Well, on a day when the Gagging Law (ie the one which is basically going to allow the government to restrict funding and protest right to any organisations who might, y'know, disagree with them) came one step closer to scary reality, you'd expect there to be some sort of backlash, a call to arms, a cry to get people up on to the barricades.
Instead we got this hogwash in the Daily Mirror. I really don't like taking issue with those on the same political wing (ie the left one) as me (and I'll say this, generally I think FSF is a pretty good writer) but this is shoddy lazy journalism at its worst. If you can't be bothered to scroll down the article, I'll sum it up below:
FLEET STREET FOX: Hey everybody! This country's f**ked!
MAN IN THE STREET: Yeah, we know.
FSF: No, seriously, it's in really grave danger! The government's crippling the NHS, picking on the poorest in society (and, thanks to that "Benefits Street" program on C4, getting the more idiotic members of the population to believe that this is somehow a good thing), implementing a Bedroom Tax which is going to hit ordinary people unnecessarily hard, letting poverty levels rise to the point where Food Banks are common place and all the time the bankers who caused this mess are getting away scott free.
MITS: Yeah, we know. We read the papers. It's pretty f**king bleak whichever way you look at it. Well, you've given yourself a platform which clearly indicates you feel you have something worthwhile to say. What do you suggest we do?
FSF: Well, we could make a start by getting off our arses and voting.
MITS: Absolutely. Contrary to what Russell Brand might say, if we don't make our voices heard somehow and at least attempt to make a difference then we really have no right to complain when those at the top screw us over. So pray tell, where is the party to get us out of this mess?
FSF: Well, let's be honest, the Tories are a party with all the morals of the average crocodile, the Lib Dems sold all their principles down the river as soon as they were offered a sniff of power and anyone who genuinely thinks that Labour is still the party of the working classes is pretty much living in cloud cuckoo land.
MITS: Absolutely. So what do you suggest then?
FSF: Ummm...well, you do know we need to vote for somebody right.
MITS: Yeah, no shit Sherlock, you've already said. But WHO?
FSF: Ummm...dunno.
MITS: Yeah, great, thanks for that. And someone actually pays you good money to write this bollocks and take away five minutes of my life that I'll never get back?
Jeez, it's no wonder that we can't organise any serious opposition to the status quo in this country. If anyone wants me I'll be banging my head against a wall somewhere...
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Sunday, 19 January 2014
2013 - Andy's Top 30 albums
Well, that was 2013 then. It had its ups and it had its downs and I could go on at quite serious length about both. But instead I thought I'd go back through some of my musical memories of the last year. I actually did a Top 10 albums for Pure Rawk a week or so ago but the trouble was that there were so many great albums that I would've loved to have given a shout out to on there but just didn't have the space to.
So here you go then, think of it as the 12" remix, these are my Top 30 albums of 2013 complete with a video track for each of 'em on here so you can have a listen yourself. And yes, I know some of 'em technically came out in late 2012 but hey, it was this year that I first heard 'em so they're going in... :)
30. UK SUBS - "XXIV"
24 albums in and the hits just keep on coming for Charlie Harper and his crew. The best they've done for a good few years - check out "Coalition Government Blues" below.
29. KILL FOR EDEN - "Kill For Eden" (Video - "Kerosene")
The prospect of a band mixing Garbage's sultry female vocals and electronica with the Cult's fuzzed-up riffs might seem like an odd combination but it definitely works - check out the video for "Kerosene" below.
28. GIVVI FLYNN - "Thieving From The Magpie's Nest"
Long-term Ginger and Jackdaw4 collaborator goes solo via the Pledgemusic route with a little help from her friends and comes up with a cracker of an album. Sadly there don't seem to be any videos up for the tracks from it but go hopefully this gag reel will give you an idea of the fun therein.
27. WARRIOR SOUL - "Stiff Middle Finger"
Technically this came out in late 2012 but it was too late to make my list last time so it's going in here. A solid rabble-rousing effort from Kory Clarke which proves he's still got plenty to say all these years later. Have a listen to "Planetary Revolution" below if you don't believe me.
26. THE HIP PRIESTS - "Full Tilt Bullshit"
The sort of Motorhead-meets-Zodiac Mindwarp rock 'n' roll scumbags that you definitely wouldn't leave anywhere near your house or your girlfriend unattended. Third album from then and it's a belter - check out the "need we say any more" titled "Wrist Action" below...
25. CYANIDE PILLS - "Still Bored"
Buzzcocks indebted pop-punk brilliance from Leeds. Second album from these guys and it's a worthy follow-up to their debut. Check out album highlight "Give It Up" below.
24. PUSSYCAT & THE DIRTY JOHNSONS - "Dirty Rock 'n' Roll"
Second album from the Basingstoke feline-fronted filth merchants. While, if I'm honest, I feel as though they've taken a bit of a hit as a live band by slimming down to a three-piece, they're still more than capable of delivering the goods on record. Again, no audio tracks available on Youtube unfortunately but give this one a listen, it's well worth your time.
23. SAN DUSKY & BRIJITTE WEST - "The Americana Dream"
Not sure if this one strictly counts as it was recorded in 2003 but has only seen the light of day this year. A more reflective sound to the erstwhile NY Loose and Desperate Hopefuls frontwoman's output and well worth your time. Again, sadly no videos on Youtube for this one but take it frmo me, it's well worth checking out.
22. KING SALAMI & THE CUMBERLAND THREE - "Cooking Up A Party"
Old-skool garage rock 'n' roll at its finest and a very worthwhile follow up to their 2011 debut "14 Blazin' Bangers". Check out "Howlin' For My Woman" below.
21. DUNCAN REID - "Little Big Head"
Long overdue return to the fray from the former Boys frontman - twelve tracks of ultra-tuneful pop-punk brilliance. Here's the video for one of the album highlights "Montevideo".
20. JD & THE FDC'S - "Recognise"
Another which came out in late 2012 but I only heard it for the first time early this year. Varied, tuneful and packing one hell of a punch, this was a confident first effort from these Nottingham upstarts. Check out the video for "From The Shadows" (featuring Lita from WWE). Which DID come out this year meaning it qualifies. So there.
19. DIAMOND DOGS - "Set Fire To It All"
Another one which came out in late 2012 but it ended up being one of the first albums I reviewed for Pure Rawk this year. Another solid effort by the retro-lovin' Swedes, check out the festive ode to spending Christmas Eve down the red light district "Sweethearts For Christmas"
18. DREGEN - "Dregen"
Excellent fan-funded effort from the former Backyard Babies six-stringer. Plenty of nods to his old group but a few new tricks thrown in there as well. Check out the video for the first single "Flat Tyre On A Muddy Road" and see for yoruself.
17. THE WONDER STUFF - "Oh No...It's The Wonder Stuff!"
Britpop veterans still going strong all these years later and probably their strongest effort since reforming a decade or so back. Check out the video for the first single and title track below.
16. OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE - "Seculo Seculorum"
Third effort from the Manchester doom rockers and a worthy follow up to 2011's "Dreams of Death and the Death of Dreams". Check out the video for lead-off single "Regurgitate" below.
15. BLACK SPIDERS - "This Savage Land"
Second album of simple dumb no-frills rock 'n' roll from these Doncaster natives. It's not breaking any new ground but when it's done this well, it doesn't have to. First single (vid below) was called "Balls". I think I need say no more.
14. GOLDBLADE - "The Terror Of Modern Life"
Bouncing back after the disappointing "Mutiny" album, this was a welcome reminder of everything that makes Goldblade such a good band, the right mix of punk attitude and a few new tricks to surprise people. Check out the furious "Someone Stole My Brain" below.
13. THE MISSION - "The Brightest Light"
An album which saw three quarters of the classic Mission line-up reunited for their heaviest album for many a year but with enough variety and killer riffs to make it a real standout. Video for the title track below.
12. SENSIBLE GRAY CELLS - "A Postcard From Britain"
A late entry to the fray, this saw Captain Sensible and Paul Gray from the classic early '80s Damned line-up team up for an album which recalled the best bits of "The Black Album" and "Strawberries" with some well-aimed alternately humourous and wistful lyrics about life in modern Britain. Check out the video for lead-off single "Tragic Roundabout" below...
11. THE QUIREBOYS - "Beautiful Curse"
Spike and co were very unlucky to miss the Top 10 but this was another solid effort from the Britrock veterans. Check out the video for the awesome "Mother Mary" below.
10. GIUDA - "Racey Roller"
Fantastic glam/new wave stuff from Italy which sounds like Rome's answer to Hanoi Rocks. Just listen to "Here Comes Saturday Night" below if you want proof. The follow-up (which is out already!) is pretty damn good as well.
9. THE NOVEMBER FIVE - "If You're Satisfied Then You Are Dead"
It's very rare that a band comes along these days who hit me with something I really wasn't expecting and do it in style but Walthamstow's November Five definitely managed it with this effort (again, technically it came out in late 2012 but I first heard it this year so in it goes). Imagine if the Sisters of Mercy had recruited Joe Strummer to write some songs for them and you wouldn't be a million miles off - one part sinister goth vibes and one part firebrand punk attitude it mixes two genres which aren't necessarily normal bedfellows to awesome effect. A follow-up is due this year apparently so get this and keep your eyes pealed for it...
8. THE CRUNCH - "Busy Making Noise"
As the saying goes, not just a supergroup but a superb group. Comprising of Diamond Dogs frontman Sulo, Cockney Rejects guitarist Mickey Geggus, Lords of the New Church bassist Dave Tregunna and Clash/Cherry Bombz drummer Terry Chimes, "Busy Making Noise" was the sound of four veterans getting together for a good old-fashioned knockabout jam session and creating something pretty damn special. Have a listen to their first single "Down By The Border" and see for yourself.
7. TEENAGE CASKET CO - "Still Standing"
I'll be honest - a couple of years ago I thought TCC were down and out after a long gap between new material, line-up changes and generally looking as though they'd fallen into reverse gear. So it was a pleasure to see 'em back with a new album in 2013 which was arguably their strongest yet with its big arena-sized choruses and leap-out-of-the-stereo-at-ya production. Here's "Without You", the second single from it.
6. STEVE CONTE - "The NYC Album"
As with a lot of my choices this year, this was a bit of a curveball from the ex-NY Dolls/current Michael Monroe guitarist - a more earnest blue collar rock album with hints of Springsteen and Jason & The Scorchers. No videos up on Youtube unfortunately but take it from me, this one is well worth listening to.
5. JONNY COLA & THE A-GRADES - "Spitfire"
Very worthy second album from these South London glammers. It takes the obvious influences (most things early '70s and a hint of Suede primarily) but adds a whole new modern twist on them to create something pretty darn awesome. If you've not heard of this lot yet then you really need to. In the meantime, have a butchers at the video to the surftastic "Tropical Beach" below.
4. EUREKA MACHINES - "Remain In Hope"
Like TCC, a band who fought back from the brink to deliver a very strong album in 2013 - by all accounts, they were very near to jacking it in a couple of years ago and leaving us with two very good but sadly underappreciated albums. However, thanks to a far more successful than they'd expected Pledge campaign they were able to deliver a third album which can happily hold its head up with the other two. And in "Pop Star" (video below) they may just have delivered their best single yet. Roll on album number four...
3. THE LOYALTIES - "Till The Death Of Rock 'n' Roll"
While the Eureka Machines album is a tale of triumph over adversity, unfortunately it seems that a storming second album wasn't enough to save the Loyalties who, at present time of writing, sadly appear to be no more. But hey, if you're gonna sign off then you might as well do it in style and this 40-minute riffathon of bruising rock 'n' roll anthems does just that as this video for the title track demonstrates.
2. MICHAEL MONROE - "Horns And Halos"
Mike and his band's first post-Hanoi Rocks album was an absolute stormer but despite losing his main co-songwriter Ginger, he managed to better it with "Horns And Halos". From heads down rock 'n' roll through glam swagger to even a spot of reggae rumblings, this was a mash-up of styles carried off with amazing panache and deserves a listen. The video below is for the lead-off single "Ballad Of The Lower East Side".
1. HEY! HELLO! - "Hey! Hello!"
Like I say, 2013 had some damn good albums but there could only really be one winner. Quite simply, this is the best set of songs that Ginger Wildheart has put his name to since "The Wildhearts Must Be Destroyed!" ten years ago - simple no-nonsense rock anthems that'll stick in your brain for days at the time with a message writ large behind them as the vid for "How I Survived The Punk Wars" below demonstrates.
Well, there ya go - hope you all enjoyed that and that 2014 is treating all of you good so far. Some more deranged rantings and musings to follow soon... :)
So here you go then, think of it as the 12" remix, these are my Top 30 albums of 2013 complete with a video track for each of 'em on here so you can have a listen yourself. And yes, I know some of 'em technically came out in late 2012 but hey, it was this year that I first heard 'em so they're going in... :)
30. UK SUBS - "XXIV"
24 albums in and the hits just keep on coming for Charlie Harper and his crew. The best they've done for a good few years - check out "Coalition Government Blues" below.
29. KILL FOR EDEN - "Kill For Eden" (Video - "Kerosene")
The prospect of a band mixing Garbage's sultry female vocals and electronica with the Cult's fuzzed-up riffs might seem like an odd combination but it definitely works - check out the video for "Kerosene" below.
28. GIVVI FLYNN - "Thieving From The Magpie's Nest"
Long-term Ginger and Jackdaw4 collaborator goes solo via the Pledgemusic route with a little help from her friends and comes up with a cracker of an album. Sadly there don't seem to be any videos up for the tracks from it but go hopefully this gag reel will give you an idea of the fun therein.
27. WARRIOR SOUL - "Stiff Middle Finger"
Technically this came out in late 2012 but it was too late to make my list last time so it's going in here. A solid rabble-rousing effort from Kory Clarke which proves he's still got plenty to say all these years later. Have a listen to "Planetary Revolution" below if you don't believe me.
26. THE HIP PRIESTS - "Full Tilt Bullshit"
The sort of Motorhead-meets-Zodiac Mindwarp rock 'n' roll scumbags that you definitely wouldn't leave anywhere near your house or your girlfriend unattended. Third album from then and it's a belter - check out the "need we say any more" titled "Wrist Action" below...
25. CYANIDE PILLS - "Still Bored"
Buzzcocks indebted pop-punk brilliance from Leeds. Second album from these guys and it's a worthy follow-up to their debut. Check out album highlight "Give It Up" below.
24. PUSSYCAT & THE DIRTY JOHNSONS - "Dirty Rock 'n' Roll"
Second album from the Basingstoke feline-fronted filth merchants. While, if I'm honest, I feel as though they've taken a bit of a hit as a live band by slimming down to a three-piece, they're still more than capable of delivering the goods on record. Again, no audio tracks available on Youtube unfortunately but give this one a listen, it's well worth your time.
23. SAN DUSKY & BRIJITTE WEST - "The Americana Dream"
Not sure if this one strictly counts as it was recorded in 2003 but has only seen the light of day this year. A more reflective sound to the erstwhile NY Loose and Desperate Hopefuls frontwoman's output and well worth your time. Again, sadly no videos on Youtube for this one but take it frmo me, it's well worth checking out.
22. KING SALAMI & THE CUMBERLAND THREE - "Cooking Up A Party"
Old-skool garage rock 'n' roll at its finest and a very worthwhile follow up to their 2011 debut "14 Blazin' Bangers". Check out "Howlin' For My Woman" below.
21. DUNCAN REID - "Little Big Head"
Long overdue return to the fray from the former Boys frontman - twelve tracks of ultra-tuneful pop-punk brilliance. Here's the video for one of the album highlights "Montevideo".
20. JD & THE FDC'S - "Recognise"
Another which came out in late 2012 but I only heard it for the first time early this year. Varied, tuneful and packing one hell of a punch, this was a confident first effort from these Nottingham upstarts. Check out the video for "From The Shadows" (featuring Lita from WWE). Which DID come out this year meaning it qualifies. So there.
19. DIAMOND DOGS - "Set Fire To It All"
Another one which came out in late 2012 but it ended up being one of the first albums I reviewed for Pure Rawk this year. Another solid effort by the retro-lovin' Swedes, check out the festive ode to spending Christmas Eve down the red light district "Sweethearts For Christmas"
18. DREGEN - "Dregen"
Excellent fan-funded effort from the former Backyard Babies six-stringer. Plenty of nods to his old group but a few new tricks thrown in there as well. Check out the video for the first single "Flat Tyre On A Muddy Road" and see for yoruself.
17. THE WONDER STUFF - "Oh No...It's The Wonder Stuff!"
Britpop veterans still going strong all these years later and probably their strongest effort since reforming a decade or so back. Check out the video for the first single and title track below.
16. OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE - "Seculo Seculorum"
Third effort from the Manchester doom rockers and a worthy follow up to 2011's "Dreams of Death and the Death of Dreams". Check out the video for lead-off single "Regurgitate" below.
15. BLACK SPIDERS - "This Savage Land"
Second album of simple dumb no-frills rock 'n' roll from these Doncaster natives. It's not breaking any new ground but when it's done this well, it doesn't have to. First single (vid below) was called "Balls". I think I need say no more.
14. GOLDBLADE - "The Terror Of Modern Life"
Bouncing back after the disappointing "Mutiny" album, this was a welcome reminder of everything that makes Goldblade such a good band, the right mix of punk attitude and a few new tricks to surprise people. Check out the furious "Someone Stole My Brain" below.
13. THE MISSION - "The Brightest Light"
An album which saw three quarters of the classic Mission line-up reunited for their heaviest album for many a year but with enough variety and killer riffs to make it a real standout. Video for the title track below.
12. SENSIBLE GRAY CELLS - "A Postcard From Britain"
A late entry to the fray, this saw Captain Sensible and Paul Gray from the classic early '80s Damned line-up team up for an album which recalled the best bits of "The Black Album" and "Strawberries" with some well-aimed alternately humourous and wistful lyrics about life in modern Britain. Check out the video for lead-off single "Tragic Roundabout" below...
11. THE QUIREBOYS - "Beautiful Curse"
Spike and co were very unlucky to miss the Top 10 but this was another solid effort from the Britrock veterans. Check out the video for the awesome "Mother Mary" below.
10. GIUDA - "Racey Roller"
Fantastic glam/new wave stuff from Italy which sounds like Rome's answer to Hanoi Rocks. Just listen to "Here Comes Saturday Night" below if you want proof. The follow-up (which is out already!) is pretty damn good as well.
9. THE NOVEMBER FIVE - "If You're Satisfied Then You Are Dead"
It's very rare that a band comes along these days who hit me with something I really wasn't expecting and do it in style but Walthamstow's November Five definitely managed it with this effort (again, technically it came out in late 2012 but I first heard it this year so in it goes). Imagine if the Sisters of Mercy had recruited Joe Strummer to write some songs for them and you wouldn't be a million miles off - one part sinister goth vibes and one part firebrand punk attitude it mixes two genres which aren't necessarily normal bedfellows to awesome effect. A follow-up is due this year apparently so get this and keep your eyes pealed for it...
8. THE CRUNCH - "Busy Making Noise"
As the saying goes, not just a supergroup but a superb group. Comprising of Diamond Dogs frontman Sulo, Cockney Rejects guitarist Mickey Geggus, Lords of the New Church bassist Dave Tregunna and Clash/Cherry Bombz drummer Terry Chimes, "Busy Making Noise" was the sound of four veterans getting together for a good old-fashioned knockabout jam session and creating something pretty damn special. Have a listen to their first single "Down By The Border" and see for yourself.
7. TEENAGE CASKET CO - "Still Standing"
I'll be honest - a couple of years ago I thought TCC were down and out after a long gap between new material, line-up changes and generally looking as though they'd fallen into reverse gear. So it was a pleasure to see 'em back with a new album in 2013 which was arguably their strongest yet with its big arena-sized choruses and leap-out-of-the-stereo-at-ya production. Here's "Without You", the second single from it.
6. STEVE CONTE - "The NYC Album"
As with a lot of my choices this year, this was a bit of a curveball from the ex-NY Dolls/current Michael Monroe guitarist - a more earnest blue collar rock album with hints of Springsteen and Jason & The Scorchers. No videos up on Youtube unfortunately but take it from me, this one is well worth listening to.
5. JONNY COLA & THE A-GRADES - "Spitfire"
Very worthy second album from these South London glammers. It takes the obvious influences (most things early '70s and a hint of Suede primarily) but adds a whole new modern twist on them to create something pretty darn awesome. If you've not heard of this lot yet then you really need to. In the meantime, have a butchers at the video to the surftastic "Tropical Beach" below.
4. EUREKA MACHINES - "Remain In Hope"
Like TCC, a band who fought back from the brink to deliver a very strong album in 2013 - by all accounts, they were very near to jacking it in a couple of years ago and leaving us with two very good but sadly underappreciated albums. However, thanks to a far more successful than they'd expected Pledge campaign they were able to deliver a third album which can happily hold its head up with the other two. And in "Pop Star" (video below) they may just have delivered their best single yet. Roll on album number four...
3. THE LOYALTIES - "Till The Death Of Rock 'n' Roll"
While the Eureka Machines album is a tale of triumph over adversity, unfortunately it seems that a storming second album wasn't enough to save the Loyalties who, at present time of writing, sadly appear to be no more. But hey, if you're gonna sign off then you might as well do it in style and this 40-minute riffathon of bruising rock 'n' roll anthems does just that as this video for the title track demonstrates.
2. MICHAEL MONROE - "Horns And Halos"
Mike and his band's first post-Hanoi Rocks album was an absolute stormer but despite losing his main co-songwriter Ginger, he managed to better it with "Horns And Halos". From heads down rock 'n' roll through glam swagger to even a spot of reggae rumblings, this was a mash-up of styles carried off with amazing panache and deserves a listen. The video below is for the lead-off single "Ballad Of The Lower East Side".
1. HEY! HELLO! - "Hey! Hello!"
Like I say, 2013 had some damn good albums but there could only really be one winner. Quite simply, this is the best set of songs that Ginger Wildheart has put his name to since "The Wildhearts Must Be Destroyed!" ten years ago - simple no-nonsense rock anthems that'll stick in your brain for days at the time with a message writ large behind them as the vid for "How I Survived The Punk Wars" below demonstrates.
Well, there ya go - hope you all enjoyed that and that 2014 is treating all of you good so far. Some more deranged rantings and musings to follow soon... :)
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