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

end

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.




end

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/









end

Mars Attacks "Recaptured" (PART)

Deutschland gone-squad always honors rockabilly's halcyon primitivism, wringing tons of sweat a-flyin' fracture from the time-tested hollowbody lead/drums/standup/vocals w/acoustic (and trumpet -- reminding of Sonny Burgess and the Pacers). For those late to Mars Attack's austere and driving oeuvre, the band has re-recorded 26 originals and covers from their earlier and out-of-print discs. SEE SAUCERS FILL THE SKIES! THRILL TO SOUNDS OF FEVERISH ABANDON! LAUGH AS SQUARES FLEE!

Recommended "Mars Attacks," "Doggin' My Steps," "The Way I Bop," "Why, Jimmy Bill"

"Doggin' My Steps" vid:  http://youtu.be/Yj3d0jrbJ8E

http://www.myspace.com/partrecords

Rhythm Dragons "Chomp Chomp Chew Chew" (self)

Perhaps Arizona's surest wager for neo-billy success writ big, this decade-strong hollowbody blast-cell balances reliably old-school bop with headturning creative courage; unafraid to fence-hop over orthodox genre boundaries, Anthony Vincent, Josh Gihle, and Chris Redfield ensure that every note matters, each rhythm rolls. Look for them on a stage near you, and know that the cats and kittens will be pickin' 'em up and puttin' 'em down.

Recommended "Pin Up," "Chomp Chomp Chew Chew," "113 Degrees," "Miserable Rain"

Live in Phoenix: http://youtu.be/C6Okpkjo3Tk

http://www.rhythmdragons.com/