I love a good compilation especially when I’ve never heard of any of the bands (ok almost all of em) and all of a sudden there are a dozen or more bands I’m checking out. It might be good for my soul but it’s not good for the old bank balance I know that much.
Now the label has turned out bands I’ve got a record or two from and I’ve not been disappointed yet so I’m going in tell my wife and kids I love them I might be a while.
First up are the Italian language Alieni with ‘più giù’ which I’m reliably informed is translated into ‘Further Down’ thank god for that. A convincing and sprightly Giuda style yob rock anthem and pretty good it is too.
Alex Dissuader – ‘I’m Gonna Loose My Job’ is a wonderful Boys power poppin’ slice of punk rock call it what you like its got a real early ’80s feel and some Geldof snot in those lead vocals. Maybe I shouldn’t be so lazy and dig deeper into whats going on in other countries because this comp is excellent and I should make it my job to investigate. Plutonium Baby would have fitted into the Max’s scene for sure with those cool vocals and swirling Iggy keyboards hailing from Rome this is a really catchy tune and I like it a lot. In contrast Blood ’77 are darker more street punk and sound like a blunt instrument attack rather than anything more sophisticated which is fine we need variety.
If you want to hear what Italy has to offer the world of uncompromising hardcore in the vein of say Fugazi or No means No then in contrast Taxi knock out a convincing return to the Giuda style boot boy rock and roll with a track entitled ‘Gloves’.
Hooray, at last, a band I know and like a lot it’s the snotty ’77 punks Idol Lips and they bring ‘Don’t Need Your Love’ and of course its got that Thunders lick of quality and thunders along like a long lost Dead Boys track with a tonne of energy and a chorus you can easily sing along to, top tune. Well now we’re on a roll a rock and roll and the full-bloodied Tigers In Furs are up next with a real energetic bit of punk n roll entitled ”Tigers In Furs’. To complete a hattrick of really good tunes Mad Rollers turn up and shake their collective shit with the excellent ‘Rock Lovers’.
Well I tip my hat to the cool bands from Italy who have proven that they can rock and roll with the best of them and have their own scene happening and its thanks to cool labels like these for letting the rest of us know what’s on offer out there. Do yourselves a favour and check out ‘Rock These Ancient Ruins’ its well worth it, trust me.
Another month another visit to the jukebox to see what sevens are spinning round the RPM Jukebox. this month sees a mixed bag with some of our favorites knocking out 45s and some welcome new bands dipping their toes in the water. We love a 45 and this month sees some tasty singles. In no particular order this lot are well worth checking out.
Tyla’s Dogs D’Amour – ‘(Everybody Needs) A Friend’ (King Outlaw Records) What a reet little corker this is. Not expecting a tune this good to come from camp Tyla but hey, here it is, its a gentle rock and roller with all those vital ingredients that were required in the 80s and beyond. It’s got the sloppy rock n roll edge you know you want to hear when Tylas familiar vocal comes in. ruffle your hair (if you can) get out of bed put this on and you’re good to go. It’s backed by live renditions of ‘111’ with the band firing on all cylinders and you also get an exceptional atmospheric live take on the epic ‘Bullet Proof Poet’ part acoustic part electric but it melts into ‘Angel’ to create a pretty epic eight minutes that makes this worth the price of a pint any day of the week. Still got it , still relevant, still rockin’? Absofuckinlutely! don’t ever doubt it! Pick it up Here
Suicide Generation – Prisoner Of Love (Surfin ‘Ki Records/ Family Spree/Spaghetty Town Records/Wanda Records) Another day another absolute killer record from Suicide Generation. This time they’ve got some seriously good labels to share the love around with each label having its own coloured vinyl. Three tracks of classic Suicide Generation it’s wild, loud and a whole lot of fun in the tradition of Garage Punks from The Stooges to the Damneds debut via channeling some Lux interior Suicide Generation are an explosion of the finest noise currently making exciting records that you would be foolish to ignore.
Razorbats – White Trash Radio Another slice of Prime Norweigan Rock and Roll with their usual mix of HArd Rock some classic Rock and a generous slice of power pop a melody and hook to die for Razorbats always deliver and this one is a beauty. An instant hook on the chorus that you can sing along to and a breakdown that sounds like Had the Police been a ’70s inspired glam Rock outfit then they might have penned this bad boy.
Don’t be daft it’s one single do yourself a favour and go discover your new favourite band from Norway – you can thank me later and if this is a taste of what’s to come then I can’t wait for the next album on this form it will be a real contender. Facebook
Paradise Alley/Plastic Tears – Class of ’92 (Self Release) Turning back the clock Paradise Alley look back all (Plastic) teary-eyed at ’92. It’s a romping glam slammer and these two bands have teamed up to make what might just be the best song for both bands to be fair. Call it nostalgia call it some old rockers just not wanting to go quietly into the night but whatever the reason for the regrouping of Paradise Alley songs like this makes it worthwhile. Sounding like 69 Eyes used to sound isn’t a bad place to hitch your wagon and anyone can join in on the chorus.
Available as a CD from the band for the handsome price of £3 so hit em up glamsters and pull on those cowboy boots n backcomb your hair its time to get rockin’
Lauren Tate – What About The Kids (Trash Queen Records) Second single taken off her debut album Lauren Tate heads off in a differnet direction that will have fans purring at her new direction and diversity. Check out the new album details on her website Here
Los Pepes – Automatic / Here Comes The Darkness (Wanda and Beluga Records) Los Pepes have joined Beluga Records for a guest 7inch record, to support there euro tour. Still the loudest powerpop band on earth…the Motörhead of powerpop! No hit wonder 60s and 70s garage pop melodies drowning in a wall of punk rock guitar. With four new tracks on this 7″.
‘Automatic’ is the best song The Hellacopters never wrote. Man has Ben ever written a duff track? Of course he hasn’t and this EP is another blinder Catchy, Melodic, loud and smack bang on the money. They’ve even had time to nip back to the 1960s and nick a Small Faces inspired tune ‘Here Comes The Darkness’ but thats not to say this is Rock and Roll isn’t up to scratch because it isn’t its a splash of fury, 12 bar at breakneck speed wham, bang, thank you, man! and ‘your Justice’ is pure Los Pepes coasting on a wave of everything they’re great at. Another essential single from London’s finest.
Crapsons – Who’ll Babysit The Goths? (Self Release) In the good old spirit of DIY meet these pair of Herberts from The Wirral with their punk rock noise. Enjoy!
Baby Shakes – Cause A Scene (Surfin ‘Ki Records) Features a previously unreleased B side of the Teenage Head track ‘Tearin’ Me Apart’ available in several coloured records this Garage punk rock and roll banger is available Here With a Racey rockin drum beat on the intro its more poppwer than power pop but its sickly sweet and a beautiful thing and well worth checking out. Baby Shakes always do Rock and Roll with a tonne of melody and attitude and the solo is bitchin as they say in some rock and roll quarters.
Fast Eddy – Toofer One (Spaghetty Town Records/Boulevard Trash) You want Rock and Roll with loud guitars then Spaghetty Town have unopened another cracker in the shape of Fast Eddy. Having your EP Produced and endorsed by Tuk from Biters is something to wear on your denim cut off. Coming outta Denver these four (named after their Drug Dealer) they’ve been weaned on the best stuff money can buy no not drugs I mean Rock and Roll. From the power-pop with loud guitars of ‘Hurricane Alley’ its got all the vital ingredients to sustain life from the kickin harmonies on the pre-chorus to the solos and guitar licks that cover the tune its all killer no filler. ‘Milwaukee’ is a distant relative of the Faces if they were born stateside and they saved the best til last as ‘Lost’ is the best tune of the month pure 100% Rock and Roll with energy aplenty its just sunshine on a 45. Awesome
The Gotham Rockets – Blast Off (Rum Bar Records/Murry Sounds) When you name check being past as members of The Devil Dogs, The Fleshtones, Jack Black, The Prissteens, Simon & The Bar Sinisters, The Swingin’ Neckbreakers, The Trash Mavericks, and The Waldos, Of course, RPM is gonna be interested in what you have to offer. From the awesome horn honkin’ on ‘What’s Done Is Done’ via the bad boy boogie of ‘Bad With Girls’ this is the bomb. ‘Rip this Night’ is a slice of classic heads down and jive talk and duck walk as we hand jive through the next three minutes of rock and roll. What a great slice of rock and roll and with added sax appeal its gotta come highly recommended and we endorse it 100%
The Empty Hearts – Coat Tailer (Wicked Cool Records) Just another Cool as tune from these power-pop giants. ‘Coat Tailer’ is a sprightly humdinger with some great harmonies and sharp solos but theres enough bit in that guitar riff and its got Clem Burke on the drum kit. It’s great to have them back making new music and they’ve found the perfect label for their well-rounded sound.
The B Side is a light Beatles esque tune with more great vocals as it just sort of reminds me of walking through a park kicking leaves carefree. The Empty Hearts doing what they do best writing great power pop – Result.
Available on glow in the dark vinyl – Cool. Buy it Here
45 Rally – Bigly (Rum Bar Records) Switzerland’s garage rock sensations 45 RALLY have taken all of their song titles from presidential tweets. But in keeping up with their Swiss heritage, they have decided to remain politically neutral. The music here, a combination of Bubble Gum, Garage Rock, Country and Punk was created for everyone’s listening pleasure. So to all of our Conservative, Liberal and Moderate fans, it’s time to unite! Grab your earbuds, some chocolate and hit the slopes with TWEETS FOR MY SWEET by 45 RALLY! With an equally swing yer pants video this is happy garage for sure.
Screamer – Halo (the Sign Records) Heavy Fuckin’ Metal! make no bones about it folk Screamer aren’t nu metal or Death Metal they just rock like a steam train. Fist pumpin’, Denim, and leather-clad, long-haired, metalheads. think Tank think Motorhead think Tysondog think real metal. Screamer do no frills metal and its Rockin’. with a new album that has a man with wings on a horse al thats missing is some fire and a weapon like a mace or a hammer and they’d be all in. The album is due this month and its called ‘Highway Of Halos’ get on it.
Right Hand Left Hand – Chacabuco (Bubblewrap Collective) clocking in at the most unsingle like length of a couple of seconds under seven minutes and two minutes elapse before former Estrons singer Taliesyn Kallstrom joins the party. Post-Rock duo Right Hand Left Hand are back with a brand new album. Following on from their self-titled, Welsh Music Prize-nominated second album, their third offering, ‘Zone Rouge’, tells the story of humanity’s contempt for the earth beneath us, the air above us and the people around us. Layers of guitars and driving drums are the order of the day married with ambient space in between call it art rock or post-punk indie but one thing it does is build and build.
’Chacabuco’ is available to buy and stream digitally on 27th September. The album will follow on 15th November 2019. It will be available digitally, on CD, and on limited edition double clear vinyl. They launch the album with a show at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on the 13th of November, more info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/400022130707013/?ti=cl
Alice Cooper – The Breadcrumbs EP (earMUSIC) 12″ six tracks from the Coop singing about Iggy and The MC5 how can this possibly not have RPM salivating at the sight and sound? ‘Detroit City 2020’ sounds good – Sure its modern Alice Cooper but there is more of the old school garage rocker in this and out of all his contemporaries I can’t think of any that are still out there doing it night after night and delivering the good and managing to still churn out new music that is relevant and bloody good. If you were impressed with the opener then hold onto your bobblehead because ‘Go Man Go’ is having it big time. A good tempo with a lotta rhythm and some blazing guitar work. Sure it helps when you can call on yer mates like Wayne Kramer and drag ou tof them such great performances this was always going to be a winner. He gets his funk on on ‘Your Mama won’t Like Me’ and those horns are quality. I’ll admit I’m not so fussed on the lackluster ‘Devil With A Blue Dress On’ but the bar is raised on the finale of ‘Sister Anne’. So all in all a mighty fine way to round off this singles club and with it being a 12″ long ‘un the Coop might just have taken it on the home straight.
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