Looking at the cast list on this album almost reads like a who's who of the best old school punk bands around today - Neville Staple (the Specials), Jake Burns (SLF), Charlie Harper (UK Subs), TV Smith and Texas Terri to name but a few. And it keeps it simple and to the point, 12 tracks, 28 minutes of straight up punk energy with some ska and reggae influences chucked in to keep the pot well stirred. Unfortunately I couldn't find any song clips on Youtube but here's a bit of a background video to tell you a bit more.
34. TV SMITH - "I Delete"
Old-skool punk in 2014 then. It's been a bit of a mixed bag to these ears if I'm honest. Some bands came back with disappointing efforts (sorry Buzzcocks), some came back with solid but unspectacular efforts (sorry SLF). And then there's TV Smith. "I Delete" was pretty much a straight continuation of his last few efforts but the difference is that there's an energy and spite to it that suggests he's doing much more than just going through the motions and makes it a good thought provoking album. Give "Replay", the opening track from the album, a listen below and see for yourself.
33. THE PIXIES - "Indie Cindy"
It could have been a disaster and, no two ways about it, that album title has to be one of the worst of 2014 but Frank Black and co deserve credit for making a comeback album that, rather than a tired retread of past glories, was a welcome reminder of everything that made them such a great band in the first place. Off the wall but with energy and some great cheesewire guitar lines care of Joey Santiago (listen to "Silver Snail" below for proof), this was the return to form that everyone was hoping for. Well done guys.
32. GIUDA - "Let's Do It Again!"
Technically this came out in the dying days of 2013 but given that a) I didn't get my paws on a copy until January and b) Giuda's first album was in my best of list last year, it's going in this time around. A good follow-up album for the Italian glammers which takes a bit of T-Rex, a bit of Suzy Quatro and a bit of the Sweet, gives 'em a bit of a 21st century sheen and chucks 'em at you for a half an hour of good fun foot-stomping times. Have a listen to their glamtastic footy terrace anthem "Get That Goal!" for proof.
31. AC/DC - "Rock Or Bust"
Well...it sounds like AC/DC, dunnit? What were you expecting me to say? Quite simply, 40 years into their career, the veteran Aussies are very much sticking to what they know best and given how well it's worked for 'em up until now you can't really blame them. If you like it (as, let's be honest, most of us do) then "Rock Or Bust" will certainly leave you with a big smile on your face and sometimes that's all you can ask for. First single "Play Ball" below should prove that to you and then some.
Ready for Part 3? Course you are. Click here.
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