Jim Bob is one of the UK’s most distinctive and enduring songwriters. Best known as the frontman of indie punk rock pop legends Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine, he enjoyed 12 Top 40 singles and four Top 10 albums (including a No.1) before Carter disbanded in 1997. Since then, Jim Bob has forged a prolific solo career: thirteen solo albums, six novels, two acclaimed memoirs, a theatre debut at the Edinburgh Fringe, and most recently the career-spanning book Where Songs Come From.
His albums Pop Up Jim Bob (2021) and Who Do We Hate Today (2023) both broke into the UK Top 40, while 2024’s Beach Ready EP hit No.1 on both the Vinyl and Physical Singles charts. In August 2025, he released his most ambitious project yet – twin albums Automatic and Stick – to widespread acclaim.
Earlier this year, Jim Bob sold out London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire with a 40-song career-spanning set. A major UK tour for 2026 will be announced soon.
The track is available now across all streaming platforms — Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and more
THE ALBUMS
Automatic – a glorious, full-band statement bursting with melody, wit and heart.
Stick – the punkier, scrappier sibling: lean, loud and loaded with bite.
Together, they showcase Jim Bob at the peak of his powers. Or, as Jim himself puts it:
“Automatic and Stick are both the greatest album I’ve ever made.”
Wow, can 2025 actually get any better – Well a new album from the great Jim Bob of Carter Unstoppable Sex Machine fame – is always something to cherish but up comes not only one new album but TWO brand new long players from undoubtedly the UK’s most underrated singer songwriter. With the release of Automatic and Stick, we are in indebted to Jim and his wonderful record company Cherry Red.
As always Jim Bob has been on somewhat of a golden era and the release of these two albums, his 13th + 14th respectively, show that if anything Mr Bob is riding the wave of a creative peak that shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. First up is the bold yet mellow Automatic, which is followed up by the rockier Stick but no doubt about it – this isn’t a double album but two great albums both with 11 songs that deserve their time in the spotlight!
Either way ‘Automatic’ gets straight to the point with the opener and first single ‘Victoria Knits The Wars’ and doesn’t let up for a moment. All the ways to the last notes of ‘Our Forever Home’. Jim Bob takes us on a roller coaster ride of what it is to be living in 2025.
One thing that I have always admired about James Robert Morrison (AKA Jim Bob) is his ability to turn even the most mundane story about the banality of living in the UK into a glorious pop/rock song that speaks to everyone and gives the listener a musical way into someone else’s life, yet most people will know someone like this, especially no more so in ‘Frank’s Bought A Drone’.
This happens again on the track ‘Baby On Board’ which regales us about an everyday tale about a day which features a commute and a fight and even Google Maps along with so much more, that you can not believe it hadn’t been sung about before.
However, with the Stick album, Jim Bob has given us a short sharp shock album that is brilliant and even though it features Jim Bob singing about even more everyday routines it’s the glorious ability he has to relate to pulse of the nation – for in ‘I Go To The Park’ he has written about easily most of the population and their need to just go for a walk and clear their head. Yet in doing so – it comes in the form of a pop-tastic song that will no doubt be a future earworm that you will be more than happy stuck with.
One of the more surprising songs on ‘Stick’ is ‘Lovers Rock’, which is a perfect example of the genius that is Jim Bob, which is a love story all wrapped up in a snarling punk rock serenade. Power Punk Pop perfection all in just a shade over 4 minutes! And we haven’t even mentioned the single from the album yet – which in ‘Every Day’s A Discotheque’ highlights the brilliance of Jim Bob in just shy of 3 minutes!
Using an adage that has been utilised to death but in this case nothing truer can be said – these two albums are all killer and no filler which in 22 songs is practically unheard of. Just do yourself a favour and buy/pre-order these albums before they are released next month.
Think back some 30 years ago, and Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine were still riding high and on Worry Bomb, their fifth album – the duo of Jim Bob & Fruit Bat were joined for the first time by drummer Wez, could still do no wrong. Even in a world of Britpop, Carter were a breath of fresh air, that the world needed.
So this humdinger of a reissue is a newly remastered edition of Worry Bomb, which comes complete with a plethora of B-Sides and rarities that a Carter fan needs in their life. This review is all about the main album’s remaster for its 30th anniversary, which is a thing of aural beauty.
To say that this album was a bit of a departure at the time is stating the obvious, but for me, it is a snapshot of a group at possibly their best and one that is hard to beat to this day.
Kicking things off with the aptly named ‘Cheap ‘N’ Cheesy’ highlights Jim Bob’s wonderful, genius mind. Having not listened to this actual album in over a year, the newly remastered sound quality is the winner here, and the clarity is breathtaking.
How can any review of a Carter USM release omit the fact that Worry Bomb includes some of the group’s best singles in the form of Let’s Get Tattoos and The Young Offender’s Mum.
Some fans at the time missed the drum machine sound of their previous work, but for me that is what makes this one of my all-time favourite Carter releases.
From the almost metal/thrash-like riffing at the end of Aeroplane Food/Aeroplane Fast Food to the indie swagger of The Life and Soul of the Party Dies. This album was and is an indie classic that needs to be heard by everyone.
To contrast the full-on indie punk rock, the album also boasts some more experimental and acoustic tracks, as shown by the title track, Ceasefire, and My Defeatist Attitude.
Which, at the time, fans and critics alike were shocked by. The punk rock attitude and greatness still oozes out of every track here, even 30 years on from its initial release back in 1995.
One of the best things about this 30th anniversary remastered release is the extra disc that comes with it – These include a disc full of B-sides and rarities – which include their seminal cover of Shampoo’s Trouble, ‘Avon Calling!’ – a newly restored and remastered recording of the band at the Phoenix Festival on CD 3, and a DVD with music videos, a performance of ‘Let’s Get Tattoos’ from Top Of The Pops’, and exclusive new interview featurettes with Jim Bob and Fruitbat.
At the end of the day, this is a must-have purchase if you are a fan of the band, or even if you were a casual fan way back when. It is also a brilliant snapshot of the nostalgic power of music! So do yourself a favour and buy Worry Bomb – and bask in the glory of indie genius at work!
To mark the 30th anniversary of the album, ‘Worry Bomb’ is reissued for the first time. This expanded edition features the complete album across three sides of vinyl, plus a selection of bonus tracks on side four.
Newly remastered by Phil Kinrade at AIR Mastering and pressed on 180g translucent green (LP1) and black (LP2) vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve with poly-lined inner bags Whilst the CD includes live in Zagreb 94.
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
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