Marcel Riesco
A Record Date With...
(Twinkletone Records)
2015 vinyl release newly issued on CD.
Recommended: "Long Time No Love," "Because He Broke Your Heart," "Dumbstruck," "Fickle Heart," "I've Been Draggin' Since You've Gone," "Shook Up," "Gypsy Man," "If Only," "Oh Yeah," "Under the Light Of the Blue Moon"
Video: "Gypsy Man"
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Big Mama Thornton
Just Like a Dog
4-track 7" vinyl
(El Toro)
Big Mama's contributions to R&B were significant, acknowledged as such more in later seasons than in their own moments. Worldwide package blues tours and niche popularity eventually came to her. She was a multi-instrumentalist; her recorded presence was immense.
One hears an authenticity beyond future years' studio stuntery. Truth is a treasure.
Recommended: "Just Like a Dog (Barking Up the Wrong Tree)," "My Man Called Me," "Stop a-Hoppin' On Me," "I Smell a Rat,"
Video: "Stop A-Hoppin' On Me"
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Frogman and Friends
Surf Corps
(Rebel Music Records)
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When best, surf instrumentals evoke stimulative passions and mind's-eye imagery. Those favoring such are advised to heed Frogman and Friends. Their work is full of provocation. Plus, there's a melodious fever factor.
The group features members of Red Elvises and Moscow Beatballs.
Recommended: "Catalina," "Dynamite," "Man of Mystery," "Close Encounter," "Jamaica," "The Godfather," "Murka," "Surfcaster," "The Lazy Surfer," "Vincent's Surprise," "Chervona Ruta," "Comanche," "Green Grass of Texas"
Video: "Murka"
Sha Na Na
Woodstock: Twenty Years After
CD / DVD
(Liberation Hall)
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Disregard the antics and campy accoutrements. The group always did possess serious chops. More so than the average family-fun entertainment enterprise. Too, they helped preserve real rock 'n' roll in the faces of psychedelia and corporatism. And that matters.
Recommended: "Rock Around the Clock," "Tossin' and Turnin'," "Let's Dance," "Save the Last Dance For Me," "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," "You Can't Sit Down," "Bluberry Hill," . "Tonite Tonite," "In the Still of the Night," "Promised Land," "Rock 'n' Roll Is Here To Stay," "Goodnight My Love"
Video: Trailer
The Meteors
Madman Roll
(Mutant Rock)
There is nothing pleasant about The Meteors and there never has been. Under P. Paul Fenech's sinister aegis, the band mongers the truest, most despicable, and best psychobilly above ground.
This 1988 disc is now available as a reissue.
Recommended: "Madman Roll," "Queen of the Slug People," "Bertha Lou," "You Can't Touch Me," "You're Mine," "Running 'Round," "Simply Ravishing," "Chainsaw Boogie"
Video: "Chainsaw Boogie"
Horrorpops
Live At the Wiltern
(Cleopatra)
As much spectacle (bawdy shimmies and technicolor gashes) as rock 'n' roll operation, the Horrorpops are currently touring. Witness the exuberance if it nears. For those not able, there is this 2021 CD/DVD/Blu-Ray package. Includes Kim Nekroman guitar savagery.
Recommended: "Julia," "Thelma and Louise," "Kool Flattop," "Freaks In Uniforms," "S O B," "Missfit," "Psychobitches Outta Hell," "Ghouls," "Miss Take," "Where They Wander"
Video: Trailer
Speedmobile
Supersonic Beat Commando
(Butler Records)
When one learns the line up incudes alumni from Peter Pan Speedrock and Batmobile (hence the name), wonderment at the precise alacrity falls away. Taking its spot is appreciation. Among the year's most aerodynamic and energetically effected.
Recommended: Iron Ride," "Supersonic Beat Commando," "Drink, Fight, Fuck All Night," "Fun Control," "Bang Bang Bang Bang," "Run Motherfucker Run," "Doctor Worst (The Hotddog Man)," "Repo Man," "Train Kept-A Rollin;"
Video: "Iron Ride"
