Former NY Loose frontwoman Brijitte West returns with a brand-new album, Brijitte West and the Greenowskis.
Recorded in Italy with an all-Italian band, notably Wilko Zanni, guitarist and singer with Italian rock institution Rats, and Lester Greenowski, Italian singer, songwriter and bassist, the album features 14 tracks, including 12 new songs, a cover of the Dead Boys, All This and More, and an acoustic version of an NY Loose deep cut, The Luckiest Girl.
Brijitte West says, “A lot of people think of me as an omniscient character – I’m sort of there, but I’m not there. This new album, and particularly the single Doin’ Alright, is me saying: I’m still here, I’m still rocking. I’m still turning up the mains and breaking free from the chains that held me down.”
West first made her mark in New York’s Lower East Side, drawing on the explosive musical aesthetics of the Ramones, the Stooges and the wider New York punk scene. NY Loose developed a sound and persona that fused garage rock and punk with a glamorous edge, finding a loyal following among punk, glam and rock ’n’ roll fans that remains strong today.
Highlights of the new record include a track inspired by those early years: My Lower East Side is a vivid recollection of the gritty NY club scene, the excitement and the relentless competition between bands. Brijitte says, “There were poster wars. We would have to hit the streets at 3 a.m. because you had to be the last one to put your poster up, otherwise it would be covered over by other bands. We spent what money we had on rehearsal spaces and instruments, so I remember our shoes being held together with duct tape.”
West turns inward with Sorry I’ve Been a Stranger, a song about reconnecting with someone who once meant a great deal to her after years apart. On Don’t Hurt Yourself, she tackles the difficult subject of self-harm: “It’s a terrible illness that doesn’t get talked about enough – and one that affected someone very close to me, so it was a topic I really wanted to write a song about.”
The album closes with Nobody Won and The Luckiest Girl. Nobody Won looks back at the difficult final years of NY Loose, the tensions within the band and the brutal reality of the music business. West says, “It’s about how things were not working for us. It resulted in no one doing anything for a very long time because we were battle-scarred from everything. There was no prize.”
But for Brijitte, rock ’n’ roll will always be in her blood. Her lyrics remain a form of self-therapy and a defining strength, balancing sass and swagger with vulnerability.
Brijitte says, “In a lot of ways, I feel this is the best album I have ever made. It feels like the NY Loose album that never was, yet a seamless collaboration with the best band I have ever worked with.”
Brijitte West and the Greenowskis are:
Brijitte West - Lead Vocals Wilko Zanni – Guitars, Vocals, Percussions Lorenzo Vacondio – Guitars, Vocals Lester Greenowski – Bass, Vocals, Piano, Lead Vocals On Brutta Bimba Bella Davide Furlani – Drums Nino – Pedals and Noise
Now there’s a blast from the past, the God damn Motherfuckin Kowalskis are in the house! Rum Bar Records have the wonderful nowse to release an expanded retro ride from The Kowalskis in the shape of ’30 Years Of Goofballs’. I came across Kitty Kowalski many moons ago as part of the NYC punk n roll scene and her name was always linked with the likes of the continental and Coney Island High and of course for releasing some fantastic punk rock n roll music. The music is a simple enough idea of no nonsense rock n roll played on 11 whilst chewing out the rhythm on your bubblegum. You know the drill a steady diet of D Gen, The Ramones and all other good ole Noo Yawk DNA. ‘First Date’ is the first war cry on this epic 25 track release and what a joyful rock n rolla coaster ride. Melodies and hooks galore from the mid 90s still sound as fresh as an ice cold beer and twice the fun. ‘Depression Overdrive’, ‘Sunny Sunday Hangover’, ‘Meanest Guy’ are all accounted for and led from the front by Kitty and her sugar sweet vocals and bad girl riffola. ‘Detroit 442’ hangs a cool tail on what paved the way for female fronted sleazy punk n roll outta the big apple.
That debut album still sounds vital and packed with top tunes but its the inclusion on this retrospective of the unreleased material, all re-mastered. ‘Who doesn’t love the song for Dee Dee Ramone titled ‘Oh Dee Dee’ if it doesn’t touch your heart then you don’t have one and you can’t be friends with me. Exactly how a retro release should be constructed. It’s lovingly put together and shows what passion and a talent for writing songs can do. Its a blast of summer sunshine in a time when joy and blissful rock n roll is much needed. Hell, their take on the Dolls ‘Human Being’ is a blast and exactly how its meant to be done, sleazy and dripping with attitude, these cats just get it.
Buy this album and turn it up and if this your first date with Kitty and the gang then your welcome if you’ve been here before and this is a welcome reminder how bloody good The Kowalskis were then you’re also welcome. Lets sit around the pool crack open some beers and turn up the stereo and lets get this party started, when The Kowalskis say ‘100% Fun’ they bloody well mean it so lets go, the Kowalskis are in da house! Power Poppin punk rock at its finest.
It’s been a while since we last reviewed a Rum Bar Records release, but All the Madmen simply couldn’t be ignored. encompassing a huge catalogue on one release (almost 40), when the virtual needle dropped on the magnificent Bowie Glam stomping ‘So Many Times’, I was transfixed. With a great mix, it was cancel everything I’m all in on the Madmen for the time being.
Vibrant, punchy, paying homage to an era of discovery and wonderment, yet keeping it real and relevant the songs popped and jumped out of my speakers with a joy of life and grabbed my undivided attention like all good records.
All The Madmen complete retrospective encompassing 3 full-length album releases: Ordinary Life / Twinstar Radio / Teenage American Style
If you love an artist and they have a profound impact on how you deliver your music, then why the hell not embrace it, Don’t spend your short time on this spinning rock denouncing or denying, embrace it and run with it – see where it takes you. Obviously don’t rip ’em off for parodying them, but emulate and be inspired, that’s always cool and that’s what is happening here. There is no avoiding the fact that singer Glen Meredith is a fan and shapes how he delivers the vocals, but there’s more to it than that; he’s not mimicking, he’s being himself. When the band get locked into the music, it’s a beautiful thing, all the glitzed-up sleaze of it.
There’s a hard edge going on, but also a keen eye on the pop melodies and mass appeal, which isn’t a bad thing. Sure, there’s a lot of material to get through, but it can also be indulged in manageable chunks. Some of the highlights would be the softer moments like ‘Teenage American Style’ and the anthemic ‘Ordinary Life’. Music is there to be enjoyed, and All The Madmen got the memo and delivered a thoroughly enjoyable bunch of tunes. Go on, dive in, you’ll like what you hear.
This Episode of the Podcast begins with possibly the finest intro ever, the one used by The Ramones from The Good, the Bad, And The Ugly. Then, we delve into another bumper episode of rock’ n roll. Infamous Stiffs kick off with their new single, ‘No Static,’ out on Golden Robot Records.
Tip of the hat to Da Bruders from Taste Testors with the happy and sprightly ‘Don’t Fall In Love With Me’ quickly followed by the majestic tones of Cyanide Pills who just happen to be Yorkshires finest and a band who certainly don’t get the recognition they deserve for serving up album after album of top quality punk rock n roll.
Before we drop The Nasty Rumours track from the EP ‘Bury Me In My Leather Jacket’ we drop the epic Dictators and the classic title track from ‘DFFD’ ‘Who Will Save Rock And Roll’
Neurotic Outsiders have their one and only album out on Vinyl for RSD 2025 so why not play the epic opener ‘Nasty Ho’.
We don’t feature too much Fuzzed out Stoner Rock Infused Rock but Caboose hit the mat of RPM Online HQ. Think Dessert Rock think Hellacopters think Wah Wah and trucker caps and wonderful drawing artwork of hotrods and the such like.
From the mean streets of New York City The Men release ‘Buyer Beware’ on Fuzz Club so what better time than to play the opening track off the album from this New York bunch of rockers ‘Pony’ it’s anything but. We love ourselves some swampy Urban Voodoo Machine style Rock tapping into the darker side of Rock n Roll owned by the likes of The Cramps and Gun Club so when we heard Sloks and their album ‘Viper we had to offer you ‘Do The Slok’ and swampy rock n roll banger I’m sure you’ll agree.
A band we’ve long since banged on about – Ravagers have a brand new album on the way ‘On The Loose’ released on Wanda In Europe and Spaghetty Town in The USA it features a track ‘Dogs’ which came out this past week so get an ear full of this and place a pre order and if yo happen to be in Mainland Europe you can catch them live as they visit in a few short months and have also been added to Michael Monroe when he hit the States Would be awesome if they had the whole tour but it might just be a one shot date.
Heading back to the UK for one of the finest bands currently treading the boards and making fine records, Continental Lovers released their debut album and seven-inch single which we played a few Episodes ago so we bring you the other track on the 7″ ‘Wedding Song’ awesome band and album and one we highly recommend.
Next is our Connections and Three interlinked tracks firstly New York Dolls released their third album in 2006 that featured Steve Conte and Sami Yaffa as well as Sylvain Sylvain and of course, David Johansen and the opening track was the rather splendid ‘We’re All In Love’ followed by ‘Taxi Driver’ courtesy of Hanoi Rocks then finally Teenage Fanclub with their take on ‘Personality Crisis’. We dedicate these connections to David Johansen who went public with his health issues this past week. You can donate at Sweet Relief or buy one of their rather fetching David J T-Shirts Here
Rum Bar Records consistently churns out good records and CDs and always lets a little ray of sunshine through the often murky waters we sail in and this offering is no exception. 20th Century Boys have a track entitled ‘Suzy’ released on the label and a new band on us so we thought we’d share it with you.
Hastings is the place and Haest released a new track on TNS Records ‘Did They Ever Find Out Who Let The Dogs Out’ and what a heart warming slice of punk rock this is too. Awesome song and another awesome label knocking out music for the underground but God knows why these bands are not household names.
Punk Rockers The Pegs from the West Coast have a track called ‘Nature Wants Us Dead’ which fits in with this fine episode .
Nottingham’s finest TV Crime have been quiet for a while but returned on Valentine’s Day with something of a Rock n Roll love letter to anyone who has a heart which is us so it was a no-brainer that it goes in this week’s playlist and what a fine slab of music it is too.
Soul Asylum had a short visit to these shores recently so we’ve been playing them at HQ for a while and whilst looking through the songs I have on the big computer I came across this banger from a while back when they did a rather good take of the DKs classic ‘Nazi Punks Fuck Off’.
The most excellent Speedways have released a digital single and Matt was kind enough to send this slice of New Wave, Power Pop perfection for our perusal and boy what an earworm this one is. Infectious Rock n Roll of the highest order and to think Matt and Joe from Continental Lovers used to do this together in The Breakdowns who also had a record released by Rum Bar Records. What a small world it is but I wouldn’t like to paint it.
The penultimate track this week had to be the closing track off the brand new album from Australians Punter and ‘It Ain’t Pretty’ should be on everyone’s want list. A stonking track of hardcore Australian punk with added saxophone (of course it has) if you haven’t already got your hands on this one then don’t waste time you’ll regret it.
To wind up the Episode we bring you the brand new track from Black Spiders ‘Never Enough’ from the album ‘Cvrses’. This brings Episode 58 to an end and once again I don’t think it’s being to big-headed but an absolute avalanche of top tuneage once again from all corners of the globe. Bringing great music to the masses call it a community service because it’s a crime that more people don’t tune in and love these bands like we do. Same place next week? With another show bursting with new songs and some olden but golden bangers. Thanks for joining us on this journey ta ta for now.
The sun is out the sky is blue and the tunes keep spinning in the pumphouse. Today kicks off with a slice of 70s Derry and those snorkel parkered, Doc Martin wearing oiks The Undertones announce that ‘Here Comes The Summer’ their 4th single off that classic debut record.
New bands are coming through and South Wales is showing signs of leading the way. Baby Schillachi are at the sharp end and they have a brand new song out for the summer ‘tHe AnTi suNcrEAM’ Check this bad boy out or we’re sending Hotshot round to torture you.
Chris wedged the classic ‘Hoover Dam’ from Sugar into this week’s show and it’s a timeless classic that’s most welcome anytime.
We’ve championed the work of Jesse Malin over and over and brought you updates on his health issues and we are delighted to see he’s returning to the stage later this year for a special show in NYC. After the recent release of the live album, there is a triple album heading for release in the near future where some huge artists cover Jesse’s music from D Generation to his solo work and Bruce Springsteen to Tommy Stinson. Lucinda Williams to Billie Joe Armstrong and Rancid all play their part so we’re delighted to play ‘Black Haired Girl’ from Glitter In The Gutter as performed superbly by Billie Joe. Pre Order that album Here
Another Rum Bar coming in hot is the album from Joe Jennings MVPs and from this single ‘Doin Time On The Company Dime’ it promises to be a belter of a record and we can’t wait to play more. such a talent it’s great to see Joe team up with Rum Bar – cheers!
With his brand new video out this week Rich Ragany continues to evolve his music and the people he plays with from the core of Good Guys he has surrounded himself with he continues to turn out great music whatever the style. ‘Sierra Bonita’ is the latest laid-back offering from Rags. Head over Here for his latest music and first Solo album ‘You Can Get Dark With Me’.
Scandinavia has always delivered great Rock music and this episode we are happy to bang out something from the Hellacopters and The Flaming Sideburns back to back both bands having something of a renaissance in recent years and delivering fantastic comeback albums.
Repeat Records are causing a bit of a stir at the moment with some recent compilation albums that have the cream of the crop delivering excellent alternative music and we’re happy to play our part with ‘Supercharger’ from The Saffs. The Yum Yums are up next with a slice of summer power pop ‘Poppin Up Again’. The final Rum Bar offering is Duck and Cover with ‘Help Myself’ before we finish with an absolute banger off that new Hip Priests EP ‘Home Is Where The HAte Is’ with their finger on the pulse and the UK heading to hell on a hand cart it seems wholly appropriate for this to close out the show this week. Help us out by liking and sharing on social media and keep tuning in. Diolch people
Those Bosstown Garage Punk legends are still at it writing and recording brand new music and releases. The Dogmatics will have a proper full new release out in 2024 and to whet our fans appetites until then and to also provide new music while “The Dogmatics: A Dogumentary” continues being added to film festivals across the globe we will be dropping a brand new digital single release t coincide with A Dogumentary screening at the Orlando Film Festival: https://www.offvirtual.com/films
Heres an audio visual exclusive for you from the good folks at Rum Bar Records.
Check out the trailer from their barking mad movie
RPM Online is super stoked to be asked to be the first to air the video for ‘City’ by Long Beach Band The Legendary Swagger. Suitably dripping with Rock n Roll attitude and hanging on a cool punk n roll vibe ‘City’ is catchy and anthemic. Hit em up on Facebook Here
Taken from the album Gypsies, Junkies and Thieves released in 2022 on vinyl by PMRC, and on CD by Rum Bar Records.
Head over to Rum Bar Records Bandcamp page and check out The Legendary Swagger along with a host of other cool bands like RPM Online favourites Richard Duguay, The Dogmatics, Brad Marino and JJ & The Real Jerks who’ve just released their first record on Rum Bar. Rum Bar Records Bandcamp Page Anyway, here is the video so hit it up and turn it up! Like Share Follow. keep it RPM Online
Honest blue-collar rock n roll written and played from the heart with passion and as much gusto as you could muster, that would be my assumption of the Legendary Swagger that features Geoff Yeaton on Vocals & Honking Saxophone, Skot Pollok on six sring Guitars, Joe Jennings also on Guitars and Vocals. Dino Everett thumping the Bass and Vocals and finally Richie Mendez on the Drums, so it’s no shock that this has quality running through its veins from a beating heart of true Punk n Roll quality.
Take ‘She’ with its horn-honking slice of Rock and Roll it’s like the best of the E Street band and a dash of California for good measure. Saxophone in this punk rocking swagger is such an underrated addition to the rich tapestry of Rock n Roll from Hanoi rocks to JJ & The Real Jerks, Springsteen, Jesse Malin and X Ray Spex they all have something Xtra in their DNA that adds swing and this record has got that.
‘I’m On The Outside’ has a strong melody and cool chorus with its Social Distortion swagger from those chunky riffs to the gravel in the vocals – its rich and full bodies. ‘City’ has got that Steve Jones overdrive going on and with some familiar licks it’s such a cool song. It may lack originality but who gives a shiny shit when it’s got the tone and drive and your toes are tappin’ it’s job done for me. This is quality from a band of seasoned pros who know their way around a top tune and this is oozing quality all over the damn record.
Listen, if it’s on Rum Bar then odds on its going to be quality and I’d take that to the bank. The tunes just keep on coming as ‘Convicted’ crashes and bangs into ‘City’ the quality is plateauing out with a solid groove and some fantastic arrangements as this Rock n Roll keeps giving. It’s hard to come up with superlatives that do justice to a record but the quality is in the name of this one the legends have got a tonne of swagger and it’s banger after banger be it just punching out a rocker or giving it some swing The Legendary Swagger has it going on baby and I love it!
I love the acoustic sunshine of ‘Circles’ with its laid-back groove it rolls along towards that inevitable gang vocal chorus that has you smiling because you know this is damn good. There are chops on ‘Beautiful Disaster’ that travel the world and back it’ll get its hooks in and you’ll be craving some more of this it’s addictive rock n fuckin roll that’s for sure.
An album that might go under the radar but one I stress you should check out and play loud – it’ll iknock you off your socks and one you can thank me later for introducing you to – Buy It & tell yer mates.
WE’ve been big fans and supporters of Rum Bar for as long as we can remember and their ability to keep churning out quality releases is a breath of fresh air. Their passion and quality is their seal of approval and one of their best bands just happens to be Cheap Cassettes. This is a new video taken from their brand new album available Here
Black Bombers – ‘Last Bite’ (Easy Action) there is an air of confidence and an overwhelming sense of quality when the guitar chimes in on this new single from Birmingham’s finest. Channeling the spirit of Stivs Lords and the cool of Killing Joke with its howling guitars and haunting rhythm it’s a smoldering smokestack of a tune and as it reaches the guitar solo, it gives you goosebumps as the band reaches the climax before dropping back into the groove on what is a most excellent single. It’s taken a while to reach your turntables due to covid but this one has had a couple of years to ferment into this beast of noise. Flip it over and you get treated to a rather splendid version of ‘Take My Money’ from the Damned criminally overlooked second album ‘Music For Pleasure’. What a killer tune ‘Last Bite’ is and thats why its the pick of the pops for the month no question about it! Cool tunes and cool artwork – if only all 7″ singles were this good. Buy Here
Buzzcocks – ‘Senses Out Of Control’ (Cherry Red Records) The songs to emerge from the post-Shelley Buzzcocks are creeping out after the covid hibernation and ‘Senses Out Of Control’ is a lovely slice of Diggle fire and brimstone. Uptempo and out of control as Diggle fires up the telecaster and smashes the chords out of the speakers for what is your typical Diggle Buzzers tune (effectively) I’m not going to debate the should it be released under the Buzzcocks banner or not but I will say it pretty bloody decent to be fair. Live it will sound punchy and brutal but there is a huge Shelley-shaped hole happening. The B sides to this lovely 10″ record also feature the tracks ‘Carnival Of Illusion’ that tackles cancel culture in a more measured track. But the diamond in the rough here is the excellent ‘Hope Heaven Loves You’ with a great meandering guitar line. Sure to become a collector’s piece these two tracks won’t be on the album when it’s released this summer so fill yer boots. Buy Here
Suzi Moon – ‘Animal’ (Pirates Press Records) Hot on the heels of her debut EP Suzi Moon unleashes ‘Animal’ her latest EP on Pirates PRess and this time it rips out of the blocks with the super turbocharged ‘Sonic Attraction’. Her debut album ‘Dumb & In Luv’ is due this summer and if this trio of tunes is anything to go by then it’s going to be an absolute blast. the title track is a brooding, twisting, rhythm meandering along before the guitars crash in on the chorus when Moon declares she’s a fucking animal you better believe it. To wrap up this EP Moon indulges some power pop tinged punk rock on ‘Gold Record Autograph’ its another string to her bow. With a vibrant melody, the chorus is fuckin’ excellent and like a bubble gummed chorus Moon knows shes is onto something, and surely it’s only a matter of time before she sells out venues globally and she’ll have her very own Gold Record. Get it here
Flickertail – ‘Don’t You Let Me (Let You Down)‘ (Golden Robot Records) Irish Aussie rockers FLICKERTAIL release new single ‘Don’t You Let Me (Let You Down’ on 29th March, out on Golden Robot Records. liftedfrom the upcoming live EP ‘Afterlife‘, which is slated for release mid-year. The track features sizzling guitars, high-paced lyrics about parties and poor decisions and a balls-to-the-wall drum solo that could make John Bonham blush.Pre-order/add/save ‘Don’t You Let Me (Let You Down)’HERE
Chuck Norris Experiment – ‘Where Eagles Dare’ (Self Release) By no means a new tune but a new version from the mighty CNE as they lay into the Misfits classic. CNE gets the tempo and rawness of the song and capture it perfectly. Free Rock n Fucking Roll – yes please. Fill yer boots and if you already haven’t got yourself on board this is the perfect opportunity. Get it Here
WolfWolf & The Tuzemak Orchestra – ‘Monster’ (Lux Noise Records) For fans of the Bop n stroll Blues rock n roll of Urban Voodoo Machine, Wolf Wolf make an impressive mind-bending noise on this new single ‘Monster’ where they team up with The Tuzemak Orchestra: https://www.wolfwolfband.com
J Prozac – ‘Building Blocks’ (Rum Bar Records) Another band rolls off the Rum Bar conveyer belt and onto our stereos. This time its heart-worn sleeve heartland punk & garage rock from J Prozac. while still keeping the big hearted ‘whoa ohs’, snotty vocals and powerful punk rock guitar riffs of his former bands in check. It’s a memoir, diary, and photo book of lost but not forgotten moments, anthemic pop-punk lifted from the new album ‘Building Blocks’ is punk rock with a smile. Get the album Here
The Brokendolls – ‘The Only’ (Lux Noise Records) Lifted from the bands upcoming album ‘Snakecharmer’ Hard Rocking Punk N Roll sees the Brokendolls impress and march to the top of the pile giving the likes of Backyard Babies a run for their money with this new track. If the rest of the album can live up to these expectations then it promises to be a belter!
These Arms Are Snakes – ‘Camera Shy’ (Suicide Squeeze Records) US hardcore gents These Arms Are Snakes have announced a new rarities album called ‘Duct Tape & Shivering Crows’ which will be released April 15th so they have this video for the first single.
Ultrabomb – ‘Star’ (Ultrabomb Records) Greg Norton, once the driving force behind one of the most influential bands to emerge from the American punk scene, Hüsker Dü, alongside Finny McConnell, a name you’ll recognise from thirty years as the frontman of the Canadian Irish folk-punk sensation The Mahones. Completing the trio is the drumming powerhouse Jamie Oliver, having served well over fifteen years in the seminal British punk band UK Subs, as well as shorter stints with the likes of SNFU among others. Written for the singer’s daughter this is quality alternative punk rock. this second single has hints of Early Buffalo Tom and The Replacements which is always a good thing. With an album out soon the future looks written for Ultrabomb. Buy Here
Rough Gutts – ‘Control’ (Boss Tunage) From the ashes of Rotten Foxes Rough Gutts have only gone and made a record and if this video is anything to go by the Brighton rockers are gonna blow away everyone in 2022. Tour dates and a record out of control punk rock n fuckin roll is back in business and Rough Gutts are gonna rule – get on it kids before they’re all gone.
The Lickerish Quartet – ‘ Fortunately’ (Stranger Danger Records) The first song from Threesome Vol. 3, ‘Fortunately’ is Set for release May 20 on Stranger Danger Records and Tapes, distributed by Burnside and the Orchard in the U.S. and by Lojinx in the U.K. and Europe. Sony Japan recently partnered with THE LICKERISH QUARTET to release all three EPs on June 29, as a collection entitled ‘FABLES FROM FEARLESS HEIGHTS’, which will include two previously unheard cover songs, as well as a special “best of” vinyl LP in that region. Pre-orders can be found Here
The SoapGirls – ‘Breathe’ The SoapGirls consist of French-born, South African-raised sisters Noemie Debray (Mie) (guitar, vocals) & Camille Debray (Mille) (bass guitar, vocals) The fearless siblings began their music career as child street performers at ages 8 and 9,roaming the streets of Cape Town singing whilst selling handmade soap for charity, earning the name ‘The SoapGirls’. ‘Breathe’ is the first single from soon to be released 4th album ‘In My Skin’. It’s a load of energy with the uncompromising style and attitude & all the excessive, debauched live shows have paid dividends. The pair have gained quite a reputation through their live shows such as Rebellion & Camden Rocks.
You can catch the pair as Their Don’t Give A Damn tour kicks off in the UK in April at Nambucca on the 15th before heading to Europe, followed by the US in July & Japan in August.
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