Those Deadbeat Cats

Frankenstein's Jukebox

(Western Star)

In any other circumstance neo-Rockabilly, Jazz-hipness, and Ska reinventions of recent years' chart sensations might be folly. That it engages in this instance owes to Those Deadbeat Cats' self-effacing waggishness. Novel spins are rendered with estimable capacity that makes the project worthwhile.

Recommended: "Bye Bye Bye," "Spiderman," "What's Up?," "Shotgun," "Eight Days a Week," "Wonder Wall," "Basket Case," "20th Century Boy"

Video: "Spiderman"

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The Stolen Hearts

"Over the Line"   digital single

(Self-issued)

Satisfyingly fat Rockabilly riffing bespeaks the attitude afoot. Poised vocals claim command. A razor-sharp solo slices determinedly. And the bustling, economical arrangement suspends its forcefulness to allow for a cooled-down standup/drums aside, before resuming strut. Profuse jaw-jutted elan flares for 2:31.

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(This track will soon be available on other listening platforms, as well.)

Hot Laundry

"Made Like This"   digital single

(Self-issued)

Rock'n'Roll's scorching promise in fishnets. While a driving band that recalls the genre's historic fireballs thunders in their hourglass shadows, bellicose sirens with sequined wrapping brandish defiance in tones at once sonorous and mesmeric. Kipling warned that the female of the species is more deadly than the male. 

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Son of Twang

Freddie's Ready

(Self-issued)

The absence of vocalists on this stage (recorded over a two-year period) afforded phenominal picker Fred Stucky latitude for extended six-string orations, as he cruised the welcoming avenues roots music offers. An animated performance resulted, with both dignified and galvanizing passages performing their magics.

"Every song has a vintage Gretsch being used," Fred explained in the Gretsch-Talk site's forum. He disclosed the impressive equipment he'd relied upon for his crisp endeavor. Included were "vintage 6120s - '54, '55, and '59. I also used my '57 green Duo Jet. The '59 6120 has the Bigsby B Bender and it's used to good effect on 'Small Time' and 'Black Jack.'"

Accompanying them in his chosen arsenal were two Fender amps, a 1956 Harvard and a 1958 Deluxe. He noted effects employed were a Nocturne Mystery Brain 301 and various vintage Echoplexes.

The "Rockabilly roots bop" he imputed to Freddie's Ready on that message board conveys its uptempo attractions. But mention must be made here also of Blues and Country idioms that rise for recognition. From them, Fred produces fretboard majesty.

Plaudits for Freddie's Ready were pronounced by other Gretsch-Talk members. "Man, the sound is just incredible," enthused one. Another raved: "That's some nice [explicit] guitar playing going on there.

Such relish is well warranted.

Recommended: "Heartbreak Hotel," "Strollin' Guitar, "Skaggsville," "Eddie Eddy (The Sixty-120 Blues," "The Small Time (Was Big Enough For Me)," "Hammy Blues," "L Is For Lonely," "I Almost Lost My Mind," "Blackjack"

Video: "Strollin' Guitar"

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The BuckOffs

Sleeve

(Self-issued)

Predominantly a Buck Owens tribute trio (one that hot-rods the star's classics with Rockabilly thrust), Florida's BuckOffs also mint original creations. Worthy strands of fifties and sixties origin loom, even as instrumental virtues proclaim themselves. Notable among those are the felicitous stringed bracings of frontman Daddy-O, nee Stephen Charles. Vitality owes to dedication. 

Recommended: "Sleeve," "Misunderstood"

Video: "Misunderstood"

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Reverb Nation

The Candy Bomber

s/t   digital album

(Self-issued)

Four covers sprint past. Their line-up discloses the band's character: robust guitar-focus, rampageous dynamism, and roughly one ton of cheek that can only come from marrow-deep faith in Rock'n'Roll's potential for shout-out-loud exuberance. That the brazen group rips open with a hard-lashed Groovies rouser and closes out with a 101ers snarl is sufficient to carve both authenticity and attitude into estimation.

Recommended: "Have You Seen My Baby" (Flamin' Groovies), "Let's Lynch the Landlord" (Dead Kennedys), "Girl U Want" (Devo), "Silent Telephone" (The 101ers)

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Mimi Roman

First of the Brooklyn Cowgirls

(Sundazed)

Brooklyn-birthed, Jewish teenager Mimi was smitten by the radio-conveyed Country rendered by Hank Williams and others of his Honky Tonk sort. Possessed of organic vocal facility, she developed a winning way with both swinging romps and heartsore ballads. It eventually took her through Southern dirt-road tours, radio and television spots, and even numerous Grand Ole Opry appearances in days when Rockabilly was yet in its cradle. Remastered from acetates she's harbored over decades, selections compiled include many of those memorable moments. Broadcast introductions have been preserved. Their inclusion cultivates you-are-there appreciation. 

Last year, after decades away from the microphone, the 89 year-old winsome songstress with winged tones performed at the Swelltone Records Bay State Barn Dance. These rescued tracks surely elate Mimi's ripening generation of admirers.

Recommended: "Weary Blues From Waitin'," "Honky Tonk Blues," "Never Ramble, Never Gamble, Never Roam," "I'm the One Who Loves You," "I'm Lookin' For Some Lovin'," "Route 66," "Rocky Road Blues," "Gotta Have My Baby Back," "You Win Again," "Rose- Colored Glasses," "In My Shoes Tonight," "I Gotta Know," "What Am I Worth," "Dix-A-Billy," "Isle of Golden Dreams," "There's No Holdin' You"

Video: "Rocky Road Blues"

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