Episode 51 mixes brand-new tracks with some older classics that might have been forgotten, as well as an overload of covers.
First up is the exciting news that Midlife Crisis have a date of Feb 25 for the release of the long-awaited album. Fans of Hellacopters and Backyard Babies might want to tune into this bad boy. We play the opening track off the album ‘Silver Son Johnnie’ ’45 to 33′ is the name of the album and pre-orders to come along with a review of the LP.
Local South Wales noisemakers Bad Shout have an EP coming out in December on Repeat Records and its a banger. Six tracks of fizzing punk rock and we drop ‘Doublecross’ to get you excited and up for the preorder off Repeat.
Scandinavia features heavily on this week’s podcast with entries hitting Pumphouse HQ and the second offering from the North is Plastic Tears and their brand new single ‘Motorhome’. Hot on the heels is The Ratchets with the sound of Noo Jersey and ‘Holy Mother Of God’.
From the compilation album ‘Fucked By Rock’ Crazyhead should have been huge. Spearheading the Greebo scene they easily had the coolest single title ever committed to wax in ‘What Gives You The Idea Your So Amazing Baby’ but we entertain ‘Buy A Gun’ a forgotten classic. Probably not a song for the PC brigade but we love it and it would be nice fo the compilation to get a vinyl pressing doncha think?
David Delinquent and The IOUs are a new one on us and the Dundee pop n rollas have released this single ‘Nobody’s Else’ and what a banger it is. Looking forward to hearing more from David and his Delinquent mates if it’s even half as good as this. We need to get these bands into peoples ears folks and the only way to do that is to play the podcast and share the music.
Dharma Guns are a new one on us and rather impressed we were. ‘Ex-Generation Superstars’, the band’s debut, is all about high-octane rock ‘n’ roll with a side order of sleaze, don’t believe us well, give it a listen. Followed up by the king of catchy power pop Kurt Baker with his brand new single out on Wicked Cool Records (where else).
Front Kicks dish up some power pop before Heavy Medication Records newest release the Never Land Ranch Davidians rock up with ‘Cactus Cool Man’ and get on the groove from their forthcoming album due in Feb 25 it promises to be another top notch release to look forward to.
Laura Jane Grace has just toured England in support of the brand new album or mini-album ‘Give An Inch’ so it seems fair to drop ‘Karma Coming Close’ from the EP.
A Knife For An Eye are up next with a thumping track off their album ‘Damnation Rock N Roll’ again outta Sweden its fair to say they’ve really impressed us here at HQ. The album cover is very striking as well with the classic Chuck Berry pose really setting the tone for some attitude adjustment as ‘Getting Hooked’ is on point because we certainly did.
It’s cover time and this week we have the interesting take of the Dead Boys classic ‘Sonic Reducer’ from Sweden’s 69 Eyes followed up by a demo of The Dead Boys that’s on their recent new record out on Cleopatra Records. A previously unreleased Stiv led tune ‘Ya Really Don’t Love Me’.
For a little reminder of how good the genre of fuzzed-up Garage rock could sound we have Datsuns ‘Mother Fucker From Hell’ off their debut record. For another cover and we head to NYC and Electric Frankenstein who did a split with shit islands’ own still warm but sadly deceased The Hip Priests and took on their early banger ‘Young Savage’.
The penultimate offering this week sandwiched between some Garage rock n Metal we bring the excellent Steve Vincent with the title track off his solo album ‘The Best Kept Secret In Rock n Roll’ anyone who doesn’t know is myself and Steve still wears the finest pairs of Rock n Roll slippers also known as pixie boots or macho types refer to them as Chelsea boots but to give him credit Steve has quite the collection and hopefully we can see him wearing a pair live on stage sometime in 2025.
Finally, we’ve given in to Chris and his persistent nagging to get Therapy On the playlist as well as Judas Priest but I couldn’t possibly play anything by Halford and co so relented when he informed me that Therapy? had indeed paid their respects by covering ‘Breaking The Law’ so squeeze into your spandex, strap on your studded wrist bands and pull a wheelie on your chopper as we end with ‘Breaking The Law’. Catch you next week for more quality tunes from the Pumphouse here at RPM Online HQ.
Hope everyone is feeling good this morning after the weekend and didn’t indulge too much. Anyway here’s some sunshine music to take you to a brighter place – fill yer boots kids
First up is Kurt Baker and A brand new and super fun animated video for “New Direction”, created, produced and directed by Peregrine Starr https://peregrinestarr.com/ “New Direction” is from the album “After Party”, out now on Wicked Cool Records!
Next up is another Wicked Cool band, this time it Soraia with a cover of the awesome ‘My Sherona’ – check it out.
Finally, as a tribute to Nick Tesco who recently passed away, we thought it would be right to air this banger. Rest In Peace Nick.
With Christmas fast aproaching we thought it was time to swing open the doors of the RPM Online singles Club and see who strolls in. We weren’t disappointed as the mixed bag of miscreants waltzed in. With out most diverse bunch yet theres plenty to ponder from our staple favs to some wide ranging inclusions check em out at your leisure…
DIRT BOX DISCO – ‘Fuck me it’s all Gone Wrong’ (AVENUE RECORDZ) Hey Hey it’s a Dirtbox Day, Fuck Me its only Dirtbox Disco damaging my ears with their Motorhead infused punk rock n roll.
Of course its a banger as it lodges in your head and you can’t get rid of the gang vocal chorus for days and you find yourself saying fuck me at every oportunity. Its got a catchy chorus of course it has, It’s to the point and its got guitars that are razor sharp and Maff is kicking the shit out of his tubs. Dirtbox are back in the ring and doing what they do better than anyone else. Loud and proud and right on the money! Its all gone right more like.
Available in the following formats -
Digital download and streaming.
split 7" with issue 13 of SAFETY PIN MAGAZINE
JOHNNY CASINO -‘Another Girl’ (Golden Robot Records) This is the first single from his February 2022 release ‘5×7 the Days of Wine and Cola‘ ‘Another Girl’ started out as a moody acoustic piece until it found its way into the recording studio on the Costa Blanca in Spain. Here, a fire had been lit underneath it, a couple of bottles of wine poured all over it and an inspired electric guitar burned into it by Johnny and his band. There is a san fran vibe about it as well maybe is in the vocals but whatever its a great tune and if the rest of the record is up to this standard then bring it on. The solo is blistering.
Mickey Leigh’s Mutated Music – ‘No Fun Anymore’ (Wicked Cool Records) A thumping good tune. Though Mickey Leigh has been making music for over five decades, 2022 sees his first solo full-length release under the name Mickey Leigh’s Mutated Music. Growing up the brother of Joey Ramone, If this is the standard of what we can expect from his first solo album, ‘Variants of Vibe’, in February 2022 then bring it on. The first single, ‘No Fun Anymore’ is like the bastard child of Stiv Bators solo material and a real Rock and Roll tonic packed with energy and a strong hook get this on your new years wish list. hit it up here
Kurt Baker – Christmas In The Sand (Wicked Cool Records)The first of two singles from Kurt Baker this round-up ‘Christmas in the sand’ was inspired by Kurt and his longtime collaborator and bandmate, Wyatt Funderburk’s, experience writing the song in the cold weather of Maine. He said, “It’s a song about wanting to be at the beach during Christmas time! If only we lived in the southern hemisphere, haha!” The original version of the song was released in 2012, but 2021 saw the band revisit the song and “kick it up a notch.” I’m sure you’ll agree it has all the hallmarks of a crimbo classic. Get it on the playlist at the office party and turn it up its got sleigh bells n everything – Check it out Here
Night Courts! ‘Fractions’ (Snappy Little Numbers /Debt Offensive Records) Second video/single by Vancouver lo-fi indie/punk trio NIGHT COURT from their debut release Nervous Birds! is a right little earworm as it burrows in and unsuspecting throughout the day week you want to hear it again and again. Infectious? sure is. Check it out in the video below. Get into them here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tifahzarjFQ&t=7s
Edweena Banger – ‘Let’s Do It’ (self Release) Album number two on the horizon this first glimpse of what to expect is a right banger (no pun intended) sizzling Rock and Roll with a big hook is the order of the day and one we fully endorse here at RPM Online. Connect with Edweena Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL2ccPg6HOM
Kurt Baker – ‘Turn It Around’ (Wicked Cool Records) wow Kurt Baker is in da house and he’s burning it down with this banger of a tune. A rapid stab of powerpoppin punk rock oozing attitude with a thumping backbeat. Of course it’s got a bloomin’ great big hook on the chorus but it’s got a warm winter fuzz going on from the kickoff. Another day another thumping good song released from Kurt Baker
Swedish Magazines – ‘Head On Ice’(Rubber Records) If you know you simply know. Melbourne rockers Sweedish Magazines are dropping bombs off their new album ‘I Wish Life Could Be’ and this is the latest – full of barroom Malcolm Young fire it barrels along like a bouncing bomb with boundless energy before smashing in your ear with an explosive chorus that makes your toes tap and your head move back and fore. Fantastic tune and one that makes you want to hear more and on this track they hit a groove and ride the shit out of it. If you want a catagory for this then punk n boogie would be apt as they mix Bon era DC with some punk rock SLF style. Whats not to like – excellent stuff.
Cheap Cassettes – ‘She Aint Nothing Like You’ (Rum Bar Records) Hell Yeah! the first glimpse under the hood of the new album from Candas Cheap Cassettes is a slow grooving rock and rolla and with great subtle gang harmonies these cats are back in the saddle and make this grooving rock and roll seem effortless from the clear melodic guitar break to the subtle late night overdrive they make great bedfellows with The Speedways from the UK and mixing up some Georgia Sattelites its such a cool tune that gets me excited for the album when it hits the shelves.
Chew Manga – ‘Listless’ (Stray Cat Records) full phat and fuzzy. This rocket-fueled slice of alternative rock is the first glimpse into the world of Chew Manga. Not heard these guys before but this Manchester mob has got some cool ideas and mix it up on single with a catchy hook and some great playing making for a most listenable tune and a pretty good introduction to the band. Check it out Here
Tony Iommi – ‘Scent Of Dark’ It might not be a crimbo single (Thank god) but this is the new release from Sabbath Guitar God Tony Iommi and as the video testifies it’s a slow brooding grinding beast of an instrumental combining those riffs and some lush cello playing. Of course, there isn’t any singing just riff after riff after mother fucking riff from the originator of all that is heavy and dark. Get it Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xala32PZ5vU
Wax On Water – ‘The Drip -Part 1’ EP This Camden ensemble kicks off this EP with a dark-stringed intro before their electro attack creepy crawls into your ear. ‘Don’t Bore Us’ builds slowly with a dark brooding tempo before breaking out with a menacing riff before falling back into the electro grunge fused twist.
‘The Sting In The Raw’ is a raw as razor blades riff that meanders through the song slashing away with menace. ‘Seventh Son’ is more haunting but again breaks out with a big raw riff that’s dark and brooding. ‘For The Love Of Money’ is a twitching electronic beast as it moves slowly but purposefully to the chorus with all the dark frills of an electro pulsating gothic slap but the vocal add some softer texture to the track and its better for it.
Hearts and Rockets – ‘TV Is Boring (EP)’ (Psychichysteria) Following from their recent single and video ‘Square Eyes’ and single ‘On/Off’, Naarm (Melbourne)-based bratwave duo Hearts and Rockets’ 5-track EP, ‘TV is Boring’, is out on cassette and digitally today and is available via their Bandcamp page, psychichysteria.com, and on all digital and streaming services.
The EP features 4 new originals, including recent singles ‘On/Off‘ with its hypnotic guitar lick, ‘Square Eyes‘ however is like a pulsating bass line and synth hook twitching like a metronome, plus the band’s longest track to date the title track ‘TV Is Boring‘ – which clocks in at almost 13 minutes. PLUS there’s a bonus cover of Black Flag’s classic anthem ‘TV Party’ and Hearts and Rockets’ post-punk anthem ‘Buy It’. Melbourne is having some cool tunes poured out of its backstreets with this really good post punk scuzzed up down n dirty rock n roll noise and we like it baby! Check it out Here
Finnegans Hell – ‘Happy Christmas’ (Sound Pollution) The second best Christmas song ever written? In any case “Happy Christmas” by Finnegan’s Hell qualifies as the second-best Christmas song coming from a Celtic punk band. – “Fairytale of New York” is still number one, but “Happy Christmas” contains enough social realism to make you reach for the bottle once the song is over, says lead singer Pabs Finnegan. His haunting whiskey voice takes the listener through three shades of black in a song that depicts anything but a happy Christmas. It might not be as good as The Pogues (Obviously) nor is it Slade or Wizzard but it shure as shit beats most of the insipid crimbo tunes we hear around this time.
Carrjam – 21 – ‘Can You Feel It’ (sound Pollution) A project started by Dregen to tip the hat to Kiss drummer Eric Carr who has passed 30 years ago! featuring Dregen (The Hellacopters, Backyard Babies), Gustav Kronfelt (video producer), Jolle Atlagic (Electric Boys, The Quill), Jesper Lindgren (Velvet Insane), Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper/Slash’s Snakepit) Åge Sten Nielsen (WigWam), Philip Shouse (Accept, Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons), Jesper Binzer (D-A-D) and Martin Ekelund (Bonafide). It must be cock rock o clock judging by the style of this slow grooving rock song. Together with some of the most well-known and KISS-inspired musicians, Dregen has recorded 2 songs written by Carr plus 2 KISS related bonus songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN3X4mXfPFc
James Domestic – ‘Push On Through’ (KIBOU RECORDS) second single from James is an electronic departure from his day job with the Domestics. Lifted from James’ debut solo album ‘Carrion Repeating’, due out in April it’s a sparse ride that ends with a freak out of guitar noise broken down by a synth and the techo rhythm and drum beat. widescreen post punk for sure check out the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd95SJQspDQ
Hanterhir – ‘Waiting For Bertie’ (Easy Action) Cornish alt.rockers HANTERHIR return with a brand new single and video ‘Waiting For Bertie’ An adventurous mix of post punk with psychedelic undertones as well as some flutey tones for good measure it seems like the time is right for the band to get back to releasing their album that is penned for early 2022 release Connect here
Eel Men – ‘Are You There God Its Me’ (NFT Records) Jangly jarring guitars over a good melody is always going to be a single to grab the attention. This one is backed by a metronomic robotic backbeat and guitar lick that is part Devo and part Kraftwerk and a spoonful of Buzzcocks for good measure. There that’s the yardstick to aim for three classic bands thrown into the punk rock melting pot and out pops the Eel Men
Kurt Baker – ‘Keep It Tight’ (Wicked Cool Records) It’s fair to say that this cover of the Single Bullet theory song is held dear by Mr Baker so much so he burnt a cdr of the song from vinyl and ended up covering it here. Coolest song in the world by underground garage sounds about right. Kurt Baker should be huge I guess those of us in the know will just have to hold on to that secret until the rest of the world catch up with us and Bakers genius. until then Keep it tight kids
Delusions Of Grandeur – ‘Self Titled’ (Self Released) Lockdown blues got to some Hip Priests and a couple of Bitch Queens and out birthed Delusions Of Grandeur. A noisy (obviously) chug through four blistering tracks of tunes that if the backyard Babies wanted to get back into the groove they should listen to. With guitar licks sparking off the wheels of this Punk and Roll beauty as the EP opens with the bashful ‘Drinking My Life Away’ with some gang vocals on the chorus as these gents trade licks. Sing-a-long drinkathon. Nice. ‘Shits Fucked’ is sped-up snarled punk n roll that just about summed up the past 18 months rather nicely.
If you ever loved the really early ‘Get some Action Now’ era Hellacopters and hankered after some Dragons meets a healthy dose of Gluecifer then this is a no-brainer. With a nod to some spicey Motorhead on the closing track which is never a bad place to be. Excellent EP from top to bottom. Four track 7″ available on gold, white or black vinyl – Buy It Here
Steve Conte – ‘Flyin’ (Wicked Cool Record) with a cool acoustic song Conte is Flyin. The latest track off the upcoming album, ‘Bronx Cheer’ its a song in the mould of The Faces balladeering meets classic early Black Crowes. Steve says of ‘Flyin’, “This one goes back to 1994. We jammed on this in my rehearsal studio very organically and I came up with the lyrics later. I did a few demos of it over the years and it never left my consciousness.” The lyrics focus on perseverance and how, “in the face of adversity, disappointment and trauma, a person of strong will can keep going for their dreams.” Whilst the track has a wonderful sound from the acoustic to the earthy Drum sound and the snap of the snare it showcases Conte’s vocals really well and the track has a really earthy sound. It’s all about light and shade it doesn’t always have t be full-tilt rock and roll. Great tune. You can pre order the album Here
Billy Idol – ‘The Roadside’ EP (Dark Horse Records) Four tracks of vital idol with opener ‘Rita Hayworth’ with his familiar snarl and curled lip vocal it’s glossy and has that Idol pound on the rhythm and slick gang vocals on the chorus. What’s not to like? it is what it is.
Seconds out and the King Rocker cranks up the laid-back acoustic guitar for ‘Bitter Taste’ it’s a reflective side of Idol and one he’s used to good effect on his last couple of records. ‘U Don’t Have To Kiss Me Like That’ sees a pop beat and some female vocals puncturing the wall of sound It’s a big sound and made for the American market and another side of Idol he’s used to great effect throughout his career. To be fair he could write this stuff in his sleep. Drum machine at the ready as he goes for the reflective cool sound on the EP closer which to be fair is a decent tune and his vocals sound really good but I’d have prefered an album please Billy rather than an EP.
Cutters – ‘Midnight Bus’ (Self Release) A cover of Betty McQuade’s 1961 hit ‘Midnight Bus’ sees Australian Punks give the tune a bloody good tuning to be fair. There is no question in my mind that the most impressive new records are coming from down under where there seems to be a hell of a lot of great bands currently kicking the shit out of instruments all over the continent.
Cutters are right up there with the finest exports from Oz now get over to Bandcamp and check em out you might just fall in love with these punks. Their mini lp ‘Australian War Crimes’ is a fuckin belter! Here
Junkyard – ‘Lifer’ (Acetate Records) ‘Lifer’ backed by ‘Last Of A Dying Breed’ sees these Californian Rockers come out swinging. It’s hard-rocking licks with a thumping great rhythm section what were you expecting? If this was a new AC/DC track people would be hailing it as the second coming. These guys are veterans of the hard rock scene and still have energy and a pocket full of tunes that cut it. Never meant to reinvent the wheel just borrow it for the Hog their riding with this as the theme tune for burning rubber on the highway.
The Professionals – ‘Spike Me Baby’ lifted from the new album ‘SNAFU’ is Tom Spencer throwing his Loyalties tip into the Professionals jar and knocking out the best of both worlds. Sure it’s not Jonesy but it has his blessing and once you’re over that it’s a really good song and why wouldn’t it be. Its familiar has a rock-solid beat courtesy of Mr. Cook and a decent melody with some sweet guitar licks to boot. If you’re wondering yes the album is rather good as well some excellent tunes on offer
Jackson Reid Briggs – ‘Fear/Move’ (Legless Records) Jackson Reid Briggs is back with a 4 track EP of punk/soul belters. Jackson got together with two mates a few days after the initial lockdown in Melbourne, Australia ended in November 2020. Noone except Jackson had heard the tracks yet but they smashed them out in a few hours in a storage unit. Coming on like a ragged US Bombs its class punk rock n Roll.
From the opener ‘Fear’ through ‘The Chase’ which happens to be the pick of the four on offer here. ‘Move’ is a blast of ‘on the hoof’ punk rock with a swirling keyboard mixing up some great gang vocals and spat out lyrics. ‘Monster’ closes off this EP in grand style with a great thumping beat and chanted chorus with a cool guitar lick and some splendid handclaps. Fantastic four to be fair and well worth checking out. Buy Here
Poison Boys – ‘Little Speedway Girl’ (Riot Records) gang vocals, twelve bar chords on the chorus, snotty vocals why these Poison Boys spoil us with their Rock n Roll songs. Bring on the album already if this is what it consists of. Love it long time baby.
If someone is saying the Pandemic has killed Rock n Roll needs to go see the ear doctor because this is Rock and Roll as fuck and some. Now go tell yer friends. The huge chorus has had us singing along since the song initially appeared on the b-side to 2017’s ‘Bad Mouth’ single, and the song is finally getting it’s time in the limelight after the band re-recorded for ‘Don’t You Turn on Me’.
The Boys – ‘I’m A Believer’ (Action Records / Revolution Records) This is the 2021 single version of the classic rocker from the band’s last studio album ‘Punk Rock Menopause’ with that classic strumming acoustic guitar holding the rhythm whilst the vocals take it to the next level and more layered gang vocals that are always superb when these gents get hold of em. Housed in a very impressive glossy CD gatefold always bucking trends the boys have only released this on limited edition CD with a lyric insert. The second offering is the superb Honest John sung ‘She’s The Reason’, had this been released by The Ramones music fans would have said it was the last classic track by the bruvvers. For me, the main reason (sorry for the pun) is track three ‘(There Ain’t No) Just One Beer’ with a barnstorming guitar laid down by the one and only Petter Baarli and ably assisted on the ole joanna by Daniel Rossing. Another day another awesome release from the band. Record of the week? I should coco.
The single will be available on all streaming and download platforms also on 3 September. Hit em up here
The Black Halos – ‘Uncommonwealth’ (Cursed Blessing Records) No brainer here. Another new single from the most awesome Black Halos. Backed by a blistering take on the much underrated long-defunct UK indie hipsters Birdland who for any amongst us who ever saw them live embodied that spirit that The Halos have in spades and the superb ‘Fossil Fuel’ that was first released back in 2016 when the band played a few shows in Europe. The Black Halos have stayed true to the music that is coursing through their veins and always release passionate and worthy tunes and this is no exception – a superb three-track EP that’s well worth importing wherever you are. Record of the week? It’s a tie break with the Boys for sure. Now hurry up and deliver my wax please Mr postman I’m getting impatient, oh, there’s an album on the way which is even more exciting news – Buy it Here
Amazing Grave – ‘Dog Chained To Dog’ (Eric’s Cool Records) You want noise? we can deliver plenty of that or rather this Canadian duo can. Coming on like Portishead brought up on some extreme metal and trip-hop meets Royal Blood. Eric must have some pretty cool records if this is the fruit of his work. Check em out here
Lorne Behrman – ‘When I Hit The Floor’ (Spaghetty Town Records) When the vocals kicked in I was instantly reminded of the excellent Pursuit Of Happiness. Some cool guitar licks with some sneered, spoken, cool lyrics delivered in a nonchalant way makes for a really good tune. NYC rocker Lorne, singer-songwriter-guitarist who previously played in The Dimestore Haloes, L.E.S. Stitches, The Dead Tricks, and most recently The Sweet Things goes it alone on this EP released in early October but starts promoting it with this lead track and video.
KING ZEBRA – ‘Hot Cop Lady’ (Crusader Records) New school old school hard rock. ‘Hot Cop Lady’ is a pure 90’s, hard-rock-infused banger of a track that harks back to the glory days when Biff in spandex was no big deal.
Who says you can’t have fun stretching the truth in a rock song? Hot cop lady, leather and chains, misogyny, finger tapping. This fast hard-rocking crowd-pleaser will get you air-guitaring the riffs and chanting the anthemic chorus. From the epicentre of NWOSHM King Zebra raaaaaawk!
IRMANS – ‘Hermano’ (No Front Teeth Records & Dirty Water Records) Unable to play live with their existing bands, Jose Reilly (Le Jonathan Reilly, Caballo Tripode) and Manuel Santos (Lucy & The Rats, Johnny Throttle, Thee Tumbitas, Michael Jackson) decided to put together some ideas and start rehearsing as a two-piece, new wave/punk band, “IRMANS” (“brothers” in Galician).
After two months of writing and rehearsing, they decided to add Francho Wilson as a third member of the band. With a background in electronic music with the act “We Are Not Brothers”, Francho added the synth they didn’t know they needed!
Their first release is a 7” single on the legendary No Front Teeth Records (physical) and Dirty Water Records (digital) entitled, of course, “Hermano” (“brothers” in Spanish).
Available to pre-order both vinyl and digital from https://irmans.bandcamp.com/releases.
Jesse Malin – ‘Tall Black Horses’ (Wicked Cool Records) ‘Tall Black Horses’ is a single from Jesse Malin’s upcoming double album, ‘Sad and Beautiful World’, out September 24 on Wicked Cool Records. Over his 40 year career, Malin has established himself across many genres from hardcore to Americana, and ‘Sad and Beautiful world’ embraces his versatility. Of ‘Tall Black Horses,’ Malin says, “the song is about taking your worst fears and insecurities and owning them, conquering them, riding on through tall and big – being bold without fear and regret. Everybody gets hurt. Everybody gets their heartbroken. It’s part of the journey. Ride on.” He wrote the song on an acoustic guitar, and credits producers Derek Cruz and Geoff Sanoff for, “taking it to a much wider and vivid sonic place that I’ve never been before.” Link
Kurt Baker – ‘Keep It Tight’ (Wicked Cool Records) This is the second installment of Kurt Baker’s series of singles coming out this year, and the only one which will be available as a 7″ on vinyl. The a-side, ‘Keep It Tight,’ was written by Michael Garrett and Gary Alan Holmes, and was originally released by Single Bullet Theory in 1980. Kurt describes hearing the song for the first time as “an electric feeling.” He says, “it’s been an inspiration to us for many years and many albums, but especially on our last full-length album “After Party”. A couple of songs we challenged ourselves to write our own version of “Keep It Tight”, or at least we tried.” Their version of the song was originally recorded during the “After Party” sessions. The b-side, ‘Get Away’ is an outtake from The Kurt Baker Band’s 2020 album, After Party, and was written by Julian Leal. These tracks bring Kurt’s signature power-pop sound to the forefront, as well as honoring his inspirations. Stay tuned for more in this series of singles. Pre Order
The Bloodshots – ‘Bad Moon Rising’ (Golden Robot Records) Canadian rockers THE BLOODSHOTS are back to follow up the success of their single ‘No Way Out’ with a modern, dirtied up version of the classic Credence Clearwater Revival tune, ‘Bad Moon Rising’, and why not? Sure it’s tough to beat the original here but the guys give it a good go and it’s one of those tunes you’d have to try hard to really fuck it up which they don’t. Enjoy!
IF Kurt Baker is a new name on you then I suggest you sit up, Pay attention and get your purse at the ready. How could you not agree with that statement? It doesn’t matter what guise Baker releases music under be it solo or Combo or whatever the guy can do no wrong. He has a fine ear and knows exactly what is required to make a sumptuous ear caressing tune.
What began as noises emanating from a Maine basement is poised to be the soundtrack to a pandemic as Kurt Baker gets back to his roots on this rocking new album.
“The idea for the Combo was always to be a band that showcased my more Garage/Pub Rock/Punk side, while the U.S. group is firmly rooted in Rock/Pop/Power Pop,” explains Baker. Counting those two albums with the Combo, ‘After Party’ is the artist’s sixth full-length record, in addition to his previous work with Pop/Punk band The Leftovers.
After heavy airplay on Little Steven’s Underground Garage and touring in Europe and the U.S. It seemed that the wider world was in on our little Rock and Roll secret that’s been cooking for a while over there.
Wyatt Funderburk, who produced, engineered and mixed the record, also played guitars and co-wrote all the songs with Kurt. The pair previously collaborated on songs for many of Kurt’s releases before he moved to Spain. “The fact that the songs came to us so easily, after such a long time not working together, made me realise how special this collaboration is,” Kurt recalls.
Keyboardist Kris Rodgers is now a successful Wicked Cool recording artist in his own right. The recent single “She Likes To Party” by Kris Rodgers and The Dirty Gems follows up “Every Little Crack,” which Stevie Van Zandt declared the number one Coolest Song Of The Year for 2018. “Kris shines with his vocals on ‘Wandering Eyes’ and piano on ‘A Song And A Drink.’”
Also on guitars is Geoff Palmer, well known to Underground Garage listeners with his band The Connection, who’ve received Coolest Song honors multiple times. “His guitar playing is just so Geoff and he makes sure you know that.”
Craig Sala, who has played with everyone from John Entwistle to Captain Kangaroo, rounds out the group on drums. “He tracked all the songs in a couple hours – a few in just one take.”
Most of the album was recorded in the basement of Kurt’s parents’ house in Portland last year. Funderburk tracked drums and finishing touches in his Nashville studio. “The best thing about these sessions was when we were all together singing into the same microphone, each of us doing our vocal parts, with Wyatt coaching us like Brian Wilson during a Pet Sounds session,” Kurt recalls.
Kurt rode out the terrifying early months of the pandemic in his Madrid apartment, amidst the epicenter of the first wave in Spain, where restrictions were serious. “Even when I’d go for a five-minute walk to the grocery store, the police would stop me to question what I was doing and what I was going to buy! It was a bit surreal. One thing that saved me during the lockdown was that each day Wyatt would send me a new mix of the record. This kept me positive and excited.”
The record opens up with ‘New Direction’ Nah he’s not gone death metal or techno, however, I’m sure if he did then he’d pull it off and make it most listenable. Anyway where was I? oh yeah, ‘New Direction’ immediately lockdown doesn’t quite seem so bad after all. The keys are light behind the big backing vocals and meandering guitar licks its classic power pop. Had Cheap Trick opened their new album they’d be back playing enormadomes. The middle breakdown is cool with the spoken words just smile and chew your bubblegum with a bit of attitude.
‘I Like Her A Lot’ has a bit of punch like Baker had been playing some Green Day perhaps for inspiration. The song motors along and sounds fresh as. You’ll be singing along before the first play is over. It’s a shame chart music isn’t full of songs like this anymore. If the kids only put down their game consoles and played some sunshine Rock and Roll maybe the world would be a better place, there would be more parties that for sure. Love the hook on the chorus and they nail those backing vocals. ‘Wandering Eyes’ is a killer track.
Baker drops a line in the inspiration pond and pulls out a staple from the fab four songbook for the light ‘Waiting For You’. We then build it back up with the new wave tones of ‘Good’ sure Costello looms large here but its shaping up to be such a great record so far and we’re only half way through and we’ve ventured through several of the power pop subgenres and done it with that seal of quality that comes with a Kurt Baker record.
The record continues to ebb and flows really nicely from the easier listening of ‘Used To Think’ with its doo wap diddy BVs through the synth-heavy ‘Keep Dreaming’ to the harder rockin Ramones meets Green Day vibe of ‘She Don’t Really Love You Dude’. ‘A Song And A Drink’ is a strange one something of a jazzy barroom number with a really dreamy vibe but an impressive vocal from Gina Brown to bring this one home and something that sits nicely on this record but not something I’d generally gravitate towards but hey, there’s a first time for everything.
To close this record off Baker pays tribute to Single Bullet Theory and it leaves you filled with hope at the end of the record and no matter if you’re feeling lousy this will pick you up as it builds and builds and confirms Kurt Baker as something of a power-pop genius and once again hes crafted along with the help of some supremely talented friends and musicians that ever clud indeed has a silver lining and ‘After Party’ is a lockdown tonic we should all take a swig of. Get on it!
Is Lockdown getting you down? Join us and rock-like fuck as we welcome a new week with some new videos that should shake the blues away. First u is this banger from the forthcoming Viagra Boys album.
Next up is one of the albums of the year from the sarf of England its only Chubby & The Gang with the epic ‘Speed Kills’
Then to wrap it up check out the incredible Kurt Baker – with a track off his new album ‘Outta Sight’. Now that little lot should have you feelign like you can tackle anything. Stick with us and we’ll banish your blues with Rock and Roll
Kurt Baker (Kurt Baker Combo, The Leftovers, etc) Delivers New “Over You ” Video That’s “A Total Spoil of Riches For Any Fan Off 80’s Culture.” New Solo Album ‘After Party’ Out October 23 on Wicked Cool Records
Melbourne, Australia’s The Mercy Kills are back, with the release of their newly remastered single, ‘Fall’ and accompanying video. Fall comes from their upcoming EP X, which will be released by Golden Robot Records on October 2nd. Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Finally this Monday we bring you the brand new video from Dinosaur Pile-Up and their take of the classic ‘It’s tricky’ from Run DMC. The band have announced rescheduled live dates, which include their largest headline show yet to take place at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on February 26th 2021, with a warm up show at The Wardrobe, Leeds on February 20th. Dinosaur Pile-Up will be completing a full UK tour with Enter Shikari throughout May and June 2021, which finishes with a London show at Alexandra Palace on June 12th. The band are also set to perform at festivals including Mad Cool and Burn It Down next summer. All tickets are available via The bands Website
Bringing you the finest new releases from across the genres of Rock, Punk, power pop and Alternative RPM Singles Club opens its door for September and the wind blew these fine tunes in
The White Ribbons – ‘Leftovers’ (STP Records) When you take 4 musicians enjoying nothing more than a jam session in mid 2017, and that jam session then develops into a band that was formed to support the amazing work done by www.whiteribbon.org.uk which is part of the global White Ribbon movement to end male violence against women by engaging with men and boys, raising awareness, and influencing change and providing resources to make change happen, ladies and gentlemen what you get is The White Ribbons band.
‘Leftovers’ is exactly how I imagined they’d sound. There’s a vibe about the band that says Joy Division and the sparse intro until the distorted guitars crash in its got a subtle hook but never pours over into a frenzy. ITs a cold feeling of a post-punk mid-80s however the real gem is ‘S.O.P.H.I.E’ and a powerful subject matter is tackled really well and all wrapped up in a fine tune I especially like that bass sound on the breakdown. There are hidden gems here after the song fades away with ‘Social Work’ sounding like they’ve been jammin’ with the Levellers with that powerful lyrics and acoustic-driven alternative music with added Clash thrown in as a reference what’s not to like? Strummer would have approved no doubt about it.
Guerrilla Teens – ‘Upside Down’ (Self Release) COVID lockdown has been nicely punctured by the one and only Scott Drake Deluxe and his wonderful Guerrilla Teens and their regular Bandcamp drop of a pair of bangers that are shaping up nicely to what would easily make one of the best albums this miserable year.
This weeks drop is an altogether darker more menacing tune in the shape of ‘Upside Down’ with the ringing lead guitar and Drakes vocals softer and more restrained its another drop of pure class from the Teens. Then the second tune is an altogether more bruising number thats the sound of a band windmilling the opponents with a super cool laid back chorus ‘Fight Or Flight’ is a top tune. Deaf Jeff and Saul Teen are on fire here kicking up a shit storm with those buzz saw guitars. You’d be a dummy if you pass by on these tunes and the previous offerings. Top of the pops this edition? You bet!
Rock N Roll Manifesto Split ‘7″ Series Vol. 1’ (Self Release) We love a split single round here and when it has some of our favourite artists on that we’ve reviewed many times before it is always a pleasure so when this one dropped from down under and JJ & The Real Jerks popped up we knew we were in a good spot. Pressed on three different coloured slabs of wax this is a bargain we knew we had to tell you about.
Tiger Touch is first out of the traps with a right banger. ‘Problems’ is all up in your face poking and jabbing with that nasty guitar hook and a vocal that’s not pausing for breath until it’s finished whatever the fuck it wants to say. What a great tune to kick this split off. Oh if you’re not convinced how about Fret Rattles and their ‘Thanks For Nothing’ with its super snotty garage, frantic dash to the solo punk rock. Hip Priests fans will have to check these bad boys out because they might have a new champion stateside. Then halfway through our old pal JJ & The Real Jerks are back in town with a right high octane blast of energy in the shape of ‘Split Decision’ complete with JJ blowing that mean Saxophone solo to raise the bar a little bit more. Excellent stuff and to take this sucker home how about the punk fueled Missile Studs wrap this awesome EP up like a wrecking ball. We featured their split a few weeks back they did with Thee Evil Twin. They’re Straight outta shitville USA and are on fire, this is the fourth awesome track on an EP that is unrelenting and reeking with quality. If you love loud fired up Rock and Roll you’re gonna want this in your collection no doubt about it. Pick It Up Here
Dead Low – ‘Listen Up!’ (AUDIO EPIDEMIC RECORDS!) Buy Here / Digital Copies
From out of Massachusetts this powerful tri love to kick up a thunderous noise from the punchy bass to the street fighting vocals it’s am impressive four tracks on offer here. It’s getting a physical release later this month and takes no prisoners. ‘Bloodlines’ has a very nice thumping bass line that is quite Goth in lords of the new church sort of way whilst the melody and vocal delivery is very much hardcore with some Oi! thrown in for good measure. Quite the melting pot of influences right there.
First Boy On The Moon – ‘Sofia’ (Manic Records) Relocated Californian David Pedroza is now set up in Sweden and his band ply their post-punk trade drawing influences such as The Cure and Early U2 on this wonderfully vivid pink coloured vinyl 7″. The lead track is an uptempo throwback if you like to that mid-80s guitar-driven sound and with a good hook on the chorus it’s not a bad introduction to the band at all. The flipside is a heavily effected bass throbbing builder. Not a million miles from the more chart orientated American Indie of early Killers. Me, I prefer the first track much more I like the later years Bowie influence going on which is never a bad thing. Facebook
Minatore – ‘Boys Tell Lies’ (Self Release) Nottingham based two-piece sound like a whole band and some on this ‘Boys Tell Lies’. A dark tale dealing with Rape Culture this walk on the dark side is surprisingly uplifting and whilst its steeped in grunge meets punk along the lines of early Nirvana and Dinosaur Jr it sounds huge. Aggressive and measured it’s a fine introduction to a band. The second track is more of the same but a little less fury and more in keeping with the band influences of Smashing Pumpkins with all the time changes. Pick it up here
In The Whale – ‘Drugdealer’ (Riot Records/ golden Robot Records) Just so you don’t think we’ve gone soft, coming on like Helmet when ‘Betty’ was a thing this has a huge groove that crosses over into prime Downset territory. Heavier than two anvils In The Whale are in da house kids!
IN THE WHALE have been turning heads and accumulating a mass of die-hard fans and followers thanks to a relentless tour schedule and an explosive live performance. Artists and festival promoters have taken notice, with the band playing Riot Fest, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and Afro Punk, as well as shows with Jane’s Addiction, The Descendents, The Offspring, Gogol Bordello and many more
HOOKERS & BLOW ‘Trampled Underfoot’ (Golden Robot Records) Moving into the 21st century Dizzy Reid & Alex Grossi Releasethis from their soon to be released covers album. They tackle Bowie, the Stones and Eddy Money, as well as this, Led Zep classic with all parts recorded in quarantine during the pandemic. Of course they turn in a near-perfect rendition if classic Rock is your thang then you’re going to love this.
Hookers & Blow would like to dedicate the release of ‘Trampled Underfoot’ to their good friend and colleague, the late Frankie Banali, who passed away recently after a battle with cancer. A portion of proceeds from this single will be donated to https://www.pancan.org/
The Nude Party – ‘Lonely Heather’ (New West Records) Second album set for release next month but first this very listenable jig that’s equal parts VU and The Stones (early ’70s) comes with a catchy animated video. Besides when can a song have too much cowbell?
The Jimmy Tarbuck Experience – ‘Under Class’ (self-release) Now Heres a top tune. Catchy with a bit of a punch. The band got in touch to say the EP they were going to put out has been held back due to the obvious but did release this one track and accompanying video featuring some of their punk pals; Kevin Nixon from Anit Pasti, Glynn Barber from Chron Gen, Paul Rooney from Vice Squad and Pete R Jones from PiL / Department S and every other band in London (so it says here) but we certainly love the tune and the more we play it to more it gets stuck in your noggin’ just what a singles supposed to do right?. Tidy!
Kurt Baker – ‘Over You’ (Wicked Cool Records) Don’t take my word for it just click the link and decide for yourself but just in case you need convincing. Kurt Baker is one hell of a talent regardless of what guise it is be it solo, with his combo or with the Leftovers the guy has no visible faults or weaknesses. He pens infectious upbeat Rock and Roll power pop and probably does it better than almost anyone you could name. Here he is with the lead track off his new album that released next month. Pre-save/Pre-add ‘After Party’ Here / Stream the single “Over You” on all digital platforms:Here
Frankie And The Studs – ‘(Not Your) Victim’ (Golden Robot Records) What a great tune. Sure its fairly generic style-wise but I love that backbeat and the chorus is quite memorable. Hollywood rockers Frankie and the Studs just signed with Australian Punktured Media and this is their first single since signing. It’s about women being empowered and the inherent strength they possess and not to forget it. Sure it’s inspired by Quatro and Jett but what’s wrong with that? If you’re going to seek inspiration then go to the top and it shows in this single and the more plays to more it stands out. A decent earworm for sure. Preorder/Save: Here
I get it you love Biters and you have a soft spot for the likes of The Cars and Cheap Trick and they all have more great songs than they don’t, well, Kurt Baker is like that as well. He doesn’t do bad songs simple as that – original or covers. He doesn’t write bad tunes, in fact, he writes awesome tunes and this is the proof. He writes great tunes -pop tunes even but he plays them with loud guitars and that’s a lethal combination.
Hey, you Eureka Machines fans and you Costello fans get on this and check it out (you can thank me later) ‘Emma Stone’ has a melody and hook that’s just so listenable you can’t stay still it’s infectious and should have a government health warning.
He doesn’t change tack much at all (but why would you?) ‘What’s That Got To Do With Rock And Roll’ is a groovin’ slab of T-rex and some 70’s glam slam a go-go but don’t bother looking for imperfections because there aren’t any its just good time Rock ‘n’ Roll and its all about the good time and the party in your head whilst the songs are spinning and Baker is so good at it. Damn, there’s even time to sound like Thin Fuckin’ Lizzy on the excellent ‘On The Run’.
Thinks go Costello overload on the laid back ‘Since You’ve Been On My Mind’ its got a certain Joe Jackson about it too. There’s even time this October to throw in a Christmas song but because its Kurt Baker I’m giving him a pass and it’s perfectly acceptable because when Bakers singing it’s like every day is Christmas such are the power pop gifts being dished out. I know some of you will be scratching your noggins as this looks familiar well it does and it doesn’t this is the first time it’s had a vinyl release for the first time thanks to Ghost Highway and with some bonus material for all you audiophiles who just want your music on Wax or not at all.
By the time this album reaches the end we’ve got ourselves some synth-pop that’s right, some tasty new wave to put a cherry on the icing on the cake. ‘High Fidelity’ indeed!
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