Paul Mojo and the Black Kat Bones
Give Me the Bop
(Tuten Records)
Recommended: "Bad Little Girl," "I'm Amazed," "I Still Miss Johnny Cash," "The Princess and the King," "Party Doll," "Keep That Bourbon Away From Me"
Video: "Bad Little Girl" (live)
Bandcamp
Pontus J Back
Reason For Living
(Talking Music)
Loudly evident is the spiritual cohesion of musician and music. For Finland's guitar-packing Rock Pastor, reaching deep within himself and proclaiming Blues-grounded, riff-laden Rock'n'Roll is as natural a process as drawing breath. One is taken aback by his unerring six-string accumen as it struts boldly and tears into shifting landscapes. The artisan's plain, gruff vocalizations recall iconic DJ Wolfman Jack, an everyman quality that enhances accessibilty.
Recommended: "Reason For Living," "All Shook Up," "I Can Jive," "Burning Love," "Big Bad Wolf," "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven," "Slow Down," "Everytime I Roll the Dice," "Reason For the Season"
Video: "I Can Jive"
Gavin Bowles & the Distractions
Phoning It In
(Stranger Than Fiction)
Unwrap the package and savor sweet confections of Power Pop piquancy. Neither conscience nor nutritional concerns should preclude pleasure. Constructions are scrupulously compact, and infectious bouyancy overwhelms. That delightful songs triumph in their sprightly dispatch would not be possible, were bandmembers not eminently adroit. Perhaps sentimentality colors recollections of the 1970s and '80s, making them seem less fraught with troublesome complexities, but radiant songs like these shined in those eras. And they make life today a positive gas.
Recommended: "On the Telephone (I Used To Call You)," "Out Of Time," "Working Class Stiff," "Break My Heart," "I Don't Know What I Want," "Dance Your Heart Out," "Gimme Gimme Hostility"
Video: "On the Telephone (I Used To Call You)"
Mr. Black and the 5000 Cadillacs
Crossroads
(Musakonttori)
Singer/guitarist Vesa's pedigree includes various Finnish Psychobilly ground forces. While he's pursuing a more standard NeoRockabilly attack plan as commander of this trio, gassed stompers will find it explodes with barely controlled boisterousness, nonetheless. Battle-suited warriors at his elbow, Vesa marauds across tumultuous zones and illustrates that identical spark compels him regardless of genre. Numerous online vendors offer this combustible compendium, of which only 200 copies were manufactured. Jungle Records has aleady designated it as 'out of stock.' Haste is counseled.
Recommended: "Blame On Me," "Polecat Hollow," "Gets Too Much," "Travellin' Soul," "Dark Clouds," "If I Had Me a Woman," "Sidetrack Mama," "Narcist," "Right String Baby," "Sideburns"
Video: Live (53:20)
Memphis Lee and the Creepers
s/t
(California Zephyr Records)
Having germinated in South Wales, this 5-6 man dance band has delighted numerous European festival crowds. Jubilant appeal leaps from the grooves of this thoroughly solid disc on which no lackluster passages appear. Tempos vary, as required by entries ranging from jaunty jivers to leisurely Doo Wop to flat-gone rocking. There exists here much to please all, though particular attraction will likely be felt by couples disposed to whirling beneath colored lights.
Recommended: "Gonna Do It My Way," "Midnight Flyer," "She's My Loving Baby," "Miami," "Just Because," "Small Town Girl," "Man She's a Rocker," "Hot Rod Queen," "Thorn In My Side," "Ellie May," "Somewhere Down the Line," "Fool About You"
Video: Promo sampler
Rocking All Life Long record shop
The Joeys
The Desert Waits For Me 4-track digital release
(Self-issued)
Previous Joeys releases have established the expectation that they can be relied upon for consistent flourish. That assumption is validated by these new songs. The opening cut's Western ambiance (signaled at the outset by Morricone trumpting) portrays the Joeys in a light unlike those cast by earlier efforts. But the fresh environment offers the trio crisp opportunity for expression, and they avail themselves with sterling result. What follows is material more conformative to set standards, perhaps, but no less magnetic. Dean Cheney's six-string articulations have become still more impressive than they already were, but it should be emphasized that they would suffer without the vigorous abetment of bassist Logan Cormany and drummer Hayden Lamm. Both also lend strong backing vocals to Dean's assertive lead ones. One feels sure future Joeys endeavors will prove similarly bounteous.
Recommended: "The Desert Waits For Me," "Throw You Away," "Sailin'," "The Ballad of Crazy Harry and the Getaway Queen"
Video: "The Ballad of Crazy Harry and the Getaway Queen" (live)
Bruce Humphries and the Rockabilly Rebels
Live It Up!
(Self-issued)
Bruce and friends favor fans with romping gregariousness, presenting an all-are-welcome affability whose value cannot be over-rated. They plate up traditional Rock'n'Roll whose enticing rhythms create an overwhelmingly congenial mood. All that is asked of listeners is that they bask in good-time richness and give themselves up to the fun-spirit that so charges the Rockabilly Rebels.
Per the group's Bandcamp listing, this disc is limited to 200 copies. Cover artwork is rendered in 3-D and suitable glasses will be included with each order. That 3-D presentation is a physical manifestation of the partiality toward retro character that governs musical direction.
Recommended: "Comin' Down Hard," "Jack Splat," "She's Your Problem Now," "Pitter Patter," "Live It Up!," "Leave the Lights On," "Cool Clad Daddy," "Take Me Home"
Video: "Cool Clad Daddy"
Amazon ("Live It Up!" single)
Amazon ("Jack Splat" single)
Shock Value
s/t
(Casualty Records)
In their finer moments, the members of Australian aggregation Shock Value incorporate elements from Punk's primeval stage, reminding this reviewer of nascent Stooges. (That is particularly so of lead vocals sometimes tossed off with swaggering Iguana nonchalance.) Free of bridle, distorted guitar snarls onslaughts unerring. In fact, all players stoke this furious blaze.
Recommended: "Heart Attack," "Fuck Me Up," "Trixy Dot," "White Bliss," "I Want a Gun"
Video: "Heart Attack"
Chris Isaak
Everybody Knows It's Christmas
(Sun Records)
Chris wisely opts against severe innovation, instead rendering classics that have delighted generations as traditionally portrayed; by so doing, he ensures his work warm welcome. In the singer's milky modulations, one occasionally espies Der Bingle's shadow. Several originals nestle between long-adored chestnuts. And while two tend toward bleakness (depression sometimes being a sad seasonal reality), they generally honor the festive ambiance. (Meriting note is that much credit for the material's ascension is owed to the elite musicians contracted for the gladsome celebration.) Appropriately, Chris ends on a spiritual note, conveying his awareness of the moment's true nature.
Recommended: "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bell Rock," "Holiday Blues," "Run Run Rudolph," "I Believe In Santa Claus," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," "Everybody Knows It's Christmas," "Christmas Comes But Once a Year," "Help Me Baby Jesus," "Dogs Love Christmas Too," "Wrapping Presents For Myself," "Almost Christmas," "O Holy Night"
Video: "Dogs Love Christmas Too" (live in RCA studio)
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Hi-Tone Combo
Plumb Brandy Boogie
(Self-issued)
Bannering illustrious inspirations like Bo Diddley and Carl Perkins poses a risk: Any band doing so, but that lacks ample chops, will fall to deserved ruin. That such is not the case in this instance can be established by simply dropping the needle. Hi-Tone Combo draws upon revered predecessors, true, but never to mask inadequacy. Rather, well-selected influences prompt wonderfully familiar rollicks that enjoy crisp enhancement. Grab a partner, assured that you are in the company of friends.
Recommended: "Rock'n'Roll Party," "Don't Say It Ain't True," "Cat Clothes," "Look At That Girl," "I Can't Stop It," "Plumb Brandy Boogie," "Mercury Blues"
Video: "Rock'n'Roll Party"
The Screwups
Never Run EP
(Fucking North Pole Records)
While these Norwegian punks have much to their favor -- not least of which are guitars that sprint determinedly and communicable harmonies -- all would be futile were those magnetic attributes not encased in economical packaging. Direct songcraft mindful of brevity's virtue enables strengths' efficacious communication.
Recommended: "Stay Dumb," "Never Run," "Best Job"
Video: "Stay Dumb"
Kryptonix
Until the End
(Klabautermann Records)
It is with metallic dash, guitars at topmost volume, that these French psychos perpetrate rage-songs of caustic nature. Satiated casulalties cover the wrecking-pit, twitching spasmodically as exquisite expiration looms. But those succumbing too quickly will miss the strikingly unhurried conclusion. Though given tightly governed exercise, it streams no less compellingly than preceding thunderbursts and unveils peculiar ominousness.
Recommended: "Until the End," "Am I a Hero," "The Last Caress," "Ride Like the Rain," "Young Black Cat"
Video: "Am I a Hero"
Klabautermann (Big Cartel)
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Linda Gail Lewis
Seven Long Years single
(Cleopatra)
Linda Gail is hailed as a Rock'n'Roll authentic, and no disputation of that assessment would be found on this page. "Seven Long Years" is one of several sides the singer/piano-player recently cut for Cleopatra; in its way, it is the most effective. Elsewhere, she kicks up her heels to boisterous effect. But here, ably abetted by roots-music worthies deserving of their independent illustriousness, she uncovers the vigor potential in passionate Bluesy ruggedness. Turn this up and let your circumstance become a night spot.
Ghost Party
Afterlife Of the Party
(Mom's Basement Records)
Pivotal to the Ramones' magnetism was reverence for quintessential pop components, like accessible song constructions and infectious backing harmonies. Ghost Party's three happily carbonated comrades maintain that tradition, conspiring to produce brief and lissome Punk anthems ever reflective of the melodious heritage they, and we, so cherish.
Recommended: "Halloween '99," "Worst Movies, Best Nights," "Lame Beach Party," "Killing Time," "This Is Why I Drink," "You're My Baby"
Video: "Worst Movies, Best Nights"
Los Malditos
Punkabilly
(Self-issued)
Seconds after dropping the needle, one realizes this offers creations more broad than the title implies; at least, per its standard definition. Aggressiveness is judiciously exercised to advance compositional interests. This being an ensemble perpetration, all participants contribute mightily to its coordinated agitations. But perhaps most visible are guitars and horns whose rampagings rivet.
Recommended: "La Jungla," "Psychodelincuente," "Cuatro estaciones," "No puedo parar de bailar," "Mosquitos," "Jugando a cartas con la muerte"
Video: "Psychodelincuente"
Soulstice Band
I Don't Need To Go To Nashville EP
(Self-issued)
The title declares salubriously independent artistic outlook. It is likely that corporate calculations (having no relation to creativity) would discourage spring-heeled alt-country of this rich and accessible nature. Lustily strummed romps invite generously, their unpretentious appeals to good fellowship throwing welcoming arms widely and requesting only that cares be forgotten. Too, there is poignancy afoot: Ballad "Alone Don't Mean Lonely" gives evidence of humanity Nashville's industry functionaries would surely find insufficiently commercial.
Recommended: "I Don't Need To Go To Nashville," "Mama Still Got It," "Alone Don't Mean Lonely," "And Then She Kissed Me," "The Cave"
Video: "Mama Still Got It"
The Roues Bros.
From the Vault 4-song digital EP
(Self-issued)
Recommended: "The Sound Of One Heart Breaking," "Birds Of a Feather," "I Must Be Hearing Things," "Gypsy Blood"
Jittery Jack With Amy Griffin
Tonight's the Night
(Rum Bar Records)
Having pooled talents for previous sterling endeavors, Jack and Amy developed an effective tag-team approach: He wins listener welcome through drawled affability while she embellishes the time-honored jaunty country with formidable six-string prowess. Theirs is a lucrative method that wreathes all in smiles.
It bears mention that a major factor in this release's reward is the man at the drum kit, erstwhile Bopcat Teddy Fury. The fact of his participation lends especial credibility.
Recommended: "Tonight's the Night," "She's Alright," "Off To the Race," "Bare My Heart," "Lonely Summer," "Salesman Boogie," "Tavern At the End Of My Career," "Winter In New England"
Video: "Tonight's the Night" (live)
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Jared Petteys & the Headliners
Shake A Little EP
(Retro-Sonic Records)
Only days prior to this writing, Jared and his combo shared an Atlanta stage with the storied Hillbilly Casino. Readers would be correct in interpreting that association to be symbolic of high caliber. Consequence is a requisite for any who would draw breath in that fast company. Charleston's Headliners surely galvanize blue-collar club-goers and drive them to free-for-all distraction. The majority of EP tracks are robust in their fulfillment of hankering for concrete, dominative Rock'n'Roll redolent of early Sun Studio experimentations. But sandwiched between those exertions is an instrumental of profound Mexican bearing. Grandiose in compass, it casts spotlight on Jared's redoubtable facilty, which is evidenced as being multi-stylistic -- advisably so.
Recommended: "Shake A Little," "You're My Baby," "Lost In Baja," "Holly Would," "Get Outta My Own Way"
Video: "You're My Baby" (live)
Danny Dean
"Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me," "Take Me Back Again," "Clouds" online single
(Self-issued)
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Video: "Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me"
Generador
Sonrío Demasiado
(Beatclap)
Lux and Ivy's ghoulish imprint creeps still, recent evidence being the oeuvre of Madrid duo Generador. Their Link-Wray-meets-Frankenstein spectacle is acrawl with sinister implication. But its exuberance likely sparks hedonistic uncaring. Drummer Annie Baby and Danelectro-wielding J. Horror unite in exclusively Spanish-language singing; for persons not suitably conversant, incomprehension compounds crypticness.
Online research found mixed results. Some sites declared this 2019 work to be sold out, while others maintained Beatclap is distributing it in 2023. That mystery aside, pursuit is merited.
Recommended: "Sonrío Demasiado para ser tan pobre," "Maldito vehiculo de ocasiôn," "Invasiôn," "Licántropo," "Vampiresa mujer," "La vida es siniestra en el callejón," "Cambio mi cuerpo," "Despeinada"
Video: "Sonrío Demasiado para ser tan pobre" (live)
Mama's Hot Sauce
Rat Rod Zombies From Outer Space
(Self-issued)
They banner themselves as a Rockabilly band. While that characterization is accurate -- one always rallies to six-string dynamics and collective locomotion -- it fails to fully convey what Mama's Hot Sauce offers. They've cultivated an effervesent portrayal of the genre specified that incorporates (without dilution) multiple roots factors and derives distinction from generous Blues-harp fortification. The resultant driving sound is more expansive than any single-word descriptor would imply.
Recommended: "Born To Rock," "She's On Fire," "Red Hot Little Demon," "Rat Rod Zombies From Outer Space," "Run Rabbit Run," "June Bug," "I'm Doing Good" (bonus track), "My House Sits On the Corner" (bonus track)
Video: live (1:55:13)
Chip Whitson
Rockabilly & Booze
(Self-issued)
Per an advisory on Chip's Bandcamp page, he's been a staple of the Northwest's live music scene for some 40 years. That claim of long- term popularity becomes credible once this disc commences. Chuck Berry comes to mind at several points; indeed the duck-walking icon is among influences Chip cites. Various adroit friends and relatives joined him for this 2019-recorded, just-released EP. Together, they deploy properly uncomplicated Rock'n'Roll in vigorous, infectious fashion. And meritorious as such songs are, they would by themselves warrant advocacy. But of more profound character are Chip's thoughtful delineations of life-opportunities not pursued and a father whose guidance and example left everlasting effects. Those moments establish the dynamic entertainer as also a poet capable of moving insights.
Recommended: "Atomic Love," "Rockabilly & Booze," "Hold the Gun," "My Old Man," "Let's Do Nothing Together," "Might've Been," "Work"
Video: "My Old Man"
Burger Weekends
"Debra Is a Fungirl" b/w "I Don't Want You"
(Self-issued)
Video: "Debra Is a Fungirl" (live)
Amazon (Japan)
Joel Paterson
Wheelhouse Rag
(Jalopy Records)
Through years of studio toil and on-the-road exploits, and in various group assemblages, Joel established himself as a breathtaking master-hand of strings electric, acoustic, and of the steel variety. Having now taken up an accomodating gut-box, he of the dexterous digits fashioned this assertion of old-ways' enduring merit. Blues voicings long ago birthed in barrel-houses and barns rise here and lay claim to appreciative attention. Joel's finger-picked interpretations of quintessentially American modes sprint in some moments, amble in others, but awe without exception.
Recommended: "Preston Rag," "Nellie's Dream," "King Street Breakdown," "Buzzin' the Frets," "Go Lightnin'," "Wheelhouse Rag," "Jailhouse Special," "Jalopy Stomp," "Call That Gone"
Video: "Buzzin' the Frets"
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