster’. A raw and ramshackle run through with cool backing vocals and Chuck Berry licks, all delivered with the high energy you would expect. It’s a fine way to kick off an album in that certain rock n’ roll style we come to expect from one of Sweden’s finest songwriters.

‘Inflammable 69 er’ is about as close to Hanoi Rocks as anything Sulo has been involved with. By the time that boogie-woogie chorus rolls around, you will be reminded just how well this guy manages to channel classic 70’s rock n’ roll. Nice nod to Pretty Vacant on the outro too.

The rockers are up there. The title track is full of honky tonk piano, low-slung riffs and a punky energy. ‘RnR Declaration’ is a killer tune, and ‘Ba Ba Ba (The Word Is On The Street)’ is a classic Sulo rocker with an earworm of a chorus, and if you’re a Diamond Dogs fan you just might recognise it from somewhere else in the double D discography. 

The 70’s glam stomp of ‘I’ll Be Your Monkey’ is mighty, a nice sax solo to boot and a refrain you’ll swear you’ve heard before, what’s not to like? 

We take things down on ‘Living Legends Dying Hearts’ as Sulo delivers his trademark heartfelt balladry with raspy vocals, a fistful of soul and a chorus his contemporaries would die to get their tonsil into.

The highlights are plentiful and repeated listens have you juggling the top trumps. But for me right now it’s ‘Vegas Vamp’. From the intent in the verses, to the emotion in the chorus and even the production, it all just gels nicely. It’s up there with his best as far as I’m concerned.

While ‘Rough Diamond’ is a full-blown rock n’ roll record, ‘Rare Gems’ is a more diverse and experimental collection of solo songs and duets of varying quality and style. Over the course of the first four or five songs we explore emotive balladry, country, folk and even jazz… yes, you read it right!

The soulful, heartfelt balladry of ‘Linger My Love’ opens the extra album of goodies, and is probably the strongest offering here. “Save your teardrops for tomorrow” our hero croons over countrified instrumentation. Featuring Thin Lizzy’s Brian Robertson on the old geetar, it’s an emotive ballad that gets under the skin on first listen.

‘Lonely Street Choir’ then sees our man head off into country territory with the help of Nashville singer Crystal Gayle. The familiar melody of ‘Roll On’ shines through the pop production. It feels like a demo, with the drum machine giving it a summer dance feel rather than the usual low slung rock n’ roll we come to expect. But a good song is a good song, no matter the production. 

‘In Case You Fall In Love With Me’ explores jazz with laid back instrumentation and a sense of yearning, it’s a bit of an oddball but worth the inclusion. 

The folky ‘Stay Away From Me’ and the anthemic drinking song ‘Glory & Grace’ channel the likes of The Pogues and The Levellers with accordions and acoustics and flagons of ale raised for a singalong. 

Ballads, duets and drum machine demos make up the latter part of the album, and show songs that are works in progress, showing a glimpse of a songwriter experimenting and spreading his wings.

‘Rough Diamond’ remains essential listening for fans of Sulo’s day job and the bonus album contains several gems that make this double album worth hunting down. It’s a bit of a treat. 

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

the title track, and first single, from Lornes, first-ever solo album, out on Spaghetty Town Records on September 16, 2022.

Coming off his acclaimed 2021 four-song EP When I Hit The Floor–which prompted the esteemed Jesse Malin to praise it as “Real blood and guts rock and roll that bleeds with soul and redemption”–NYC punk rock n’ roll singer-songwriter-guitarist LORNE BEHRMAN today (June 9) shares the video for “A Little Midnight.” It’s the first single (out digitally this Friday, June 10) from his debut album of the same name, available September 16 on Spaghetty Town Records. Watch the video, directed by David J Barron, here and read a new Q&A below. It was premiered yesterday (June 8) by Glide which noted that the song “features a blackened riff howl of punk bands like The Damned and The Gun Club mixed with pop sensibilities of The Replacements. When Behrman sings “A little midnight/ it’s alright/A little midnight/does you right,” listeners get a gracious sense of rock and roll escapism at its most pure form.”

The “A Little Midnight” single is a slice of dirty rock n’ roll scrapped off of the streets of the Bowery with an introspective heart from the artist who previously played in The Dimestore Haloes, L.E.S. Stitches, The Dead Tricks and most recently The Sweet Things. “The moonlight looks on good you/Not darkness just silver blue/A little midnight/it’s alright/A little midnight/does you right,” sings LORNE on the song.

A LITTLE MIDNIGHT is a 10-song collection is a series of New York City vignettes haunted by shadows but guided by light. The words here are literate and lacerating, recalling the street poetics of Lou Reed, Richard Hell, and Television. The songs feature stark and fluid guitar playing in the spirit of The Stooges’ James Williamson, Johnny Thunders, and Lou Reed.

“This album is about struggling to be reborn,” LORNE shares. “Wanting to run back to the arms of toxic people or the patterns of self-destruction. It’s about clawing your way to a new existence while acknowledging all the causalities, and all you’re letting go. You glimpse a new life, but you don’t feel it yet.”

The album’s raw but polished production aesthetic is courtesy of producer Matt Chiaravalle (Warren Zevon, Joe Bonamassa, Spacehog). A LITTLE MIDNIGHT was mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Joe Lambert. Wyldlife bassist Spencer Alexander designed the album artwork, and it is a subtly playful homage to the cover of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ Damn the Torpedoes.

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New video for ‘You Shouldn’t Be Lonely on a Saturday Night’ by Diamond Dogs of their album, ‘Slap Bang Blue Rendezvous’. The Duke of Honk comments on the video: “Yes! We still have time to feel good all night with friends!  We still have time for rock’n’roll! – Big Love” Facebook Buy the album Here

Finishing off this most Rock n Roll of ‘Rainy Days’ is the new video from the awesome Slyder Smith & The Oblivion Kids.  ‘When The Rain Comes’ is taken from their debut album ‘Charm Offensive‘, which will be out on 19th August 2022 through Ray Records on 12” black vinyl, digipak CD and digital, distributed worldwide via Cargo Records You can pre-order this album Here

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Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

Denim and leather-clad Texas rockers Killer Hearts are still riding high from their debut LP release “Skintight Electric” are now hitting the road to spread the gospel of rock and roll. They’ve also released a video directed by Seyla Hossaini. The concept for the video, rock and roll women, a night on the town and getting up to no good, with Killer Hearts “Dynamite Tramp” playing the soundtrack! It’s a throwback to the early days of MTV when we had to stay up late to see the rock and roll videos.


Killer Hearts debut full-length “Skintight Electric” is out now on all streaming and download platforms. Vinyl can be purchased in the US from Spaghetty Town Records and in Europe from Dragstrip Riot Records.

Sweden’s boogie rock legends Diamond Dogs are back with the new single and music video ‘ALRIGHT BRUTUS I’M ON!’ The track is taken from the swedes upcoming double album ‘SLAP BANG BLUE RENDEZVOUS’, set for release on January 21.

Slap Bang Blue Rendezvous is a release for children of the 70’s. From the top it conjures up the spirits of the 70’s glam rock era. The warm atmosphere brings the air of the golden age, and the energy of the songs and performance give a promise of rock music for the new generation! Diamond Dogs leaves the listener feeling like they’ve been somewhere momma told them not to go, but knowing that they’ll soon be visiting again!

“This is my masterpiece, my White Album” as Tomas Skogsberg himself puts it. And we can only agree!

Hear Alright Brutus I’m On and pre-order the album: Here

Finally why not check out the new Jesse Malin video for ‘Dance With The System’ from Jesse Malin’s latest double album, ‘Sad and Beautiful World’, out now on Wicked Cool Records.

Velvet Insane – second single and music video ‘Sound of Sirens’

Velvet Insane – second single and music video ‘Sound of Sirens’

Velvet Insane delivers their second single and music video “Sound of Sirens” from their upcoming album “Rock ‘n’ Roll Glitter Suit”. A 60’s pop gem made for the modern day.

 

The band comments:
“We feel very proud about this catchy singalong pop gem and that it shows a slightly different side of Velvet Insane. Strongly influenced by The Beatles and 60’s pop music it gives you shivers and shows our passion and love for all kinds of music. A song we really looking forward to playing live and feel the energy from the audience in the future. With the video, we want to celebrate where we come from: the 70’s. Kiss, ABBA, Slade and glam rock/pop in general have meant so much to us in our musical upbringing. 1970’s influences in pictures and music but with the sound of today.”

The track is written by the legendary Sulo Karlsson of the Diamond Dogs who also has produced and wrote the tracks together with the band on the upcoming album “Rock ‘n’ Roll Glitter Suit”.

The eleven-track long album manifests Velvet Insane as a rock act to count on for years to come. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Glitter Suit” is released via Wild Kingdom on July 16.

Hear the single and pre-order the album: Here

Singles Club – Ice Cream Summer licks

Singles Club – Ice Cream Summer licks

 

Warped – ‘Match Fit’ (Golden Robot Records) Hailing from Geelong Australia, Warped are a 3-piece band that have been around the traps for 30 years and are highly respected scene veterans.  ‘Match Fit’ is a right banger in the garage rock mould that those Stooges knocked out many moons ago that seems to have been embraced down under.  ‘Match Fit’  is a bruising grinding slice of chaotic rock and roll that’s delivered to great effect by Warped who clearly know the score when pumping out loud uncompromising rock n roll in a similar vein to the likes of  Bored and Asteroid B612.   Out via Golden Robot Records, available on all digital platforms.

 

 

 

Steve Conte – ‘Recovery Doll’ (Wicked Cool Records)  New music from the super talented Conte out on May 28 on Wicked Cool Records.  This is Conte’s follow up to the rockin ‘Gimme Gimme Rockaway’.  It features Conte’s 11 year old son, Zia, on backing vocals, the track has Conte’s brother, John on bass and Charley Drayton (The Replacements, Keith Richards’ X-Pensive Winos, Divinyls) on drums.  The b-side is a demo of ‘Rock and Rye Queen,’ a track off of his ‘Steve Conte NYC’ album.  Of course, it’s quality we wouldn’t expect anything less than exceptional here. I love the groove and vibe brought to the party by Drayton who added the Roll to the Keith Richards Expensive Winos Rock.  It goes without saying this is a must buy single.

 

 

Kris Rodgers And The Dirty Gems – ‘I Can Still Feel It’ (Wicked Cool Records) Portland, Maine’s Kris Rodgers and the Dirty Gems Releasing Wicked Cool Records Label Debut ‘Still Dirty’ on July 23. The first single lifted from the record is the horn-heavy rootin tootin rock and roller that shows the very talented Rodgers who has busied himself in the past performing with the likes of RPM favourites  Scott Sorry,  Bullet Proof Lovers, and Kurt Baker.  ITs a real blast of summer sunshine and we can all get excited for the summer when we have tunes like this to blast out.  ‘Still Dirty’ Album Pre-Save link: Here

 

Velvet Insane feat Dregen & Nicke Andersson – ‘Backstreet Liberace’ (Wild Kingdom Records) Swedish rockers Velvet Insane goes wam bam glam and turns the clock back to 1973 in the new music video for “Backstreet Liberace” and with guest appearances from Dregen and Nicke Andersson of The Hellacopters. With a big sing-a-long chorus, Sulo has really captured the mood on this one. From the low horn honk to the rampaging keys its a real feel good banger.

If this is an indication as to where the album is going then bring it on – Great stuff. the upcoming album “Rock ‘n’ Roll Glitter Suit”is out soon!

 

Hear the single and pre-order the album: https://orcd.co/bakstreet-liberace

 

 

City Saints – ‘Evil Conduct’ feat Han (Sunny Bastards Records)  Oi Oi! A trio of tracks from another Swedish entry it’s like Eurovision but with decent tunes this weekend. City Saints pay tribute on this EP to Evil Conduct.  With 3 tracks. One original and two covers it’s loud and proud (as you’d expect) The band mixes up rock and roll and some proper punk rock.  It’s pretty much perfect Oi! and ‘Home Sweet Home’ (no not the Motley Crue tune) is respectfully delivered and justice is served by City Saints it also features Han from Evil Conduct.   Facebook

 

Poison Boys – ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind’ The third single from our upcoming second full length, “Don’t You Turn on Me,” out Summer 2021.

This is the anthemic Rock and Roll from these Chicago punk rock n rollers. It’s  for everyone who’s ever had a missed connection and couldn’t shake the feeling that it could have gone better.  Its a thumping tune and an indication of whats to come when this album drops its time to get excited kids – the world needs more bands as good as Poison Boys. A catchy hit brought to you by rock n roll punks the Poison Boys.

Buy Here

 

 

 

You Filthy Dog – ‘Dreamboats Annonymous’  Solo project from Liam Hill is like a welcome ray of power pop sunshine and from the opening salvo of ‘Face The Wave’ your attention is immediately grabbed.  An excellent constructed tune that ebbs and flows wonderfully.  With a hint of Wildhearts and a chorus that’s more Ash and that indie kid pop melodic goodness. ‘Loved’ is another melodic chunk of loveliness that’s pure summer sunshine.

The mood drops and becomes more sullen and dreamy on ‘Bitter Days’, halfway through it gets decidedly louder with a crescendo of goodness to go with the grandness it envokes – great stuff! Variety, beauty, melody everything you want when being introduced to a new band.  A top EP to be fair and well worth checking out Here

 

SHLUG – ‘The Scent Of Roy Keane‘ (Disobedient Records) What a lovely noise this is from that thumping bass line to the qwerky chorus its a thrash, bang, wallop, and all in the best possible way for this Cardiff lot.  The curious title is explained away by vocalist Ellis Acton-Dyer: “Written in a point of adolescence, ‘The Scent Of Roy Keane‘ tackles masculinity along with the question – what really turns a boy into a man? Is it through protein shakes? Or is it by pissing all over the seat? Either way, you decide. Just get the conversation going.” Another introduction to a new exciting band who makes a wonderful noise – check it out! Here

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GOB PATROL – ‘Bad Vibes’ (Riot Records) inspired by bands such as Black Flag, GBH, and The Germs, Gob Patrol stay true to the genre it’s like a step back in time but its delivered with aplomb, and who doesn’t love the gurgling bass and a vocal spat out in true Dwayne Peters fashion. Gob Patrol knows what they’re about and delivers for anybody looking for a slice of retro punk 82 style. Facebook

The Diamond Dogs – ‘Atlantic Juice’ ( Wild Kingdom)

The Diamond Dogs – ‘Atlantic Juice’ ( Wild Kingdom)

For those of you who don’t know The Diamond Dogs were founded in the late 90’s by vocalist Sulo Karlsson and guitarist Anders Lindström who under the nom de plume of Bobba Fett plays keyboards with The Hellacopters, which through reverse engineering, is how I discovered them. Musically the band is neck deep into the likes of The Faces, The Stones and The Pretty Things with a soulful garage edge and have over these Covid months been re-issuing their back catalogue. The latest is “Atlantic Juice” that collates the songs from the 2003 Jeff Dahl “Atlantic Crossover” split album and a selection from “That’s The Juice I’m On” that I think in turn was a compilation album itself.  

 

Kicking the album off is “From Now On” that tells us ‘We’ll Be Strong’ and if anything is going to raise your spirits this is the perfect way to get things going in the right direction. “Scunthorpe Avenue” I’m sure wants to be “Gimme Shelter” as played by Dr Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, with “Drink To Ya” the best song the Robinson Brothers never wrote and “You Captured My Smile” is the Diamond Dogs very own “She Talks To Angels”.  “Get The Monkey Off” features some great electric Piano straight from the School of Billy Preston courtesy of The Duke of Honk, who along with Sulo in 2020 is the only original member.   

 

Even though the songs were recorded at different sessions “Atlantic Juice” comes across as a well rounded flowing record that could’ve been recorded in the 1970’s down in some Chateau in the South of France. The thing that stood out for me, especially on “Hurt You Twice As Much”, is how much these songs need to be played and heard live. In the meantime I guess we’ll just have to do with the very much appreciated vinyl and CD.  

Buy ‘Atlantic Juice’ Here

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 Author: Armitage Smith

 

Diamond Dogs – ‘Weekend Monster’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

Diamond Dogs – ‘Weekend Monster’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

Following the recent reissues of ‘Honked All Over Again’ and ‘As Your Greens Turn Brown’, Wild Kingdom continue their Diamond Dogs ‘First 10 Years’ reissues with release number three. ‘Weekend Monster‘ brings together their two classic, long out of print EPs ‘Among The Non Believers’ and ‘Shortplayer’ on one sexy slab of coloured vinyl, with a new running order and cool as you like new artwork.

 

Laid down in a session just before the recording of ‘As Your Greens Turn Brown’ in 2000, ‘Among The Non Believers’ was meant as a taster for the upcoming second album from Sweden’s best kept rock ‘n’ roll secret. Again in 2001 ‘Shortplayer’ was a snapshot of what to expect on their third (and finest) album ‘Too Much Is Always Better Than Not Enough’.

Legendary producer Tomas Skogsberg takes the helm as usual to capture the 70’s vibes to the max, and it’s the classic line-up on these recordings. So joining long time singer/entertainer Sulo and keyboard wizard Henrik (The Duke Of Honk) Widen are the likes of Bobby Lee Fett, Mattias Hellberg and Stevie Klasson lending their guitar and vocal prowess.

The raw recording and deliver y of the title track is a perfect way to open proceedings. A melting pot of The Rolling Stones, The Faces and The New York Dolls is pretty much as good as it gets. An anthemic, live favourite that set in stone the classic sound that this band would take as their own. Guitars all over the shop, swathes of Hammond, but it’s the gritty vocalisin’ from main man Sulo that steals the show.

Up next ‘Throw It All Away’ is as good as it gets. Stabs of keys, guitars delivered from the crotch and a classic, timeless chorus. Could a song be any more 70’s sounding in 2001? Creating a sense of euphoria in music is not an easy thing to achieve, but Diamond Dogs deliver in spades again and again. With its lazy, rock ‘n’ roll riff and great percussion ‘Lunatic, Eye Rolling Delivery’ is a late night, boogie-woogie jam.  Juke joint music, designed to share a whisky and a dance with friends. It sounds like it was recorded live in one take, fuelled by wine, women and last night’s party…I could be wrong!

 

Like a fine red wine, Diamond Dogs songs age well. And it’s safe to say 20 years on that these 10 songs sound as fresh and vibrant as the first day I heard them. Although I must admit to playing these two EPs and the following third album to death when I first got my hands on them. (On a third generation cassette I hasten to add) Remember, no one was doing this sort of rock n roll around the turn of the century. Punk pop was the flavour of the month and to quote Lenny Kravitz; “rock and roll is dead! “

But Lenny was wrong. You may have forgotten, or you may not even be aware how many classic songs this band has in their arsenal. Its song after song, even with these hastily recorded and put together EPs. I mean c’mon…’Poison Honey’ is heartfelt balladry at its best, and ‘Passing Through My Heart’ could’ve been a long lost Faces ballad for sure. The beautiful backing vocals giving that Jagger/Richards vibe that many copy but rarely match. English isn’t his first language, but Sulo is hands above his contemporaries in mastering the English language in the context of heartfelt rock ‘n’ roll.

They tip their collective hat to their influences with two choice cover as well. The New York Dolls ‘Pills’ is suitable raw and ramshackle, but The Stones ‘Connection’, I feel they actually make it their own here, what do you think?

 

The fact that these 10 tracks were ‘between album songs’ not destined for general release is testament to the quality of songs Diamond Dogs have at their disposal. And while they went on to release many quality albums through the ensuing years, I feel the band reached their pinnacle with their third album ‘Too Much Is Always Better Than Not Enough’.

All great bands have a magic period where they can do no wrong and the songs just flow, seemingly out of their control, as if written by someone else. For me, Diamond Dogs golden period was between 2000 and 2002 and therefore this album is an essential vinyl purchase.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

 

 

 

Diamond Dogs – ‘As Your Greens Turn Brown’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

Diamond Dogs – ‘As Your Greens Turn Brown’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

As my learned colleague, Craggy waxed lyrically when he reviewed ‘Honked’ the first of these Anniversary albums from Diamond Dogs, I went on a journey down the Rock and ROll highway and played every Diamond Dogs album released and the overriding thought I had was –  Damn this band was smoking hot when they got in that groove.

They were honking on the whole Faces early ’70s Stones vibe and they were killing it every time and the most important thing was they had the tunes to go with the swagger and if those five albums were my gift to the world I’d be so proud of my band and the songs we’d created. Its quite some collection and as the band aged like a good wine they changed taste but remained true to their roots and sound.

On reflection, it seems like yesterday the band were rolling into my small village and pitching up their amps in a restaurant at the rear of my local boozer on a Sunday night after having a show in the City cancelled they then proceeded to Rock the socks off the locals with a wonderful and impressive set. These sets are pressed on vinyl as well as CD and contain a plethora of bonus tracks (singles B Sides) to wrap up the tunes from that period in a perfect set.

As Your Greens Turn Brown: After the keys introduce the listener with a bit of ‘Bloodshot’ before kicking up a shitstorm in the shape of the fantastic no holds barred ‘Goodbye, Miss Jill’ even now it makes me smile a five-mile smile when the band kicks in and the harmonica starts honkin’.

The record ebbs and flows superbly with the highs being particularly high and when the band gets going man they sounded authentic and passionate.  The lulls when they’d kickback. Their blend of Hammond and Rock and Roll overdrive mixed with a few horns stabs here and there is timeless. Let the good times roll on the ballsy ‘Hardhitter’ and then they can drop a few gears as they venture off into Small Faces territory via ‘Singing With The Alleycats’ it’s easy to see how these guys got gigs with Punk rockers like the Damned or Rockers like The Cult and Nazareth when you hear the raw ‘Bite Off’ with its too fast to live riff and with that variety in mind you pick up the flavour of just how talented a songwriter Sulo is and he lives these songs and wears them on his sleeve you can’t bluff Rock and Roll this good which is why he attracted the likes of Darrel Bath and Steve Klasson into the fold.

 

The band were comfortable letting go and cutting loose as they were doing the jig is up country-tinged ‘Anywhere Tonight’ as they were doing the whole Thin Lizzy duel guitar kick-off that had songs like ‘Boogie For Tanja’ being so effortlessly good. Then when they needed to turn down the lights they could glide into ‘Yesterdays Nymph’ in one fell swoop. When Sulo took the mood down he has a wonderful tone on his voice and as far as taking on the Brits doing the whole R&B thing there’s no contest Diamond Dogs were more consistent than a lot of their contemporaries churning out albums of exceptionally high quality and this bad boy is right up there with the best of them and when your B Sides are as good as your A-Sides you know you’re onto something.

Fifteen songs of exceptional quality its like they once said Too much is never enough! Bring on the next one and I’ll get me filled up on more trips down memory lane and promise myself to play these records more often they deserve it and so do you – Buy it!

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Buy Diamond Dogs Here

Author: Dom Daley

Diamond Dogs – Honked (All Over Again)’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

Diamond Dogs – Honked (All Over Again)’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

Sweden’s much-loved and well-travelled charismatic rock ‘n’ rollers Diamond Dogs have returned to the scene and they are bringing re-releases of their first 5 albums with them. Released through the Wild Kingdom record label, these 5 LPs cover the first 10 years of their existence, which began in 1993 with the album Honked.

Honked set the scene for the coming years for the Dogs. Headed by the singer/songwriter Sulo, the band would at various points involve musicians from a worldwide spectrum of spectacular and influential bands. Honked was big news in Sweden, and it pushed their boundaries far beyond Scandinavia, with single ‘Blue Eyes Shouldn’t Be Cryin’’ making its way onto MTV rotation, back when the M meant Music and not Money. It would see them tour all over the world with some of the biggest household names.

The album now has been repackaged as Honked (All Over Again) and includes three additional tracks in Lucille (Richard’s, not Kenny’s), Sweet Sister Sunrise and Big Bayou (originally by Swampwater and then covered extensively). Many years following its original release, Honked is still brimming with that delightful charm that has always been instilled in the Dogs’ music. Raunchy and swaggering, the Dogs’ music is unapologetically 70s inspired rock ‘n’ roll, rolling in a sweet mix of the Faces and the Stones. The song writing and the energy captured in the production ensure that it still stands up now.

The Diamond Dogs have always delivered this music in the best way possible – with honesty and charisma. If you like the Black Crowes or the Quireboys, and for some cruel reason the Diamond Dogs passed you by, diving into these 5 re-releases should set you straight. And there’s no better place to start than right at the beginning with Honked.

Buy Honked Here

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Author: Craggy Collyde

 

Diamond Dogs – ‘Recall Rock ‘n’ Roll And The Magic Soul’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

Diamond Dogs – ‘Recall Rock ‘n’ Roll And The Magic Soul’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

Following the recent news of an upcoming ‘best of’ package and vinyl re-issues of four classic albums, Sweden’s finest purveyors of glam slam boogie the Diamond Dogs are back with a new long-player of brand new music to whet the appetite.

It seems you can’t keep a good band down, and four years after they called it quits, following the tragic death of saxophonist Magic Gunnarsson, original members Sulo and keyboard player Henrik “Honk” Widen decided it was time to get the band back together. Joining the duo are long-serving guitarist Lars Karlsson, fellow guitarist Martin Thomander, bassist Stefan Bellnas and Thomas Broman on the drums.

While a revolving door of band members has come and gone over the years, the sound remains the same. Let’s just say, if you dig the cool as you like vintage rock ‘n’ roll of The Faces meets The Stones, then grab a Jack & Coke, drop the needle and sit back and enjoy!

 

Now, when I say new music, all is not quite as it seems. If you were to purchase this album on vinyl then you could say side A is Diamond Dogs originals; recalling their rock ‘n’ roll roots. And then side B is their own tribute to Soul legend Sam Cooke; six cover versions of classic cuts from the Soul singer, reinterpreted in their own classic style.

While their last few studio albums have been a bit patchy, this is a banger of an album from start to finish. Their trademark rock ‘n’ roll shuffles bring to mind a golden age of early 70’s British rock. Anyone from The Stones, Slade and Quo comes to mind at any given moment. You know the score.

 

Opening song ‘Recall Rock ‘n’ Roll’ sets the bar high from the off and sees singer Sulo in introspective mood as the band fire on all cylinders behind him. “Let’s turn back time and make it roll!” he suggests before blasting into a euphoric chorus. The likes of ‘Valentina (Queen Of Broken Hearts)’ and ‘Heavy Swing’ have that classic Sulo chorus refrains in abundance. High energy rock ‘n’ roll, with a tinkling of the ivories and key changes that takes it up nicely to the climax. No one does Mott meets The Faces better.

There’s a hint of sadness to the soulful balladry that ‘Singin’ With Elvis’ brings to the table. Sulo reminisces about times gone by and the ghosts of the past. “I walk down the street where we all used to meet, but it was all dark and quiet” he sings in an almost broken rasp. Swathes of Hammond organ and great, Stones inspired backing harmonies make this essential Dogs material.

The uber-cool ‘There Is A Fire Down There’ has a Black Crowes swagger, with trademark killer backing vocals and a wild n’ crazy slide guitar solo. No one does rock ‘n’ roll rapture quite like the Diamond Dogs do these days.

 

The album is split down the middle by ‘Soul Folks’, a re-recording of a Sulo original that first appeared on his album ‘Hear Me Out’. Sulo’s own tribute to his soul hero that actually comes across like an Exile-era Stones outtake. Cracking stuff indeed.

Now, the Sam Cooke side of things includes a bunch of guests. First up, we have Quireboys frontman Spike lending his gravelly tones to the good time rock ‘n’ roll of ‘Good Times’. Handclaps, sax and heavenly, female backing vocals bring the soul and help get the party started.

The good time boogie of ‘Don’t Fight it, Feel It’ and the 12 bar blues stomp of ‘Somebody Have Mercy’ are delivered in fine Diamond Dogs style, you wouldn’t even guess they were old Soul songs on first listen.

They breathe new life into ‘Keep Movin’ On’. Faster and more uplifting, that killer chorus introduces a song that sounds like it has always been in your head. Hellacopters main man Nicke Andersson adds his dulcet tones to this banger.

Thunder frontman Danny Bowes duets with Sulo on ‘Nothing Can Change This Love’. With the lyrical sentiment and the sparse musicianship, it retains the soulful feel of the original, but it’s given the Diamond Dogs treatment.  A rendition that sounds like it was recorded 50 years ago, not six months ago.

‘Sugar Dumpling’ closes the album and is my favourite of these cover versions. Featuring Swedish rapper Papa Dee, they take to another level entirely. To me, it comes on like The Dave Clarke Five meets The Archies, classic 60’s pop and a surprise finale. What a tune!

 

‘Recall Rock ‘n’ Roll And The Magic Soul’ will not only satisfy Diamond Dogs fan who have been craving more material, it will also remind those who forgot exactly why we missed them in the first place.

Ok, so it may not be an album full of original material. But as the title suggests, this new album is a throwback to the roots and the influences of what made Diamond Dogs one of Sweden’s greatest musical exports. And that is something we should all celebrate.

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Author: Ben Hughes