The Ripkatz

From The Outside

(Independent)

This 2019 disc somehow eluded me when initially issued. In 2022, though, it still resounds as newly coined; reeling and crunching, it locates its footing sure-mindedly. Harmonies, slapped rumblings, six-string incisions, and glottal seizures collude in sleek conspiracy.

Recommended: "Surfabilly  XXX," "Underneath," "Whiskey Queen," "Sugar Shake," "Uptown Back Alley King," "Tastes Like Chicken," "Goin' Galactic," "Killer Klowns From Carolina"

Video: "Sugar Shake"

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Various Artists

Punkabilly Nuggets

Download only

(Western Star)

Varying quality, as might be expected with a compilation. But in turns it's blunt, pop-informed, scintillating, garage-ish, and unsettlingly enjoyable.

Recommended: "Shake It" (Devil Wrays), "Memoirs Of a Haunted Man" (Kings Of Outer Space), "Voodoo Hands" (Devil Wrays), "Beam Me Up" (Weazeldust), "Right Girl, Wrong Time" (Bastard Sons Of Cavan)," "Kitchen Utensil" (Pretty Grim)," "Trouble" (Devil Wrays)

Video: "Beam Me Up"

Western Star

OS Dry Martinis

Diretamente De Manaus

(Independent)

Generally kept placid, giving the entirety a smoothness that pleases. Do not mistake calm for weakness, though. There's abundant strength in measured execution.

Recommended: "Shake It Up," "Sweet Little Mama," "Go Wild," "Perdeu Playboy"

Video: "Sweet Little Mama"

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Ricochets

Chain Dog - 2022

(Diablo Records)

Stalwart and limber, these songs validate rockabilly's promise of liberation while crashing across old-school psycho real estate. 13 tracks of just plain gone, with electrically charged allure. 

This pioneering endeavor is now available as a limited edition vinyl rerelease in three colors.

Recommended: "Devil's Highway," "She's Gone," "Chain Dog," "'Avin' It Large," "Long Time Dead," "Like A Tiger"

Video: "Chain Dog"

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Bat Hearse

Transylvania Moonshine

(Independent)

Abandon hope, all ye who enter here. You'll find yourself besieged by a wickedly fun pastiche of gothabilly imagery, fuzzed-out guitars, psychotic psalmizing, and the scarlet glow of exotic trash culture. Plus enough Crampsian grog to fill a Mason jar.

Recommended: "Slide Into My Web," "Transylvania Moonshine," "I Should Have Known Better Than To Swim At Night," "One More Nail," "Hunt You Down," "Bat Bang," "Cuddle Me Tonight," "Crawl With Me"

Video: "Transylvania Moonshine"

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Bill Haley & His Comets

Rock, Clocks, and Alligators -

All the Hits and More, 1953-1961

(Jasmine Records)

Yes, the hits are here. But since "Rock Around the Clock," "Shake, Rattle & Roll," and "Crazy Man, Crazy" have been heard so often, of greater interest is the material less visible (save for in the eyes of collectors).

It might today be thought his orthodox suit-and-tie combo helped make rock 'n' roll somewhat less threatening to an elder generation still tuning in to My Hit Parade. But even this more accessible version gave them pause. 

(What would they have made of P. Paul Fenech?)

Recommended: "Birth Of the Boogie," "Razzle Dazzle," "Rock-A-Beaten' Boogie," "The Saints Rock'n'Roll," "Rockin' Throuh the Rye," "Rock the Joint"

Video: "Razzle Dazzle"

Jasmine Records

Strawman Justice

s/t (Always A Hit)

Those responsible deserve applause for embarking onto terrains uncharted. In fact, they created much of the rock'n'roll and blues experimentation found herein. This is internet-age reimagining of traditional forms, at once familiar and novel. Shelve beside Panther Burns, solo Tim Polecat, Alan Vega, and The Gun Club. Even Cramps.

Recommended: "Garbage Man," "Tornado," "Go Away From My Door," "Grinder Man," "Hey Linda Lee," "Country Boy Bop," "Boogie Mama," "Don't Start Crying Now," "Wild About My Baby"

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