Thursday, December 17, 2009

Del-Lords - Lovers Who Wanders (2009)



A fourth re-release of the magnificent Del-Lords records being released this year. This fourth record was released a couple of months after the other three. This is perhaps the weakest of them and points more towards Scott Kempners solo-records, i.e. I miss the feeling of rock'n'roll-cowboys lost in the big town. However, a records containing "Love on Fire" can't be bad since this is a real classic!

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lovers-Who-Wander-Del-Lords/dp/B002MCI95M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1261079160&sr=1-4

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/5t2ICcvu9vPhwhZmjYwKHE

John Lindberg Trio - Brand new philosophy (2009)



A very nice mix of rock'n'roll, rockabilly and country not far from Fatboy. This record was a very nice surprise and this record has been playing a lot at home lately. I like "Slow Down" and especially "High Speedy Daddy", the last with Veronica Flink on backing vocals adding an extra touch. If you like Fatboy and/or rockabilly this is a must!

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=243145

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/3KTSZuczDtplZMfXwWITLE

Friday, November 27, 2009

Young Heart Attack - Rock And Awe (2008)


A record from Austin rockers Young Heart Attack that I missed last year. I liked their first "Mouthful of Love" very much.This record is more of this screaming and loud heavy rock in 70's style - the mix of a male (Chris Hodges) and female (Jennifer Stephens) singer makes it good clean fun. A perfect record for aggressive driving, i.e. nothing to listen to when going home from work on a Friday afternoon but perfect when alone on the road on an early summer morning...or just when you want to jump around the house with a big smile on your face! Recommended.

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3nfwxqtaldde

Unfortunately not on Spotify.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Raveonettes - In And Out Of Control (2009)


Latest record by the Raveonettes is another great record from the Danish duo. For someone, who always have had Jesus and Mary Chain as one of the greatest bands of all times, this is an excellent surrogate with excellent fuzzy guitars and great pop feeling in the tunes. Not quite as good as "Chain Gang Of Love" from 2003 but still very good and a must if you like this group. I spent six hours in the car with this record last weekend with a happy smile on my face. Recommended!

Rating: 8/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Out-Control-Raveonettes/dp/B002L9PQ4S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1259181029&sr=8-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/3UXVTefPnXVligMzMFjYT7

Sunday, November 8, 2009

The Bangkok Five - Who's Gonna Take Us Alive? (2006)


Earlier record by Hollywood rockers. Sleazier and more rockier than their latest record. Quite well-worth giving a chance!

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whos-Gonna-Alive-Explicit-Australian/dp/B000EPFCJA/ref=pd_sim_m_h__1

Unfortunately not on Spotify.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thebangkokfive

The Bangkok Five - We Love What Kills Us (2008)



I found Hollywood rockers "Bangkok Five" when they started to follow me on Twitter by accident or by excellent marketing - I only have 17 followers... In any case, I checked up their page on myspace (http://www.myspace.com/thebangkokfive) and found them interesting. "We Love That Kills You" is their latest release with catchy glam-rock, especially the title track. The record only contains five tracks but they are doubled since they are performed in both English and Spanish! Interesting group well-worth following up.

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/We-Love-What-Kills-Us/dp/B0018OAOLM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1257697942&sr=1-3

Unfortunately not on Spotify.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thebangkokfive

Nisse Hellberg - En Modern Man (2009)



New record from the frontman of Wilmer X. Hellberg is keeping to the more bluesy style of his previous solo records. Typical tracks from this artist but unfortunately, I find this too much laidback. There are a couple of good tracks including "Den står där du ställt den" but in some places, it only sounds lack a poor version of the Buckaroos' rockabilly. The record has received good opinions all over the place and it seems that I'm the only one who lacks Wilmer X with their more aggressive and "pushy" guitar driven style. Since I'm always have extremely high expectations on Hellberg I'm disappointed on this record. What a pity!

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=242662

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/1UJTdMwHTW7NVf8niV22Mg

Louie And The Lovers - The Complete Recordings (2009)




Louie and the Lovers complete recordings one CD including the Doug Sahm produced record "Rise" from 1970. It sounds like a typical record from the groups around Sahm and I have difficulties to understand the cult status around this group. However, the record is quite good and if you're interested in Doug Sahm and the groups around him you should have a look at this.

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Recordings-Louie-Lovers/dp/B002BZQHFO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1257694735&sr=1-1

Unfortunately not on Spotify.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Black Moses - Royal Stink (2004)

An earlier project by the fabulous Jim Jones of "Jim Jones Revue", which I found surfing around for more info on him. This group is more bluesy and not the punky rockabilly of "The ...Revue" even if there is a couple of good rockers on the CD. Good record that however suffers from me hearing the latter works of him earlier (but most records this years suffers from this...).

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Royal-Stink-Black-Moses/dp/B00069MPUS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1256674946&sr=1-3

Unfortunately not on Spotify.

The Jim Jones Revue - Here To Save Your Soul: Singles Volume One (2009)

"The Jim Jones Revue's" singles collected on a CD. Still the same fiery rock'n'roll and there is no need to save my soul since I'm very sold on this and really loves it. The CD is actually something between an ordinary CD and a single since it only contains 8 tracks of which 3 features on the first record. The five additional tracks is no fillers and adds a lot to the sound of the band. Two of them are covers; Elvis' "Big Hunk o' Love" and Little Richards' "Good Golly Miss Molly". These two tracks very well covers the roots of the band and when hearing "Good Golly Miss Molly" you'll hear how close the voice of Jim Jones is to Richards. Highly recommended and I'm writing this listening to the record with a big smile on my face!

Rating 9/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Here-Save-Your-Jones-Revue/dp/B002NPY664/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1256673107&sr=1-1

Unfortunately not on Spotify.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Reigning Sound - Love and Curses (2009)

Five years after last studio record, Reigning Sound is back on good form with a new record. Same style of garage/punk/blues/soul as previous records even if it includes some song with lower tempo. Singer and songwriter Greg Cartwright has an excellent voice, which is used to the maximum on this record. Recommended!

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Curses-Reigning-Sound/dp/B002D6EXSO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1255978015&sr=1-1

Unfortunately not on Spotify.

Mary Weiss - Dangerous Game (2007)

I found this record while looking around why a favorite group "Reigning Sound" hadn't made any records for while. I found out that they had backed "Shagri-Las'" singer Mary Weiss on a solo album. This sounded very good - the heavy garage/punk sound of the Reigning Sound and a 60's favorite! And the record really delivers! An excellent voice and good songs, this especially in "Don't come back" which mixes the Shangri-Las perfectly with the Reigning Sound. Excellent - second best record this year!

Rating 8/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dangerous-Game-Mary-Weiss/dp/B000N3SSQC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1255976947&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/5VjnsUX9JQwHLSSdItPTGd

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Richard Hawley - Truelove's Gutter (2009)

Richard Hawley is continuing on the same track. Same moody soundtrack to some obscure and strange movie. However I'm slightly disappointed, last record ("Lady's Bridge") was not as good as the masterpiece "Coles Corner" and this one is not as good as "Lady's Bridge", i.e. a down bound spiral...

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trueloves-Gutter-Richard-Hawley/dp/B002JAPF04/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1255894177&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/0zVtspcd49i55XA3LY1SSX

Teenage Bottlerocket - They Came From The Shadows (2009)

Second record I've bought with this excellent group this year. Same energy and same nice pop-melodies, all in the Ramones' spirit! I like this very much! Highly recommended!

Rating 8/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/They-Came-Shadows-Teenage-Bottler/dp/B002J0NXNU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1255886322&sr=1-1


On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/21hHTrVvbzGDVynkfFvxtm

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Sonya Kitchell - This Storm (2008)

Very young singer/songwriter Sonya Kitchell made this record when she was only 17. I think she's very similar in the voice to "Cat Power". The records is of easy and nice popmusic but not really my cup of tea.

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Storm-Sonya-Kitchell/dp/B001ATO9EI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1253734480&sr=1-1

Not available on Spotify

Jason And The Scorchers - EMI Years (2008)

Aaarrrghhh! Another Jason and the Scorchers record and to paraphrase the third track on this record "I can't help myself" since I already have all the tracks on various records. Still I have to buy it! Is this something I need to seek help for? This record covers the songs the group made for EMI in the middle of the 80's including the first EP "Fevor", the debut "Lost & Found" and "Still Standing". This is really one of my absolute favorite groups and if you never had heard this excellent group this record is an absolute must!

Rating 8/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/EMI-Years-Jason-Scorchers/dp/B001AGGUGG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1253733125&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/52soQvBxJUsUAq9wcLt4J5

Monday, September 21, 2009

La Belle Epoque: EMI's French Girls 1965-1968 (2007)

Being very fond of girl-groups and female singers from the 60's, I like this record quite a lot. Since I don't speak French and unfortunately isn't very used to hear this language it a neck-breaking experience to listen to a whole record in French with this typical 60's French sound. My total ignorance in French singers and songs is confirmed by that the only name I recognize on the record is Sandie Shaw (who is very British). This record makes me want to study this subject more!

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belle-Epoque-French-Girls-1965-1968/dp/B000NOKF3U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1253562398&sr=1-1

Paul Kelly - Stolen Apples (2008)

A record from last year with Australian Paul Kelly. This "special edition" includes a 14 track live, which I actually think is the best. This is my second record with this artist (the other is "Under the Sun" with Paul Kelly & The Coloured Girls) and they are both good but not really my cup of tea and I can't find myself to select them when I'm choosing music to work to.

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stolen-Apples-Paul-Kelly/dp/B001D0N37I/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=229816&s=music

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Ginger and the Scorchers - Live at Manchester Academy 3 (17-09-2007) (2007)

The third record I bought from http://wildheartsbootlegs.freehostia.com/wildheartsbootlegs.html . This record is a live one from Ginger's legendary tour with the Scorchers replacing Jason Ringenberg. For this is a magnificent opportunity to hear how it sounded when two of my absolute favorites was combined (unfortunately without Jason). Ok sound and not as good as Jason and Wildheart's version of "Jimmy Rodgers' Last Blue Yodel" on Ringenberg's "Best Tracks and Side Tracks 1979-2007" (but that's almost impossible). However, still very good (a show that starts with "Lost Highway" and ends with "White Lies" can't fail...). Highly recommended.

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://wildheartsbootlegs.freehostia.com/wildheartsbootlegs.html

Ginger + Paul Gilbert - Live at Mercury Records Meeting Room, Tokyo (16/10/00) (2000)

Another bootleg from http://wildheartsbootlegs.freehostia.com/wildheartsbootlegs.html , this time a acoustic session with Ginger and Paul Gilbert. A very nice record with good sound and a typical acoustic set by Ginger. Not so much talking between the songs this time, which makes it easier to listen straight through it. The record includes plenty of covers, which was the main reason for me to buy it. Besides writing excellent songs himself, Ginger always does good covers (think "Lost Highway" and "White Lies"). Songs covered includes Hanoi Rock's "Malibu Beach Nightmare" and excellent versions of Ramones' "Sheena is a punk rocker" and Queen's "Somebody to love". Highly recommended.

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://wildheartsbootlegs.freehostia.com/wildheartsbootlegs.html

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Silver Ginger 5 - Live at The Electrical Ballroom (12-11-01) (2001)

After a recommendation by the great Ginger himself, I've bought a couple of bootlegs from http://wildheartsbootlegs.freehostia.com/wildheartsbootlegs.html . The first is a live with Silver Ginger 5. This is a sorely missed group, which included both Ginger and Conny Bloom (of Electric Boys and Hanoi Rocks). The group is one of the great hidden gems of rock music. Unfortunately, they only released one record, "Black Leather Mojo", but that one is a true masterpiece. Since the group doesn't exist anymore (or are at least resting) the only way getting "new" music from them are by buying bootlegs. The noise on the record isn't very good but acceptable for a bootleg and includes the best tracks from "Black Leather Mojo", Ginger's solo-records, the Wildhearts and Conny Blom's solo records. A nice addition to any Wildhearts collection!

Rating: 6/10

Available from: http://wildheartsbootlegs.freehostia.com/wildheartsbootlegs.html

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The Wildhearts - Chutzpah! (2009)

I've been listening to Wildhearts latest record for a week now and even if it wasn't the masterpiece I'm always eagerly awaits from Ginger and co. I've found it very good. If you're a Wildhearts fan (or likes good music) this record is definitively a must with it's mix of good lyrics, pop-feeling and heavy guitars. Recommended

Rating 8/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002K2JUZM/ref=dm_sp_alb

Unfortunately not available on Spotify

Thursday, August 27, 2009

"Kommissarie Roy" and "Noise" on Spotify


Spotify is getting better and better. During the summer, two of my favorite bands from my youth have become available. The first is "Noise" with an "S" and not to be mixed up with the more famous "Noice" from Stockholm. Perstorp based "Noise" with a very young Kristian Ask (later of "Kommissarie Roy" and "Legendary Lovers" fame) as lead-singer recorded their "Små Röda, Lätta Regndroppar" in 1981, shortly before their break up. An excellent record with the typical Klippan-sound.
Available at:
http://open.spotify.com/album/7iMvo98sqhwNvkEHOnoXpV

The second is "Kommissarie Roy" and their debut and only full-length record from 1981. Regarding this record, I can only agree with Mats Olsson (journalist at Expressen) that this is probably the best debut record made in Sweden ever! The record is the defining one on the Klippan-sound. This record is still on my top-ten of all times and the singer, song-writer and guitarist Thomas Holst is still one of my biggest musical heroes (sometimes in the future, I'll write about his excellent solo records). After the break-up of "Kommissarie Roy", Thomas Holst continued to "Wilmer X" and a couple of tunes from the planned second record of "Kommissarie Roy" ended up on a "Wilmer X" record and these two ("En Dröm Är En Dröm" and "Vem Är Den Flickan") are perhaps Wilmer X's best songs as well. I like "Vem är den flickan" so much that one of my best friends played it on the organ as a surprise to my wife when we got married a couple of years ago.
Available at:
http://open.spotify.com/album/4knxkkVkTqikwA0EodUH8i


Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Del-Lords - Based On A True Story (2009)

Del-Lords' third second record from 1988 available on CD with five extra tracks compared with the old vinyl. The third record found the group in good form. A little lover in tempo than the previous two but still includes gems like 'Judas Kiss', 'A Lovers' Prayer' and 'A Whole Lotta Nothin' Goin' On'. Includes the magnificent 'Livin' with her, livin' without her' in an early demo version. However, the weakest of the three recently reissued CD but still a 'must have'!

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Based-True-Story-Del-Lords/dp/B0021TVYFS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1250095710&sr=1-3

Unfortunately not available on Spotify

Del-Lords - Johnny Comes Home Marching (2009)

Del-Lords' excellent second record from 1986 available on CD with five extra tracks compared with the old vinyl. Another rock'n'roll highlight. Not quite as good as the first but includes classics as 'Heaven', 'Everlovin' and the personal favorite ' No Waitress No More'. A 'must have'!

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Johnny-Comes-Marching-Home-Lords/dp/B0021TVYF8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1250095247&sr=1-2

Unfortunately not available on Spotify

Del-Lords - Frontier Days (2009)

Del-Lords' excellent first record from 1984 is finally available on CD with five extra tracks compared with the old vinyl. Led by former 'Dictators' Scott Kempner the record starts with version of Alfred Reed's 'How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live', which should make Bruce Springsteen blush after his blame attempt on the 'Seeger Sessions', before throwing itself into 'Get Tough' and 'Livin' On Love'. You don't get much better start on a record than this! The extra tracks are actually very good (which they usually isn't on this kind of records) and includes 'Wastin' Time Talkin'' (very good) and a rough version of 'Love On Fire'.
Highly recommended!

Rating 8/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Frontier-Days-Del-Lords/dp/B0021TVYEO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1250094075&sr=1-1

Unfortunately not available on Spotify

Monday, July 6, 2009

My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade (2006)

After liking their live 'The Black Parade is Dead', I bought this record at a sale to a reduced prize. Unfortunately it didn't add anything new to my relation with the group since the best tracks is the same as from the live record (or is it the other way around?). Still a nice record and a group that I'm still curious on.

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Parade-My-Chemical-Romance/dp/B000I5Y8ZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1246898560&sr=8-1

The Baboon Show - Best of... (2009)

Another band I saw live at the Peace and Love festival this year. A good show that also included a live version of Ebba Grön's "Mona Tumbas Slim Club" with Fjodor and Stefan Sundström. The record is a best of their three previous records. The records start off with three excellent songs - "Boredom Boredom Go Away", "Faster Faster Harder Harder" and "Under Your Trousers" and also includes "It's a sin". They're also doing a cover on Accept's old "I'm a rebel" which caused a big smile on my face when I heard it the first time and it actually took my some time to identify it. Recommended!

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=199157

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Go Drowsy - The Only Way From Here (2006)

The most fun surprise at last week's Peace & Love festival in Borlänge and possibly the second best live act I saw (after the Wildhearts). We few viewers (25?) saw a short set with good songs, tempo and plenty of fun. I liked it very much. On record the group is more pop than punk, i.e. the tempo is somewhat slower. In my opinion the sound somewhat like the sorely missed Psychotic Youth (and that can't be bad!). Best track is the title track ("The Only Way From Here"). Recommended!

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=203511

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Rancid – Let the Dominoes Fall (2009)

A welcomed “comeback”! It’s been six years since “Indestructible” and it’s always fun to hear Rancid. The new record sounds as they usually does with classic punk (including ska influences) and they are in good form. I like the tempo and chorus of “Domination” and “L.A. River”. Recommended!

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Let-Dominoes-Fall-Rancid/dp/B000TLYH6S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1246627598&sr=1-2

Thursday, July 2, 2009

The Coffinshakers - The Coffinshakers (2007)

While going to look on Miss Li during last week's Peace & Love festival in Borlänge, I stopped at a stage where a to me unknown band was playing, This was The Coffinshakers and it was a good show and I misses Miss Li! This Finnish band, which plays "vampire rock" with great doses of Johnny Cash, Stan Ridgway and rockabilly, was a great live act. I ordered two records with the band, and the first has arrived. Unfortunately, the record wasn't as good as the show! Much of the rockabilly and tempo is lost on the record even if there is a couple of good tracks including "Evil", "King of the night-time" (was great live!) and "Curse of Mummy's tomb".

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_m_h_?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=camouflage

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Wavves – Wavves (2009)

An impulse buy after having read some review somewhere. Wavves is some sort of solo-project for a Nathan Williams, who I haven’t heard of before. However, the record is nice pop/punk record drowned in the kind of noise I like (think JMC and BRMC) with nice songs stuck inside the distortion and feedback. A pleasant surprise with gems like “So Bored” and “To the Dregs”.

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wavvves-Wavves/dp/B001QWEE1C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1245755922&sr=8-1

Monday, June 22, 2009

Ellis Hooks - Undeniable (2002)


An older record by soul/blues man Ellis Hooks. I was very fond of his latest "The Hand of God" and this one is almost as good.

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Undeniable-Ellis-Hooks/dp/B00006GXGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1245696922&sr=1-1

Omar Kent Dykes - Big Town Playboy (2009)

A new record from Kent "Omar" Dykes of "Omar and the Howlers" with his kind of blues and rock'n'roll. This record continues his last one with a number of classic American blues songs. You always knows what you get from Omar and he always deliver. Perhaps a little too much blues and to little rock'n'roll on this record for my liking.

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Town-Playboy-Omar-Kent-Dykes/dp/B001S7NMK4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1245696004&sr=1-1

Friday, June 19, 2009

The Yo-Yo's - Given Up Giving Up (2005)

After all buying of various side-projects of the Wildhearts lately, I bought the Yo-Yo's EP from 2005, which includes 7 tracks. Unfortunately, it isn't so good as their debut CD "Uppers and Downers" but still it has a couple of good tracks including "Round the world" and "Tattoos don't last forever".

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Given-Up-Giving-Yo-Yos/dp/B000AOVLAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1245393631&sr=1-1

Sunday, June 14, 2009

The Loyalties - So Much For Soho (2007)

One of the best positive surprises for a long time. A great punk record with 12 great tracks. The singer sounds like a mix between Tyla of "Dogs D'Amour" and the "Yo-Yo's" and it sounds like a typical British punk record (even if I don't know if the band is British - they are indeed, see comments). The best tracks includes "5 Aces", "Soho" and "Two Ladies". Highly recommended!

Rating: 8/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/So-Much-Soho-Loyalties/dp/B0019KCKMQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244983809&sr=1-1

Dave Alvin - Live From Austin TX (2007)

Live recording with Dave Alvin of Blaster from 1999. The Blasters is one of my favourite bands but neither Dave's nor his brother Phil's is anything near as good as their common band. In fact on this record he even fails with "Marie Marie, which should be impossible. The only good part is the medley with "Jubilee Train/Do-Re-Mi/Promised Land", which rocks on good. Another one filed under "played once, never again".

Rating: 4/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-Austin-TX-Dave-Alvin/dp/B000OCY69U/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244983157&sr=1-6

Peawees - Walking the Walk (2007)

Italian "Peawees'" record from 2007 is good clean fun and traditional punk. 11 tracks with only one over 3 minutes (and that's 3:04!).

Rating: 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-Walk-Peawees/dp/B000PA9PCE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244982430&sr=1-1

Ginger - The Great White Monkey (2009)

Ginger of the Wildhearts latest solo-record is a acoustic solo-record made together with Random Jon Poole and Hot Steve in September 2003. A brilliant show and recording even if the record suffers from the same problem as the previous and similar "Grievous Acoustic Behaviour" with Ginger's talk between the tracks. In no doubt great on the show and fun the first time you listen to it but when you listen to it for the tenth time you'll have to have the remote in your hand so that you can skip the talking. Excellent versions of "29xPain" and "Skychaser High" and with two magnificent medleys with "Does Your Mother Know/Sky Babies/Space Oddity" and "Pissjoy/Suckerpunch/Nurse Maximus". It speaks for the brilliance of Ginger when he makes "Pissjoy" sounds like Abba's "On and On and On"! I can't wait until Wildhearts comes to my hometown Borlänge this summer!

Rating: 8/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-White-Monkey-Ginger/dp/tracks/B002905CGG/ref=dp_tracks_all_1#disc_2

Friday, June 5, 2009

Jerry Lee Lewis – Live From Austin, TX (2007)

Another record from the Live From Austin, TX series. This one was recorded on 17 October 1983 with a Jerry Lee Lewis in good form. As with all the records in this series, I approached it with some caution since the quality (not the sound and production – which is always good) on them are quite varying. I have also a difficult relation with ‘”The Killer” since I think he is too much 50’s but somehow he is the first ‘punk’. Additionally some good version of tracks turns up, and I bought this one because his version of ‘C. C. Rider’ was included. Unfortunately this version wasn’t his best (I usually loves his sloppy and lazy version). However many other tracks were quite good including ‘Keep my motor runnin’, ‘Boogie Woogie Country Man’, ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and of course ‘Whole Lot of Shakin’ Goin’ On’.

Rating 5/10

Available from http://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-Austin-Jerry-Lee-Lewis/dp/B000QFCD54/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244190038&sr=1-2

Gun Club – Larger Than Live! (2008)

This is a live recording from 1992. The Gun club is a great favourite among many critics but I have never bought any records by them so this is my first. Thus I listened on with great expectations but unfortunately this was not good at all and t he record made me very disappointed! Additionally the sound on it is very crappy. This one will be included in my collection of records “played once – never again”.

Rating 3/10

Available from http://www.amazon.co.uk/Larger-Than-Live-Gun-Club/dp/B0013N3XFM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244189057&sr=1-5

The Proclaimers – The Best of the Proclaimers (2002)

The Scottish duo is a rather late find for me and this greatest hits collection sums them up quite well with their nice blend of pop, folk and harmonies with attitude. I’m always become happy when I listen to the Proclaimers! Highly recommended as an introduction to this great group!

Rating 7/10

Available from http://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-Proclaimers/dp/B000063984/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244193647&sr=1-2

The Marvelettes - The Definitive Collection (2009)

Being very fond of girl-groups of the 60’s this greatest hits collection of Motown’s first no. 1 single hit group (‘Please Mr. Postman’) is a nice addition to mine or any other collection of timeless pop. I especially likes the up-tempo songs like ‘As long as I know he’s mine’ and ‘To many fish in the sea’.

Rating 5/10

Available from http://www.amazon.co.uk/Definitive-Collection-Marvelettes/dp/B001EOQTPG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244194304&sr=1-1

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Raspberries – Raspberries Greatest (2005)

A favourite power-pop band from the early 70’s. The record include all their major hits (20 tracks) from the Capitol records years including such great tunes as “Go all the way”, “Drivin’ around”, “I’m a rocker” and “Crusin’ music”. If you like power-pop, a record with the Raspberries is a must in your collection.

Rating: 6/10

Betty Wright – My First Time Around (1968)

Soul-singer Betty Wrights first record from 1968 including her hit “Girls can’t do what the guys do”. Considering that she was only 15-years when this record was made, she has a very mature voice. Nice record for anyone who likes R&B or Soul. Not quite my taste.

Rating: 5/10