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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