Ghoultown
Where Voodoo Sleeps (self)
single

Those already wise know what to expect from a Ghoultown entry: Driven guitars, sinister invocations, and a beat so determined as to lash adherents into sybaritic paroxysms. Not that each new instance isn't its own version of fantastic and, as such, deserving of rapt witness.

Video: "Where Voodoo Sleeps"

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https://ghoultown.bandcamp.com/track/where-voodoo-sleeps

Robert Gordon
Rockabilly For Life
(Cleopatra)

Even greater than this disc's particular merits (which are abundant) is what it represents: A new and triumphant manifestation of Robert's nonpareil identity as vital link between cool sounds that once provoked crowds to delirium and this fraught moment, so in need of genuine rock'n'roll unmolested by studio sterility.

The road's been rocky, from the 1970s NYC scene to contemporary global renown. But the only hint of that in Robert's voice now is a bit of seasoning. Otherwise, he sounds as stentorian and assuredly declarative as during the Private Stock sessions with Link Wray.

He growls, hiccups, and yelps as befits a man who is of similar gold-standard rank as the genre's pioneers. His range yer amazes, grandiloquence knocking back on their pins every cat and gator in the joint.

In illustration of the man's elevated worth, celebrated musicians rally beneath his banner: James Williamson, guitar madman of the illustrious Stooges, electrifies. So do Letterman piano-pounder Paul Schaffer, Dale Watson, Blaster Dave Alvin, and Blondie's Clem Burke. 

And Booker T and the MG's Steve Cropper, Linda Gail Lewis, Albert Lee, Go-Go Kathy Valentine, and longtime RG accompanist Chris Spedding. And Jimmie Hall, Rosie Flores, Joe Louis Walker, Steve Wariner, and Emanuela Hutter.

Appropriately spartan production by Danny B. Harvey (the fretboard virtuoso who also sits in on these sessions) is of the executive character demanded by this top-shelf amalgamation. 

A galaxy of nuggets come in for fiery reinterpretation, never sounding more solid, more relevant. So long as heart-fevers rage and rhythms shake skeletons, sounds so suitable will enjoy urgent demand.

Plaudits for this CD as a career-crown, though, might be premature, as still more majesty may be around the corner.


Recommended: "Steady With Betty," "Let's Go Baby," "Everybody's Rocking But Me," "She Will Come Back To Me," "Try Me," "I'm Glad My Baby's Gone Away," "Please Give Me Something," "Black Cadillac," "Three Alley Cats," "If You Want It Enough," "Hot Dog! That Made Her Mad," "One Cup of Coffee," "I've Had Enough," "Would Ja," "Knock Three Times.

Bandcamp (previews and track-ordering options, here)

International Fan Club Facebook page

Cleopatra (CD ordering)

Pokey LaFarge
Rock Bottom Rhapsody
(New West Records)

Through sensitive arrangements, deftly interpreted by top-drawer accompanists, a common man of intellect and weathered heart shines spectacularly. 

Recommended: "Lucky Sometimes," "Bluebird," "End Of My Rope," "Fuck Me Up," "Fallen Angel," "Ain't Comin' Home," "Lost In the Crowd."

Videos: 

"Lucky Sometimes"
"Bluebird"
"Fuck Me Up"
"Fallen Angel" (Audio only)

Facebook page

Bandcamp page

New West ordering

Amazon ordering (12" LP)

Johnny Jetson
Make Your Move
(MinnieApple)

That Glam icons' imprints are manifest is okay, because they're splendid paragons. And they inform unobtrusively while ceding significant creative real estate to Jetson's own gripping flights. And soar aloft, songs do. Directness, melodicism, and vibrancy of which one never tires.

Recommended: "Knocked Out," "Love Me For My Car," "Mouth Made For Rock 'n' Roll," "Hang Around With You,"  "My Baby Likes To Rock," "Get High Rock Steady," "Make Your Move."

Videos: 

"Love Me For My Car"
"Make Your Move"
"My Baby Likes To Rock"

Facebook page

Bandcamp page

Spotify page

Atomic Leopards
20's Rockabilly
5-track EP
(self)

In crisply fashionable raiment, familiar stylings shout evergreen relevance.

Recommended: "Girl In Black," "I Just Wanna Stay With You," "Aquesta Nit," "Put Your Lips," "Rockin' Fix."

Videos:

Album preview "Girl In Black"
"I Just Wanna Stay With You"

Facebook page

Apple music

Spotify

McKinley James
"Who Will the Next Fool Be?"
"Thunderbolt"
singles
(fun-guy records)

Hip-beyond-years 16 year-old impressively stokes eternal flame. 


"Who Will the Next Fool Be?"
"Thunderbird"

Facebook page

fun-guy Facebook page

Left Hand Black 
s/t  (Wolverine)

Ramones-fleet horrorpunk redolent of era when stylists leveraged actual hooks into grisliness. Shares with Forest Hills brudders addictive fun/storm song constructions.

Recommended: "Behind the Green Door," "Let's Scare Jessica To Death,"  "Army of Darkness," "Murder On My Mind," "28 Days Later," "Devil In Miss Jones," "Jaws," "Long Live the New Flesh."

Videos: 

"Behind the Green Door"

"Let's Scare Jessica To Death"

"Murder On My Mind"


Band site

Facebook page

Bandcamp page

Wolverine Records