Robert Gordon with Chris Spedding

Hellafied

(Cleopatra)

Sadly, Robert died of leukemia on October 18. In the 1970s, together with Ronnie Weiser, the Rockats, and the Stray Cats, he brought new attention to the rockabilly genre. But of all, Robert stood as incandescent. His imprint on contemporary roots musics and the players who ply them is and will remain profound.  Portions of the below review were written prior to his passing.

These tracks were put to tape in 1998 for a never-released album. Several songs appeared on Bear Family's 1998's The Lost Album Plus. 

Robert and Chris were decades beyond the need to prove themselves; the sound here is of men with much yet to offer. Material extant reveals a pair eager to trek beyond the confines of orthodox rockabilly. That genre's swagger was retained, along with twangy flourishes, but set in a contemporary context. 

Willingness to slip out of aesthetic constraint makes this release rewarding. As they are beyond probative burden, they are free to reap maximum benefit from spirited arrangements.

On Rockabilly For Life (released earlier this year, also on Cleopatra), mid-tempo songs predominated. So too, here. But whether the steadily chugging "Have I the Right, the country reclination in "Please Don't," stroller "I'll Make It Right," or the Bo Diddley-beat of "Don't Let Go," you're in the hands of masters. 

The above paragraph should not be interpretated to mean Hellafied is bereft of fast songs. See: "Please Don't Touch," "Tell him No," and "Believe What You Say." All barrel down the tracks like streamliners.

The diversified energy level is so high as to seize listeners in paroxyms of happy fracture. The songcraft is solid, and the delivery masterful. One again marvels at the perfect pairing of Voice and Guitar. It is umatched in roots revivalism, including all variants.

Robert's immense baritone is richer and more sinewy than when he emerged. His presence is tremendous. And Chris flabbergasts, as always, with incomparable fretboard wizardry; he effortlessly blends airs and changes from the popular musics songbook. 

Together, the two are nonpareil. These rescued cuts bear out that lofty estimation.

Recommended: "One Day Left," "Please Don't," "Have I the Right," "Middle of the Night," "Signs of Love," "I'll Make It Right," "Why (Don't You Love Me)," "Don't Let Go," "Girl Like You," "Please Don't Touch," "Tell Him No," "You Don't Know What You Got," "Believe What You Say"

Video: "Believe What You Say"

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Eddie & the Hot Rods

Guardians of the Legacy

(RodHot Records)

Few bands whose records stretch back decades still produce efforts this consistently muscular. The group realizes strength amazing in both composition and interpretation. Guardians of the Legacy, they be. Able ones.

Recommended: "Guardians of the Legacy," "Paradise," "I'm Your Fool," "She's the One," "Some One Like You," "Without You We Are No One," "New Frontier"

Video: "Guardians of the Legacy"

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The Real McKenzies

Songs of the Highland, Songs of the Sea

(Fat Wreck Chords)

Their characteristic admixture of traditional bagpipe airs and punk guitars -- undergirded by a rock-ribbed rhythm section and topped off by thickly brogue declamations and anthemic choruses -- sounds as kick-down-doors inspirational as in days past. Hoist a pint for the lads' job mightily perpetrated.

Recommended: "Scotland the Brave," "My Heart's In the Highlands," "The Green Hills of Tyrol," "Drunken Sailor," "Ye Jacobites By Name," "Swansea Town," "Leave Her Johnny," "A Red, Red Rose," "Dead Man's Chest"

Video: "Scotland the Brave"

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Cable Bugs

Backstage At Rosis

(Wolverine Records)

They acquit themselves cleanly when rocketing through standard arrangements. But it's when angling for unusual turns that they best realize novel bearing. Even such passages are of vigorous constitution. 

Recommended: "Seven Seas," "Rockin' To," "Road To Nowhere," "Sleep In the Fridge," "Ain't Feeling Good," "Gotta Go Out Tonight," "Devil's Sister," "Sunny Afternoon," "Last Song"

Video: "Seven Seas"

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Charlie Feathers

90th Anniversary Pack

(El Toro)

Posthomously dubbed "The other King of Rockabilly," Mississippi-born Charlie was a master of the glottal stops, hiccups, and falsetto shrieks that would typify the genre. While his earliest efforts were solidly hillbilly with forward fiddle (and hillblly country would remain in his repertoire), it wasn't long before the sock emerged.

He was a wild cat beyond most others of his early era. Today, his songs live on in the sets of admirers the world over. One listen to his woolier efforts will convert any listener.

Two vinyl LPs plus an EP are in this pack, which was issued in commmoration of what would have been Charlie's 90th birthday.

Recommended: "Peepin' Eyes," "Defrost Your Heart," "A Wedding Gown of White," "Tongue-Tied Jill," "Get With It," "Everybody's Lovin' My Baby," "One Hand Loose" "Bottle To the Baby," "Nobody's Woman," "Too Much Alike," "Why Don't You," "Jungle Fever," "Wild Wild Party," "Someday You Will Pay" (Miller Sisters), "Corrine Corrina (demo)," "I'm So Ashamed" (demo), "Runnin' Around (demo)"

Video: "Bottle To the Baby"

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Steve Hooker

"Sadie Brown" b/w "Tightrope"

(Pimphouse Records)

It is with such instinctual inclination that Steve mongers rock'n'roll roots musics that he surely was birthed to play these sounds. The fires smolder within him, and now meet happy ears. 

Videos: "Sadie Brown" "Tightope"

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Stage Frite

Behind the Evil Mind

(Western Star)

The present writer savors nothing more than rapid-fire pyscho, with the standup rightly enjoying prominence, such as on this astoundngly vivid release. As gut punching as it is alacritous, with fervor in its deepest marrow.

Recommended: "How the Mighty Fall," "House Of Bodies," "Banshee," "Overspill," "Behind the Evil Mind," "Lonesome Whiskey Blues," "Alice," "Gonna Take You Home," "Gospel Of a Sleazebag"

Video: "House Of Bodies"

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The Bullets

That Screamin' Beat

(Western Star Records)

Welcome ferocity blasts from the speakers. A bare-bones combo more cohesive would be difficult to specify. The blues base from which they explode into rock'n'roll splendor is a wonderfully familiar and commodious one. 

Recommended: "Wildfire Woman," "Just Havin' a Ball," "She Only Rocks With Me," "Good To Be Bad," "Gasoline," "Shakin' Itta Bina," "El Estampida," "You & I Are Done," "Annabella"

Video: "Wildfire Woman"

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The Sharks

Rockabilly Moonquake

(Western Star)

Scene habitues know to anticipate sleek-on-its-feet psycho, austere and direct. The Sharks never shirk their responsibility to entertain, albeit with an arch wit. Colored 10" vinyl. 

Recommended: "Rockabilly Moonquake," "Hell Riders," "I Can't Believe You're Back," "A Tornado Called Smith," "Holloway Road"

Video: "Rockabilly Moonquake"

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Rockabilly Strangers

Midwest To Southwest

(Independent)

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Chris "CL" Smith's resume includes the  famed Twistin' Tarantulas. His tunes are solid and his playing in-pocket. In fact, all assembled deliver rambunctiously. A five-star issuance.

Recommended: "Fight the Man," "Hummin'," "The System," "These Hard Times," "You Should Be Walkin'," "Gas In the Tank," "Secret PO Box 85"

Video: "Secret PO Box 85" /"Fight the Man" / "You Should Be Walkin'"

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Red Roosters

...Take You To a Dirty Ride

(Independent)

Saxophone, piano, and a superlative guitar tone distinguish this marvelous endeavor. It adheres loyally to its old-school R&B  fundament, finding in it much inspiration for knockouts. The unobtrusive production yields a vintage-quality balance. 

Recommended: "Dirty Ride," "Baby What You Want Me To Do," "Shortnin' Bread Rock," "Where the Rio De Rosa Flows," "Doggin' Boogie," "Guitarville," "Rooster Rock"

Video: "Rooster Rock"

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Savage Beat

Three Chord Disciple

(TKO)

At turns, the leads recall The Dictators' Ross The Boss. Some action-oriented chord chases also recall that seminal combo. But there's a youthful exuberance that supercharges each fleet, adamantium assemblage. A four-song, 7" EP that ends too quickly. More, please.

Recommended: "Three Chord Disciple," "That's My Music," "Mob Rule," "The City Kids"

Video: "Three Chord Disciple"

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P. Paul Fenech

Demon Seed Rising

(Mutant Rock Records)

Whether P. Paul believes his netherworldly schtick or it's The Great Psychobilly Swindle is not known by this writer. There have long been assertions of demonic popular musicians links (see R. Johnson/Crossroads - P. Paul updated it) beyond the usual salvation roadshow hucksters. But show business posturing aside, this is jarringly malignant psycho. And its author seldom receives his due as a prolific song craftsman. 

Recommended: "Demonic Seed Rising," "Nameless Song (For the Nameless Ones)," "Witchburner," "Not Enough Time (To Say How Much I Hate You)," "Planet of the Brain Eaters," "Roll the Dice," "One Last Nail," "Juju Queen," "Time To Lose Your Mind," "Rattle My Bones," "Cold Cold Ground," "Where Dwell the Damned"

Video: "One Last Nail"

Mutant Rock Records

Jive Aces

Diggin' the Roots Vol. 1 Rockin' Rhythm and Blues

Diggin' the Roots Vol. 2 Hot Jazz

(Golden Age Recordings)

They were simpler times, those halcyon rock 'n' roll and WWII-era seasons. The Jive Aces remember. With reverence, they recreate standards from the Great American Songbook. Rippling ivories, sonorous harmonies, jumping rhythms, and declarative brass - all are on boastful parade and offering sterling accounts. Couples: on your feet.

Recommended Vol. 1: "Rock 'n' Roll Movie Star," "Feelin' Happy," "Choo Choo Ch-Boogie," "Giddy Up A-Ding Dong," "I Want You to Be My Baby," "Rock 'n' Roll Boogie," "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens," "Jump, Jive, and Wail"

Recommended Vol. 2: "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," "On a Slow Boat to China," "On the Sunny Side of the Street," "Jeepers Creepers," "It's Been a Long, Long Time," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," "It Had to Be You," "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams," "I'm Confessin' / It's Only a Paper Moon," "Ain't Misbehaving," "Mack the Knife"

Video: Live

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The Dellatones

Highly Strung

(Western Star)

Consistently attractive are the sprightly mien and tunefully playful interpretation of tight pop constructions. The humorousness with which the material is carpentered and realized wins over listeners seeking respite from more aggressive fare. And the rollicking foundation ensures satisfaction.

Recommended: "Rockadoodle," "Gypsy's Curse," "Carousel," "Unreality TV," "The Power of Rock 'n' Roll," "Easter Bunny," "The Man In Number 10"

Video: "Rockadoodle"

Western Star

V/A

Rumble Road Sampler

(Rumble Road Records)

This being a compendium of groups, approaches vary. But all share devotion to the rockabilly sound. And though they portray it in diverse aspects, the combos presented here each issue splendidly. This sampling should provoke greater investigation. 

Recommended: "Against a Crooked Sky" (Ghoultown), "Let 'Er Rip" (Slim & the Gems), "Cute But Psycho" (Hot Rod Walt & the Psycho Devilles), "Shake It On Down" (Danny B. Harvey & Annie Marie Lewis), "Billy-Girl Blues" (McPherson Struts)

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Back In the Day, 1983

Jerry Lee Lewis

My Fingers Do the Talkin'

(MCA)

Those appreciating his recorded efforts are advised to include this disc in their studies. In light of his recent, lamented passing, it shows his singular ability to make songs his own. Regardless of genre, the material is imprinted with the unmistakeable Lewis presence.

Many were his emulators, but there was only one Killer. And never again will we hear his like.

"Send me to honky-tonk heaven when I die."

Recommended: "My Fingers Do the Talkin'," "She Sure Makes Leavin' Look Easy," "Why You Been Gone So Long," "She Sings Amazing Grace," "Better Not Look Down," "Honky Tonk Rock'n'Roll Piano Man," "Come As You Were," "Circumstantial Evidence," "Forever Forgiving," "Honky Tonk Heaven"

Video: "My Fingers Do the Talkin'"

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The Oxys

A Date With...

(Dead Beat Records)

Reliably efficacious debut outing. Rock'n'roll asserts itself, with feral punk guitar at the fore. Chugging chords morph to eruptive Thunders/Chrome exclamations. Familiar in a wonderful way. Seek for exhilaration.

Recommended: "Liars, Betrayers, and Spies," "Motel Hell," "Premeditated," "Rock'n'Roll Eyes," "Machine Gun," "Voodoo Queen," "Anxieties"

Video: "Machine Gun"

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Jane Rose & the Deadends

s/t

(Always a Hit Records)

When Jane throws back her pink-haired head and roars, with her robust band barnstorming at her elbow, all creation may seem about to rend asunder. Such is the forcefulness seething in these grooves. Country edge performs grounding function. 

Recommended: "Hot Rod Daddy," "Wrong Kind of Guy," "Bad Little Betty," "Eye On You," "Mopar Car," "Not For Nothing," "Makes Me Want To Sin"

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Video: "Bad Little Betty" (live)

McPherson Struts

Hotrod Karma EP

(Rumble Road Records)

It's always good to encounter a band that eschews studo niceties and just plain storms. Without so much as an introduction, McPherson Struts concentrate on the matter at hand, which is demonstrating the power inherent in instruments wielded like weapons. As skillful as detonative.

Recommended: "Live At Five," "Truck Song," "Hotrod Karma," "The Ballad of Red Spoon"

Video: Live

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Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers

L.A.M.F. Live At the Village Gate 1977

(Cleopatra)

Walter Lure called this gig among their best. It does sound like vintage Heartbreakers: energetic, slurred, and hard-lashed. 

Robert Gordon completists will want this as he appears on a chestnut. But while it sounds fun, the legendary singer fit better with his usual tight accompaniment than the Thunders group's characteristic shambolism.

That caveat to one side, though, the Heartbreakers were in the top league of the 1970s punk era. Hear why.

Reccommended: "Chinese Rocks," "Pirate Love," "Get Off the Phone," "All By Myself," "Let's Go," "Chatterbox," "Onee Track Mind," "Take a Chance On Me," "Born Too Loose," "Do You Love Me," "Boppin' the Blues," "I Wanna Be Loved"

Video: "Get Off the Phone"

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Buddy Guy

The Blues Don't Lie

(RCA)

Chicago Blues don't get more real than this. From Buddy's voice and fingertips flow truths, observations, and poignant notes as immediate as fortunes gone awry. Still, hope for something salutary winks on the horizon - witness the occasional ferocity. 

Recommended: "I Let My Guitar Do the Talking," "Symptoms of Love" (feat. Elvis Costello), "Well Enough Alone," "What's Wrong With That" (feat. Bobby Rush)," "House Party" (feat. Wendy Moten)," "Backdoor Scratchin'," "Last Call," "King Bee"

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Video: "Symptoms Of Love"

Los Aceitosos

High Octane Neo-Rockabilly

(Vinyl Records)

Congenial presentation with all the beloved elements in place. Precedents echo, but they are springboards for vigorous originals. Present-time prizes, they portend future releases' bounty.

Recommended: "Fiebre De Bop," "Perdiendo La Razón," "Vagabundo," "Yo Pecador," "Maldito Tren," "Buscando Mi Destino," "Nunca Sabrás," "Estado Mental," "Puñalada," "Mi Covertible"

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Video: "Fibre De Bop"

The Hangmen

Debauchery In the Mortuary

(Independent)

Unspeakable atrocities are delineated to a ricocheting doom beat. Fittingly, this was loosed on All Hallow's Eve. Malefactors in shadows dance.

Recommended: "House Of Bone," "Collarbone," "The Letter," "Hexing," "Thermonuclear Whore," "True Hate Never Dies"

Video: "Thermonuclear Whore"

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