John Guster

"bits and pieces from..." (Blue Lake)

Swiss rockabilly powerhouse Juan Rodriguez led his country's 1990's trio The Thunder Jets. He later took studio matters in hand, realizing both JCR Recording Service and the Blue Lake label.

Blue Lake has since issued more than 30 hot releases, by storied acts including the Rockets, King Louie Combo, Kick'em Jenny, and Mars Attacks (members of which guest, here.)
Doubtless, readers have by now guessed that Juan Rodriguez and John Guster are one and the same.

A remarkable abundance of skilled rockin' jumps up, in these 10 cuts - and it's big beat motivatin' of the old-school. The rule is spare and rollicking. At first, one is just plain knocked out by the overall rightness. In time, though, distinct contributory elements emerge: a sure-footed and nimble rhythm section, warmly comfortable vocals, appropriately sparse production, and enough adept Telecaster broadsides to rock listeners one and all off their feet.

These are the good old days!

Recommended "Go Go V-8 Ford," "Am I Right?" "Gotta Get Another Girl," "The Cats Were Jumpin'"



http://www.jguster.bluelake.ch/
http://www.facebook.com/johnguster
http://www.bluelake.ch/

The Brains
"Drunk Not Dead" (Stomp)

"Ladies and Gentlemen: Welcome to the El Diablo Coliseum, here in the spectacular 5th layer of Hell! Tonight's bout is for the Super Heavyweight Championship of the Underworld!" (From "We Are the Brains")

The Brains will never be crowned Canada's official cultural representatives (though legions of rip-n-stitch wreckers would doubtless heft them unto exactly such distinction). Swaggering, mohawked, and distemperous - demolition chords hustled aboard an amphetemine rocket - this psycho triad spews defiantly exultant outsider rage-psalms with towerblock amps on angry 11. Their chosen boneyard-playground stares up from shattered mirror-shards somewhere betwixt the Meteors and Mad Sin; they share the former's predilection for netherworld narratives, and the latter's careening style. Damnation sounds like fun.
"Never in all my years in this business have I witnessed a bloodbath of this magnitude! Two titans clashing, not only for eternal glory - but for their very souls!"


- DC Larson

Karling Abbeygate
"Christmas With Karling" (self)


Mindful of the yule-season's bouyant imperative, flawless-toned Karling decks these halls with lissome jocularity, her every caress endearing. The cheered listener is struck by the first-chair professionalism - this thanks not only to Karling herself, but also to the dedicated toils of Bob Gother, Jason Eoff, Russell Scott, and Johnny Palmer. (Additional vocals are lent by Big Manny Gonzalez.) Lighthearted melodic frolickings suit this warming moment, as loved chestnuts are mixed with wonderfully-apt originals. Laughing beauty gambols amongst evergreen wreaths and sparkling, variously-colored decorations. Cock your cap, slug down your nog, and kick up your mucklucks!

Recommended "What's In the Box," "Christmas Party," "The First Noel," "Angel Tears," Santa's Got a Crush On Me," "Auld Lang Syne"


http://www.karlingmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/karlingabbeygate



Video: http://youtu.be/D3vCJLgTymQ (This is an earlier tune)

Black Pussy
"On Blond"
by
DC Larson

A nimbus-planed soaring wah wah-rocketship, tricked out with all the fun-cool of early '70s sub-cult-in-the-sun young narratives audacious and daring to be actual. Not some benign time capsule, but an exhuming of that sparkly moment's salvational vibe -- with steadily-pumped today swerve.

Recommended "Marijuana," "Can't Take Any More," "Blow Some Steam Off"

http://www.blackpussy.bandcamp.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Pussy/127305757295752
http://www.xopublicity.com/

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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