Another solid album from Frank, "Positive Songs..." could almost be seen as the 'picking yourself up' postscript to 2013's heartbreak album "Tape Deck Heart" with songs like "Get Better" and "The Opening Act Of Spring" carrying the message to get off your feet and start trying to enjoy life again. Even the dark "Silent Key", a story of a boat sinking at sea, contained the message of there being hope in death. Proof that he may have been in the game for over a decade now but he's definitely not losing his touch.
19 THE CRUNCH - "Brand New Brand"
Now expanded to a five piece, the Crunch's second album "Brand New Brand" saw them concentrating on their strengths as a band as it veered from fired up gutter-punk through laid back country rock with even the odd reggae rhythm turning up. Overall it was a solid and consistent album and a worthy follow up to its predecessor.
18 THE SONICS - "This Is The Sonics"
Definitely the oldest group on this list by quite some way, what's perhaps the most surprising thing is that the Sonics returned almost 50 years after their debut album and still sounded just as relevant as ever. In fact, in the wake of the Jim Jones Revue's sad demise a couple of years back, the distorted and fired up garage rock of "This Is The Sonics" went a long way to filling the hole they'd vacated. Just for its sheer energy alone, this should be way up your shopping list.
17 DIAMOND DOGS - "Quitters And Complainers"
Unfortunately, "Quitters And Complainers" would turn out to be the Diamond Dogs' final album after a twenty year plus career but at least they went out on a high note by delivering something well up to their usual standards. Good time bar room rock 'n' roll with a bluesy tint and songs aplenty. They will be missed.
16 ELECTRIC SIX - "Bitch, Don't Let Me Die!"
Eleven albums in and there's still no sign of Dick Valentine and co growing old gracefully or getting even remotely sensible. And let's be honest, we wouldn't have 'em any other way. From demented rockabilly to glammed up stadium rock, Electric Six pretty much covered all the bases in their own inimitable style. Did I mention there's a concept rock opera on there about a Santa imitator falling to his death on a bed of spikes called "Big Red Arthur" on there? Well, now you've got another reason to go and buy it.
15 ATOMIC SUPLEX - "14 Inches Of Fist"
14 tracks in 22 minutes, I'm not even sure what you'd compare "14 Inches Of Fist" to. 22 minutes of electroshock therapy? Being repeatedly whacked in the face by a big plank of wood. Whatever it is, Atomic Suplex delivered one hell of a brutal album here but in a really good way. There's something undeniably addictive about the sheer insanity in here and you really are missing out if you've not heard it yet.
14 THE QUIREBOYS - "St Cecilia And The Gypsy Soul"
Returning with a more stripped down acoustic approach following 2014's "Black Eyed Sons", "St Cecilia And The Gypsy Soul" showed a more reflective side to Spike and co's work. The Quireboys seem to be turning into torch song specialists in their old age and the likes of "The Best Are Not Forgotten", "Adaline" and "Land Of My Father" bear that out nicely. And as with its predecessor, it was released as a 4CD set featuring a double acoustic live album and the long deleted "Halfpenny Dancer" album as bonuses giving you full value for your money.
13 THEE CEE CEES - "Solution Songs"
Featuring some time Frank Turner sideman Chris T-T and Bluetones guitarist Adam Devlin, Thee Cee Cees' debut album was a fiery slice of politically motivated new wave with songs like "Vote!", "Better Than Wages" and "Deft Left" being the sort of call to arms that the music scene has badly needed for a while now. It almost gave you hope in the run-up to the general election before it was dashed again by the result...
12 THE AMORETTES - "Game On"
Barrelling out of the northlands like there's no tomorrow, the Amorettes set themselves up as Scotland's answer to first album Airbourne with a stormer of a second album. The song titles are almost AC/DC level obvious but when you've got such a knack for killer riffs and tunes, that really doesn't matter. What does matter is that this is a damn good rock album and if it doesn't induce you to nod your head and grin like an idiot then you're probably dead.
11 EUREKA MACHINES - "Brain Waves"
Whisper it quietly but if I'm completely honest, "Brain Waves" was maybe a bit of a victim of the standard of previous Eureka Machines albums in that it didn't quite manage to measure up to its predecessors. But it's still a more than worthy addition to their back catalogue with the likes of "Paranoia", "Sleep Deprivation", "Welcome To My Shangri-La" and epic closer "We're Going To The Future". One that takes a few listens to get into but it's definitely more than worth it when you do.
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