Prisoners Of Society

s/t

(Bad Billy Records)

In cover of night and illuminated by a blood moon, three wayward souls dare to exhume 1990s-style Psycho. Revivifying the remains, they exult in its identifying attributes: Dominative slap-bass, insistent doomsday poundings, and a mooring-free guitar that careens recklessly on a death-ride straight to wicked euphoria. The lead howler, head thrown back and lips strained in a lunatic grin, looses a stream of hoarsely shouted and aggressive fulminations suitable to the witching hour.

Recommended: "In the Name Of the Beast," "Prisoners," "My Life Sucks," "Sins Of Love," "Just For Fun," "Fxtxw"

Video: "Prisoners"

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Phil Baker and the Beau-Marks

"Joanie, Joanie" b/w "Back To School Hop"

(Frontman Records)

Comes now an opportunity to access vintage Rock'n'Roll while adancing a noble mission. 

These 1961 songs were recently discovered on long-forgotten 78 RPM wax. They were recorded by golden-age rocker Phil Baker and his group. (He's the father of the renowned Big John Bates.) While more mannerly than incendiary (to be expected, given the quaintness that characterized the birth year), they hint at passions granted public exertion in later times. 

Phil succumbed to cancer earlier this year. All proceeds from sales of this single will go to the mission of abolishing that cursed malady.

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Shook Boys

S/t

(Self-issued)

All requisite rockabilly elements are on deck and duly dispatched: hiccups, slap bass, resolute backbeat, twangy guitar leads. But those would be feckless were the flame of authenticity not burning within the players. Thankfully, it is. Gloriously. These tracks bring a salutary reminder of why millions fell in love with Rock'n'Roll back in its feral adolescence. Familiar, beloved stylizations ricochet as these four fire off sounds at once potent and provocative. That they nimbly acknowledge country lineage further elevates.

Recommended: "Can't Control," "Blue Eyes and Black Hair," "Dead By 22," "Tell On You," "Miss Anne"

Video: "Tell On You" (live)

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Reverendo Frankenstein

Morto Ao Vivo

(Ohio Entertainment)

The prevalence of macabre accoutrements might lead the unaware to conclude this is regulation Psychobilly. The ambiance and imagery, after all, are sinister and sinewy songs hard lashed. But compostions are built of sterner stuff than classical Psycho. Assailing us is a steel-reinforced barrage in which accepted genre demarcations lose meaning. Who needs rules? One eagerly surrenders to thunderous demands.

Recommended: "Lado Escuro," "O Raio Que o Parta ," "PQP," "A Praleira," "Tailspin," "Entre Trevas (Fique Longe de Mim)"

Video: "Tailspin"

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The Nimbwits

Truth Behind

(Southern Nights Records)

This doesn't have universal appeal, and that recommends it. Were it so bland as to accomodate all tastes without giving offense to any, it would not be worth remark. Happily, we have instead a disc crammed full of turbulent and unsavory Punk passions. These songs race past like hectic assailants, and are typified by such bomb-throwing ardor as to leave gunpowder residue on your eardrums.

Recommended: "Hate the Bastards," "You'll Be Alright," "Punk-Ass Attitude," "Hater," "Pissed and Proud," "Truth Behind," "Psychotic Little Thing," "Hookers and Junkies," "When They Open the Pubs," "Gotta Keep drinking" (Bonus track)

Video: "When They Open the Pubs"

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Pfeffer Holstein

Highway Gentlemen 4-track album

(Self-issued)

So adroit are they at fusing orthodox modes and unsettling musings that the listener is conflicted. Tap foot or wonder in alarm? The logical answer, of course, is to do both.

Recommended: "Make Some Noise," "Helltrain Driver," "Highway Patrol Gentleman," "Halloween"

Video: "Make Some Noise"

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Back In the Day, 1980

Chris Evans

Original Rockabilly

(Big Beat Records)

That year, US icon Robert Gordon released Bad Boy, and the UK's Crazy Cavan & the Rhythm Rockers issued Still Crazy. Meanwhile, in France (the land that had produced Johnny Hallyday), Chris was possessed by identical spirits; his all-originals debut LP did not receive the global notice others' wax enjoyed, but offered similarly rousing material. It wore on its sleeve affection for golden-age predecessors and was head-turning in its own right. Free of superfluous studio stuntery, the compendium made its points with austere directness. The impact was (and is) resounding.

Chris has since recorded numerous albums and remains active. 

Recommended: "Rocky Boogie, "Rockin' and Boppin'," "Love My Babe," "Railroad Rock," "Bluesy Baby"

Video: "Rocky Boogie"

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