Kokomo Kings

A Drive-By Love Affair

(Rhythm Bomb)

American blues as interpreted by Swedish devotees, illustrating the global impact the genre still has decades since its barrel-house birth. Affinity for the music's fundamentals, and their own singular winking folded into the bargain, total eminent satiation. 

Recommended: "Buckle Up," "No Dinner Tonight," "A Million Stars," "Get It Off the Hook," "A Drive-By Love Affair," "Turning Wine Into Water," "Jump Like a Chicken," "The Smile of a Shark"

Video: "A Million Stars"

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The Poison Ivvy

Cosmic Trash

(Junkie Business)

The technique of combining light-speed buzzsaw guitar with overtly poppish and outcast poetry reminds of the late, lamented Ramones. And that's the highest compliment imaginable.

Recommended: "It Came From Outer Space," "Da Doo Ron Ron," "Get Out," "I'm a Rocket," "Bored," "Wipe Out," "Baby 69," "It's Cold Outside" (live), "Ride the Snake" (live)

Video: "Baby 69"

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Pink Peg Slax

Evil Evil Evil Nice Nice Nice

(Half-Cut Reecords)

Not having recorded since 1988, the band turns in a respectble-enough effort. All the right moves are here. If it doesn't overwhelm, it at least doesn't seem artificial. And when your heart's committed, and the music is solidly dispatched, no one can feel slighted. 

Recommended: "Your Hair's Too High," "Those Days of Yore," "Kid Soccer," "Burnt Ruane," "Drive Real Good (Sportsnight With Coleman Mix)"

Video: "Your Hair's Too High"

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Beat Devils

No Circus Without a Clown

(Gamma Music)

There's a decidedly poppish edge -- a serrated one -- to this trad psycho four-track work And that's not a bad thing. A spoonful of sugar helps the strychnine go down.

Recommended: "Red Light," "Out of Town," "Weretrain Blues," "Goodbye"

Video: All tracks

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Wanda Jackson

I Remember Elvis

(Cleopatra)

I normally avoid Elvis tribute albums; they compel me to hie toward the original for refuge. Robert Gordon's 2007 It's Now Or Never was an exception. Gordon's interpretations were alive and magnetic.

So are these covers. Wanda's personal reminiscences hold unique appeal. And her exquisite reinventions of classics manifest the original spirit. As someone who was on the scene -- and romantically linked to The King -- Wanda has particular standing.

These aren't languid museum artifacts, but vibrant readings. The stellar band ensures as much: six-string superhero Danny B. Harvey and storied Blondie skinman Clem Burke, for instance. 

Notable, too, is the exactly right participation (on piano) of Don Randi of The Wrecking Crew. His contributions buoy the material.

So possessed of honest rockabilly vigor are these cuts as to attract not only Elvis completists, but any big beat afficionado. The players  revere the Golden Era style while adding vivid contemporary flourishes. 

They wisely advance the general vibe rather than seeking undue individual attentions. The whole shakes mightily.

This is a rerelease of the 2006 Goldenlane Records original. The disc remains worth pursuit. Plus, it's now available on pink vinyl. Unobtrusively produced by Harvey, it includes liner notes by Elvis Costello.

We know1950s naysayers were wrong: Rock'n'Roll lives into the future. Here's the latest evidence. And it satisfies me.

Recommended: "Wanda Jackson's Introduction," "Good Rockin' Tonight," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "I Don't Care If the Sun Don't Shine," "Baby Let's Play House," "Give Me the Right," "You're Right, I'm Left, He's Gone," "Mystery Train," "Ain't That Loving You, Baby," "I Wore Elvis' Ring," "Wanda Jackson remembers Elvis"

Video: "Blue Moon of Kentucky"

Cleopatra

Psycho Devilles

Motor Honey

(Devil's Brew Productions)

As one expects with this rock-riibbed threesome, propulsive rumbles blast as soon as the needle touches down. 2016 release newly available at Devil's Brew Bandcamp site. Rugged tracks of sleek dimensions rocket from side to side.

In their slower moments, of which there are several, they display remarkable knack for venting extreme vim from quietude. They understand the power existent in keeping things in low.

Important work of tumultuous nature. And for all their stormy exercise, the trio never forgets to wax melodic. 

Hot Rod Walt and the Psycho Devilles are easily among today's top outfits. One listen convinces.

Recommended: "Lucky," "Motor Honey," "Road Rage," "I Built This Train," "Rock N Roll Life," "Loner"

Video: "Motor Honey"

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Devil's Brew Bandcamp

Nik Flagstar and His Dirty Mangy Dogs

Thriftstore Cowboys

(Independent)

Their strength lies in ability to express ideas in multifarious modes. From guitar squalling to rollicking 88s to finger-popping crooning to outer-space hijinx, the goods are solid. Impressive without being inaccessible.

Recommended: "Sociobilly," "Flagstar's Ruin (Signature Drink)," "The Ride," "Tomorrow's Last Night's Show," "Assistance," "L.Y.T. (Lil' Young Thing)," "Space Ace"

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