Ear Candy
This is a new feature for you creatures--basically, reviews of music I listen to here at the CreatureScape studios to keep the paint flowing. Here you get brief reviews of music we think is cool--largely garage rock, rockabilly, blues and horror sci-fi based stuff you won't hear on the Grammys. If you are interested, we have links to Amazon which help keep the site going.
Latest Installment
Title: Rockin Bones
Artist: Various
Label: Rhino Records
Style: Rockabilly/Rock 'N Roll
This remarkable collection features 101 rockabilly cuts from the days of hot rod cars, drive in movies and giant monsters smashing America's best loved cities.
The set is a four disc compilation with a lot of style. The box is designed like an old hard back middle school library book, complete with knicks and creases. The interior is also nicely designed, with a wonderful, well researched and informative book of liner notes which include info about the artist, the songs and record details like labels and recording numbers.
Of course the real attraction is the music, which features many performers you know (like Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Eddie Cochrane), but many more who are definitely rather obscure. Vince Taylor's original recording of Brand New Cadillac, for example,is a real treat, especially if you have only heard the more famous version by the Clash. Hey, I did not know Vince Taylor did that song first . . . or that he was British . . . or that he died of venereal disease in Switzerland, but I do now thanks to the liner notes, I do now.
Also, interspersed in the collection are movie trailers of the time, particularly those early teen exploitation films about bikers and bad girls and dropouts with an attitude, though Teenage Werewolf makes an appearance. And, the collection does a great job of putting together some of the stranger tunes of the era and horror/sci-fi fans will get a big kick out of "She's My Witch," by Kip Tyler, "Sinners," by Freddie And The Hitch-Hikers, "Flyin' Saucers Rock 'N' Roll" by Billy Lee Riley and "Rockin' in the Graveyard," by Jackie Morningstar. Not to mention my favorite, from the still rockin' Collins Kids, "Whistle Bait." Incredible--Larry Collins was just about 10 years old when he slammed that one out.
To get you in the mood, I leave you with the Killer and a classic indeed . . . p. s. this is why rockabilly is so freaking cool.
Buy it here and help support this site.
Artist: Len Price 3
Label: Wicked Cool Records
Style: Garage Rock
Do these guys look like an early version of the Who? Well, better yet, they sound like it too . . . especially the structure of the songs, which is just fine by me. Plus there is a little Clash thrown in, so you can't go wrong.
But make no mistake . . . these guys are their own band. They are not copying anyone and they have the virtue of raw energy, musical talent and sharp lyrics. I think about 3 minutes of these guys are enough to turn anyone who has gotten confused by the Satanic trickery of standard corporate rock stop and say, "Wait a minute . . . THIS is what it is all about."
Actually, the record is so good, it makes you wonder why Rock and Roll is a forgotten art for most of the country. The guitar is crisp and dirty all at the same time, driving base lines and drumming channeled directly from Keith Moon himself. A great example, "Sailor's Sweetheart," is the kind of tuneWhat more could you want?
Well, how about a video and your own copy.
Buy it here and help support this site.
Artist: R. L. Burnside
Label: Fat Possum Records
Style: Progressive Hill Country Blues
If you never heard of R. L. Burnside, I can't say I would be surprised. He is part of a long tradition of Mississippi blues men whose blues and life were intertwined and never made it stardom because he never made it in Chicago. He did cut a great album in the late 1960s, but most of his best known and loved work was recorded in his re-discovery period in the late 90s and 2000s.
1998's Come On In is a remarkable album and honestly, if you are a fan of the blues, it is an important one to listen to. Burnside is joined on drums by his grandson, Cedric, who provides a youthful influence and powerful rock and funk beat. Kenny Brown, his long time friend, plays guitar alongside R. L. and the blend is hypnotic, especially on this recording. For blues fans, this can be a divisive album, but this is because it is very progressive and walks the line between tradition and today's world. However, it never, ever is dishonest.
You can check out "Let My Baby Ride," from this release by clicking the youtube link below. The picture quality is poor, but listen to that music!
Imagine taking early Tom Petty and mixing it with a healthy dose of mid-seventies, early eighties Rolling Stones and you will have a sound like the Novaks. When I first heard these guys on Little Steven's Underground Garage, I actually thought it WAS and old Tom Petty tune I had never heard.
The bottom line on these guys is that they love real rock music. In a world with a million utterly worthless American Idols, I will take these Canucks any day. Have a listen and keep a look out for the CD, which is available in most Best Buys and through www.undergroundgarage.com.
Trust me, I'd give you an Amazon link if they were smart enough to carry it.
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