Demolition 23 – ‘Demolition 23’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Demolition 23 – ‘Demolition 23’ (Wicked Cool Records)

1994 was a very good year for music. Everything was a bit edgy back then. Alternative was king, Grunge had killed hair metal and in turn was dying a death. Nu Metal and Industrial sounds were on the rise with Korn and NIN, Green Day and Rancid were spearheading a punk movement for the MTV generation and over in the UK Oasis were making waves, while The Wildhearts and Terrorvison were regularly seen bouncing around on Top Of The Pops.

Bands had to adapt to survive and those that did survive released arguably the best albums of their careers. From Manic Street Preachers and King’s X to Motley Crue and Warrior Soul, all with varying degrees of success but all had one thing in common and that is: those albums stand the test of time nearly 30 years on. And of course, Michael Monroe was in that mix as well with a band called Demolition 23.

Following the ill-fated Jerusalem Slim project with Steve Stevens, Michael Monroe went back to his roots, collaborated with Little Steven and wrote a punk rock album in the spirit of ‘77. Pulling in Hanoi Rocks bassist Sami Yaffa, Star Star guitar slinger Jay Hening and session drummer Jimmy Clarke, what started as a covers band jamming with friends, turned into a serious project.

Recorded in 5 days at Power Station Studios in New York City, produced and largely written by Little Steven along with Monroe and his first wife Jude Wilder, the eponymous 10 track album was a throwback to the Hanoi days and a tribute in spirit to lost friends and heroes such as Stiv Bators, Johnny Thunders and Charlie Harper.

To be honest, the production job back then was pretty spot on and you would have to play the original back-to-back with the remaster to spot the differences. But I’m pleased to say it sounds as crisp, fresh and damn right essential as it did back in 1994.

I always loved Monroe’s thought-provoking lyrics and album opener ‘Nothin’s Alright’ has always been a favourite. From the roaring, 3 chord riffage to the cool lyricism, each verse a love letter to the past 3 decades (at the time), it channeled the much-needed gap between the Sex Pistols raw energy and Hanoi’s penchant for a catchy tune.

The following ‘Hammersmith Palais’ again, is a retrospective look to times and places that are long gone. A theme that has continued through Monroe’s lyrics to this day. A punked up blast with an anthemic “oi-oi” chorus that is an instant earworm. It’s about as British punk as you can get, which is quite a thing considering its Finnish/USA writing heritage! 

A killer one-two as good as any album before it, and a pair of songs that remain constants in Michael Monroe’s live set to this day. Demolition 23 sound energized, fresh and vital in 2022.

As Demolition 23 was initially a covers band, it makes sense that a few of those tunes they jammed would feature. The Dead Boys ‘Ain’t Nothin’ To Do’ and UK Subs ‘Endangered Species’ are suitably raucous and filled with attitude. But its Johnny Thunders ramshackle ‘I Wanna Be Loved’ that blows the cobwebs off, even by today’s standards. Hening’s guitar tone is perfection and the vocal delivery has enough spit and venom to better the original. It’s a glorious blast that the band make their own.

‘Scum Lives On’ was originally on the Jerusalem Slim album. The Demolition 23 version is rawer and more in tune with the punk attitude. Even the dumb ass, tongue in cheek ‘Same Shit, Different Day’ sounds vital.

The emotive ‘You Crucified Me’ showcases the Van Zandt/Monroe ability to pen radio-friendly hit singles, and you probably forgot how good it was until you listen to this remaster. It sounds like it was recorded last week, not a lifetime ago.

The included demos of ‘Hammersmith Palais’, ‘Dysfunctional’ and ‘Scum Lives On’ are curiosos and don’t vary too much from the originals, but surely must be a testament to the fact that these 10 songs were the full recorded legacy of one of the greatest forgotten bands of the 90’s.

Of course, good things never last. Hening was replaced by Nasty Suicide on guitar by the time they started touring, but he left in March 1995 and the band folded soon after. Hening tragically passed away not long after and while Sami continues to play in Michael Monroe’s solo band, as far as I am aware Demolition 23 have only reformed once for Monroe’s 60th birthday bash in Helsinki recently.

With only a limited release in 1994 on CD, this is an album that has been crying out for the vinyl remaster treatment for years. It remains a lost classic and hopefully, this remaster will give it the distribution and worldwide regard that this long-lost classic album truly deserves. An essential purchase folks.

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Author: Ben Hughes

Jesse Malin – ‘Glitter In The Gutter’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Jesse Malin – ‘Glitter In The Gutter’ (Wicked Cool Records)

This is a remastered reissue of Jesse Malin’s third album, ‘Glitter in the Gutter’, originally released in 2007 on Green Day’s Adeline Records and then released on One Little Indian Records pressed on 200g vinyl.  The album has been unavailable for years and has never appeared digitally until now.  The album features Bruce Springsteen, Ryan Adams, Jakob Dylan, and more on various tracks.  It also includes a bonus track, ‘The Angel To The Slave,’ which has never been released.  In the words of Jesse Malin, “I am really happy to have it out there in the world again.”

Glitter didn’t have the wham bang factor of Malin’s debut nor the intrigue of its follow up and whilst people historically referred to the difficult second album I’d go for the third being the difficult one if an artist is lucky enough to make it to a third. Jesse brings out some big-hitting guests on this record to help pique some interest (not in a negative way) like the obvious inclusion of having the Boss in to sing on ‘Broken Radio’ even if Malin alluded to at a recent show he never bigged up the inclusion of Springsteen and didn’t really push it which on reflection was/is strange and more than humble. Now it’s not only included it’s been musically re-recorded for the new release.

It blows my mind that this album came out in 2007 it seems way more recent than that and the songs still sound fresh as Malin leaves behind the punk rock of D Gen way further back in that rearview mirror even if at the core of his solo work is a throbbing punk rock work ethic and core songwriting style. from the off his Noo Yawk vocal style shines through on ‘Don’t Let Them Take You Down’ and the rocker that is ‘In The Modern World’ still gives me a buzz in his live set.

People wondering why they should pick this up on Wicked cool; I’ll offer the rework of ‘Broken Radio’ for a starter and the bonus track that wasn’t on the original ‘The Angel To The Slave’. To be I loved this album when it came out and I still love it now. Its got an effortless rock n roll heart beating away with a carefree attitude on songs like ‘Lucinda’ and the brilliant ‘Love Streams’ and the melancholic yet stunning version of the Replacements classic ‘Bastards Of Young’ is worth purchasing alone.

Malin has always told a fatastic story and his songs are captivating and Glitter is one of his best examples throughout his whole career. Rotating his bands has kept a freshness throughout each album and when he rocks out he does it with style and panache and the reworked inclusion of ‘The Angel To The Slave’ makes you wonder what else he leaves on the cutting room floor. Signing off with ‘Broken Radion 22’ is a wonderful full stop to a fifteen-year-old record that needs to reach a bigger audience because music this good shouldn’t be exclusive in crowd treat. Jesse Malin is one of America’s gifts that keeps on giving time after time and record upon record. Even if you have this on CD, original vinyl or the one little Indian 200g vinyl audiophile version of this album when is enough ever enough? This album would Glitter anywhere never mind in the gutter. Buy It!

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Author: Dom Daley

Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners – Footprints In The Sand

Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners – Footprints In The Sand

Footprints In The Sand is from Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners’ self-titled debut album.  The thoughtful and charming Footprints in the Sand is about “patting yourself on the back occasionally, giving yourself credit for the personal struggles that you continually battle.” explains Ginger Wildheart. Guitarist and singer Neil Ivison says, “Footprints was the first song we ever wrote together…Each of us had the bones of an idea and we put the song together in about 20 minutes. Then we went straight into the live room and recorded it exactly as you hear it now, the whole thing took just a couple of hours from start to finish. That’s when things started to get really exciting for me.”  Pre Orders Here

Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners – ‘Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners – ‘Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners’ (Wicked Cool Records)

The long-awaited Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners debut album is finally here, 3 years after The Wildhearts main man formed the country-tinged project with guitarist Neil Ivison and bassist Nick Lyndon of Stone Mountain Sinners. Picking up drummer Shane Dixon along the way, the band retreated to Mwnci studios in the heart of West Wales with Dave Draper at the helm and recorded an album that finally sees the light of day, 2 years after it was mixed.

With a release on Little Steven’s Wicked Cool Records label, the home of RPM faves such as Jesse Malin, Ryan Hamilton and Prima Donna, we expect very good things from Ginger and his boys.

This self-titled, debut long player is a 10-track affair that takes a trip down a dusty, country road, taking in a choice cover or two along the way. Opening track and first single ‘Wasted Times’ is a perfect introduction to the good time, southern rock n’ roll that The Sinners deliver. There are catchy melodies aplenty, lush harmonies for miles and a killer chorus that refuses to leave your brain. It instantly sounds like an old time classic. You wanted the boys to start big? Well, they delivered!

It seems trading his Les Paul for a Telecaster and sharing lead vocals was exactly the therapy Ginger needed after the headfuck that The Wildhearts has been for him the past few years. There’s a sense of camaraderie here, and the immediate reaction I get from this album is how remarkably upbeat, positive and fun it is. I mean, 3 songs into this album there is a tune called ‘Footprints In The Sand’ that is so uplifting it gave me goosebumps by the first chorus. I presumed it was a cover, but it’s not. With Neil taking lead vocals over dampened chords, it sounds like a classic Springsteen track, or a John Cougar Mellencamp tune, but it’s not. With a rousing, building chorus over ringing chords, you will swear you know it already. It’s the sort of anthemic, Americana I adore, and I think you will too.

‘Work In Progress’ has more southern boogie than a Georgia Satellites album, but with that certain Ginger trademark song structure. And just when you think you have the song sussed, in comes some crazy-ass female vocals that take us into Black Oak Arkansas territory. But who is the mysterious Ruby Starr impersonator? We need to know.

With no press blurb or details I have no idea who writes what regarding the original tunes, but Wildheart and Ivison wear their influences on their sleeves and covers-wise they give us a couple of classic album tracks you may or may not be aware of. The band tackle the aforementioned Georgia Satellites ‘Six Years Gone’. The faithful reworking is perfectly executed and they make it their own. But with Neil taking lead vocals again, Status Quo’s ‘Dirty Water’ is turned into the euphoric, country rock classic you never knew you needed in your life.

Elsewhere, the beautiful, acoustic balladry of ‘Breakout’ is up there with some of the frontman’s finest reflective moments. The likes of ‘If You Find Yourself In London Town’ and ‘Geordie In Wonderland’ come to mind. Full of lush harmonies and a sense of longing and regret that could well bring a tear to your eye by the end.

They finish the album with a tongue-in-cheek comedy tune that nods its head to The Wurzels. There’s a ‘live in the studio’ feel that sees all the albums’ singers take a verse. With a great gang vocal sing-a-long, and a fade out to raucous clapping and cheering, it seems the perfect way for The Sinners to bow out.

With a good deal of country twang, a whole heap of glorious melody and an overall sense of fun, Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners have delivered a debut album that is a much-needed ray of sunshine in these strange and dark times. Guaranteed to leave a smile on your face and a sense of contentment within, this album is proof that music is the greatest mood changer out there.

With the follow-up album already recorded and the band touring in October, it seems the future of the UK Americana/roots music scene is firmly in their hands.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Suzi Moon – ‘Dumb & In Luv’ (Pirates Press)

Suzi Moon – ‘Dumb & In Luv’ (Pirates Press)

From a Turbulent Heart and Civet duties, Suzi Moon has finally gotten round to releasing her first solo album after two very impressive 12″ singles even if this collection of ten tracks was done before the EPs.

Straight from the off the vibrancy and sonic intent is obvious and there is no shrinking violet at play here Suzi comes out swinging and I promise this record will lay an earworm or two on you.

Having recently caught two shows there were a few of the tunes that stuck in my head in an instant as the songs lurch from punchy punk rock (Title track and opener) to more radio-friendly (‘California’) songs Moon has honed her craft and has invested every fiber of herself into these tunes and the end result is a magnificent beast of an album.

‘Dumb And In Luv’ sets the tone with a direct one two punk rock puncher is a step up to what we had experienced with her recordings with Civit and Turbulent Hearts both of which were very underrated bands but this time, as a solo artist, Suzi has thrown away the stabilisers and cast aside any doubts as she strides tall and proud with the beats to back up any talk. The choppy ‘Money’ has a great melody and rides on a huge groove. This should be enough to make people sit up and pay attention. The song builds and builds into a throbbing crescendo that takes no prisoners. Fantastic stuff!

After nearly two years supporting her first two EPs “Call The Shots” and “Animal,” – which has seen her music appear on Sirius XM, Iggy Pop’s BBC Radio program, over 30 terrestrial radio stations, in magazines around the world, and much more – managing to headline the Rebellion pre-show she was pumped and ready to deliver and the band and songs sounded like a finely tuned sports car. Side one closes with the sultry and more laidback ‘I Go Blind’.

Side two sounds like it’s gone through the gears and from ‘Honey’ the songwriting has broken through any expectations I might have had. Sure Moon tips her hat in the direction of the likes of Joan Jett for sure but those comparisons can be a bit misleading and lazy but I’m sure Moon would take that. ‘Honey’ has some great playing and arrangement but it’s the melody and delivery that sets this off like a Roman candle. To fan the flames of that firework ‘Any Other Way’ is a rampant, rapid jam that borrows as much from the Ramones, and with the glossy production, it’s gleaming but has a few dents and scratch marks for good measure so as it doesn’t vanish into pop-punk territory but has guts with its glory.

The song that stuck with me throughout the Rebellion Festival was ’99 Miles To Pasadena’ it’s catchy as Covid and rocks like a mother fucker. Easily one of the best songs I’ve heard all year. But amongst this album, it still shines like a diamond but it’s in good company with the other nine bangers on offer here.

To close the album the snare gets beaten with brushes and an Acoustic bass slides in for one last hurrah and something a little left of center to bring your pulse back down to a respectable level. Suzi Moon has delivered one of the finest albums I’ve had the pleasure of hearing all year, no question. I’ve had the pleasure of being able to play this record over and over and my initial thoughts are still ringing true. Check this album out, It’s an explosion of Sleazy Punk Rock n Roll at its very, very best. Dumb and in Luv… You bet I am!

Buy Here from Pirates Press or Amazon Here

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Author: Dom Daley

‘Demolition 23.’ Self-Titled Album To Be Released on October 14 with 3 Bonus Demo Tracks

‘Demolition 23.’ Self-Titled Album To Be Released on October 14 with 3 Bonus Demo Tracks

“The Demolition 23. album is one of my favorite albums of my career and definitely one of the best.”- Michael Monroe

“Me and Michael were talking about how much we missed the original Punk music of the Ramones and Dead Boys and Sex Pistols and Clash and decided to do an album in that spirit.”- Stevie Van Zandt

Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records has announced plans to reissue the sole album from Demolition 23., digitally for the first time ever, and on CD + ‘Blue Smoke’ vinyl, on October 14. The band, which formed in NYC in 1993, consisted of former Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe, ex-Star Star guitarist Jay Hening, Monroe’s Hanoi Rocks bandmate Sami Yaffa on bass, and Jimmy Clark on drums.’Demolition 23.’ (which had a limited release in 1994, but has since been out of print for years) was produced by Van Zandt, and features collaborative songwriting efforts between Monroe, Van Zandt, and Jude Wilder, and one track (“Deadtime Stories”) co-written by Monroe/Stiv Bators. The album, a return to the members’ punk roots, also includes covers by Monroe’s influences and friends, including Stiv Bators (“Ain’t Nothin’ To Do”) and Johnny Thunders (“I Wanna Be Loved”). Many of the songs from the record have become staples in Monroe’s live sets, which recently have included festivals and a stint opening for Alice Cooper.The digital and CD release of ‘Demolition 23.’ includes all of the original songs, along with 3 bonus demos. See track listing below. The physical versions of the album include a booklet with photos and liner notes from Monroe, detailing each song — with additional notes written by all of the living band members. The vinyl also includes a download card for the bonus tracks. The band’s logo was designed by Yaffa, who continues to play with Monroe to this day.In advance of the self-titled album’s re-release, a track titled “Hammersmith Palais” has been released to streaming sites, along with a demo version of the song.
Pre-save the album here

Michael Monroe on the single “Hammersmith Palais”:

“Hammersmith Palais was this great club in London where we saw a lot of brilliant, legendary shows by some of the coolest bands ever. I played there once guesting on sax and harp with the Lords of the New Church. Unfortunately in later years, the place was closed down and replaced by a boring office building. The song also refers to some great, fun times in the past that will never return.”

Michael Monroe on the re-issue of ‘Demolition 23.’:

“The Demolition 23. album is one of my favorite albums of my career and definitely one of the best. I had the pleasure and privilege of having my great friend Little Steven as the producer. This was originally going to be a Michael Monroe solo album, but we had put together such a strong group with Sami Yaffa on bass, Jimmy Clark on drums and Jay Hening (RIP) on guitar, that I decided the band should have a name. Sami Yaffa suggested “Demolition 23” from the William Burroughs book “Exterminator” and it immediately hit a nerve.

Little Steven and I had been writing the songs with very much an authentic kind of Punky Rock& Roll attitude and style. We also wanted to pay homage to the late legendary unsung heroes and my friends Stiv Bators and Johnny Thunders by covering one song each– The Dead Boys’“Ain’t Nothin’ To Do” and Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers’ “I Wanna Be Loved.”

The album was recorded at the end of 1993 at the Power Station Studios in New York City by the great engineer Ben Fowler. This was one of the easiest and most fun times I’ve ever had recording an album. The comfort of having the production in the good hands of Little Steven allowed me to relax and enjoy doing my thing. Steven brought out the best in everybody and we didn’t waste any time. We laid down the basic tracks, drums, bass and guitars for the 10songs in 3 days and I did my lead vocals in 2 days. It was like 2 vocal takes per song, then Steven would say “Ok that’s good! Next!” After the 5 days of recording, we mixed one song per day, so the whole album took about 2 weeks to make. And it still sounds great today. This record was never officially released in the States, but now Little Steven is FINALLY releasing it on his Wicked Cool label for everyone’s enjoyment.

As bonus tracks, we’re including 3 demos that we recorded at New York’s Baby Moster Studio prior to recording the album. I remember when we finished our session there, the Ramones came in and started setting up for the next session to record their cover of “I Love You” for the Johnny Thunders tribute album “I Only Wrote This Song For You.” I’ll never forget when Johnny Ramone started hitting some chords on his Moarite guitar–it was so loud you could hear it in every room of the studio. Anyway, these 3 demos already indicate what a great chemistry Demolition 23 had as a band. Hope you dig this album as much as we all do!

Stevie Van Zandt on the Demolition 23. reissue:

“The Demolition 23. album is one of my favorite records. Me and Michael were talking about how much we missed the original Punk music of the Ramones and Dead Boys and Sex Pistols and Clash and decided to do an album in that spirit. It was written in two weeks and Produced in two weeks. Love it.”

Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners Announce debut album & Tour

Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners Announce debut album & Tour

Released October 7th on Wicked Cool Records & 10 date October UK Tour  

Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners are proud to announce the release of their debut album on October 7th  on Wicked CoolRecords.
Their self-titled album is an energetic album that celebrates rock’n’roll and as Ginger explains it is in “the spirit of the music that we all collectively love, from childhood to the present day. Little Feat, The Allman Brothers, Wilco, The Band, Creedence, The Jayhawks, Lone Justice, Jason & the Scorchers, Georgia Satellites, Status Quo, The Stones…from roots country to rock n roll and Americana.”
The uplifting new single Lately, Always is about a dream “Not necessarily one that will come true but enough to have something to look forward to, especially when times seem a little hopeless.”

Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners were formed in August 2019 when Ginger joined forces with Neil Ivison and Nick Lyndon from the band Stone Mountain Sinners. The lineup was completed with drummer Shane Dixon (Tri-City Fanfare) and as Ginger explains “Me and The Sinners met for the very first time in the studio, in preparation for recording an album together. We figured out that if we can’t get along with each other then the music would be ultimately worthless. So we went to the pub and got drunk together. The next morning the music started flowing with ease. This is the sound of friendship.”
Their self-titled album was recorded at Mwnci studios in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with Dave Draper producing.
The album kicks off with their first single Wasted Times, which sets the tone for an album of pure rock n roll, peppered with country touches.  The listener will find a further seven original songs, including Lately, Always plus two covers: Dirty Water by Status Quo and Six Years Gone by Georgia Satellites’, the first song Ginger wanted to play with the band back when this was just an idea. “I became a bit obsessed with the song while in LA for Lemmy’s funeral, and carried it around in my heart from then until we all congregated at the studio.” 
There is a refreshingly familiar sound to every one of the songs on the album and it is a masterclass in how to write melodies that pull the heartstrings.
Despite the turmoil in which we find ourselves, Ginger with his Sinners give us all hope. Get with it or get out.
Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners essential debut album will be available digitally, on CD, and limited edition “Seaside Swirl” 12” vinyl. To pre order / pre stream Here

To celebrate the release of the Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners album the band will be playing ten UK shows, starting at Bannermans in Edinburgh on 18th October and finishing on 30th October at The Hare & Hounds in Birmingham. Tickets available from Monday 1st August at https://www.facebook.com/gingersinners

Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners UK October 2022 tour 

18th Edinburgh, Bannermans

19th Newcastle, Riverside 

20th Huddersfield, The Parish 

22nd Cardiff,  The Globe 

23rd Plymouth, The Juntion 

25th London, Bush Hall 

26th Norwich, Brickmakers 

27th Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms 

29th Chester, Live Rooms

30th Birmingham, Hare & Hounds 

Tickets available from Monday 1st August at Here

Singles Club – July

Singles Club – July

A slick half dozen and some tunes this month but they are some of the finest of their genres and singles that need hearing. From Gospel to Hardcore we love em all. Can I get an Amen! now don’t waste time get on em.

Steve Conte – ‘Wildwood Moon’ (Wicked Cool Records) Another track off the stunning ‘Bronx Cheer’ album Available Here If you are not familiar maybe now is the time. Check out this video and then get on the album in all its glory.

The Chisel – ‘Deconstructive Surgery EP’ (LA VIDA ES UN MUS DISCOS) – Now already on its umteenth press this five-track EP is kicking up a shitstorm and if you’ve never heard of this yob crew of hardcore noise then please explain where you’ve been the past 12 months? ‘Class Oppression’ is like a swift kick in the bollocks before being headbutted through the saloon doors just seconds before the pile on that is ‘Blackpool20’ – unbridled energy like a swift intake of breath before having your head thrust back underwater – its a frantic rush but boy does it sound good?

Of course there isn’t a bad song on here, there isn’t time. They even have an anthem to assault you with ‘Chisel Boys’ will get the job done – of that there is no doubt. What a banger of an EP Buy it Here

Tramp – ‘Jailbait’ (Wanda Records) With lyrics that’ll make your nan blush Tramp aren’t shy coming forward.  Viki Venom, Suzi Sleeze and Joey Deuce from New Hampshire in the US of A play Snotty garage punk’n’roll with a raunchy back beat and sleazy lyrics they made up at the bus stop whilst blowing bubbles with their Hubba bubba gum. They don’t want to hang with the cool kids because they are the cool kids.

They might not be the Lunachicks but I’m sure they are looney chicks – in a PC world Tramp are so un PC and proud of it ‘All I Want’ is punk as fuck with a pogo-tastic chorus that sounds like it was recorded in one take because A they nailed it and B they couldn’t be arsed to do another anyways because they had better things to do innit. Pick it up Here

The Amplifier Heads – ‘Space Cadet’ (Rum Bar Records) Always delivering quality bands from their HQ in Boston Rum Bar have another 45 that just rocks out like the best secret party anywhere on this spinning globe. Handclaps, distorted rock n roll riffs, happy smiling people everywhere. The Amplifier Heads kick ass! then ‘Two Headed Girl’ is like a twist on Tom Petty and his heartbreakers just kicking out the jams. Sal Baglio has got the chops kids and this EP is three tracks to tempt you in and shake your shit to. Love the guitar lick on on ‘Earth Girls On The Loose’ it short sharp and right on the money. Go check it out and tell em RPM sent you I’m sure Lou will welcome you in like an old friend and pour you a big one! – Rockin and a rollin here

Soul Glo – ‘Gold Chain Punk’ (Epitaph Records) From the album ‘Diaspora Problems’ The music video satirizes the frustrations of being lumped together with other bands and artists due to the colour of their skin when individually, they hold it down on their own. Vocalist Pierce Jordan, one of AV Club’s ‘20 Best Frontpeople In Modern Rock,’ explains, “If you’re a Black person who is into any kind of hard rock, you’ve probably had a white person try to talk to you about Bad Brains. We are constantly compared to them. Apparently, I even look like HR. Can I fuckin live?” The band hit the uk for a string of dates starting in London on September the 7th and ending on the 16th again in London. hit em up and check out the album now. https://soulglo.ffm.to/diasporaproblems

The Future Shape Of Sound – ‘Paradise City’ (Gypsy Hotel) Now that’s how to do a cover version. Yes, it is indeed the Guns n Roses big hitter that is ‘PAradise City’ but hell yeah! this version is what Guns and Roses could never have birthed. from the jungle beats to the funked-up guitar lick right up to the amazing Gospel chorus vocals this is a revelation brothers and sisters.

Captain Future’s Rock’n’Roll Gospel phenomenon that is The Future Shape Of Sound will be out on Gypsy Hotel on Friday 15th July as download and CD including 4 live bonus tracks. The other cover is a take of the Urban Voodoo Machine classic that is ‘Help Me Jesus’ that the y take ownership of releasing their own twist on this barnstorming tune has this down as the record of the week hands down. performed at last year’s magical Red Rooster Festival, all songs featuring the captivating voice of one of the most exciting soul singers in the U.K. today Miss Divalee Wells! superb release and songs. Facebook

Sator – ‘Shimmy Shake’ (Wild Kingdom) Lifted from their brand new album of covers Sator gives classic Devo a rockin make-over and does it so well. Yeah, the Devo synth drills are there and the melody holds up. It’s in the 30s outside as I type and nothing sounds as good as this bubblegum power-pop stab at some Devo it’s cool and refreshing and totally fresh just what the doctor ordered.

Here Hare Here – ‘Chez Liam’ (Lux Noise) The home of Basle noise makers Bitch Queens and The Brokendolls you can now add Here Hare HEre to that list of top-notch noise makers. check out their brand new video ‘Chez Liam’ and get down to some hot trashy garage rock n roll

Website

Ryan Hamilton flys ‘Paper Planes’

Ryan Hamilton flys ‘Paper Planes’

A long-time master in taking the anxieties of life and twisting them around with his particular brand of feel-good power-rock, Ryan Hamilton’s return is suitably upbeat.  

Paper Planes is the first new original release since his Top 10 2021 Album, ‘1221’. It’s also the first release in over two years that Hamilton has been able to support with live shows, debuting new material in front of thousands at LeeStock festival recently and next appearing at Maverick Americana festival in July.  

Backed with a blistering cow-punk version of the George Strait classic ‘All My Exes Live In Texas’, Hamilton sounds like he’s ready to make up for pandemic lost time.  

Paper Planes is released on Stevie Van Zandt’s ‘Wicked Cool’ label on all digital platforms: https://orcd.co/PaperPlanes   

Hamilton embarks on a co-headline full-band tour of the U.K. in October with Jason & the Scorchers legend Warner E. Hodges. 

Dates here: https://ryanhamiltonmusic.com/tour-dates

Ryan Hamilton Announces Record Store Day Exclusive

Ryan Hamilton Announces Record Store Day Exclusive

Wicked Cool Records’ First Official RSD Release

Dallas Fans Can Catch His In-Store Session at Good Records This Saturday, April 23 at 4PM

12 Song Set Includes Originals + Collaborations with Bob Schneider, Chuck Prophet and Covers of Tracks By Catherine Wheel, Spin Doctors and The Refreshments.

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Ryan Hamilton and Wicked Cool Records have announced an exclusive Record Store Day release of his latest album ‘1221’ on sky blue vinyl.

Limited to 1000 copies, the album marks the first official Record Store Day title from Wicked Cool Records.

Hamilton says, “I’m a big supporter of local record stores, and I’m a huge fan of Record Store Day. I would have been there anyway, so to have my album as a Record Store Day exclusive is not only a HUGE deal for me and Wicked Cool Records, it’s dream come true territory.”

Ryan Hamilton will celebrate Record Store Day (Saturday, April 23) with fans via an in-store performance at Dallas, TX’s Good Records (9026 Garland Road Dallas, TX 75206) on Saturday, April 23 at 4pm.

During 2021, with touring still off the agenda owing to the pandemic, Ryan released a new track a month via Wicked Cool for his project ‘1221’. Collaboration was the abiding theme, with artists & friends such as Bob Schneider and Chuck Prophet offering up previously unreleased original songs for the record.

Nestled among originals of his own, ‘1221 features a smattering of choice covers where Ryan does his very own take on songs by the Spin Doctors (How Could You Want Him…), Catherine Wheel (Satellite) and the Refreshments (Banditos).

Working with go-to producer Dave Draper, the singles came together in pandemic isolation with Ryan recording at his home studio in Texas and Dave sprinkling his magic from the U.K.

Upcoming Shows:

US:

5/5 Sellersville Theatre – Sellersville, PA (with Soraia, Kurt Baker)

5/6 Berlin – NYC (with Soraia, Kurt Baker)

5/8 Daryl’s House – Pawling, NY (with Soraia, Kurt Baker)

5/13 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ (with Soraia, Kurt Baker)

UK:

6/2 Northcourt – Oxford, UK

6/3 Leestock Festival – Suffolk, UK

7/2 Maverick Festival – Suffolk, UK

10/12 Rescue Rooms – Nottingham, UK

10/13 Water Rats – London, UK

10/14 Waterloo Music Bar – Blackpool, UK

10/15 The Patriot – Newport, UK

10/16 Thekla – Bristol, UK

10/18 The Musician – Leicester, UK

10/19 The Crescent – York, UK

10/20 The Railway – Winchester, UK

10/21 The Greystones – Sheffield, UK

10/22 The Greystones – Sheffield, UK

10/23 Bannermans – Edinburgh, UK

10/26 Cluny – Newcastle, UK

10/27 The Stables – Milton Keynes

10/29 Stromness Town Hall – Orkney Islands, UK

10/30 – Green Hotel – Kinross, UK

Socials:

Ryanhamiltonmusic.com / twitter.com/theryanhamilton /Instagram.com/theryanhamilton