Deke Dickerson and the Whippersnappers

Honky Tonkin' Rhythm

(Major Label Records)

In addition to being among the most adroit pickers extant, Deke possesses a grained voice that fits this pastoral material. Honky Tonk country may be a niche interest, but its adherants are devoted and the genre never had truer and more reverential portrayal.

Recommended: "Bucket Of Blood," "Now That You're Gone," "Baby's Gone Uptown," "Loneliest Man In the Whole Wide World," "Battering Ram," "Here Kitty, Kitty," "Goin' Honky Tonkin'," "High Noon," "You Better Not Go," "Great Big Cowboy"

Video: "Here Kitty, Kitty"

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The Rocketz

Can't Buy Me Love digital single

(Generation X-Ray Records)

This adheres closely to the Lennon/McCartney original, though it's infused with enough upright-and-twang prominence to be in line with the band's identity. This writer is not a Beatles fan (and Rockat Barry Ryan essayed a similar interpretation of this song in 2008), but acknowledges quality material. The Rocketz may be seeking to expand their grasp.

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Back In the Day, 1989

Boz and the Bozmen

Dress In Deadmen's Suits

(Cherry Red Records)

It's common knowledge that with Boz Boorer at a six-string, the house will rock. And so it does, with aplomb. The all-aces combo assembled acquits itself handily; the ruckus is to be cheered all 'round. 

Recommended: "Shake 'Em Up Rock," "Midnight Shift," "Drag Strip," "Slippin' In," "Wild Heroine," "Baby Boomerang," "Everybody's Rockin'," "Rock Ol' Spotnick," "Catch On"

Video: "Everybody's Rockin'" live 

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The Slick Backs

One Way Track digital single

(Independent)

A jaunty ride that rolls down the line, with smoke billowing and cinders sparking off big steel wheels. Many will be snapping fingers to the bouncing melody. 

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Richie Ramone

Live To Tell

(Outro Records)

Speak his name and you've said his cred. Guitars cascade and chords crash into each other, as drums and bass conspire to declare formidable foundation. Richie's vocals are strident and he carves with a furious pen. A leather-jacketed legend.

Recommended: "Live To Tell," "When the Night," "Who Stole My Wig," "Old Ways," "Find Our Place," "Not Afraid," "Suffocate," "The Last Time (Remix)"

Video: "Suffocate"

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CandyMen Duo

Cover Shot

(CandyMen Records)

At once mellifluous and accessible, tracks here compiled flow easily toward satisfaction. Wisely prominent upright is offset by heartily strummed acoustic and sonorous voices. A tuneful type of Rockabilly, partial to saccharinic musings.

Recommended: "Sweet Like Sugar," "Sweat (A La La Long)," "Apuveddmeg," "Ai Se Eu Te Pego (Nossa Nossa)," "Kӧr," "Faith"

Video: "Sweet Like Sugar"

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Gunshot

En français dans le texte

(Independent)

As goes the steady beat, so too churn the guitars - vigorous and of steely fiber. Don't be lulled by the measured sweep; deep strength lies in watchful governance. 

Recommended: "Comme un doute," "L'homme en noir au col blanc," "Rouler sur la riviére," "Celui que tu préfères," "Train sans espoir," "Monnaie monnaie"

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