Desert Wind - Rider In The Rain - # 270

Desert Wind - Rider In The Rain - 270

I'm shifting records from one room to the other and back and think "I might as well put some CD in the player" and the first one that's in my grip is the Desert Wind's "Rider In The Rain". Normally I would take it out of the slot and dispose it in the trash, never to be seen again and never bother my tired old soul. But then, I'm staunch supporter of the local music scene. In my case, local is the whole country (others would call it their backyard).

Country music (or what's called Americana for the xxx years) and it's so bad, it doesn't even qualify for the weird section. I don't doubt that the band is pretty much qualified on their instruments and on the mics. But, Jesus Christ on a bike, I've never heard such a slick and boring presentation of C&W. Or rather it's what the band was thinking it sounded like and the way it's needed to be presented in the land of Cows ... and I'm not talking about the US of A. When they try their luck at the biggies, say "Folsom Prison Blues" or worse still "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys", you really have an idea what the term "To Whom The Bells Toll" really means.

This is not music for a rowdy bar, it's more like something to be found in a Sunday afternoon matinee while you nod off on a diet coke. It has zero street credibility and it sounds like this. But what can you expect coming from a band with their personnel raised on the sunny side of life. I mean, they've not been to (or in) Hindelbank, much less to Folsom Prison. Aside to being one of the most unbelievable CDs I ever heard, this is boring as well. After a few tracks your feet will go to sleep and you start longing for Motörhead.

There's nothing I could find on the internet about Desert Wind, but do believe that the band doesn't exist anymore. The CD was recorded in 1998/1999 and the outfit seems to be hailing from a nearby hamlet. Maybe, just maybe, I could have seen and heard the band at a local village event and wonder, would I have stayed throughout the whole gig? It will forever be a question without an answer.

Cheers

Roland

The Lords - And At Night (7") - # 269

The Lords - And At Night (7") - # 269

The Lords, a band from Germany I've been obsessed with since the days I couldn't even spell their name properly. They started off in 1959 as the Skiffle Lords and it was an eventful journey. They disbanded in the early 70s and the singer (Lord Ulli) set our for greener fields with a new outfit, named "New Lords". Just to reform The Lords sometime later. But this is not the story about the band (who's still a working outfit after many line-up changes and sometimes they even play live but are really in their final stages. For people of a certain age having had the fortune to listen to Beat music from Germany (a very good scene) when it was en vogue, the name means a lot.

I'm still after some of their rather hard to get 7"s and a special Cover for the "IV" LP, otherwise known as "Good Side Of June". This 7" I'm talking about is actually one of their best known tracks (of which there is no shortage) and is usually to be found in the retail version, with this sleeve.

I just came across a seller, who's dealing in 7"s for which he produces custom made sleeves of high quality and this one had me up in a second. I've never seen this picture (although I'm not 100 % sure, might have been in a Bravo magazine back in the 60s). I just had to buy it, despite the fact that I have the single several times over. There's even a Typo, the A-side track is called "And At Night" and not "And The Night". How I love these quirks.

Cheers

Roland

Give The Beat, Maestro! - Archie Hämäläinen Special - LP - #268

 Give The Beat, Maestro! - Archie Hämäläinen Special - LP

Subtitled "Story Of Järvenpää Rock-A-Billy 1981-92, Finland", this is really the musical story of one Arto Hämäläinen, aka Archie and on this release also Artcien and a ton of monikers like Grande Archie or even Lil' Archie. Don't ask me! Calling him Archie seems to be the way to go. At least, I've never heard anybody call him by any other variation of the name.

We recently had the Black Slacks release on HT Production and I've heard it through the grapevine (actually, it was Ari again - kiitos), that there was a 12" in the making, collecting Archie Hämäläinen's musical adventure throughout the decades. I did place an order, I believe sometime in mid-2024 and it got here around the end/beginning of 2024/2025. And it occurs to me, something like this can only happen in Finland. A label releases a 12 " (although very limited and if I'm not completely mistaken, already sold out) of music that was very local. I can't go to any length about the scene in Finland in the 80s, as I have zero idea. All I know, each and every person there is born with a musical instrument in hands and take it from there. Kiitos to Archie and to HT Production for making this possible.

Archie was of course the axe man of Doctor's Order and keeps on going with other bands, still releasing CDs and LPs and seemingly not slowing down. The fact that he had a musical life before Doctor's Order, was actually known to me. I've heard bits and pieces and the road stories were few, but they sounded believable. I need to point out, they never came from Archie, he did keep quiet about what went on before, it was always well informed sources that spilled the beans. Archie wasn't always a guitar player, that much was clear from the tales heard. He did his stint as a drummer and as a saxophone player (the latter is not confirmed).

I hope the scan showing the reverse of the 12" cover is large and clear enough to get all the information across, the bands, the line-ups, the tracks etc. If you think now that you've bought the Black Slacks 12" that came out recently and you didn't need a rehash of the same, think again. The Black Slacks songs here are not the ones you've got on the earlier release on HT Production (except "Love Me") and with the latter, I'm not sure it's the same take. I'm quite bad at analyzing musical matters so deeply. My short term memory doesn't work this way. I can actually do it, but it takes out all the fun in what I'm listening to.

What is it you are listening to on this 12"? It's mainly Rock'n'Roll in one way or the other (with shades of R&B) and something I didn't expect. Lil's A. Big Band with two tracks are flying the experimental flag. First I thought that my copy of the record was somehow damaged or that it had non-fills, but apparently not. I still don't know where those two tracks go. And that's me with a rather large collection of Noise, Industrial, Free, Experimental etc., just flabbergasted. Especially the track "Nivram", by a guy called Hank Marvin (of course, Shadows). Although I don't know the finnish language, even I can make out what C-Kasetit means. Cassettes and in amazingly good shape (more than thirty years after the fact). Sure there are some drop-outs, but the overall condition seems to have been good. The sound is mostly much better than what you'd expect from four decades old tapes.

Another track where it's quite obvious that the tape has had some problems, is Black Slacks "Blue Days-Black Nights", you'll hear it towards the end of the song, a complete change in sound. However, overall the audio is much better than I expected (and I wouldn't have complained if it were worse) and doesn't take away from your listening pleasure.

Although this is a "Archie Hämäläinen Special", the focus back then, wasn't on the man. Archie was part of the bands offered here and there wasn't any reason to shine on these recordings. They sound all like group efforts (except a few where Archie is mentioned as vocal/all instruments). Speaking of which, there are a few instances where he plays the bass as well. One other fact that's worthwhile to mention, the number of originals is outstanding. Of the 22 tracks presented here, 13 are covers and 8 are copyright Arto Hämäläinen (plus one to a Kolmas Nainen).

Why there were only 88 copies released, beats me! I could imagine that this is because of tax exemption purposes, much like the U.K. with their private pressings of up to 99 copies. In any case, it's very worthwhile to keep an eye on the finnish scene, past, current and in future.

Cheers

Roland

Doctor's Order - On Stage - # 267

Doctor's Order - On Stage - # 267

Amazing! Doctor's Order seem to have an endless supply from their vaults, praising past glories and showing the way it was back then. Here's a new record (10") released at the tail end of 2024 on Talsti Records (PED, PDLP6702) and (at the moment) quite readily available from some dealers in Finland (Swamp or Jungle for one, but I'm sure others carry the 10" as well). I have to say, I wasn't aware until I got wind of it (thanks Ari). Tempi passati, but Doctor's Order are still relevant to this day. To me, to you and to everyone else and if you've never heard of them, it's about time you get one (or two or three) CD/s or one of the vinyl offers and have a rockin' good time.

The release came as quite a bit of a surprise, as those gigs were certainly not being recorded with a view of releasing them to the public about 15 years later. I remember the band doing quite a few tapes (on DAT, if I recall correctly), but that was mainly to check their performance on the previous night. They shouldn't have worried about the latter, it was always great and who cares about a wrong note here and there. Not that I heard any. Their gigs were about a great night out with stupendous music on the thirteen. You want to discuss pressing matters what with your office mates, leave me alone! There are more important matters than chewing the fat with your co-workers. Doctor's Order was such a point and they were so each and every time. Hard working, hard playing, hard partying and just a joy to be at one of their gigs.

The line-up on this record is the last working one before Kimmo died, much too early I hasten to add. And I think, the band couldn't have found a better drummer to fall into the slot. Doctor's Order did have two other steady drummers before plus a few who took the stool when needed. But it was among the three main guys that the drum sticks were passed and each one has made his marks on the sound. 

Of course, having listened to all of their previous commercial output, one does have expectations and hopes. Even for releases that are latecomers. The first gig I ever saw hit me like the proverbial train at 120 miles per hour and it was great. And the gigs kept on being great. Doctor's Order never varied their trademark sound beyond recognition, yes, there were changes, but overall, they kept to their output. And this was rough and ready R'n'B (British style), some hard Blues and, yes, a ballad or two. Imagine one of their gigs and suddenly, shortly before the end, they come in with a slow one (kind of) or an instrumental, it didn't work, never did. You can't cut off a bullet train with a slowie. It's the second set and the folks in the audience want the band to go full speed ahead and in comes a cheek to cheek feeler. But I believe, Doctor's Order realized it and, if not refraining from it, at least cut down.

The line-up

Arto "Grande-Archie" Hämäläinen - Guitar
Kimmo "Mighty Man" Oikarinen - Drums & Backing Vocals
Teppo "Teddy Bear" Nättilä - Bass & Vocals

The track "So It Is" is forever ingrained in my brain. It was so about twenty years ago and it's still my favourite. Yes, Doctor's Order did more than a handful of exceptional songs, But I'll never tire of "So It Is" and a record that starts with that track in a live setting is just unbeatable/amazing/great/not from this world. I have no idea what the state of this tape was, when it was handed over to the label, but I assume that it needed some touching up. When I listened to the 10", I was actually amazed at the quality of the sound, maybe wishing a bit of a brighter touch, but this is counting beans. It was a bit like "Back To The Future", there's me at my first Doctor's Order gig in Lahti (I think it was) and "So It Is" and the rest blaring out of the speakers. Everyone claiming that time travel is not possible, on the contrary, it is.

Cheers

Roland

The Death Of Vinyl!(?) - #266

The Death Of Vinyl!(?) 

A few days ago, I saw this ad in a music magazine. Titled "The Death Of Vinyl!" and I went, oh no, not again. Some folks once again pretending to have the answers to all of our problems in their hands, while all they really want is a bigger slice of the cake. I quite clearly remember the guys from Austria who made a claim about their HD vinyl, which, at that stage, was still unborn. And the claims were ridiculous and at least it was clear to me, that this was going to be a failure. I hate it when I'm being proved right (or so it goes), but I was correct from the start. After a few updates which led to nowhere and burning a few millions, they called it a day a few years later and filed for bankruptcy. A shame really, that I didn't place a bet on it.

And now this outfit, claiming to press their records (mind you, limited numbered prototype pressings only) with a sugarcane material. I know of the PVC environmental problems with records since last year only. I had no idea. But really folks, I can't imagine this stuff ending up in a river or the sea or even some landfill (if the latter way of disposing still exists). What gets me here is the blatant way of trying to cash in on a real problem (same with TV ads for washing powder and the like, who claim if you're buying their product, you'll be the savious of the world). Spoiler: You're not, you're part of the problem. We all are.

Oh, and these are biodiscs! But truth be told, if you want to do something for the environment, there are much better ways to care for nature. You don't have to stuff the pockets of some outfit with cash, because of their ridiculous claims. And an ad that repeats itself throughout the one page several times, has lost all credibility with me anyway. And now for the most important question, how long do we give them before they fold their world saving operation. My money is on those four records and that's when it's back to normal procedure. 

Thank you for a laugh!

Cheers

Roland

P.S.: And using food to waste on luxury product is not environmentally good. Not for records, not for fuel, not for anything that's made out of foodstuff except food.

Dirt Road Band – Righteous (CD 2024) - # 265

Dirt Road Band – Righteous (CD 2024)

Steve Walwyn – Guitar, Vocals

Horace Panter – Bass

Ted Duggan – Drums

formed the band about five years ago and it was intended as a side job. A well-guarded side job, you have to say. Only when Steve Walwyn was shown the door by "Dr. Feelgood" and initial rumors, excuses and lies made the rounds (again!), the new job of the ex Dr. Feelgood and "Dr. Feelgood" guitarist gradually came to light. I have no idea what the reasons for Steve Walwyn's dismissal (after 32 years of service) were, but the "reasons" seem pretty hollow and mendacious and above all I had a déjà vu and that is Pete Gage.

Well, it was July 2024 and after some start-up time, DRB (as they also call themselves) came around the bend with their debut. For the most part, you have already heard the songs on the internet (except for me, I have become a total internet music objector). But the little I had heard involuntarily was impressive. You can't skip so fast without something sticking. But the DRB website is a good place to start. Under Dirt Road Band you can find everything you need/want to know about your favorite band.

As I said, Steve Walwyn, 32 years of service with Canvey's Finest (of which neither Canvey nor Fine for a few years). The rest of the team, after Pete Gage's forced departure, always seemed to me at odds with reality and, I admit it, Steve Walwyn was one of them. As a guitarist a big number, but as someone who was tempted to make the stirrup holder for Kevin and Phil, unfortunately went for the ride and was held responsible just like the rest. Of course, I had still bought his solo album "Instinct To Survive" from 2015 and his earlier ventures (pre-Dr. Feelgood) still remain in my collection.

What is interesting about DRB's "Righteous" is the musical direction, which they themselves describe as hard, punchy blues rock. Yes, you can do it, but for me it's quite a surprise (and a good one at that) that Steve doesn't carry a Dr. Feelgood backpack. It's actually blues-rock in the style of the genuine English R&B scene. 100% to the point and as a bonus, all 10 tracks are originals written by either Steve Walwyn or Horace Panter. And all of them are high level songs. If you like the trio format in blues rock, you've come to the right place. Another surprise is the vocal delivery. The aforementioned solo "Instinct To Survive" cannot be compared to this CD and of course I know what an excellent Axeman Steve Walwyn is, but his vocal performance impressed me.

His comrades-in-arms have the Specials or Badfinger in their CV, amongst others. So no amateurs and you can hear that. Tight is of course the attribute that you use as a tag. "Worry No More" is a boogie as served by the best and perhaps the track that is probably most reminiscent of Dr. Feelgood. Some guests also shine on the CD:

Nikolaj Torp Larsen. Organ (Track 4)

James Oliver: Guitar (Track 5)

Sam Powell: Harmonica (Track 9)

Bob Jackson: Piano (Track 10)

It will be a bit difficult to experience the band live. Most of it takes place in the U.K. and as I noticed, there were also a few gigs in Spain. One can only hope that the tours will spread a little more in the direction of the rest of Europe. Unfortunately, the distribution of the CD is not really state of the art, not even Bandcamp offers a physical copy. Download yes, but I got my CDs directly from the band (available under the link mentioned above) and this is easy peasy. The first 250 copies are signed. Ah yes, something I noticed, with 10 tracks on the CD and a running time of just over 45 minutes, that's quite long for an R&B (British style) offering, but extremely entertaining.

Cheers

Roland

P.S.: This piece was originally written in German and I used the translation tool in Word to make life easier for me. It looks strange and I believe I must iron some quirks out. But that is for another day. Let me know wether the meaning comes through.

P.P.S.: I touched the tex up here and there. Much better in my opinion now. But I do admit it, translation software has made quite a leap forward.

P.P.P.S.: And here is the original (if you want to brush up on your German language skills) Dirt Road Band – Righteous (CD 2024) – Rockzirkus-Blog

Why Do People In The Industry Think They Can Dabble With Releases? #264

Why Do People In The Industry Think They Can Dabble With Releases?

I just don't get it, why does a Giles Martin think that he can "remix" the Beatles output (not that I care about the Beatles). Why could he not have left the catalogue alone and maybe do a remaster only? Or this Wilson guy who thinks he must show the world how it's really done. I mean there are even Deep Purple remixes. Is this a sort of ADHD syndrome? The guy at the mixing desk gets a load of money, the band can sell the same stuff over and over again? I get it, it's business as usual and usual in this case means, sod artistic integrity. Which begs the question, was there ever such a thing as artistic integrity in Rock and Pop? 


There are even cases where whole gigs are put into a different sequence because the producer thought his take of a gig is valid and he's letting the world know. Case in point, the two CD releases of John Coltrane with his Graz gig in 1962. I was a bit confused to see that it apparently didn't follow the proper sequencing and instead Werner X. Uehlinger thinks he knows best and John Coltrane didn't have an idea. 

QUOTE
Executive producer's note: The four tracks on this first release have been selected from the 1962 concert tape which Hat Hut Records has licensed from ORF Steiermark, Graz, Austria. I approached the Program as I would have done with a studio recording, by deciding not simply to reproduce the concert, but to present the music from a dramatic perspective. The second release, which hopefully will follow soon, will present the concluding portion of the concert with a different dramatic perspective.
UNQUOTE

Thank you Mr. Uehlinger, this is exactly what we've been waiting for, a different dramatic take more than fifty years after the fact. Actually I expected better from you, especially since Hat Hut (and the offshoot ezz-thetics) are one of a kind and the labels are a beacon in Jazz circles. But noone needs a reimagination and believe it or not, John Coltrane's music is his and not yours to be playing games with.

Both CDs were released in 2019 and 2020 and I recommend you to buy the releases with the original order and not this one, however beware of a lot of counterfeits/bootlegs.

Cheers

Roland

Dr. Feelgood - A Case Of The Shakes (LP - Testpressing) - #263

Dr. Feelgood - A Case Of The Shakes (LP - Testpressing)

I might have said it before, but here we go again. I'm not checking minutiae for Dr. Feelgood and/or Wilko Johnson releases anymore, I have better things to do in life. But the odd acetate or test pressing makes my heart still beating somewhat faster and I'm twenty years and more back in time, when it was essential to get my greedy hands on an item that wasn't in my collection yet. 

Just recently I got the B-side test pressing of "A Case Of The Shakes" ("only" the B-side) which was advertised as coming with an alternate track sequence. Which Dr. Feelgood aficionado wouldn't jump at the chance. It's UAG 30311 B, so it makes this British to the core. Unfortunately, there's no alternate track sequence, I double checked even with the Canadian release, because I thought that just maybe the seller made a genuine error. Well, the latter has a different track sequence, but this would be for the A-side only.

Now, I won't be complaining to the seller and I'm glad I was able to add it to my collection and the next thing to do is, to look for an A-side, not. No way, if I happen to stumble over one, the better for me. If not, I won't be losing any sleep. How does it sound? A bit bass heavy if I might say so. I don't recall the original to be such deep off the end.

Cheers

Roland