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Saturday, April 30, 2022

 John Lewis & His Trio

'Sanity'

(Atomic Cowboy)




When there are but three players, each must pull his weight or stand revealed as insufficient. This writer can report that all here more than contrbute to the general success. This is how trad rockabilly should sound: brash and animated, rooted in the hillbilly and blues exclusive to plebeian American culture.

Recommennded: "Flat Top Cat," "Happy Go Lucky," "Sanity," "Please Don't Let Me Love You," "Sunshine Lady"

Video: "Sanity" (Hemsby 56)


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Gutter Demons

Ritual

(Bad Billy)




Raising the collector's item quotient beyond this record's own merits, Gutter Demons dissolved shortly after its issuance. They left behind twisted velocity. Don't mourn, go psycho.

Recommended: "Mental Radio," "All Systems Go," "Nightbreed," "Be Forewarned," "Unchained," "Ritual"

Video: "Ritual"


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 Shortstack 'N' Sides

In Person

(Always A Hit)



Halcyon bop that favors country lineage. It never affronts  or challenges, just eases down the road. And that's a welcome respite from the harshness of the contemporary world.

Recommended: "Werewolf Blues," "Broken Heart," "Planet Bop," "Shadow And Me," "Love At First Sight," "Queen Of Hearts"

Video: "Werewolf Blues"


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The Hurricanes

Devil's Choice!

(Always A Hit)




The Hurricanes are wiser than to burden their attack with superfluous effects. This is basic rockabilly that does its job and does it well. Its efficacy derives from its austerity.

Recommended: "Rockabilly Hair," "3 Days In Memphis," "Evil Dead," "Long Distance Bass," "Outside Of Town," "The Oblong Box"

Video: "Rockabilly Hair"


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Thursday, April 28, 2022

Roy Orbison

The Original Sound

Vinyl (Sun Records)




None could approach the Wink Troubadour in delivering ballads that ascended to upper registers. His prowess was equal to his lofty ambitions. But as revealed by these early recordings, he also had an acuity for rolling briskly. He could even rock it, when so called upon.

Recommended: "This Kind Of Love," "It's Too Late," "You're Gonna Cry," "You're My Baby," "I Never Knew," "Mean Little Mama," "Sweet And Easy To Love," "Rock House"

Video: "This Kind Of Love"


Sun Records


Roky Erikson & the Explosives

Live At The Whisky 1981

(Sunset Blvd Records)



Roky's studio attempts at conveying his cracked conceptions were intriguing, but a live setting may have been superior for that cause. While the band hammered away in raucous, ear-shattering manner, the man himself wove disordered narratives of the sort usually heard by mental health professionals and monster-movie addicts.

Recommended: Bermuda," "I Walked With A Zombie," "I Think Of Demons," "You're Gonna Miss Me," "The Interpreter," "Starry Eyes," "Don't Shake Me Lucifer," "Stand For The Fre Demon," "Creature With The Atom Brain," "Two-Headed Dog," "I've Just Seen A Face," "Bloody Hammer"

Video: "Don't Shake Me Lucifer"


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Heath Williamson

It's Not A Cello

(Big Heater Music)




At its finest turns, this disc evinces a concrete blues foundation, even in more alacritous numbers. The players all sit down hard, turning in rousing performances. A worthy endeavor that surprises with stoutness.

(Thanks to Robert Pilson of Devil's Brew Productions for the tip on this.)

Recommended: "Big Mouth Woman," "Let's Go," "You Can't Dance With Your Woman," "Black Cat," "Whiskey On His Bible"


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Cherry's on Top

s/t  Limited 7" vinyl

(Independent)




The highest compliment is that this is plausible. The authenticity of the downhome music is accentuated by the use of washtub bass. And verisimilitude is a characteristic music either does or does not possesss. Good songs unvarnished, for just plain folks.

Recommended: "Slipping Out And Sneaking In," "Really Care," "Jungle Depression," "Blue Yodel N'6"

Video: "Really Care"

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Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Danny B. Harvey & Annie Marie Lewis

Reckless Wild & Crazy

(Rumble Road Productions)



While their ability to punch in with stormy rock 'n' roll has remained as robust as ever, I sense welcome maturation in balladeering. Both seem easeful with tempered material that requires suitable dispatch.

This is now available on vinyl.

Recommended: "Shake It On Down," "Hot Rod Girl," "Trying To Get To You" (feat. Lemmy), "Reckless, Wild & Crazy," "Cry Me A River," "Down In Texas," "You Win Again," "Cat Fight"

Video: "Dark And Lonely Road"


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Slim & the Gems

Feeling Cocky 

(Devil's Brew Productions)



The only problem with this record is that it eventually ends. But that's easily rectified: Just play it over. And you will.

Recommended: "Stop Drop And Roll," "Crazy," "Takin' Names," "Let 'Er Rip," "Monster Truck," "Rockabilly Party (Ode to the Psycho Devilles)"

Video: "Stop Drop And Roll"


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Lucky Jones

This Ain't Memphis

(Faraday Records)




In one aspect, this is a guitarists' album. Lucky's playing amazes -- it's alternately fractured, pensive, and ambitious. He even shreds. But that he sings with ease increases the materal's appeal. Ultimately, its reward is broad. Who needs major labels when small ones produce more important music?

(Thanks to Robert Pilson of Devil's Brew Productions for the tip on this.)

Recommended: "Runaround Blues," "L.A. Woman," "Don't Say So Long," "Hammer Down,"  "This Ain't Memphis," "You're My Baby"

Video: "This Ain't Memphis"


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Emily Rose and the Rounders

s/t  (Mock Records)




Traditionalism in country music is an invaluable connection to real America's cultural past. The additional benefit is that when effected honorably, as here, it is conducive to solitudinous reflection over a foamy cold one.

Recommended: "Static Sky," "Dallas," "December," "49 Spirits," "Do Right," "One Drink"

Video: Live 25:00


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Sunday, April 24, 2022

Dale Watson

Jukebox Fury

(Cleopatra)




I'll admit it: When first I heard of this project, I was unimpressed. Having been a Dale Watson fan for years, I appreciated his alt-country compositions. This venture seemed unpropitious -- covering others' chart hits? It smelled like a desperate attempt at market relevance.

Was I ever wrong in my prejudice.

Dale's voice, with its warm and grained character, can make material seem his own. Listening, I couldn't recall who'd done these songs originally. They're just good material, made still better by his singular investment.

Then too, there's the Danny B. Harvey factor. The rockabilly legend produced, wisely portraying the fine music without undue interference. Danny played guitar on this, also; his inimitable stylizations fill the body with unique animation.

Dale's is a talent that matches the august songs. It all fits cleanly, without sounding unnatural.

Never have I been so satisfied to have been so wrong.

Recommended: "Turn The Page," "Sundown," "Always On My Mind" (feat. Linda Gail Lewis), "Polk Salad Annie," "Treat Her Right" (feat. Steve Cropper), "I've Always Been Crazy" feat. Lorrie Morgan), "Bluer Than Blue," "Act Naturally"

Video: "Polk Salad Annie"

Cleopatra

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Hot Rod Walt & the Psycho Devilles

Rumble Road

Vinyl reissue

(Devil's Brew)



Veering from ditch to ditch on the Lost Highway, thrill-crazed rockers strung out on coolness and random intoxicants revel in the elapsing moment. All that's left in their wicked wake are skid marks, smoke, and one hell of a disc.

Originally released in 2019.

Recommended: "Ain't Got No Choice," "Breakdown," "18 Wheeler Man," "Sex And Fire And Gasoline," "Long Lonesome Highway," "Gasser 66," "Chrome Sidepipes And SS Cragers," "Gitmo"

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


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Dominic Halpin

Shade Of Blue

(Independent)




Dominc is an anomaly: A velvet fog crooner who is well-suited to romantic ballads, in a business teeming with shouters. But he can also toss off brisk tunes with relaxed good humor. And such variegation keeps this disc sparkling. Set for May release.

Recommended: "Born To Play," "Midnight Whiskey," "Into Your Arms," "Mr. Leaving," "Until You Tell Me That It's Gone," "The Moon Turned Red," "I've Been Here Before," "Vegas Blue," "Shade Of Blue," "Rock 'n' Roll Baby (Girl Of My Dreams)"

Video: "Buona Sera" (non-CD track)


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Dead Bollox

Go Mental!

Limited edition vinyl (Katabomb)

French psycho not likely to be touted by Macron at Davos. That's okay, though. That's not the target audience. We are, and this is savored for what it is: wonderfully devastational.

Recommended; "I'm A Man," "Big Mouth," "Shake Your Bones," "Wicked," "Prison Bound"

Video: "Big Mouth"


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Thursday, April 21, 2022

Dandies

Rockin' Days And Rollin' Nights

(self)



Economic in numerous manners, especally given that they're drummerless. But skins aren't alone in beat provision; slap bass provides a sound one. Irene's every-note-matters solos and saucy singing further distinguish this duo. Her vocal aptitude encompasses honey and adventurous scope, which makes for versatility.

Recommended: "Alright For The Party," "What's On Your Mind," "I Want You By My Side," "Don't Go Away," "One," "Sea Side Rumble," "Ain't Never Too Much Rockin'"

Video: "Sea Side Rumble"

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Albert Cummings

Ten

(Ivy Music Company)



An album to satiate both affianados of blues rock and laymen in search of sounds meriting inspection. The woods are full of talented guitar-slingers, fortunately. But only a select few are inseparable from their instruments. Albert is one such case. He can strike with fury, or stetch out for languorous introspection; and it always seems innate. 

Recommended: "Need Somebody (Static Audio)," "Too Old To Grow Up," "Last Call," "Sounds Like The Road," "Beautiful Bride," "Two Hands," "Alive And Breathing," "She's The One"

Video: "Need Somebody"


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SECOND LOOK:

Lee Rocker

Gather Round 

(Upright Records)




Briefly reviewed here previously, this disc merits a longer appraisal.

By this juncture in his career, Lee can and has turned out a thoroughly winning collection of ankle-flexers. Gather Round offers more than a little cause to locate the nearest dance floor; the grooves are alluring, the tempos motivational. 

Gathered associates all give off radiance. In particular, guitarist Buzz Campbell is reliably in pocket. His chops and pedigree are beyond question.

But of course, it's Lee who stands tallest. The man's own years of spectacular toil in the business inform his every move. From writing to slapping the doghouse to earnest vocals, he commands center stage. 

He excels at bass playing. It would be a wrong to overlook this. Lee can put down a solid line, or flutter fingers in a jazzy, triple-slapped fluctuation, whatever the material demands. And that he does so with seemimg casualness attests to his mastery.

Instrumental "A Dirty Martini" is a personal favorite. Its swinging rhythm and jumping beat are hypnotic, while all instrumentalists are allowed space in the spotlight. 

Lee can be proud of this work.

Recommended: "Gather Round," "Graceland Auction," "Everybody Wants To Be A Cat," "A Dirty Martini," "Ophelia"

Video: "A Dirty Martini"


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 Guitar Gangsters

Live At The 100 Club

(Wanda Records)




A lightning-stringed street gang armed with musical weapons. In places they remind of the Clash -- curbside bards who intuit there's something better -- but with a hardscrabble elan all their own. To brand this forcible would be to commit understatement.

Recommended: "Here Comes Everybody," "Tarantino's Son," "Guns & Knives," "Being Stupid," "Obsession," "Nothing To Shout About"

Video: "Guns & Knives"


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Wednesday, April 20, 2022

The Meteors

Demonopoly

(Mutant Rock)





Reissue, plus two bonus tracks.

In the Blood Moon's shadow creep psychos armed with instruments seized up for ill doing. Their netherworldly concoction is percolated with sinister intent. They are victorious in the Mephistophelian plot. And we reap reward, too, in flayed earshot fashion. 

Recommended: "Who Do You Love," "The Devil Went Down To Moose's," "Bad Boy," "Shock Rocker," "Stomping (With The Wrecking Crew)," "Big Sandy," "The Life And Times Of Chameleon Head," "Between Heaven And Hell," "Ballad Of A Black-Heaarted Man" (Bonus Track)

Video: "The Devil Went Down To Moose's"


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The Head Cat

Rock 'n' Roll Riot On The Sunset Strip

(Cleopatra)




Limited edition silver vinyl LP of concert gig.. Rockabilly power trio par excellence contrives viscerally pummeling music for the ages. The present writer wishes he'd been there.

Recommended: "Good Rockin' Tonight," "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," "Talkin' 'Bout You," "Somethin' Else," "Reelin' And Rockin'," "Fool's Paradise," "Bye Bye Johnny," "Sick And Tired," "Bad Boy," "Matchbox," "Back In The USA," "Baby What You Want Me To Do," "Blue Suede Shoes"

Video: "Good Rockin' Tonight"


Cleopatra



Nighthawks

Established 1972

(Vizz Tone)




A roots-music follower being unfamiliar with this combo is incomprehensible. As stated by the title, they date back to 1972. Doubtless, you all know of the swinging, harp-driven blues and rock'n'roll they put down. The guitar-stings are deadly, the drums solid, and the bass lines nimble. 

Their reputation is as a top drawer combo, consistently worth ear time. Stop reading this and go extract your wallet.

Recommended: "Nobody," "Coming And Going," "Johnny Too Bad," "Gas Station Chicken," "Houseband," "Run Red Run"

Video: Live 1:16;00


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The Groovenaires

Wop--Billy Vol. 1

(Bear)




Assembled as a studio effort. Smooth doo-wop harmonies wisely incorporated into each cut. Musicianship is confident in character, never inhibitive of the laced fun element.

Vinyl only. Internationally available exclusively from Bear Family Records.

Recommended: "Wop-A-Billy," "Long, Long Lonely Hours," "It Must Be Love," "White Bobby Sox," "Red Cadillac And A Black Moustache"

Video: Promo


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Monday, April 18, 2022

Bob Stroger & the Headcutters

That's My Name (Delmark)



When all instruments are in proper proportion and production is unobtrusive, as is the case here, blues is allowed to shine at highest effect. Elegant in places and boisterous at others. There's languidity and there's swaybacked posture, heart communication and even a bit of sly romping. Every man is on deck and contributes to success.

Recommended: "What Goes On In the Dark," "Just A Bad Boy," "Come On Home," "Keep Your Hands Off Her," "Pretty Girl," "Talk To Me Mama," "That's My Name"

Video: Live 3:43


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Demo glimpse:

The Defiant Ones

Juice Box Baby




The feel is that of robust 1980s neo-rockabilly. But Lux-redolent shrieking into the stratospheric reaches of epileptic delirium puts it beyond more staid peers. A pounded backbeat maintains steamroller progress.

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FORMER staff writer for Rockabilly and Pin Up America magazines. FREELANCE credits include Daily Caller, American Thinker, Free Republic, Huffington Post, Counterpunch, Dissident Voice, Independent Political Report, USA Today, Des Moines Register, Iowa City Press-Citizen, Waterloo Courier, Cedar Falls Times, Marshalltown Times Republican, Cincinnati.com, IndyStar, Arizona Republic, No Depression, Goldmine, Blue Suede News, Rock and Rap Confidential, Crackerjack, Blues News, Wrecking Pit, Punk Globe, Prairie Sun, Music and Sound Output, BAM, New Music, and 1980s NYC fanzines Shake, Rattle, and Roll, Rebel Rouser, and Off the Wall. AUTHOR: Shake, Rattle and Rocket!, Ghost Saucers in the Sky!, Stratosphere Boogieman!, Flesh Made Music, That a Man Can Again Stand Up: American spirit vs, sedition during the incipient Trump Revolution, and Ideas Afoot: Political observations, social commentary, and media analyses. WORKED as 2004 Iowa coordinator for Ralph Nader independent presidential campaign; co-founded Iowa Green Party, also served as statewide media coordinator; press coordinator, 2002 Jay Robinson (Green) IA gubernatorial effort. Wrote extensively re Trump campaign..