Something must be in the air as we ready ourselves for the return of the Norwich troubadour Marc Valentine and his latest slab of power pop perfection. Yes, the voice of the power pop dandies the Last Great Dreamers is back with the successor to his 2022 debut long player ‘Future Obscure’.
Jumping straight in with the infectious ‘Complicated Sometimes’ – Marc continues doing what he does best – hook after glorious hook, without a breather, it is straight in with the new single ‘Tyrannical Wrecks’, which also highlights how much of the original sound of the ‘Dreamers’ Marc is.
Following up such a glorious single is last year’s single ‘Skeleton Key’, which shows off Marc’s storytelling prowess and blasts even more sunshine through my speakers, which is always a good thing.
As usual with Marc and anything he touches, all of the songs could easily be future singles. ‘Eve of Distraction’ is another fine slab of nostalgic magic. These songs all hark back to a carefree era, but the kicker is that the lyrics are on the ball, with what is current and a message that while bleak – we always have hope.
‘I Wanna Be Alone’ is another power pop sensation, which is followed by a change of pace in the form of ‘3 AM Anderson Drive’, which takes me back to the Dreamers’ ‘Retrosexual’ debut of some 30 years ago.
Hitting the midway mark (no pun intended), is ‘Strange Weather’, which has seen love from none other than Stevie Van Zandt, who classed it as – The Coolest Song in the World back in ~January. Well, who can argue with a claim like that, not me?
‘You Are One Of Us Now’ features a chorus that is so catchy, that has seen me humming it, along with most of this album, since I’ve had it. Such a great earworm is a blessing and a true sign of music that will live on forever.
‘Opening Chase Theme’ does exactly what the title says and you can imagine it on a retro-tastic buddy cop show chase scene. Complete with more Na-na-na’s than any song should rightly have in this day and age. But with music so infectious, who cares?
‘Repeat Offender’ complete with its Honeycrack-esque intro is another sublime slice of pop perfection. And then without any warning, we are on the last track ‘Ballad of Walt’, the piano-led pomp-tastic tune that closes off an easy album of the year contender.
This album picks up straight from the debut in every way, from sugar-infused pop. All of this features music that has no business in being as good as it is, but then I’ve always been a bit partial to the vocal stylings of the Valentine, back from the days of Silver Hearts, Last Great Dreamers and not forgetting their mid -’90s name change Jet.
While his debut was ‘Future Obscure’, Marc is back with a future classic in the form of ‘Basement Sparks’. Do yourself a favour and grab a copy as soon as it hits the shelves. You can always thank yourself later.
Full steam ahead they said as the good ship RPM Online Podcast sails into treasure-filled waters. This Episode is positively overflowing with new tracks as well as an exclusive Live cover from Ravagers that will never be on streaming services or CD and is limited to 100 copies of White Vinyl. Spaghetty Town Records have kindly let us play the Ravager’s cover of ‘Goin Downtown’ by the Lords Of The New Church. That’s only one of the reasons why you should check the Podcast out.
Sweden’s First Boy On The Moon Kick off this Episode with the opening track of their new album ‘Dreamer’. Hot on the heels comes a new track off the Final Cock Sparrer Album ‘Hand On Heart’ out on April 5th. ‘I Belong To You’ is classic Sparrer and an album that sees the band get better and better.
Now co-host Hotshot likes nothing more than fantasising about Sex Pistol and Radio broadcasting inspiration and role model Steve Jones so we’ve dug deep for a sparkling live rendition of his classic ‘Silly Thing’.
Gareth ‘Hotshot’ Hooper
Hotshot wanted to change the mood by introducing a track from Garbage who penciled in a re-release of the album ‘Bleed Like Me’ with his favourite track off the album. How about Japan’s finest glam punks Angel Face with a brand new track off their Slovenly Records self-titled album. A new track from Bullets And Octane, and Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard before Hotshot plays Suede with a track off their latest album ‘Autofiction’.
Ravagers are a glam punk n roll band outta The USA and they have a brand new LP released through Spaghetty Town Records as pointed out in the intro above. 100 copies pressed no streaming and no downloading. This will be a must-own record and rare as rocking horse shit. We’ve got an exclusive don’t miss it.
Desperate Measures have been playing support to Cheetah Chromes Dead Boys around the UK and currently in Europe and getting great reviews so having heard the new Desperate Measures album it’s only fair we play ‘Sublime Destruction’ the title track of their soon-to-be-released Cadiz records album. Staying with Cheetahs how about a new track off The Streetwalkin Cheetahs and a wonderful track ‘Call The Dogs’ being released on Poland’s awesome Heavy Medication Records. While we’re playing the label’s newest releases we also have one from Jonesy the potty-mouthed Canadians 10″ release on HMR but not before Californians Crymwav pop by with ‘Mars Fever’ and Mala Vista get aired with a single off their soon to be released album coming out on Spaghetty Town and Beluga Records in Europe.
Marc Valentine is set to release his second album on Wicked Cool Records in the next few months, so, no time like the present to play a track off it, and having had the privilege to hear the album I can tell you it was tough which one to play seeing as the whole record is fantastic power popping Rock n Roll. Gareth drops in one of his favourite songs from Powerkeg before a fine track from The Mysterines who we reviewed recently when they played support on the Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes tour of the UK.
If you’re still with us then stick around for a banger from The Empty Page who announced this week that they have a new album coming out on their own label if this is anything to go by it promises to be excellent and the first Empty Page track we’ll be playing. With just a couple of tracks to play Sweet Tooth blast away any fatigue with their banger ‘So Gone’ from their epic Lövely Records release ‘Split Image’. This leaves River City Rebels to wipe the floor with us as they blow the fuckin doors off the show with ‘Unless Your White’ out on Screaming Crow Records.
That boys and girls is one hell of a playlist from top to bottom we doubt you’ll hear a running order with as much quality as that. Keep it RPM Online Podcast – It’s A Revolution!
Marc Valentine, the charismatic British singer/songwriter/guitarist who last year released his debut solo album to critical acclaim, issues a new single, ‘Skeleton Key’, through Little Steven’s Wicked Cool Records.
Produced by Dave Draper (The Wildhearts, Ryan Hamilton, The Professionals), Skeleton Key is a 3-minute 20-second blast of upbeat/downbeat powerpop – a haunting tale of emotional pursuit, with spirited guitar lines and a chorus to die for. Explains Marc, “When the idea for Skeleton Key came to me, I was imagining the colours and dialogue of a suspenseful opening scene from a late ’60s Hammer horror film. It’s a song about discovering the darker side of someone and the futile attempt to escape the emotional powers that can unlock everything – though, as usual, there’s a dash of dark humour.”
The single is backed with a cover version of The Shirelles’ ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ – a long-time favourite of Marc’s.
Available as a download and a limited-edition coloured vinyl 7” with picture sleeve, ‘Skeleton Key’ unlocks the door to Marc’s forthcoming album, Basement Sparks, due in 2024 – and, we make no bones about it, destined to embed itself in a good number of skulls this Halloween.
Having honed his craft fronting cult pop-rockers Last Great Dreamers across four studio albums, Marc launched a solo career in 2022, his debut long-player Future Obscure picking up praise from an array of publications.
Here’s your starting 11 for the final knockings of October. Winter is upon us and this little lot will warm you right up. Some absolute bangers on offer in this sitting of the singles club from Europe the USA and the UK. Hit em up and check em out you might find your new favourite band…
Guerrilla Teens – ‘Halfway To Maybe’ (self Release) Another day another two tunes from the trusty hand of the insanely talented Mr Scott Drake otherwise known as Guerrilla Deluxe. Let’s not fuck around here this is the single of the week and single of the month and someone fire the PR because I wasn’t notified about this release sooner. Of course it Rocks and Rolls from the opening slap of that snare through the garage vibes its got a cool hook on the chorus just like previous offerings from the Teens and anything that’s ever been released under the name or other bands that has been touched by the presence of Mr. Drake. Do the album press it on wax and take my goddamn money. Bandcamp Here
Bitch Queens – ‘Party Hard(ly)’ (Lux Noise Recordings/ Spagettytown Records) Probably the best Deathpunk band on the planet Bitch Queens have been churning out effortlessly cool and quality Pun Rock n Roll for a long time and they only seem to be getting better at it the longer they do it and that brings us nicely to this point in time 2022 boys and girls and this wall of noise kicks off with the effortlessly cool title track. It’s a huge riff piled on top of an excellent chorus and a wall of noise that just feels like the best eardrum massage you could imagine. the breakdown is well-timed and as the song builds it’s a majestic sound. These gentlemen are incapable of writing a shit tune and the modern-sounding marriage of Placebo and Turbonegro on the song ‘Stay Here Forever’ should be the song that sees the band cross over into a huge market with mass appeal.
There are five songs on offer and the halfway house is a rocket-riding thumper ‘Recycled Youth’ has it all from the grunting thunder of the bassline to the steady punch of the drums before the guitars bring the house down -sublime stuff. These boys know they’re damn good at what they do and it shows in the fact they can fill out an EP with banger after banger ‘These Secrets’ shows this. Signing off with the barnstorming weirdness of ‘Be No Evil’ they duel guitars with Beelzebub himself and give you respite until the middle of the song before kicking the living shit out of the speakers with their sonic drops of greatness. Get hold of this motherfucker before it’s too late you absolutely won’t regret it. Bitch Queens still kicking it better than most – buy it! it’s epic!
WAX ON WATER – ‘GHOULS & FIENDS AND IN-BETWEENS…EP’ (HOWLING TEMPEST RECORDS / THE ORCHARD) Maya Damaris and Steven Blessing are an Alternative Rock duo from London they take their inspiration from electronica, metal, grunge, goth and Industrial music. The EP was mixed by ex-Fields of the Nephilim guitarist Paul Miles adding extra Goth Spooktacular magic to their seasonal-themed tunes. the musicianship on the opener is familiar but it creeps and crawls through your speakers in a sonic explosion of all their influences. Maya’s vocals set the tone as ‘ Guanciale (Mark of the Vampire)’ builds with some heavy guitar layered under a tonne of synths and gregorian chants. The first three songs are mid-paced whilst ‘Part Of Me’ is a far more atmospheric laid-back track with a lot going on but it never breaks out. If you want guitars then ‘More Than I’ should satisfy your craving. It’s a different outlook on the Halloween theme and avoids cliches. Spotify: tinyurl.com/4xrm9yzu
THE WRATH- ‘Wrong Side’ (Riot Records) Not heard a full-throttled slice of Rockabilly for ages. Certainly not heard from a down under slap that salamander stick since the Living end were at their peak. The Wrath gives it some proper welly on ‘Wrong Side’ dishing out plenty of slap behind a solid beat and some crunchy riff-a-rama. A pretty decent effort to be fair these guys have been doing this for well over a decade so it comes as no surprise they know what they’re doing. Tommy Creeper leads the band on a thumping marching beat and give my eardrums a solid kicking – lets ave it!
The Jacklights – ‘Underachiever’ (Red On Red Records) melodic punk self-aware lyrics, driving guitar, and melodic vocal leads, Nilagia McCoy and her band deliver a one-two punch of punk vibrancy. A mid-paced slice of street punk with McCoy’s dreamy vocals leading the way. ‘Womanchild’ turns up the West Coast style pop punk with a driving song. It’s been done a bazillion times and when done right has energy and stands up in a very crowded genre.
Bad Wolves – ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’ (Better Noise Music) A real headscratcher this. Not Ozzy’s best song by a long chalk but one of his most memorable power ballads as far as covering it goes I wouldn’t but hey ho they do a fairly honest and respectful version. Its go ta big production and one to show off the vocals and any guitarist would love to knock out the cock rock soloing over that acoustic pick. The band head off on a huge two and a half month tour to promote their new record and this will no doubt have the classic rock fans taking notice. Pre Order Here
The Rumperts – ‘Nazissist’ (SBÄM Records) A “Fuck You” to Misogyny! For The Rumperts. The four-piece punk band recently got the chance to travel all the way from Vienna to Colorado to work together with Chris Beeble in the legendary Blasting Room Studios, where music from Rise Against, Propagandhi, Lagwagon, Face to Face and so many more great punk rock bands were recorded.
The band set fire to their instruments and get their heads down and thrash away. With the fuel being Racists, Misogynists and homophobes everywhere the band get into a bit of a Turbonegro groove and just blaze it. I like it – all of it, short, sharp and to the point. Punk as fuck!
Rat Rod – ‘All Or Nothing’ (shock Records) Channeling their barroom boogie of DC and hard living it’s Taken from the quintet’s upcoming album, ‘Four on the Floor’, the video features the band live on stage at The Union Firehouse in Mt Holly, NJ as well as casino scenes that really sum up life so to speak. “Life can be a gamble and there are times when you need to go ‘all in’. Horns up kids lets bang that head!
DANGEREENS – ‘ Nomadic Step’ (Golden Robot Records) – Its got some old school Motown in those honkin horns and a little dash of Squeeze on that melody. Dangereens release the new single in early November and its a swaggering rootin tootin rocker that has elements of the 70s glam and a whole lot more besides not forgetting some vintage Stones. I loved their debut LP and the singles and this is another feather in their dandy cap. Rock on brothers I like it – I like it a lot. Hit up the pre order links Here
Marc Valentine – ‘Swiss Laundrette EP (Self Release) Former Dreamer Marc seems like he’s having a ball what with a new album that was really impressive and what many say are fantastic live shows that are ripping it up around the UK and not one to stand still releasing a brand new EP ‘Swiss Laundrette’ as the synth swirls in this chest-beating slice of pop n roll washes over you. It’s got a great melody and Marc sounds like he’s singing it just for you. The first three tracks all featured on his fantastic solo album ‘Future Obscure’ with the fourth tune a non-album ballad ‘I’m Just A Mess (Around You)’ and I wonder why would you leave this track off any album? might even be my favourite song on this here EP – outstanding stuff. Stream it Here
Riley’s L.A. Guns – ‘Overdrive’ (Golden Robot Records) Just rip the plaster off and be done with it. Riley’s La Guns step things up with ‘Overdrive’ and after their decent offering last time out. Steve Riley, Kelly Nickels, with Scott Griffin and Kurt Frohlich do another very decent offering of HArd Rockin Riff-a-rama. Sure it high octane macho cars and hard riffs but this is decent and an indication of what’s to come off the new album which will be decent on this evidence. I like this – more please Mr Riley.
Buy/stream ‘Overdrive‘HERE / Stock is limited. You can pre-order the bundle on the Golden Robot Records online store HERE
When a band goes on hiatus, however brief, it’s usually a reliance on the back catalogue to get the fans through the downtime; not so Last Great Dreamers, the once-antiquated dandies of the UK rock scene dusted off and rebooted in the last decade. No, the merry band of loyal supporters of this regenerated outfit revolving around the core of mainstays Marc Valentine and Slyder Smith has not one, but two new spin-off albums to get excited about while the Dreamers catch up on some much-needed beauty sleep.
Slyder Smith & the Oblivion Kids (Dreamers’ rhythm section, bassist Tim Emery and drummer, Rik Pratt) have a debut long player, ‘Charm Offensive’, released on 19th August through Ray Records, but first out of the last great gate is Marc Valentine and his ‘Future Obscure’ album, coming to a stereo near you on 8th July.
In the short space of time that news of this new, ten-track (twelve-track if you get the bonus-track-riddled compact disc) album has been with us Marc has wasted little time by releasing four (count ‘em!) tracks as digital singles: album opener, ‘Last Train Tonight’; ‘Mornington Avenue’, featuring Matt Dangerfield from The Boys; and double A-side, ‘Death Is Overrated/Break My Heart Anyway’, the latter featuring a guest appearance from Wreckless Eric. So, I have to approach this review from a slightly different angle: listeners already know what to expect from the album, I simply have to reassure them that the best tracks haven’t already been lifted from the tracklisting leaving nothing but filler. Spoiler alert: everything is going to be okay…
A Summer release is perfect for ‘Future Obscure’; the tracks blurring between that expected lilting power pop that is trademark Valentine and a hazy, lazy sentimentality, both conspiring to make a perfect soundtrack to long, hot days and cooler nights of reminiscence.
With synths set to stun, some of the power pop tunes that litter the tracklisting – the glorious ‘Swiss Launderette’, the great ‘Ghosts of Amsterdam’ – have every chance of filling a Fountains Of Wayne-shaped hole in the New Releases section of your record collection, while the more emotional-button-pushers – the terrific throwback that is ‘Arcades’, the fine ‘Fade Out In Blue’ for example – will have you questioning if that funny feeling that you have in your head as the sun sets is from the Summertime cider or the inevitable clawing back of memories. There’s even a tip of the bowler hat to the LGD day job via the lowslung rock ‘n’ roll of the fantastic ‘Zodiac Hotel’.
Mixed and produced by Dave Draper, that ‘Future Obscure’ sounds great should come as no surprise. That goes for the musicians that Valentine has surrounded himself with too: Richard Davies on guitar, and a return for former Last Great Dreamers rhythm section, bassist Steve Fielding and drummer Denley Slade, the latter so consistent in his work that he sounds almost robotic. Catch these guys backing Marc on a UK tour that starts on album release day.
We need great nights out at rock shows with friends and bright and breezy rock ‘n’ roll records like ‘Future Obscure’ at times like these. That three minute songs and small rooms full of sweaty people can help save us from the stresses of modern life is testament to the true power of music. Forget what that man from Sheffield with a creaking voice once (almost) told us; you CAN stop the hurt inside, when love and hiatus collide…
First up today we bring you the new video from Crows. After Johnny’s recent review the band have released a video for ‘Closer Still’.
It’s an exercise in pummeling noise-rock. One of several unapologetically political songs on the album, where single James Cox says, “‘Closer Still’ was written about the fit-for-work scandals that kept happening where the Department for Work & Pensions were deeming people fit for work when they obviously weren’t able to, taking away what little support they received from the state in an attempt to save on expenditure. It really highlighted our government’s contempt for the vulnerable. People whose daily lives were incredibly difficult.”
‘Mornington Avenue’ finds Marc Valentine team up with Matt Dangerfield, of THE BOYS and Rock n Roll legend. It’s the second single to be lifted from Valentine’s magnificent debut solo album ‘Future Obscure’. Valentine visits old haunts in Camden Town (ones that are still there that haven’t been gentrified quite yet) and reminisces about his roots at places like his old flat where he put his band together way back in ’89.
Some great use of vintage The Boys footage adds gravitas to the video which captures the sentiment of the song perfectly. Also some great appearances from Marc’s band on the album Steve Fielding, Denley Slade and Richard Davies (of Richard Davies & The Dissidents). ‘Future Obscure’ is available to pre-order here. Facebook
Joyce Manor have announced their 6th studio album, ’40 oz. To Fresno’, set for release on June 10th on Epitaph Records. New single ‘Gotta Let It Go’ clocks in at a massive one minute fifty-three seconds, but it packs a lot in.
Joyce Manor will also be touring with The Menzingers in the UK in October of this year. Enjoy!
With ‘Combat Rock’ getting the special edition treatment with unreleased tracks The Clash also get the 4K treatment on their classic ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go’
Marc Valentine – ‘Mornington Avenue’ (Arcane Wires Records) Its the second track lifted from July’s album release ‘Futures Obscure’ and the second absolute banger, it has to be said, courtesy of Mr. Valentine. The single features a guest appearance from the legend that is Matt Dangerfield for extra kudos. Marc said of the record that it was semi-autobiographical, and stories and memories from youthful misadventures. It’s the perfect antidote for what’s going on in the real world with a fantastic melody and feel power-pop perfection.
A left hook on the chorus, a right hook on the melody the vocals are carried on and a KO for the breakdown. You’ll have this song in your head for days – exactly what a single should sound like. Brilliant!
Mad Brother Ward – ‘Ugly Life’ (Ruined Records) Two tracks on one side and a nice etched piece on the reverse all pressed on a nice blue wax. More than twenty-five years after releasing two widely acclaimed 7″ eps. legendary underground provocateur MAD BROTHER WARD returns with a two-fisted blast of straight-ahead punk rock. A true legend of the underground, Mad Brother Ward is currently known best for successfully stepping into the shoes of Joe Young in ANTiSEEN after Young died. This single is his first new record in almost thirty years. Lo-Fi production, its a crash and burn slab of nuclear punk rock. ‘Ugly Life’ be fucked, buckle up kids this is a blast.
‘I Just Wanna Die’ is an altogether slower more looking down the sight of a sniper’s rifle. It’s a catchy bugger that’s for sure with some neat neat neat guitar licks to fire it along. Punk as fuck! go get a copy before they’re all gone gone gone! Buy Here
Rock N Roll Manifesto – Vol Two (Rock n Roll Manifesto/NFT Records/Stamp Out Disco/ Hyperloop Records Loved the last 7″ from Rock N Roll Manifesto and love to see a four-way split especially when its new songs from bands I happen to love like this one. Sonny Fuckin Vincent ladies and Gentlemen opens up side one with a new and exclusive track entitled ‘Over A Cliff’. Of course it’s all killer. awesome guitar breaks, catchy melody, a stonking rhythm, and tempo but I knew it was going to sound great and that’s just one of the four – worth it for this one track alone) Sharing side one is The Manakins from Sweden with their tub-thumper ‘Dark Time For The City Lights’. What a killer chorus! Record of the month is here already and I’ve not even played side two yet!
Flip this over and you have London towns Miscalculations with their angular monochrome punk with the blitzkrieg that is ‘Controlling My Shadow’ leaving The Judex to close this sucker down with their unique sound of psychobilly vocals over some sharp chopping guitar chords. ‘Step Off Sucker’ is a one-take live in the studio banger with a cool as guitar break. Three out of four are unreleased and all four never on vinyl so don’t delay kids get this right Now!
Buy on Bandcamp from the USA Here / Stamp Out Disco (Australia) Here / NFT Records UK Here / Hyperloop Records UK Here
Gyasi – ‘She Don’t Care’ (Alive Records) Channeling the spirit of the good and the great of 70’s Glam from Bowie and Bolan to Mott The Hoople and T Rex Gyasi has bloody well nailed it (we’ve heard the album so…) This is another taster lifted from the long-player and another perfectly executed slab of Glam Rock that packs a punch and has such a flamboyant attitude to carry this off in 2022.
This guy deserves to break through and become a superstar from those platform boots alone never mind his exquisite taste in tunes. Stream the shit out of this and get a hold of that long-player when it comes out. Its a banger with twelve more Rockers to boot!
Stepmother – Stepmother EP (Legless Records) Wow, Hang on a minute, Australia is churning out Garage and punk rock by the bucket load and Stepmother from Melbourne are the latest to grab our attention. This three-track banger of an EP is proto-punk mana from the Gods. ‘Fade Away’ is the introduction before we get our breath taken away with the brilliant ‘Take Our BReath Away’ as it races towards the guitar break and shakes its shit all over our speakers.
A power trio to sit up and take notice of. This is a primal slab of Rock n Roll with a groove and plenty of boogie to let it all hang out to now its fair to say that on another round-up this would be record of the month – No doubt about it.
The Boppers – ‘Motorbikin’ (Wild Kingdom Records) Yeah you read that right. Chris Spedding’s Motorbikin’ gets a slick release from the Boppers. Lifted from their upcoming album ‘White Lightning’. When the band performed as secret guests at The Hellacopters’ release party, the success was instant. Hear “Motorbikin’” and pre-order the album here: https://orcd.co/motorbikin
Automatics – ‘Cold Steel Serenade’ – with a galic leaning The Automatic release this their new single ‘Cold Steel Serenade’ and to be fair it does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a late-night lament with rousing guitar breaks and big chorus’.
Mean Jeans – ‘Hits From The Bog’ (Fat Wreck Chords) Heading out with Australian punks The Chats Mean Jeans drop a new digital release. Hits from the Bog features three unreleased tracks from their debut FAT release, ‘Tight New Dimension‘ . Head to your preferred digital platforms to hear it now!
“We just unearthed some recordings that got lost in the bog somewhere along the way. Listening back, I have to wonder what we were smoking at the time, cuz there’s definitely some saxophone, a single jazz chord, and we’ve betrayed the ‘4 chords per song’ rule. Still, I think they’ll appeal to anyone feeling possessed by junk food and/or slime.” this is a fair assessment from the band. Sounds like it’s going to be an absolute blast on this tour Its sunshine pop-punk leaning heavily on the likes of Da Ramones (obviously) with an eye on what Evan Dando achieved. It’s goofy and inoffensive and live? It’ll be a blast Go get some!
The Venomous Pinks – ‘Apothecary Ailment’ ( SBÄM Records) second single from their upcoming album “Vita Mors” – out June 3, 2022 on SBÄM Records: https://shop.sbam.rocks Pre-save it here: https://bfan.link/vita-mors
Simon Juliff – ‘Stars’ (Dog Meat Records) The first new Dog Meat release in over a quarter of a century is the new single “Stars”, taken from the forthcoming album of the same name, from reticent Melbourne pop-rock singer/songwriter Simon Juliff. Juliff, who was singer/guitarist/songwriter for Melbourne band The Roys in the ‘00s, was a friend of many of the ‘90s Melbourne bands on Dog Meat and nearly a Dog Meat signing with his first band The Evil Dead. Bonkers how these twists of fate happen. Happy recording for himself it’s taken until now to release some tunes and well worth the wait it is too. A great teaser for what’s to come on the album later this year. Facebook
Jaguero – Worst Weekend Ever (Epidemic Records) Five-track EP from Italian punks Jaguero kicks off with a really rounded production that fills the air with a warmth that I wasn’t really expecting. Influences from some of the big American pop-punkers and Alt smash acts to the Nirvana like ‘Negative, Awesome!’ and the excellent mash-up that is ‘Get Along’.
With a range of influences yet making a cohesive end product will see Jaguero do well when they can find their niche impressive EP to be getting on with.
‘Last Train Tonight’ is the debut solo single from UK songwriter Marc Valentine. Released on 1 April through his own Arcane Wires label, it’s taken from his forthcoming album Future Obscure.
As frontman of cult British power-pop outfit Last Great Dreamers, Valentine has brought sparkle to venues and turntables alike with his distinctive vocals, wry charm and songbook of secret classics. Now, with his favourite guitar in tow, he’s heading out on a solo adventure, loading his flight case with a fresh set of tunes, and polishing the trademark twinkle in his eye.
Says Marc: “A twist of fate and the things we can’t control. Taking the wrong way home and crossing paths with a bunch of midnight meatheads who can’t comprehend a guy in eyeliner. Demolition smiles and grunting fists, as you fall to the ground with the smell of blood, sweat, piss and beer in your nostrils. I’ve been there once or twice, but somehow always managed to make it home.”
Debut solo album Future Obscure sees Valentine building on his past while expanding his sonic palette, to craft a collection of should-be hits – 7-inch-shaped songs that move both body and mind. Recorded and produced by Dave Draper (Wildhearts, Professionals), and featuring collaborations with Wreckless Eric and The Boys’ Matt Dangerfield, this is a reflective, sometimes defiant album in the golden-era tradition – a pop record from the heart, packed with songs to holler, heal and hold.
‘Last Train Tonight’ is available to presave through all the usual platforms here
Well well well. This is a blast from the past and pressed on a chunky piece of plastic as well it’s the 25th anniversary of ‘Retrosexual’ so what better way to celebrate than to stick it out fully remastered and on the old deluxe 180g black circle. Very nice indeed.
Man, I’m feeling a little down holding this record in my hand thinking its been twenty-five years since this was originally released that is until I chuckle at the cover art in the form it was originally intended to be. I never was concerned about the fact that there was a lady dead or alive underwater but what a ghastly jumper they’re wearing is that wrong of me? Anyway, any blues I might have had quickly blew away once the needle dropped.
Firstly I notice there are no bells and whistles added or bonus tracks etc which is cool because ‘Retrosexual’ set the bar for Last Great Dreamers and to tinker with the original formula would have been wrong so I’m pleased with that. Secondly, remastering is like the Harry Potter of Rock and Roll acts sort of the dark arts it’s not like remixing its more than that. Making a record sonically better for record over CD or fit for radio is a whole dark art and once the needle drops on ‘Chrome Tonic’ I’m taken back to a simpler time when rock and roll wasn’t so instant it was harder to find and you had to be in the club to get to know about the new bands and visit venues to catch support bands to see what was out there people seemed more committed to their cause and stumbling across this after reading a review wasn’t a disappointment at all. The chorus and hook on ‘Chrome Tonic’ is still twenty-five years on such a rush and an instantly gratifying hook. Bring it on.
I’ll fess up and admit the last time I played this record was when they released ’13 Floor Renegade’ to contrast and compare but I thoroughly enjoyed it then and I’ll admit now hearing the Acoustic vs Electric riff-a-rama on ‘Last Great Dreamer’ in all its trashy delivery is a beautiful thing. What a tune! It drew from the ’70s glam through the mid-’80s Hanoi rocks years and beyond but it wasn’t just copying it was being inspired and inspiring and that’s the difference, top tune then and top tune now its lost none of its charm and class.
‘Save You’ was a bit tougher but mopped up what was a super strong opening three tracks. Some albums from years ago never live up to the memory I’m not on about your favourite albums that always stay with you but the ones that bubble under. ‘Paper Crown’ was always a beauty with its Bolan meets Bowie glamness with a welcome dose of Ian Hunter – this record should have been a popular hit that much is a tragedy. I’m glad they are back and going strong and this wasn’t a one-off. They weren’t afraid to soften things like ‘Kings And Keepsakes’ alongside the out and out rockers like ‘Charlie’ and they could boogie-woogie as well like on ‘Only Crime’ and I always liked the Hanoi Rocks DNA that ran through ‘Streets Of Gold’.
Don’t take my word for it go and treat yourself and pick this one up on vinyl. If you’ve not heard it in a while then it’ll be a treat and if you’ve never heard the band then what are you waiting for? Jump in ignore the tartan trews and platform boots they were never cool but the music is first class and ‘Retrosexual’ is the sound of a band living and loving it and pouring their heart and soul into the grooves of a great record, Buy it!
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