J Mascis – ‘What Do We Do Now’ (Sub Pop Records)

J Mascis – ‘What Do We Do Now’ (Sub Pop Records)

Better known for his band Dinosaur Jr and his style of guitar-slinging mixed with his part croaky part winey vocal style he is often seen as the ultimate slacker with his long gray hair and quiet soft demeanor Mascis also has a solo career mainly steeped in acoustic folk rock style mixed with his searing solos often the two are inseparable and I dunno why one is his name whilst the other is Dinosaur Jr maybe it’s one of those things like chicken or the egg dilemmas.

On ‘What Do We Do Now’ you are greeted on entry by the upbeat ‘Can’t Believe We’re Here’ with its big acoustic chords and vibrant drum punches on what can only be described as classic Mascis. I love the body-swaying melodies and the middle eight where we drift off toward one of his trademark fuzzed-up solos that just soars. The title track offers more of the acoustic guitar being the lead instrument over the stripped-back band approach. J is joined on by keyboards by Ken Mauri of The B52s, and steel guitar by Canadian psych/folk/experimental musician Matthew ‘Doc’ Dunn and after only a few plays this is his brightest and most solid set of solo songs I’ve heard on first impressions. Five solo records in and this is instantly gratifying. On finishing the first couple of run-throughs from one to ten I feel refreshed and uplifted with the overall feel of this record. ‘Right Behind You’ is a joy. The format is solid and pretty much runs throughout the album with ‘I Can’t Find You’ being led by a bright piano and guitar in the intro with a twisting melody through the verse that takes the song somewhere different from what’s come before it and that’s the slight variety but the quality is front and center in all the songs on the record.

Halfway in and the strongest track in my humble opinion is ‘It’s True’ It’s like he is channeling his inner Neil Young and the groovy ‘Set Me Down’ follows like something the alt-country bands will swoon over. It’s Wilco meets Jesse Malin but totally J Mascis. I love that the format of Acoustic Guitars, Keys, Bass and basic drums have been the cornerstone throughout the record with the occasional fuzz solo and organ adding texture here and there making for a mellow yet really uplifting hopeful album and fans of MAscis will be delighted with what’s on offer and the fact he’s touring this is exciting I only hope I can get to hear these live that would complete ‘What Do We Do Now’ for me.

We’re only just breaking into February and I’ve heard some amazing records and J Mascis has certainly delivered one of them with this gentle offering compared to the full-force fuzz of his day job this is the perfect yang to the Dinosaur Ying. Beautiful record, Perfect for a wet rainy day just looking out the window as the world drifts by with the stereo turned up and a hot drink in your hand that’s what we do now. Buy it!

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Author: Dom Daley

The Boatsmen – ‘Hard Livin’ (Ghost Highway Records)

The Boatsmen – ‘Hard Livin’ (Ghost Highway Records)

Regarded as something of old hands at this Hard Rockin nonsense The Boatsman have gotten to album number four and ‘Hard Livin’ is exactly where I’d hoped they’d be. They’ve always turned in decent tunes and were working hard at wearing in these guitars and being the best they could be in a crowded field and on ‘Hard Livin’ my goodness I think they’ve blasted off into the next league up. This is big boys hard rock and these four hairy fuckers have absolutely nailed it.

Sure they’re not sailing far from the mother ship Action Rock but they’re armed to the teeth with better tunes and a more confident sound than ever before and like their Scandi neighbours Scumbag Millionaires they’ve upped their game noticeably and written better songs than ever before. Yes, it’s a lovely mixture of Motorhead, Turbonegro, Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, MC5, and a few snotty punk bands that they’ve cut their cloth trying to be as good as, and once the needle drops and the big entry of ‘Livin’ On Lust’ is off like a stray rocket. The thrashing of the riff is wild and reckless and I love that shit. It’s tight and set for maximum excitement and that’s the way to open your album, set your stall out get off to a fuckin’ flyer whatever superlative you like it’s a belter and the solo just kills.

If you think it’s a one-off buckle up mother fuckers because the gonzo punk rock of ‘I Wanna Clone’ is frantic and heading straight for the bull’s eye. ‘Why Wait’ is the first video off the album and sounding like The Hives feasting on a heavy diet of Hard Rock and Ramones melodies is a decent place to start full stop. It’s a decent representation of what the album sounds like but it’s not the best song on the album no sir. Nor is the rapid foot to the floor of ‘Foggy Man’ it’s like the European bastard son of The Hip Priests. ‘Take Me’ is riff after mother fuckin riff and cool as wearing a pair of aviators whilst cruising down the freeway in a Cadillac cabriolet with a bevy of beautiful babes in the back laughing at all your dad jokes.

The title track is like the Four Horsemen have just called you out and handed you a battle jacket and you need to go out and get stuck in for the team. It is a complete record and one that has plenty of exciting riffs and ideas within the songs and boundless energy all tied in with plenty of melody. The Boatsmen have landed and ‘Hard Livin’ is one hell of an album. Buy it!

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Author: Dom Daley

DESPERATE MEASURES NEW ALBUM ‘SUBLIME DESTRUCTION’ OUT MARCH 22ND VIA CADIZ MUSIC

<strong>DESPERATE MEASURES NEW ALBUM ‘SUBLIME DESTRUCTION’ OUT MARCH 22<sup>ND</sup> VIA CADIZ MUSIC</strong>

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE:

UK TOUR STARTS FEBRUARY 14TH WITH THE DEAD BOYS!

DESPERATE MEASURES, the high energy, London punk and rollers release their brand-new album ‘Sublime Destruction’ on March 22nd on Cadiz Music. Loaded with eleven personal and political, hook laden anthems, the album was written over the last two years and during the pandemic. Featuring previous singles ‘Thinking Of England’, ‘Back To The Rats’, and the title track ‘Sublime Destruction’, the album was recorded with Andy Brook (who has produced, engineered, and toured with the like of Status Quo, Ginger Wildheart, Wonk Unit, Hayseed Dixie) at The Brook Studios, Wallington, Surrey. From the opening roar of ‘Back To The Rats’, the Sex Pistols riffarama of ‘The Rich-Tual’ and the danced-up Stooges grooves of ‘Enjoy The Ride’, through to the Psychedelic Furs like ‘Untouchable’ and the epic ode to North London, ‘Seven Sisters’, ‘Sublime Destruction’, is anything but sublime. Instead, it’s a huge statement of intent from a band that back up their in-your-face attitude 100% on the stage.

Pre-order ‘Sublime Destruction’ HERE:

Desperate Measures are: Eugene Butcher (voctals), James Sherry (drums), Michael Gaffney (guitar/vocals) and Ricky Mc Guire (bass/vocals).

pic: Louise Phillips

Desperate Measures promote the album in the company of U.S punk legends The Dead Boys and the U. K’s Janus Stark at the following venues:

CATCH DESPERATE MEASURES ON TOUR IN 2024!

THE SUBLIME DESTRUCTION TOUR!

February

14 London Underworld w/ Dead Boys

15 Leeds Boom w/ Dead Boys

16 Manchester Rebellion w/ Dead Boys

17 Glasgow Ivory Blacks w/ Dead Boys

18 Birmingham The Asylum w/ Dead Boys

March

1 Stamford Mama Liz’s w/First Wave

2nd Gateshead the Black Bull w/Loudmouth

7th Coventry The Arches w/ Janus Stark

8th Liverpool the Outpost w/ Biteback

9th Cambridge Six Six Bar w/Janus Stark

15 Northampton-The Lab w/Janus Stark

16th Nottingham- The Old Salutation w/Janus Stark

21st Norwich-Bricklayers w/ Janus Stark

22nd London Koko w/Buzzcocks and Neville Staple

30th London Lexington w/The DeRellas, Thrill City

April

6th Bradford On Avon The Three Horseshoes Boa w/The Setbacks

June

21 London New Cross Inn w/Blitzkrieg

August

10 Turku, Finland.

October

Oct 4 London 100 Club with Menace & the Outcasts

Find Desperate Measures online at: FACEBOOK / BANDCAMP

Gluecifer – ‘B-Sides & Rarities 1994-2005’ (Konkurs/Suburban Records)

Gluecifer – ‘B-Sides & Rarities 1994-2005’ (Konkurs/Suburban Records)

They say that in life first impressions are everything, and when it comes to Oslo five-piece Gluecifer, for yours truly, that was most certainly the case.

I first encountered Gluecifer around a quarter of century ago, initially through a Rockpalast performance on (German TV channel) WDR early one Sunday morning after a night out in Abertillery Rock City. I was completely blown away by what I witnessed, not only by their rather unique take on the garage punk genre but also by the suave stylings of the band’s members, especially the ultracool onstage persona of singer Biff Malibu. I mean anyone who can wear white loafers and a red velour bowling shirt whilst ridiculing Joey DeMaio’s inability to drink a (piss weak) tin of beer is already a winner in life, right?

Having quickly taped this performance onto VHS for all my mates to see I then quickly invested in a copy of the band’s ‘Soaring With Eagles At Night To Rise With The Pigs In The Morning’ album and loved every second of it. Then, just a few short months later, me and my (pre) uber rockin’ amigo Gaz Tidey found ourselves stood stage front and centre watching the band live as they hit Newport’s Legendary TJ’s venue. This time around the guys were out on the road with Gaza Strippers promoting their then-new album ‘Tender Is The Savage’, and if they’d blown us away on TV playing live, nothing was about to prepare us for what they were like in the flesh. So, when drummer Danny Young decided that playing a gig in a fibreglass (pretend) cave somewhere in south Wales was also the best time to wear arseless leather trousers whilst at the climax of their set the guys also took a step back (they couldn’t take any more than that as they’d have been off the back of the stage) and unleashed an indoor firework display that must have set them back at least £3.50 of the tour budget, we fully understood why Gluecifer, really are the undisputed Kings of Rock.

Following on from that most eventful night, I went to see the band pretty much every time they toured the UK, and unlike some of my fellow Gluecifer fans who I have got to know through the years, I also thought they progressed as songwriters with each subsequent studio album they released, until in 2005 following the tour in promotion of their ‘Automatic Thrill’ album, they rather unexpectedly (to me at least) decided to call it a day. The world of rock was left with a giant Gluecifer shaped hole, something that not even the arrival of Bloodlights (guitarist Captain Poon’s excellent post Gluecifer band) could ever truly fill.

A posthumous Gluecifer compilation album ‘Kings Of Rock (B-Sides And Rarities)’ was released by Epic/People Like You back in 2008 and this is where the genesis of the idea behind the album I’m about to (finally) get around to reviewing first saw the light of day. That album (in their Norwegian homeland at least) took one album packed full of “hits” as its main selling point, then added a second album of deep cuts, whilst everywhere else in Europe it was that 16 track second album (with an added ‘Desolate City’ from LP number one) that hit the record shops as a standalone release.

Here in 2024 that rarities album has been expanded to a 24 track double LP/download, taking 14 of the tracks from the 2008 release and adding 10 new ones to the track listing, including some recorded during the sessions around the ‘Tender Is The Savage’ and ‘Basement Apes’ albums that have never previously been released.

Kicking off with (the aforementioned) ‘Desolate City’, which was the last track the band recorded together prior to them splitting up back in 2005, this track was penned for a Norwegian action movie named “Izzat” and since the guys reformed back in 2017 to play a series of live shows this tune has proven to be a particular set list favourite with fans. Listening to it again here in 2024 certainly reinforces my shock at the band splitting up back then, because as this tune proves, they really were going out on a high.

Not that there are any lows during the 23 other tracks that make up this compilation I trust you understand, as the band’s earlier tunes like the rip-roaring ‘Monoman’ (taken from the band’s debut ‘God’s Chosen Dealer’ single, which has all 3 of its tunes included here) sitting alongside the likes of  ‘Beg Like The Dog You Are’ (previously unreleased from the ‘Tender Is The Savage’ sessions) make for a fascinating sonic voyage through the band’s deep cut back catalogue and their development as songwriters.

The songs I was particularly interested in hearing were the 3 previously unreleased tunes that didn’t make the cut during the recording of the ‘Basement Apes’ album. With this being my (when pushed to choose one) favourite Gluecifer album the harmonica honking ‘All The Young Droogs’ is an immediate “why didn’t this make the final album?” standout, whilst the almost Saxon-esque thunder of ‘The Hammer & The Wheel’ is also a winner, which just leaves the sassy strut of ‘(Gimme That) Good Butter’ (complete with some Stonesy female backing vocals) to close out ‘B-Sides & Rarities 1994-2005’ and illustrate once again that at the very heart of Gluecifer there was always more than just a balls out garage punk band.

At just shy of 1 hour and 20 minutes long there’s a hell of a lot to get through within the grooves of ‘B-Sides & Rarities 1994-2005’ so I’m going to leave you to fully discover what Captain Poon himself calls “a nice little treasure hunt”. It’s well worth investing your time and money in that’s for sure.

‘B-Sides & Rarities 1994-2005’ is available now on “slightly” silver double vinyl, tucked snugly into a gatefold sleeve via the link below, and you never know, if enough of us in the UK go out and buy this, Gluecifer might even think about playing the UK again (I have everything crossed here anyway).

Buy Here

Author: Johnny Hayward

Poison Boys – ‘Headed For Disaster’ (Tropically Hot Records)

Poison Boys – ‘Headed For Disaster’ (Tropically Hot Records)

Compilation of released and unreleased material between 2014-2018 sees Chicago punk n rollers Poison Boys Front Man Matt Dudzik has settled on a three-piece but there have been several past members who’ve come and gone but leant a helping hand during the recordings of this album in the four years these songs are lifted off. The band recorded on White Zoo Records as well as London’s finest No Front Teeth Records as well as some early self-released demo tapes. this is essential listening if you’ve gotten into the band via their two mighty fine albums that followed but it’s a great way to kill some time before the new album drops as it shows how the band honed their skills and went from a rough round the edges punk n roll outfit with plenty of attitude coursing through these songs. Besides, some of these records as 7″ singles are like rockin’ horse shit so it’s tough to track down if you’re late to the sleazy party.

The No Front Teeth singles were where I joined the Poison Boys train and mightily impressed I was too. ‘Bad Mouth’ still sounds fuckin awesome but you might want to start this trip from back to front because the demo is nasty in the best possible way. All Johnny Thunders riffs n licks and the sound of some punks kickin’ back and dropping sound bombs in your ears. ‘Turn’ sounds like it was found in some ditch next to a body with no ID but a Lewis Leather Jacket and some cool worn creepers.

Anyways heading back to the top and the two tracks from the White Zoo Single ‘Bustin’ Out’ and ‘Run And Hide’ with their cock of the walk Chuck Berry licks and JAgger puffed out chest is a great place to start with this compilation. If wrapping up the band’s output is what you’re after then hop on board it’s a wonderful fifteen-track that kicks ass and is pure rock n roll with attitude with hidden gems like the leftover session cut that is the sleazy acoustic smokey ‘In The Night’ sounding like they were channeling The south of France Stones Exile sessions.

Head over to Bandcamp and show Poison Boys some love and support this record and look forward to what they do next. these pirates are sailing the choppy waters of Rock n Roll and taking no prisoners but leaving a fantastic trail of destruction in their wake. Hail, Hail Punky, sleazy Rock n Roll Its alive and well and living in the shadows of Chicago.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Ferocious Dog – ‘Kleptocracy’ & live shows 2024

Ferocious Dog – ‘Kleptocracy’ & live shows 2024

On 17th May Ferocious Dog proudly release their brand new studio album, ‘Kleptocracy’, on Graphite Records. Kleptocracy, features 12 songs and will be available on CD, Deluxe CD (with 4 bonus songs), transparent red vinyl (exclusive from the band’s website), clear vinyl and all digital platforms.

“Kleptocracy, delves into themes of societal injustices and the enduring struggle against exploitation, echoing the band’s commitment to shedding light on the issues plaguing Broken Britain and our world today.

In typical Ferocious Dog fashion the album is a mix up of all sorts of genres! To name a few of the influences that appear: Celtic folk, gypsy folk, blues, dissident folk, pop punk, full on hardcore punk, and straight up rock. However, despite the many styles, primarily this album in particular goes back to a more classic folk punk sound.” – Ferocious Dog.

Kleptocracy is the follow up to The Hope which debuted at Number One on the Official UK & Ireland Folk Album Charts  and entered the National Album charts at Number 31.

With a righteous anger and a brand new line-up, Ferocious Dog “didn’t want this album to sound just like The Hope or previous albums, we wanted to put our own stamp on it. So even though this album has the same undercurrent as all Ferocious Dog albums, it is faster, more rocky and a closer reflection of our live shows. It has been a great venture all working together on this album amidst all the shows and tours.” 

Thought provoking and politically charged, Ferocious Dog seem to have the knack of evolving their dynamic and eclectic music, without losing any of the sound or attitude that made you fall in love with them in the first place. 

To pre–order Kleptocracy go to: https://linktr.ee/FerociousDog

To celebrate the release of Kleptocracy, Ferocious Dog have announced 14 headline shows and two festival appearances; Stone Valley South and the Bearded Theory. The Kleptocracy tour starts on May 17th  at the legendary 100 Club in London, includes the Nottingham Rock City on 18th  May, before concluding at the Blackpool Tower on 9th  June. 

“These performances aren’t just about the music; they’re a rallying cry for change, a space to unite and amplify voices against corruption and injustice.” 

Tickets for the tour  can be ordered here: https://ferocious-dog.co.uk/live-events/

Ferocious Dog 2024 Kelptrocarcy tour dates:

May 

Fri 17th 100 Club  London 

Sat 18th Rock City  Nottingham 

Sun  19th The Globe  Cardiff

Mon 20th Phoenix  Exeter

Tue 21st Chalk  Brighton  

Wed 22ndBooking Hall Dover

Thu 23rd Mash  Cambridge

Fri 24th Nightrain  Bradford 

Sat  25th Stone Valley South Hertfordshire

Sun 26th Bearded Theory  Derbyshire  

Fri 31st MK11 Milton Keynes 

June

Sat 1st Guildhall  Gloucester

Sun 2nd The Drill Lincoln

Fri  7th The Georgian Theatre  Stockton-on-tees 

Sat 8th Old Fire Station Carlisle

Sun  9th Blackpool Tower Blackpool 

The Boatsmen become impatient – ‘Why Wait’

The Boatsmen become impatient – ‘Why Wait’

Those shirtless Swedish sailors, The Boatsmen, are back with the first single from their fifth, and perhaps greatest, album “Hard Livin’”.  Slated to be released on the 29th of December this year, we wanted to give you a taste of what The Boatsmen have cooking.  It’s less than three minutes, you have three minutes.  Why wait, go give it a listen!

“Hard Livin’” will be available on vinyl and on all major streaming/download services on December 29, 2023.  Available in North America from Spaghetty Town Records. In Europe from Ghost Highway Recordings or from The Boatsmen.

The Boatsmen links


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SpaghettyTown@gmail.com

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J Mascis – ‘Set Me Down’ video

J Mascis – ‘Set Me Down’ video

FROM NEW ALBUM 
WHAT DO WE DO NOW
OUT FEB 2nd ON SUB POP

PRE-ORDER

musical virtuoso J Mascis releases ‘Set Me Down’, the beguiling and electrifying new single from his forthcoming album What Do We Do Now which will be released worldwide via Sub Pop Records on February 2nd. 

Recorded at his studio Bisquiteen in Western Massachusetts, What Do We Do Now is J’s first solo album that features full drum and electric leads, although the rhythm parts are still all acoustic. It features a host of guest musicians including including Western Mass local Ken Mauri of The B-52s on keys and Ontario-based polymath Matthew “Doc” Dunn on steel guitar.

‘Set Me Down’ follows on from the record’s lead single, ‘Can’t Believe We’re Here‘, which features appearances from J and a few of his friends and foes. The video was edited by Adam Bale at Ballad Pictures.


J has scheduled two solo headline shows for 2024 in Australia, which coincidentally happens during a run with his other band, Dinosaur Jr. The dates include Sydney’s Liberty Hall on Tuesday, February 20th, and in Brisbane at The Triffid on Saturday, February 24th. Additional solo dates will be announced soon.
 
Mascis is currently on the road with Dinosaur Jr., who are touring to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their sixth studio album, Where You Been.

What Do We Do Now is the fifth solo studio LP recorded by J Mascis since 1996. This is obviously not a very aggressive release schedule, but when you figure in the live albums, guest spots, and records done with his various other bands (Dinosaur Jr., The Fog, Heavy Blanket, Witch, Sweet Apple, and so on), well, to paraphrase Lou Reed, “J’s week beats your year.”

What Do We Do Now began to come together during the waning days of the pandemic. Utilizing his own Bisquiteen Studio, J started working on writing a series of tunes on acoustic with a different dynamic than the stuff he creates for Dino. “When I’m writing for the band,” he says, “I’m always trying to think of doing things Lou and Murph would fit into. For myself, I’m thinking more about what I can do with just an acoustic guitar, even for the leads. Of course, this time, I added full drums and electric leads, although the rhythm parts are still all acoustic. Usually, I try to do the solo stuff more simply so I can play it by myself, but I really wanted to add the drums. Once that started, everything else just fell into place. So it ended up sounding a lot more like a band record. I dunno why I did that exactly, but it’s just what happened.”

Two guest musicians are playing this time out; Western Mass local Ken Mauri (of The B-52s) plays piano on several tracks. Since J himself has some experience with keys, when asked why he needed a hired gun, he says, “Ken is great, and he plays all the keys. I tried playing some keyboards on the first Fog album, but I’m really only comfortable playing the white notes, so it’s kind of limiting. [laughs] Nowadays, I could just turn the pitch on a mini Mellotron to play different sounds, but black keys just seem hard. For whatever reason, I just like banging on the white ones. Seems like it’s harder to figure out how to stretch your fingers around the other ones.”
 
Mauri has no such qualms and plays all the keys very damn well. He sounds especially great on ‘I Can’t Find You,’ where he is Jack Nitzsche to J’s Neil Young, creating one of the album’s loveliest tunes. The other guest musician, Matthew “Doc” Dunn, is also prominent on this track. Dunn’s steel guitar manages to both widen and soften the musical edges of the music, giving it a full classicist profile. Dunn is an Ontario-based polymath who J met through Matt Valentine. After J played on Doc’s great 2022 Sub Pop single, ‘Your Feel,’ he figured it was time for payback. Both Dunn and Mauri add beautifully to the songs here, helping to transform them from acoustic sketches into full-blown post-core power ballads.

What Do We Do Now is the finest set of solo tunes J has yet penned, and the way they’re presented is just about perfect. Asked if he would be touring to support the album, J says he’ll be doing some weekend dates, but he probably won’t be putting a band together. And I’m sure these songs will sound great solo and acoustic, but the arrangements on this album are truly great and put a cool, different spin on Mascis’ instantly recognizable approach to making music.

So, what do we do now? Not sure. But apparently, what J does is to make one of his most killer records ever. Hats off to him.

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Brad Marino – ‘Grin And Bear It’ (Sioux Records/Rum Bar Records)

Brad Marino – ‘Grin And Bear It’ (Sioux Records/Rum Bar Records)

Hot on the heels of last year’s Ramones tribute, ‘Basement Beat’, Brad Marino returns with 10 new songs that, ideally, would have been the soundtrack to this summer. Still, it’s a welcome return, and I can almost remember what the sun looks like whilst listening to another top notch collection of tunes.

Whether it’s the Slade-tinged title track, or the slide infused ‘Up And Up’, this is poptastic stuff. Crafting great power pop isn’t easy, but Brad has a knack with it, and none is finer than ‘Hung Up’, with its Rickenbacker-friendly melody. You’ll be “ooh”ing along in no time, perhaps due to it being one of two collaborations with Kurt Baker. They really are made for each other, musically speaking.

Just listen to this and ‘I’m Broke’ for the proof. Fingers crossed for a full album together, though they’re obviously both busy; Kurt’s ‘Rock N Roll Club’ being one of the best albums this year.

They both make it sound effortless, ‘(She’s) Doing Her Thing’ settles in your head like an old friend, in a Flamin’ Groovies style. ‘Lucy’ rattles by, complete with castanets, like Ramones on a sugar high. ‘Looking Then’ is worthy of Paul Collins, and Brad throws the kitchen sink at ‘Another Sad And Lonely Night’, but it pays off, with contributions from members of the “New England Mafia”, Joe Queer and Geoff Palmer.

It’s a no brainer, folks. If quality power pop is your bag, this needs to be in your collection. Big grins all round.

Sioux Records For Vinyl

Rum Bar Records for CD & Digital

Or Brad directy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette

Klark Kent – ‘Klark Kent’ (BMG)

Klark Kent – ‘Klark Kent’ (BMG)

The complete Klark Kent – eighteen tracks spread out over four sides of vinyl. Stewart Copeland taking over vocal duties on what is effectively a new wave, energetic romp through a whole bunch of tunes dating back to 1980 when these songs were first recorded. It was the first solo album (of sorts) for any of the Police. There is the bonus of some unearthed gems to fill out this collection that was pressed on Wax for RSD a while back but this is bigger and better.

Obviously, there is the punky side to Copeland’s work on a fairly hefty dose of his rhythmic new wave that his then-day job in the Police did to enormous levels. There is an exceptional level of musicianship and often a lot is going on throughout the records. But you do get a sense that Copeland had a lot of input into those Police records and his sense of melody is spot on quite often.

I quite like Copelands vocals and I know they can be a little thin at times but they work for the new wave style and songs like ‘Office Girls’ it suits as it does on the catchy ‘Too Kool For Kalypso’ whilst remembering this record, these songs are 40 years old.

Some of the record sounds dated, ‘Away From Home’ with its reggae roots shuffle but that also brings a particular charm with it that I found appealing. What They haven’t done is tamper with the recordings and given them a modern sheen or recording which would have killed any energy stone dead.

The single ‘Don’t Care’ has that time capsule vibe like classic Buzzcocks with the melodies and that’s what works here. A good song is a good song no matter the time or method of recording and Copeland’s rapid snare runs shine like a star. I also like his attitude that if you don’t like it you can suck his socks, so edgy.

The 18-track expanded album will be complemented by a bonus CD of Copeland’s Kent demos, released here for the very first time. But the one gripe I have with the vinyl isn’t the mission demo but the lack of liner notes, I’d love to know the boring details of who plays what where, and why that would have been nice. Oh, and a side note I’m always happy to admit I’m never keen on instrumentals and shy away from them but here I quite enjoyed checking them out and wasn’t tempted to skip not even once. Maybe I’m getting old or just growing up who knows? But one thing I do know is you should check out this record. Be it as a fan of the Police or a curious old new wave/pink rocker who always had a soft spot for the Police and those early records. This is an excellent accompaniment.

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Author: Dom Daley