Reviews of new rockabilly records & cool old stuff

NINETY POUNDS OF UGLY 
Richmond Motel Room #3
4 STARS (OUT OF 5)
(Listen to album here or on iTunes)

For a band rooted in traditional country music and rockabilly, Ninety Pounds Of Ugly seems a rather strange name. The band are from Canada, a country that seems to be going through a country music renaissance. [The best of Canada’s “new wave” is probably Ray Harris, who is busy on a new album, now.]

The Richmond Motel Room #3 collection of music, is currently only available as a download from, www.bandcamp.com [probably for around £6]. Another thing worth noting is the erm... colourful language on this album. Sex and murder are recurring themes. The music begins with, Out Of Your League, a strong country / rockabilly track. The lead singer, Patsy Clash (not her real name), sings like she means every word. Her no-nonsense / don’t-messwith-me attitude shines through on this and all the songs.

Call Your Mama is a track that changes pace many times, from slow to medium to up-tempo. It works well and features fine guitar work. Room #3 has a kind of late night, sultry feel in keeping with the sleazy motel room implications of the song. It builds well and fits the singer like a well-worn glove.

Ugly Stick is a foot-tapper, about a woman telling a man, “You got beat by the ugly stick”, but Don’t Slip Out is the best track. It tells a very dark tale of a woman, who doesn’t want her son to “slip out”, at night because he’s a serial killer. She tells him, “I’ll find out what you do from the morning headline news, but either way, remember, mummy loves you dear”. This is a chilling song, not easily forgotten.

The next few tracks are not as strong. I’m Your Little Lovebug is old fashioned in a good way, bouncy but a little trite. Taint One Taint The Other, has a kind of rockabilly feel (with a trumpet), and another strong vocal. The singer tells her man to, “get your dirty mind out of the gutter”.

Not Tonight (with good steel guitar) starts as a mid-tempo romantic song, then heads for much darker waters. It’s a very strong song. Venom In My Denim (not to be confused with Junior Brown’s Venom Wearin’ Denim) is a mid-tempo chugging song, with great lyrics. “What I got down below, can’t paralyse you”, the singer tells her man. Batshit Crazy For You Baby is a gem of a track. A crazy, almost insane duet for the 21st century. A strange tale of mental health and cannibalism, as maybe only this off-centre band can pull off. Take Your Pants Off Johnny is about what one might expect from the title. The singer tells the man, “Take your pants off Johnny and deliver that schlong”. Does he have any choice? No! Then she tells him, “I need you buck naked from the waist down”....a profane foot-tapping rockabilly winner. All All Alone, has a xylophone intro, leading into a sad tale of a woman alone. Her man has gone. A bonus track, Trouble, is a live, powerful rock song, with a don’t-mess-with me vocal.

This album is a very fine off-beat country / rockabilly collection, well worth 45 minutes of anyone’s time. It does sag a little in the middle, but this is a very interesting band. What will they do next?

Paul Riley
Country Music People magazine, UK
www.countrymusicpeople.co.uk

Ottawa rockabilly band The Kingmakers, preparing to record their third album this spring, sought a studio with some history and a vintage vibe. "The experience of recording our first album at SUN Studio in Memphis, following in the footsteps of our heroes like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, was an amazing one," says guitarist John Cormier. "For our second album we stayed close to home, so it was time again to hit the road and see what a completely new environment could bring to the project".

After considering legendary venues like Abbey Road (too expensive), RCA Studio B (no longer a commercial studio) and Muscle Shoals, the band eventually settled on Nashville and the studio of music icon Cowboy Jack Clement. Says upright bass player Steve Donnelly, "Cowboy Jack was a house engineer at SUN Studio in the fifties, engineer and friend to Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash, and went back to produce U2's Rattle and Hum session at SUN, using the same drums that we used on our first album. With all these connections, it just made sense to continue The Kingmakers musical journey in that direction."

"After speaking with engineer Brooks Watson in Nashville, it became clear that this was the studio for us. Brooks had the same laid-back southern style as James Lott, our engineer at SUN. So we knew it would be a great fit" says singer Clark Lawlor.

After a few conversations, and having heard The Kingmakers two albums and checked them out on YouTube, Watson glowed enthusiastically about the band and their songs, then added a new twist. "I'm friends with J.M. Van Eaton, maybe I could get him to play on your session," Watson mentioned casually.

J.M. Van Eaton may not be a household name, but he is an inductee in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame: as a teenager in the fifties, he was the house drummer at SUN Studio, playing on the earliest hits by Jerry Lee Lewis including "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", as well as Billy Riley's "Flying Saucer Rock and Roll" and "Red Hot", a song near and dear to The Kingmakers and often featured in their live set. "I remember singing along with Red Hot in the car as a kid. Back then I didn't know what rockabilly was, but I knew I liked it. So to record in Nashville, with J.M. Van Eaton on drums, is an honor and a privilege" says Donnelly. Van Eaton was the most-recorded musician at SUN, recording on hundreds of tracks with dozens of artists.

Watson discussed the project with Van Eaton and played him some of the tunes, and Van Eaton was on board. Ian Cook, The Kingmakers drummer and latest addition, is also one of Ottawa's biggest rockabilly fans, so of course he was not offended at the prospect of having a legend sit in on drums for a few songs. It was agreed that Van Eaton would play on a few tracks, and Watson also suggested that The Kingmakers cover one of Van Eaton's songs, "Memphis in '55". When Cook also mentioned The Jordanaires at rehearsal, this set some more wheels in motion.

The next day, Donnelly contacted The Jordanaires - members of the Country Music Hall of Fame - who sang with Elvis ("Return To Sender", "It's Now Or Never", and many others), Ringo Starr, Johnny Cash, and many more, as well as having an illustrious career of their own. After a few friendly emails back and forth, The Jordanaires were also confirmed for the session.

Watson also mentioned that if Cowboy Jack Clement likes the songs, he may be interested in sitting in on a few tunes. Although Clement did not end up playing on the session, he was on hand for the session, supervising and directing, telling tales, and dancing along with the band while they played.

In one marathon day, The Kingmakers managed to record 13 tracks, including 3 with J.M. Van Eaton on drums and 2 with The Jordanaires on vocals. They returned to add a few finishing touches at home, including horns courtesy of locals Zeek Gross and Kelly Craig, and banjo courtesy of Keith Snider (Fiftymen).

The CD, now titled “Last Night In Nashville” will be released on Friday Sept. 10, 2010 at Elmdale House on Wellington St. in Ottawa, where the band will be performing all night. A modest cover charge will include a complimentary copy of the CD.

Listen to this album and The Kingmakers 2 previous albums, and download some free MP3's at kingmakers.bandcamp.com

The album is also available on iTunes. 

Neo-rockabilly Moscow Band.

Vince Ray & The Boneshakers 'Zombie Radio' CD

The mighty talent of Vince Ray and his band has once again exploded onto CD via their latest album 'Zombie Radio'. As you may know Vince Ray has two ongoing musical projects, under his own name with the Boneshakers and more Punky Garage-Billy band The Vincent Razorbacks. This album is more on the ghoulish Rockabilly/Psychobilly side of things, so just a little bit closer to my soft girly taste.

As you might expect from the name of the album, it's all about zombies, skeletons, other bewitched creatures, cars and women.

The album kicks off with hard-hitting drums and fierce guitar licks in 'Betty Bitch'. The music here goes as hard as rockabilly can go. Vince, who provides guitar as well as singing, keeps the sound clear and clean - so when he does add fuzz, it works well emphasizing a more Psychobilly sound on songs such as track 2 'Let's Go Psycho'. 'Zombie Radio' is a furious Psycho/Rockabilly track on which the drums and double bass clicks create a rhythmic storm which suck in all your emotions. As well as the self-penned songs, "Zombie Radio" includes well performed covers of The Cramps's 'What's Inside A Girl', Generation X's 'King Rocker' and others. The cute rap which Vince performs on 'King Rocker' has to be mentioned in the review - excellent!

'Zombie Radio' as a whole album manages to stay on the edge of psychobilly and rockabilly styles, but is not limited to them. The musicians are too good and versitile to stay within any boundaries. The album is not for purist rockabillies, but for fans of The Cramps and similar voodoo rockers. The Boneshakes capture something unusual, clever, witty and dark, with it's own wild style.

The CD is presented stylish digipack with large double sided colour poster with Vince Ray's personal drawing for each song.

I mean the man can draw, the man can play guitar, the man can sing, Vince is a true present day Rock'n'Roll legend!

To order click here

Lisa George & The Pedalos 'The Devil Said Shake' CD

Lisa George has been into 1940s and 50s music for a good while now and some of us know her from Rockin' Rhythm & Blues big band 'The Cat Pack' as well as all girl band 'Helles Bells'. Now the mighty talent of this lady takes her back to performing Rockabilly music once again. Backed up by exceptional musicians 'Lisa George & The Pedalos' is a sensational 5 piece rockabilly outfit and their first album 'The Devil Said Shake' is the proof!

Lucky 13 firey tracks display Lisa's big vocal talents. The album starts with a mellow, sensual version of Johnny Burnette's classic "Touch Me". From the first notes the melody, Lisa's voice transfers you into some wild Mexican desert. A devilish, almost hypnotic drumbeat captivate your emotions, and you want to listen to this album in full.

The second song continues the feel with Lisa's take on Lavern Baker's 'Voodoo Voodoo'. This uptempo stroller allows Lisa to demonstrate her strong, powerful and melodic voice. I don't know if Lisa's roots lie in a love of Rockabilly or more in the Swing and Rhythm & Blues, but the album has a diverse selection of songs with variations on all these styles. The Pedalos add their own feel to each song and show originality in self-penned originals.

The third track of the album 'Holy Joe' is a sneak peak on Lisa's love of Rhythm & Blues. The song is a mix of rockin' guitar and swing motives, the combination which continues throughout on this album. The Pedalos don't stop on one perticular style of music, they mix and match 1940s and 50s styles, occasionally venturing into more modern Rockabilly, as with their scene hit "Blue Eyed Rockabilly Boy".

One of my favourites on this album is 'Market Place', another powerful stroller. Lisa puts in a spellbinding performance convinces me that I have become a real fan of this band.

'Cried in Knots' is written by Mick Cocksedge (known via his own band The Cordwood Draggers). It's a Country tune with typical heartbreaking lyrics perfectly carried through the emotions in Lisa's voice.

'The Devil Said Shake' is a result of supreme music from a combination of one of the best female voices I have ever heard and top rockin' band recorded in one of the best vintage-style recording studios in the UK, Riverside Studios.

This is one of the best albums I have ever listened to, boasting amazing music, vocals and lyrics. Check this album out, you will not be disappointed.

Songs to check out: Blue Eyed Rockabilly Boy, Market Place, Didn't It Rain, The Devil Said Shake, Touch Me and the rest...

To order click here

Welcome to the New Community about Surf, swing & Billy music

 

Как говорится, милости просим: http://community.livejournal.com/plan_nomer_9/ 

 

Chris Sprague  'Diesel Made For Two' CD
Twangin' 'n' Truckin' Country Music sounds from multi-instumentalist Chris Sprague, well known on the Roots & Rockabilly scene as a member of The Sprague Brothers and Deke Dickerson's Ecco-Fonics. This solo-album has a truck-driving theme mixing his excellent original songs with rockin' truckin' covers like "Roll On Big Mama" and "Eastbound And Down". Featuring a host of great musicians including Deke Dickerson, Carl "Sonny" Leyland and Crazy Joe Tritschler.
To order click here



Hank's Jalopy Demons   'Going Straight...to The Electric Chair' CD

Top rockabilly with red hot tunes from this Australian band. Memorable guitar licks with a powerful punch, superb vocals and rockin' bop played with a great knowledge.
The CD starts with straight forward rockabilly tracks 'Way Out' and 'Shake-a-Bop'. Then the album takes a different turn with some impressive hillbilly bops. The album also contains some solidly performed strolls like 'She's The One That's Got It' and 'She's Well Stacked'.
In addition to rhythm guitar, upright bass, guitar, and drums, the tracks the guys also add a revving sax to 'Ask Me How'. The majority of songs were written by the band with exception of "She's The One That's Got It" and "Love Come Back To Me". The album was recorded at the Preston studio, Melbourne.
This album will be loved by anybody who admires rockabilly and hillbilly bop. Top stuff from these Australian Cats.
To order click here

www.reallyrockabilly.com

Hi! can anybody have an album of the Britannic rockabilly singer "Imelda May", she have 1 cd,named "Love Tattoo". Beforehand thank  

Может есть у кого cd отличной британской рокабилли певицы Imelda May?
Нигде не могу найти, заранее спасибо)

Cathouse Thumpers 'The Cathouse Thumpers' CD

An outstanding album by a trio of super red hot rockabilly cats from San Diego, California.
Hi-Octane Rockabilly with thumping bass and mind blowing guitar licks.  These 13 top notch tracks will please fans of Stray Cats, Brian Setzer
solo, and the rockabilly side of Rev. Horton Heat.  Featuring hi-powered Neo-Rockabilly in the shape of 'Our Neck Of The Woods', 'Chicken Legs', uptempo blasters like 'Just for Kicks' and 'Little Green Men',  and bluesy tunes too.   'Spellcaster' would be at home on the soundtrack of a future Taratino movie.
The Energy from this album could power a small town!  The Cathouse Thumpers are a big deal.  There's no doubt that with have something
special here.  In the hands of this trio, Rockabilly music is alive and kicking!
To order click here


Finn & The Sharks 'Breakfast Special' CD

The fourth album from this fantastic American band.  18 of the 19 cuts presented here are  previously unreleased original recordings from the early 1980s, the time when the world saw a second rockabilly upsurge.  The spirit of the 80s runs throughout, but the music is played how only an American band can - with it's roots deep into Rock 'n' Roll & Blues ground.  All of the songs were recorded live in a studio and the energy is bursts forth from the speakers.

What makes this band outstanding is that Finn and The Sharks have produced (and are still producing) outstanding music for over 20 years.  The quality of the performance and of their original material is always of the highest standard - and they never drops the standards from the highest level.

As always with Finn & The Sharks, there is no filler here.  They keep things purely rockin' in a way that will appeal to fans of early 80s revival Rockabilly and American Roots music, yet they are one of only a handful of bands that could have had enough mass appeal to break through to the mainstream.
Buy this album and hear what you missed!  This is one of the great unknown (outside of their locality) bands of the 80s Rockabilly  movement - and they are still rockin' today.


Various Artists 'Cat'n Around Volume 4' CD

The fourth volume of the finest collections of modern rockabilly music is out now.  As always, "Cat'n Around" gethers together the hottest acts from all over the worlds and these 21 tracks are the proof.  The compilation starts with Mouse Zinn's 'Don't Tell Me', which ticks all the boxes to be a perfect rockabilly song, but I think it lacks a little all-important energy.  So the beginning of the compilation could maybe have been a little stronger, but from the on it exceedes all expectations.
Kick 'Em Jenny, who has just released her first CD, gets the second spot on the CD.  The unusual raucous vocals and outregous energy of this rockabilly girl will blow your mind.  You will be dancing, not foot tapping.  The Death Dealers, a surf band from Japan, follows Jenny's track. Top class surf rocker with a magnificent sound, followed by Smokestack Lightnin' with their surfy version of the Wanda Jackson
classic 'Funnel Of Love'.   I really like the melody and how this brilliant band plays it, but I am not that keen on the vocal.  The compilation features a couple of songs from Detox When Dead featuring Sascha (Boss Hoss, ex Hot Boogie Chillun).  There is very little connection to rockabilly, and if you don't like hard rock music you can skip tracks 5, 11 and 19 safely.  'Do what I want, When I want' by Mouse Zinn and The Phantoms is the next selection - a scintillating track, perfect in all aspects.  Warren Scott's 'The Itch' is a good song, but could have been recorded better.  Their second track shows of his talent much better.  Carlos and The Bandidos bring and Elvis feel to the album, very good if not memorable.
Then you have another opportunity to hear the excellent version of 'Personal Jesus' by Saints and Sinners.  It is always pleasure to hear
this interpretation.  The Rockin' 8-Balls is another band who have just released a new CD (their second album).  Their great version of the classic 'Freight Train Boogie' is a from their previous long-player.  Energetic stuff!
Later we get to hear more great songs from Mouse Zinn, Kick 'Em Jenny, Warren Scott, The Death Dealers.  I would also like to mention that 'Cat'n Around #4' features another great modern day rockin' classic - "Time" by The Blue Flames is always a dance floor filler!

This compilation is the most diverse in the series so far.  It is so perfectly compiled that all the style blend into each other with amazing
accuracy.   5 stars from me, pleasure to listen to.
To order click here

For more reviews on the latest rockin' releases please check out ReallyRockabilly.com