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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

"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

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