Monthly Archives: January 2009

PIGSHIT by Gary Pig Gold – Precisely fifty years since the music supposedly died, TEN REASONS WHY BUDDY HOLLY STILL MATTERS

Posted on by

1. THE CHIRPING CRICKETS
Buddy Holly, alongside rhythm guitarist Niki Sullivan, bassist Joe B. Mauldin, and drummist-extraordinaire Jerry Allison, formed the immaculately suited, fully self-contained singing/songwriting template upon which some of the greatest pop-rock bands since, from those Beatles most obviously on down, were inextricably linked at the hip.

2. BUDDY’S BUDDY
When no less than that up-coming King of Western Bop Elvis Presley first blew into Lubbock, Texas on tour in 1955, homeboy Buddy Holly was not only right there in the front row cheering him on, but afterwards appointed himself the Hillbilly Cat’s exclusive host, guide and confidant for the ensuing sixteen hours. Duly inspired, Buddy immediately revamped his burgeoning Crickets from an alt.-bluegrass combo into Lubbock’s very own Elvis, Scotty and Bill …so successfully so, in fact, that several months later, when Elvis triumphantly returned to town, Buddy Holly had graduated from mere tour guide status to that of official on-stage opening act.

Continue reading →

CD Review: Peppermint Creeps – “We R the Weirdoz”

Posted on by

They’re wacky, quaky, and a bit weird. They are the Peppermint Creeps. Since 1997, this glam rock group has been rocking it weird and loud. If Kiss and Motley Crue mated, Peppermint Creeps would be the result. Their flashy neon colored face paint sets them apart from the rest in the glam rock scene. Over the years, the group fluctuated from a four to a three-member band. Traci Michaels, drums, vocals, Macy Malone, vocals, guitar, and Billy Blade on bass, make up their most recent line up. Sadly, Traci Michaels passed away last June 13th of an undetermined cause. Peppermint Creeps glam rock sound will live on forever!

Continue reading →

CD Review: Chris English – “Dreamtown”

Posted on by

An experienced musician and active commercial producer, Chris English weaves a lush sonic tapestry on “Dreamtown.” The sound is reminiscent of Colin Moulding of XTC with a dash of Peter Gabriel prog folk. Opening with the REM-like title track, Chris makes it clear he uses the harmonic elements of both electric and acoustic guitars, with delicate female vocal harmony in the background. A bit of electric folk pop is evident in “I Can See Everything” and the lovely follow up “Autumn” sounds like it came off XTC’s Mummer. These sweet delicate tones are made for perfect relaxed listening. “Without You” also seduces the listener with wonderful harmonies and chord changes here. Occasionally a bit of Alan Parsons styled AOR shows up (“Downtime” and “The Letter”) but it fails to make much of an impression. Another highlight is “I Can Take It” with it’s smooth piano chords and layered melody. Later in the album the songs pick up tempo, with the Beach Boys-like “Summer Revisited” and “Sunshine Routine” – I just wish Chris’ vocals were stronger here, as they float above the melodies, like having two sets of backing vocals. The epic ending track “God Is In The Silence” is a great celestial ballad with some Dark Side Of The Moon production techniques. Jeff Larson, Andrew Gold and Jeffrey Foskett fans will want to pick this one up for sure. If you enjoy highly textured baroque pop, you will love Chris English.

My Space | CD Baby | Kool Kat Musik

More reviews at powerpopaholic.com

CD Review: Dan Penn – Junkyard Junky (self-released)

Posted on by

For someone who has never had a hit record as an artist, the legendary songwriter Dan Penn has certainly accomplished everything else there is to accomplish in the music business. A key part of the Memphis soul scene in the ’60′s, Penn put himself on the map with possibly the greatest R&B hit of the decade when he wrote the song Dark End Of The Street, a hit record for singer James Carr that established Carr as a hitmaker and Penn as a songwriter and producer of note.

Continue reading →

Rock and Roll Report Band Blitz: Jesus Fucking Christ

Posted on by

Jesus Fucking Christ are a Punk/Hardcore/Thrash outfit from Oakland, California, U.S.A. They produce a truly excellent angry hardcore trash sound, which is full on Punk. You can almost feel the spittle fire out of the speaker as you enjoy their rabid barrage of Punk onslaught.

Larry J is on guitar and vocals along with basic but furious drumbeats by Jaime. Dave Ed completes the ensemble with bass and vocals. They sound great to me.

If you like a full on punk sound with attitude, check these guys out.

http://www.myspace.com/jesusfuckingchristpuke

Australia rocks to The Big Day Out 2009

Posted on by

TENS of thousands of revelers defied scorching summer weather yesterday, sweating themselves into a frenzy as rock legend Neil Young brought the Sydney leg of the Big Day Out music festival to a thunderous close.

With the mercury nudging 40C and the volume close to 11, the sell-out crowd of 55,000 packed into Olympic Stadium at Homebush in Sydney’s west to see more than 70 local and international acts, including The Living End, Sneaky Sound System and the Arctic Monkeys, join Young at the multi-stage venue.

In a stirring 90-minute set, Young wrung the neck of his faithful black Gibson to produce many of his signature songs, including Rockin’ in the Free World and Heart of Gold.

Continue reading →