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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy Here

Official Site  |  Instagram  |  Facebook

Rancid – ‘EP’ – ‘B Sides And C Sides’ (Epitaph Records)

Rancid – ‘EP’ – ‘B Sides And C Sides’ (Epitaph Records)

Rancid have released their debut self-titled EP on streaming services for the first time ever. Exclusively released on 7-inch vinyl back in 1992 on Lookout! Records, the inaugural Rancid EP is the band’s seminal five-track induction to punk rock that set the tone for a prolific and subversive thirty-plus year run.

Recently, Rancid’s B Sides and C Sides compilation of early works was also made available on streaming services as a collection for the first time. Originally released in 2007, the blistering 24-track set features songs that span 1992 to 2004. From the raging chest-beating punk rock anthems that are the band’s signature sound of ragged riffs and Matt’s thunderous flurry of bass notes, they don’t just thrash they also pull off a rather convincing gutsy Rock n Roll like on ‘Devils Dance’. Early Rancid were a breath of fresh air and continues to this day to deliver punk rock of the every highest standard. To think these songs didn’t even make the cut for LPs bu were rather kept for hardcore followers who collected singles and limited editions. Armstrong is and was a prolific writer and never let his standards drop be in Rancid or side projects or download only solo tracks but it’s rancid when he shone the most.

But hey why not wind back to the beginning and The Rancid EP with it gruff vocals and frantic drums, the avalanche of bass they had it all right from the off. The trademark street punk sound that they’ve honed and experimented with throughout the years always revisited their roots.

Formed in 1991 with founding members Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman (formerly of Operation Ivy), they brought Armstrong’s roommate, drummer Brett Reed along for the wild ride.

Having these early entries available on streaming platforms new fans can immerse themselves in those early recordings. the production might not be what they became but the songs are there and that intensity and energy is timeless. ensures that their legacy is even more accessible than ever before, allowing access for a new audience to experience the raw energy and rebellious spirit that has made Rancid a household name.

Throughout the last three decades, Rancid has remained fiercely independent, never losing their loyalty to their community or each other. Their music confronts political and social issues, while balancing personal tales of love, loss, and heartbreak with attitude. By carrying on the traditions and spirit of the original punk rock bands that came before, Rancid has become a legend and inspiration to punk bands that have come after.

Never afraid to stray from their punk roots the Ska flavours mashed with the rock n roll is here and songs like ‘Media Controller’ sit nicely alongside ‘I’m Not The Only One’ hit that EP up.

‘Killing Zone’. ‘Thats Entertainment’ and the thrash of ‘Sick Sick World’ are majestic and a band in full flight at the peak of their power a peak that must have lasted more than a decade (that’s no exaggeration) Now with more bang for your buck you also have ‘Blackliste’, ‘X Mas Eve’ and the succinct and beautiful ‘Fuck You’ Get on it now you won’t regret it if this has passed you by or if you was it streamed then go fill yer boots.

FOR MORE INFO ON RANCID VISIT: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

Author: Dom Daley

Rancid share debut 92 EP & B and C sides

Rancid share debut 92 EP & B and C sides

Rancid Share Debut 1992 Self-Titled EP

Available Digitally For The First Time

Bay Area punk legends Rancid have released their debut self-titled EP on streaming services for the first time ever. Exclusively released on 7-inch vinyl back in 1992 on Lookout! Records, the inaugural Rancid EP is the band’s seminal five-track induction to punk rock that set the tone for a prolific and subversive thirty-plus year run.

Recently, Rancid’s B Sides and C Sides compilation of early works was also made available on streaming services as a collection for the first time. Originally released in 2007, the blistering 24 track set features songs that span 1992 to 2004.

LISTEN TO THE RANCID EP HERE

LISTEN TO B SIDES AND C SIDES HERE

The Rancid EP’s gruff dueling vocals and pummeling drums, slick basslines and furious riffs were introductions to the trademark street punk sound that they’ve honed and experimented with throughout the years. Highlighting its weighty instrumentals, a Punk News review claims, “this EP is one speedy, angry and energetic recording with not one pause from the intensity.”

Formed in 1991 with founding members Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman (formerly of Operation Ivy), they brought Armstrong’s roommate, drummer Brett Reed along for the wild ride. After multiple attempts at trying to recapture the magic of Op Ivy’s brief but critical run, they caught a spark with Rancid and recorded their introduction just months into inception.

Spanning multiple generations of spirited, fist-in-the-air anthems, Rancid have clung tightly to their punk roots. Having these early entries available on streaming platforms ensures that their legacy is even more accessible than ever before, allowing access for a new audience to experience the raw energy and rebellious spirit that has made Rancid a household name.

Throughout the last three decades, Rancid has remained fiercely independent, never losing their loyalty to their community or each other. Their music confronts political and social issues, while balancing personal tales of love, loss, and heartbreak with attitude. By carrying on the traditions and spirit of the original punk rock bands that came before, Rancid has become a legend and inspiration to punk bands that have come after.

FOR MORE INFO ON RANCID VISIT:

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

Billy Liar – ‘Crisis Actor’ (Pirates Press Records)

Billy Liar – ‘Crisis Actor’ (Pirates Press Records)

If anyone deserved a break due to their hard work, high standards, and passion it was or should I say is Billy Liar. Signing to Pirates Press is proof that hard work can and will pay off – with a determination and unwavering belief in what he does is his just deserts. Billy has been gaining well-deserved praise from high places such as Tim Armstrong and we’ve always seen the talent and great songs he’s written and on ‘Crisis Actor’ he’s indeed taken it to the next level from the tub-thumping chest beating opener ‘Oblivion’ through the organ swirling rampant beast that is ‘Baltimore’ Billy has the sound that can and should break through big time Stateside. Its no accident Pirates Press recognised that talent and have released this new record.

Billy’s songs detail some outstanding storytelling, where every lyric has you hanging on his every breath its like turning the pages of a great book you simply can’t put down and you’re wondering where it’s heading next. The energy of ‘Negroni’ is superb (With added Frank Turner). The sound is arena-filling and also a breath of fresh air if you were in say the Black Heart in Camden watching him rip through these songs on his acoustic guitar it would still sound huge.

‘Phantom Limb’ is thunderous but then again the energy bursting through the speakers from the likes of ‘Osterich’ it’s no surprise to hear mr Frank Turner join Billy on this LP because I’m sure Turner will be looking over his shoulder at Liar as he steams up on the inside track. ‘Starlight On Main’ is more of the same but the highlight is ‘Cheyne Stoking’ with its chest-beating brilliance with a broken-hearted melody sung with vim and vigor Billy is stepping up here.

But hold on its not all thunder and attack there are also softer songs for tough guys like the jarring ‘Don’t Trust Anyone’ that wakes from its harsh abrasive into into a heaving monster. This is one of the finest half hours I’ve heard all year and the hoe down that is ‘Hogmanay’ if The Pogues had written never mind the bollocks and turned up the guitars instead of whistles. Simply a stunning record and one that should propel Billy Liar to being a household name in punk rock circles. Be it leading a raucous band or standing in the spotlight with just his acoustic guitar Billy Liar has hit paydirt with ‘Crisis Actor’ Man I thought ‘Some Legacy’ was good but this is on another level. Buy It!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Rancid – ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’ (Epitaph Records)

Rancid – ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’ (Epitaph Records)

Been living the dream for over a quarter of a century these Californians have been away for a while doing their own things from the Charger offerings from Matt to the various Lars projects as well as filling in on six-string duty at Oi! firms Last Resort and Tim has been doing everything from releasing a plethora of songs under his own steam to producing and everything in between it was heading into the territory of will they won’t they and had it been the latter that would have been a shame because Rancid has always been at their best when working as a collective be it the MTV big hits of ‘Wolves’ or the ska-influenced albums of ‘Life won’t Wait’ or the street punk anthems throughout their career Rancid as a band are an indomitable force and a top tier band absolutely no question about that. they’ve influenced a bazzillion bands along the way and always managed to turn in top records.

Signing with Epitaph Records, the band released their first album, “Rancid,” in 1993. Shortly thereafter, Lars Frederiksen (vocals, guitar) joined the band, The result, in 1994, was “Let’s Go.” maybe not the game changer quite yet but they were on their way and the seeds were sewn.

In 1995, Rancid released the classic platinum-selling “…And Out Come The Wolves.” You still remember when you first heard it or saw one of the videos on MTV. Some punks said it was selling out but what do they know. Its still a classic.

They followed it up with the unbelievably good and more ambitious “Life Won’t Wait” in 1998, and in 2000, Rancid released another album entitled “Rancid,” a step to the left and a ski to the right it was pure Rancid yet different from its predecessors.

After “Indestructible” in 2003, Branden Steineckert (drums) joined to solidify Rancid’s current line-up. They subsequently released the albums “Let The Dominos Fall” (2009), “Honor Is All We Know” (2014), and “Trouble Maker” (2017). Thats some CV right? Right!

Fast forward to 2023 and Rancid has matured into exactly what they’ve always been, trading vocals on the opening title track is a blast. Bristling with energy and thundering along with all the Rancid elements present and correct. Its like Motorhead on the solos thundering along with pace and energy a plenty welcome home Rancid we’ve missed you.

There isn’t any sitting back and coasting as ‘Mud, Blood and Gold’ is picking up the batton and galloping off into the sunset. All the songs are short, sharp and packing from the galloping ‘New American’ where Tim sounds like Shane McGowan on cheap amphetamins and even cheaper guitars licking the melody around the speakers.

There are sixteen bangers on offer here and pulling all their collective talents together must be quite the task but having had time away from the mothership has made them leaner and more focussed as ‘Don’t Mak Me Do It’ thunders along. ‘Live Forever’ is tapping into the Ramones part of the brain that genuine punks have at their disposal and Rancid do it very well thank you.

‘Magnificent Rogue’ has a little more of that Lemmy full pelt going on from the Bass rumble to the guitar lick. The fact there is no room at this particular inn for the band to change gears with a little reggae or some skanking ska is fine by me except to say that throughout sixteen songs it is relentless with no quarter given nor taking their collective foot off the gas for 99.9% of this record. Hopefully the next Rancid record wont be a decade away and they will unleash the full diversity of their songwriting there but until then the here and now is full tilt Rancid and that call for a toast – turn it up and play it loud this is Rancid putting on their shit kickers and kicking some shit. Bosh! Rancid are in the house and taking no prisoners.

Buy Here

Rancid – ‘Devil In Disguise’ Video

Rancid – ‘Devil In Disguise’ Video

Rancid deliver a warning to us all with new single and accompanying music video, “Devil In

Disguise.” Ahead of their new album ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’ out on June 2nd, they pair melodic riffs and a galloping rhythm with gruff sing-along vocals that carry a message of self-preservation.

At a whopping 850 million catalog streams to date, fans and critics alike seem to agree that Rancid’s brand of high-impact, no-frills punk still flows abundantly in their blood, while easily translating to a modern audience. Now embarking on their tenth full-length effort, this is evident throughout ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’. Produced by longtime collaborator, Brett Gurewitz, its sixteen blistering tracks barely make the two-and-a-half-minute mark, boasting the same gritty, straightforward punk-with-a-purpose that the world just can’t get enough of.

Rancid Tour Dates

6/2 – Rimini, Italy – Slam Dunk

6/3 – Ljubljana, Slovenia – Media Center Cvetlicarna *

6/4 – Linz, Austria – SBAM Festival

6/6 – Warsaw, Poland – Letnia Scena Progresji *

6/8 – Hyvinkaa, Finland – Rockfest

6/9 – Solvesborg, Sweden – Sweden Rock Festival

6/10 – Stockholm, Sweden – Annexet *

6/12 – Berlin, Germany- Columbiahalle *

6/13 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Schlachthof *

6/15 – Vitoria, Spain – Azkena Rock

6/16 – Clisson, France – Hellfest

6/17 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop

6/20 – London, UK – OVO Arena Wembley**

6/21 – Manchester, UK – O2 Victoria Warehouse *

6/23 – Ysselsteyn, Netherlands – Jera On Air Festival

6/24 – Munster, Germany – Vainstream Rockfest

6/25 – Tabor, Czech Republic – Mighty Sounds Festival

* w/ The Bronx, Grade 2
** w/The Bronx, Grade 2 & The Skints

FOR MORE INFO ON RANCID VISIT:

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

The Mighty Mighty BosstoneS – ‘When God Was Great’ (Hellcat Records)

The Mighty Mighty BosstoneS – ‘When God Was Great’ (Hellcat Records)

I’ll confess right from the off and admit I’ve been a casual listener of Boss ToneS over the years sure they’ve made some great records but I always had other bands who I thought did it better or more consistently that would be fairer to say.  When this album dropped it was the sunniest day of the year I’d been couped up for months with this pandemic so I went on my daily walk and put it on the walkman and BANG! it hit me hard and I was skanking in no time with a smile wider than kid creoles brim hat.  Man, this album is like a ray of sunshine and such a feel-good record and it just connected with me from the opening skank blast of ‘Decide’ right through the tootin’ of ‘Don’t Believe In Anything’ to the gang choruses that make you want to join in no matter where you are its just such a great record.

 

Sure these cats know their field and are masters at their craft.  They manage to mix styles throughout without seams from the lap steel and horns blasting out the melancholy on ‘Certain Things’ with the lyrics sitting front and center the albums had me thinking and not just getting lost in the music either.  What a gift.

 

‘Lonely Boy’ is like the sound of waves lapping your feet whilst the tide drifts in whist in contrast the more edgy ‘The Killing Of Georgie (Part iii)’ is like a big band going rogue.  The title track is piano-led glancing over your shoulder kinda stuff but it’s with a smile and a mellow intake of breath – reminiscing is cool and makes the heart beat faster in a good way. The album does go a little easy listening for a couple of tracks but don’t let that distract you,  the overall feel is good, possitive, up and on point.

 

The album closes with a seven-plus minute epic story ‘The Final Parade’ and it encapsulates all that’s good about this record as it waves its magic into your ear and reaches its final destination of your heart.  BossToneS magic that is right there.  Check it out for yourself if you don’t believe me I believe in something, the power of good music.

Buy ‘When God Was Great’ Here

 

Author: Dom Daley

 

 

RANCID Skeletim V2 Limited Edition Throbblehead & HR Bad Brain is back

RANCID Skeletim V2 Limited Edition Throbblehead & HR Bad Brain is back

We love pop culture here at RPM so why wouldn’t we be all over this bad boy.

SHIPPING NOW – ORDER HERE
Limited to 1000 hand-numbered figures
RANCID’s first “Skeletim” Throbblehead was such a hit, they asked them to make another one!
This version is limited to just 1000 hand-numbered units, stands at 7″ tall, and is made of a high quality polyresin.
Skeletim is rocking a studded denim jacket, black docs with white laces, and a lime green mohawk.
Whilst were on the subject of statues HR of Bad Brains is back!  ORDER HERE
 
The return of a classic from PressPop (Japan), this officially licensed figure of H.R. is made with PVC and ABS and has articulation in the neck. His shirt and pants are made from fabric. Designed by Sof’boy comic creator, Archer Prewitt. Comes in beautifully designed large box packaging. Sculpted by Japanese master sculptor, Tomohiro Yasui.

RPM Online at the movies – Pick It Up! – Ska In The ’90s

RPM Online at the movies – Pick It Up! – Ska In The ’90s

When does a genre of music become overground?  How many records do you need to sell to stop being underground?  All questions plenty of genres deal with day in day out and year in year out.  From the origins of Ska to today there have always been plenty of bands skanking it out.  Politics or just goofy misfits acting out Ska covered it all.

‘Pick It Up! Ska In The 90s’ just about covers a whole scene with the movers and shakers playing their part and covering the story in detail.  A thoroughly enjoyable movie that gives the back story and takes on all comers using the people who were in the trenches from Tim Armstrong narrating to No Doubt being included along side the big players from The Specials to Operation Ivy to Reel Big Fish and Blink 182 right up to today’s players like Aimee Interrupter.

Focusing on the 90s explosion this film is a great two hours of musical education thats a comprehensive coverage.  Regardless of if you like or love or can’t get into it at all its a really engaging flick. I particularly like how fondly and honestly the main players talk about the scene.  When it went from the top of the scene right back down to going underground its a great story and the flow is really good.

As far as music films go its watchable and informative cramming a hell of a lot of detail into just over an hour and a half its great to see the likes of Roddy Radiator getting screen time to tell his story alongside how No Doubt broke out they give props to the likes of Operation Ivy through to Rancid and their contribution.  who knew Goldfinger played 385 shows in a single year! Amazing stuff.

Someone describes it as like a pendulum swing and I like that because its spot on from grunge to ska punk to nu metal back to rock to indie and back round again.  the endurance of some of the bands like The Slackers and Rancid has no doubt helped bands like The Interrupters and Bar Stool Preachers who are coming through and will be the next generation to challenge the BossTones and thats cool and as it should be and to see The Specials and Neville Staples filling halls in 2019 is awesome.

Check this film out its like a ray of sunshine in dark times and the soundtrack is really really good. Put on your pork pie hat and get skanking you know you want to.

Website

Charger – Charger (Pirates Press Records)

Charger – Charger (Pirates Press Records)

Out and out heavy fucking metal. No bullshit, no fuckin’ around just heads down Hard rockin’ noise in the tradition of heavyweights Motorhead and early Sabbath. But and that’s a big but this is the creation of a pair of punks.  Released early summer this seven-track slab of vinyl is an absolute blast.  From The opener ‘Crackdown’ to the final distorted fade out of ‘Dragdown’, this is something of a throwback and the best old school heavy metal, hard-rockin’ record you’ll hear in a while.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Satanic Overlords album that breathed new life into a tired and on its knees genre of music and like London busses as soon as one arrives another isn’t far behind and thankfully Charger don’t so much as open the door and walk through they blow it clean off the hinges. I guess having their “day Jobs” in other bands its a chance for them to just do something for pure enjoyment without too much pressure for it to be something to make ends meet and the fact they set it all up to have fun and enjoy the songs it shines through in the record that they love turning things up and just making an absolute racket because they love it and nothing else like I said no bullshit and nobody to please except themselves.

Like a Charger ‘Crackdown’ is a muscle car with plenty of punch don’t get in the way or you’ll get mowed down its got the hammer down on the drums and that Freeman bass rattle is a killer combination. sure its got plenty of Motorhead happening but it’s just picked up the torch and is traveling at speed with it. the playing as you can imagine is exceptional you can raise the horns kids as this is how to play heavy metal.

Its not about playing a varied assault on the genre remember it started as some fun between mates but I suspect once the music took hold they were breathing fire and wearing spandex with their gauntlets and denim cut-offs.  ‘Victim’ rattles along with some great interplay between bass and the guitar as they reach the chorus.  unlike a lot of their peers in this genre this trio don’t let any tune overstay its welcome and as soon as Freeman has finished his bass workout on ‘Damage’ and the Sabbath wave washes over us all the albums longest song clocks in at a progressive sub four minutes.

Pedal to the metal for ‘All Kings Must Die’ that get turned up a notch or two as we ‘Pray For Light’ as we head into the home straight theres still time for some fist-pumping as ‘Fall Out’ is like a tribute to Neat records wrapped up a West Coast minute. It’s almost a pity that Sounds magazine isn’t still with us to report on this one but a top tune all the same.

To finish I did wonder if there would be a little bit of Maiden happening and ‘Dragdown’ is it.  With a tip of the hat to DiAnno era Maiden Charger know what to do and with a familiar gallop it’s like Burr, Stratton and DiAnno have found their spiritual brother in 2019.

What a refreshing take on a tired genre Charger is a blast, a kick up the backside, twenty minutes of unbridled fun so strap on the bullet belts and let’s get ready to Rock!

Buy Charger Here

Author: Dom Daley