Ricochets
Chain Dog - 2022
(Diablo Records)
Stalwart and limber, these songs validate rockabilly's promise of liberation while crashing across old-school psycho real estate. 13 tracks of just plain gone, with electrically charged allure.
This pioneering endeavor is now available as a limited edition vinyl rerelease in three colors.
Recommended: "Devil's Highway," "She's Gone," "Chain Dog," "'Avin' It Large," "Long Time Dead," "Like A Tiger"
Video: "Chain Dog"
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Bat Hearse
Transylvania Moonshine
(Independent)
Abandon hope, all ye who enter here. You'll find yourself besieged by a wickedly fun pastiche of gothabilly imagery, fuzzed-out guitars, psychotic psalmizing, and the scarlet glow of exotic trash culture. Plus enough Crampsian grog to fill a Mason jar.
Recommended: "Slide Into My Web," "Transylvania Moonshine," "I Should Have Known Better Than To Swim At Night," "One More Nail," "Hunt You Down," "Bat Bang," "Cuddle Me Tonight," "Crawl With Me"
Video: "Transylvania Moonshine"
Bill Haley & His Comets
Rock, Clocks, and Alligators -
All the Hits and More, 1953-1961
(Jasmine Records)
It might today be thought his orthodox suit-and-tie combo helped make rock 'n' roll somewhat less threatening to an elder generation still tuning in to My Hit Parade. But even this more accessible version gave them pause.
(What would they have made of P. Paul Fenech?)
Recommended: "Birth Of the Boogie," "Razzle Dazzle," "Rock-A-Beaten' Boogie," "The Saints Rock'n'Roll," "Rockin' Throuh the Rye," "Rock the Joint"
Video: "Razzle Dazzle"
Strawman Justice
s/t (Always A Hit)
Those responsible deserve applause for embarking onto terrains uncharted. In fact, they created much of the rock'n'roll and blues experimentation found herein. This is internet-age reimagining of traditional forms, at once familiar and novel. Shelve beside Panther Burns, solo Tim Polecat, Alan Vega, and The Gun Club. Even Cramps.
Recommended: "Garbage Man," "Tornado," "Go Away From My Door," "Grinder Man," "Hey Linda Lee," "Country Boy Bop," "Boogie Mama," "Don't Start Crying Now," "Wild About My Baby"
Lobo Jones
& The Rhythm Hounds
Howlin'
(Foot Tapping)
One appreciates that Lobo and company eschew studio stuntery. Theirs is music free from excesses and refreshingly unadorned. That eyes on the prize of economy holds them in good stead; not a beat amiss nor a surplus note.
Put simply: Rockin' is their business, and they are adept at their craft.
Recommended: "Howlin'," "If You Ain't Gonna Rock It," "I'm Mad," "Goin' Down To the Riverside," "Your Love," "The Creature"
Video: "If You Ain't Gonna Rock It" (live)
Mike Sanchez
12 Original Scorchers
(Doopin)
No sooner has one concluded this cogent, piano-centered CD is a rhythm and blues work, than Mike changes gears and offers Northern Soul of persuasive variety. Then it rollicks like early JLL. Which totals stylistic sweep.
Recommended: "Ramblin' Boogie," "Three Months, Three Weeks, Three Days," "Fast Train," "You Gonna Win," "Let The Lovin' Begin," "Everybody's Got A Buick," "I Don't Stand A Chance," "Messed With An Angel"
Video: "I Don't Stand A Chance" (VLV25)
Back In the Day, 1976
Eddie and the Hot Rods
Teenage Depression
(Island)
Recommended: "Get Across To You," "Why Can't It Be," "All I Need Is Money," "The Kids Are Alright," "Get Out Of Denver," "Been So Long"
Video: "Teenage Depression" / "All I Need Is Money"
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