Red Hill Ramblers
Getting By (Spine PunchMusic)

by
DC Larson

This rough-and-tumble threesome wisely mixes the time-tested teachings of 'billies before (traditional and generally easygoing bop) with a modern, serrated blade-edge. Just as listeners are digging smooth grooves, up jumps a howling proclaimer. And that's when you know something serious came in from the back alley to prowl the hardwood. Fireplug guitarist/singer Steve and double bass-beatin' Mike Mallon, and hard-wired drummer Joe Covell have much of which to be proud.

Recommended "Jaded," "Pink Slips," "Hot Rod For Sale," "Look Out"

http://www.redhillramblers.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Hill-Ramblers/162962863742515
http://www.spinepunchmusic.com/

TO BUY CD http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/redhillramblers

VIDEO "Hot Rod For Sale" (live) http://youtu.be/7DM95_9epGY

Dex Romweber Duo
"Is That You In the Blue?" (Bloodshot)

by
DC Larson

Only from within the demonstrative Dex dimension can one best appreciate its duality. Ethereal, echoed intonings, voodoo-pulse toms, "kitchenware" that rattle-clanks like skeleton-rib percussion, and striking word-murals tear back the curtain hiding strange terrains most oft untrod. At once, though, Dex and Sister Sara vent uber-sized, the gutter-blast blusterings and fraught guitar rampages seized up from a familiar and lava-loved rock'n'roll cauldron. It seems our 'real world' and a funhouse zone more shadowy and tilted were as one, all along. No one gets out. No one desires to.

Recommended "Jungle Drums," "The Death of Me," "Midnight Sun," "Brazil," "Climb Down," "Is That You In the Blue?"
VIDEO: "Jungle Drums" http://youtu.be/IV_fG7as1VQ
http://www.myspace.com/dexromweberduo
http://www.rockandrolltshirts.com/RNR_Store/Dex-Romweber-Duo
http://www.ruraltone.com/dex
http://www.bloodshotrecords.com/

Buzz Campbell
"Shivers & Shakes" (self)

by
DC Larson

I've followed Buzz's ear-arresting endeavors through much: Hot Rod Lincoln, Lee Rocker, Sha Na Na, and solo turns. His loud and strapping guitar, with which he handily revs roots bents into modern-cat style, could conquer single-handedly. But it doesn't have to: tower-tumbling standup and drums -- plus Buzz's own vocal pipes-of-persuasion and razory writing pen -- dispatch juking listeners all into the Fracture Zone. Of course, critical praise is a poor stand-in for listening.

Recommended "Rawk-A-Billy Fever," "Scot Mo," "Rockabilly Heart," "Crazy When She Drinks"

http://www.buzzcampbell.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/buzzhotrod
Buy CD: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shivers-shakes/id436205635
video, "Scotmo" at Revival Festival (Austin) 2010: http://youtu.be/cNmkEhlttLg

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There are pies, and then there are pies
by
DC Larson


By this moment, all have heard about it: Rupert Murdoch, testifying before Parliment, unceremoniously decorated with a shaving-foam pie. It's been the topic of hard infotainment chatter --assailed by some, cheered by others.

From a tactical standpoint, it was counterproductive. It shifted focus from larger and more substantial matters, making Murdoch a sympathetic figure (for some), casting his wife Wendi as heroic defender, and giving the Fox friends something else about which to fill airwaves.

Remember, though, we're dealing here with people who've amassed international fortunes from manipulating images, constructing "realities," channeling public sentiment, and choreographing photo ops to arouse desired emotions. It's what they do and they're quite good at it. They know well its effectiveness.

Behind that, is it really hard to conceive of Team Murdoch, their characteristic Jolly Roger a-flap in the political-press current, contriving the attack? After all, the wizened, media baron bullfrog couldn't have hoped for more felicitous results. Yes, critics and investigators continue to hound him. But he has melted some hearts.

Now, it is true that the simplest answer is often the correct one. And perhaps it was just as it appeared: an unknown comic, seeking the front page-moment's luster, uncaring as to circumstances or his shenanigan's impact on weighty issues.

But maybe -- just maybe -- we've all been played again. Duped onlookers to the latest example of news media diversion, Rupert Murdoch style.




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Psycho-DeVilles
"Night Prowler" (self)

by
DC Larson

"Hot Rod" Walt Richards found it -- the all-important, pulsating energy center that is the heart of all joyous and free-for-all rockabilly; that wondrous and maddeningly-elusive-to-pretenders union of passion and sneer, switchblade and grope, flame and deliverance. It could be heard, yes, on earlier releases like "Supercharger." But its been cultivated further still for this all-originals declaration of fracture intent. The toxic-tipped sideburn swagger. The jumped-up, affable obstreporousness. All out on this rebel hardwood, dancing in carbonated euphoria. Small wonder Walt and thrill-bent compadres the uber-aggressive Paul "Stubbs" Diffin and punk sparkplug Steve "Burnout" Barnett have established themselves as festival must-sees.

Recommended "Victory Curls," "Better Man," "Burn Baby Burn," "Chopped Down and Hopped Up"

http://www.psychodevilles.com/
http://www.facebook.com/psychodevilles
"Victory Curls," live

DVD: JUDAS AND JESUS (Inkarnatoons)

by
DC Larson

Edge-dancing auteurs Olaf Encke and Claudia Romero grind into satiating union taboo whimsy and intellectual adventurism, the scarlet storytelling crafting images of a fleshly past clerical sorts doubtless would find abhorrant -- but would probably secretly dig. The artwork is marvelously rendered -- colors, figures, and shadows loom with declarative presence. Too, the writing is of a markedly superior caliber. (Additional plus: a rocking soundtrack that features the Meteors, P. Paul solo, Crazy Cavan, and Moe Jaksch.) A headlong and hobnail-booted thrill-jaunt up into a saucily-splayed good/bad intimate realm.

(Note: This wickedly funny and rocked-out treatise is playable only on PAL-formated players.)

"Judas and Jesus" comprises the film itself, running some 15 minutes; optional comments (in English, German, French, and Spanish); a gallery; 15 minute storyboard; 15 minute layout; and 15 minute "ruff animation."

Corresponding with Olaf by email, I raised the point of the impressive intellectual heft apparent between shards of scandalous hilarity.

"Unfortunately there exists a scholarly or school masterly part in my personality," Olaf responded. "(Just like in our Jesus!) I tried to get rid of it, but it kept coming back. So I made a preachy kind of film with a strong message, but it is preaching immorality. Hee hee.

"Don't forget to have a look at the commentaries on the extras of the DVD. They explain a lot of what it is all about except the entertainment."

Olaf Encke, inkarnatoons:
http://www.judasandjesus.com/


To Order DVD:
http://www.interfilm.de/shop/









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