Exkrement Beton - Schön, stur, arrogant - No. 205

Exkrement Beton - Schön, stur, arrogant

Back in the day, I was about the only one in our clique to give Punk a chance and my love for this genre has never waned. Of course, U.K. Punk bands were the first and in a way still the most important to me. I can still remember Swiss TV trying to film a feature story about the new Punk movement and what did they get, smashed cameras and one or two fisticuffs. It was a national joke among the cognoscenti and when I think about it to this day, it's still kind of funny. But the Swiss Punk scene was no sleeper either, a few years later, yes, but there were excellent bands and they made their mark.

Germany and Finland are some other noteworthy flags on the Punk map. Especially the German scene is something to lend an ear to. The density of class A Punk bands is just amazing and they have a living culture (music, fanzines and specialized record stores). It's about 50/50 English/German vocals, but the ones with vocals in their native language have a tough stand, because they're readily pushed into the rightwing corner, even though they might be leftwing as they come. In Germany, singing in German evokes memories of Schlager and Saturday evening TV-shows and believe me, this is not a good thing.

However, with an open mind, you can find excellent bands in whatever language. Before the week is over with this longwinded introduction, let me just say, I'm trying to streamline my collection (LPs and CDs) and by streamlining I mean, either selling part of it off or plain throwing items out. This is mainly stuff I have no idea why I got it in the first place, I'm not interested in anymore, some items I bought in thrift stores and so on.

Recently I came across a CD in a pile by a band called Exkrement Beton (Album: Schön, stur, arrogant), which has been in my collection for a long time, but I certainly hadn't listened to it yet. No idea where I got this from, no idea what it was (I did suspect Punk) and I was about to throw it in the bin. Booklet and inlay torn up and then ... put the CD into the player and had a listen. What can I say, Punk from Germany the kind of I pay money for. O.k., now there's a CD without any booklet or inlay, good enough to play on my desktop stereo in my "office". And, friends and neighbours, the thing has been on heavy rotation ever since.

So much so, that I'm actually thinking to get myself their other releases as well. Actually, lyrics on the side, this is more Hardrock than Punk. A bit like a more melodic Motörhead (if you pardon me). O.k.. maybe not quite. And the kicker? I had to buy this album new again, this time on vinyl. I mean, I can try and throw everything out the window and turn on my heels and go shopping for the same stuff. Anyway lesson learned.

Cheers

Devon

Electric Recording Co. - Jazz (Re-releases) - No. 204

Electric Recording Co. - Jazz (Re-releases)

A while back, I read in a forum about this label with their super expensive records and I did check them out. I'm not a classical music fan (I can listen to some of it, but that's about the extent of it), and that was, as I remember, all they had on offer. I knew from other sources, that their product was supposed to be amazingly good, a lot of detail and care going into the production of these re-releases. All valve (and of course all analogue), sleeve redone (not a scan of an old issue), going as far as tracking down the original photograps and relettering the text as per the original specifications.

There's some informational video on their website. What you get is a top product, that comes at a price. No discussion or trying to downplay this fact. Haptically, this is simply an amazing product, record (no scuffs as with other "audiophile" labels), proper innersleeve, thick cardboard sleeve, OBI style wrap-around, ERC embossed protective sleeve and a certificate.

And then, they started with Jazz records. I listen to Jazz from Be-Bop upwards, but my main genre in Jazz is certainly Free Jazz, Avantgarde, Noise, Industrial and Experimental, but Be-Bop is never far away. Although I have to admit, I'm not listening to any Jazz pre-Be-Bop. Maybe Bop on a good day, the rest is not for me. I wasn't sure wether to buy one record, just for the heck of it, because they are asking serious money. In the end I put the cash down and bought their latest release at the time, Jackie McLean's "Lights Out!" and despite the cash that went out the window, I was (and still am) extremely satisfied with what I got.

What I had to do then, I bought myself another "audiophile" release by another label, to compare both LPs side by side. I'm not too good at it, but I wanted to give it a try and have done ever since. One of the reviews I read, warned the reader, not to expect a sunrise, but rather the best possible performance you can have on vinyl. I can confirm this, you have to realise, that there is no mastering done, no remixing, no nothing of the fancy stuff you get these days. It's a beautifully crafted item, that's it! Needless to say, so I say it anyway, no background noise to speak of (with vinyl you always have a certain low level), and absolutely no crackling or pops. I don't expect the record to hold up the quality forever, because the, frankly, medieval manufacturing process and the needle of a cartridge ploughing through the groove, don't really help to preserve an LP (unless you're forking out for one of these Japan turntables that work via laser, but it'll be digital in the end - and peace for your mind, because your record will survive it without detoriation - if you can afford to cough up this kind of money - we're talking about a very expensive record player).

My set-up is good, but there's nothing "audiophile" about it, nor is it "high end" per se. But for whatever it is, I can still enjoy those ERC records. Some time back, in fact because of the ERC releases, I bought myself a dedicated Mono MC and since I don't have two decks, I always need to change the cartridges. One other drawback, my amp doesn't do Mono, it's Stereo only. Apparently, there's a world of difference, listening to Mono on a Stereo System (amp and loudspeakers). But truth be told, I don't have that many Mono records to shell out for a complete second set-up gear-wise.

Up to now, my second choice, to compare these records with, had always been AP. The latest however, Bill Evans "Sunday At The Village Vanguard", is a bit of a problem. AP apparently had released this LP as well, but it seems hard to come by. My solution now, I have a MFSL One-Step copy that'll have to do.

There are, in the above example of Jackie McLeans "Lights Out!", some subtle differences between ERC and AP. There's at least one track on the latter release, that has a more pronounced noise level (must have been the tape) and I got the feeling, that Bass and Drums are somewhat clearer on the former. Actually, the problem here is, that one is trying to find a difference, there must be one, you paid of lot more for one LP than for the other. This is the same everywhere, human nature. And yet, we all know, more expensive doesn't always equal better.

At the time of writing this, I've bought all of ERC's Jazz releases, with the exception of Tommy Flanagan's Trio "Overseas". Somehow I was a bit late and some of their offers sell out quite fast. The main market must be in the Far East, because the brochure that came with one of the LPs is written in Japanese, Chinese, Korean and English. Says a lot in fact.Just a word of caution, don't buy these if you're planning on reselling on the secondary market. I might be wrong, but I don't see any chance for a price hike. If anything, you're likely to sell below your cost price. Buy these items and enjoy them.

 https://electricrecordingco.com/

Cheers

Devon

P.S: Recently, ERC started to issue Mono and Stereo releases of their Jazz output, cutting it down to 150 copies of each. Standard (Mono or Stereo only) releases are numbered to 300. Talk about limited.

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

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!!!

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

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/.

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

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