Jesse Malin & Band – Islington Assembley Hall – 02.05.25

Jesse Malin & Band – Islington Assembley Hall – 02.05.25

Nearly 2 years to the day since suffering a spinal stroke that paralysed him from the waist down, NY singer/songwriter Jesse Malin returns to the stage in London for 2 benefit shows at Islington Assembly Hall to help raise funds for his recovery and medical care. A Jesse Malin live show is something fans and friends hoped and prayed would happen again, and with the help of his band and a handful of special guests, the dream of returning to live music has become a reality.

Last night’s sold-out show was by all accounts a blast, and tonight we expect more of the same, albeit a different set list and special guests.

Great cheers ring out across the packed expanse of this beautiful, old school music hall as the curtains draw back to reveal the full band, seated ‘MTV Unplugged’ style. They break straight into a 1-2-3 from the oft-forgotten ‘New York Before The War’ opus. ‘I Would Do It For You’ may be a slow burner of an opener, but the following upbeat earworms of ‘Oh Sheena’ and ‘Addicted’ quickly show us this is not to be a laid-back, acoustic show by any means.

Sat centre stage, our man Jesse looks cool as ever, dressed all in black, shades covering his eyes, his trademark cloth cap perched sideways over his mop of curly locks. Although this is a full band electric show, it is clearly a different dynamic to any Malin show any of us have seen before. Jesse Malin is a very animated and energetic performer, yet the fact that he is confined to a chair does not take away anything from the performance tonight. His band are tight, the sound is crystal clear, and the vocals are spot on.

We head back in time with ‘Downliner’ before a rousing rendition of The Pogues ‘If I Should Fall From Grace’ rocks the house. The one thing I’ve always loved about Jesse Malin shows and the thing that keeps bringing me back is his storytelling and his engagement with his audience, and tonight is no different. We get tales of past loves, his first teenage attempts at paying for sex, stories of growing up in the streets of New York, his musical travels and recording experiences. Also, the ongoing journey of his recovery. One such tale about recording With Lucinda Williams leads into the emotive ‘Room 13’ which is just as joyous as the recorded version, then and a killer ‘Turn Up The Mains’ has the power and cool delivery of the recent ‘Silver Patron Saints’ version.

At this point in the show, a full-size microphone stand is placed in front of our man, and with both hands clutching it for support and with every effort in his body, he stands for the first time of the evening to a rapturous applause. This is what it’s all about: a goosebumps moment we all share. The band then break into ‘The Way We Used To Roll, and with growing confidence, Jesse performs standing for the next few songs before needing a breather.

What follows is a set that covers his whole career as a solo artist. Highlights are plentiful and memorable. ‘State Of The Art’ and ‘Black Haired Girl’ do it for me, then there’s oldies but goodies like ‘Brooklyn’ and the killer ‘All The Way From Moscow’. Jesse cuts a dramatic figure standing, draped over a mic stand that gives an ethereal Layne Staley vibe, but there is no heartache or mournfulness in tonight’s show, only hope and positivity. An extended and jammed out ‘Meet Me At The End Of The World’ transports us to 70’s New York, it is a set closer of sorts before the special guest slots. Billy Bragg joins the stage for the mellow but hard-hitting protest song ‘Ameri’ka’, before a rousing cover of The Clash hit ‘Rudy Can’t Fail’ that gets the whole room singing.

Then, just like the poster says, we are treated to Peter & Jamie Perrett of The Only Ones for a rocking rendition of their classic ‘Another Girl, Another Planet’. Now, that is a treat to behold; no one does it better. The band closes the night with the upbeat and countrified goodness that is ‘You Know It’s Dark When Atheists Start To Prey’. And as Jesse leaves the stage with the aid of a walker, I get the feeling it won’t be as long until he returns to these shores.

Jesse Malin has preached PMA (positive mental attitude) his whole career, and we will never quite understand how much he has needed that for himself these past 2 years. But tonight’s show was a true example of triumph over adversity, an artist who has given his all every night of his career, fighting for all he is worth to reclaim his life again. And judging by the response tonight and the fact that both shows were sold out, I think Jesse can be proud of his accomplishment and take comfort in the support he has from his fanbase.

We may only be 5 months into the year, but I can safely say that was hands down the best, and the most emotional show I’ll see this year. It’s a pleasure to have him back.

Author: Ben Hughes

Jesse Malin – Limited tickets for second show

Jesse Malin – Limited tickets for second show

JESSE MALIN
LIVE IN LONDON
ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL
1st & 2nd MAY 2025

first night sold out
limited number of tickets for second show available
HERE  

BENEFIT CONCERTS
featuring special guests
BILLY BRAGG, PETER PERRETT
(both appearing on the second night)
more to be announced

The New York City-based rock singer-songwriter Jesse Malin suffered a rare spinal stroke in May 2023 that left him paralysed from the waist down. The release of a star-studded tribute album entitled ‘Silver Patron Saints : The Songs Of Jesse Malin’ in September 2024 was accompanied by tickets going on sale for a special benefit concert in London at Islington Assembly Hall on 1st May. It sold out immediately, so an additional date was announced for the following evening at The Garage venue close by. With that also sold out, it has been moved back to Islington Assembly Hall, with a further 300 tickets made available HERE from 12pm today (28th February). Tickets already purchased for The Garage event remain valid for the new date.

Malin made a return to the stage at the Beacon Theatre in New York City last December for two benefit concerts to help pay for his ongoing rehabilitation. They were the biggest hometown shows of his career and he was joined by a host of guest musicians. The same formula is to be replicated in London where the likes of Billy Bragg and Peter Perrett have already been confirmed to appear with him.



“I have a really special connection to London, as it was the first place that truly embraced me when my debut album came out and it is always very meaningful to play there,” Malin has previously stated. “I am blown away by the response to these shows and am so excited to play them. Thank you once again for all the love and support. You guys are the best.”

Iggy Pop played Bruce Springsteen’s cover of Malin’s ‘She Don’t Love Me Now’ on his weekly BBC 6 Music show on 23rd February, commenting that “Jesse’s a really talented songwriter, whose approach to writing reflects the people of New York maybe more than Johnny Thunders, New York Dolls and even The Ramones.”

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Jesse Malin – Second London Show Added 02.05.25

Jesse Malin – Second London Show Added 02.05.25

LIVE IN LONDON
02.05.25
THE GARAGE
BENEFIT CONCERT

tickets
tickets go on sale 04.10.24 @ 11am GMT

The release of the star-studded tribute album ‘Silver Patron Saints : The Songs Of Jesse Malin’ on 20th September was accompanied by tickets going on sale for a special benefit concert in London at Islington Assembly Hall on 1st May 2025. With that show selling out almost immediately, an additional date has been announced for the following evening at The Garage venue close by, with tickets available from 11am on 4th October HERE. Both shows will feature a variety of guests.

“I have a really special connection to London, as it was the first place that truly embraced me when my first album came out and it is always very meaningful to play there,” says Malin. “I am blown away by the response to the first show, so we decided to add a second night. It will be a bit difficult to get there and get around this time, but I miss London so am excited to play two shows in May. I am also very grateful for all the support through the years.”

The New York City-based rock singer-songwriter suffered a rare spinal stroke in May 2023 that left him paralysed from the waist down. Both a tribute and benefit album, ‘Silver Patron Saints: The Songs Of Jesse Malin’ contains 27 choice cover versions of songs written by Malin from across his career, with all proceeds from it going to his Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and helping pay for his ongoing rehabilitation.

Various Artists – ‘Silver Patron Saint – The Songs Of Jesse Malin’ (Sweet Relief)

Various Artists – ‘Silver Patron Saint – The Songs Of Jesse Malin’ (Sweet Relief)

Wow, simply wow. Talk about PMA when I first got wind that a Various Artist record was coming out to help Jesse with his medical bills I thought that was so cool and being something he’d be fully behind if it was one of his peers but hell, I wasn’t expecting a triple album with quite so many platinum artists rallying around and all adding their own twist on Jesse’s songs in such a majestic way.

Often a contributor to other people’s causes, Malin being the humble human he is must be blown away by all the musicians who have rallied around him, from Springsteen, Billie Joe Armstrong, Lucinda Williams and Elvis Costello, The Hold Steady, Tommy Stinson, Alison Mosshart (with the late Wayne Kramer), Tom Morello, Counting Crows, Dinosaur Jr., The Wallflowers, Spoon, Susanna Hoffs, Frank Turner, Rancid and many more. The full album tracklisting is a proper trawl through his career from the glorious D Generation days right up to the very recent past.

Anyone whos seen Jesse live knows how funny and compelling his performances are be it so or with a band he is a commanding spirit who also knows how to introduce a song with a special story and a superstar clang here and there. Rolling Stone magazine editor David Fricke, said it best when he wrote that “Jesse Malin knows about scars, from his youth, observation and more. They all carry tales, and he’s not done telling them. ‘Silver Patron Saints’ is the gang back at the bar, coming to the stage to toast the composer and his story so far.”

I don’t want to overstate how good this is and to go through every song would be a war and peace review so I’ll focus on first impressions and the stand-out cuts. Sure Springsteen owning ‘She Don’t Know Me Now’ is a stunning Americana interpretation and showing how damn good a writer Jesse is both lyrically and musically. I also love ‘Oh Sheena’ covered by Counting Crows frontman Adam. Also, Green Day frontman Billie Joe really cranks it up on ‘Black Haired Girl’ and it sounds so good it could easily have been a stand-out track on ‘American Idiot’ or 21st Century albums.

Hearing a ragged ‘Brooklyn’ absolutely owned by Dinosaur Jr is stunning. Owning a song but retaining its beating heart is no easy task and changing it without going too far from its roots is a fine art but Mascis does it superbly. The supergroup that dusts the cobwebs off ‘Turn Up The Mains’ Wayne Kramer, Tom Morello, Steve Van Zant Mike Watt and Joey C join Alison Mosshart for a blistering rip through the song. Lucinda Williams has been a long-standing collaborator with Malin and here shes joined by Elvis Costello for ‘Room 13’. Frank Turner plucks out a tune before Spoons takes a stroll through ‘The Way We Used To Roll’.

As the first half of this release takes a breather with the beautiful Rocky O’Rourden interpretation of ‘Shane’ you take in the diversity and consistently strong songwriting Malin has dished up for decades. Sure he’s surrounded himself with some awesome musicians from the D Gen days right to the here and now but his lyrics are also noticeably excellent, I always hear a line and smile at just how good it was and there are plenty on offer here and some I’d probably forgotten but hearing these talented artists shine a new light is stunning.

Butch Fuckin Walker twists ‘Modern World’ and owns it before Susanna Hoffs freshens up ‘High Lonesome’ beautiful song. One of my favourite recent Malin songs is ‘Greener Pastures’ which is owned by Graham PArker who turns it into a simpler harmonica and acoustic folk song. Alejandro Escovedo takes ‘Meet Me At The End Of the World’ somewhere I wasn’t expecting. The Hold Steady followed by Tommy Stinson dish up their usual high-quality interpretations on ‘Death Star’ and ‘Riding On The Subway’ respectively and to hear Ian Hunter own ‘Dead On’ and take it on a late-night sleazy walk is fantastic. The fact is there isn’t one single letdown on the whole twenty-seven tracks on offer and that is nothing short of miraculous. There are so many more songs I’d have loved to hear versions of which leaves the question of when can we hear Volume Two and who will be on that? It has to happen, doesn’t it? Willie Nile rocks it up before Rancid digs deep into the archive for a thrilling ‘No Way Out’, Man D Gen were a band and a half and this version is a belter.

Before this record finishes the old guard of the Bowery turn it up and open up a circle pit with the mighty Agnostic Front knock-out ‘God Is Dead’ before the album is disintegrated by Murphy’s Law own ‘Frankie’ and a more diverse line up you won’t find anywhere do justice to the living legend that is Jesse Malin, I’m sure he will be humbled by this record (or three) and shows that good guys do get helped when they fall down and having so many icons of music rally round is a beautiful thing. Buy this record, and you will marvel at its content regardless of whether you are a Malin vet or new to his music Jesse Malins’s music is in safe hands and a full recovery is all we want and if buying a copy of this helps that reality then I’ve don’t my small bit now what about you? PMA

Buy Here

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It’s A Revolution Podcast – Episode 42

It’s A Revolution Podcast – Episode 42
You might need a thicker skin but you need to give yourself some cool credit points for tuning in to the latest episode of the Podcast as Double D and Chris’Not Too Posh To Mosh’ Davie indulge you the listeners in some pretty awesome tunes from around the globe both old and new. We kick off in style with another new track off the Hip Priests swan song EP and a cracker entitled ‘Need A Thicker Skin’ we don’t let up as Conservative Military Image bing some bovver with ‘Yard Hard’. Short but oh so sweet.

How about the latest from Amyl & The Sniffers? ‘Chewing Gum’ before we head to Sweden for some good old acoustic rock n roll courtesy of Dynamic Drinking Club cut from the same cloth as Dave Kusworth and Nikki Sudden or Johnny Thunders. Its available from Beluga Records and well worth the investment.

Repeat Records are releasing some fantastic records of underground talent and they also released this split track from SMASH and we play another on the next show as well, one of my favourite labels at the moment pumping out great bands and promoting some great shows in south Wales as well.

Another great label we always look forward to hearing what they put out is Slovenly Records and this single Scared Of Chaka and the single ‘Bated Breath’. One of the best band names we’ve come across in a while has to be The Mary Tyler Whores and their new single ‘American Sex Fiend’ what a banger this is.

Jesse Malin has a triple album (Silver Patron Saint) coming out where artists perform one of his songs and we’ve already played Billie Joe Armstrong a few weeks back and this week we offer Bruce Springsteen taking on a Malin classic and knocking it out of the park. Can’t wait to get my hands on this triple album when it comes out this month. I strongly suggest you jump in as well so you don’t miss out it’s going to be special.

As more tracks are released I’m sure we can be persuaded to play more from this.

Captain Razz and Hard Ons have new singles we air from Down Under respectively before we wake you all up with the awesome Shove and their tribute to ‘King Diamond’ before Swami And The Bed Of Nails make us a little peckish with a new one from their fantastic short but sweet album. It’s been a while since we played some Glam Rock, so we offer Starcrazy and ‘What Its Worth’ without further ado.

If you were wondering what cover we have in store this week then look no further than Boundary Breakers Asian Dub Foundation featuring Iggy Pop for a romp through his classic ‘No Fun’ done in a very Asian Dub style before we sign off this week with a Wonk Unit classic from the vault as we sign off with ‘Guts’. Join us next time kids for some more drivel chatter and the most excellent bunch of tunes anywhere. Adios Amigos until next time.

Jesse Malin – ‘Chasing The Light’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Jesse Malin – ‘Chasing The Light’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Man, I love Jesse Malin’s work from the first time I heard D Generation through his solo work and side projects I’ve chased the lot also having seen the guy live with bands in D Gen and on his own his output is magical and nothing short of genius so when I heard he was cancelling his UK tour and had fallen ill to some debilitating illness that turned out to be a spinal stroke. I was worried for the guy and wished him a full and speedy recovery (and still do) I know the process is long and hard for Jesse but if anyone has got this then it’s him I still send him all the PMA in the world and hope he reschedules that tour of the UK so can welcome him back to the fold personally.

Tommy Stinson, Cat Popper, and Gogol Bordello’s Eugene Hütz, who sings with Malin on the Pogues’ “If I Should Fall From Grace with God.” The concert was filmed over two shows in January 2022 at the Sheen Center in New York City, a year before Malin suffered a spinal stroke that affected his ability to walk. He’s currently undergoing physical therapy and stem-cell treatments at a Buenos Aires, Argentina clinic. “I am getting some strength back in my legs, but it moves much slower than I would like. I don’t want to portray it like I’m ready to do the James Brown splits onstage,” he told RS in December. “I definitely have a long way to go, but I’m blessed and so grateful for the amazing fans and friends that I have.”

The record comes in a lovely gatefold and my copy also contains the Blue Ray of the show which is a nice bonus and it also comes with a really nice twelve-page picture booklet. the album spans Malin’s career thus far and the post-Covid electric band he was touring with that I was lucky enough to see when he hit the UK.

The album starts with a cool rendition of ‘State Of The Art’ its raw Baby and the songs benefit from that raw emotion and the production has really managed to capture that feeling perfectly, the Guitars are jumping out of the speakers with the mix coming across like you’re in the middle of the room as the show is unfolding. Awesome stuff.

Even on the slower more stripped bare songs like ‘Amerika’ the power of the song is fantastic. This isn’t Malin’s first live album but it just might be his finest. There are special guests like the legend that is Tommy Stinson from The Replacements and the incredible duet with H.R. from Bad Brains for a run-through ‘I and I Survive’ which gives me goosebumps as I type with the song blasting over the stereo whilst the guitar gently weeps on the solo – stunning isn’t hyperbole or a superlative over the top, its just that good. The rip through ‘If I Should Fall From Grace With God’ is as much fun as anyone has ever had covering the mighty Pogues and I’m sure Shane would most definitely approve.

The album ends with a rustic piano-heavy ‘Meet Me At The End Of The World’ which gives the Stones a run for their money post ‘Exile’ those Noo Yawk horns are magnificent and sleazy when they hit the spot. This only leaves an emotional and sultry ‘Greener Pastures’ with its shimmering guitar work it’s a behemoth way to end the record with my personal favourite from the last studio album.

‘Chasing The Light’ has got me daydreaming of the day we get to stand in the same room again as Malin and his band and we get to hear these songs once again live in the flesh but until that day I’ll take the superb ‘Chasing The Light’ as the next best thing. PMA Jesse, you go this and until we meet again keep on rocking and getting back to your old self. Buy It

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Jesse Malin – Jesse needs our help and PMA

Jesse Malin – Jesse needs our help and PMA

Sweet Relief Fund

Friend of the site and all round incredible artist Jesse Malin has opened up about his recent health isseues and why he cancelled his UK and Europe tour and he needs our help.

Just a few weeks after his triumphant Webster Hall gig, a 20th anniversary celebration of his solo debut ‘The Fine Art of Self Destruction’, Malin suffered a rare spinal-cord stroke — a stroke in his back — while at dinner in the East Village. Gathered with friends to mark the anniversary of the death of Howie Pyro, Malin’s former D Generation bandmate and best friend, he felt a burning pain in his lumbar region that slowly moved down his hips, through his thighs, and into his heels. He collapsed onto the floor of the restaurant, unable to walk.

“Everybody was standing above me like in Rosemary’s Baby, saying all these different things and I was there not knowing what was going on with my body,” Malin says during a phone call from his room at an NYU rehab facility.

Immobilized and numb, Malin was carried by Murphy’s Law singer Jimmy G from the Italian restaurant into the hallway of a nearby apartment, where an ambulance was called to take him uptown to Mount Sinai Hospital. That was May 4, and the notoriously physical, high-energy performer — his first public stage dive was at 14 on national TV during a Saturday Night Live performance by Fear — has been paralyzed from the waist down since.

Jesse told Rolling Stone that it was the hardest six weeks of his life,  “I’m told that they don’t really understand it, and they’re not sure of the chances. The reports from the doctors have been tough and there’s moments in the day where you want to cry, and where you’re scared. But I keep saying to myself that I can make this happen. I can recover my body.”

Malin’s manager David Bason and some of his friends have launched the Jesse Malin Fund on Sweet Relief to raise money for his care and expenses, which include daily physical therapy, outpatient rehab once he’s discharged from an NYU rehab center later this month, and relocating from his current walk-up apartment to one with an elevator to accommodate his wheelchair.

Sweet Relief Fund

Anyone who knows Jesse will tell you he is always the one who gives, the one always there for those in need, as evidenced by his work with various charity efforts. Among them: Sweet Relief, MusiCares, Light of Day Foundation, Joe Strummer Foundation, Save Our Stages, Joey Ramone Foundation for Lymphoma Research, Joey’s Song, Black Lives Matter, Howl Helps, Positive Panther Benefit (Natalie Beaverstock/fan for a wheelchair), Rock The Night Foundation, Rock Against Racism, Jail Guitar Doors, The Bowery Mission, Road 2 Recovery Foundation, Little Kids Rock Foundation, and food banks around New York City.

Singles Club – April

Singles Club – April

Jesse Malin – ‘Wendy (Tail Lights Fade)’ (One Little Indian Records) A re-recorded version of the original album song ‘Wendy’ and the first of three to be issued in the coming months that have not already been included on a bonus LP of new versions with the reissue. Reimagined and re-recorded with his longtime band, the material was produced by Derek Cruz and engineered by Geoff Sanoff, who worked on Malin’s recent ‘Sunset Kids’ and ‘Sad And Beautiful World albums. Whatever Malin does is fine by me the guy has never put a foot wrong from his D Gen days through Bellvue, The Finger and beyond, his solo records are a breath of fresh air and this reimagined version of a classic is another day for Malin but a lifetime of memories for us fans. Brilliant! Bring on those live uk tour dates.

Baby Schillaci – ‘So Bad’ (Lavender Sweep Records) Dark, brooding, restrained, punchy ‘So Bad’ is a monster of a tune lying in the darkened corners of your mind before kicking off as the throb gets more and more intense. A really impressive single and video to perfectly accompany it. Baby Schillaci are building momentum before they release their EP this summer. Get in on the ground floor as these boys climb and climb. Great stuff.

Jim Jones Allstars – ‘Gimme The Grease’ (Ako-Lite Records) It’s been a long time coming but having new music from Jim Jones is always a welcome blessed place to be. ‘Gimme the Grease’ is a horn honking, snare shuffling, hip shaking howling good time. when the horns honk in over that shuffle and phat bassline it’s musical manna from the Rock and Roll Gods. Single of the month? Fuckin right it is, Hallalulia Sweet baby Jesus. This is the sound of the summer coming and I can’t wait for the live shows that are about to hit us. Greased hair, Memphis hip shaking and Dirty Horns all topped off with the unmistakable bark of Jim Jones. These All-Stars have absolutely nailed it like you ever doubted them. Get on these live dates Here

The Shunkos – ‘EP’ (Lavender Sweep Records) Being the little hipsters that they are this cassette-only release of their first five tracks has been long overdue. Of course, it’s fast, loud, a little bit dirty and a lot of fun The Shunkos have been skating around the South Wales scene now for a while and grabbing plenty of admirers with their hectic live shows in some unique venues (how about an off license?) Sure these songs were written and recorded before they’d even played a single show so it’s fair to say they’ve evolved already and whilst the core of their repertoire is inspired from down under these boyos have shread some of that skin and developed their own punk rock noise and they’re reeling in more and more admirers with ever show.

The EP kicks off with the Chubby & The Gang style ‘Uni Mate’ it’s not big or clever but the Uni Mate is real and your introduction is short sharp and to the point. Now finish your beer and get on the dance floor. ‘Meal Deal’ is inspired by the Tesco special and rides in on a surf lick and rollicking chorus that will have you bopping along. there are five tunes involved on this tape and to be fair there are some belters on offer like ‘Bepop Dan’ who sounds like a right cu next Tuesday but his tribute from these Shunkos is fitting and punching. Picking a favourite tune is a tough one but ’83’ is a tasty number with plenty of bites. Get these boys on tour with the Chats or Cosmic Psychos, it would be messy but a whole heap of fun and ‘Beer & Gear’ would sound great alongside ‘Nice Day To Go To The Pub’ so much so they should be twinned (if that’s such a thing anymore) Port Talbot has never had it so good. Get one of these powder blue tapes sharpish if you want to be hip.

Killer Kin – ‘Mr Dynamite’ (Dead Beat Records) Killer cut from their debut album is just enough of a peek under the curtain of the awesome Killer Kin. Part Stooges (ok big part) some Alice Cooper and a generous heap of Dictators and a sprinkling of The Cavemen should see you in the right ballpark. Unhinged reckless Rock n Fuckin Roll! pounding rhythm with that fuzzed-up garage lead being fired around the speakers indiscriminately hitting anything and everything and if you’re asking if this single is an indication of how damn good the album is gonna sound, then I can confirm you better hold on to your pants, this one a motherfuckin ripper! Only a couple of weeks to go and you can own the record.

Steve Adamyk Band – ‘Do You Wanna Know’ (Drunk Dial Records) These songs were never meant to be on an official release. Rather, they are the spontaneous recordings of longtime bandmates after splitting a case of Costco Coronas. Recorded in the summer of 2021 in Mayo, Quebec. Power Poppers Steve Adamyk Band do a sterling job of hammering out top-notch power pop punk rock and these covers are part of their DNA and how they sound like they do. Fantastic cover, hang on, two fantastic covers. I’m not sure which I prefer but the whiney keys on the Sedatives ‘Slip Away’ might just grab it for me. either way a cool 45 and I’m glad it has seen the light of day. check them out. Also, I love Drunk Dials’ premise for their Single releases it’s such a cool thing to do from getting bands you love inebriated to releasing 45s of what comes as a result of the drinking and rockin’.

Nosebleed – ‘All I Know’ (TNS Records) Lifted from the bands album that was reviewed on these here pages to much applause ‘All I Know’ is a cool cut drifting from dreamy garage rock to a solo that lifts the hairs on the back of your neck. Nosebleed nail it.

Midtempo homage to surf rock is just about right and with an easy singalong even the most inebriated gig goer could manage to sing along to. Hit the link and check ’em out, Top stuff.

The Hip Priests – ‘Pissed On Power’ (The Sign Records) Short sharp and to the point our favourite UK reprobates of all things noisy Garage/punk/rock have a new album about to drop in the coming weeks and have been releasing videos to accompany some of the tunes from the album and ‘Pissed On Power’ is the latest. Ferocious and fucked up the band have stepped up the energy and this earworm will testify that. From the pounding rhythm to the flashing blades vying for your ears through the relentles solos. This one has everything you want from the East Midlands based misfits. Let there be Rock and some more loud guitars for good measure. Filmed at various venues and a van that smells like the inside of Colin Grigsons jockstrap stuck to Vim Fuegos leather strides – We Love it!

Jim Bob – ‘Thanks For Reaching Out’ (Cherry Red Records) known for being the frontman of Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine this first offering from his new album of the same name. It’s a ray of sunshine in dark times from the acoustic guitar and its beautiful big chords to the semi-deadpan vocal delivery it’s a smartly constructed slice of alternative post-punk. It is the sound of a bottle being uncorked and all the fizz goes everywhere spilling out pop, punk rock Buzzcocks style, and some smart kinks melody it really is a fantastic song and if the rest of his twelfth solo studio album is half as good as this then I can’t wait it’ll be a belter.

Stevie R. Pearce and the Hooligans – ‘Out Go The Lights’ (Self Release) Stevie and his merry band of new Hooligans are back swinging their hard n heavy sounds and this time they’re getting punchy. Inspired by a near altercation Stevie R Pearce is raring to go. Taking his new hooligans out on the road for some selective dates. ‘Out Go The Lights’ is hard, heavy and in your face. Pearce & his Hooligans are locked and loaded and pounding away along their heavy path with mega riffage and screaming solos its got the fuckin’ lot and my moneys on them winning this fight. Punchy fuckers.

OFF! – ‘Keep Your Mouth Shut’ (Fat Possum Records) As if Hardcore suergroup OFF! needed to fuck with our heads anymore than they already do they go and add extra headfuckery for RSD 2023. ‘Keep YOur Mouth Shut’ is the unmistakable yelp of Morris and co kicking ass and rockin out. If thats not enough the footage for the video is cut from the OFF! movie Here Off! havent put a single foot out of place since their first four and this is just more of that magical Hardcore, get on itkids its what RSD was made for.

Loose Sutures – ‘Highway Shooter’ (Electric Valley Records) Heavy on the ride and turn that fuckin fuzz up and when you think you have enough fuzz turn it up some more. Heavy psych fuzzed garage rock from Italy are back swinging with their heavy as-hell fuzzed-up rock n roll howling good tune to showcase their new long player. Features  Nick Oliveri and Alain Johannes so what finer endorsement of what’s coming do you need? Get on this record kids it’ll give you a thousand cool credits. Absolute Banger!

The Mistakes – Heathens (Time And Mater Records) Punk rock from the streets of Poole sees The Mistakes embrace the spirit of punk rock on ‘Heathens’, the second single to be taken from the forthcoming LP ‘A GOOD HILL TO DIE ON’, scheduled for release late summer (TBC) 2023 on Time & Matter Records.

‘Heathens’ is a punchy affair from The Mistakes, It’s fist-pumping Street punk singing about the very essence of what we write about and what they play and perform for. It’s either in yer blood or it isn’t. Don’t fake it, embrace it and get the job done properly with heart and soul. The Mistakes take no nonsense and deliver the goods of street punk at its finest. Hit them up on Facebook and tell them RPM Onlinne sent you.

Jesse Malin – ‘Glitter In The Gutter’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Jesse Malin – ‘Glitter In The Gutter’ (Wicked Cool Records)

This is a remastered reissue of Jesse Malin’s third album, ‘Glitter in the Gutter’, originally released in 2007 on Green Day’s Adeline Records and then released on One Little Indian Records pressed on 200g vinyl.  The album has been unavailable for years and has never appeared digitally until now.  The album features Bruce Springsteen, Ryan Adams, Jakob Dylan, and more on various tracks.  It also includes a bonus track, ‘The Angel To The Slave,’ which has never been released.  In the words of Jesse Malin, “I am really happy to have it out there in the world again.”

Glitter didn’t have the wham bang factor of Malin’s debut nor the intrigue of its follow up and whilst people historically referred to the difficult second album I’d go for the third being the difficult one if an artist is lucky enough to make it to a third. Jesse brings out some big-hitting guests on this record to help pique some interest (not in a negative way) like the obvious inclusion of having the Boss in to sing on ‘Broken Radio’ even if Malin alluded to at a recent show he never bigged up the inclusion of Springsteen and didn’t really push it which on reflection was/is strange and more than humble. Now it’s not only included it’s been musically re-recorded for the new release.

It blows my mind that this album came out in 2007 it seems way more recent than that and the songs still sound fresh as Malin leaves behind the punk rock of D Gen way further back in that rearview mirror even if at the core of his solo work is a throbbing punk rock work ethic and core songwriting style. from the off his Noo Yawk vocal style shines through on ‘Don’t Let Them Take You Down’ and the rocker that is ‘In The Modern World’ still gives me a buzz in his live set.

People wondering why they should pick this up on Wicked cool; I’ll offer the rework of ‘Broken Radio’ for a starter and the bonus track that wasn’t on the original ‘The Angel To The Slave’. To be I loved this album when it came out and I still love it now. Its got an effortless rock n roll heart beating away with a carefree attitude on songs like ‘Lucinda’ and the brilliant ‘Love Streams’ and the melancholic yet stunning version of the Replacements classic ‘Bastards Of Young’ is worth purchasing alone.

Malin has always told a fatastic story and his songs are captivating and Glitter is one of his best examples throughout his whole career. Rotating his bands has kept a freshness throughout each album and when he rocks out he does it with style and panache and the reworked inclusion of ‘The Angel To The Slave’ makes you wonder what else he leaves on the cutting room floor. Signing off with ‘Broken Radion 22’ is a wonderful full stop to a fifteen-year-old record that needs to reach a bigger audience because music this good shouldn’t be exclusive in crowd treat. Jesse Malin is one of America’s gifts that keeps on giving time after time and record upon record. Even if you have this on CD, original vinyl or the one little Indian 200g vinyl audiophile version of this album when is enough ever enough? This album would Glitter anywhere never mind in the gutter. Buy It!

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Author: Dom Daley

Steve Conte – ‘Bronx Cheer’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Steve Conte – ‘Bronx Cheer’ (Wicked Cool Records)

It’s been a long time coming but finally, the wait is over. ‘Bronx Cheer’ is finally here and the wait has been well worth it. Having had the first insight into the new music from Conte way back when he toured with Michael Monroe in 2017 and had copies of his single in tow it has been a weird wait for this album what with a global lockdown and as we creep back out into daylight it seems that every musician and his dog has been creative and creating new music to get to our ears and through all the chaos we’ve had delays and whatnot but as soon as news crept out as to who was playing on this record anticipation began to grow.

Reeling in Charlie Drayton (Keith Richard Expensive wino) on the drums was a super cool catch as Drayton sure knows how to swing and where to raise the temperature and where to ease back. Steve also has his brother John on the bass and some cool hangs with Clem Burke (Blondie), Andy Rourke (The Smiths), and Jesse Malin for good measure.

Kicking off proceedings with the loose and effervescent ‘The Human Animal’ once the lid is removed the song fizzes along with a happy-go-lucky rhythm and something of a restrained vocal easing the listener in gently. The record kicks off as soon as ‘Liar Like You’ cranks up the ante. Racing off like the bastard child of The Ramones and Replacements with nicely placed backing vocals helping Conte as he comes out swinging.

We hit one of the singles we’ve previously heard in the shape of Rock and Roller ‘Recovery Doll’ one where the spirit of Keith Richards is evident with some great playing, built around a great deal of swing from the band from top to bottom this is a classy number around a traditional theme. Cool stuff. Staying with a retro vibe ‘Wildwood Moon’ has some great lyrics and of course, great playing that is captivating and a real sunshine song.

We ran the ‘Flyin’ video a few weeks ago and commented on Conte’s vocals and how it was his best performance and as the album unfolds I stand by my initial reaction sure its got some ‘Exile On Mainstreet’ and Faces style to it The delivery is fantastic. It reminds me of Rod Stewarts’ performance of ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ the production values are outstanding with every instrument having its own space to breathe and create what is a wonderful song.

Some musicians have the rare gift of being able to lift ones emotional state with a three-minute pop song and Conte manages that every time I hear ‘Dog Days Of Summer’. It seems such a simple task pick up a guitar throw some chords together get a few equally talented musicians to get together and start jamming then voila! you have a tune. I’m sure it’s not quite as simple as that but that’s how easy these cats make it sound on songs like this. Like a ray of sunshine, I love it.

The flow of this record seems better than previous solo albums maybe its due to the time gifted to sit and let a record mature due to the pandemic there are plenty of flavours on offer and just cutting loose on tracks like ‘Overnight Smash’ next to the slower more reflective ‘Flyin’ is perfect.

‘Those Sexy Lies’ is a song Aerosmith should still be writing but don’t. Then fast forward to the slow-burning ‘Guilty’ which is a real highlight, from the guitar tone to the subtle swirl of the organ or is it the backing vocals that are timeless. Maybe its the lead vocal and response from the girls is majestic as the song builds up to be taken back down is a beautiful thing and as soulful as you could legally get on a record in 2021 Conte must have done a deal with old nick down at those crossroads because this is absolutely class.

Before calling time on ‘Bronx Cheer’ there’s the noo yawk cool of ‘My Degeneration’ before taking us all the way back to where this record began with the single ‘Gimme Gimme Rockaway’ and its youthful party time anthem.

I’m sure the instant gratification of listening to this record over the first few plays is wonderful but as it gets more plays the subtle melodies and guitar breaks jump out that weren’t there on first impression, this stands it in good stead for the longevity of the record and I love that. Its timeless rock and roll baby and easily one of the best records I’ve heard all year right up at the top of the list alongside his fellow bandmate Sami Yaffa – man these cats are some of the most talented musicians around and what a pleasure it is to be able to review their records. Don’t let this one pass you by it’s a freakin belter from start to finish.

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Author: Dom Daley