STICKER REVIEW LOWDOWN

GO BACK TO REVIEWS 2001
GO BACK TO REVIEWS 2002

Muletrain – Demolition Preaching Beat Generation (Spain) LP...20.99
Hammer down punk rock ‘n’ roll from the male nucleus of the departed and much loved Aerobitch! Why Do The Spaniards do it better?? This Smokes!

Comets On Fire – Blue Cathedral Sub Pop LP...15.99
Oakland/Bay Area psych rockers 3rd or 4th album, now on Sub Pop. Drop a hit or pass the bong, it’s all a solid trip! Loads of wallop and loads of texture! Dig that groove baby!

The Piranhas – Piscis Clangor In The Red LP...15.99
Pure unadulterated art damaged punk, prog - no wave from these Detroiters on In The Red. More whacked than a bag full of eboli fuelled monkeys! Challenged from left-field!

The Devastations – S/T Munster/Spooky (import) LP...21.99
Perfect early morning rise or late night chill-out debut album. These Aussies play drifting roots oriented music, falling between The Cruel Sea, Dirty Three and Nina Nastasia! Intelligent!?

King Khan & The Shrines – Mr. Supernatural Hazelwood (import) LP...24.99
Ex-Spaceshits, Khan with his second full length... Big in Europe, Khan’s bag is hard assed R&B/Soul ala James Brown! This is the fuckin’ bomb man!!!

Ultracuerpos – The Right Way El Beasto (Spain) LP...25.99
Spanish slo-burn rock ‘n’ roll! 2nd album of devastation from this twin guitar band under the influence of Union Carbide Productions and then naturally the Stooges. First rate! Heavy color wax.

The Girls – S/T Radio Blast (import) LP...19.99
One of Seattle’s most popular bands, these “Girls” have it all over The Briefs!! Pure pwer pop, punk rock ‘n’ roll! Perfect summer soundtrack album. We like lots!

Detonations – Static Vision Alive LP...16.99/CD...20.99
Unbelievably hot! Think late 70’s SF / LA ie: Screamers, Crime, Weirdos, Gun Club. Thid is a ripper and destined for an easy top 30 this year! On Alive/Bomp group.

Deadly Weapons – Get Right In There Johny Cat LP...17.99/CD...20.99
Ltd. edition vinyl from this Bobbyteens (Tina) offshoot, featuring Ottawa native and ex-CKCU DJ Erin on bass! This is classic S.F. punk rock ‘n’ roll! Mean & Dirty! Yowza!

The Dragons – RockNRoll Kamikaze Gearhead LP...16.99/CD...20.99
Finally re-issued, remixed & mastered (properly), this LP was originally out in time for Junk Records to go down the shitter the next month. Can you say disappear? Now again the bands 6th album of 7!!! Yep it rawks and you need it!

Band Of Blacky Ranchette - Sage Advice LP....19.99
Long out of print 3rd album from Howe Gelb & company now in stock while quantities last!!!

The Bobbyteens - Cruisin' For A Bruisin' LP....19.99
4th & latest LP for this band from S.F. on Screaming Apple (CD on Estrus).

Monster Magnet - Monolithic Baby 2xLP....38.99
New one for these legendary heavyweights on Steamhammer (Germany), super nice package.

Teenage Confidential - Rock & Roll Kiss LP....19.99
Kick-ass Japanese punk rock on Screaming Apple (Germany).

Awesome Machine - The Soul Of A Thousand Years LP....20.99
Super heaviness on People Like You/Warner (Germany).

Mad Sin - Teachin' The Goodies CD....17.99
Seven new songs from this top German psychobilly band on Vinyl Japan.

Gluecifer - Automatic Thrill LP & CD....24.99
Norwegian Rock Gods have cranked out another sure winner! on Steamhammer (Germany).

Smugglers - Mutiny In Stereo LP....19.99
A real good wallopin' from these favorite sons of Vancouver proper, on Mint/Screaming Apple.

Erma Franklin - Super Soul Sister LP....23.99
Sizzlin' vintage soul from 1968, on Vampi Soul (Spain).

Girlschool - Demolition LP....27.99
1980 debut for the first all-girl band to break into the U.K. Metal scene. A classic on 180 gram virgin vinyl featuring “Emergency” & “Nothing To Lose”.

Arthur Lee & Love – Five String Serenade LP...24.99
Reissue of the 1992 classic by this legendary outfit who defined 60’s rock music. Thick 220 gr. Wax on Munster Records (Spain). The original of “Five String Serenade” later covered by Mazzy Star.

Alex Chilton – Like Flies On Sherbert + Live in London 2LPs....39.98
Alex’s “controversial” 1980 release plus solid bonus live performance on double 180 gr. vinyl. Beautiful gatefold sleeved package. Essential.

BBQ – The Complete Recordings Vol. 1 LP...22.99
Mark of Sexareenos and Spaceshits fame launches his first solo effort, an awesome platter of kickin’ blues/soul stompin’ madness. An absolute knockout. On Sounds of Subterrania (Germany) Also available on CD....

U.K. Subs – Another Kind Of Blues LP...19.99
Sharp lookin’ reissue (orig. artwork) of the 1st classic Subs LP from 1979. one of the most influential U.K. Punk Rock albums/bands of all time!

Ghetto Ways – S/T LP...19.99 / CD...20.99
Bastard blues punk with Blue Cheer overdrive, short sharp shock...in yer face power trio. Distorto crush with melody galore. On Alien Snatch (Germany).

Mekons – Punk Rock CD...20.99 Quarterstick
Songs played in the 70’s, recorded in 2003. As great as always, the best old new sound from these prolific grand masters. Awesome.

Penny Ikinger – Electra CD....20.99 Career
God damn sweet skree from down under. Penny’s a journey gal with cred ‘o’ plenty but stands on her own 2 legs for a great slice of psych-rock, folk balladry. Edgy, poignant and biting, this album has the earmarks associated with why the Aussie underground is all over it.

Boss Martians – The Set Up LP...19.98 / CD...20.99
Geez these boys rule no matter whether 60’s instro or in yer face guitar pop bravado. Ass kickin’ pummel from start to finish in the fuzz-driven power pop vein and easily as good as their last magnificent outing.

Les Pugilists – Gimme Some Kicks CD...18.98 (CanCon)
Rawk en français, these Montrealers kick the ferocity meter to 10 with their brand of MC5 inspired raunch. Right behind fellow city-dwellers Le Nombre, nippin’ straight at their heels.

* Guess Who - Shakin All Over Sundazed 
Double 180 gram wax and CD of earliest pre 1st LP recordings. In yer face 60’s punk like you’ve never heard this great Cannuck band! Unbelievable & highly recommended! 

* Mr. Airplane Man - Red Light SFTRI  Two chicks pound out some rawkin’ lo-fi blues. Think Howlin Wolf meets Billy Childish! Ba-Boom!

* Soundtrack Of Our Lives - Welcome To The Infant Freebase
Soundtrack Of Our Lives - Behind The Music
Soundtrack Of Our Lives - Extended RevelationSimply put….awesome. Sweden’s pop, psyche, rawk gods get all 3 albums re-issued at user friendly prices. All are essential and will give you new hope in troubled times. 

* V/A - How Many Bands…Blondie Tribute SFTRI CD & LP gatefold sleeve. Blondie was never this good! 20 some odd bands rock out late 70’s style. Kool!

Amulet - Freedom Fighters Bitzcore LP & CD Norwegian rock fire power. Fuckin smokin’!!! 

* Zen Guerrilla - Shadows Of The Sun Sub Pop CD & LP, 4th album of noggin wallopin’ blues rock! Sonic, deep smolderin’ yowza! Think I like it?

* Motorpsycho - Various albums on Stickman (Germany) Like Soundtrack Of Our Lives, this Tronhein, Norwegian group amaze me. Complicated, razorsharp escapism psychpop at its best. The water these boys drink is good. TUK! 

Dictators - D.F.F.D. Norton ‘Bout fuckin’ time! Well worth the wait from New York’s finest. It rawks, rawks, rawks! Buy it and cherish it. R.A.F.R.

* Deep Reduction - 2 Get Hip Radio Birdman’s Deniz Tek and Rob Younger re-unite!! Need I say more!! Yeah Hup, you need it! 

Tearjerkers - Bad Moon Rising SFTRI This is in my top 10 for this year! Ex-Oblivians Jack and his band rock thru 11 tracks of Memphis R&R with a Stones influence tattooed on their sleeves. Wicked!

* The Come Ons - Hip Check SFTRI  Detroit Groove. Their 2nd for Sympathy. Dance now ask questions later, you know you gotta. 

* Safety Pins - Punk Ass Bitch Munster  Spanish run away locomotive train, sonic, big & obnoxious. Straight thru your living room, strap it on!

* Chargers Street Gang - Holy The Bop Apocalypse Get Hip Under the watchful eye of Tim Kerr at the Sweatbox in Texas, five youngsters from Ohio supercharged on Motor City soul and kick ass Rock 'n' Roll. Pass the whiskey down. 

* Lost Sounds - Black Wave Empty New Wave, No Wave, it's still Rock 'n' Roll to me. Memphis hybrid of Reatards and Clears land a winner for Empty records. 

American Death Ray - Welcome To The Incredibly Strange... SFTRI Another winner from the Memphis underground with Jeffrey Evans behind the board.Velvet Underground meets the Panther Burns in a back alley rumble!!! 

* Del-Gators - Pound Down SFTRI Like a family mud-wrestle deep in the swamps of Louisiana, this Canadian quintet have connections that run deep within the Sympathy organisation. Colline de binne. 

* Monkeywrench - And One Really Nervous Guy Trademark Of Quality The Real Deal live at Wembley Stadium. Ltd. to 600 color wax, blowin' away Pearl Jam easily and tidily, gone before you can say pass the suds. New Studio album on Estrus early 2002. 

* The Beltones - "Cheap Trinkets" TKO  ...kick ass US streetpunk band under the influence of SLF! This Rawks! 

* It's All Meat - S/T Hallucinations  1970 Toronto hard rock/psych blast that simply put is up there now for me as one of the best Canadian records I've heard along side Simply Saucer! 

* Slaughter & The Dogs - Beware Of... TKO ..70's UK punk legends were and still are better than the Sex Pistols ever were. Melody, crunch and a good tough stance! Welcome back Rossi and Barrett ! 

* High On Fire - The Art Of Self Defence Tee Pee ...the cd was on Man's Ruin and now gone! Vinyl version with bonus 7" (Celtic Frost cover!). So... if you missed the cd, get the wax 'cause it's super killer, heavy rawk...destined to be a classic. 

* Blow Up - True Noise Empty (US) ...West Coast vs. primal scree, gnarled, in your face blues punk under the tutelage of Tim Kerr which always sums it up nicely. 

* The Burnouts - Close To Break Evil Bad Afro ...These Danes peel more rubber in that beer guzzlin', hot rod style that crosses territory akin to the Devil Dogs & New Bomb Turks. 

* V/A - "Before Birdmen Flew (Vols. 1-4)" (Vinyl Vengeance)  The years: 1965-67. The country: Australia. The bands: don't really matter! They all rock 'n' roll on the edge. Another great example of how the more obscure 60's bands were way better in my books than the popular ones, of course with a few exceptions. 

* Total Sound Group Direct Action Committee - "Party Platform...Our Schedule Is Change" (Estrus)  Tim Kerr and other card carrying Young Lions Conspiracy Members concoct their trademark brew of over the edge blues, soul & garage rock. I knew this would kill before I even heard a note! 

* Clone Defects - - "Blood On Jupiter" (Tom Perkins)  On the "kool" Tom Perkins label, this Detroit band kicks ass every six ways of Sunday. At times a more smokin' punk version of the Dirtbombs and then as ornery as 68 Comeback. A greasy Hybrid of Detroit punk & garage. Fuckin' sweet! 

* Nekromantix - "Return Of The Loving Dead" (Hellcat) Balls out, hands down, the best psychobilly record I've heard lately. Denmark's proud sons deliver in spades a driving and varied album of rock recalling the first Rev. Horton Heat and other benchmark recordings. Party down! 

* Dirty Sweets - "Escape From Bubblegum Land" (Rip Off)  ...Another in yer face blast of Calif. 70's style punk rock as only Rip Off does so well. Tough female vocals...think Loli and the Chones. 

* Zebulon - "Volume One" (People Like You)  Great label, great band...Scandanavian stoner rock of the highest order....right up there with Thulsa Doom, Pawnshop and Dozer!! 

* The Sign Offs - - S/T (Disaster)  ..Duane Peters has put out some great lps by the likes of Richmond Sluts, Pushers and Smogtown. Sign Offs enter the fray with a rippin' piece of work with one foot in the grave of 70's punk and one firmly holding ground in the style of Gluecifer. Guns a blazin' rawk'n'roll ! 

* Antiseen - "Screamin' Bloody Live" (TKO) ...Jeff and the band crank out the lean and mean arsenal of blood and beer soaked songs they've been luved for... for years . Big, bold and badassed pummeling from start to finish...wish I'd been there! 

* X - Live At The Civic '79 (R&R Blitzkrieg) (US) ...Aussie punk legends with a killer live set that remind one of the greatness of that scene and time period. Not just an artifact it seems as vital as the first Saints and Radio Birdman albums. Great job! 

* The Maggots - "This Condition Is Incurable" (Bad Afro) ...Smokin' Swedish retro 60's garage punk. Kick ass, tough sound in the mold of the Lyres, but with more of an edge. With DMZ and Flamin' Groovies covered within, this record is a must hear! 

* Adam West - "Right On" (People Like You) ...Washington DC's "AC/DC" with more wallop than a jackhammer. Jake's howlin' throat and the bands hard as nails approach make this one solid. Adam West have hit their stride with their last few (and many) releases and if you don't know 'em this is a good place to get introduced! 

* Machine Gun - "Taste For Blood" (People Like You)  Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa.... balls out yeahh geetar sturm & twang. An Iggy and Metallica cover plus 9 other in your facers. Color wax + insert on the killer People Like You label!!! 

* The Kaisers - "Shake Me!" (Get Hip)  Scotland's, If not the world's best beat band, Michael from the Cynics told me years ago how amazing the Kaisers were. Guess what? They still are... Shimmy and shake!!!

* Le Nombre - "S/T" (Blow The Fuse)  Gezuz.... balls out, blisterin' rock, sraight outta some Montreal garage. Split between an understanding of 60's punk, 70's rock and 90's attitude, the pedigree is first rate! ex-Secretaires Volantes & Demolition. 

* Ko & The Knockouts - "S/T" (SFTRI)  Another gem off the tough streets of Detroit, ex- Come Ons and current Detroit Cobras under the trio set up. Raw, ballsy garage and soul grooves that jump yer' mother! Ouch does the talent pool have no bottom in Detroit ? A knockout fer' sure! 

* Flamin' Groovies - "Supersnazz" (Norton)  Exact repro of their '69 debut. I've owned this pup since '76 and I tell you, it's one of the best pick me up records you'll ever here. Loney and the boys have always been cult heroes and Billy Miller at Norton helps keep the folklore alive, Great re-issue. 

* Giant Sand - "Cover Magazine" (Thrill Jockey)  Gelb and cohorts drive us through the Arizona desert with a bunch of interpretive versions of songs originally cut by everyone from Black Sabbath and X to Sonny Bono and Nick Cave. Sounds like as much fun makin' it as I had hearin' it. Nice Package. 

* Soledad Brothers - "Steal Your Soul…." (Estrus)  Let's put it this way…I don't usually listen to any album 5 times through when I first get it. In Three days even. Another shit hot estrus release and the bands' 2nd album. The gospel blues never sounded so good. Gezuz, can't wait to see them live! 

*Epoxies - "S/T" (Dirtnap)  Gee whiz it's 1980 and wedged between the Sinceros and Mi-Sex you'd never know this LP was made in 2001. Seattle's given us the Briefs (thank god!) and now the Epoxies. Strong female lead vocal and bouncing keyboard propel this debut along beautifully. Great record, should be popular. File with Lost Sounds, Selby Tigers and Red Planet. New Wave, Old Wave! 

* Entombed - "Morning Star" (ThreeMan/Koch)  Long-time Swedish rock gods are back with another straight to the skull, ear-shattering piece of work! 12 tracks totalling 37 minutes makes for the perfect length for an album of any sort. Pristeen, but non-slick production, howling vocal attack and blistering guitars. Sound like Rawk? Ya betcha' fuckin' ass baby! 

* The Sights - "Are You Green? " (Fall Of Rome)  When does it end? Maybe never! Another Detroit band goes into Ghetto Recorders w/ Jim Diamond and knocks off a shit-hot R'n'R LP in "the tradition". Late 70's Power Pop meets raw Flamin Groovies in a wicked retro garage style. The coolest color wax...Hand dipped?? 

* Gluecifer - "Basement Apes" (Steamhammer)  Hardly a week goes by that I don't listen to Oslo, Norway's Kings of Rock, Gluecifer. Just before X-mas last year Dave Champion played me a rough mix of Basement Apes and I was unsurprisingly impressed. Gluecifer has once again produced a timeless and coup d'etat rawk 'n' roll album. Whether you have nuts or not, listening to Basement Apes is like getting booted right in the nuts. Long Live Rawk!!! 

* Hacksaw - "Turned Up Way Down" (Deranged)  Here's without a doubt the hardest rocking record issued in Canada as of late. Toronto based Hacksaw have turned the rock jets on full and belt out an album's worth of fist in the air, guitar, hystrionic, no frills rock 'n' roll ye-aah! Hard working, honest music fans make the best records themselves. Here's the proof! 

* King Khan & His Shrines - "Three Hairs And You're Mine" (Voodoo Rhythm)  Ex-Spaceshit/Montrealer Khan goes to Europe, finds people and makes another killer garage/soul influenced rock album up there with the best of the genre. Montreal seems a great breeding ground for this kinda shit! Very cool indeed. 

* Beasts Of Bourbon - "Sour Mash" (Red Eye)  Not new but in for the first time ever on CD and at a good price from Australia. What's up with this 1990 release? Well it simply rules as does the group whose members have toiled with the Hoodoo Gurus, Scientists, Johnnys, Cruel Sea to name a few. Historically accurate perfection.

* Spencer P. Jones feat. Cow Penalty - "Lost Anxiety Tapes" (Spooky)  Destined again for my personal top 20 this year! Read the Review.

*Rev. Beat Man & The Un-Believers - "Get On Your Knees" (Voodoo Rhythm)  Well beat me with a sack of rotten crawfish! This here dude from over the drink plays a "lobryd" of sweaty gospel, garage punk and would be at home on stage with folk like Lo-Lite, Bantam Rooster, Soledad Brothers, Bob Log... get the pic?? He gots good taste, recordin' this pup at Toe Rag, London with Liam Watson at the helm. 

* Flogging Molly - "Drunken Lullabies" (Side One Dummy)  The Pogues are here! The Pogues are here! Actually the best follow-up, with more balls, to "Red Roses For Me". Perfect for all you phony celt-rockers out there :) 

* Cavity - "On The Lam" (Hydra Head)  Fuck Me Heavy! Long-timers from the glades of Florida I think. Geez these people are pissed at something? Heart stopping, gator slayin' stoner rock.

* Supersuckers - "Must've Been Live" (Mid-Fi)  Double LP/CD Recorded Live to two track in Dallas, Austin and San Diego, a quality recording of all their Country favorites and more, that y'all know they do so fine. The wax is limited so hup two.... The perfect soundtrack to Todd Gibbon's Bris. 

* Atomic Bitchwax - "Spit Blood" (Meteor City)  Guitar god Ed Mundell (Monster Magnet) pulls out the magic bag and scores the hat trick. The third and strongest offering yet. Pinned stoner rock with a wallop and grooves galore.

* The Fantomas/Melvins Big Band - "Millennium Monsterwork" (Ipecac)  Fants and Melvs merge for a live recording done the last evening of 2000 (hence title) and it's full of squawks & spurts you may be familiar with if you follow these caracters closely. Nice version of "Hooch" too. Chop Chop!! 

* Brant Bjork & The Operators - "S/T" (TMC) 
Brant strikes large and wins again...what a talent! Read the Review.

* The Spitfires - "Three" (Longshot/Scratch)  One part seventies (Dolls, Stooges) and one part the cut cloth of the Devil Dogs and New Bomb Turks, these Cannucks kick ass with the best of 'em. Because Canadians by nature are ignorant of "underground" rawk music historically speaking, these Vancouver boys have, I think been largely ignored! Now's yer chance fer redemption ya bunch of t-Hip pussies! Wanna Rock fer real? The Spitfires are the real deal and never a juno they will meet!....thank god! Read the Review.

* Monks - "Let's Start A Beat" (Munster)  A reunion 32 years later with five U.S. G.I.'s who took the German beat-garage scene by storm in '65. With an "ahead of their time/fuck the Beatles" style, this obscure, yet cult favorites group played Cavestomp in '99 resulting in this album. Fucking solid and again it goes to prove that older sometimes means better. Wish I had of been there! 

* Sonic Assassin - "State Is Enemy" (Freakshow)  Here's another great band from Italy who have unleashed one heck of a furious album fueled by the Radio Birdman influence and a working knowledge of American punk rock 'n' roll. Shit, even Deniz Tek gives his written seal of approval on the CD booklet.This crew cover Birdman, Lipstick Killers, Dead Boys and their eleven originals rawk out in similar fashion. Fans of the Pleasure Fuckers, Lazy Cowgirls, Jeff Dahl and other geetar totin' gurus need this album!

* The Hydromatics - "Powerglide" (Freakshow)  Scott Morgan (Sonic's Rendezvous Band/Rationals) is back and blazing with his his 2nd helping of Hydromatical wallopin' With a heavy seventies rock/soul feel and punk muscle provided by the Nitwitz (Tony on guitar, Theo/bass with newcomer drummer Andrew Frost), this album is right up there with the best of 'em. Catchy, loud and rockin'...the stuff that makes for legends. GET IT! 

* Alabama Thunderpussy - "Staring At The Divine" (Relapse)  Holy mother of god this is heavy. Deep fried southern rock with a dose of bad as evilness. After 3 solid releases for the late Man's Ruin. ATP climb back on the gatling gun and let 'er rip!

* The Heads - "Undersided" (Sweet Nothing)  Wow, another destined nugget of greatness from England's prime exponents of overdriven, heavy-fuzzed-wah-psycherawk. These boys are relentless! Love to see this shit live! I'm sure it rawks like this and all their past ventures! 

* Awesome Machine - "Under The Influence" (People Like You)  Holy Heavy! A new (2nd) full length from a Swedish group that hands down can walk the name they boast. A maturation has taken place. Imagine that the 1st album was a killer, then think this, grit, muscle and groove galore! Wow! 

* Various Artists - "Shake Some Action Vol. I (UK) & Vol. II (USA)" (Shake Some Action Records)  Lots of killer tunes in new wave, powerpop, mod styles… Read the Review.

* Midnight Thunder Express - "S/T" (Empty) Debut long play from U.S. band who are seriously under the influence of whammo blammo rawk ‘n’ roll. The pounding piano adds to the excitement and the whole affair makes me feel like an ice cold beer or two! Solid!

* The Ritchie Whites - "Snitches Get Stitches" (TKO)  Texas punk rock ‘n’ roll with the right amount of 70’s snot wiped on good! A combo with lots of credentials from the past, prominently at least one Motard. TKO records is as consistent as it gets! 

* MC5 - "Human Being Lawnmower" (Total Energy)  A summation comp. of all the Total Energy/Bomp records released over the last 10 years! I think it’s great! Everything here again just says how fuckin’ ahead of their time they were. Diehards need it and novices even more! 

* The Hard Feelings - "You Won’t Like It…" (Beerland/Dropkick)  After recent 7”s on Dropkick & Gearhead, a new album! It’s been a bit since their Sympathy LP debut but well worth the wait! Remember the Revelators? This is Schooley’s outfit and just as crucial. 

* High On Fire - "Surrounded By Thieves" (Relapse)  Holy fuckin’ heavy! More so than “Art Of Self Defense” even! Jesus H. Christ!! Matt Pike strikes again and not for the faint of heart. Cover art & booklet are amazing. Hope someone does the vinyl version. Killer! 

* The Black Keys - "The Big Come Up" (Alive)  Two White Guys in their early twenties who play rollickin’ blues stomp as well as the masters. Fuckin’ hot. File with Lo-Lite, Cash Audio and Bob Log III. Yeeeehaw! 

* Dead Sheriff - "Rockapocalyptica" (Dionysus) From Oslo, Norway and around for a coupla' years, Dead Sheriff offer up a debut in North America full of catchy, hard rockin' 70's influenced geetar blasters. Strong vocals and wah wah lead guitar bursts are augmented by pounding rhythms.. Fist in the air rock 'n' roll. File between Mary Slim and Psychopunch.

* The Cherry Valence - "Riffin" (Estrus) Geez what a smolderin' hot follow-up to one of my favorite albums of last year. Another blast of early 70's influenced rock. Big fat riffs (hence the title), full of blues, booze and late sweaty nights spent in seedy rock clubs. Now that's flavour. Fans of early ZZ Top would like this LP big time. Hey it's on Estrus, you know it's good. 

* DM Bob & The Deficits - "Cajun Creole Hot Nuts" (Voodoo Rhythm) Swamped out, cajun stompin' rock 'n' roll served on a hot 12" platter in fine DM Bob form. Fourth album from the ex-patriot yankee now crankin' it out over in Germany I think. Great shit here and it mixes well with Bob Log III and the Cramps. Get the picture? 

* Flatlanders - "Now Again" (New West) Three legendary Texans, each in their own right regroup for a 2nd Flatlanders album. 30+ years since the first. Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock make country music Texas style seem so easy. Great summer album for the front (or back) porch. All hopped up on yer favorite libation. Excellent. 

* 20 Miles - "Keep It Coming" (Fat Possum) Judah Bauer returns with his 3rd and best album, again for Fat Possum. Rock & Blues hybrid in a thankful "No Chicago" style. Another perfect summer album. Get out the brewskies and jump around. The party starts here! 

* American Death Ray - "Smash Radio Hits" (SFTRI) Memphis band's 2nd LP for Sympathy and another dynamite one as well. Think Velvets meet Tav Falco, true Memphis rock. One dude from 68 Comeback and if ya don't know them there's no hope for ya! Sorry no video. Take a chance, Live dangerously, Life's too short! Blah fuckin' blah! 

* Orquesta Del Desierto - "S/T" (Meteor City) Pete Stahl (Scream. Wool, Goatsnake, Earthlings etc.) & Alfredo Hernandez (Kyuss) head this group of friends and make a wicked album in Desert Sessions mode! If yer a fan of this sort of thing you need this record. It's real swell! If you don't know anything about Stoner rock, Goatsnake, Kyuss etc. maybe you should get a life and stop buying Tragically Hip records! 

* Slumberjack - "Nitro Ground Shaker" (Screaming Apple) Smolderin' Scandinavian, hot rod punk rock 'n' roll. In yer face and catchy as hell. You can smell the burnin' rubber and the sounds of the engines roar! 

* Hot Snakes - "Suicide Invoice" (Swami) I haven't heard this album yet, but friends tell me it's great! Their 1st album was a scorcher (I heard that!!!) RFTC ties are here so you kinda figure it's "HOT".

* Mushroom River Band - "Simsalabim" (Meteor City) More Swedish rock and f**k me, this is the shit! Luv the earlier work and this one's a barn burner. Meteor City continues its consistently ferocious release schedule! 

* The Heelwalkers - " S/T" (Brobdingnagian)
These roughians from Halifax, N.S. have been around for a while and with this release maybe they’ll get some recognition! Simply put, longhaired, heavy boogie rock at VU pinning levels. If you dig big-ass seventies hard rock, then this is yer ticket!

* The Sillies - " America’s Most Wonton" (Scooch Pooch)
Late 70’s Detroit punk rarity surfaces and floats real well. Good tough rock ‘n’ roll and catchy as well. Bloodstains, K.B.D. fans you need this big time.

* Hermano - " Only A Suggestion" (Tee Pee)

Darn fine return from an absence of releases for the golden-throated ex-Kyuss vocalist John Garcia. Super fine pummeling from an extraordinary band. Been a great year for the stoner rawk contingent.

* The Cripples - " Dirty Head" (Dirtnap)
Noisy garage new wave from Seattle. Big scene there obviously with other Dirtnap’ers The Epoxies and The Briefs. Sounds as fresh as it did in the late seventies.

* The Launderettes - " Shaken And Disturbed" (Big Dipper)
This is GREAT! The Headcoatees crossed with Mensen may give you a hint of what the group sounds like. After several hot singles and a comp. track or two, this debut is a winner! Another (Oslo) kicker from Scandinavia. Git it!

* UIC - "The Wiseman Sessions" (Independent)
UIC’s debut “Our Garage” is the best Canadian rock record of all time. This is the “lost” second studio album from 1988. This will be officially released this fall. What’s it like? Well, let’s just say it’s the second best Canadian rock record of all time. Lite it and fly fuckerz.

* Speedball Baby - "The Blackout" (In The Red) Matt Verta and company score another winner! Their 2nd full length for ITR sees this New York quintet hit a groove that wears the coats of blues, countryish rockabilly and sixties garage. Most excellent.Matt Verta and company score another winner! Their 2nd full length for ITR sees this New York quintet hit a groove that wears the coats of blues, countryish rockabilly and sixties garage. Most excellent.

* Cheater Slicks - "Yer Last Record" (In The Red)
Been into this 3 piece since they began and although one of the hardest bands to move units on in these stunned parts, The Slicks have cranked out nothin' but winners! Eight albums and a slew of singles on the hippest indie labels in the world. Apparently this is as the title suggests. Thanks for the great records guys, yer the best. Buy this CD, better now than never.

* The Resonars - "Lunar Kit" (Get Hip)
Arizona's Resonars are back with an absolute mind expander album of psychedelic/pop and mod sounding nuggets. The perfect soundtrack for summer? You betcha. Matt Rendon writes excellent songs whose sound transcends the decades!

* Major Stars - "Distant Effects" (Squealer)
Psyche guitar god Wayne Rogers roars back with another great album! He Knows his shit and his band are crack as well…Four songs of pure psych hard rock with muscle and sonic panache. This could be 1971 again! Excellent

* Spiritu - "S/T" (Meteor City)
Debut album on a great label from a New Mexico band who I think must draw on their surroundings as inspiration. Sonic, crushing heavy rock with a nod to the psychedelic. A singer who sings and a band who seemingly understand heavy without being heavyhanded. Solid!

* The Flipsides - "Clever One" (Pink & Black)
Tough power pop from San Francisco that plays the hand of the late 70's against the street stance of the late 80's/early 90's girl fronted groups like the Muffs etc. Sabrina Stewart has the sound down pat and her band pulls no punches. Rawkin' and catchy. Sounds great!

* Bevis Frond - "What Did For The Dinosaurs" (Rubric)

Nick Saloman is the most consistant guitar/singer psychrocker in the business! His latest effort is no exception to the rule. Whether laid back or rockin' out his soaring guitar work is the driving force that many imitators can't quite get.

* The Pattern - "Real Feelness" (Lookout)
Only because the singer is from the Peechees and has a distinctive voice does this album seem familiar. The Pattern play tough, in yer face garagey punk 'n' roll with a 70's hard rock angle. Balls out and sonic, hopefully this release makes more people pay attention to a great band, whose previous releases also bear out their vitality.

* Reigning Sound - "Time Bomb High School" (In The Red)
Oh yeah, you can't go wrong here at all! Sheer Memphis firepower burning bright on country, garage and soul hi-balls. Greg Oblivian (Cartwright) is the name to drop and only to key you fuckers who don't read shit about the good rock. One of the best releases to my ears this year!

* The Krays - "A Time For Action" (TKO)
TKO records is a fine and consistent label, but every once in a while one of their releases stands out above the others. The Krays latest is such a beast. Fuel-injected old school punk rock 'n' roll with aggression. Great rhythm section and guitar blasting galore. In the vein of The Bodies (another winner for TKO!). Check out older Krays releases. Excellent as well.

* Roger Miret & The Disasters - "S/T" (Hellcat)
Mining similar ground as the Hunns and U.S. Bombs, The Disasters fit the Clash '77 meets modern day streetpunk head on. Anthemic guitar playing with Roger (Agnostic Front) beltin' out the lyrics. Very solid album, with lots of umph and chug. Pass the beer.

* Demons - "Stockholm Slump" (Gearhead)
Oh yeah, the wait's been worthwhile. Swedish rockers who've been around for awhile finally get a second full length out and holy rawk 'n' roll what a burner! Smokin big time, motherfuckin rock machine. Killer melodies, great vocalist and sonic punch galore. Scandinavia rules!!!

* Bitchin Camaros - "S/T" (independent)
Smokin' debut from Ottawa punk rock 'n' roll band now available. Read the Review.

* The Flip Tops - "All Worked Up" (Rip Off)
Another solid 70's - snot encrusted punk band on the fab Rip Off label. You know the drill if you know the label. Sounded good to me!

* Smooth & Greedy - "Prison Talk" (People Like You)
Never say die rock 'n' roll from Sweden. 2nd album from these rockers and as catchy and in yer face as any of their fellow countrymen's bands. Fans of Social D. should check this out! Solid album.

* The Cool Jerks - "Cleaned A Lot Of Plates In Memphis" (SFTRI)

If you, like I was all over the Tearjerkers debut on Sympathy last year, this is the 2nd with an obvious name change. Memphis rock, garage, soul and country from ex-Neckbones & Oblivians. First time in stock we sold 10 copies in 24 hours. Right up there for a top 20 this year. Git it!

* Supersnazz - "Best Of Snazz" (Giant Claw)
Around for 10 years now, this Japanese group have had releases on a lot of really cool labels like SFTRI, Estrus, and Sub Pop to name several. Playing a combination of 60's influenced garagy rock 'n' roll mixed with power pop, new wave and punk. Supersnazz have always been, if nothing else a fun band to rock out to. This release is a "best of" celebrating their decade.

* The Soft Boys - "Nextdoorland" (Matador)
Jesus, it's like no time past since "Underwater Moonlight" and it's been several decades! This LP is pretty much as good as the aforementioned, and as one fan said in the shop the other day, "they look a little older, but yeah, fuck this is great!" I agree wholeheartedly.

* Mr. Airplane Man - "Moanin" (SFTRI)
Raw blues duo score big with their 2nd LP!!! See Review.

* Superbees - "High Volume" (Acetate)
Supercharged turbo power rock 'n' fuckin roll! Long awaited debut full length from these L.A. boys who fall somewhwere 'twixt the Humpers and the Richmond Sluts. Luv the Rawk? Luv the Superbees!

* Abdullah - "Graveyard Poetry" (Meteor City)
Wow! What an album. Dark and sonic heavy rock that combines the best elements of early 70's underground heavy metal and todays' production values . Killer guitar; big & powerful another great vocalist and as usual a winner yet again for the consistent Meteor City record label.

* Solarflares - "Look What I Made Out Of My Head" (Big Beat)
Third deadly release for these Brits who play timeless rock 'n' roll combining 60's mod, pop and a hint of psychedelia with the muscle of today. Post Prisoners, Prime Movers so if you're a fan you'll luv this puppy big time. Solid shit indeed!

* The Stuck Ups - "Human Doll Express" (SFTRI)
New Wave punk rock 'n' roll from Seattle. Second album for these gals (now with a guy!) and as tough edged but as infectious as you can get. Mixes perfect 'tween the Briefs and Epoxies. What's goin' on in Seattle?!?

* Sahara Hot Nights - "Jennie Bomb" (Jetset)
Swedish Rock 'n' Roll from 4 young gals who play with a vengeance. This slips neatly into the Runaways/Girlschool meets Mensen style and is easily as good. Produced in your face by Chips K. of Sator fame. Luv this album!

* The Krays - "A Time For Action" (TKO)
TKO records is a fine and consistent label, but every once in a while one of their releases stands out above the others. The Krays latest is such a beast. Fuel-injected old school punk rock 'n' roll with aggression. Great rhythm section and guitar blasting galore. In the vein of The Bodies (another winner for TKO!). Check out older Krays releases. Excellent as well.

* The Cynics - "Living Is The Best Revenge" (Get Hip)

Absence does make the heart grow fonder! 6 or 7 years after calling it quits, America’s #1 retro 60’s garage rock kings are back. Heart, you fuckin betcha bub! 12 blasts of rawk nuggetry, Cynics style. Throw in Austin’s Sweatbox, Tim Kerr, Mike Vasquez and it’s nothin’ but pure rock magic. Easy top 30 for 2002. Welcome back!!!

* Michelle Gun Elephant - "Rodeo Tandem Beat Specter" (Alive)
As always, excellent. Japan’s TMGE plat a mid tempo blast of 60’s-70’s inspired rawk better than most. Vocals in their native tongue? Who cares. They rawk and so will you. Buy it!

* South Filthy - "You Can Call It Yo’ Mammy…" (SFTRI)
When reading about this months ago I knew it’d be good. It is a Memphis/Texas meeting of greatness. Jeff Evans, Jack Yarber, Walter Daniels and friends rock it Memphis country style. Excellent!

* The Hunches - "Yes. No. Shut It." (In The Red)
Dirty blues punk, fuzzed, grimy and straight at yer heart. Another grade “A” In The Red release. If you don’t like yer tunes noisey avoid, otherwise jump in head first!

* Bad Wizard - "Sophisticated Mouth" (Tee Pee)
Influenced by 70’s hard rock, Bad Wizard’s 2nd LP is as good as their first. MC5’s tougher sound is an ispiration but they play it harder and faster. Makes a perfect mix with the Cherry Valence.

* Ikara Colt - "Chat & Business" (Epitaph)
The most impressive Brit band I’ve heard recently. No skate punk here folks, this band is fueled by an influence that’s deep in the art punk scene circa late 70’s UK. Use the Fall as a reference point if you need, but this band sizzles. John Peel must love this? Excellent!

* Masonics - "The Masonic Machine Turns On You" (Vinyl Japan)
Medway Sounds a can’t live without! Toe Rag honcho Liam Watson, ex-Headcoat Bruce Brand and Mickey Hampshire from the Milkshakes, etc. play some pummeling “in the tradition” rock ‘n’ roll. As kick-ass as any of the related groups past shit. The Masonics rule. New live CD also just out on Smart Guy!

* Buzzcocks - "S/T" (Merge)
Holy smoke, is this for real? These Brit punk 70’s legends have unleashed finally the perfect follow up to their 1980 masterpiece “A Different Kind Of Tension”. The hooks are there, the wallops there, the guitar is Buzzcockian for sure, and the vocals are bang on. I had know idea that in 2003 there’d be a Buzzcocks album in my top 20. Wicked!

* Rickshaw - "Down The Road & Still Burning Fuel" (Devil Doll)
These Swedes are certainly productive. Seems like nary a month passes and bang, another release! If you are a fan of whammo blammo blisterin’ geetar rawk and have not experienced the might of Rickshaw, you best check ‘em out. Muscle and punch seem to be their credo and it always serves them (and me) well. This cd is a collection of singles, splits, comp and album tracks released for a North American audience who enjoy their beers cold and their steaks rare! Tuff stuff indeed! R.A.F.R.

* The Ruiners - "How’s That Grab Ya?" (Disaster)
Duane Peters has released another fine record on his label. This Detroit group under the careful hands of Mick Collins and Jim Diamond have debuted with one of the most fun (and funny) albums so far this year. They appear to be a 6 piece and by the pics in the CD look also like they themselves have fun. This album does not fit the perception of Disaster as a label so obviously Peters (a music fan) knows a good thing when he hears (sees) it. Songs about surfers, punks, vampires, divorce and graveyards all go down real well together and Rick Ruiner has got a solid and somewhat unique voice and delivery to put all in place. The band rocks out good and the buzz is just fine thank you.

* Mensen - "Oslo City" (Gearhead)

With their second release this Norwegian rock machine bites down real hard and comes up tearin’ flesh and bone. Their 1st album “ Delusions Of Grandeur” was and still is a store favorite, continues to sell well and sold boat loads when it was initially released. Gearhead’s Mike Lavella is completely gaga over Scandinavian rock ‘n’ roll and rightly so. Mensen is one of many reasons for this kinda behaviour. Tough as nails, rev it up r&r is the name of the game and with blazing guitar, a pounding backbeat and raw-assed female lead vocals it’s a surefire winner. Thank you Mensen for what will be another great summer and thanks to you LaVella for releasing another great record!

* Jeff Dahl - "Street Fighting Reptile" (Steel Cage)
Having been at it since the late 70’s and now with over 20 albums to his credit, Cave Creek, Arizona’s Jeff Dahl is living proof that rock ‘n’ roll will never die. Cut from the same cloth as Chuck Berry, Keith Richards and Johnny Thunders, Jeff just turns on the amp and gets timeless as always. Handling all the instruments himself as he has often done in the studio in recent years, the album rocks out in the glam punk style that Jeff does and does so well. Dahl makes yet another album worthy of checkin’ out, especially if you got a rock ‘n’ roll heart!

* Gallery Of Mites - "Bugs On The Bluefish" (Meteor City)
No exception to the rule, Meteor City gets out another winner. Monster Magnet drummer Jon Klieman and Ex-Monster Magnet lead singer Tim Cronin had a great release in 2002 as The Ribeye Brothers. They had a surprising sound given their pedigree that worked the garage/psych/pop territory perfectly and despite being a store favorite it didn’t translate in sales. Gallery Of Mites will be the exception here. With 3 other Monster Magnets on board and guys from Solace, Halfway To Gone, Lord Sterling and Black Nasa also involved, this here fucker is a kicker from start to finish. Yowza, can you say The Stooges boys and girls?? Sonically destructive in a good way Gallery Of Mites is pure raw power, though would you expect anything less from a 10 piece group including 5 lead guitarists??? I think not!

* Big Midnight - "Everything For The Universe" (Alive)
One of my fav lps a couple years back was by the Richmond Sluts. Ex Sluts’ Shea Roberts and Chris Beltran are now back in the saddle with Big Midnight. You can hear the Sluts to a degree in the new outfit but where the Sluts came at ya from a more 60ish garage meets 70’s punk rockin angle the Big Midnight is decidedly more “rock” with a foot planted firmly in the 70’s. With the swagger style of early 70’s Rolling Stones this band have unleashed a winner. With a well produced album that features great songs and hard hitting music this should be internationally acclaimed if there’s any justice left in this world. Pretty sweet!

* Peepshows - "Refuge For Degenerates" (Burning Heart)
Wow!! More or less the 4th album from these Swedes and it shows them at their most mature! They have always impressed with great songs and this newbie is no exception! Bang on the nut rawk in fine style. As great as the 'Copters easily!

* Neanderthals - "Shutdown B.C." (Munster)
Geezuz it's been a few years! Get Hip released their last and what a wallopin' stomp of 60's crud! This sees singer Rabb & Eddie Angel (Los Straitjackets) and the boys a little more finessed studio wise, but no less a killer retro 60's buzz! Great shit to pick up every party anywhere, anytime!

* Les Tabernacles - "Born Ready" (Teenage Rampage)
Fuckin H! This be sturm & twang of the highest order. Balls to the wall rock. Fast paced, beer soaked. Think early Gluecifer meets Spitfires. Send these lads to play for the troops and we'd win any war, anywhere!

* Raymen - "Hollywood Hell" (People Like You)
This is a fine kettle of fish. These Germans have a perfect grip on the ghosts of the wild west. If Elvis fronted Rank 'n' File, do you get the picture? Excellent!

* Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Nocturama" (Anti)
I'm mighty impressed. I confess after "Your Funeral My Trial" I paid no attention to Nick and co. in recent years. Mistake? Maybe, maybe not but I'll say this… Nocturama is a mighty great listen, a real work and as solid as Ayers rock! Check it out, you won't regret a thing.

* Bob Log III - "Log Bomb" (Fat Possum)

This is Bob at his big ass best. Third times a charm! Big production, Big percussion and Big voice! Fucked up, fuck off, rural boogie, backporch hootin 'n' hollerin blues as only Bob does. Buy buy buy!

* Hotwires - "Ignition" (Artrocker)
Ex-Action Time members from the UK played an infectious blend of retro 60’s meet late 70’s punk rock and come off sounding pretty fresh. Urgent and kilter in a way lending an edge to its gutsy raunch.

* The Double Pumpers - "Do It To It" (indie)
Great Ottawa power trio who combine a ripping heavy stoner rawk groove with an aggro-punkish onslaught. Wicked live act who in a good world should land a record on Meteor City or People Like You, they are that good!! Good (and funny lyrics), smokin’ guitar, heavy bass and really solid drums. Destined top 10 local release for 2003!!

* The Fleshtones - "Do You Swing?" (Yep Roc)
Still killer post 25 years of rockin’ in NYC? Oh fuck yeah! This record is another reason why at 42 years of age, music makes me feel 16. Geez, the ‘tones do Led Zep’s “Communication Breakdown” better than the original with harmonica taking Page’s lead. More fun than a barrel o’ monkeys. Buy this album.

* Lightnin’ Hopkins - "Trip On Blues" (Get Back)
Legendary Texas bluesman (and my favorite!) in the early sixties records more amazing, haunting, rural, backporch blues masterpieces! Can never get enough Lightnin’ ! Great place to start if you done got none. 180gr. Vinyl sounds sweet as heaven!

* Nina Nastasia - "Run To Ruin" (Touch & Go)
An album of deep, dark and haunting passion. With a rural country and folkish edge to the music, Nina tells some sad tales here. The whole affair is very laid back and honestly, this is some of the most emotive music I’ve heard all year. Late night or lazy afternoon tuneage for when you’re alone. Recorded by Steve Albini.

* The Chargers Street Gang - "Through The Windshield" (Get Hip)
Energy laden Cleveland band’s 2nd album for Get Hip. Again under the watchful and capable hands of Tim Kerr and Mike Vasquez at the Sweatbox in Austin, Texas, the “Gang” have unleashed another furious and 70’s rock damaged album. High energy, sweat-soaked killer songs that make you want to Kick Out The Jams motherfuckers.

Armitage Shanks - 25 Golden Showers Damaged Goods
U.K. Garage punk of the highest order. Full of snot & gusto and cut from the same cloth as Billy Childish. Perfect meld of 70’s U.K. Punk and 60’s grunt. Wicked singles comp!

Little Killers - S/T Crypt
Punch In The Gut, Rock ‘n’ Roll swagger with the chug and lope of early Saints and Heartbreakers (as the sticker suggested). N.Y.C. three-piece with two gals providing the muscle. Right fuckin’ up there with the best there is!

Bloody Hollies - Fire At Will SFTRI
Hot Shit trio from Buffalo debut with a real rockin’ tuff-fucker of a 12”!Mixes perfect with the Little Killers and it rocks just as hard! Wicked shit!

Outrageous Cherry - Supernatural Equinox Rainbow Quartz/Scratch
Play’d the piss outta this pup and loved it from the word go! Now on double wax, thanks to the boys at Scratch I’m diggin’ it again in big fashion! So perfect Psych with pop hooks from Detroit’s pride & joy. Matthew Smith songs are excellent and I’d rank the Cherry up there with Bevis Frond anyday. Vinyl version has extra cuts not on the CD.

The Buff Medways - 1914 Transcopic
Billy Childish & the boys come out swingin’ as usual in the world’s loudest and rockinest power garage trio ever. Full of piss & vinegar as usual the lads wallop it out in fine tradition. Beauty of a sleeve as well. Keep it up Mr. Childish.

Lazy Cowgirls - I’m Going Out And Getting Hurt Tonight Reservation
Pat Todd & the boys are back with another in a long line of great releases. Trademark Cowgirls for sure on a new label. A mix of their rippin’ mid-tempo, country fried rawkers and whiskey-soaked slow-dancers!

Motorpsycho - The Tussler O.S.T. Stickman
The genius that is Motorpsycho cut this album back in the 90’s for an underground film. After learning the banjo, they enter the studio and pull off a brilliant country album in the tradition of West Coast U.S. 60’s legends, The Flying Burrito Bros. Awesome!

The Fuse! - Fisherman’s Wife In The Red
Geez what a fuckin’ ride. A little ugly but tuneful, these Californians (fuse!!) 60’s garage & bluesishness with late 70’s U.K. art damaged punk. Exilirating and frightening!

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