DC Larson's JUKEBOX JURY

Capsule reviews by a jury of one: Iowa journalist/author DC Larson. Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Blues, Alternative, Western Swing, R and B, Punk, Swing, Hillbilly, Glam, Americana. DC Larson's retro science fiction writing blog, from which the Eddie Atomic Space Adventures are available, is RETRO RIFF BOOKS. And his political writings one is AMERICAN SCENE MAGAZINE. Both are also on Blogspot. All original content on these three blogs is under author copyright.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Vernon Reid

Hoodoo Telemetry

(Artone / The Players Club)

As was vividly paraded by Vernon's contributions to Living Colour - impossibly alacritous fretboard fingerings that fused notes into kalaidescopic configurations and left jaws hanging - within the man pulsed vision and prowess beyond that of rank and file axemen. But "the past is prologue," as Willy Shakes quilled. Hoodoo Telemetry portrays Vernon's phenomenal bent in far advanced stage, finding breath-stopping animation in unmapped Jazz, Rock, and Funk mileaus. (Edgar Winter's "Dying to Live" and Cream's "Politician" are reanimated with due regard.) Occasional vocals by Vernon and guests are well-turned and wreath movements with body-and-soul essence. A host of hues, textures, tempos, and startling declarations cascade down and around. One is 18 kinds of happy about getting drenched.

(A personal favorite of this author's is the jagged smokestack lightning Reid added to the Ramones' "Cabbies on Crack," from 1992's Mondo Bizarro.)

Recommended: "Freedom Jazz Masque," "The Haunting," "Bronx Paradox," "Or Knot," "Dying to Live" (feat. vocalist Miche Fambro), "Politician" (feat. vocalist Bruce Mack), "Black Fathom Five," "Meditation on the Last Times I Saw Arthur Rhames," "In Effigy" (vocals by Vernon)

Videos: "Freedom Jaz Dance" "Politician" "Meditation on the Last Times I Saw Arthur Rhames"

Collectors' Choice Music

Discogs

Amazon

The Vampires of Kopenhagen

"Vampire World Domination" digital single

(Gothic Underground Records)

It's with ebony finality that this Goth/Psycho horror tale unfurls, its triumphance stately and bordering on maliciously majestic. Cloak swept to one side, it arches in Stoker-apocalypse fashion. The narrator, pasty-featured and trilling vixen at his elbow, issues morbid pronouncements in tones that signal Earth's conclusion is set in marble. Exactly how "daylight misbehaves" isn't explained, but it's doubtful any mortal would wonder, when all around crumbles and wickedness assumes the universal throne. As Criswell once intoned: "Future events such as this will affect you, in the future!"

Video

Half Dizzy

Yard Sale

(Punkerton Records)

All tunes were crafted, either entirely or partially, by Daniel Marchelewski; he honestly reports human circumstances and has the gut-fistedness to wield his guitar like the battle-axe all surly Punks know it was meant to be. The live-wire rowdies with whom he's thankfully fallen in careen through escapades, not unlike back-alley torpedoes on a thrill-ride straight to some sideshow-mirror 80s Skatepunk target. Splitting voice tasks with Daniel is esteemed pinup title-holder Dizzy Doll, which means there's pulchritude along with the bashings.

Recommended: "Yard Sale," "Fade Away," "Turn This Up," "Darkest Days," "Sidelines," "Late Nights," "Easton," "Starting to Believe"

Videos: "Fade Away" "Darkest Days" Live (1/10/2026)

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

The Raters

Hi, Fuck You - The Unfinished Album

(Mad Dog Records)

2023's Mad Green Dogs made clear the Spanish squad's capacity for rampage. This Dec. 2025 disc's commencing track, "Hate Yourself," is a blur, merging instrumental flair with lean structure. "Caputxeta" avails itself of the red-hooded folklore heroine's plight. But unlike Sam the Sham's 1966 good-bad rendering (in which the aroused beast pitched pickup patter like a pro), whipcrack dynamism that alternates with suspenseful pacing, and the prey's own apprehensive recounting, splash in dangerous darkness. In closing gesture, the Raters give needed boot to Lennon-McCartney sogginess.

Recommended: "Hate Yourself," "Caputxeta," "And I Love Her"

No new Video Live 2024 (2:59) Live 2023 (2:48) brief gig reel

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Sidebürns

Lifestyle 3-track single

(Self-issued)

So tuneful is the titular, Metal-jacketed Punk juggernaut, and its impact so jolting in the coolest of manners, that blood kinship with previously marketed cuts pretty much kicks you in the head. Ralf and Katja's vocals scorch the collision-chorded coup de main like branding irons from some uber-lit pit. (And only lackwits would even consider messing with bullet beats slung by Ronny G.) I sincerely expect to pick up tomorrow's paper and read that Sidebürns' leathery insurgents have blasted their home burg of Weimar clean off the map.

Recommended: "Lifestyle," "Not What Used to Be," "All In"

Videos: "Lifestyle" "Not What Used to Be" "All In"

Crown City Bombers

"Toxic Town" single

(Self-issued)

With matter-of-fact terseness, Bombers' boss man Dave Bertiz relates a dark-truth tale: "Hey little girl gettin' off the bus, you're gonna be a star / You got strung out, you lost your job, well now you won't go far. Hey everybody gather 'round / It's showtime in this Toxic Town." Chugging rockbop makes common cause with his somberness, and is entirely content to monger its mesmerism as poised understatement. Albert Hammond's 1972 radio staple mourned identical dark-side-of-Hollywoodland realities, but lacked the razory soloing Dave deploys with head-turning consequence.

Video

Hayley and the Crushers

Unsubscribe from the Underground EP

(Kitten Robot)

The moment is pregnant with prospects. The cotton candy-tressed purrer* and her cohorts-in-kicks are poised to etch treads on the tour highway. Audiences are in for stormy spectacle. Erupting omnidirectionally (and sending bricks into orbit) is alternative Pop that leaves one dangling on its hooks, its supporting, Punk-jawed structure as subtle as a flying mallet. A 1970s D. Edmunds chestnut romps jauntily. (And tucked in amid mad frolic is a stepped-down, couples-only ballad; you can all but see the ceiling's mirrored ball.) Fold in the fact that a crisp full-length platter in presently being plotted, and you'll suss out why coming days wink with promise.

* Have a care; this kitten has claws.

Recommended: "Unsubscribe," "Blood and Treasure," "Let Go," "Queen of Hearts"

Videos: "Unsubscribe" "Blood and Treasure" "Queen of Hearts"

Sour Mash Kats

Greatest Hits

(Self-issued)

Spurred by a braggadocious account that online scrolling turned up - "The easiest way to describe their sound would be to throw Carl Perkins, The Ramones, Mad Sin, Groovie Ghoulies, and The Cramps into a blender on puree!" - I listened in and was floored by what I learned to be that claim's veracity. Committed to wax are 10 specimina that illustrate exactly why these hatchet-swingers are able to hold high a championship belt, while chill gusts caress marble orchards told of in Seduction of the Innocent parables.

Recommended: "Werewolf Olympics," "Pickle the Beast," "Rocket to the Moon," "My Little Baby's (Got a Flesh-Eatin' Bacteria)," "I Busted My X-Ray Spex," "Bigfoot Bop"

Videos: "Pickle the Beast" "My Baby's (Got a Flesh-Eatin' Bacteria)" (live) "I Busted My X-Ray Spex"

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

The Wolftones

Pentonville Road

(Western Star)

These audio slices wouldn't be of such slapback weightiness - as they indeed are - were it not for players' sure-heartedness - which roars on all avenues. Laid out are giddyup examples of kat stalwartness capable of "cutting ten onions into a hundred pieces, without crying a tear," as Black Knight Tom Powder once boasted. Add in that, along with fiercely-knuckled originals that locate the heptitudes potential in disparate tempos, the amplified agitators dash off distinctive swaying of Mr. Link's calling card. (Don protective gear.)

Recommended: "Broken Heart," "Pentonville Road," "Lone Wolf Rumble," "Say Baby," "Weeden's Wig-Out," "Workin' Man," "Red Hot & Throbbin'"

Videos: "Pentonville Road" "Lone Wolf Rumble" "Weeden's Wig-Out" "Red Hot & Throbbin'"

The Boojums

s/t Digital, compact disc, black or translucent red vinyl

(Having Fun)

Too rarely do opportunities to get in on ground floors of good things present themselves. Turn your backs to tedium, and embrace idiosyncrasy.

Whilst still in their embryonic phase, Nova Scotia's Boojums promoted themselves on Reddit, Instagram, and other platforms via grained videotape footage. And such was the dexterity with which the three swirled together Pop, Punk, ticklingly undefinable alternative, and easily recognizable (and beloved) vintage gestures, that recognition came running.

The sole reason I wouldn't term tracks compiled on their debut disc felicitous, is because I can't abide understatement. As impressive as is the full-frontal blast of guitar/vocals/drums/bass smashing away in symbiosis, one detects a camaraderie that encourages casting down skepticism and kicking up feet.

Getting in on the ground floor can be exhilerating.

Recommended: "Outta My Head," "Wings of Fire," "Burnin' Up," "Meet Me in the Middle," "Like It," "Garden of the Sons," "Don't Wanna Love," "Dan's Transmission"

Video: "Outta My Head" (live) "Wings of Fire" (live) "Burnin' Up"

The Slow Drags

Off the Cuff Rock'n'Roll

(Self-issued)

What most recommends the Toronto three (along with their musical mettle), is an ability to summon the swaggering spirit that once led collars-upturned JDs to tear up joints and bird dog milkshake mademoiselles. And as inciting as are rave-ups like "Devilish Lips" and "Whole Lotta Fun," it is lowered-lights belly-rub "Cold Cold Night" (which benefits immeasurably from precisely-on-point 88s) that is most conducive to he-she interactions that are none of your business.

Recommended: "Devilish Lips," "Cold Cold Night," "C'mon," "Money in My Pocket," "Whole Lotta Fun," "Riding Out"

Videos: "Devilish Lips" "Cold Cold Night" "C'mon" "Whole Lotta Fun"

V/A

Rockin' Garage & Trash-A-Billy

(Western Star)

Slouching between grooves are sundry outfits, yes, but all share relish for ripping out every window in the place. The Cavanish clan's stomping-good contribution sounds a bit like "Steppin' Stone" got ahold of bad liquor, and is having an accelerated episode. There's real Kinks architecturing in moments, and in others, the same shot-no-chaser jitter-boppin' that filled late nights no one completely recalls. It's guitar-strapped gangs like these that keep important fires grasping for the inkiness overhead.

Recommended: "Annabella" (The Bullets), "This Town" (Henry & the Bleeders), "Speed of Love" (Jack Rabbit Slim), "Little Wino's Date with Death" (Bastard Sons of Cavan), "She Gotta Move" (The Bullets), "Trash Talkin' Sally Anne" (The Bullets), "Swamp Devil" (The Hillmans), "10lb of Sad" (Jack Rabbit Slim)

Videos: "This Town" "Little Wino's Date with Death" "She Gotta Move" "Swamp Devil"

The Bullets

Henry & the Bleeders

The Hillmans

The Bastard Sons of Cavan

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Hotrod Hillbillies

"Why Can't You Love Me" digital single

(HRHB Records)

It's secure speculation that, were this gravelly substance bottled, the label would feature a skull and crossbones. Twist off the cap anyway, but hold it at arm's length - Texas toxicity will flood airspace.

Making their way through no-shit crunch are Xavier Ortiz's guitar lines, hazardous ones from which no MD license would rally. Abetting Xavier and dangerous drummer Mike C. is Tony Slash, he of Rocketz infamy. (The Golden State ripsnorter grapples a doghouse.) Repeat dosings of the amphetemine thrill-tonic are prescribed.

Dave Irish produced at California's Pot of Gold studio. The storied band's forthcoming 25th Anniversary LP will include this track, as well as other new ones, live recordings, and previously unheard demos.

Xavier and his Mama

James Intveld with the Velvet Candles

"Love You Still" b/w "Got the Blues"

(Sleazy Records)

James is already well known and favored as both a singer who possesses golden pipes and a soloing guitarist of tectonic essence. Barcelona's Velvet Candles may be less globally celebrated, but the night is young. Like James, they, too, harbor estimable capacities; wider renown is sure to one day be theirs, also. What resulted from their joined forces is classical Rock'n'Roll both weighty and spring shod. Doubters (should there be any) will find cautions fading as these waxed numbers - the A side a rollicker; the flip, lighter on the gas pedal, its cruise bolstered by handclaps - make jukeboxes kick up dust.

Videos: "Love You Still" (live) "Got the Blues"

The White Musk

Grubby Plum R'n'R digital album

(Dying Art Productions)

As the 9 tracks here indicate, Guangzhou Province offers more than merely avant-garde architecture. The DIY "first—and last—full-length album of South China’s retro rock‘n’roll sound" stomps wherever the hell whims direct. The work is a crazy quilt of obstreperous Punk, anonymous thunderation, and purposefully unprocessed storminess cooked up in a Garage marked "Enter at your own risk." Blast this at 3AM; neighbors will thank you.

Recommended: "Billy Don't Puke on Your Suit," "2.55," "Leather Biker," "Welcome to the Freak Show," "Vintage Porn," "Wild Cat," "Rockabilly A-Go Go"

No video available

Dying Art Productions

Bandcamp

zdigital.com.au

Apple

Dead Men Ride

Demo digital

(Self-issued)

Hard-lashing out of Pau, three phantom riders guzzle homemade Tarantula Juice, ardency in their upraised voices. "Django Gazolina" calls to thought every spaghetti western Sergio Leone and his imitators lensed, with rudimentary Neo-Rockabilly substance laced into proceedings. (And pleasingly, similar double bass rattling - spider fingers acrawl - is upfront in each track.) Successive cuts "Tulsa" and "Abilene" gallop across saddle-slapping territories as if posses are hot upon their hoofprints.

Recommended: "Django Gazolina," "Tulsa," "Abilene"

Videos: "Django Gazolina" "Abilene"

Facebook

Instagram

Bandcamp

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Jason Starday

Towards the Sun 7" EP

(Sleazy Records)

Sharply limited edition. Regardless of genre - rambling Rock'n'Roll, Lounge, Blues, or placid Country - the titular mic stand-clasper rolls out like smoothness on two legs. The latest hep crooner to spring from Deutschland, Jason not only got the sock, but is spreading it all around with swinging elan. Recalls Ivory Joe and Pettis County's Mr. Van Dyke, with glistening originals nestled beside. Fellow golden-throater Marcel Bontempi added graphic craft to double 45 gatefold cover.

Recommended: "You Got a Man on Your Hand," "Black Cloud," "Towards the Sun," "The Life I Live," "Can't Get You Out of My Mind"

Videos: "You Got a Man on Your Hand" "Black Cloud" "Towards the Sun" "The Life I Live"

Clay Babies

'54 - '64

(Self-issued)

Adventurous and sensitive artistry enjoys vent, as a denim-and-plaid duo have their intriguing ways with Americana stylings. Pleased, indeed, will be ears upon which fall these lissome airs. A plethora of acoustic music makers are joined in exultant ballet by electrified siblings and judiciously-pitched voices. (And when's the last time you heard an Irish bouzouki?)

Recommended: "Osmanthus," "Coco Tiki," "Rastaman," "Last Banana," "Tilt a Whirl," "Asper Agus P," "Heavy Whipping Cream"

No Video available

Bandcamp

ClayBabiesMusic.Wordpress

The Mooks

Doo Wop Punx!! digital album

(Self-issued)

The matter-of-factness with which Simon Chardiet and Vic Ruggerio toss off finger-popping, juke-solid ditties owes to their adeptness - skill earned during a thousand-and-one late nights treading stages in venues fancy and crummy. Imagine rip-and-stitch upstarts huddled beneath street lamps, crooning mellifluous, savage harmonies. Mr. Bassman, meet the Razor Contingent.

Recommended: "Danielle," "Cotton Pickin' Rocker," "Sardine"

No video available

Facebook

Instagram

Bandcamp

The Palatinos

"Midnight Drive-In Show" single

(Rebel Roots Records)

None of the necking juvies dug that post-transmogrification Lawrence T. was padding between steamed-windows Buicks, Chevys, Fords, and Plymouths. Preserved here is audio documentation etched in rhythm: Killer-cool bop creeps ominously; the narrator intones spook-cinema particulars, as lunar-bathed sax and stalking stand up mesmerize; six strings sting like stilletos. If Brian Setzer and Bobby Pickett sat down with a songcraft pad between them...

Video

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Bamberdöst

Dharmageddon

(Massacre Music Records)

The natural literacy apparent in the wordplay is as impressive as the runaway-train-up-on-side-wheels presentation. This is what results when plugged-in and chord-crazed agitators with roots in banks of Avon kick off their sneakers in studio confines. There are no weak links in this chain.

Recommended: "Small Shoes," "Loose Canon," "Boyfriend Material," "Someone Should Tell Michelle," "Conversation Heart," "18 Holes While it All Burns Down," "Chase the Burn," "Half Understood"

Videos: "Boyfriend Material" (live) "Someone Should Tell Michelle" "18 Holes While it All Burns Down" "Chase the Burn"

Righteous45

Big Brain vs The Lie Detector digital only

(Righteous45)

Some vintage novelty tracks merit contemporary obscurity, but not all. Lux and Ivy were famously aware, as was Dr. Demento (born Barry Hanson) before the Crampsian concoctors. The better of the breed cobbled musical whimsicality, oddball conceptions, and deliveries of unique aspect. Tilted laughworthiness defiant of the aging process resulted.

Along with exhuming Rock'n'Roll wax dimly recalled, Scotland's Righteous45 preserves madhouse tunery. For that, the curator deserves a ticker tape parade down along Happy Acres.

4 year-old Youtube comment: "So glad to see someone that appreciates Don’s music. Don was my cousin and sadly he died at a very young age. He never knew how many people appreciated his music. He was amazing and an unbelievable guitar player."

Videos: "The Lie Detector Machine" (Don Cole) "Hey, Big Brain" (The Lettermen - not the identically-titled vocal trio of romantic ballad fame.)

Bandcamp

Rocky - 52

Discogs

Don Cole