The Wildhearts - Renaissance Men (2019)

Eight years since I last wrote on this blog! Time goes quickly but I think I need add some lines about the Wildhearts latest record. I have a somewhat ambivalent relation to the Wildhearts and Ginger. When they are good it's the best band on Earth but when they are not so good they are sometimes unlistenable. However, this new record is excellent even if it not gets off from a very good start but some of the tracks are Wildhearts on top form, especially the riffing on "Diagnosis", which is almost as good as "Schizophonic" (fantastic riff!). There is no "29xPain" nor "Sky Chaser High" but a very good record!

Rating 9/10

Available from Amazon and on Spotify.

Those Darlins – Those Darlins (2009) & Screws Get Loose (2011)

Two records bought together after a recommendation. The group is fronted by three girls (with the last name as Darlin a-la Ramones) and with a guy on drums. The music is some kind of mix between country, rockabilly, garage and punk, which sits fine with me. The second record is more mature (in a positive way) with a nice ‘modern’ girl-group 60’s sound (especially ‘Let U Down’). Both records are well-invested money and I’m eagerly awaits this groups development. Recommended!

‘Those Darlins’ rating 6/10

‘Screws Get Loose’ rating 7/10

‘Those Darlins’ available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Those-Darlins-Dig/dp/B00284G2DU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1306234488&sr=1-3

‘Screws Get Loose’ available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Screws-Get-Loose-Those-Darlins/dp/B004MPAFV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306234488&sr=1-1

Glasvegas - Euphoric/Heartbreak (2011)

I had great expectations on Glasvegas new record since I liked their first one a lot (and especially the Christmas special version - A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like A Kiss). However, this new one is slightly disappointing (perhaps due to my high expectations) but I fell that it’s just more of the same with no positive development. As with the first record you need to listen to it a couple of times and be in the right mood to enjoy it but you should expect more evolution after having waited three or four years for a new record.


Rating: 6/10

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

No more advertisement for Spotify since it isn’t free anymore as of 1 May 2011.

The Vaccines - What did you expect from... (2011)

The record I’ve listen to most this year so far. A very positive surprise which I like a lot. The Vaccines is classic noise pop somewhere between Ramones and Jesus and the Mary Chain and that is always brilliant. The first track (Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)), which clocks in on a stunningly 1:22(!) makes me happy every time I hear it. Genius! Other very good track are “If you wanna” and “Norgard”. Not a perfect record but this kind of records always have special place in my collection. Recommended!

Rating: 8/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Did-You-Expect-Vaccines/dp/B004HYGF18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304156451&sr=1-1

No more advertisement for Spotify since it isn’t free anymore as of 1 May 2011.

Dropkick Murphys - Going out in style (2011)

New record from Boston’s Irish punk-rockers. Typical in sound and style and if you like this kind of rougher Pouges-style punk this is a well-invested buy. I especially likes when the tempo goes up a bit in “The hardest Mile”, “Sunday Hardcore Matinee” and “The Irish Rover” (not as good as the Pouges version with the Dubliners).

Rating: 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Going-Out-Style-Dropkick-Murphys/dp/B004JQJFCU/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1304079958&sr=1-1

No more advertisement for Spotify since it isn’t free anymore as of 1 May 2011.

My Chemical Romance - Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys (2010)

Latest record from My Chemical Romance, which I’ve had since it was released early this year. Good record even if I haven’t listened to it as much as I did with “The Black Parade is Dead”. Much the same of everything so if you like the group you need to buy this record. Good clean fun!

Rating: 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Danger-Days-Lives-Fabulous-Killjoys/dp/B0044KU7KU/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1304077843&sr=1-1

No more advertisement for Spotify since it isn’t free anymore as of 1 May 2011.

Fats Domino - Rare Dominoes vol 1 & 2 1949-57

Double CD with remastered collection of rare songs by Fats Domino. Fats Domino is one of my favorites especially his earlier recordings when he is in the borderland between boogie woogie and rockabilly. This collection didn’t add anything to the records I had previously but is still a nice addition.

Rating: 5/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/RARE-DOMINOS-VOLS-1-2/dp/B004AGN9JO/ref=sr_1_13?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1304077387&sr=1-13

No more advertisement for Spotify since it isn’t free anymore as of 1 May 2011.

John Lindberg Trio - Made For Rock N Roll (2011)

Latest record from Swedish rockabilly-heroes. This record is more traditional rock but their sound is still very characteristic. I've listen to this record much more than I thought I should after hearing it for the first time. Recommended!

Rating: 7/10

Available from: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=11080

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/0AS8QZciY767t0jXeLJ5Zx

Momo Lamana - Two Is A Gang (2006)

Record by Belgian garage/punk duo, which I bought on recommendation from a blog. Nice minimalistic bluesy punk-rock, i.e. a nice find. The record includes a cover of Marc Bolan's "We luve to boogie". The longest track on the record clocks in at 2:41! Nice!

Rating: 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Two-Gang-Momo-Lamana/dp/B0014DAI7W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1302628702&sr=1-2

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/06rmV9mPagSyJXdHjM73FG

Sonic Surf City - Pororoca! (2010)

Something I never thought should happen! A new record from Sonic Surf City! One of my favorite band of all time (guess why I'm using the name Surfcity on the webb!). I discovered them when I lived in Linköping back in the 90's and I actually saw them there live sharing the bill with Psychotic Youth, which combined gets as close as perfection you can get...

This new record is more 'mature' but considering that it's 14 years since the last 'real' record it still sounds great with their combination of 'sun, fun and o'yeah'. I was actually somewhat worried before I received it since it's no fun when your old heroes reduces themselves to have-beens but I shouldn't have worried and I spent much of December listening to the record with a great smile on my face. If you ever have listened to the group and liked it, this is a must!

Rating 9/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pororoca-Sonic-Surf-City/dp/B004362E8I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296159416&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/1SpQDQ4P4O8mUkyS3pKumm

The Parting Gifts - Strychnine Dandelion (2010)

Another "side-project" of Greg Cartwright from garage/punk band The Reigning Sound. I'm very fond of his eager/urgent voice and rough guitar sound which still can be transformed into nice pop-song (listen to his and his band backing Mary Weiss excellent "Dangerous Game". On this record, he shares the vocals with Coco Hames, who is new to me (thus I need to check her up...). A nice and pleasant surprise and now I eagerly awaits the next Reigning Sound record. Recommended if the you like the garage sound of Cartwright's other records.

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Strychnine-Dandelion-Parting-Gifts/dp/B0041CNAHS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296072253&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/430Hvw7A58dIoa1Kvz1yuA

The Revelators - Let A Poor Boy Ride... (2009)

Stripped down trio (vocals, guitar and drums) The Revelators is a nice acquaintance with their bluesy and punky sound (almost like a rougher version of the White Stripes). This is the second record I've bought by them and it's as though as the first one. The CD is ended by two excellent songs in a cover of "Rainin' in my heart" and "Jitterbug Swing". Recommended if you liked "We told you not to cross us".

Rating 6/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Let-Poor-Boy-Ride-Revelators/dp/B00005O55T/ref=sr_1_4?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1295985569&sr=1-4

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/49MBRE4soh3XXDTpHwy3na

Frankie Rose and the Outs (2010)

A record, which I only listened once or twice when I bought it (on recommendation) and thought nothing more of it. However, last couple of days I've listened on it on repeat and I like it very much. Classic girl pop in a fuzzy disguise like the Ronettes actually meeting the Raveonettes (with Glasvegas in there somewhere). Especially "Girlfriend Island" is a masterpiece. Recommended!

Rating 7/10

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Frankie-Rose-Outs/dp/B003UW1R4S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295900282&sr=1-1

On Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/4rBjVifZd7GaZv2kwmKmZK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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