Michael Bruce
Born Screamer
single

This latest from the master-crafter of many Alice Cooper hits illustrates that the puissance of rock'n'roll riffing remains almighty.
Boy howdy.

Videos: "Born Screamer"
             Excerpts of "Born Screamer," "Famous Face," and "Riding               a Hurricane" from upcoming LP


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Chuck Mead
Close To Home
(Plowboy Records)

Moody fun from the BR5-49 icon. Memorable passages, agreeably dispensed.

Recommended: "Big Bear In the Sky," "Close To Home," "Daddy Worked the Pole," "The Man Who Shook the World," "There's Love Where I Come From."

Video: "Big Bear In the Sky"
           "Daddy Worked the Pole"
           "The Man Who Shook the World"

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Plowboy

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Dave Del Monte
and the Cross County Boys
Can't Stop Buying Records 
mp3
(self)

"Well, if you come to my house, I got records everywhere," drawls Dave in this roomy, slap bass-centered number.. His vocal likeness to Carl Perkins adds import, as does snapped-tight soloing. The effect is wonderfully familiar.

video: "Can't Stop Buying Records"

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The Mellows

s/t 

(Swelltune Records)

Such mellifluousness as to broach artistic territory, but rustically real enough (in a Holly way) to avoid high-falutin' airs. Down-on-the-corner Joes with elan.

Recommended: "A Thousand Kisses," "City Lights," "Walkin' Zombie," "Always," "Here and Now," "I Want To Be the One," "Shooting Star"

Videos: "A Thousand Kisses"
             "City Lights"
             "Always"
             "Shooting Star"

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(singer/guitarist Colton Turner)

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The Sharks
Songs From the Sarcophagus
(A Tribute To Screaming 
Lord Sutch)
(Western Star Records)

Sinister stage-prowler Sutch cut a distinct figure in the 1960s; Alan Wilson and mates lovingly exhumed his morbid melodies. This is a reissue of the sold-out Sharks' 7 inch. According to the WS label, a new, 30-second bit appears at the conclusion. Plus, pre-orders receive a "Graveyard postcard."

Recommended: "She's Fallen In Love With the Monster Man," "Dracula's Daughter," "Jack the Ripper," "Monster In Black Tights."

Videos: "She's Fallen In Love With the Monster Man"
             "Dracula's Daughter"
             "Jack the Ripper"
             "Monster In Black Tights"

Western Star

High Noon
Change / You Done Did It
single
(Swelltune)

Heralded as High Noon's first new disc in 12 years. "Change" is an animated pastoral stepper, rendering repose impossible. "You Done Did It" emanates sunny sanguinity as it forges course with confident stride. Upper tier. 

Video: "You Done Did It"

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Mad Sin
Are You Ready
single
(Century Media Records)

Mammoth sheets of angry guitar cascade. An ominous bassline slinks in and out at high caliber. In eyes-clenched apoplexy, vocals are spat. And a pulse slams incessantly. Mad Sin is again a-prowl.

Video: "Are You Ready?"

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