Hello peeps, who knows what I might write today, I’m feeling a bit delicate from last night. That’s means; with my mind on autopilot, I could easily dazzle you with my raw talent produced without preparation, or I could bore you to death with some random pissed-up drizzle.
I tell you what, why don’t you send me some emails to let me know how you think it went after you’ve perused through the new releases. There are some beauties here too; a couple of which I believe will be on this month’s Crossfire radio Hip Hop show, so you can listen to them there.
I think we should start with…
Dr Rubberfunk
Riding With The Ratman (Single)
(Gps Recordings)
This cheeky little number is released on 12th June so keep your ears peeled! Here, the Dr has offered an appointment that we just can’t miss. Just for turning up you get handed to you, a prescription of undiluted, pure funk bedlam. Quickly following the recently released “Watch the Tables Turn“, this 7” and download only release has already been generating some whispers in the next mans ear. Whispers that have turned to mumbling, mumbling that has turned to……. & so on. You get the picture.
“Riding with Ratman & Theme for a Latter-Day Lothario” are a nice plateful of proper funky shit. Both tracks are taken from the forthcoming Dr Rubberfunk album ‘My Life At 33’ and both will be available as downloads from your favourite sites; iTunes, Beathut, Karmadownload, Beatport etc etc … In fact, I get as much satisfaction out of this rather agreeable CD as when I used to get double chips at school, eat half in the queue, and pay for 1 portion. I got caught in the end though. But the beauty of it is, with these first rate tunes you can’t get into trouble.
Dr Rubberfunk’s debut album “The First Cut“, released in 2003, was admired from afar and saw him remix the likes of the Stereo MC’s, Skalpel, Bobby Hebb and the Dutch Rhythm Combo who were all very impressed with the Dr’s vibe, as am I. Yes, im feelin this one and im quite sure you will be too.
You can check out whats going on with Dr Rubberfunk at www.myspace.com/drrubberfunk
Abstract Mindstate f. Common
Nostalgia (Single)
(4 The Soul Reciprocity)
Abstract Mindstate are a male/female rap duo Ice Gre and Ebony Poetress the Hellcat. These two have released quite a lot of tunes: five 12″ vinyl singles, one seven track EP, a full debut album, an unreleased album and two heavy mixtapes. Here we get a three track single that oozes originality, has some quite tight rhymes, nice bit of production and some very hard hitting beats.
“Nostalgia” is something that is destined to hit the spot of anyone out there loving the American side of hip hop. Fans of Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Kanye West are going to love this slice of Chicago funky stuff. Featuring the legendary Common, this track floats along on a sweet, uplifting groove. A great track for B-boys and girls everywhere. You can buy it at www.abstractmindstate.com
Verb-T & Harry Love
Bring It Back To Basics
(Silent Soundz)
Well, here we are! Two of my favourite artists brought together for a whole album! Ever since Verb-T did “Backhand Slap Talk” on Lowlife I was hooked. Verb. T from West London – first worked with Harry Love on the “Showbitchness” single from Low Life’s “Food” compilation and has featured on more recent releases from the Breakin’ Bread and Medication labels. And Harry Love is just a precision craftsman. I first knew of him when he was working on the Kung Fu nights. I think that’s me being a bit slow on the uptake there, but that’s what you get for living so far north. You have to find everything out yourself, no one tells you nuffin.
Anyway, “Bring It Back To Basics” takes you on some good highs and lows & can be quirky with intelligent lyrics or demonstrate some wizardry with rhymes. There are some decent guests on this album too, with Karizma, Yungun, Jehst, Kyza to name a few we’re sorted aren’t we! A track I have decided to point out is “4:30 am“. This track gives a real feeling that it is half four in the morning, I assume this track was written in the early hours of the morning. If you’re feeling chilled this masterpiece helps you to sink into that comfy seat even further. Well it’s track 6, have a listen. Buy it from www.suspect-packages.com if you like.
Sophie Johnson-Hill
A New Dawn
(Dealmaker Records)
www.dealmakerrecords.com/newdawn.htm
Now, I’ve had this one for quite some time now but I had some mates round to have a blast on the old ones and twos, and as always people were using records I never use and pulling out little diamonds. This was one of those, and I’ve done a bit of research so I know my stuff as well.
“A New Dawn” is not your run of the mill conventional hip hop track, I get the feeling it’s running along side next to it. The lyrics in “A New Dawn” are not for the faint hearted. Speaking out profoundly against some of the predetermined ways in which success in the music industry is selected, and how the media destroys an already saturated market with re-branded acts and artists they already know will sell. Take a look at the Black Eyed Peas or Big Brothers, and if anyone has seen or heard that tune by Daz Sampson then I hope you washed your ears out afterwards. How is that shit even allowed? I thought the media had gate keepers for offensive and inappropriate content. White, male, middle-aged, middle-class selective listening.
This music is right at the other end of the scale. Sophie Johnson-Hill worked through the streets of Nottingham along side Karizma and Out Da Ville, bringing with her some true soul and a completely different outlook and attitude.
I’m in to this approach, Even if I wasn’t so keen on the track (which I am) I would probably still buy it because of the basic philosophy of it…..Making music is for peoples enjoyment, not to make a shed load of cash. Ok, making cash is nice too. Yep, go & buy it at www.dealmakerrecords.com
This weeks sites and sounds:
www.bare-records.co.uk – Just waiting for the hip hop basement show to go on the site. I’ve heard it already top tracks crawling all over it
www.myspace.com/cloudsmooke – Making sweet beats
www.myspace.com/krisdrew – It’s my page! There are some good tunes and a tiny bit about me.
www.siino.co.uk – I bought a sweet t shirt from here
Yet another bit of amazing artwork:
Nice one! Ill see you in a bit.
Kris Drew
The Jektmosphere.
Another month, another mix. And this month, Crossfire HQ has been sponsored by Twix bars, so I’m writing this with chocolate round my face and a gut with a stack of empty wrappers on top. I could try and make a rapper/wrapper joke there, but I’m not nearly clever enough so instead I’ll just get on with the reviews as I have a fair few to get through this time round.
Big ups to Kris for recommending the Verb T / Harry Love album, that shit is absolute fire and anyone with a set of ears needs to grab a copy of it, belting stuff.
Jehst
Underworld Epics
(Low Life Records)
We all know just how great Jehst is as a rapper. His EPs and album have sat firmly at the top of my favourites pile for ages as he constantly delivers well thought out and perfectly delivered rhymes. But now Jehst has decided that his rapping needs to take a back seat, especially since his last EP Nuke Proof Suit came out not too long ago, and on this record, it’s all about showcasing his beats with numerous rappers coming in to give the vocals their personal touch.
The opening track, and lead single from the album, Dunya, features Jehst’s lowlife labelmate Micall Parknsun which sees the Working Class Dad hit it with a heavy flow as the eastern-tinged strings layer themselves over some pounding drums. Verb T turns up on Tempa Tempa which is one of the best tracks on the whole CD, his laid back delivery fitting the chilled out bassy beat laid out for him. Following that we have a new beat for the Money In The Bank remix by Asaviour featuring Kyza and Yungun. Now, I love the original beat, but I can’t help but love the new version too, a party beat with dance-inducing horns chirping.
With appearances by Kashmere, Supa T, Rodney P [on a belting remix of The Future], more Kyza and Asaviour, you know that the lyrical content and prowess of the rappers over the beats are never going to slip below the high level that Verb T brought to the plate. But the standout track on the second half of the album is Sir Smurf Lil’s vocals on Listen. The soft drums and soul sampled track fits perfectly with his delivery and cements Jehst’s place as a world class producer. Totally on point.
Killa Jewel
The Official Misstape Vol 1
(Triple Five Soul Sponsored)
This Canadian DJ has put together a brilliantly compiled mixtape here which kicks off with a bouncy scratch-fest of an intro before launching itself into tracks from the likes of DITC, Gangstarr, Non Phixion, Zion I, A Tribe Called Quest and many more. What’s impressive about this mixtape is that not only does it host a plethora of big tracks, it slides seamlessly from one to the next, the major ingredient of a mixtape.
Killa Jewel has proved she has a great ear for a tune and whether she’s mixing or scratching, you can tell she knows exactly what she’s after and the result is a podium finisher of a CD. The stand out tracks she uses for me are Scritti Politti’s Tinseltown To The Boogiedown, Freaky Flow by Special Ed, Eternia’s Spring Fever [which features a nice mix of cut up samples from Jewel] and the banging in-your-face delivery of Non Phixion’s It’s Us.
Native Guns
Barrel Men
(Self Released)
I came across these guys due to one of the tracks on this album being produced by Blue Scholars/Common Market producer/DJ Sabzi and I’m delighted that I did. This album is one that you wanna put on your stereo when you’re burning your food on the BBQ in the sun and pump the beats out loud as hell to piss the neighbours off. From the staccato bleeping beat of Champion, you’re banging that head and pumping your fist as MCs Kiwi and Bambu narrate their stories over the jumping beat.
But the production on the album switches up numerous times showing their ability to rap over differing types of hip hop. The lacy strings on Hammer allows the rappers to spit faster as they ride over the looping harp sounds whilst the soul sampled Treason gives them the chance to plod over the soft shoe shuffling music. When Typical Cats’ Denizen Kane appears on Slave Thinking, I knew I was gonna dig it, as I’m a big fan of his, but Native Guns step up to the plate and throw down the gauntlet to their guest star.
By the time 1995 comes on, the Sabzi produced joint, the latino flavour spills through as Kiwi and Bambu rap about how they came across hip hop, writing bars with their mum’s hello kitty stationary and listening to NWA beats. You’ll get to the end track, the bumping Get Down and you’ll immediately want to reload the album and listen again. This is hot.
Marvin The Martian
Hoods And Badges EP
(Universal)
Going solo from his WhyLout? Crew, Brixton’s Marvin The Martian has gained notoriety lately for pioneering the “grindie” scene. But ignore all that bollocks, and just sit back and enjoy this slice of grime. The track which was labelled “grindie” is Stay Off The Kane, which samples Art Brut, and its just that, a grime song with a sample. So if you don’t want to hear what you think NME will be sucking off, don’t worry, this is still a belting track.
Before that, the lead off track I Don’t Go [Alone] is a catchy little number which sees Marvin rapping frankly about how his life is going, humble and very interesting as a high pitched sample winds behind him. His delivery isn’t as raw as the grime MCs I’m used to hearing but that’s to his credit as he sounds a lot more polished, in the vein of Kano. The second track on the 3 track EP samples a motorbike. You heard me, a motorbike. It’s a fantastic track as the bass pumps the shit out of your speakers which takes you on a ride around Brixton. As a local to that manor, I can’t help but like it and, having heard his mixtape, I reckon Marv is gonna be the next big crossover name to watch out for.
Slum Village
Fan-Tas-Tic Vol 1
(Scenario Records)
The untimely death of super-producer J-Dilla earlier this year hit the hip hop community hard. His influence spread throughout the hip hop world and his laid back beats inspired many great groups, including The Pharcyde who said at their last London show that if it wasn’t for Jay Dee, they wouldn’t be doing what they’re doing right now. High praise indeed.
All proceeds of the record Fan-Tas-Tic Vol 1 will go to the fund established by Jay Dee’s mother during his illness and it is an album that all Slum Village and Jay Dee fans will love. The typically smooth beats surround the vocals with that evening vibe that was always their sound, and provides the backdrop to the 24 tracks [which includes some remixes].
Kick back and chill, this one goes out to James Yancey. RIP.
Lushlife
Order Of Operations
(Scenario Records)
Lushlife got big from his West Sounds mash up, following in the footsteps of DangerMouse’s Grey Album, when he mixed Kanye West with the Beach Boys. Now, in my eyes mixing something as beautiful as the Beach Boys with something as shit as Kanye West is a travesty and he needed to really bring his game to change my opinion of him when he released his album proper.
To be honest, this album doesn’t appeal to me a great deal, but that said, it does have things which would definitely get people interested. It’s a jazzy hip hop album with chilled out beats, piano samples and some laid back summery vibes on there. The title track is a nice standout point on the album, with an off kilter electronic sample and some smokey sounding drums and The Day The Universe Changed is a nice switch up with fuzzy busy beats bounding around a faster delivery.
So that’s the music for this month and so I move onto the art section of my update. This month we’re getting stickers by a very talented guy called Gav Strange, who heads up Xynthetic, a company that designs custom made skateboards amongst other things. The stickers are something of a hobby for Gav but they are fun little monsters and all seem to have their own characteristics, giving them a life of their own when he sticks them around. Make sure you check out his site here and have a butcher’s at his doodles, much fun to be had there.
Ok people, that’s your lot. As ever, if you want to get in touch or want me to hear your music to feature it in another Mix update, then feel free to email me from the address at the bottom of the page. I love getting emails and you wouldn’t want me to get sad now would you? Until next time, peace.
Take members from four of the most popular bands, add into the mix one of the most successful producers of our generation, Tom Lord Alge – and in theory, you should have the mother of all records on your hands. Does Tom DeLonge’s project live up to the hype? Well…..yes and no. If you’re expecting Blink 182 Version 2 then you’ll be in for a disappointment. Gone are the immature lyrics, gone are the easy on the ear hooks and singalong bouncing choruses – Angels & Airwaves is a very different beast indeed.
Hope of the States spent most of 2005 holed up in a studio, with only 6 live dates to keep their fans satisfied. With their limited release EP Blood Meridian being lapped up, the Chichester 6 piece return to the airwaves with ‘Sing It Out’, the first single from their eagerly awaited second album ‘Left‘. ‘Sing It Out‘ grabs your attention from the start, Sam Herlihy’s dark vocals almost veer towards menacing at first, but with the chorus comes a wave of reassurance ‘ you are not alone, you are not the only one, you were lost and now you’re found, sing it out.’ There’s no clever effects, this is stripped down and simple – and it works. Hope of the States have come back stronger than ever, this wonderful compact, tight track is everything you can hope for – they’ve overcome tragedy and if this taster is anything to go by – their new album is going be an absolute blinder. 
Louie blasted onto the scene last year with the irrepressible single “Trees“, and step up to the fold again with another scorcher of a track “Dead Man“. If Louie was a person, he’d strutting round the room threatening to take on everyone in the place who so much as looked at him weirdly, this track steps up, grabs you by the collar and gives you a good shake. Jordan Smith and Gaz Tomlinson’s vocal chemistry produces a wonderfully high octane flash in the pan, combined with snarling guitars and punk driven chords – it’s a short and sweet, but not hugely memorable. This track’s like a Chinese takeaway, you’re only satisfied for half an hour and then you want more. Enough of the starter size portions – Louie need to provide the main course now. 
The downsized Stars of Track and Field follow up their well received EP ‘You Came Here for the Sunset Last Year‘ with a full length album, brimmed full of ambient, piano driven tracks that seem to wheedle their way into your head for days on end. Entrancing tunes, wonderful effects from the previously studio based 3 piece, and an air of innocence and sincerity to the proceedings have produced an album that combines the best of guitars, twinkling percussion effects and lyrics that embrace the listener. If you’re looking for something to melt into then look no further- this is one for dusky summer evenings. Kevin Calaba’s vocals are persuasive, seductive but with an edge – this multi-faceted record is a must for anyone’s record collection. 
Exeter has churned out some of the UK’s most popular acts in recent years, Thom Yorke, Muse and er….Coldplay to name a few. Hot on their heels come Thousand Natural Shocks, a four piece who live and breathe music – and over the years have even pieced together their own studio, a focal point for many bands in this thriving West Country scene. The debut single ‘Under The Sun‘ is a easy mix of post hardcore, with new wave indie sensibilities strewn into the mix. Emotive lyrics combine with darker echoes, to provide a sound that instantly accessible without being same same. The tracks tight and compact, mirroring the fact these guys have been playing together since they were kids – they bounce and spar off each other with relentless energy. If they can recreate their studio sound live, they’ll be a very exciting prospect indeed… watch this space. 
If it is sunny outside or even if it’s raining, this debut album from Scott Matthews should fit the bill regardless. Deciding to do it the independent route, Matthews has put together a full album that will simply melt in your mouth from start to finish and why? Because talent this good comes once in a blue moon and if you miss it, you end up being one of those people that discovers classic records in later years and misses out on the growth of something completely special.
It’s hard not to love the Chilis. Widely hailed as pioneers of the genre, they triumphantly return after a four year absence with a absolute corker in Stadium Arcadium. Rhythmically infectious, it’s rammed with epic grooves tinged with ska and funk just as you’d expect. And in a world where hoards of bands all scream the same, the RHCP’s remain a strong and constant force not to be fucked with. Although double albums generally have the tendency to be self-indulgent, the Chilis have once again found that higher plane which sets them apart from everyone else by remaining true to their roots. With funky, inspired and punchy tunes like ‘Hump de Bump’ and the insanely raw but captivating ‘Readymade‘ both albums are of epic proportions. What’s more, we will all be singing along to their choruses once again this summer, because these songs will not leave your head. Even the more sombre tracks come with enough passion to make them fly. The Red Hot Chili Peppers vie for world domination is not over just yet…
Love ’em or hate ’em, Feeder have had some great singles. So, they may not be cool or particularly ‘scene’ but I bet you have all at least bobbed your head to ‘Buck Rogers’ and laughed at that emo kid in the video for ‘Just A Day’ whilst tapping your foot. Feeder have a staunch following of hardcore fans but to us less obsessive followers, it’s easy to forget about Feeder. Just when you have, they pop up again in a video game or on the radio and then you remember, they’re actually not that bad. Catchy choruses have always been Feeders greatest asset and here are 20 songs full of packed with them. Included is even the particularly broody ‘Suffocate‘ from as far back as the Polythene album. Fans will probably own all of these tracks already but may buy it for the bonus DVD which has loads of cool extras on it. Ok, so you may want to hide this album from your mates but you know behind closed doors, you will be dancing round the room with your limbs flailing all over the shop. Pop-rock at its happy, shiny best.
It’s so easy to get bored with black metal these days. What with its overflowing pot of lustrous Cradle wannabes, you sometimes wonder where the hell, the grittiness and out and out fucking evilness of it all went. Until now. Enter Norwegen two piece Satyricon. They’ve come to beat you round the ears with their new album Now, Diabolical which is actually a bit of a grower.
It’s safe to say that if you haven’t heard of Trivium by now you must have spent the last couple of years living under a rock. Since inking a deal with Roadrunner the Florida based four-piece have managed to push their way to the front of the metal scene at the pace of a speeding juggernaut, with a massive main stage appearance at last years Download fest, many upgraded sell-out tours and an upcoming support slot to the legendary Iron Maiden already to their credit. ‘Ascendancy’ was the bands highly acclaimed 2nd full length release (1st on Roadrunner) from last year which has already been deemed worthy of the re-release treatment once before. What you’ll find here is simply one of the best metal records of last year complete with a bonus DVD and 4 extra tracks tacked on to the original version CD. One of which being a highly ambitious but excellent cover of Metallica’s ‘Master of Puppets’ Whilst being tagged as the next Metallica may just be a little over the top, it’s safe to say this band on their current form have a promising career ahead of them and if you don’t own either of the previous discs, I highly recommend you add this one to your collection.
Chicago rockers Soil have endured tough times in the past eighteen months or so, having lost previous front man Ryan McCombs who upped and left citing family reasons only to turn up months later as the new vocalist for Drowning Pool, many could be forgiven for thinking Soil would struggle to regain former glories. It’s safe to say that any band with a new vocalist is always going to come under scrutiny, but Soil need not worry as going off this album, the transition has not only gone smoothly but is also actually a positive change. New guy A.J Cavalier manages to add a little something to Soil’s already trademark edgy sound on tracks such as opener and undoubted crowd pleaser ‘Fight for Life’ whilst also bringing in a more melodic and cleaner side to his vocals, giving the album a fresher and more varied feel than previous releases. One thing that you really sense here is the new level of harmony within the group and this can only be a good thing. If Soil can continue on this new path a bright future is most surely in store.
If you think of the French what do you normally come up with? Berets? Onions?, Thierry Henry? Not metal right? Well Scarve should change all that. Most people will probably recognise drummer and founding member Dirk Verbeuren who has recently joined Soilwork as a full time member for starters, and his work here shows exactly why he’d be in demand. 2004’s ‘Irradiant‘ goes a long way to showing that you don’t have to head for Scandinavia to find metal that’ll knock your teeth into the back of your throat. Drawing on influences such as Meshuggah and Strapping Young Lad to name but two, Scarve have everything any self respecting metal fan needs. Gut wrenching screams? Check. Crunching riffs that bore into your brain? Check. Double kick drumming like a pneumatic drill? Check. Overall Irradiant is a brutally crushing album that casually slipped under the radar over here and definitely needs checking out.
Having been clean from heroin for the last four years many could question whether Al Jourgensen still has the same vision and creativity upon which his Ministry work is known for. Hell even Al himself questioned it. But upon listening to ‘Rio Grande Blood’ all fears are dispelled immediately. Al has not only returned to form, he’s returned with possibly his most political and heaviest work to date. ‘Rio Grande Blood’ can only be described as a relentless assault on the senses from start to finish, much like being repeatedly beaten around the head with a blunt instrument. There simply is no let up. Whether it’s the marine inspired ‘Gangreen’ complete with Sergeant screaming obscenities, or the fist pounding, riot inducing anthems such as ‘Lies, Lies, Lies’ and the title track ‘Rio Grande Blood’ is a perfect example of industrial heavy fucking metal at its finest.
It’s commonly known that movie stars and bands are not usually a good mix (hello Keanu Reeves) but try telling that to Jared Leto. Not content with starring in Hollywood, Jared also fronts upcoming rock band 30 Seconds To Mars in his spare time, and there’s nothing here which suggests it’s merely a hobby. Now onto their 2nd release ‘A Beautiful Lie’ the band, which also includes Jared’s brother Shannon on drums, seamlessly fuse alternative rock and nu-metal with a hint of industrial samples and catchy hooks. Leto himself shows off a good range of vocal abilities swiftly moving between soaring melodic choruses and eardrum busting growls in favourites such as album opener ‘I’ll Attack’ while the band also show their versatility with the more laid back numbers such as 2nd single release ‘The Kill’ and the much smoother and enchanting title track. Catchy, refreshing and inspiring, 30 Seconds to Mars prove that should Leto decide to ease back on the movies there’s most definitely a well deserved place for him within the music scene.
Good, solid, tuneful hard rock bands seem to be something of a rarity these days; the kind of bands that are melodic enough to sound good on the radio, but loud enough to upset the Coldplay fans (which, let’s face it, is never a bad thing). Step forward please, the B-Movie Heroes – a band who certainly deserve a lot more attention than they’ve received lately. ‘Calibrate‘ is a feast of punchy, melodic tunes, lush harmonies and crunchy riffs; often reminiscent of the Wildhearts and 3 Colours Red, but with a stronger punk rock influence. B-Movie Heroes they may be, but this record is Grade-A material. Turn up loud and enjoy with a cold beer.
Nearly three years after the slightly patchy ‘Anchors Aweigh’, the Bouncing Souls are back on form with a great seventh record. In an ideal world, it would be this lot who made it big (instead of the likes of Blink 182) – their brand of melodic punk is smart, streetwise and boasts a hardcore edge that many of their peers would kill for. Songs like ‘Sarah Saturday’ and ‘So Jersey’ are bursting with anthemic lyrics and fists-in-the-air choruses, and there’s even some experimentation afoot on ‘The Pizza Song’, a reflective number built around an acoustic guitar and accordion. Quite simply, it’s a brilliant punk rock record from one of New Jersey’s finest. Got ‘Souls?
If you can only remember Jesse James for the song ‘Shoes‘ (which is not even their best song, by a mile), then you seriously need to hear this, their best and most varied album to date. The stop-start rhythms of ‘Wake Up’ and the irresistible hooks of – ahem – ‘Hooks‘ are sure to become future crowd favourites, whilst recent single ‘Everything‘ boasts a chorus that will stick in your head on first listen. Lyrically, it’s darkly humorous and more contemplative than previous efforts, but nevertheless does a great job of capturing the spirit of their frenetic live shows. There’s also a couple of amusing promo videos tacked on for good measure. ‘The Assassination Of Jesse James’ – it’s a killer record.
The early-period Less Than Jake purists will probably hate this one, but it’s their loss. Not only are there some great songs on offer here, but if there’s any justice, ‘In With The Out Crowd’ will be the record to finally kill off any remaining perception of LTJ as a happy-go-lucky ska punk band. After all, this is a record of very little ska, sparing horns and some of the most bitter, cynical lyrics this band have ever written. ‘Soundtrack Of My Life’ and ‘Overrated‘ are typically catchy odes to frustration, whilst the melancholic, reflective ‘Rest Of My Life’ ranks highly amongst LTJ’s finest efforts. A record for the outsider in all of us.
Winnebago Deal records are not for the faint-hearted. Let’s not forget that the Oxford duo have played with former QOTSA bassist Nick Oliveri, drank with Motorhead, and toured almost non-stop since their inception; so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that ‘Flight Of The Raven’ sounds no less fast, furious, or downright filthy than any of their previous efforts. Sure, they’ve introduced the odd flash of melody and a few guitar solos, but the foundations of songs like ‘Not Human’ and ‘Venomized‘ are mired deep in the band’s usual recipe of thunderous stoner-punk riffs and Ben Perrier’s gravel-throated vocals. How on earth can two people sound so utterly ferocious?
Following Conflict‘s recent run-in with the Inland Revenue, the band have signed their back catalogue over to Cherry Red for a run of reissues. The good news is this will not only help pay off the band’s tax bill, but the people at Cherry Red have done a fine job in representing these UK anarcho punk classics. All of the band’s albums have been remastered and sound better than they ever have before. The original CD releases suffered from an overly quiet mastering job but this new series rectifies that by finally giving these records the crunch they deserve. Better still, they’ve been packed in swanky digi-packs, bolstered with extra tracks and packed with extra photos. And then of course there’s the music. Inspired by the anarchist punk rantings of Crass, Conflict led the early eighties punk movement in an angry, far more directly political direction and ‘The Ungovernable Force’ is by far their most focused and vicious piece of work. This is the sound of grown men exploding with rage. And they sound like they mean it too.
The set of ‘Don’t Look Back’ concerts organised by the fine people at ATP were one of the musical highlights of last year. Inviting bands to play a classic album from beginning to end, the likes of Mudhoney, Dirty 3, The Stooges, The Lemonheads all joined the fun, taking nostalgic trips back to their chosen peak recordings. Grunge over-lords The Melvins were asked to play their classic 1993 Kurt Cobain produced ‘Houdini‘ album in its entirety and in true Melvins style, reduced the crowd and venue to rubble as they pounded through the album from beginning to end and reduced our brains to mulch. And here we have the live recording of the event. Now, whilst a live album can never hope to fully capture the intensity of the night, this comes damn close to recording the truly majestic power of the Melvins onto tape. Either way, if you were there, this is a great souvenir, and if you weren’t, have a little listen to what you missed.
There’s a certain style to the way Australians play rock and roll. There’s something darker and more menacing about the way they swing when they’re kicking out the punk rock jams down under. The Scientists, The Saints, Radio Birdman, Celibate Rifles and many more Aussie punk rock greats all have a feeling and attitude that separates them from their European and American counter-parts. And Tiger By The Tail are keeping the tradition alive and strong. Recorded and mixed in 48 hours at the legendary Birdland Studios in Melbourne, this, their debut album is a whiskey soaked, boozy bluesy wretched rock n’roll record that oozes primal screams and howling guitars, then moments of clear clarity and aching melody. It’s hard to believe this is the band’s debut release as there is music here that should be far beyond their experience and years. In short, this is ace.
Neil Young is back and he’s pissed. One of America’s true originals and most expressive song-writers, Neil Young has often used his music to vent his spleen but none more so than on this, his bitter verbal attack on Bush’s leadership and the sickening war in Iraq. Consequently, ‘Living With War’ is up there with some of his greats. Inspired and motivated by the war and the politics surrounding it, he’s never sounded more focused and utterly pissed off. Songs like ‘Let’s Impeach The President’ and ‘Shock & Awe’ are quite literally spat out in disgust as Young channels his aggression and aims for the target. Yet, it’s a sad state of affairs when we have to rely on the ’60s generation to stand up and say what needs to be said.
Back in the eighties Imperial Leather was every punks preferred soap for spiking up their hair. Yeah, we didn’t have gel or fudge in those days, we just used glue and soap ‘cos things were much more punk back then and this record celebrates those glory days! Musically Imperial Leather are classic punk rock with an early eighties sound that is packed full of high-energy tunes and buzzing riffs. The only difference from the old days being that ‘Something Out Of Nothing’ is blessed with a great production that is just on the right side of raw but clear enough to do the killer tunes justice. 
Former NWA crew member and multi-Platinum selling rapper Ice Cube is back with a new album, his seventh studio release, entitled Laugh Now, Cry Later.
Straight outta Nashville, Tennessee, Bullets To Broadway are Kevin (vocals), Heather (bass/vocals), Geis (guitar/vocals), Gui (guitar) and Matt (drums). They’ve just released an awesome debut EP, ‘Drink Positive’, on 
The last track is called ‘Our Club, Our Home, Our Kelly’ – do you have a secret love of R n’ B that you’d like to confess to?
Metallers Deicide are marking the 6/6/6 night next week [June 6th 2006] with a special EP which will come out via iTunes.
DJ Shadow has been forced to cancel some UK shows because of paperwork problems.
Larger-than-life rapper Busta Rhymes is playing 3 dates in the UK this month in support of his new album Big Bang, which is due out on Monday [5th]. The dates are:
Wu Tang’s ultra-producer The RZA is to write the score for a new animated martial arts series which is due to be shown on US TV in the autumn.
Def Jux’s Rob Sonic has just done a new mix of a track from the new Dr Octagon album.