DC Larson's JUKEBOX JURY

Apple

Bonecrusher

The Game

(Knock Out / Pirates Press)

The pit was a thrashing maelstrom full of mohawks and tattooed biceps. Razory rage blasted from amps on 10 and goaded tangled celebrants. All was tilted and yet right with the electric night world.

Recommended: "The Game," "Never Forget," "Live For Today," "Don't Care," "Wrong Side Of History," "3rd Half Hooligan," "Society Of Fools," "Holiday," "Wake Up," "Changes Of the Time," "Into the Storm"

Video: "Never Forget"

Pirates Press

Shanda & the Howlers

It Ain't Easy

(Rum Bar Records)

Interest in this owes to the mixing of innocent, boy-girl pop ala the early 1960s with serious r&b musicianship that delivers the solid. Matters take a more somber turn when in come tales of rejection and the bleakness of love faded.

Recommended: "Miles and Miles," "Please Come Home," "Want You Anyway," "Used To Call Me Baby," "It Ain't Easy," "Whatcha Gonna Do Now," "Won't Be Back No More," "That Boy," "Walk Away,"

Video: "Won't Take No" (Bopflix session)

Back In The Day, 1981

Carl Mann

In Rockabilly Country

(Rockhouse)

At once, the listener appreciates the countrypolitan (uptown brass, sophisticated backing-voice choruses) and golden-age vibe (Sun-reminiscent pumping piano, twangy guitar). Carl's assured drawl signals that an easygoing nature lies dead center, and permeates the whole with welcoming warmth. An original showing the young cats how it's done.

Recommended: "Ain't Got No Home," "Sunny Side Of The Mountain," "When The Leaves Have All Turned Brown," "It Couldn't Happen With Me," "Knocking On The Backside," "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain," "Rockin' The Boat Of Love"

Video: "Ain't Got No Home" (live)

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Tex Williams

Let's Go Rockabilly

(Bear Family)

For many years. this author has been a fan of Tex Williams. His music is indispensible for any afficianado of western swing and related genres. This important Bear Family album comes just in time, too; Williams' LPs are long out of print, and I've depended on a cassette for decades.

This is an excellent compendium, but it is misleadingly named. Yes, there is a song here called "Let's Go Rockabilly." But it seems an awkward and uncharacteristic marketing attempt. It is not representative of the disc, or of the star's usual music.

Tex first earned 1940s fame with Spade Cooley's band, and later as a solo performer.

The band he assembled (some of whom had followed the singer after a jealous Cooley fired him) was an exceptional one in the western swing world. Legends Jimmy Bryant and Speedy West sat in on "Wild Card."

The group "attained an enviable level of fluid interplay between electric and steel guitars, fiddles, bass, accordian, trumpet, and other instruments..." recalled All Music.

Williams was not alone among established country musicians who sought to remain relevant, and professionally viable, given the early 1950s' stylistic permutation. But his trademark, deep baritone talking-blues delivery wasn't well suited to the new music.

Hence, the best tracks here aren't rockabilly at all. There are several uptempo tracks that do rock, after a genteel fashion, but there is nary a hiccup to be found. Sam Phillips had no reason for concern.

Tex's standard fare was more in a western swing vein, with his talking blues style a recognizable feature. Most material here is reflective of that.

He is not as widely remembered as contemporaries the Maddox Brothers or Bob Wills. But his unique and inspirational (ask Commander Cody) oeuvre is aptly presented.

Just don't call it rockabilly.

Recommended: "Hey, Mr. Cottonpicker," "Money," "This Ole House," "Sidetracked," "Air Mail Special," "Wild Card," "Rancho Boogie," "Smoke Smoke Smoke (That Cigarette)," "San Antonio Rose," "Every Night," "Talkin' To The Blues," "Revival Is On It's Way," "Ballad Of Thunder Road," "Talkin' Boogie" (live)

Video: "The Talkin' Boogie"

Bear Family

Buzz Campbell

and the Heartaches

My Heart Aches / Red Tail Lights

digital single (self)

Hot Rod Lincoln, Sha Na Na, and Lee Rocker's band all appear on Buzz's resume. It was with those he made his rockabilly six-string bones. With these more country-inflected songs he expands his body of music, even making space for a little mexican-flavored fretboard musing. Creative maturation is a wonderful thing to hear.

Videos: "My Heart Aches," "Red Tail Lights"

The Legendary

Shack Shakers

Cockadoodledeux

(Alternative Tentacles)

They seem to be having considerable fun this effort, which suits the fiddle-prominent, rustic music. The drawls are just shy of parodic, and the twang exactly right. A good time is its own reward.

Recommended: "Tickle Your Innards," "They Won't Let Me Forget (All The Things I Can't Recall)," "God-Forsaken Town," "U-Can-Be-A-Star," "Port Arthur Boys," "Triple Timer"

Video: "Rawhide"

Alternative Tentacles

The Mochines

Catch Me

CD EP

(Rum Bar)

Is it still "power pop," when much more emphasis is put on the former? Perhaps, when the catchy elements make themselves apparent as insidious influencers. Or, we can forget analytical intellectualism and just shake some action.

Recommended: "Catch Me," "Post Pop Crash Depression," "Miss My Baby," "This Is Rock 'n' Roll"

Video: "Doghouse" (non-EP)

Rum Bar

Friday, March 25, 2022

Carl Perkins

The King Of Rockabilly

Sun Records 70th Anniversary

(Sun Records)

You've doubtless already got Carl in your collection. But here, his essential tracks have been remastered. The man had a way of bending notes until the country and blues unified and flowered as nascent and globe-altering rockabilly. One of the giants.

Recommended: "Movie Magg," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Matchbox," "Honey Don't" (alternate version), "Put Your Cat Clothes On," "Boppin' The Blues," "All Mama's Children"

Video: "Movie Magg" (non-LP version)

D.D. Verni &

the Cadillac Band

Let's Rattle

(Mvd Audio)

High class, pouncing Big Band swing. Soaring brass and rippling ivories overlaid atop a rockin' rhythm section; all within earshot are motivated to swirl. Guitar solos are judicious in their deploy, and D.D.'s seemingly effortless vocals guide through a land of jumpin' melodies and tremendous scope.

Recommended: "Cadillac Man," "Shake It Swing It," "Olivia - That's Who," "Powerhouse," "Cold-Hearted Woman," "School Of Rock 'n' Roll," "Ain't That A Kick In The Head," "L-O-V-E"

Video: "Cadillac Man"

Truffle Valley Boys

Looking For An Old

Fashioned Church

Vinyl LP (Tenbrooks)

Bluegrass may be the most appropriate style in which to convey old-time religion communications. This splendid effort makes just that case. There'a a warm familiarity involved that assures one is among like-spirited souls, and that ensures whole-hearted message reception.

Songs are short, and that is to the good; the Truffle Valley Boys make their points, and an imprint, without distractive excess.

Recommended: "Airwaves Of Zion," "Satan Lost A Sinner," "Looking For An Old Fashioned Church," "Oh Death," "Everlasting Joy," "Memories Of The Old Country Church," "One More Valley," "Satan's Gotta Get long Without Me," "Cross Over Jordan," "Sinner's Prayer," "Walk Around Me, Jesus"

Video: Live

Swing Cats

Swing Cat Stomp

(Cleopatra)

Reissued 1999 disc. Markedly among the most proficient of roots-music torch bearers. In 15 tracks, these men set high the bar for others who hope to recapture the excitement of past waxings, and added their own musings into the endeavor. Of sterling mettle.

Recommended: "Swing Cat Stomp," "Choo-Choo-Ch'Boogie," "Snap, Cracke & Hiss," "Wholly Cats," "Good Rockin' Daddy," "All I Want Is You," "One Scotch, One Bouban, One Beer," "Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend"

Video: "Swing Cat Stomp"

Cleopatra

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Dale Watson

...presents the Memphians

(Red River Entertainment)

Relaxed and mature instrumentals that, in due course, underscore all assembled. Keys, saxophone, trumpet, and guitar all utter forthrightly. Persuasive in the interest of tranquility.

Recommended: "Agent Elvis," "Dalynn," "Standin' In Line," "Serene Lee," "Deep Eddy," "Hernando's Swang," "Mi Scusi," "2020," "Remembering Gary"

Video: Live

Los Aceitosos

High Octane Neo Rockabilly

(self)

Stand back. An electric charge leaps from this disc as soon as the needle drops onto the vinyl. As muscular and spring-heeled a group as you'll locate. From Buenos Aires it came.

Recommended: "Fiebre de Bop," "Perdiendo la Razon," "Vagabundo," "Yo Pecador," "Maldito Tren," "Buscando Mi Destino," "Amargo Obrero," "Mi Convertible"

Video: "Fiebre de Bop"

The Mee Kats

Rocket Trip

(Ditto Music)

Smooth harmonies and ace musicianship typify this effort, which presents trio rockabilly in a most flattering light. Be advised that spining this makes dancefloors fill.

Recommended: "Rocket Trip," "Cradle Of Love," "Feelin' Fine," "Ice Cold," "Don't Treat Me Like A Fool," "Buzz Buzz A Diddle It," "Cryin' Over You," "I Don't Like It"

Video: Live (Hemsby 2018)

Hawkmen

When It's Gone

(Greystone Records)

The playing is dynamic yet unobtrusive, and acts as sympathetic support for vocals that easily grasp tuneful airs. Smoky and snappy, in all the best senses.

Recommended: "Night Out In Tokyo," "When It's Gone," "Big Bertha," "Hawkmen Stomp," "Funky Feet," "Under Your Spell," "James Dean"

Video: "Big Bertha"

Monday, March 21, 2022

Lars Frederiksen

To Victory EP

(Pirates Press)

The influential, erstwhile Rancid frontman acquits himself handily. Blistering punk that is best when light on sloganeering. The music is what counts most. And when it crushes, it's viscerally effective.

Recommended: "Army Of Zombies," "Tomorrow's Girls," "Motherland"

Video: "Skunx"

Pirates Press

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram

662 (Alligator)

The finest moments are the bold ones. The assertive strides. Ones where his guitar and voice join in natural union to articulate a blues familiar and yet of unique character. And here are many such moments.

Recommended: "She Calls Me Kingfish," "Long Distance Woman," "Another Life Goes By," "Not Gonna Lie," "My Bad," "That's All It Takes," "That's What You Do," "Something In The Dirt"

Video: "Long Distance Woman"

Alligator

Miss Georgia Peach

Aloha From Kentucky

(Rum Bar Records)

Crooner superb Missie remembers where she's from; that faith informs her readings and ensures our pleasure. Collaboration with Nashville Pussy members enriches the backwoods enterprise.

Recommended: "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin'," "You Blow My Mind," "Scratchy Foot," "River Deep Mountain High," "Adam Neal Waltz," "Big Iron Skillet," "Jackson" (feat. Blaine Cartwright)

Video: "You Blow My Mind"

Rum Bar

One Way System

Car Bombs In Babylon

(Katabomb)

Serrated anger focused with meticulous precision. Mindful of the importance of brevity.

Recommended: "What You Gonna Do About It," "Masks Of Society," "This Could Be You," "Kings Of Democracy," "Take Control," "100 Days," "Outside," "Kick In The Head," "Car Bombs In Babylon"

Video: "Car Bombs In Babylon"

Katabomb

Friday, March 18, 2022

Banane Metalik

No Surrender

(Katabomb / Killer Bananas)

Rock 'n' roll in morbid tenor. Doubtless, unspeakable creatures lurch and cavort to sounds like this. As well they should.

Recommended: "No Surrender," "Rock Out," "Let There Be Rock," "Let There Be Gore" (Bass version), "Dance" (Boogie version)

Video: "No Surrender" (live)

Katabomb/Killer Bananas

Dave Del Monte and the Cross

County Boys feat. Crash Gordon

Road Ragin' Mama single

(self)

Attention will surely be paid Crash; his soloing is impeccable, as is the rest of the playing. But Dave's impassioned hiccuping crowns the whole with palpable fracture. Old-school rockin' for a new era.

Video: "Road Ragin' Mama"

Spotify

Running From Daylight

Bass'd On A True Story

(Always A Hit Records)

As slap bass-steady as is this rockabilly, it has a fierce blade and more than a little ill intent. Which totals gratification. A twisted pile up amid which all exult.

Recommended: "Dead Man's Crossing," "Horror, Horror, Scream All About It!," "Coffin For Two," "Mary Jane," "Full Moon Rising," "Breathing Fyre," "Dig Up Her Bones"

Video: "Dead Man's Crossing"

Back In The Day, 1987

Sun Rhythm Section

Old Time Rock 'N' Roll

(Flying Fish)

Good ol' southern boys with names like Burlison, Burgess, and Van Story birthed the rockabilly sound of which such successors would take note. Those reunited originals covered numerous classics on this vinyl, and a hot time they seemingly had. But it's the newer material, which retains the overt country accent of the golden era, that endures as particularly valuable.

Recommended: "Old Time Rock 'N' Roll," "Red Hot," "That's Alright Mama,""Let Her Roll," "Still Rockin'," "Don't Send Me No More Drinks," "Love My Baby," "I Can't Get Her Started," "Love My Baby," "You're A Heartbreaker," "Ubangi Stomp," "Those Good Old Sun Records," "Daddy Blues," "Matchbox"

Video: Live in 1989

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Doyley

Uke Can't Keep A Good Man Down

(Diablo Records)

In which the psychobilly artisan/impressario takes a puckish ukelele to atypical environs. A grand notion - abundant reward lurks here.

Recommended: "Miserlouke," "Bopalena," "Tennessee Rock 'n' Roll," "Funnel Of Love," "Oompa Loompa," "Invisible Surfer," "Frite Nite," "Kyiv Polka"

Video: "Funnel Of Love"

JP McDermott

and Western Bop

Lucky Stars EP

(self)

JP and co. deserve wide notice. The songs are solid, and the playing cohesive. This wax should break them to bigger stages - it's that worthwhile.

Recommended: "(Still the) Last Fool Here," "Long Beach Stomp," "Lucky Stars '22," "Rock-a-bye Rock"

Video: "Lucky Stars 22" (lyric video)