Monday, February 25, 2019

The Siegel-Schwall Band - Same - No. 203

The Siegel-Schwall Band - Same

I bought my copy of the Siegel-Schwall Band's "Same" around mid to end 70s. It was (and still is) one of these lightweight records that come in way below 100 grams. In fact, the thing is so paper thin, that it almost folds itself when you hold it on one edge and let gravity do the rest. But, the pressing is of excellent quality and still plays amazingly clean. If those nerds come hopping along and brag about their 180 grams records (and conveniently forget to mention that theirs crackle, have non-fills and represent fruitbowls), I know what I have and prove the world wrong, jumping on a marketing train that does nothing for sonic quality.

I didn't know this back then, but I realised, that the pressing was something special, not just because of the little weight, but also because of the clarity in sound. I became a huge fan ot the Siegel-Schwall band, although at the time, I couldn't tell you what blues was supposed to be and strangely enough, when I heard it, there was no way I could say what it was. Blues it was and from the start, this record stayed with me. Years later, this album ist still in my top ... whatever. One killer track after the other.


It's not only the music, there's a great cover painting as well. And the shots (portraits of the members of the band) on the back of the cover are something to appreciate. Each track is a classic and I don't vote one above the other ... except "Hush Hush" which gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. The track lives on harp and it's so intense, yet a slow exhibition piece of a master playing the instrument. It's not highspeed harmonica. The rhythm is kind of hypnotizing and at 10:45, you've got all the time in the world to get carried away. The band could easily have drawn this out to half an hour. Hey, but wait, this is not all you get, around minute seven, there's a halting, laid back bass solo, the like you've never heard in your life.

Easy, spaced and not a lot of notes played, but Jesus Christ, what a performance. I know every note and can master it by now on my airbass. The clapping of the audience between the notes does something else entirely before Rollow speeds it up again and the band comes in at full force. A dream! This is one of the tracks I could have on repeat playing all week long.

In fact, no, I'd play the whole album in a loop, don't forget there's "(Wish I Was On A) Country Road", "Leavin'" and "Corinna" as well plus other tracks. When I'm sitting at my desk, writing text, the CD has to do. In my living room, the glorious LP goes into action. The latter is the way I got to know this island album. I'm a bit short on breath now, just by listening to Corky. I'm sure you all know the album, just wanted to go public with what I think about one of the greatest albums ever released.

Cheers

Devon




Sunday, February 24, 2019

Remu & Hurriganes - Last Call / Live In Helsinki - No. 202

Remu & Hurriganes -Last Call / Live In Helsinki

Remu & Hurriganes in 2019? Well, the gig is actually from 2018 and it's Remu (and Remu), plus a few of his friends and brothers in arms in the service of Rock/Rock'n'Roll/Rhythm'n'Blues and whatnot. The Hurriganes are legend in Finland and a few years ago, Finnish parliament passed legislation, requiring every household in the country to own at least five LPs/CDs of said band. Everyone already had ten copies, so that was a shot in the oven.

Seriously, in Finland you are expected to know their works and if not, better be prepared to be shipped off on the next available airplane leaving the country. Generations of Finns have lived with the sound of the Hurriganes, from birth to death and everything in between. Just don't you dare call them average, because they are not. Bloody great band in my book and their music triggers a lot of buttons. My personal favourite is surely "Hanger", not least because of the melodic diversity on this album.

I haven't counted all releases, but I can't be far off with an estimate of around twenty albums (studio and live, except "Best Of's" - of the latter, there is a seemingly endless supply of cheap cash-in stuff, go for the originals). I believe Remu (only member flying the Hurriganes flag throughout their entire career and beyond, and their drummer and sometime singer) wasn't the only one standing for the band, but there are tragic stories buried in the past.


The Hurriganes have ceased to exist a long time ago already and Remu has had a low profile career carved out of the band in later years. Still a big name in Finland, but I believe his stage appearances were few and far between. No wonder, the guy is now, what, 70 or thereabouts? So, that's supposed to be then end then!?

The LP does have this kind of innersleeve that actually damages your records (offgassing and leaving marks), I don't know how this can still happen when every average record collector these days knows better. My advice, remove the inners at once and replace it with decent sleeves (even though the damage is already done). Just wanted to throw this in, before I forget the point. About the sound quality: I heard better, mainly this has a bit of a dull sound (and I have Infinity RSM speakers which overemphasize highs) and more crackling than is good for a brandnew, factory sealed record. The album is also available as a CD with a bonus DVD (not included in the vinyl version).

BUT the album rocks and rolls and is a joy to listen to despite the shortcomings. What you get are tracks that are ingrained in Remu's DNA (what else?) and the band sounds tight, which is remarkable enough for a one-night stand. And one or two of my favourites are on the LP as well, "Honey I'm Leaving", "Tallahassee Lassie", "I Will Stay" (what is it now, "Should I Stay Or Should I Go", please make up your mind) and many more. I did watch some videos on YT and was surprised to see Michael Monroe playing sax. News to me. But then, Hanoi Rocks is not my go-to Rockband (but I might have something by them). Not knowing anything about the state of Remu's health, he looked quite frail in these videos, but he seems to have made a stand with whatever strength he has and the performance wasn't for sissies.

This "Last Call" is a goodbye in style from a legend (I know, I said it before) and I wish Remu all the best. My only gripe is, I didn't know the music of the Hurriganes during their heydays, but better late than never. Remu & Hurriganes rock.

Cheers

Devon

P.S.: The innersleeves do look like overstock from the 60s/70s (yellowish and already used). I'm talking about a factory sealed LP!!!





Sunday, December 2, 2018

Tohtori Lounamo (Finland) - No. 201

Tohtori Lounamo (Finland)

I'm not a big fan of cover versions. Most of the time. I accept it in Rock'n'Roll, Rockabilly and Jazz. And I even enjoy it in these genres. Exception: When a Dr. Feelgood or Wilko Johnson cover comes hopping along. I'm all for it then. There are a few bands in my collection that carry the Dr. Feelgood and Wilko Johnson flag proudly and I wouldn't want to miss one of them. Sure, it's not the real deal but they don't claim to be. I do grant one thing to all of them, they really try their best and in fact, most of them succeed at giving a good impression.

Tohtori Lounamo? Sorry? What did you say just now? Tohtori Lounamo! Until about two or three months ago, I had no idea, this band even existed. I believe I did a surfing session on Gypie Mayo and by some strange link came across this band and lo and behold, I see, that two of their three CDs are kind of a tribute to the Canvey four. Discogs is my next stop and I manage to get me a copy of "Pää Kylmänä".


This is an almost full fledged covers only CD (all Dr. Feelgood or Wilko Johnson), except for three songs, which seem to be originals. I don't hold this against them, but I did have a tunnel vision when listening to this album. A thought came to my mind, strange, I haven't heard about them before. It's not like I don't have my ear on the ground when it comes to my favourites. And even Teppo hadn't mentioned this band to me. Maybe he didn't know about them? Well, think again, of course he knew the band and was so kind as to send me their CD "Koukussa".


Sure, you know what Tohtori Lounamo are referring to with this covershot. Another ten (out of 12) tracks covering our heroes. Two songs are either an original or a traditional song. I'm not even starting to compare this Finnish band with their counterparts from Canvey Island, the DNA of the latter is too much ingrained in my thinking. Suffice to say, Tohtori Lounamo do a very good job and I know, I will enjoy both CDs in future.

The funny thing here is, the vocals are in Finnish. All other cover bands I know, have stuck to English lyrics. And, surprise surprise, it works, although Finnish does sound exotic in this context. Wether you want to check out Tohtori Lounamo (I believe their CDs are hard to come by nowadays) or any other Dr. Feelgood / Wilko Johnson cover band, your best bet is probably listening on Youtube (or try you luck on Discogs for physical media).

Cheers

Devon






Saturday, November 24, 2018

Rockanites - Hoodlums In The Night - No. 200

Rockanites - Hoodlums In The Night

You can bet your bottom Euro/Swiss Franc/Dollar (pun intended!), that a new Rockanites CD is always welcome to any decent music buff. Just a few days ago "Hoodlums In The Night" made it to these shores (so to speak). Tuomas does speak of a slight shift in genres. Well, maybe slighty off Rockabilly to a more straight ahead R&B (British style). What's important to me, is, wether an album talks to me. Check!

Of the ten songs on offer, nine are originals written by Tuomas (and one is a cover version from a Finnish band called Cast Iron Arms). I happen to bunker some of their output and can only recommend them. Good choice of a cover! When I finished listening to the CD the first time, I read what Tuomas had said about the album (I always like to have a fresh mind and not be influenced at first sight) and it's funny how we can disagree and still like the exact same music. But it's really the same when I'm at a Scotch Single Malt tasting and we get to talk about the spirit in our glasses, wildly diverting opinions and still a lot of common ground.

The whole CD cries Dr. Feelgood and the style of British R&B they made so famous. Mind you, not every song is the Canvey Island four in disguise. But, "Ain't gonna beg" is Dr. Feelgood, pure and unadulterated from the opening riff to the finish line. If there's some Motörhead in there, and I'm no stranger to Lemmy and the guys, I don't hear it. I'll have to dig out the reference though, to see wether I missed the point.

I can't relate to "Drowned In Wine" since I don't touch the stuff. Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Guinness (and Lapin Kulta), these are my favorite tipples. Enough about my drinking habits. Throughout the songs I can hear references but I'm mostly not sure where they are coming from. This track caught me on the wrong foot first, but the reference is Wilko Johnson. Even Tuomas' guitar playing reflects that. You almost got me!



Too bad, the video for "Hip Shakin' Baby" didn't come to fruition. I'd like to have watched that piece. The song "You Own The Night" does indeed own a lot to P Paul Fenech and is very well executed. A very remarkable tribute to one of my (and Tuomas') musical heroes. Listening to the Rockanites CD again, while writing this review, half my record collection is flashing before my eyes. I've piled some work up for me (relistening to a lot of records).

Not sure about "Wild Ideas", when you listen to the track, there's the word "paradise" repeated several times. I'm not sure how one can phrase a single word, but it's left hanging in the air, just like a certain John Wilkinson did in one of his songs. Of course, there are influences everywhere and you learn from the best.

The last song "Awake In The Desert" is changing gear dramatically. An instrumental with touches of Jazz and Walking Blues. If I have to make a critical statement, it's here. In my opinion, the drummer should have laid the sticks to the side and use only brooms. The frame is much too delicate for sticks. Just my 2 Cents.

Excellent album and if Tuomas let's me know where one can buy this CD, I'll add a link, an e-mail address or whatever.

Cheers

Devon

P.S.: Update November 28, 2018

Please search for The Rockanites on Facebook (www.facebook.com/The-Rockanites-898552993528039/) and send them a private message that you would like to buy their CD (I assume, the earlier releases are also still available).Or check Goofin Records for mailorder http://www.goofinrecords.com/.







Thursday, July 5, 2018

Rockanites - Helluva Job - No. 199

Rockanites - Helluva Job

Some time back, I got this new CD "Helluva Job" from the Rockanites. You can read what I had to say about their debut album further down below. The recording has been done in June 2017! Well, that's not to say I've been sitting on it for almost a year. You see, I'm scratching together some excuses! First let me say, this CD is on a par with "Great Shakes" and all songs are originals, mostly penned by Tuomas (with some third party input on a couple of tracks).

There's a slight line-up change compared to their previous outing, but it falls all into place. Before I go on, Tuomas sent me a letter together with the CD in which he claims that this is not strictly (my words) Rockabilly, R&B or something along these lines. He thinks of it as a Rock'n'Roll record. Forgive me, but I hear (mostly) Rockabilly in one form or the other. Even a track like "Boyfriend" has that certain 50's vibe. Maybe especially this track. Even if I agree with Tuomas, this one ain't Rockabilly, but it does breathe the air of the times. Could have been written in 1958 or thereabouts. A classic!


I always find it amazing when a band comes up with all original material, especially in the Rockabilly genre, where covers are the plat du jour. Nothing against a good presentation of a well known or not so well known classic, but this here is in another league. The reception of the album is a very coherent one. Well done lads! I've never seen the band live, but this is something on my to-do-list. The CD clocks in at around 35 minutes give or take.

As to the availability of the CD, I see on the www that some Finnish record stores are carrying the item. However, I think your best approach would be to contact Tuomas on the Rockanites Facebook website. Have a go at it, you know I'm serious about good music.

Cheers

Devon






Friday, June 29, 2018

Pete Gage - Sweet Hearted Woman - No. 198

Pete Gage - Sweet Hearted Woman

A while ago Pete Gage released his new album "Sweet Hearted Woman" (available on his website https://www.petegagemusic.com/). I'm just the lazy bugger these days, so it's just now that I'll say a few words about the CD. A word of caution: I'm a Pete Gage fan. My words are not very objective. Just wanted to make this very clear.

One reason I like Pete's releases is the fact, that he doesn't work the same paths as he did with Dr. Feelgood. This is completely different and if you want pogo in the pit and your eardrums shattered, you better subscribe to a Norwegian folkdance channel. This here is yours truly sitting at home, choosing a dram of the best single malt in the house, sitting down, feet up and just enjoying a CD. It's relaxing and goes extremely well with a Bowmore (25 years) or an Ardbeg (10 years). You're losing track of time, especially if you have this on automatic replay.


What you get is some of the best songwriting this side of the musical spectrum. The songs meander between Blues and Jazz and convey a mood that's thoughtful and inverted. I say this on purpose. Yet this is not depressing, somehow you get to think about the meaning of life (42, in case you didn't know) and your mind drifts off a bit. I've very seldom heard an album which has such a physical attraction. You're involved with all your senses. And the musicianship is first rate.

Pete has just the voice to carry these songs and they are on the right side of justifying repeat listening. All these tracks have been written by Pete himself and it's a stellar performance of his. However, the other players are top notch as well. Just let me mention Sean McBride, who gives a certain interesting patina to the songs. But then, I'm deep into Jazz (amongst other things). The soundquality is just great. I don't think this is a recording that's been fiddled with until all life escapes from the tracks. Another one where you have to open your wallet, otherwise you're going to miss some great music.

Cheers

Devon



Saturday, August 6, 2016

Rockanites - Great Shakes - #197

Rockanites - Great Shakes

The last I knew about Tuomas' whereabouts was my review in post #193 (Jolly Roger). He has found a new stomping ground with the Rockanites. This is a brandnew combo and, of course, hails from Finland. World capital country of Rock'n'Roll and Rock-a-Billy. No, make this a large slice of the music scene in general. The important part!

Let me think, I might have to rewrite this again. Where's Noise, Improvisation, Industrial and the like from Finland? I believe, there might be a hole somewhere. But it's Rock'n'Roll/Rock-a-Billy we're concerned with here. The band is made up of three individuals:

Tuomas - Vocals and Guitars
Janne - Drums
Sami - Bull Fiddle Bass (hey guys, you just lost me there, I will have to look this up)

What you get here is an offer of nine songs, clocking in at just under the half hour mark. And, once again, I'm very much impressed by a band from Finland, not a single cover version here. Not that this is a bad thing in itself, but lots of Neo Rock'n'Roll/Rock-a-Billy bands play it safe and release albums without a single original idea. Not these guys. Tuomas must have worked some overtime, as eight of the nine tracks are his, with Janne (I assume it's Janne) being listed for one song.


My brain is running in circles, I have half an idea whose parents "My Grain-O-Salt Baby" are. This is just one of these thoughts that you can't pinpoint and it drives you nuts. An excellent piece with a nice retro feeling from a bygone era. It's really old-fashioned, I can't help it. Excellent track, no doubt about it. "Mopin' 'bout Your Man" echoes a certain song as well, but I assume this owes more to the style than an actual blueprint. What I want to say is, you're feeling instantly at home with all of those nine selections.

Now that I have listened to the CD for about the 30th/40th time (I kid you not!), some words about Tuomas' singing. Somehow, I think he hits the nail right on the head. His voice is very much suited to the tracks (and not just because he wrote most of them). His voice is such, that you can sit through repeat listens without getting tired. Do I hear some Mick Green influences on guitar? Yes, I do. "Feelin' Horny Tonite" is such a case. Learned from the best, did you?

Janne seems to be a rock solid drummer, but his playing is always in the service of the songs. Not a show-off like so many, just bolting the band to the floor and giving directions. You can actually hear how the band is being ... it's like a railroad train huffing and puffing and Sami, the man on the bass, is oiling the wheels and shifting coal on the steep ascent. Those three guys are really clicking.

The CD was recorded in April 2016 in Helsinki. I'm not sure you can buy this album in any shop outside of Finland, but you can contact the band on their Facebook website, I'm sure you can work something out, so you're soon the proud owner of "Great Shakes".

Uh, and don't forget the Pin-up Girl on the cover and at the back of the booklet. Just sayin'

Cheers

Devon



Red Elvises - Grooving To The Moscow Beat - #196

Red Elvises - Grooving To The Moscow Beat

I found this CD only today in one of my local record shops and I'm asking myself, where have I been all those years? Never heard of the Red Elvises despite the fact that this release dates from 1996 and they seem to have released quite a number of albums. Looks like I'm the only one who was not aware of this band.



Strange little CD this is. You get everything from Rock-a-Billy to Tango and Country (and a lot in between). There's a bit of Russian influence present, or should I say, probably fake Russian influence? It's a bit tongue-in-cheek but not overtly so. Although you might be tempted to compare them to the Leningrad Cowboys, albeit on a small scale, you're entirely off track. There are a few guests on this release, so that gives the whole listening experience a full bodied sound. And by the time you've made it to the last song, "Romantic Junk", you're hooked.

There's even a website at www.redelvises.com

Cheers

Devon