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