Thursday, September 9, 2010

Fancy Dan - Teenage Sunset (2010)

Marvelous little rockabilly record, which makes me very happy to listen to. "Goodbye" is probably the best song this year (at least so far - the new "Jim Jones Revue" will arrive soon) and the whole record is top-three so far this year. Nice melodies and a very aggressive piano and guitar rhythms - rockabilly doesn't get much better than this. This has been a very good year for Swedish rockabilly with both this record and "Rocket Overdrive". No I just want to see Fancy Dan touring in northern Sweden. Highly recommended!

Rating 8/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=664610

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/7haySHBJVS6HYcApagtzUq

Saturday, September 4, 2010

The Sadies - New Seasons (2010)

Since I liked "Darker Circles" very much, I also bought an earlier record by the group. More of the same thing but not as good as the newer record.

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Seasons-Sadies/dp/B000V7B8Y4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1283615256&sr=1-3

Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/64FxJb6qz59NqzHjQul0U8

The Sadies - Darker Circles (2010)



Record with a great "big" sound. I'm having some difficulties to place the style but still a nice surprise.

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Darker-Circles-Sadies/dp/B003BKZYCU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1283615256&sr=1-1

Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/11vRMp4bhLcXt6BXd1NjZq

Chatham County Line - Wildwood (2010)



This is the first record I've bought by the group, which sounds like a mix between Simon & Garfunkel and The Ambivalent Brothers with a singing which is a much "up in the face" as the Proclaimers. On guitars and banjo! A pleasant surprise and I like it very much. Beautiful record.

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wildwood-Chatham-County-Line/dp/B003JRY9LC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1283596739&sr=1-1

Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/4ZTt0hs6yvOxYlpyW2sFwA

Thee Oh Sees - Warm Slime (2010)



Strange record by a strange group. I bought this mini CD (7 songs) after hearing "I was denied", which is a brilliant song. The first one ("Warm Slime") is also good but the rest is to experimental to my liking feeling like a long jam.

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Warm-Slime-Thee-Oh-Sees/dp/B003AQF628/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1283596405&sr=1-1

Unfortunately not on Spotify

Red West & Hot Rhythm! (2010)


Jörgen Westman's new rockabilly group. A typical collection of Westman songs and it's a pleasure to hear his voice again. This record is much better than the ones with his previous rockabilly group "The Buckshoots" and it makes me long for Psychotic Youth again! He hasn't forget his ability to write catchy songs with cool titles - "I aint drunk I'm just drinkin'". A nice return of a personal favorite!

Rating 7/10


Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=13648

Unfortunately not on Spotify

Monday, July 5, 2010

Moon Martin – The Very Best Of (1999)

Record bought by recommendation. Good 70’s-80’s mix of pub-rock and new wave even if I think that this compilation CD is the only record I’ll need by the artist.

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moon-Martin-Very-Best/dp/B00002DEXF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1278316723&sr=8-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/1J3OxnssYlfdpsHFXGJyGm

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Girls - Album (2009)

Excellent debut pop record from San Francisco duo. The whole record echoes of some kind of lightweight Jesus and Mary Chain (and that can never be bad) or twisted Beach Boys - this combination always makes me happy (had there been some references to the Ramones as well it would have been perfect)! Moody and lo fi but still good. A record that I've come back to again and again. Recommended!

Rating 8/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Album-Girls/dp/B002JMLJ7U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1278237222&sr=8-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/4oo6giAIivkoxt9ZDj4FmY

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Rocket Overdrive - Not You (2010)


Best record this year yet? Not quite sure yet, but at least the one I have played the most and especially the great "Sad, Sad, Sad". Very nice mix of rockabilly and punk with the sound and tunes of rockabilly combined with the speed and aggressiveness of punk! This band arrived as a great surprise and even if they're local I' never heard about them before. Highly recommended!

Rating 8/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=404612

Unfortunately not on Spotify

Monday, May 24, 2010

Robbie Fulks – Georgia Hard (2005)

Five year old record by Robbie Fulks. Fulks is an artist that always get nice reviews and this is my second or third attempt to get into his music. I don’t know if this record is the one to persuade me about his greatness. This is a very typical country record and the song that I likes the best is the Dwight Yoakam-like “Each night I try”.

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Georgia-Hard-Robbie-Fulks/dp/B0008JII2U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1274697498&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/1MCX99Sqw2hKAborg01A8H

Band of Horses - Infinite Arms (2010)


Nice record in Americana/Country style with a great “sound”. I especially like the magnificent start of the record in the first song “Factory”. The whole record includes 12 tracks, almost all in low tempo and lots of feeling and harmonies. The rockier track on the record, “NW Apt.” is in my opinion the best one. I’ve never heard this band before but it seems that I’ve missed their first record “Everything all the time” so I might have to buy this one as well.

Rating: 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Infinite-Arms-Band-Horses/dp/B003CIG7AE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1274696561&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/08fkw9uDP2KET6cPIl74Xo

Friday, May 14, 2010

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - I Learned The Hard Way (2010)

Soul/funk record in the style that I like (i.e. 60's-70's). Nice groove and feeling in this one. Recommended if you like the style!

Rating: 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Learned-Hard-Way-Sharon-Jones/dp/B00377E4SC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1273836378&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/3oC10LZNmDW2O9vDRSPXFT

Pieta Brown - One and All (2010)


This is the second record I bought by Pieta Brown after buying the excellent "Remeber the Sun", which is highly recommended (the other is "In the Cool") and I've been very disappointed by both. This was probably the last record I bought by her.

Rating: 4/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-All-Pieta-Brown/dp/B0039208NK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1273835927&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/2r9b78DgYwHsuSLMY8rIdz

The Plimsouls - Live! Beg, Borrow & Steal (2010)


Live record with the Plimsouls from October 1981 at Whisky A Go Go. Even if I like the band, this is not an essential one and I'm slightly disappointed by it.

Rating: 5/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-Beg-Borrow-Steal-Plimsouls/dp/B0031RA2K2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1273835466&sr=1-1

Unfortunately not on Spotify

The Quireboys - Halfpenny Dancer (2010)


Not sure what to call this record! It's a mix of new acoustic arrangements on old songs and some new covers (with the same arrangements). The record shows what great back-catalogue the group has and is well done but I'd preferred some new tracks since it's a couple of years since they last made a great record. Anyway, if you like this group this is a must.

Rating: 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/HALFPENNY-DANCER-Quireboys/dp/B0037YHNOM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1273834496&sr=1-1

Unfortunately not on Spotify

Monday, April 12, 2010

Tin Cans - Still Rockin'! (2009)


German rockabilly bought from a recommendation. However not really my cup of tea, to much 'basic' rockabilly.

Rating: 4/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=11262

Unfortunately not on Spotify

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Live (2009)



2-disc (one CD and one DVD) live record with B.R.M.C. recorded in Glasgow, Dublin and Berlin. Nothing much to argue about - typical live record with the songs you'd expected and with the typical sound. A fun cover of 'Dirty Old Town' is included. Very good sound on the DVD. For the fan or collector, otherwise the studio records covers them good.

Rating: 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-Black-Rebel-Motorcycle-Club/dp/tracks/B002OL53OQ/ref=dp_tracks_all_1#disc_1

Unfortunately not on Spotify

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Tiger Army - Tiger Army (1999)

Tiger Army's first record, which I bought among a heap of other records. Not as good as II: Power of Moonlite, which includes the magnificent 'Cupid's Victim' but still worth the prize and necessary to complete the colection.

Rating: 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tiger-Army/dp/B000028TXO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1269165352&sr=8-4

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/5X66MnOaW9fMgpB1KCgEeY

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Datsuns - Headstunts (2008)


A record by the Datsuns, which is a couple of years old but one that I missed when it was released. Not as good or direct as the first record from 2002 but still good rock'n'roll. IF you have the other records by the group, it's well worth the money but by 'the Datsuns' from 2002 if you never have heard them before.

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Headstunts-Datsuns/dp/B001DDND70/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1268934399&sr=1-3

Unfortunately not on Spotify

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

A Real Cool Time Revisited - Swedish Punk, Pop and Garage Rock 1982-1989 (2010)


Great collection of Swedish garage bands from the 80's. The Swedish garage scene was extremely alive with good bands during this period. This double CD includes sorely missed bands like Dolkows, the Sinners, Wilmer X and Legendary Lovers, all of them from southern Sweden. Top this with also included Psychotic Youth, Nomads and Sator and you've a list of my top-20 list of Swedish bands of all time! Particular days a couple of them (Wilmer X and Psychotic Youth) are on my top-10 of all bands altogether... Included is also the Rumblers (with members from the Nomads and the Bottleups) magnificent 'Bopalina Bopalina Ow Mow Mow Mow'. Highly recommended!

Rating 8/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=269300

Unfortunately not on Spotify

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Jerry Lee Lewis - Live At The Star-Club Hamburg (1989)


I have a somewhat complicate relation to Jerry Lee Lewis. He have made a number of classics and some truly great covers (I have a very sloppy version of 'C. C. Rider' in mind) but I have never heard any records that is good straight through (not unusual for me since I have difficulties with several 'great' artist and bands). However, this is only until now. I read in a magazine that this live concert from 1964 was to be available on vinyl and bought it on an old CD from 1989. Now I understand why he is called the 'Killer' - he sounds on fire and this really rocks! Great versions on his classics and he sounds like he is going to tear the whole place down. Very recommended!

Rating 8/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-at-Star-Club-Hamburg/dp/B0000282YX/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1268764690&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/3AjiChlr93cN2LivTWVVXh

Monday, March 1, 2010

The Soft Pack (2010)


The Soft Pack (formerly the Muslims) from San Diego delivers good indie pop with great songs and melodies. I like this very much! Recommended.

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soft-Pack/dp/B002USUJCY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1267462917&sr=1-1

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

Rocking Rhythm's vol 3/10 Years Of Rockabilly Craze 1997-2007 (2007)


Collection of 26 tracks with various artists from the 1997-2007 period released by Enviken Records. Mixed quality on the artists/songs but it includes JLT's "High Speed Daddy" which is a very good track!

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=16927

Unfortunately not on Spotify.

John Lindberg Rockabilly Trio (2006)


JLT's first record (?). This one is so much rockabilly that even the group name includes it! Good clean pure energy!

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=19477

Unfortunately not on Spotify.

John Lindberg Trio - Win Or Lose (2007)


Since I liked JLT's last record "Brand new philosophy" a lot, I bought a couple of older records with the trio. This record from 2007 is not as good as their latest but points in the right direction. It is much more rockabilly than the country and rock'n'roll twang of the latest. It includes a cover of Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough".

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=19101

Unfortunately not on Spotify.

Jason & The Scorchers - Halcyon Times (2010)


The first record with new material from this group since 1994! Jason & The Scorchers is among my top-five bands of all time so this is truly a great moment and the record delivers! The sound and the songs are in the typical style of the group. The record includes a couple of real rockers including 'Moonshine Guy/Releasing Celtic Prisoners', 'Mona Lee', 'Gettin Nowhere Fast', 'When Did It Get So Easy (To Lie To Me)' (with Dan Baird on lead vocals) and 'We've Got It Goin' On'. Ginger of the Wildhearts shares the credits on several of the songs on the record! Highly recommended (of course)!

Rating 9/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Halcyon-Times-Jason-Scorchers/dp/B003675ND8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1267459102&sr=8-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/1vvUrWQtG1Tbht0QCyA4DQ

Saturday, January 16, 2010

The Domino Kings - Some Kind Of Sign (2005)


Nice country record with rockabilly and honky tonk influences.

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Some-Kind-Sign-Domino-Kings/dp/B0009VBTKA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1263650249&sr=1-6

Not on Spotify

John Paul Keith & The One Four Fives - Spills And Thrills (2009)


Nice record by Texan John Paul Keith with influences from pub-rock, country, blues and roots-rock. Good clean fun.

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Spills-Thrills-John-Keith-Fives/dp/B001TIFPIO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1263649857&sr=1-1

Not on Spotify

Grayson Capps And The Stumpknockers - Rott 'n' Roll (2008)


A recommendation from Ingemar Magnusson at Folk å Rock (http://www.skivbutiken.com/). After buying a listening to what I thought was an artist new to me, I realised that Ingemar had recommended him before and that I had a previous one (If you knew my mind). This one is also very good but a little "rockier" even if the first track (Back to the country) is very much Rodney Crowell. Recommended if you like his previous work.

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rott-n-Roll-Grayson-Capps/dp/B001CISIB2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1263649347&sr=1-3

Not on Spotify

Mike Finell & Friends - Walking with me and Mr Lee (2009)


Solo-record by the Refreshment's saxophonist. Good record but not as good as Johan Blohm's solo record. However, a record with a cover of "So long Baby Goodbye" can't be bad. The "friends" includes Steve Gibbons, Billy Bremner, Geraint Watkins, Slim-Jim Phantom, Kent "Omar" Dykes and Phil Alvin.

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=11535

Not on Spotify

Lars Bygdén - Trading Happiness For Songs (2005)


Older record by Bygdén, which I bought after liking "Family Feelings". Same moody songs with Bygdéns nice voice. Recommended if you like the later works (or earlier).

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=259756

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/5eS3O1mvmspN3isOiBVbGX

Los Lobos Goes Disney (2009)



Another go on a band that I really want to like but never fulfil my wishes. They have some brilliant tunes and covers but never produce any records in my opinion that work the whole way through.

Rating 5/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Los-Lobos-Goes-Disney/dp/B002IPDY6W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1263645632&sr=1-2

Not available on Spotify

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More (2009)



British folk-band Mumford & Sons debut. A good record with folk, rock, Americana and blues influences. Interesting record from a group worth following.
Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sigh-No-More-Mumford-Sons/dp/B002PHYNRM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1263645712&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/3oXq08ApYyyRvoEeWe2V4F

The Life and Times of Jeffery Lee Pierce and the Gun Club (2008)


In a second attempt this year in trying to understand the greatness of this bad, I bought this four cd box. Unfortunately, however, how hard I try - this is not my cup of tea!

Rating 4/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Times-Jeffery-Pierce-Club/dp/tracks/B001GCWS2E/ref=dp_tracks_all_1#disc_1

Not available on Spotify