The Jets

Hear Me Now

reissue

(Krypton Records)

No need for purchase from sensed obligation to scene stalwarts; success is found on disc's own merits: Headlong rockabilly and rock and roll that features wondrous harmonies and enough ramrod spine for three combos. Punctuated by creamy crooning.

Recommended: "Hear Me Now," "I'm a Rocker, " "Much Too Good (For You)," "Call the Police," "Dreamy Eyes," "Stand By For Action," "Love You a Little Bit More," "Little Doll," "You Are My Temptation."

Video: "Little Doll"

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The Altar Billies

All In

(CD Baby)

Though previously unfamiliar to this writer, the Altar Billies are now favored. Ripsnorting trio rockabilly with both profound message and visceral appeal. There is no conflict between spirituality and finger - popping. Word.

Recommended: "All In 1," "Union Pacific Railroad," "It's In the Music," "Where Did You Build?," "Nothin' Would Surprise Me," "Rock'n Through the Night," "All In 2," "Hold On"

Video: "Union Pacific Railroad"

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Pepita Slappers

Stop Play With My Heart

single

(Vintjarn Records)

At the crux of this economic pop-rock mini-classic is a guitar ostinato that refuses to leave one's memory long after it's heard. That and the other ace players mark success writ large.

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Vintjarn Records

Back In the Day, 2006

Cat Yanks

Live At the Sun House

DVD + CD

(Sam Sam Music)

"Powerbilly" was a term with which they described themselves, and it was apt. For, while all the usual moves were in place -- including Scotty Moore twang --  there was a modern edge that ripped from the speakers and asserted itself prominently. 

Recommended: "Get Ready To Rock," "Rock Around With Ollie Vee," "Dangerous Blonde," "I Need You Tonight," "Tornao," "Voodoo Rhythm," "She's Dynamite," "King Of the Jive," "Rebound," "She's the One To Blame."

Video: live

Sam Sam Music

The Courettes

Back In Mono

(Damaged Goods)

Obvious influences include Phil Spector and the Garage Punk/Girl Groups mini-explosions of the 1960s. Handclaps, echoing harmonies, rippling piano, castanets, symphonic sensibilities, dramatically sounded toms - all are employed reverentially, not as cynically derivative. And it's a testament to the duo's magnetic quality that the riff from "Hop the Twig," once implanted in the consciousness, refuses to depart.

Recommended: "Want You Like a Cigarette," "I Can Hardly Wait," "Hey Boy," "Night Time (The Boy Of Mine)," "R.I.N.G.O.," "Until You're Mine," "Hop the Twig," "Too Late To Say I'm Sorry," "Edge Of My Nerves," "Won't Let You Go," "Cry Cry Cry."

Video: "Hop the Twig"

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John Paul Keith

A World Like That - Live At the B-Side

(Wild Honey)

Instruments stringed, ivoried, and brassy collude to raise up a blues-inflected masterwork. Author John Paul has the heart of a poet, the guitar of a headhunter, and the mind of a streetwise optimist; the combination is lethal, in a very good sense. 

Recommended: "Something So Wrong," "The Sun Is Gonna Shine Again," "Miracle Drug," "Ain't Letting Go Of You," "Baby We're a Bad Idea," "The Rhythm of the City," "How Can You Walk Away?"

Video: live 4/28/2022

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The Raters

s/t

(Independent)

Tilt-a-world, illicit thrills from the Spanish island of Mallorca. Not an appetizer to be gnawed at, but a full entree of twilit madness with enough amphetemine sauce to make the feast exhilarating. Best served repeatedly. 

Recommended: "Nightmare," "Monsterparty Cathouse," "Psychobilly Shot," "El Dimoni Dins Jo," "Fever," "I Wanna B Bad."

Video: "Nightmare"

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