Marcel Riesco

A Record Date With...

(Twinkletone Records)

As well as anyone, Marcel realizes the possibilities inherent in voice-as-instrument. These pop-inflected rock 'n' roll compositions form conducive platforms from which he soars. 

2015 vinyl release newly issued on CD. 

Recommended: "Long Time No Love," "Because He Broke Your Heart," "Dumbstruck," "Fickle Heart," "I've Been Draggin' Since You've Gone," "Shook Up," "Gypsy Man," "If Only," "Oh Yeah," "Under the Light Of the Blue Moon"

Video: "Gypsy Man"

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Big Mama Thornton

Just Like a Dog 

4-track 7" vinyl

(El Toro)

Big Mama's contributions to R&B were significant, acknowledged as such more in later seasons than in their own moments. Worldwide package blues tours and niche popularity eventually came to her. She was a multi-instrumentalist; her recorded presence was immense. 

One hears an authenticity beyond future years' studio stuntery. Truth is a treasure.

Recommended: "Just Like a Dog (Barking Up the Wrong Tree)," "My Man Called Me," "Stop a-Hoppin' On Me," "I Smell a Rat,"

Video: "Stop A-Hoppin' On Me"

El Toro

Frogman and Friends

Surf Corps

(Rebel Music Records)

When best, surf instrumentals evoke stimulative passions and mind's-eye imagery. Those favoring such are advised to heed Frogman and Friends. Their work is full of provocation. Plus, there's a melodious fever factor. 

The group features members of Red Elvises and Moscow Beatballs.

Recommended: "Catalina," "Dynamite," "Man of Mystery," "Close Encounter," "Jamaica," "The Godfather," "Murka," "Surfcaster," "The Lazy Surfer," "Vincent's Surprise," "Chervona Ruta," "Comanche," "Green Grass of Texas"

Video: "Murka"

Rebel Music Records

Amazon

 Sha Na Na

Woodstock: Twenty Years After

CD / DVD

(Liberation Hall)

Disregard the antics and campy accoutrements. The group always did possess serious chops. More so than the average family-fun entertainment enterprise. Too, they helped preserve real rock 'n' roll in the faces of psychedelia and corporatism. And that matters.

Recommended: "Rock Around the Clock," "Tossin' and Turnin'," "Let's Dance," "Save the Last Dance For Me," "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," "You Can't Sit Down," "Bluberry Hill," . "Tonite Tonite," "In the Still of the Night," "Promised Land," "Rock 'n' Roll Is Here To Stay," "Goodnight My Love"

Video: Trailer

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Amazon DVD

The Meteors

Madman Roll

(Mutant Rock)

There is nothing pleasant about The Meteors and there never has been. Under P. Paul Fenech's sinister aegis, the band mongers the truest, most despicable, and best psychobilly above ground. 

This 1988 disc is now available as a reissue.

Recommended: "Madman Roll," "Queen of the Slug People," "Bertha Lou," "You Can't Touch Me," "You're Mine," "Running 'Round," "Simply Ravishing," "Chainsaw Boogie"

Video: "Chainsaw Boogie"

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Mutant Rock

Horrorpops

Live At the Wiltern

(Cleopatra)

As much spectacle (bawdy shimmies and technicolor gashes) as rock 'n' roll operation, the Horrorpops are currently touring. Witness the exuberance if it nears. For those not able, there is this 2021  CD/DVD/Blu-Ray package. Includes Kim Nekroman guitar savagery.

Recommended: "Julia," "Thelma and Louise," "Kool Flattop," "Freaks In Uniforms," "S O B," "Missfit," "Psychobitches Outta Hell," "Ghouls," "Miss Take," "Where They Wander"

Video: Trailer

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Cleopatra

Speedmobile

Supersonic Beat Commando

(Butler Records)

When one learns the line up incudes alumni from Peter Pan Speedrock and Batmobile (hence the name), wonderment at the precise alacrity falls away. Taking its spot is appreciation. Among the year's most aerodynamic and energetically effected.

Recommended: Iron Ride," "Supersonic Beat Commando," "Drink, Fight, Fuck All Night," "Fun Control," "Bang Bang Bang Bang," "Run Motherfucker Run," "Doctor Worst (The Hotddog Man)," "Repo Man," "Train Kept-A Rollin;"

Video: "Iron Ride"

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Butler Records

Jeremiah Johnson

Hi-Fi Drive By

(Ruf)

The best material is the uptempo blues rock that boasts swinging brass fortification. Jeremiah's knowing vocals and trenchant guitar exclamations benefit from tight-as-hell backing. In a just world, this would rocket up the charts. And it just may, even in this imperfect one.

Why, he's already placed in Bilboard's Blues Top Ten five times.

Recommended: "'68 Coupe Deville," "Ball and Chain," "Young and Blind," "Skippin' School," "Sweet Misery," "The Band"

Video: "Ball and Chain"

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Ruf Records

Kim Wilson

Take Me Back

(Bigtone)

Fabulous Thunderbirds frontman Kim steps out with ace players at his elbow. Big city blues all over the joint. Spacious production allows ample space for vigorous exploration. A finger-poppin' gem.

Recommended: "You've Been Goofing," "Wingin' It," "Fine Little Woman," "Slow Down," "Play Me," "Take Me Back," "I'm Sorry," "Goin' Away Baby," "Out of the Fryin' Pan"

Video: "You've Been Goofing"

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Hank Sundown & the Roaring Cascades

We Came Here To Rock

(Independent)

No explication of ponderous topics will be found here, just streamlined rock & roll of the sort that prompted generations to jump out and carouse. Good times riveted to a steady beat. Fun is both promised satiation and accrued recompense for time well spent.

Recommended: "We Came Here To Rock," "No Teddy Girls," "Teddy Boy Juvenile," "Tougher Than the Rest," "Across My Heart," "I Still Got Rock & Roll," "Teddy Boy," "We Are Still Crazy," "So Long"

Video: "We Came Here To Rock"

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Ghost Bastards

Don't Look Behind

(Independent)

Psycho in classic mode, meaning rapid rhythms, spitfire guitar, and rugged, upfront slap bass. Add in gravel-throated vocals, starkly grim lyricism. Not for the faint of spirit. 

Recommended: "Don't Look Behind," "Burn the Witch," "Wreckin' Like a T-Rex," "Bastard's Dance," "Heart of Stone," "Sick Psychopath"

Video: "Don't Look Behind!"

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Seatbelt

Gasoline & Tacos

(Independent)

There are numerous rockabilly trios, many worth our time. This one is distinguished by Mex flourishes, countrified bearing, and crisp songwriting. Ingratiating disposition makes for listening pleasure. Further investigation emphatically advised.

Recommended: "Eatin' Crow," "Always Something," "Gasoline & Tacos," "Wine, Women, and Song," "New Sheriff In Town," "Gonna Hurt For a While," "Stop Thief," "Scotty's Trainwreck"

Video: "Gasoline & Tacos"

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Mac Curtis

Call Me Mac

(El Toro)

As connoiseurs can attest, not all significant rockabillies frequented Union Ave. Cinncinati's King Records produced several, including Mac. In fact, should you be called upon to define rockabilly, Mac's discs would healthily suffice. 

Recommended: "Grandadddy's Rockin'," "Just So You Call Me," "Half-Hearted Love," "If I Had Me a Woman"

Video: "If I Had Me a Woman"

El Toro Records

Greg Townson

Off and Running!

(Independent)

Instrumental tour de force from Los Straightjackets/Hi-Risers guitarist. Features personnel from Straightjackets, JD McPherson Band, NRBQ. When a virtuoso assumes the spotlight, all one can do is draw near and gape. 

Recommended: "Off and Running!," "Just One Look," "When You Walk Into the Room," "Action Line," "The Locomotion," "Goin' Wild," "Aztec," "Go Go Power," "Oh Baby (We Got a Good Thing Goin')," "Pray For Surf " (Bonus Track)

Video: "Off and Running" (at home)

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Raucous Red Roosters

Raw and Primitive Bluez

(Psychobilly Earthquake)

This punked-out blues is redolent of the Cramps or Gun Club. Which is indeed high commendation, as known by all in the scarlet-strewn underground. Not easeful, but agitative and surly, though ever reverential of its bloodline.

Recommended: "King Bee," "Graveyard Waltz," "Love Is a 4-Letter Word," "Hoochie Coochie Man," "Bluestrash," "My Werewolf Baby," "Mojo Boogie," "Blues In My Vains"

Video: live

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The Jerrells

Wanted Man

(El Toro)

The combo bills itself as country, and this writer wouldn't debate the point. There is, however, considerably more vim than that distinction might on its face convey. In short, prepare to jump and shout like 'tain't nobody's business.

Recommended: "Wanted Man," "True Love," "Half My Fault," "Hot Sauce Mama," "All Outta Kisses Now," "Ice Water," "Frazer River Valley Blues," "Don't Stall Out," "Hot Rod Baby"

Video: "True Love"

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El Toro

Buck Owens and the Buckaroos

Bakersfield Gold

(Omnivore)

All of Buck's top-ten hits from 1959 to 1974 are present (and there were 46 of them - 19 number ones). Which means the storied Bakersfield Sound is sparkingly well represented. Few could match Buck's prolificness or ability; his output still sounds remarkable. Get a shovel and dig.

Recommended: "Under Your Spell Again," "Foolin' Around," "You're For Me," "Act Naturally," "Love's Gonna Live Here," "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail," "Gonna Have Love," "Buckaroo," "Waitin' In Your Welfare Line," "Sam's Place," "How Long Will My Baby Be Gone," "Let the World Keep On a Turnin'," "Who's Gonna Mow Your Grass," "Johnny B. Goode," "The Kansas City Song," "Ruby (Are You Mad)," "Rollin' In My sweet Baby's Arms," "(It's a) Monsters' Holiday"

Video: "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail"

 Hellbillys

Torture Garden

(Ransom Note Records / Wreckin' Bones)

Among the initial breed of US psychos, California's furiously metallic Hellbillys issued this in 1995. It recently was rereleased by Spain's Wreckin' Bones (with additional cuts), and quickly sold out. 

"I didn't even keep a copy for myself. I sold them at shows," one bandmember emaled me.

Let the hunt commence - this is ripsaw exposition.

Recommended: "Bondage A Go Go," "Bucket O' Blood," "Fleshook," "Whistlebait," "No Sympathy," "Rockabilly Rumble," "Useless Man," "First Probe To Uranus," "G.I. Blues"

Video: "Bondage A Go Go"

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 X Ray Cat Trio

Haunted

(Independent)

Bold admixture of adventurism and standard (though rallying) themes. The bandmembers know what they're doing, and are clearly cognizant of the devastational implications. Surf/punk/rockabilly meltdown plus unanticipated amazements.

Recommended: "Haunted Man," "Strange Times At Roswell High," "Jackalope," "True Love," "Hotel Metropole," "Cry Baby Don't Like It," "Ranchero"

Video: "Jackalope"

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Haren

Demo

(Polze De La Mort)

Brevity being the soul of punk, cuts speed by with headlong fervor and end nearly before they've begun. Guitar swipes and determined rhythms crash excitedly. It's a stimulative dash.

Cassette to be issued shortly on Polze De La Mort.

Recommended: "Mátalos," "Frakaso," "Juventudes Perdidas (Oi! Oi! Oi!)," "Elite Punk," "Soy Una Marrana"

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New video from Buzz Campbell and the Heartaches. 

Dave Alvin

Eleven Eleven

(Yep Roc)

Back in the day, Dave slung a mean lead guitar for roots-music marquee names The Blasters. And that was sufficient to make his mark on American popular music. But he matured, found his voice in a lower gear, and emerged from that chrysalis as a singer-songwriter of estimable profundity. 2015's Eleven Eleven spotlighted his unique mien. This reissue includes three bonus cuts.

Those familar with Dave's oeuvre will understand why I class "Johnny Ace" with "Haley's Comet."

Recommended: "Two Lucky Bums," "Murietta's Head," "Manzanita," "Dirty Nightgown," "What's Up With Your Brother" (with Phil), "Run Conejo Run," "Gary, Indiana 1959," "Johnny Ace Is Dead," "Harlan County Line"

Video: "Johnny Ace Is Dead" (live)

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Yep Roc

Linda Gail Lewis

Family Jewels

(Cleopatra)

The truest worth of this live record lies not in the spirited reiterations of familiar chestnuts by Little Richard, Ray Charles, Bill Haley, and JLL, but in the lesser-known numbers; they hold especial reward and are well rendered. 

Of course, as Linda Gail is Jerry Lee's sister, she has a blood right to the much-loved standards. She conveys them with conviction and authentic zeal.

Recommended: "Boogie Woogie Country Girl," "Crazy Arms," "Should I Ever Love Again" (Annie Marie), "Long Tall Sally," "Heartbreak Highway," "Back To Louisiana," "Always On My Mind," "What'd I Say?"

Video: (live)

Cleopatra

PJ O'Brien

High Cost

(Independent)

In nine tracks, PJ exemplifies man-and-guitar-as-unitary-entity, easily footing his pathway through passages benign and starkly rambunctious. When he engages with melodies, it's with avowed dedication. Keys figure prominently; the result is an abundance of texture that further enriches productions.

Recommended: "High Cost," "Cash," "Queen of Broken Hearts," "Devil You Know," "Younger Days"

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Justin Pickard & The Thunderbird Winos

The Memphis Recordings

(Fun-Guy records)

Justin gets more from a battered acoustic than most. Too, the felicity of his hoarse, everyman vocals bears approbative remark. He enjoys suitably rough-hewn accompaniment from slap bass, fiddle, and formidable drums. Wild and headlong, then touchingly persuasive, only to revert to rave-up mode.

Recommended: "Ginger Snap," "Right Here," "Mean Little Mama," "To Hell With the Wagon"

Video: "Ginger Snap" (live)

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Red Elvises

My Name Is Elvis

(Plan 9 Trash Records)

Grand palette of sounds both contemporary and traditional, blended in singular fashion. As has become expected of the band, they've produced a marvelous assemblage of novel airs for which there is no peer in shop bins.

Some songs here were heard in the film Six-String Samurai. The band is presently on tour promoting this 2019 disc.

Recommended: "Love Pipe," "Groovie," I Want My Honda Back," "Twist Like Uma Thurman," "Better Than Cocaine," "My Love Is Killing Me," "She Works For KGB," "I Wanna See You Bellydance," "Jerry's Got the Squeeze Box," "Beach Bum," "Rocket Man," "Smell the Bacon," "Juliet"

Video: "Groovie"

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Plan 9 Trash Records