THE HEROES - Seven Days Week End

THE HEROES  Seven Days Week End / Too Much Junkie Bizness  7'' 1983
The Heroes: Walter Lure: lead vocals, guitar / Henri Paul: lead guitar / Billy Rath: bass / Steve Nicols: drums
"After The Heartbreakers split at the end of 1977, Walter Lure played and recorded through the late 1970s and early 1980s with several bands including The Blessed and The Incognitos. Two songs he recorded in 1978 (Seven Day Weekend and Too Much Junkie Business) didn't get released on vinyl until 1983 under the band name The Heroes which at the time was his current band..." Source
The Heroes ne sera le groupe que d'un single! Walter Lure et Billy Rath s'acoquinent avec deux célèbres compères "Thunderiens" : à la batterie Steve Nicols , percutant batteur des Hot Rods qui participa au premier et superbe lp solo de Johnny Thunders "So alone" ; tout comme l'homme à la guitare , en lieu et place du maître , plus Johnny que nature , l'excellent Henri Paul (ex: The Maniacs , Untouchables , Cosa Nostra ...) , compagnon des tournées des 80's ! Une affaire de perdants magnifiques..."Seven Day Weekend" une chanson écrite par Doc Pomus et Mort Shuman occupe la première face tandis que  "Too Much Junkie Business" des Heartbreakers clôt le single. C'est Skydog qui sortira l'objet en 1983 cinq après qu'il fût enregistré.

Buy it HERE!

LOOKING FOR JOHNNY, THE LEGEND OF JOHNNY THUNDERS

Directed by Danny Garcia (The Rise and Fall of The Clash), Looking For Johnny is the definitive documentary on New York legendary guitar player Johnny Thunders.

In 90 minutes, this film covers Johnny Thunders career from his beginning in the early 70's to his demise in New Orleans, where he died under mysterious circumstances in 1991.

What We Need & What You Get

$25,000 is the minimum we need to finish filming the interviews and license a bit of footage, a bit of music and a bit of photography that will help us start putting the documentary together.
We're still shooting the interviews at the moment. We recently did a few in New York (Walter Lure, Alan Vega, Donna Destri, Sam Yaffa, Leee Black Childers, Alison Gordy, Marcia Resnick, Luigi Scorcia, Jill Wisoff, etc) and in LA (Wayne Kramer, Barry Jones) and San Diego (Gail Higgins). In London we already interviewed the likes of Peter Perrett, JC Carroll, Tony James, Nina Antonia, Neal X, John Perry, Chris Musto, Alan Hauser, etc.
Lotten Sunna, Stevie Klasson and Michael Thimren were just interviewed in Stockholm and we still have to visit Henri Paul and Marc Zermati in Paris, The Mighty Marty Thau in Virginia and a final stop in New Orleans where we will follow JT's last steps.
As we all know, more money than those $25,000 will be required to finalize the film BUT once it starts looking good it will be a lot easier to get potential executive producers interested in order to finalize it and put it out.
In return for your contributions, we're offering a range of perks - your name on the end credits and on the website, a cool T-shirt, tickets to the premiere in New York City, drinks with the director and VIP's and even an Associate Producer and Executive Producer credit!
If we reach our target, your contribution will have helped ensure this film is made. If we surpass our target we may be able to include more Johnny Thunders songs in the soundtrack!

Other Ways You Can Help

Spread the word amongst all Thunders' fans!
Tell 'em to contribute directing them to:  www.indiegogo.com/thundersfilm

HURRY UP !!!

THE DRAGONS - R* L* F

THE DRAGONS  Rock Like Fuck  cd  1999
Insatiable / Sleep when I'm dead / Roll the dice / Take it / My confession / Downtown something / Hard / I don't care / Killing time / Gimme some luv .
Produced by The Dragons & J. Forrest
The Dragons: Mario Escovedo : vocal , guitar / Ken Mochikoshi Horne : lead guitar / Jarrod Lucas : drums / Steve Rodriguez : bass , backin' vocals .
So Cal punk & rollers the Dragons were fronted by Mario Escovedo, the youngest sibling of musicians Alejandro and Javier Escovedo. Javier, of L.A. punk legends the Zeros ( and later with Alejandro in the True Believers), bought his teenage kid brother his first guitar on Sunset Strip, paving the way for Mario's rock 'n' roll future.
Mario and Ken Mochikoshi Horne had formerly been in a punk band called M-80's. Toward the end of 1990, the two decided to form a new band, recruiting bassist Steve Rodriquez and drummer James Barczak. In the summer of 1992, the Dragons released a 12-track vinyl LP in Spain on Impossible Records. The following year the group parted ways with Barczak, adding Jarrod Lucas. In 1994, they recorded a four-song 7" for Pop Tones Records, following that in 1996 with their first CD release, "Painkiller", on Scam-O-Rama Records. By the end of 1997, the group had signed with Junk Records, for whom they recorded several LPs, including 1999's raw, furious "R.L.F." (Rock Like F*ck) and the 2000 concert set "Live at the Casbah". "Rock N Roll Kamikaze" followed in 2001, and was supported by an even more furious touring schedule that took the band from L.A. and the southwest all the way to Japan. By August 2002, The Dragons were back in the U.S.A., and playing the 1st annual Gearfest in Austin, TX. Gearhead Records, the show's sponsor, was blown away by the band, and signed them soon after. "Sin Salvation", their fiery, redemptive Gearhead debut, appeared in May 2003, and was supported by a tour with labelmates the Riverboat Gamblers.
Buy It HERE!

DM3 - Italian Style! Garage Sale Vol. 2

DM3  Italian Style! Garage Sale Vol. 2  cd  2001
Just Like Nancy / How Ya Feelin' / Foolish** / Know You Now / Never Be Friends / One Time Two Times Devastated / Rock And Roll Ghost / Find Out ° / Take It All* / Fairweather Friend+ / Second Floor / Falling For You / Gino's Hair Capuccino* / Foolish / Priest / Jumping To Conclusions / Love Or Mercy* / Everysince.
DM3: Dom Mariani: guitar & lead vocals / Pascal Bartolone: drums / Toni Italiano: bass & backing vocals Plus: Robbie Scorer: drums on * / Ian Campbell: guitar & backing vocals on **  / Mitch Easter: guitar on * & + / Julian Matthews: bass on *.
Consisting of 18 tracks that kick off with the rollicking Just Like Nancy and followed by How Ya Feelin' from the final DM3 sessions, the collection also contains other hard to find gems; Find Out which appeared only on the European issue of Rippled Soul, 4 live tracks from their 1994 appearance at the Roskilde Festival that include rocking versions of the Someloves classic Know You Now, the Stems' Never be Friends, and live favorites 1 Time Two Times Devastated and Foolish, covers of Brian Wilson's Love and Mercy and The Replacements Rock and Roll Ghost, alternate mixes by Mitch Easter and Jeff Murphy (The Shoes) and curious tracks like Gino's Hair Cappuccino, recorded for a proposed "Who Sell Out" tribute that never surfaced. All these make Garage Sale Vol. 2 an interesting and enjoyable listen. Source
Buy It HERE!

Merry Xmas Everybody !!!

DM3 - Garage sale

DM3 Garage Sale cd 1997
Hold On / Sweet Hitch-hiker / Making Time / Zero Hour / Little Town Crier / High Rotations / Far From Here (The Soundcheck Mix) / Fall To Bits (Dubbish Mix) / Up In The Air (Coffee House Mix) / One Times, Two Times Devastated (Mitch Easter Mix) / Beechline / The Creeper / Oriana.
DM3: Dom Mariani: lead vocals, guitar / Toni Italiano: bass, backing vocals / Pascal Bartolone: drums.
Fronted by singer/ guitarist Dom Mariani (formerly of The Stems and The Lime Spiders) DM3 got their start in 1992 with the accompaniment of bassist Toni Italiano and drummer Pascal Bartolone. Bringing out their own brand of power-pop to the town of Perth, Australia, DM3 debuted with their first single "Foolish" in 1993 before following it with their first full-length 1 Time, 2 Times, 3 Red Light in 1994. After a European tour in support of these two releases, DM3's second album Road to Rome came out in 1996 before Bomp Records hooked up a "best of" compilation in support of the band 1997 US tour entitled Dig It The Most. With the 5 Greasy Pieces EP released that same year courtesy of Citadel Records, another compilation of b-sides and out takes entitled Garage Sale saw the light of day in 1998. Allmusic
The Garage Sale concept was initially put to use in 1997 with the release of Garage Sale Vol. 1 to collect a bunch of unreleased tracks, alternate takes and mixes of previously released tracks along with b-sides and odd covers that were left off official releases.  The same concept has been put to use for Garage Sale Vol. 2 - Italian Style on what will bring excited fans and curious on-lookers together to embrace possibly the final chapter in DM3's existence. Source
Buy It HERE !
Thanks to Mr D. !

GREG KIHN - Greg Kihn Again

GREG KIHN Greg Kihn Again cd 1987
Love's Made A Fool Of You / Island / Last Of Me / Real Big Man / Politics / Hurt So Bad / For You / If You Be My Love / Madison Avenue / Untie My Hands.
Produced by Glen Kolotkin & Matthew King Kaufman.
 Greg Kihn: vocals, 12 string guitar / Larry Lynch: drums, percussion, backing vocals / Dave Carpenter: lead guitar, backing vocal / Steve Wright: bass, backing vocals.
Greg Kihn began his career in his hometown of Baltimore, MD, working in the singer/songwriter mold, but switched to straightforward rock & roll when he moved to San Francisco in 1974. The following year, he became one of the first artists signed to Matthew Kaufman's now-legendary Beserkley Records. Along with Jonathan Richman, Earthquake, and the Rubinoos, Kihn helped to carve the label's sound -- melodic pop with a strong '60s pop sensibility -- a refreshing alternative to the bloated prog rock of the time. In 1976, after his debut on the compilation Beserkley Chartbusters, he recorded his first album with his own band consisting of Ronnie Dunbar (guitar), Steve Wright (bass), and Larry Lynch (drums). Through the '70s, he released an album each year and built a strong cult following through constant touring, becoming Beserkley's biggest seller. In 1981, he earned his first bona fide hit with the Top 20 single, "The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)," from the Rockihnroll album. He continued in a more commercial vein through the '80s with a series of pun-titled albums: Kihntinued (1982), Kihnspiracy (1983), Kihntageous (1984), and Citizen Kihn (1985). He scored his biggest hit with 1983's "Jeopardy" (number two) from the Kihnspiracy album. One more single broke the Top 40, 1985's "Lucky," but by the time Love and Rock and Roll was released in 1986, the puns had run out and so had the hits. Kihn kept a relatively low profile throughout the '90s, releasing Mutiny in 1994 and Horror Show in 1996. All the Right Reasons followed in mid-2000. Source

"Greg Kihn Again" is notable for several reasons. First of all, it was the first album recorded with the lineup that would define the Greg Kihn Band in its early days- Dave Carpender, Steve Wright, Larry Lynch, and me. It was a relief to finally have our very own full-time guitarist Dave Carpender- who was wonderful guitarist and really gave the band some fire. Up to that time, Robbie Dunbar from Earthquake had been filling-in but the arrangement was wearing thin since both bands were on the rise and gigging consistently. With Dave in the band, we finally had our own sound and direction. Also, it was a transitional phase for me as I was changing my songwriting style from singer-songwriter type material (like the first album) to rock and roll. I would never look back.
It was liberating to be writing pure rock- and that second album has some interesting songs on it including "Madison Avenue Man", "Hurt So Bad","Island", and "Real Big Man". It also featured my first Springsteen cover- "For You", which became an FM favorite and caught the ear of Bruce Springsteen who liked my arrangement so much he started performing it live with my ending. It would be the first of several Springtseen covers for the Greg Kihn Band. Ironically it was the last song Robbie Dunbar ever recorded with us right before Dave joined the band. If I remember correctly, Dave gave it a try but couldn’t capture the raw first-take vibe of Robbie’s solo. Speaking of first takes- that song is nothing but first takes- first take backing track, first take vocal, first take harmonica solo, first take everything. I had the flu that day and I thought I sounded horrible. I remember producer Mathew Kaufman telling me, “don’t worry, it’s just a work vocal, we’ll replace it later.” Famous last words.
Also, when I cut the harmonica solo I was told it was just a test run and the real solo was next, but it never happened that way. I was just making noise on the harmonica, not really playing a part, and everybody loved it and insisted it go on the album just like that.
I am so glad that this historic album is once again available because it captures a magic time in the development of the Greg Kihn Band. We became a strong, hard-working, original rock and roll band with our own identity and sound. It was during this stage that we started playing a lot of gigs and really growing as a band. Source
Buy It HERE or HERE !

THE HAMMERSMITH GORILLAS - Gorilla Got Me

THE HAMMERSMITH GORILLAS Gorilla Got Me cd 1999
The Hammersmith Gorillas: You Really Got Me /  The Hammersmith Gorillas: Leavin' Home / The Hammersmith Gorillas: Eleanor Soapdodge / The Hammersmith Gorillas: I Live In Style In Maida Vale / The Hammersmith Gorillas: Luxury / The Gorillas: She's My Gal / The Gorillas: Why Wait 'Til Tomorrow / The Gorillas: Gatecrasher / The Gorillas: Gorilla Got Me / The Gorillas: Move It / The Gorillas: Song For Rita / The Hammersmith Gorillas: Moonshine / The Hammersmith Gorillas: Shame Shame Shame / The Gorillas: Feel It Easy / The Gorillas: Miss Dynamite (AKA She's Dynamite) / The Hammersmith Gorillas: You Can't Judge A Book (By Looking At The Cover) / The Hammersmit Gorillas: Leavin' 'Ome / The Hammersmith Gorillas: Come On Down / The Hammersmith Gorillas: Jailhouse Rock / The Hammersmith Gorillas: Wild Thing / The Hammersmith Gorillas: Keep On Chooglin' / The Hammersmith Gorillas: Foxy Lady.  
The Hammersmith Gorillas: Jesse Hector: guitar, vocals / Gary Anderson: drums / Alan Butler, Jimmy Knight & Matt McIntyre: bass.
The Hammersmith Gorillas or Gorillas as they were also known, were formed in 1974 and lasted until 1981. Based around the creative talents of Jesse Hector, who was no stranger to the music scene, the band made a reputation for itself in the early days before and during the punk revolution. Jesse Hector had been involved in the music scene since the age of 15. He had played guitar in the mid-'60s cult band the Clique (not to be confused with the U.S. band of the same name) then fronted some politically incorrect bands by the names of Helter Skelter and Crushed Butler in the late '60s. In 1971, Hector got together with Alan Butler (bass) and Gary Anderson (drums) and took the name of a pro-Castro activist group and the band, The Hammersmith Gorillas were born. The band recorded a wild, pumped-up version of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me," as their first single for Larry Page's Penny Farthing label, and it immediately captured the attention of a young generation yearning for a new style of music. The sheer energy and attitude behind the single won it immediate recognition among the young people, but it failed to impress the radio programmers, so it didn't receive the airplay it deserved. After the failure of Page's label, the band signed to the fledgling Chiswick indie label and recorded further singles.

By 1976, the punk movement began to rear its ugly head and The Hammersmith Gorillas were right in the midst of the movement. Along with their friends in the Damned, Eddie & the Hot Rods, and more, the Gorillas, as they were then known, went to France to play in the legendary Mont de Marsan Punk Festival. After the Festival, punk took the world by storm and many bands popped up vowing to change the world. In 1978, the Gorillas recorded their debut (and only) album titled "Message to the World" for Raw records. The band rode the wave of the punk movement, and in 1981, bandmember Alan Butler died a tragic death and the band broke up. Nearly a decade later, in 1991, Hector returned to the music business and formed the Sound. "Gorilla Got Me" compiles 22 tracks from the careers of The Hammersmith Gorillas and the Gorillas. This set contains singles and selected album tracks originally released between 1974-1978, and a number of previously unreleased live tracks. Although the Gorillas will never make the rock & roll hall of fame the band's contribution to the '70s music scene is worthy of documentation. The set also contains detailed liner notes, a history of the band, a discography, and rare photos. A fitting tribute to one of the forgotten innovators of the punk movement. Allmusic

All you ever wanted from Jesse Hector's remarkable, hirsute and garbed trio - the issued Penny Farthing and Chiswick sides plus eight previously unissued studio recordings, and 25 minutes of ragged but right recording from the first Mont De Marsant Punk Rock Festival. They just don't make them like that anymore. Source
Buy it HERE!

THE FLYING PADOVANIS - They Call Them Crazy...

THE FLYING PADOVANIS Font L'Enfer 12'' ep 1982 + They Call Them Crazy lp 1987
01 Jack The Ripper / 02 Against The Fall Of Night / 03 Bumble Bee / 04 Lies / 05 Rattleshake / 06 Wipe Out / 07 Three For Trouble / 08 They Call Him Crazy / 09 The Last Bullet (Uptempo Version) / 10 No Place To Hide / 11 Western Pasta* / 12 Murder / 13 Caravan / 14 Vas Plus Haut* / 15 The Last Bullet.
Produced by The Flying Padovanis.
French guitarist Henri Padovani is forever guaranteed a footnote in rock history: he was the original guitarist in the Police, performing only on their indie debut single, "Fallout," before being replaced by Andy Summers. Following that misfire and a brief stint in Wayne County & the Electric Chairs, Padovani returned to France and formed an instrumental guitar trio called the Flying Padovanis, performing a new wave-influenced gloss on the Shadows' vintage cool. These two vinyls feature surfy-twangy guitar instrumentals played with drop-dead élan,  wisely avoids attempting to update or modernize the classic instrumental rock template. This results in solidly entertaining gems like the moody "Apache" homage "Against the Fall of Night" and nervy, speedy gems like "No Place to Hide," which would have sounded great on an old Davie Allan & the Arrows 45. You can   even find here  the trio 1981 debut single, the near-funky Ennio Morricone homage "Western Pasta." Fans of surf, twang, and other old-school instrumental rock styles are well advised to seek these low-key gems out. Source

The Flying Padovanis broke up in 1987, but 20 years later the original lineup reunited for the "Three for Trouble" compilation (HERE!) .

Henry Padovani has been in the music business for the last 30 years.

First, as a guitar player, in 1977, in London, he starts the band The Police with Stewart Copeland and Sting, then joins Wayne County and the Electric Chairs, puts together his trio the Flying Padovanis and plays with everyone, from Pete Townsend to Kim Wilde, from the Pretenders to the Jam.

In 1984, he becomes the vice president of IRS, records, Miles Copeland's label and they sign REM, Fine Young Cannibals, the Fleshtones, Wall of Voodoo, the Go-Gos, the Lords of the New Church, the Cramps,  etc etc.

En 1994, he becomes Zucchero's manager and they go on selling together more than 11 millions album.

In 2000, he stops the business.

In 2005, he writes his memoirs and signs the soundtrack of the movie "Ici Najac à vous la terre", directed by Jean Henri Meunier.

In 2006, his book "Secret Police Man" (HERE!), is released by french publisher Flammarion and "Ici Najac à vous la terre" is an official selection at the Cannes film festival. Henry also releases his first solo album "A croire que c'était pour la vie" ("When you believe it was forever"), recorded with Sting, Stewart Copeland, Manu Katché, Steve Hunter, Glen Matlock, Chris Musto (HERE!) etc...

In 2007 Henry reforms the Flying Padovanis, plays in London and all the way to Japan, goes back on stage with The Police at the Stade de France in Paris for 2 concerts in front of 160,000 screaming fans.

In 2008, Henry plays a lot in England with the Flying Padovanis, now dubbed ' the Kings of rock instrumental',  their unique blend of Link Wray tinged guitar instrumentals and works on the production of a movie, 'Rock n Roll..Of Corse!', directed by Lionel Guedj and Stephane Bebert, based on his book "Secret Police Man".

In 2009, Henry puts the finishing touches on the musics of the movie and at the end of 2009, he leaves for a month tour in Australia, Singapour and New Zealand, where he performs alone with a guitar in theaters and blues clubs. The movie is shown in a work in progress version and in world premiere in the towns where he plays.

In 2010, the movie 'Rock and roll..of Corse!', is an official selection at the Cannes film festival, where Henry goes up again the famous red carpet and burns the croisette with a Flying Padovanis concert. During the summer, the Flying Padovanis play festivals in England, Belgium and Austria.

In 2011, Henry is a jury member of the X Factor in France, on M6 tv channel, and is getting ready to record a new solo album, guitar and voice, to re release his book ' Secret police Man' in pocket format on may 5th 2011, and release the Flying Padovanis live album, recorded in July 2010 at the Victoria Park High Voltage Festival in London. Recorded on the legendary LMS mobile studio ( Quadrophenia-Who, Physical graffitti- Led Zep, Black and Blue- R.Stones), this album will released on vinyl only.

The movie 'Rock and Roll.. Of Corse!' should be released in the cinemas Spring-summer 2011... 

Source: www.henrypadovani.com

Buy It HERE!

NEWS

On November 27 RS  has uncapped the download speed for non premium users.
The new model will restrict the outgoing traffic of free users to just 1 gigabyte per day while paid users will be able to share no more than 30 gigabyte per day. No transfer limits will be imposed on files that are shared with selected groups or contacts, as these files are not available to the public.
If you read RS exhausted, it means PPC public trafic (30GB) has reached its limit for the day being. The links are NOT DEAD ! You can try it the day after.
So, you won't be able to get anything via all the RS links. This is the reason why, i'm gonna try for a while some new hosts (ZS, PL or another) for the new posts and see how things get going.
No re-ups for the moment!
If nobody is satisfied, this will be the end of SOTD.

Le 27 novembre, RS a mis en place de nouvelles mesures:
1 Go/jour pour les membres gratuits,
30 Go/jour pour les abonnés, c.a.d 30 Go pour 24 heures sur tous les fichiers présents sur SOTD
Selon RS, cette nouvelle politique ''a pour avantage de réduire le piratage de masse'' (on admire au passage le cynisme).
Les re-ups sont stoppés jusqu'à ce qu'un host fiable soit trouvé

A suivre...

THE PRISONERS - A Taste Of Pink!

THE PRISONERS  A Taste Of Pink! lp 1982 cd 2003
Better in Black / A Taste of Pink / Maybe I Was Wrong / Creepy Crawlies / There Can't Be a Place / Pretend / Coming Home / Threw My Heart Away / Come to the Mushroom / Till the Morning Light / Say Your Prayers / Don't Call My Name / Baby Come Alive / Pretend / There's A Time / Lilac Reflections / Talking Bout My Baby / Don't Call My Name / Say Your Prayers / Somewhere / Love Changes.
The Prisoners: Graham Day: vocals, guitar / James Taylor: organ / Allan Crockford: bass / Johnny Symons: drums.
"There is something about a rock'n'roll band that appeals. I think it's the feeling that with a little effort we could all be up there, guitars in hand. It is this do it yourself" ethic that ensures that the popularity of guitar-based groups endures, and that even when the hot light of publicity is shining elsewhere those bands will still be formed. At the moment the classic garage band sound is very much back in vogue, coming from US bands such as the White Stripes from Detroit and their ilk. These bands and their members have been playing for years with little publicity and would have carried on doing so regardless of success. This is a similar situation to the scene that formed around the Medway towns just outside London, in the early 80s which produced many bands-.-notably the Milkshakes with leader Billy Childish, but also the Prisoners, whose rough-hewn take on 60s psych and garage made them one of the great "lost" bands of the 1980s. This unique re-issue of their debut album "A Taste Of Pink!" with additional tracks shows the band development from their earliest home demo through to their move outside their local area onto a wider audience.
The Prisoners formed in 1980 when Allan Crockford, Graham Day and Johnny Symons formed a band at school in Rochester. It was pretty basic stuff, Graham on guitar, Allan on bass and Johnny on drums, mixing punk and 60s influences, rehearsals at parents' homes and maybe the odd gig in between exams. 1981 saw the band take things more seriously, and the band expanded to a four piece with the addition of Bruce Brand from the Milkshakes as a second guitarist, which brought with it a stronger R&B flavour. This arrangement didn't last long and the far more important discovery for the year was Graham's voice as a songwriter.
Late in 1981 (Allan thinks November) the band recorded a home demo as a three piece. It's an interesting document which we present here for the first time. Obviously a little rough around the edges, the band is nonetheless a tight outfit with all the power you could want from a guitar trio. The songs include the previously unheard "Talking Bout My Baby", which is strongly marked by one of Graham's biggest influences at that time, the Pretty Things. Two of the other songs, "Don't Call My Name" and "Say Your Prayers", would be recorded again for "A Taste Of Pink!". The final song,"Lilac Reflections", is a bit of a discovery, an early live favourite, still liked by Allan and Graham. This is the first time you will have ever heard it unless you were at the early gigs. These demos once again showed the touch of the Milkshakes as that band's Russell Wilkins helped in the recording - something that he did on and off throughout the Prisoners' career.
The Prisoners became a four piece in early 1982 with the addition of Jamie Taylor on organ. James, like the others, was in the same year at Rochester Mathematical School - and was Johnny Symons' best mate. Originally he played a modern Casio keyboard, which was given a distinct sound by playing its organ sound - loud - through a valve amplifier. The organ and Graham's songs gave the Prisoners a distinctive sound, allowing them their own niche within the local scene. Throughout the first half of 1982 they played all the local venues, most notably the Medway Indian Club (MIC), where they would later record a live album with the Milkshakes.

The Milkshakes were a discernable influence on the Prisoners' attitudes and it was their "get up and get on with it yourself" ethos that convinced the band that they could just go and record an album. So with money saved from their gigs - looked after by Allan's then girlfriend - and the spur of Jamie's impending exodus to university in Newcastle, the band recorded "A Taste Of Pink!". The album was recorded in two days at a studio in Herne Bay. The first day - a Sunday - saw the putting down of backing tracks and guide vocals recorded live to tape. The following Sunday the lead vocals and any lead instrumental parts were overdubbed. Due to the imminent birth of the engineer's daughter the whole thing was mixed down in an hour.
It is this album that announced the band to the world outside the Medway. The album was pressed at Mayking Records in the Portobello Road, West London after Allan and Graham had made up the sleeve the previous night at Graham's kitchen table. They had scraped enough money together to press 500 copies - not that they could really have expected to sell many more. They only had two or three weeks to sell the album at gigs before James left and they all thought that would be that.
Two things happened to change it all. Firstly, James lasted a mere three days at university before he returned and re-joined. Secondly, the album started to build a following for its blend of exuberant 60s influenced garage rock. It may well be a highly primitive recording, but from the opening blast of Better In Black to the undisguised snarl of "Don't Call My Name" a mere 30 odd minutes later, this is dirty, adrenaline-fuelled guitar music, short, sharp and aimed straight for the jugular. John Peel played "Better In Black" and Rough Trade ordered a couple of hundred copies. The Prisoners were starting to make a mark in the wider world. Those 200 copies sold out and Rough Trade ordered 500 more, a process that repeated itself for the next few years.
When we were trawling the tape archive for this CD we discovered a track that for some reason hadn't made the final album. Allan thinks that the band may have thought it was too Jam-like at the time. Today, "Baby Come Alive" sounds like a great rush of energy and it makes a fine addition to the album. Due to the non-availability of the mixed master, this is a monitor mix with Graham's guide vocal.
The next two tracks are both recorded live, but in recording studios. "There's A Time"  is a song that appeared as a French 45 on the Skydog label in 1983. This version is an out-take from the split album recorded with the Milkshakes at Oakwood Studio. The "A Taste Of Pink" track "Pretend"  is taken from a Belgium radio performance that also saw the band doing "One Mint Julep" and the Small Faces' "Grow Your Own". The session ended with Johnny Symons pushing over the speaker stacks and the bands (the Prisoners shared the session with the Milkshakes) having to hand back their gig money to pay for the damage.
Once James Taylor re-joined, the band continued playing gigs around Kent. They didn't play their first London gig until January 1983, at the Moonlight Club in Hampstead with the Barracudas. This was on the same night that BBC Radio Kent broadcast a session with the band recorded at the station's studios. From this session we have lifted the earliest version of a new song "Somewhere", that would appear on the band's second album "Wisermiserdemelza". January 1983 was also when the early version of "Love Changes" was performed at a gig at Quines in Canterbury. The night in question was nearly empty due to some atrocious snowy weather.
1983's live work and the small but dedicated crowd of people who had discovered "A Taste Of Pink!" represented an upward curve for the band. This would be confirmed by signing to the Big Beat label and national TV appearances in the following year. It was an exciting time for an exciting band. D. Rudland (Source)

Buy It HERE !

JESSE HECTOR - Gorilla Garage: The Jesse Hector Story

JESSE HECTOR  Gorilla Garage: The Jesse Hector Story  cd  2005

J. Hector & The Gatecrashers: Carolina / In My Soul / Summertime Blues // J. Hector & The Sound: Leavin Town / Running Wild // The Gorillas: Foxy Lady / Outa My Brain / I'm a Liar / New York Groover / Last Train / Message To The World / Gatecrasher / She's My Gal / The Hammersmith Gorillas: You Really Got Me / Leavin' Home // Helter Skelter: I Need You / Goodbye Baby // Crushed Butler: Factory Crime / Love Is All Around Me // J. Hector & The Rock 'n' Roll Trio: Fact Train To Memphis.

Jesse Hector was born in 1947, in Kilburn, northwest London, England. He played in bands from the age of 11, first the Rock and Roll Trio, and then the R&B-influenced band The Cravats.Cravats bassist Adrian Stambach joined mod outfit The Clique in 1963. Hector reformed the Rock and Roll Trio before starting two more short-lived bands, The Way of Life and the Mod Section. Then he went on to form the proto-punk band Crushed Butler in 1969 with drummer Darryl Read and bassist Alan Butler. After a brief flirtation with EMI Records, the band was renamed Tiger, until Darryl left to join the glam rock group Dizzy. After Darryl's departure they changed name again to Helter Skelter. With the addition of drummer Gary Anderson, the band became The Hammersmith Gorillas, taking their name from London's pro-Castro activist group the Hammersmith Guerillas.

The band's debut release was a cover version of The Kinks' "You Really Got Me" on the Penny Farthing label, produced by Larry Page, and timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the original release. They then signed to Chiswick Records, recording two singles for the label, and building a loyal fanbase, before moving on to Raw Records.In 1976, they played at the Mont-de-Marsan Punk Festival in the south of France along with The Damned and Eddie and the Hot Rods. After two more singles in 1978, the band's debut (and only) studio album "Message to the World" was issued on Damaged Good Records. Hector was noted for his extravagant sideburns, and was a keen self-publicist, declaring The Gorillas to be "the future of rock music". He was influenced by several dead rock stars, and several tracks on the band's album were performed in the style of his heroes, including a cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady" and "Going Fishing" performed in the style of Marc Bolan. They returned to Chiswick in the early 1980s for the "Move It" single, before splitting up after Butler died. Hector continued to regularly perform live around London, working with a new band, The Jesse Hector Sound, in the early 1990s, with bassist Kevin White and drummer Gilles Baillarguet. The band issued a single in 1991, "Leavin' Town" on the Clawfist label. When the group split in 1993, Hector assembled a new band, The Gatecrashers, named after a Gorillas single, contributing to several retro-garage rock compilations and releasing an EP in 2000, "Keep on Moving".

Hector now works as a cleaner at The Royal Geographical Society, and was the subject of a documentary film in 2008, A Message To The World, directed by Caroline Catz, which was shown as part of the Raindance festival, and at the Barbican as part of its "Pop Mavericks" season.

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THE RIFFS - Underground Kicks

THE RIFFS  Underground Kicks  cd  2000
Throwin' It All Away / Johnny Johnny / Don't Wanna Die This Way / It's Too Late / Streets Of Tomorrow / Underground Kicks / Motorvator / Kamikaze / Gun In Your Back / In The City / Waitin' For The Man.
The Riffs: Tony Mengis: vocals / Amphetamine Blue: guitars, backup vocals / Saigon Shakes: guitar / Dogs Body: guitars and vocals / Toni Transmission: drums.
In the early 2000s, there were at least three bands calling themselves the Riffs. One was a British ska band, another was a New Jersey band that had a retro '70s outlook and cited Grand Funk Railroad, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Rod Stewart as primary influences. The focus of this bio, however, is a punk band from Portland, OR. Influenced by both American and British bands, Portland's Riffs are a snarling, in-your-face outfit that recalls the classic punk bands of the late '70s and early '80s. The Portland, OR-based residents are totally unaffected by the emocore bands that were all over alternative rock radio in the '90s and early 2000s and their music is a passionate, unapologetic throwback to the old school punk of the Sex Pistols, the Clash, the Dead Boys, and Sham 69. The Riffs' sound isn't entirely American or entirely British, although pioneering British punks like the Sex Pistols, Sham 69, and the Clash have greatly influenced the band and their sound has also been affected by American bands such as the Dead Boys. The Riffs, which formed in the '90s, have also claimed some pre-punk bands as influences, most notably T. Rex (as in "Bang a Gong"). The Riffs' lineup consists of lead singer Tony Mengis, Dogsbody, Amphetamine Blue, Saigon Shakes, and drummer Carl. Before the Riffs, these artists belonged to other Portland punk bands: The Riffs includes former members of the Champions, Deathcharge, Defiance, and Resist. The Riffs' first full-length album, "Underground Kicks", was released on the Pelado label in 1999. In 2001, the Riffs signed with TKO, a Richmond, VA-based indie that has specialized in hardcore punk. In March 2002, TKO released their second ("Dead End Dream") and their third album ("Death Or Glory") in 2003, on both CD and LP. Source
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NORTON RECORDS NEEDS YOUR HELP

Saving Norton Records after Hurricane Sandy from Dust & Grooves on Vimeo.

NORTON RECORDS NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Your help is still desperately needed here at Norton HQ to assist in our recovery from the destruction of Norton’s Red Hook warehouse at the hands of Hurricane Sandy. There are more records that can be saved, but we are still racing the clock to salvage them before they dry. If you want to help with Norton Records salvaging effort at our office in Prospect Heights (Brooklyn, NY), please contact us ASAP at nortonrec@aol.com with VOLUNTEER in the subject line or call 917 671-7185 (Billy) or 718 789-4438 (office). We will reply with info.

Please alert NY friends. We have had a great deal of help but we can use much more!!

Thanks
The Norton staff


YOU CAN DONATE ON THE NORTON RECORDS SITE HERE !!!

VA - Bande de France Vol. 1

VA  Bande De France Vol. 1 lp  1981
TICKET (Nantes): Howard Hughes /  LES STANDARDS (Bordeaux): Les Avions Pirates / VINYL STREET (Le Havre): (Live On) Fire / PATRICK EUDELINE (Paris): Dernière Danse / ROBERTO & THE PAPARAZZI (Le Havre): She's Heartbreaker/ ROUGE BAISER: Folie Robotique / JEROME SOLIGNY (Le Havre): A Song For Ziggy / PRIVATE JOKES (Nantes): Flux / LES STAGIAIRES (Bordeaux): Conduite Intérieure / ROCK CRITIC ON FLAME WITH R'n'R / LES TRICHEURS (Juvisy): Repose Beethoven.
"Bande (s?) de France Vol. 1" est une compilation de groupes de rock français sortie en 1981. Le punk et son "Do It Yourself" ont fait des émules et de nombreux groupes s'activent en France à cette époque-là. Les compilations s'enchaînent plus ou moins bonnes: "Weekend à Nice", "Rock'n'Rennes", "Fireball","Studios W.W. - 91 quai de la gare" etc.
"Bande de France Vol.1" (il n'y eu pas de Vol. 2 à ma connaissance) propose des groupes de différentes villes. De Nantes, nous viennent Ticket avec un "Howard Hughes" tranchant que n'auraient pas renié les Stilettos. Patrick Eudeline malgré toute l'admiration que je lui porte, nous titube une "Dernière Danse" pas très convaincante. Les Standards et les Stagiaires portent haut les couleurs de Bordeaux mais je suis souvent peu objectif avec les goupes en "St". Jérôme Soligny, plus connu comme journaliste et écrivain propose son premier titre en solo "A song for Ziggy": une chanson pour Ziggy , normal de la part de Soligny grand fan de Bowie devant l'éternel mais à laquelle on préfèrera n'importe quel titre de "Two Years Old" son premier long jeu sorti chez Closer en 1985. Je préfère ne rien dire de Private Jokes et encore moins de Rouge Baiser sinon que ce n'est pas ma tasse de thé !
En fait les chansons de "Bande de France" enregistrées ou mixées "dans les meilleures conditions précaires possibles" souffrent d'un son plutôt léger voire limite !
Oui mais voilà, à l'époque les fans complétistes de Bijou et de Little Bob ne pouvaient pas laisser passer l'objet sans l'acheter. Pour des raisons contractuelles, leurs groupes préférés avançaient masqués...

Les Tricheurs balancent un fougueux "Repose Beethoven" adaptation  française de "Roll Over Beethoven" que n'aurait pas reniée Eddy lui-même! Ces Tricheurs trichant sur leur nom c'est BIJOU accompagné de Chris Spedding et enregistré live au Palais des Sports de Paris, en Juin 1979. Roberto & The Paparazzi  vient du Havre où il est plus connu sous le nom de Little Bob. Little Bob dont Guy Georges Gremy fut le fulgurant guitariste! On le retrouve ici dans Vinyl Street dont "(Live On) Fire" est le seul témoignage d'un groupe éphémère.
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TEENAGE KNOCKOUTS - Japanese, Murdercycles, Guitar's and Gun's

TEENAGE KNOCKOUTS  Japanese, Murdercycles, Guitar's and Gun's 10'' 1999
Flip, Twist And Shout / South Side Shuffle / Don't Get Close To Me / Blvd. / School Girl Desire / Time + Time Again / Too Far Gone / Chainsaw Love.
Produced by Teenage Knockouts.
Teenage Knockouts: Buddy Boy: lead guitar, vox / Chic Dagger: vox / Michael Amour: bass, vox / Kevin Kamikaze: drums / Flip Jaguar: guitar, vox.
The TKO's (or the Teenage Knockouts) were a 90's punk rock band from Cleveland, Ohio like The Dead Boys. And like them they know how to do it ! Pure punk with a big touch of rock'n'roll !!!

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Thanks to Franck.

TICKET - Coup de Bol à Marrakech

TICKET Coup de bol à Marrakech LP 1985
Ramdam des tam-tams / Toutes les filles / Top models / Candy Annie / Jamais pour toujours / Les monte-en-l'air / New York à Shangaï / Coup de bol à Marrakech.
Produced by Jean-William Thoury.
"...Les pop modèles… (1979-1986)
Chez eux, pas de cuirs, pas de jeans, pas de "tiags" mais des costards bien propres, des Creepers, des coupes de cheveux trop "nickel" et des gueules trop polies pour être honnêtes… Pas non plus d’histoires de galères, de voitures ou de pessimisme politique mais des textes graves, cyniques, optimistes et parfois drôles…
Aujourd’hui encore, de nombreux musiciens nantais avouent avoir eu envie de monter sur scène grâce à Ticket, à leur rock-pop différente, leurs mélodies imparables et les chœurs et refrains qui tuent… C’est le cas notamment des Elmer Food Beat qui vouaient un culte sans faille à Ticket.
Leur rock moderne, qu’ils situent "Entre Starshooter, Bob Marley et le rock anglais…" est inspiré des Graham Parker, Costello, Clash ou XTC.
Le groupe séduit Patrice Blanc Francard qui passe leur concert de mai 1981 à Rennes en direct sur France Inter, dans son émission "Loup-garou".
La formation comprend à l'époque Kelu, Yves Le Rolland, Cyril Wiet et Jean-Michel Daniau.
Ces trois derniers sont alors sollicités par Kent qui vient de quitter Starshooter pour participer à un album et une tournée. Le groupe suit, part vivre à Paris, affirmant ne pas être séparé mais juste en stand-by pour quelques mois.
En 1985 sort l’album "Coup de bol à Marrakech" produit par Jean-William Thoury (Bijou) sur le label Surfin‘bird.
Ticket fera ses adieux lors d'un concert à Rezé en 1986.
On retrouvera à de très nombreuses reprises les membres de Ticket dans d’autres aventures musicales au fil des années 80 et 90 : Kelu avec Elmer Food Beat et Ternil, Jean-Michel aux côtés de Gilles Tandy… Quant à Yves Le Rolland, il est, depuis pas mal d'années maintenant, producteur de l’émission des Guignols sur Canal plus..." Source
A noter qu'on trouve sur You Tube certaines videos dans lesquelles on peut constater le potentiel de Ticket en concert.

"C'est en 1977 que le groupe se forme, et c'est courant 1979 qu'ils optent pour Ticket, en hommage au "Ticket To Ride" des Beatles.Cette même année sort le premier titre "Howard Hugues" sur la compilation "Bande de France. vol 1". Originaires de Nantes, le groupe fait de nombreux concerts, courant 1980, joue au Globe, aux Transmusicales à Rennes. En 1981, ils jouent à Bobino avec Les Stagiares et Valérie Lagrange, puis enregistrent sur la compilation"Rock'n'Rennes" le titre "Nettoyage". En 1982, parait leur premier 45 tours "Funanbule/Pourquoi moi?" un auto produit tiré à 2000 exemplaires. Pendant l'année 1984, la formation se compose de Luc Boisseau "Kelu", Yves Le Roland, Cyril Wiet et de Jean-Michel Daniau. Ils partent à la conquête de Paris et jouent au Rose Bonbon où ils font de belles rencontres puisque ce soir là Kent, Vincent Palmer et Olive sont dans la salle. De retour à Nantes, ils participent à la comédie musicale "Wouap dou Wouap" crée par le Théatre de Nuit. Yves, Cyril et Jean-Michel sont sollicités par Kent (qui vient de quitter Starshooter) pour participer à son premier album "Amours Propres" puis à la tournée qui suit la sortie du lp. Yves Le Rolland (batteur et futur producteur des Guignols sur Canal +) quitte le combo pour rentrer à Radio France, et c'est Patrice Lequesne qui le remplace.
C'est cette formation qui enregistre en 1985, sur le label parisien Surfin'Bird, l'excellent album "Coup de bol à Marrakech". Produit par Jean-William Thoury qui lui concocte un son clair mais puissant qui s'apparente parfois à celui des Valentinos, ce mini lp de huit titres propose quelques perles powerpop dont l'imparable "Toutes les filles" qui a tout du hit instantané.Ticket fait partie de ces groupes français à guitares des années 80 (Valentinos, Snipers, Surrenders, Stilettos...) adeptes d'une "ligne claire" en provenance directe des Groovies de "Shake Some Action", des Barracudas de "Mean Time" et plus loin des Byrds. Pour ne rien gâcher le groupe sait trousser de véritables chansons dotées de bons textes (Les monte-en-l'air).
La promotion restera trop confidentielle par manque de moyens et devant le peu de succès, le groupe se séparera en 1986. Un véritable gâchis !  Source
Ticket was a french powerpop band from Nantes. If you like other french bands like les Valentinos, The Snipers, Les Calamités or les Stilettos check this one,  you will not be disappointed !
Thanks to Mr D. & Fabien !
Buy it HERE or HERE !

THE POP MODELS - King Of Love

THE POP MODELS  King Of Love / Listen To Him (Baby She Loves You)  7'' 1984
The Pop Models: Luc Ovlof: vocals, whistles / John Stid: bass / Dr Broc: guitars / Les Gaufrettes: backing vocals / Bert Darin: keyboards / Charles Benaroch: drums, percussions.
It seems that under the name of The Pop Models were some members of  the band Ticket !
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TICKET - Funambule

TICKET  Funambule / Pourquoi moi  7'' 1982
Produced by Ticket & J.P. Boyer.

plus "Howard Hughes" from the lp "Bande de France Vol. 1" and "Nettoyage" from the lp "Rock 'N' Rennes"

Ticket: Jean-Michel Daniau: guitar, vocals / Cyril Wiet: bass / Yves Le Roland: drums.

Ticket was a good french power pop band from Nantes...
Buy it HERE, HERE & HERE!

DIG IT! N° 56

DIG IT! N° 56 out NOW!

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THE LAZY COWGIRLS - Here And Now (live)

THE LAZY COWGIRLS  Here And Now (live)  cd  2001
The Magnificent Seven / Route 66 / Don't Count Me Out / Goodbye To Yesterday / Your Charmed Life's Fadin' Fast / Live In The Past / Somewhere Down The Line / When It Comes To You I've Got No Dreams To Lose / Second Cousin* / Route 90 / You / Rock Of Gibraltar / Bought Your Lies.
Produced by The Lazy Cowgirls & Earle Mankey.
The Lazy Cowgirls: Pat Todd: vocals & acoustic guitar / Michael Leigh: electric & acoustic guitar, vocals & lead vocals on* / Leonard Keringer: bass & vocals / Bob Deagle: drums & percussion.
The Lazy Cowgirls were extraordinarily prolific at the turn of the century, releasing two full-length albums within six months of each other that both boast songs that rival the quality of anything they've done in their lengthy career. This live-in-studio collection finds the band at a turning point, surveying a healthy portion of recent compositions, covers of favored influences and forgotten Cowgirl classics. While Rank Outsider and Somewhere Down the Line both featured acoustic tracks, the inclusion of non-electric selections on this live document seems to herald a serious interest in pursuing a more rural tone than the no-holds-barred punk rock that the band is known for. It's an appropriate direction, since leader Pat Todd's songs have always been informed as much by Hank Williams as the Ramones, and while the acoustic numbers don't match up to their original sources (two are slowed-down versions of harder-edged songs from earlier albums, plus a reading of Bill Monroe's "Live in the Past"), they do pave the way for future country-flavored material that would serve the band well. "When It Comes to You I've Got No Dreams to Lose" is one of two new songs written for this project, and it's the highlight of the album, a tough-hearted number with a far rootsier approach than the crash-and-burn of Cowgirls past. Even at a slower speed, though, the band expresses all of the reckless sentiment and hoarse honesty that fans have come to expect. The electric set doesn't live up to The Lazy Cowgirls' full potential as a live band; the invited audience politely acknowledges each tune but the vibe is strangely sterile. The band does generate serious heat on their version of Billy Joe Shaver's "Goodbye to Yesterday," and the Todd original "Don't Count Me Out" (previously available only as a vinyl single) rocks with venom. Here and Now (Live!) is best appreciated by longtime fans who will be excited to hear the reworked versions of older tunes and the spirited covers that pepper the set. Anyone else with a passing interest in solid American rock & roll is encouraged to first obtain any of their more assured studio albums or witness firsthand one of The Lazy Cowgirls' incendiary live performances to fully understand this unsung quartet's importance. Source+
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THE RAINMAKERS - The Rainmakers

THE RAINMAKERS  The Rainmakers lp 1986 cd 2006

Rockin' At The T-Dance / Downstream / Let My People Go-Go / Doomsville / Big Fat Blonde / Long Gone Long / The One That Got Away / Government Cheese / Drinkin' On The Job / Nobody Knows / Information /Carpenter's son / Rockabilly Standard / Long Gone Long (acoustic version) / Doomsville (live).

Produced by Terry Manning .

The Rainmakers: B. Walkenhorst: lead vocals, accoustic guitar / S. Phillips: electric guitar, vocals / R. Ruth: bass, vocals / P. Tomek: drums.

Prototypical Midwestern roots-rockers, the Rainmakers ironically achieved their greatest commercial success overseas, despite generally good reviews in their homeland. Chief songwriter Bob Walkenhorst's playful wit and topical lyrics set the Rainmakers apart from their Heartland bar band peers, though musically they drew from the expected roots rock influences (Chuck Berry, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bruce Springsteen, etc.). The band was originally formed in 1983 in Kansas City, MO, as a trio called Steve, Bob, and Rich; naturally, the lineup consisted of guitarist/vocalist Steve Phillips, guitarist/vocalist Bob Walkenhorst, and bassist Rich Ruth. This group recorded an independently released album (titled "Balls") that helped get them signed to Polygram, upon which point they added drummer Pat Tomek and changed their name to the less specific Rainmakers. Their self-titled official debut was released in 1986, producing the British Top 20 hit "Let My People Go-Go" and quite a bit of good press both at home and abroad. The band embarked on a relentless touring schedule and found an unlikely fan in horror writer Stephen King, who quoted the band's lyrics in two of his books. The 1988 follow-up "Tornado" didn't attract as much critical attention in the U.S., but the Rainmakers' European audience continued to grow; by the time of 1989's "The Good News and the Bad News", the band was concentrating mostly on that area, recording the concert album "Oslo-Wichita Live" solely for its Scandinavian fans. In 1990, tired of the road life, the Rainmakers disbanded, ostensibly for good. However, Scandinavian interest in their music held strong, and Polygram's Norwegian division requested a new Rainmakers album in 1994. The band obliged and recorded "Flirting With the Universe" on their own in Steve Phillips' basement. The album was a smash in Norway, achieving that country's equivalent of gold sales within two months, and the band was encouraged enough to stage a full-fledged reunion. They signed with the independent Kansas label V&R, and Walkenhorst wrote a concept album about pornography and its effects on human sexuality. Ruth left the band during the recording sessions, with accounts divided as to whether it was due to the lyrical content or the fact that he had moved from Kansas City to Nashville; regardless, he was replaced by Michael Bliss. The resulting album, "Skin", was released in 1996 to mostly good reviews. The band issued one further track in 1998, a collaboration with Brewer & Shipley in a new version of "One Toke Over The Line", before they broke up again.

In 2011, the Rainmakers reformed, with bassist Rich Ruth returning to the group in place of Bliss, while long-time guitarist Steve Phillips was replaced by Jeff Porter. On March 5, the band was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame with a ceremony and concert at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, Kansas. The following week, March 14, the last band's album, "25 On" (Buy It HERE!), was released. At the end of March, the band returned to Norway for a two-week tour. The band played two shows in Kansas City, MO on May 14, 2011 and May 15, 2011 at Knuckleheads Saloon. The second show was scheduled after the first show sold out very quickly. Source

Cross a more literate John Mellencamp with Webb Wilder and you have this Kansas City band sized up. The debut release sets the bar high with cutting social commentary and memorable tunes that include "Downstream" and the unapologetic "Big Fat Blonde." In the former tune alone, bandleader and songwriter Bob Walkenhorst mentions Mark Twain, Harry Truman, and Chuck Berry. From "Drinkin' on the Job" comes the classic line, "The generation that would change the world is still looking for its car keys." Source
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PARANOIACS - Bananas

PARANOIACS Bananas CD 1990
I've Been Waiting / Being With You / I Wanna Be Loved / Crazy / I Want You / Wendy James (Transvision Vamp) / Chained For Life / Don't Wanna Waste My Time / I Think I Love You / When Times Get Rough / Come Back And Stay* / You'll Never Be My Girl*. (* cd bonus tracks)
Produced by Thé Lau.
Paranoiacs: H. Stevens: vocals, lead guitar / R. Stevens: keyboards, backing vocals / P. Vermeulen: drums / J. Maes: guitar / E. Van Biesen: bass, backing vocals.
"There’s little need to introduce The Paranoaics. Simply no other contemporary band has left its mark so prominently on the Belgian scene over the last 25 years. Soon after they blew everybody away at the local clubs with their powerful collision of punk, garage and rock ‘n roll, they released their first mini-LP, "We’re the Teenage Lovers". By the time its follow-up album, the highly acclaimed , "Sometimes Teenage Is Spelt T.N.T". and their first full-length album,"Bananas" hit the stores, these guys had already established themselves as the true kings of rock ‘n’ roll in the sonic wasteland that we now refer to as the late eighties. What Mötley Crüe did to the LA rock scene, The Paranoiacs did for Belgian rock. Except these guys didn’t have to dress like old tarts. The next decade brought more highs (Pukkelpop 1990 with Faith No More, Nick Cave and The Cramps - new albums, "Thirteen" and "7 Day Weekend"). Meanwhile, The Paranoiacs showed their evolution in the new millennium through the rare six track mini-album, "Mini Countryhead: Paranoiacs Go Country", including their celebrated version of Johnny Cash’s (Ghost)Rider in the Sky that was also released in Japan. "Love Junks" is the band's lament for their unbridled love for women, but simultaneously for their respect and true devotion for their sonic masters who showed them the way throughout all those years in the rock 'n roll jungle. The band succeeds to blend these two totally different, yet at the same time, very similarly powerful driving forces into a spectacular new and last masterpiece. Think of one hell of a party with blonds, redheads and brunettes entangled with Cash, Ramones and Masters of Reality and you're not even close. Bring 50's blues ’n roll, 60’s garage rock, 70’s punk, 80's hard rock, 90's punk rock and zero bullshit into one room and the result is raw, wet and exhilarating. The Paranoiacs' love odyssey that started with "We’re the Teenage Lovers" will be sealed off with the appropriately titled "Love Junks". Raf & Hans have been suckers for love for the last 25 years and celebrate their silver wedding in style: with one last surge from their inner volcano of rock that will never be silenced. Twenty-five years of brotherly love. The secret? The teenager in these guys just never died." Source
 The cd (only) bonus track "Come Back and Stay" is a cover of Jack Lee (Nerves) that you can find on his first (and excellent) album, "Jack Lee's Greatest Hits".
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LES GO-GO PIGALLES - Côté Coeur

LES GO-GO PIGALLES Côté Coeur LP 1979
Jingle Jive / L'amour Toujours / Tout Va Bien / You / Je Les Veux Toutes / Strip Tease / A Fleur De Peau / Avec Toi / Juste Une Autre Soirée / Macao /  Dis-moi Combien de Jours / Souvenirs De Paris / Avec Toi (live)*.
Produced by Go-Go Pigalles.
Les Go-Go Pigalles: Hugo Beaulieu: vocals, guitar / Coco Charnel: guitar / Nick Lamour: bass / Ray Deauville: sax, keyboards / Lindo Vegas: drums + Steve Shehan: percussions / X: keyboards / Flora Von B., Valérie: backing vocals.

1979... la première vague du punk parisien se meurt ou presque. On cherche de nouvelles directions...pas toujours très heureuses d'autant que souvent les musiciens se heurtent à leurs propres limites techniques.
Les Go-Go Pigalles nous servent un "latin rock" sorti droit des 50's plus cérébral que sanguin. Il se rêvent avec un cocktail dans une main au bras d'une exotique beauté dans un Macao fantasmé !
Phillips signe le groupe qui sort directement un lp en 1979. On les retrouve pour deux titres live ("Avec Toi" sur le LP et "Tout Va Bien" sur le 7", 6 titres) joués le 9 juin 1979 au Palais des Sports de Paris dans le cadre de la soirée "French Rock Mania".
J'ai toujours eu beaucoup de mal à écouter cet album en entier et 33 ans après rien n'a changé! "Côté Coeur" n'a jamais connu de sortie cd , le voici donc témoin d'une époque déjà lointaine où régnait l' innocence d'une certaine jeunesse! Un pan d'histoire...
Les Go-Go Pigalles were a post punk band from Paris. They recorded their only lp in 1979 on a major label. They played a latin rock in a 50's spirit.
Buy It HERE!