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)
It’s the season to be jolly… oh shit wrong season. Never mind this sitting of the singles club is choc-o-bloc with great songs for you to check out whilst you demolish your kids easter eggs so fill yer boots why doncha
Kurt Baker & Bebe Buell – ‘Blood & Roses’ (Wicked Cool Records) This is a cover of The Smithereens’ 1986 hit, ‘Blood & Roses’, which hit #14 on the US singles chart this time it’s given the Kurt Baker and Bebe Buell treatment. This is their first musical collaboration between the pair with Buell complimenting Baker on his music. It’s fitting that this is a tribute to one of their mutual favorite bands, The Smithereens. Baker says, “The Smithereens were an integral part of my rock n roll education growing up…without [their] music I wouldn’t be where I am today” Both artists inject their unique musical styles into a track and the finished product is outstanding. It’s a no-brainer for us here at RPM we love Kurt’s music and Wicked Cool doesn’t release bad records. Get on it kids – Here
The Sweet Things – ‘Brown Leather’ (Spaghetty Town Records) Wooh easy tiger the Sweet Things just turned up the heat on that sloppy exile on main st tip and flipped the Black Crowes the bird with this authentic sleazy barroom rocker ‘Brown Leather’. This is the real deal kids 100% kicking ass and taking names. from that honky tonk to the horns this is as exciting as you can get. Whilst the Quireboys implode The Sweet Things get back in the game and throw this bad boy boogie right in the ring and step to the top of the pile. Make no mistake kids this is the record of the month. The album is gonna slay. Find more about THE SWEET THINGS online at: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Bitch Queen / Scumbag Millionaire – ‘Split’ (Lux Noise Records/JanML Records / Maja von Lobeck) As you know we do love ourselves a split and when it’s containing two-band we fucking love it’s always a win/win. With limited pressings on these they’ll sell out pretty damned quick so don’t muck about kids – you snooze you lose. Bitch Queens offers up ‘2000 & Late’ and as it builds like a forest fire into a thumping, raging mosh pit happy slice of death rock. It’s uncompromising and further proof that its an outrage that Bitch Queens aren’t on the cover of the alt press magazines and headlining festivals.
Teaming up with Swedens Scumbag Millionaires is a great pairing as they bring the rage of ‘Fast Bob’ and with that seal of Scandinavia Quality its a blistering song from the six-string licks that Chuck Berry would be proud of to the tempo in the engine room holding this rager together – it’s a single you need to hear. Now off you fuck and order it before they’re gone! Buy here:
ELECTRIC BOYS – ‘Into The Midnight Sun’ (Mighty Music)ELECTRIC BOYS decided to release a couple of new tracks. These are songs that the Swedish band recorded during the ‘Ups!de Down’ sessions. A classic, psychedelic Bloom-riff over a hard shuffle beat, not usually associated with the band. Martin (Thomander) and Andy (Christell) are singing lead in the verses. In 2018 the return to studio albums finally happened and since lockdown, the band has managed to record ‘Ups!de Down ‘ bringing different shades to the Electric Boys sound. The band adds plenty of swing to their classic rock roots and along with some big guitar solos, this makes for an excellent new sound and songs. If you don’t believe us check it out here
Dub War – ‘War Inna Babylon’ The rousing ragga-punk cover of the Max Romeo and the Upsetters’ classic “War Inna Babylon”, features guest vocals from the legendary Ranking Roger of The Beat in his last ever recording before his sad passing in 2019. The vivid reimagining of the track sees the band deliver angular guitars, frenetic rhythms, and powerful and uplifting vocals from the band’s frontman Benji. What you’d call a banger right there kids.
Snuff – ‘Green Glass Chippings’ (SBAM Records) the second SBAM offering this edition of the singles club sees punks Snuff deliver the goods via moped with a great chest-beating slab of punk rock that will have them singing along in the bars and mosh pits everywhere. Lifted from their upcoming album “Crepuscolo Dorato Della Bruschetta Borsetta Calzetta Cacchetta Trombetta Lambretta Giallo Ossido, Ooooooh Così Magnifico!” yeah go on you say it. Pick it up here
The Darts – ‘Love Sunami’ (Beluga Records co-released with Adrenalin Fix, Dirty Water Records, Ghost Highway Recordings). Fantastic keyboard twitching psyche garage rock and roll from The Darts. Man, this single has an attitude from the hypnotic beat to the mind-altering chorus this is a great single for sure. It doesn’t end there because ‘Shit Show’ is almost as good. A cooler backbeat yeah! this EP is freakin awesome and the more I play it the louder I want to hear it and those retro keys are superb. Then to twist your melon a little more the third track is a psychotic romp through some great fuzzy bass guitar and lead guitar and ‘Underground’ is bouncing with energy. I would have this at number one in this bunch of pop choons kids but the Sweet Things have it by the single thread of a molting afghan coat fringe but when the album drops from these ladies I’m all over that!
Bottlekids – ‘NOWT’ (SBÄM Records) Three mates from Chepstow, South Wales announcing their brand new EP ‘ZILCH!’ to be released by SBÄM Records on May 27th lead it with ‘Nowt’ a raging slab of punk rock with obvious influences from Stateside punk like Green Day and Bad Religion and why the fuck not? Its excellently delivered and a real contender. ITs got the vital ingredients to take them far and if the rest of the EP is as good as this then why not. Love the bass line and tone it sets this up to go for it and give the Anti Flag bands a real run for their money. Quality song.
Like a lot of music seeing the light of day it was written in lockdown it’s about kicking out the jams and all that pent-up aggression had to come out in the music and to my ears, Bottlekids made some great choices. With a sparkling production, this ‘Zilch’ EP could be time for the band to blow up!
Supersonic Deuces – ‘Bored & Stoked’ (Devil’s Beat Records) We’re all about the quality in the Singles Club and it’s often a great gateway into an album or EP that’s coming down the track. To celebrate the first year of activity, Supersonic Deuces just released the ‘Hey Now!’ ep. It includes the single “Hey Now!” plus the previously released singles “Haze the Hides” and “Bored & Stroked”, and “Strutter” from the upcoming Kiss tribute album on Devil’s Beat Records. If you don’t dig this slab of garage punk n roll then we won’t be friends for long. Banger no doubt about it and you can join the cool kids by checking out www.supersonicdeuces.com and tell em RPM sent you.
Sons – ‘Nothing’ (Pias) Having landed the support slot with Jack White the future looks bright for Belgium garage ragers Sons. Here’s their latest video for ‘Nothing’ taken from their album ‘Sweet Boy’ released in the week. It’s a loud, aggressive slice of post-punk garage rock, (if you like your pigeon holes) not a million miles from Idles, and ‘Fontains DC this is set to blow up everywhere.
KOMBI KILLERS -‘Sick World’ (Riot Records) Old school 82 fuck you punk rock from Kombi Killers. Pulling no punches a direct slice of social commentary about the pandemic and their succinct feelings about lockdowns and covid. Brisbane heat and lockdowns must have got to them because they make no bones about their feelings here and let the world know in an old-school assault. Batten down the hatches Kombi Killers are on the loose again spreading their disease – punk as fuck!
On April 22ndGinger Wildheart proudly releases The Pessimist’s Companion on Wicked Cool Records. ‘The Pessimist’s Companion‘, featuring the single Stalemate, will be available both digitally and on CD.
“Fresh from a break up, a lonely alcoholic living in a caravan poured his feelings into a collection of songs, as dark as they are confessional. The landscape is more eclectic than its predecessor, Ghost In The Tanglewood, but cut from the same tree.
The Pessimist’s Companion never got a proper commercial release, due to one thing or another, and was hastily mixed and compiled to meet its pre-order deadline. Rough, urgent and entirely in keeping with the subject matter.
The album presented here, still wrapped in stunning artwork by Chris Mars, features a brand new mix, a different running order and five extra songs recorded for the session but not finished in time.
This is a deeply personal release for me. I hope you find something here to warm the colder nights alone.” – Ginger Wildheart.
This official15 track album released on Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records is an aural treat, with no calculated image or reliance on nostalgia. Ginger has created a truly honest album which is an all too rare commodity in today’s world.To celebrate the release of ‘The Pessimist’s Companion’ plays 7 UK shows, with Jon Poole, starting on Sunday 17th at The Cluny in Newcastle and concluding at the Lexington in London on Saturday 23rd.
The Pessimist’s Companion is available to pre-order / pre- save here
Hope everyone is feeling good this morning after the weekend and didn’t indulge too much. Anyway here’s some sunshine music to take you to a brighter place – fill yer boots kids
First up is Kurt Baker and A brand new and super fun animated video for “New Direction”, created, produced and directed by Peregrine Starr https://peregrinestarr.com/ “New Direction” is from the album “After Party”, out now on Wicked Cool Records!
Next up is another Wicked Cool band, this time it Soraia with a cover of the awesome ‘My Sherona’ – check it out.
Finally, as a tribute to Nick Tesco who recently passed away, we thought it would be right to air this banger. Rest In Peace Nick.
Chuck Norris Experiment – ‘This Will Leave A Mark’
Mike McKinnon – ‘Silent Like A Bomb’
The Boatsmen – ‘Verses The Boatsmen’
Governess – ‘Never Going Home’
Dead Furies – ‘Midnight Ramble’
Johnny Hayward –
Sami Yaffa – ‘The Innermost Journey to Your Outermost Mind’
The Bronx – ‘VI’
Rich Ragany & The Digressions – ‘Beyond Nostalgia & Heartache’
Mike McKinnon – ‘Silent Like A Bomb’
Gary Numan – ‘Intruder’
Nestor – ‘Kids In A Ghost Town’
Table Scraps – ‘Coffin Face’
Green Lung – ‘Black Harvest’
Watts – ‘Shady Rock & Rollers’
Chuck Norris Experiment – ‘This Will Leave A Mark’
Also recommended
Razorbats – ‘Mainline Rock N Roll’, Wonk Unit – ‘Uncle Daddy’, Black Spiders – ‘Black Spiders’, The Limit – ‘Caveman Logic’, Alice Cooper – ‘Detroit Stories’, Death By Unga Bunga – ‘Heavy Male Insecurity’, Bitch Queens – ‘Custom Dystopia’, The Chisel – ‘Retaliation’, Roger Taylor – ‘The Outsider’, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – ‘Raise The Roof’
Ben Hughes
Vintage Trouble – ‘Juke Joint Gems’
Sami Yaffa – ‘The Innermost Journey To Your Outermost Mind’
Ryan Hamilton – ‘1221’
The Brothers Steve – ‘Dose’
Alabama 3 – ‘Step 13’
Delilah Bon – S/T
Steve Conte – ‘Bronx Cheer’
Jesse Malin – ‘Sad And Beautiful World’
Amyl and The Sniffers – ‘Comfort To Me’
Captain Future – ‘Ghostman’
Dom Daley
Sami Yaffa – ‘The Innermost Journey To Your Outermost Mind’ (Livewire)
Jesse Malin – ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ (Wicked Cool Records)
Richard Bacchus & The Luckiest Girls – ‘Viva La Wattage’ (Sioux Records)
Sonny Vincent – ‘Snake Pit Therapy’ (Svart Records)
Killer Hearts – ‘Skintight Electric’ (Spaghetty Town Records)
Craggy Collyde release their new video for the song ‘Don’t Put Me Down’, taken from 2020’s debut Wrapped Up in Ribbons. The video was first set to be filmed shortly after the album’s launch, but border restrictions due to the coronavirus meant that the band couldn’t meet for several months and so the video was delayed.
The video was shot by Oriol Camacho in an old disused theatre & cinema at the Brno Exhibition Centre in the Czech Republic, providing a nice backdrop for the nostalgic romanticism at the heart of the theme of the song. The modernist building was constructed from 1927 to 1928, along with the rest of the original centre.
This is the second video from the album, following last year’s release of ‘In the Shade of the Wild Oak Tree’.
Craggy says: “Oak Tree was never meant to be the only song to be given a video. The lockdown meant that we couldn’t make the follow-up video for Don’t Put Me Down, and so promotion of the album kind of ended with the melancholy of Oak Tree. I guess it turned out to quite fitting for the times, really.”
You can get hold of the mini-album ‘Wrapped up in Ribbons’ here
Next up is the video for the song ‘Living Each Day to Rock & Roll’ from Andy Guttercat. The song was mastered by Dave Draper, who’s CVincludes The Wildheart, Ginger and The Professionals to name a few. The autobiographical song is available for download, on Bandcamp and all proceeds from its sale with go to charity. https://andyguttercat.bandcamp.com/tr…
Finally, we have the new video from The Dollyrots. Track 3 off the B-sides, rarities, & covers collection “Down the Rabbit Hole”, A 2 disc deluxe digipak & exclusive bundles, straight from the band! Written by The Dollyrots, Jaret Reddick (Bowling For Soup), and Linus of Hollywood
With Christmas fast aproaching we thought it was time to swing open the doors of the RPM Online singles Club and see who strolls in. We weren’t disappointed as the mixed bag of miscreants waltzed in. With out most diverse bunch yet theres plenty to ponder from our staple favs to some wide ranging inclusions check em out at your leisure…
DIRT BOX DISCO – ‘Fuck me it’s all Gone Wrong’ (AVENUE RECORDZ) Hey Hey it’s a Dirtbox Day, Fuck Me its only Dirtbox Disco damaging my ears with their Motorhead infused punk rock n roll.
Of course its a banger as it lodges in your head and you can’t get rid of the gang vocal chorus for days and you find yourself saying fuck me at every oportunity. Its got a catchy chorus of course it has, It’s to the point and its got guitars that are razor sharp and Maff is kicking the shit out of his tubs. Dirtbox are back in the ring and doing what they do better than anyone else. Loud and proud and right on the money! Its all gone right more like.
Available in the following formats -
Digital download and streaming.
split 7" with issue 13 of SAFETY PIN MAGAZINE
JOHNNY CASINO -‘Another Girl’ (Golden Robot Records) This is the first single from his February 2022 release ‘5×7 the Days of Wine and Cola‘ ‘Another Girl’ started out as a moody acoustic piece until it found its way into the recording studio on the Costa Blanca in Spain. Here, a fire had been lit underneath it, a couple of bottles of wine poured all over it and an inspired electric guitar burned into it by Johnny and his band. There is a san fran vibe about it as well maybe is in the vocals but whatever its a great tune and if the rest of the record is up to this standard then bring it on. The solo is blistering.
Mickey Leigh’s Mutated Music – ‘No Fun Anymore’ (Wicked Cool Records) A thumping good tune. Though Mickey Leigh has been making music for over five decades, 2022 sees his first solo full-length release under the name Mickey Leigh’s Mutated Music. Growing up the brother of Joey Ramone, If this is the standard of what we can expect from his first solo album, ‘Variants of Vibe’, in February 2022 then bring it on. The first single, ‘No Fun Anymore’ is like the bastard child of Stiv Bators solo material and a real Rock and Roll tonic packed with energy and a strong hook get this on your new years wish list. hit it up here
Kurt Baker – Christmas In The Sand (Wicked Cool Records)The first of two singles from Kurt Baker this round-up ‘Christmas in the sand’ was inspired by Kurt and his longtime collaborator and bandmate, Wyatt Funderburk’s, experience writing the song in the cold weather of Maine. He said, “It’s a song about wanting to be at the beach during Christmas time! If only we lived in the southern hemisphere, haha!” The original version of the song was released in 2012, but 2021 saw the band revisit the song and “kick it up a notch.” I’m sure you’ll agree it has all the hallmarks of a crimbo classic. Get it on the playlist at the office party and turn it up its got sleigh bells n everything – Check it out Here
Night Courts! ‘Fractions’ (Snappy Little Numbers /Debt Offensive Records) Second video/single by Vancouver lo-fi indie/punk trio NIGHT COURT from their debut release Nervous Birds! is a right little earworm as it burrows in and unsuspecting throughout the day week you want to hear it again and again. Infectious? sure is. Check it out in the video below. Get into them here
Edweena Banger – ‘Let’s Do It’ (self Release) Album number two on the horizon this first glimpse of what to expect is a right banger (no pun intended) sizzling Rock and Roll with a big hook is the order of the day and one we fully endorse here at RPM Online. Connect with Edweena Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL2ccPg6HOM
Kurt Baker – ‘Turn It Around’ (Wicked Cool Records) wow Kurt Baker is in da house and he’s burning it down with this banger of a tune. A rapid stab of powerpoppin punk rock oozing attitude with a thumping backbeat. Of course it’s got a bloomin’ great big hook on the chorus but it’s got a warm winter fuzz going on from the kickoff. Another day another thumping good song released from Kurt Baker
Swedish Magazines – ‘Head On Ice’(Rubber Records) If you know you simply know. Melbourne rockers Sweedish Magazines are dropping bombs off their new album ‘I Wish Life Could Be’ and this is the latest – full of barroom Malcolm Young fire it barrels along like a bouncing bomb with boundless energy before smashing in your ear with an explosive chorus that makes your toes tap and your head move back and fore. Fantastic tune and one that makes you want to hear more and on this track they hit a groove and ride the shit out of it. If you want a catagory for this then punk n boogie would be apt as they mix Bon era DC with some punk rock SLF style. Whats not to like – excellent stuff.
Cheap Cassettes – ‘She Aint Nothing Like You’ (Rum Bar Records) Hell Yeah! the first glimpse under the hood of the new album from Candas Cheap Cassettes is a slow grooving rock and rolla and with great subtle gang harmonies these cats are back in the saddle and make this grooving rock and roll seem effortless from the clear melodic guitar break to the subtle late night overdrive they make great bedfellows with The Speedways from the UK and mixing up some Georgia Sattelites its such a cool tune that gets me excited for the album when it hits the shelves.
Chew Manga – ‘Listless’ (Stray Cat Records) full phat and fuzzy. This rocket-fueled slice of alternative rock is the first glimpse into the world of Chew Manga. Not heard these guys before but this Manchester mob has got some cool ideas and mix it up on single with a catchy hook and some great playing making for a most listenable tune and a pretty good introduction to the band. Check it out Here
Tony Iommi – ‘Scent Of Dark’ It might not be a crimbo single (Thank god) but this is the new release from Sabbath Guitar God Tony Iommi and as the video testifies it’s a slow brooding grinding beast of an instrumental combining those riffs and some lush cello playing. Of course, there isn’t any singing just riff after riff after mother fucking riff from the originator of all that is heavy and dark. Get it Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xala32PZ5vU
Wax On Water – ‘The Drip -Part 1’ EP This Camden ensemble kicks off this EP with a dark-stringed intro before their electro attack creepy crawls into your ear. ‘Don’t Bore Us’ builds slowly with a dark brooding tempo before breaking out with a menacing riff before falling back into the electro grunge fused twist.
‘The Sting In The Raw’ is a raw as razor blades riff that meanders through the song slashing away with menace. ‘Seventh Son’ is more haunting but again breaks out with a big raw riff that’s dark and brooding. ‘For The Love Of Money’ is a twitching electronic beast as it moves slowly but purposefully to the chorus with all the dark frills of an electro pulsating gothic slap but the vocal add some softer texture to the track and its better for it.
Hearts and Rockets – ‘TV Is Boring (EP)’ (Psychichysteria) Following from their recent single and video ‘Square Eyes’ and single ‘On/Off’, Naarm (Melbourne)-based bratwave duo Hearts and Rockets’ 5-track EP, ‘TV is Boring’, is out on cassette and digitally today and is available via their Bandcamp page, psychichysteria.com, and on all digital and streaming services.
The EP features 4 new originals, including recent singles ‘On/Off‘ with its hypnotic guitar lick, ‘Square Eyes‘ however is like a pulsating bass line and synth hook twitching like a metronome, plus the band’s longest track to date the title track ‘TV Is Boring‘ – which clocks in at almost 13 minutes. PLUS there’s a bonus cover of Black Flag’s classic anthem ‘TV Party’ and Hearts and Rockets’ post-punk anthem ‘Buy It’. Melbourne is having some cool tunes poured out of its backstreets with this really good post punk scuzzed up down n dirty rock n roll noise and we like it baby! Check it out Here
Finnegans Hell – ‘Happy Christmas’ (Sound Pollution) The second best Christmas song ever written? In any case “Happy Christmas” by Finnegan’s Hell qualifies as the second-best Christmas song coming from a Celtic punk band. – “Fairytale of New York” is still number one, but “Happy Christmas” contains enough social realism to make you reach for the bottle once the song is over, says lead singer Pabs Finnegan. His haunting whiskey voice takes the listener through three shades of black in a song that depicts anything but a happy Christmas. It might not be as good as The Pogues (Obviously) nor is it Slade or Wizzard but it shure as shit beats most of the insipid crimbo tunes we hear around this time.
Carrjam – 21 – ‘Can You Feel It’ (sound Pollution) A project started by Dregen to tip the hat to Kiss drummer Eric Carr who has passed 30 years ago! featuring Dregen (The Hellacopters, Backyard Babies), Gustav Kronfelt (video producer), Jolle Atlagic (Electric Boys, The Quill), Jesper Lindgren (Velvet Insane), Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper/Slash’s Snakepit) Åge Sten Nielsen (WigWam), Philip Shouse (Accept, Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons), Jesper Binzer (D-A-D) and Martin Ekelund (Bonafide). It must be cock rock o clock judging by the style of this slow grooving rock song. Together with some of the most well-known and KISS-inspired musicians, Dregen has recorded 2 songs written by Carr plus 2 KISS related bonus songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN3X4mXfPFc
James Domestic – ‘Push On Through’ (KIBOU RECORDS) second single from James is an electronic departure from his day job with the Domestics. Lifted from James’ debut solo album ‘Carrion Repeating’, due out in April it’s a sparse ride that ends with a freak out of guitar noise broken down by a synth and the techo rhythm and drum beat. widescreen post punk for sure check out the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd95SJQspDQ
Hanterhir – ‘Waiting For Bertie’ (Easy Action) Cornish alt.rockers HANTERHIR return with a brand new single and video ‘Waiting For Bertie’ An adventurous mix of post punk with psychedelic undertones as well as some flutey tones for good measure it seems like the time is right for the band to get back to releasing their album that is penned for early 2022 release Connect here
Ryan Hamilton album, released digitally & CD November 26, 2021 on (Stevie Van Zandt’s) Wicked Cool Records
Hamilton’s Americana fuses his Country heritage with alt rock & power pop sensibilities.
The central theme of this latest album is collaboration. Pandemically stripped – for now – of his transatlantic band the Harlequin Ghosts, Hamilton, working with long-time collaborator and producer Dave Draper, has drawn upon a variety of sources here. Including covers of tracks by The Spin Doctors, The Refreshments and Great Yarmouth’s finest – Catherine Wheel, ‘1221’ also offers a brace of previously unrecorded originals by Chuck Prophet and Bob Schneider along with the Hamilton penned singles.
Hamilton has released a track a month during 2021, each hitting the iTunes Americana Top 20. Hamilton has been heralded by Spin magazine as one of the ‘Best Lesser-Known Artists of the Last 35 Years’.
It’s been a long time coming but finally, the wait is over. ‘Bronx Cheer’ is finally here and the wait has been well worth it. Having had the first insight into the new music from Conte way back when he toured with Michael Monroe in 2017 and had copies of his single in tow it has been a weird wait for this album what with a global lockdown and as we creep back out into daylight it seems that every musician and his dog has been creative and creating new music to get to our ears and through all the chaos we’ve had delays and whatnot but as soon as news crept out as to who was playing on this record anticipation began to grow.
Reeling in Charlie Drayton (Keith Richard Expensive wino) on the drums was a super cool catch as Drayton sure knows how to swing and where to raise the temperature and where to ease back. Steve also has his brother John on the bass and some cool hangs with Clem Burke (Blondie), Andy Rourke (The Smiths), and Jesse Malin for good measure.
Kicking off proceedings with the loose and effervescent ‘The Human Animal’ once the lid is removed the song fizzes along with a happy-go-lucky rhythm and something of a restrained vocal easing the listener in gently. The record kicks off as soon as ‘Liar Like You’ cranks up the ante. Racing off like the bastard child of The Ramones and Replacements with nicely placed backing vocals helping Conte as he comes out swinging.
We hit one of the singles we’ve previously heard in the shape of Rock and Roller ‘Recovery Doll’ one where the spirit of Keith Richards is evident with some great playing, built around a great deal of swing from the band from top to bottom this is a classy number around a traditional theme. Cool stuff. Staying with a retro vibe ‘Wildwood Moon’ has some great lyrics and of course, great playing that is captivating and a real sunshine song.
We ran the ‘Flyin’ video a few weeks ago and commented on Conte’s vocals and how it was his best performance and as the album unfolds I stand by my initial reaction sure its got some ‘Exile On Mainstreet’ and Faces style to it The delivery is fantastic. It reminds me of Rod Stewarts’ performance of ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ the production values are outstanding with every instrument having its own space to breathe and create what is a wonderful song.
Some musicians have the rare gift of being able to lift ones emotional state with a three-minute pop song and Conte manages that every time I hear ‘Dog Days Of Summer’. It seems such a simple task pick up a guitar throw some chords together get a few equally talented musicians to get together and start jamming then voila! you have a tune. I’m sure it’s not quite as simple as that but that’s how easy these cats make it sound on songs like this. Like a ray of sunshine, I love it.
The flow of this record seems better than previous solo albums maybe its due to the time gifted to sit and let a record mature due to the pandemic there are plenty of flavours on offer and just cutting loose on tracks like ‘Overnight Smash’ next to the slower more reflective ‘Flyin’ is perfect.
‘Those Sexy Lies’ is a song Aerosmith should still be writing but don’t. Then fast forward to the slow-burning ‘Guilty’ which is a real highlight, from the guitar tone to the subtle swirl of the organ or is it the backing vocals that are timeless. Maybe its the lead vocal and response from the girls is majestic as the song builds up to be taken back down is a beautiful thing and as soulful as you could legally get on a record in 2021 Conte must have done a deal with old nick down at those crossroads because this is absolutely class.
Before calling time on ‘Bronx Cheer’ there’s the noo yawk cool of ‘My Degeneration’ before taking us all the way back to where this record began with the single ‘Gimme Gimme Rockaway’ and its youthful party time anthem.
I’m sure the instant gratification of listening to this record over the first few plays is wonderful but as it gets more plays the subtle melodies and guitar breaks jump out that weren’t there on first impression, this stands it in good stead for the longevity of the record and I love that. Its timeless rock and roll baby and easily one of the best records I’ve heard all year right up at the top of the list alongside his fellow bandmate Sami Yaffa – man these cats are some of the most talented musicians around and what a pleasure it is to be able to review their records. Don’t let this one pass you by it’s a freakin belter from start to finish.
Been waiting a long time to reacquaint myself with a Jesse Malin live show. Throughout the pandemic, I tried watching various broadcasts and live streams but, not one single effort caught my imagination and made me set a reminder to tune in except for one; ‘The Fine Art Of Social Distancing’ Jesse Malin is someone who has always been on my musical radar from the moment in the 90s his band D Generation managed to save the decade with their punk rock n roll and when they broke up I went to New York in search of Bellvue and then Jesse went solo and I just couldn’t get enough of it from the 169 EP to the present pandemic Malin seemed to cut through whatever genre he chose I was on board.
I find myself easing back into live surroundings and having taken in a few over the last few weeks I ventured into the Fleece with a minute to spare before the excellent Kris Gruen (sure yes he the son of Bob) I mean if Bob Gruen was my dad I’d be telling everyone and sundry but he didn’t drop that Clang! until well in the set.
Kris was stripped down to just his voice and an acoustic guitar and to be fair it’s an impressive voice to begin with as he regaled us with songs from his new album as well as a couple of choice covers. You could have heard a pin drop throughout his set as he went about his business. Sure it was a soulful blend of countrified rock and roll but his take on ‘Bankrobber’ was majestic but his interpretation of the Thunders classic ‘Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory’ won me over. Haunting and memorable as he took ownership in a way I’m sure Thunders would have approved of. Warm-up or opening act call it what you will Kris Gruen won over a few new fans tonight in Bristol for his style and quality of craft just what the doctor ordered.
Onto Malin and his Guitar, Bass, Drums, and a piano band that was geared up to race through his repertoire picking up a song from here and there like a Magpie fluttering over the shiny songs like pieces of gold and silver and buffing off any cobwebs that might have gathered over the past eighteen months of being left in the box.
With a stunning new album in tow Malin slotted in songs like the blissful ‘Shining Down’ alongside classics like ‘Downliner’ and ‘Wendy’ but its more than that Malin engages with his audience like its a private gathering and only you and his band in the room regaling us with stories he’s gathered on his travels about his songs and the journey he and these tunes have been on. Opening the set with ‘The Way We Used To Roll’ from the new album and then hitting ‘Backstabbers’ another new one before dopping the earworm that is ‘Downliner’ and then back into the new album with ‘Before You Go’. Already there was a sense that this was going to be something special and sending out three new songs in the set so early was brave but it’s exactly what we needed and the energy pouring off the stage was huge.
I’m not sure the mains needed turning up but the standout track from ‘New York Before The War’ was a stomper before the shimmering ‘Room 13’ gave us some respite before a top rendition of The Pogues classic ‘Fall From Grace With God’ enabled everyone in the room to get loose and get up to speed because live shows are back baby and seeing Malin move through the audience looking for a bar or vantage point to climb was a beautiful thing. I love the new record and the Blondie Noo Yawk disco beat of ‘A Little Death’ fitted in nicely showing another side of Jesse’s songwriting masterclass.
To be fair before we hit the encore Malin had given up seven new songs throughout the set and whilst I could go on he didn’t play this or that and nothing from ‘The Heat’ and only a pair off the debut solo album it was one of “Those” nights where everything seemed to be perfect and whilst it looked effortless and the band just hit their groove I’m sure it isn’t quite that easy. It seemed apt that Jesse offered up his version of ‘Sway’ to Charlie Watts it was his parting shot of the excellent hymn for travellers from his new album ‘St Christopher’ seemed to have always been in the set and with Kris Gruen joining for some team spirit and vocal aid it was the parting gift of The Clash classic ‘Rudie Can’t Fail’ that sent us off into the cold Bristol night knowing we’d just seen a fantastic set from a unique talent and one of the best songwriters out there.
You can get so far with a little PMA and a pocketful of dreams but you still need the tunes and Jesse Malin has got a whole fuckin’ suitcase full of em and more the only regret was he didn’t have some Noo Yawk saxophone with him now that would have been something, maybe next time, please. Hopefully, with a little PMA, it won’t be so long before we can do this all over again. I can’t remember almost two hours of live music passing so quickly and leaving me wanting more. Just what live shows should do. Brilliant simply brilliant.
Recent Comments