Black Oak Arkansas - King Biscuit Flower Hour

I'm not sure how I first became aware of BOA, but it was probably due to their appearance on TV's Rock Concert, where I became mezmorized by their three guitar attack (!), drivin' rhythm section and the insane stage antics and sweaty sermons from frontman Jim Dandy. I'm positive that a certain David Lee Roth was watching after school that night, as well, because he based his entire career on Dandy's look and moves. Their simple Southern rock tunes were catchy as hell yet easy enough that upon meeting future Gizmo Kenne Highland, the first song that we jammed on was "When Electricity Came to Arkansas" from the Raunch'n'Roll Live album. While that album remains the pinnacle of their sound for me, this CD is a momento of a later, 1976 Reading Festival gig that was aired on the King Biscuit Flower Hour radio show. By this time Harvey Jett found religion (he actually appeared acoustically at my college in Indiana trying to recruit students to Jesus) and left the band to be replaced by keyboardist Marius Penzer. Ruby Starr had also joined the touring company after she added her wild'n'raucus vocals to their hit "Jim Dandy (To the Rescue)" and, besides adding a sexy female counterpoint to Mr. Dandy, she also got to sing a couple of tunes from her album with the band Grey Ghost.

For me, the band was not nearly as hot'n'nasty with the added keyboards and while they thought that they were much improved, it definitely lacked the previous high energy mayhem. They have a good spirit on the opener "Hot Rod", but the keys do detract for me and I really don't care for the synthesizer solo replacing the 2nd guitar lead segment and the guitar/synth trade-off is a little cheesy. Their original "Rock'n'Roll" has some nice'n'heavy guitars but sounds like a try at heavy metal as opposed to their own brand of wild ass southern rock. "Great Balls of Fire" is absolutely appropriate for the band and I dig the dual guitar lead, but it is a bit slicked up, and their "Jim Dandy" (recorded a couple of years prior to the rest of the set, for some reason) is fun'n'rockin' and essentially a dupe of the recorded version - showing that they did become a tight combo by this point.

With two lead guitars riffin'n'roarin' throughout, "Hot & Nasty" is one of more successful raunch'n'roll numbers here, although the downright purty backing vocals are a bit of a shock. "Fist Full" is built on funky keyboards and Ruby's vocals alternating with Jim, but is really a dull, 70's rock number. Starr does a good job on "Maybe I'm Amazed", which properly utilize the keys, even if it doesn't sound anything like BOA - neither does her "Love on Ice", which, while energetic, is sleek to the extreme - like Jefferson Starship backing Janis Joplin!  Oddly, they cover the Guess Who's "When the Band Was Singin' Shakin' All Over" - not bad, but weird since it was an autobiographical song and not something you would expect from BOA - but I guess they were actively trying to tear down any preconceived notions of their sound.

Penzer's keys start "Lord Have Mercy On My Soul" while Dandy sermonizes before the band kicks in with the rockin' song, which again was better served on the expanded Raunch'n'Roll Live version without the keyboards, but Ruby's vocals do add a nice dimension - and the same can be said for "Keep The Faith". Decent takes, for sure, but I guess I just like the rawness of the earlier band. The CD includes an outtake from their Balls of Fire album, the soulful blues of "I'll Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" with guest sax-man John the Baptist - yes, that's what they called him!

OK, so I'm the guys who thinks that Kick Out the Jams is the MC5's best record and that Grand Funk Railroad were at the best before they were an American band, so that's where I'm coming from here. This is a document of a good 70's rock band, but is not the raw abandon of their earlier work. Cool, but not essential.

II

recommended gigs

Thursday June 30 - the Scoundrels with the Rocketz at the Hard Hat

Friday July 1 - the Astaires, Civilians, Fuck Shit Piss, Three Rounds at the Dive Bar

Saturday July 2 - Cash'd Out and the Acid Sisters at the Plaza Hotel

Sunday July 3 - The Burly-Q Revue at the Double Down featuring the Ace Tones

Wednesday July 6 - Durango 66 with the Tiki Bandits, Kalani Kokonuts, Nikole Muse, Professor Rex Dart and more at the Double Down (subbing for Frank'n'Deans Weenie Roast)

Saturday July 9 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Thursday July 14 - Screeching Weasel, the Dickies, the Queers at the Beauty Bar

Friday July 15 - Super Zeroes at the Double Down

Saturday July 16 - Water Landing with The Price of Dirt at the Double Down
Saturday July 16 - Sin City Ditch Diggers, Yosemite Slam at Adrenaline

Tuesday July 19 - Toys That Kill, Civic Minded 5, Illicitor, Fredward at the Dive Bar

Thursday July 21 - Cashed Out, the Rhyolite Sound at Triple B

Friday July 22 - Eagles of Death Metal at the Hard Rock

Sunday July 24 - Bob Log III at the Golden Tiki

Tuesday July 26 - Jesika von Rabbit and Spindrift at the Bunkhouse

Friday July 29 - The Swamp Gospel and the Lucky Cheats at the Sand Dollar anniversary party!

Wednesday August 3 - Franks'n'Deans Weenie Roast at the Double Down

Friday Aug 5 - Punks in Vegas anniversary show at 11th Street Records with Alan Six, Last Call, Illicitor, Bee Master and Kate Kalling

Wednesday August 10 - the Maxies and the Ataris at the House of Blues Las Vegas

Friday August 12 - Shooter Jennings back by Waylon's Band at Fremont Country Club
Friday August 12 - the Weirdos, Scoundrels, and the Civilians at the Dive Bar

Saturday August 13 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Saturday August 13 - The Swamp Gospel, Thee Faded Pyctures, and more at the Double Down

Wednesday August 17 - the Ataires and the Who Generation at the House of Blues

Friday August 19 - Psyatics CD Release Party at the Double Down with Tito Mojito and the New Conquerors, Pluralses and Swamp Pussy

Sunday Aug 21 - David Allen Coe at the LV Country Saloon

Saturday Aug 27 - D Generation at the Beauty Bar

Saturday Sept 10 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Saturday Oct 1 - Nikki Ruffling's birthday bash with Melanie and the Midnite Marauders, The Legendary Boilermakers, Water Landing and the Psyatics!

Friday Oct 21 - the Psyatics and the Vibrators at the Double Down

Tuesday Oct 25 - Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band with the Supersuckers at Triple B

What have I forgotten? Lemme know

recommended gigs

Thursday June 30 - the Scoundrels with the Rocketz at the Hard Hat

Friday July 1 - the Astaires, Civilians, Fuck Shit Piss, Three Rounds at the Dive Bar

Saturday July 2 - Cash'd Out and the Acid Sisters at the Plaza Hotel

Sunday July 3 - The Burly-Q Revue at the Double Down featuring the Ace Tones

Wednesday July 6 - Durango 66 with the Tiki Bandits, Kalani Kokonuts, Nikole Muse, Professor Rex Dart and more at the Double Down (subbing for Frank'n'Deans Weenie Roast)

Saturday July 9 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Thursday July 14 - Screeching Weasel, the Dickies, the Queers at LV Country Saloon

Friday July 15 - Super Zeroes at the Double Down

Saturday July 16 - Water Landing with The Price of Dirt at the Double Down
Saturday July 16 - Sin City Ditch Diggers, Yosemite Slam at Adrenaline

Tuesday July 19 - Toys That Kill, Civic Minded 5, Illicitor, Fredward at the Dive Bar

Thursday July 21 - Cashed Out, the Rhyolite Sound at Triple B

Friday July 22 - Eagles of Death Metal at the Hard Rock

Sunday July 24 - Bob Log III at the Golden Tiki

Tuesday July 26 - Jesika von Rabbit and Spindrift at the Bunkhouse

Friday July 29 - The Swamp Gospel and the Lucky Cheats at the Sand Dollar anniversary party!

Wednesday August 3 - Franks'n'Deans Weenie Roast at the Double Down

Friday Aug 5 - Punks in Vegas anniversary show at 11th Street Records with Alan Six, Last Call, Illicitor, Bee Master and Kate Kalling

Wednesday August 10 - the Maxies and the Ataris at the House of Blues Las Vegas

Friday August 12 - Shooter Jennings back by Waylon's Band at Fremont Country Club
Friday August 12 - the Weirdos, Scoundrels, and the Civilians at the Dive Bar

Saturday August 13 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Saturday August 13 - The Swamp Gospel, Thee Faded Pyctures, and more at the Double Down

Wednesday August 17 - the Ataires and the Who Generation at the House of Blues

Friday August 19 - Psyatics CD Release Party at the Double Down with Tito Mojito and the New Conquerors, Pluralses and Swamp Pussy

Sunday Aug 21 - David Allen Coe at the LV Country Saloon

Saturday Aug 27 - D Generation at the Beauty Bar

Saturday Sept 10 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Saturday Oct 1 - Nikki Ruffling's birthday bash with Melanie and the Midnite Marauders, The Legendary Boilermakers, Water Landing and the Psyatics!

Friday Oct 21 - the Psyatics and the Vibrators at the Double Down

Tuesday Oct 25 - Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band with the Supersuckers at Triple B

What have I forgotten? Lemme know

Bob Seger System - Ramblin' Gamblin' Man

I know that I've ranted'n'raved about Bob Seger before on this blog and for those who only know his late, TV commercial music, be aware that at one time, he was a fierce Detroit rock'n'roller, right up there with the best of them! This was the first album by the Bob Seger System (he has had a number of different bands over the years and used different names) and was originally titled Tales of Lucy Blue (one of the songs and the reason for the cover) but was changed when the new title track became a smash hit.

And goddam, what a song! A chooglin' rock'n'roll rhythm, drivin' guitars and cool keys back Seger's boastful anthem - making it one of the best r'n'r songs on the radio in 1969. The original title track follows and is a slower, more psychedelic groover with some stingin' guitar (Bob is a fine player and gets to show off throughout this record - he is certainly better than some of the lead players he had in later bands) and wavy melody lines. Handclaps get ya in the mood for "Ivory" where blues-rock riffs collide with waves of organ (also played by Bob) and guitars, while his growly voice does a call'n'answer with female backing singers. The one non-Seger song of the album, "Gone" (by bassist Dan Honaker) is a quiet ballad and not particularly memorable but "Down Home" comes bangin' in with a slammin' beat by drummer Pep Perrine, cool riffs and some nice blues harp by guest Michael Earlwine. "Train Man" doesn't ever seem to really sync for me, with its varied times, separate sections and unremarkable melody (though I like the "heys" and some of the guitar licks) and while "White Wall" has some groovy wah-wah and riffs, it also doesn't really stick with you - again, there and multiple breakdowns with divide the tune, but the punches back in are powerful and I dig the backwards lead guitar. Unfortunately, "Black Eyed Girl" follows in this direction - come cool bits but broken up with slow, open parts - a little more successful with the heavy guitars but still not very cohesive. All is forgiven and forgotten with one of Seger's best songs ever, the anti-war moster "2+2 = ?" - starting with Honaker's dynamic bassline, then a counterpoint guitar lick, propulsive drums and vicious lyrics - this is freakin' Detroit high-energy bash'n'roll! Sonofabitch, if this doesn't take your breath away then you don't dig rock'n'roll! The only problem is that it's over before you know it - he could have spent a little more time on this one and a little less on the previous couple. After that we get a respite with a short piec of soulful organ work in "Doctor Fine" before the appropriately titled closer "The Last Song".

So, yeah, there is a bit of filler here'n'there and some ramblin' (so to speak) bits, but overall, this is a solid rock'n'roll album and it is a shame that (so I've heard) Seger has halted the release of his early work, which many consider to be his best, because it is not up to his current standards. This can still be found in used record stores and should be picked up when it is!

RIP Scotty Moore

Scotty Moore, Rock Pioneer and Elvis Presley’s Guitarist, Dies at 84 
---

Alan Six - Illuminachos

Las Vegas seems to be the capital of goofball punk-pop combos and this trio has joined the fray. Featuring Dave (the Boy Scout guitarist in the Mapes) on drums (having learned them just for this project), his wife Adrienne on bass and lead crooning/shrieking and buddy Lance on buzzsaw guitar, Alan Six has come from the Ramones school of short-fast-and-melodic to tell you all of the things that they don't like. At times is does sound like Dave and Adrienne's daughter helped to write the songs - although several are about telling guys to f'k off and r'n'r rebellion - and there are innumerable pop culture references that this old man doesn't get ("Objectively Smoof", "Bel Biv Demotion of the Ocean", "Avoig the Noig!"), but lots that you can sing along with and plenty of "I don'ts" to chant along with.

Adrienne really can sing - and wail (she can truly pierce your ears live) - and several of the songs remind me of the late, great LA group the Creamers. They do work with different tempos and come up with real melodies - and even do a punk version of 60's doo-wop in the political treatise "There's No Crying in Alan Six" - and power through the seven songs before you know it.

Fun stuff from some cool Las Vegans - and only 5 bux! Whadda deal!

The Mapes, the Undercover Monsters, Alan Six and Melanie and the Midnite Marauders at the Dive Bar Friday June 24, 2016

The Dive Bar is always a good time - great bartenders, cool soundman, a real stage and a fun atmosphere. Melanie and the Midnite Marauders opened the night this evening and had a good time providing a bit of high energy honky tonk for the early crowd.

(MMM photo by Nikki Ruffling)

Our pals Alan Six were celebrating the release of their debut CD, Illuminachos (more on that when I have a moment), and kicked out a set of anarchistic, sloppily tight punk-pop. Singer/bassist Adrienne keeps a rein on the beat while alternating melodic singing with impressively therapeutic shrieking. Lance provides the power chords while Mr. Dave frantically keeps time. Their coer of the Misfits "Angel Fuck" fits in perfectly with their sound.

The Undercover Monsters came out from Riverside to join the festivities and hang out with their pals in the Mapes. This co-ed combo (two Daves - drums and guitar, along with bassist Emily and guitarist Jessica) also creates a punky/poppy sound, with everyone except drummer Dave divvying up the lead vocals duties to a backing of simple, solid punk rock. Jessica takes off the guitar at one point to run around and cause trouble and they all seem to have a good time. Nice peeps, too!

Las Vegas' legendary Mapes keep popping up more and more frequently these days (they're also playing tonight at 11th Street Records) and also mine the goofy, punk-pop market, although these guys add rude'n'obscene lyrics to the mix. These eve no one seems particularly wasted (unlike some shows...) and so they played a reasonably stable'n'comprehensible set even while flailing about in their own r'n'r fashion. No food was thrown at this one, but plenty of confetti appeared and ended up everywhere, including deep recesses of some people's bodies. As usual, a good time was had by all! Oh, and in what must have been a first, the band asked that people STOP buying them drinks!

I don't get to the Dive Bar as often as I should, but I always have a great time there. Thanks for another fun-packed night!

RIP Ralph Stanley of the Stanley Brothers

Bluegrass Legend Ralph Stanley Dies at 89
 ---
I just wrote about the Stanley Brothers a week or so ago. A great band and Ralph was a very talented banjo player.

recommended gigs

Friday June 24 - Melanie and the Midnite Marauders, Alan Six - CD release party! - the Undercover Monsters and the Mapes at the Dive Bar

Saturday June 25 - Psyatics at the Dive Bar with the Two Tens, Jerk and Joni's Agenda
Saturday June 25 - the Mapes, Stalins of Sound and Radio Silence at 11th St Records
Saturday June 25 - Water Landing, the Steady Extras, Robert Stokes at Aces Ales
Saturday June 25 - the Chicken Shack returns to the Bunkhouse
Saturday June 25 - the All Togethers at the Pioneer Saloon

Monday June 27 - the Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Wednesday June 29 - Time Crashers, Illicitor, Decent Criminals - house party

Thursday June 30 - the Scoundrels with the Rocketz at the Hard Hat

Friday July 1 - the Astaires, Civilians, Fuck Shit Piss, Three Rounds at the Dive Bar

Saturday July 2 - Cash'd Out and the Acid Sisters at the Plaza Hotel

Sunday July 3 - The Burly-Q Revue at the Double Down featuring the Ace Tones

Saturday July 9 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Thursday July 14 - Screeching Weasel, the Dickies, the Queers at LV Country Saloon

Friday July 15 - Super Zeroes at the Double Down

Saturday July 16 - Water Landing with The Price of Dirt at the Double Down

Tuesday July 19 - Toys That Kill, Civic Minded 5, Illicitor, Fredward at the Dive Bar

Thursday July 21 - Cashed Out, the Rhyolite Sound at Triple B

Friday July 22 - Eagles of Death Metal at the Hard Rock

Sunday July 24 - Bob Log III at the Golden Tiki

Tuesday July 26 - Jesika von Rabbit and Spindrift at the Bunkhouse

Friday July 29 - The Swamp Gospel and the Lucky Cheats at the Sand Dollar anniversary party!

Wednesday August 3 - Franks'n'Deans Weenie Roast at the Double Down

Wednesday August 10 - the Maxies and the Ataris at the House of Blues Las Vegas

Friday August 12 - Shooter Jennings back by Waylon's Band at Fremont Country Club
Friday August 12 - the Weirdos, Scoundrels, and the Civilians at the Dive Bar

Saturday August 13 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Saturday August 13 - The Swamp Gospel, Thee Faded Pyctures, and more at the Double Down

Wednesday August 17 - the Ataires and the Who Generation at the House of Blues

Friday August 19 - Psyatics CD Release Party at the Double Down with Tito Mojito and the New Conquerors, Pluralses and Swamp Pussy

Sunday Aug 21 - David Allen Coe at the LV Country Saloon

Saturday Sept 10 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Friday Oct 21 - the Psyatics and the Vibrators at the Double Down

What have I forgotten? Lemme know

The Rolling Stones - Goats Head Soup

The follow up to the iconic Exile on Main Street, this 1973 release had a lot to live up to and while it is not the classic that its predecessor is, it is a solid piece of Stones rock'n'roll.

They create quite the sultry groove in "Dancing With Mr. D.", a fave from this session, and vary tempos within "100 Years Ago", breaking down just as the feel was catchin' on, but then come back into the funkiness with a smokin' Mick Taylor guitar solo. "Coming Down Again" is nice enough, but is a fairly unremarkable ballad, but leads into the fantastically funky hit "Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)" - probably their last truly great hit single. Terrific lead guitar, cool wah-wahs, powerful horn section and damn catchy - everything cooks and connects on this one!

The other Top Forty smash from this record was, of course, "Angie", an acoustic ballad that succeeds where "Coming Down Again" failed - hooky and memorable and a great arrangement. "Silver Train" is a personal treasure from the album - a slide-driven, up-tempo blues rocker that Johnny Winter took to even higher levels on his Still Alive and Well LP. There's a bit of a gospel feel to "Hide Your Love", a clap-along number with excellent guitar leads, followed by yet another string-laden ballad, "Winter" - ironic as they were recording in Jamaica - that builds as Taylor gets to stretch out some more on his guitar. "Can You Hear the Music" is another tune that doesn't strike you at first but kinda sneaks up on you in an insistent way - sort of like "Moonlight Mile" - and they conclude with one of their rudest (other than "Cocksucker Blues") but best groupie-rockers, "Star Star" (aka "Star Fucker"). Great piece (so to speak!) of rock'n'roll to close things out.

Not up to par with their previous albums (how could they match the foursome of Beggar's Banquet,  Let It Bleed, , Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street?), but still a fine endeavor and one of the last true successes.

The Rolling Stones - A Bigger Bang

Apparently, this 2005 CD was the band's last release and while it's not one that I listen to often, it is still a worthy successor to their previous greatness.

The opening "Rough Justice" is kind of a monster - huge, heavy guitars, cool slide work, and a stompin' r'n'r groove. "Let Me Down Slow" has a feel like something off of Some Girls, with some nice melodic flourishes. Patented Keith Richards' staccato chords drive "It Won't Take Long", they get a bit funky in "Rain Come Down", do a so-so (but undeniably catchy) soulful power ballad in "Streets of Love", get bluesy in "Back of My Hand" (nice slide'n'harp work), build a r'n'r dance groove for "She Saw Me Coming" and then give another unmemorable ballad in "Biggest Mistake".

Reminiscent of "Angie", there is an acoustic ballad in "This Place is Empty", then they wake up and bring the fire for "Oh No, Not You Again" (a bit of a nod to "Shattered" here), and give us a rocker with nice open spaces in "Dangerous Beauty". There's a slow burner in "Laugh, I Almost Died", they get political (this was the Bush years, remember) in the blues-rocker "Sweet Neo Con", are almost frantically funky in "Look What the Cat Dragged In", produce another stomper in "Driving Too Fast" before ending the proceedings with Keith's "Infamy" (a play on "in for me", as in "you got it in for me").

Certainly not one of their best, but also certainly better than many of their later releases. Some real bits of coolness and definitely worth hearing, in any case.

Junior Brown Long Walk Back

Once I stumbled across Junior Brown - through Facebook friends, as I recall - I was hooked on his traditional country sound and his incredible guitar playing. I picked up this CD after diggin' the title track on one the Junior comps I have gathered.

The afore-mentioned title number, "Long Walk Back To San Antone", is a cool bit of country/blues/swing with a great groove and some amazing git work, of course. Even more wild git-steel playing in the upbeat C&W "The Better Half", but the maudlin ballad "Read "em and Weep" doesn't really stand out. He rectifies that with the kitschy but rockin' "Rock-a-Hula Baby" where he combines the silly subject matter with insanely good playin' - and even gives a goofy Elvis-like ending. Speaking of Elvis, "Lookin' For Love" sounds like it could have been one of his later, movie soundtrack songs, with a Fifties influence but a bit more polish that necessary - dig the sax'n'guitar though! I love his instrumental work and "Peelin' Taters", despite the frivolous title, delivers the goods and the fingers fly through "Freedom Machine" at an incredible pace - he truly is one of the most creative and innovative players I've heard in any genre. The steel-guitar driven ballad "Just a Little Love" works much better than "Read "em and Weep" - not quite as weepy and the steel performance is truly beautiful. "Keepin' Up With You" is kind of a blues rock number, but with disjointed rhythms, more kooky lyrics, but guitar work that is reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughn and even Hendrix, at times. Dig the surf-meets-country of "I'm All Fired Up" and he closes with a guitar tour-de-force that only he could deliver, "Stupid Blues". Man, I could listen to his guitar all day long and never get tired - I wish he didn't feel the need to play the goofball in so many of his songs, though I guess it has served him well over the years.

I've found that all of Junior's CDs are a bit uneven, but his instrumental work overcomes any objections I ever have and everything I've heard has more than enough greatness to balance out the foolishness.

I Am Thor - documentary

My old pal Frank Meyer from the Streetwalkin' Cheetahs helped produce this bio-pic of the 70's rock star who went by the name of Thor. If you grew up in the 70's you most likely saw this man's album in the stores, but also most likely never got a chance to see him live, and this film helps to explain the trials and tribulations that ravaged this would-be god's career.

Growing up in the 50's and 60's, Jon Mikal was drawn to rock'n'roll (his 60's garage band, the Ticks, actually sound pretty cool from the brief snippet in the movie) but also, through his brother's influence, he became a professional body builder. From there, his life ran through many unique and crazy adventures - a stint in Vegas, a time as a male stripper - before he decided to seriously pursue heavy metal and signed to a major label. From here the story gets even weirder - kidnapping, porn stars, sabotage, breakdowns, b-movies, retirement, a failed marriage and a return to the stage.

The doc mostly concentrates on this return as it shows the many facets of this time and the many different musicians that has played with Thor, including, at times, Frank and his cohorts in the Cheetahs, Bruce Duff and Dino Everett. There are many small shows - one promoter bemoans the fact that there were 6 paying customers - some house parties with punk bands, and lots of couch surfing and slogging through towns to little interest. But then Thor is invited to play several festivals in the Netherlands, including one dedicated to Thor himself, so the film ends on a high note with the man finally receiving some notoriety.

I was reminded on the Anvil movie here and hopefully this flick with help to re-ignite Thor's fame, as well. Another rock'n'roll "what could have been"!

Cabaret at the Smith Center, Las Vegas, Saturday June 18, 2016

I've been a fan of the Liza Minnelli movie version of Cabaret pretty much since it was released but have never before seen a stage presentation. The version performed at the Smith Center is updated from the original and has simple yet effective staging and fine costumes that reflect the previous take without copying it.

Here the story doesn't simply revolve around Sally Bowles (Andrea Gross) and Clifford Bradshaw (Lee Aaron Rosen), but seems to take more from the original book of short tales, Berlin Stories, as it explores the budding relationship of the inn-keeper (Shannon Cochran) and her Jewish beau (Mark Nelson) along with friend Ernst (Ned Noyes) and the prostitute Kost (Alison Ewing), and, of course, the Emcee (Randy Harrison). While the iconic songs remain, there are many that did not appear in the movie, as they revolve around the other characters.

I enjoyed this adaptation - there are enough variations to keep it fresh, but still keeps the feel of the original. The Smith Center brings some superior productions and, if you don't mind the upper strata, you can get seats at a reasonable price (a number of our punk rock friends were in the same area as we were).

recommended gigs

Friday June 17 - the Rhyolite Sound, the Union Drifters at the Bunkhouse
Friday June 17 - Franks'n'Deans at the Golden Tiki

Saturday June 18 - Super Zeroes at the Double Down

Monday June 20 - the Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki (Nikki's birthday!)

Friday June 24 - Melanie and the Midnite Marauders, Alan Six - CD release party! - the Undercover Monsters and the Mapes at the Dive Bar

Saturday June 25 - Psyatics at the Dive Bar with the Two Tens, Jerk and Joni's Agenda
Saturday June 25 - the Mapes, Stalins of Sound and Radio Silence at 11th St Records
Saturday June 25 - Water Landing, the Steady Extras, Robert Stokes at Aces Ales
Saturday June 25 - the Chicken Shack returns to the Bunkhouse

Saturday June 25 - the All Togethers at the Pioneer Saloon

Monday June 27 - the Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Friday July 1 - the Astaires, Civilians, Fuck Shit Piss, Three Rounds at the Dive Bar

Saturday July 9 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Thursday July 14 - Screeching Weasel, the Dickies, the Queers at LV Country Saloon

Friday July 15 - Psyatics, Super Zeroes at the Double Down

Friday July 22 - Eagles of Death Metal at the Hard Rock

Sunday July 24 - Bob Log III at the Golden Tiki

Tuesday July 26 - Jesika von Rabbit and Spindrift at the Bunkhouse

Friday July 29 - The Swamp Gospel and the Lucky Cheats at the Sand Dollar anniversary party!

Friday August 12 - Shooter Jennings back by Waylon's Band at Fremont Country Club
Friday August 12 - the Weirdos, Scoundrels, and the Civilians at the Dive Bar

Saturday August 13 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Saturday August 13 - The Swamp Gospel, Thee Faded Pyctures, and more at the Double Down

Friday August 19 - Psyatics CD Release Party at the Double Down with Tito Mojito and the New Conquerors, Pluralses and Swamp Pussy

Saturday Sept 10 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Friday Oct 21 - the Psyatics and the Vibrators at the Double Down

What have I forgotten? Lemme know

The Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys - the Complete Mercury Recordings

The Stanley Brothers - Carter on guitar and lead vocals and Ralph on clawhammer-style banjo and tenor vocals - started their bluegrass career in 1946, highly influenced by Bill Monroe. In fact, the story is that Monroe left the Columbia label after the Stanley Brothers were signed because he felt they were imitators of his. He later forgave them and even worked together on several occasions.

After a brief breakup, the Brothers reunited and signed with Mercury for these recordings, which took place between 1953 and 1958. They are joined by other musicians, including mandolin, fiddle, guitar, steel guitar, bass and more, but the brothers are always the stars. Monroe described Carter as "the finest natural lead singer there ever was" and, combined with Ralph's terrific tenor and extraordinary banjo stylings, they were a potent duo. Of course, the backing musicians add quite a bit, as well, and these tunes are superior selections of the bluegrass style.

There are gospel tunes mixed in with the secular, instrumentals (such as the fiery banjo workout "Dickson County Breakdown") and even the classic "Angel Band", which appeared on the O Brother How Art Thou soundtrack. Everything here is strong - all 48 numbers - and this is another excellent example of the best of classic bluegrass.

this is kinda amazing - Rock Scene online

The complete archive of the fun'n'cool Rock Scene magazine.

The Peculiar Pretzelmen at the Golden Tiki, Thursday June 9, 2016

The Prezelmen became one of my fave acts the first time that I saw them (has it only been a year ago?) and I try to catch them whenever they come to town. Unfortunately, Vegas is usually the start or end of a tour for them so we tend to get them on a Sunday or, as in this case, a Thursday. Still, it is worth a sleepy Friday at work to experience their noisily minimalist performance!

As I've said before, vocalist/muilti-instrumentalist Kevin came from Soda and his Million Piece Band and the PP continues in that Tom Waits-ian vein. Kevin will play bastardized versions of banjo, mandolin, guitar and even mandocello but runs them through an array of pedals to give an even wider variety of tones. Deacon's drum kit consisted of kitchen utensils and car parts (and a vintage bass drum), among other items that - obviously - gives the duo a unique resonance. While reminiscent of Waits, I know of no one else implementing this style of musical muse, so it is always entertaining.

This is the start of their tour, so check out their Facebook page to see when they will be coming near you and they have a number of CDs that are all fine melodious odysseys so support them whenever and however you can! Damn nice guys, too!

recommended gigs

Thursday June 9 - the Peculiar Pretzelmen and the Sharps at the Golden Tiki

Friday June 10 - the New Waves at the Golden Tiki

Saturday June 11 - The Unwieldies at the Dillinger
Saturday June 11 - the Lucky Cheats at Lake Las Vegas MonteLago Village Beer Fest

Monday June 13 - the Murder Junkies at the Dive Bar
Monday June 13 - The Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki (Jesse's birthday!)

Thursday June 16 - the Astaires and We Were Promised Jet Packs at the Bunkhouse

Friday June 17 - the Rhyolite Sound, the Union Drifters at the Bunkhouse
Friday June 17 - Franks'n'Deans at the Golden Tiki

Saturday June 18 - Super Zeroes at the Double Down

Monday June 20 - the Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki (Nikki's birthday!)

Friday June 24 - Melanie and the Midnite Marauders, Alan Six - CD release party! - the Undercover Monsters and the Mapes at the Dive Bar

Saturday June 25 - Psyatics at the Dive Bar with the Two Tens, Jerk and Joni's Agenda

Saturday June 25 - the All Togethers at the Pioneer Saloon

Monday June 27 - the Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Saturday July 9 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Thursday July 14 - Screeching Weasel, the Dickies, the Queers at LV Country Saloon

Friday July 15 - Psyatics, Super Zeroes at the Double Down

Friday July 22 - Eagles of Death Metal at the Hard Rock

Sunday July 24 - Bob Log III at the Golden Tiki

Tuesday July 26 - Jesika von Rabbit and Spindrift at the Bunkhouse

Friday July 29 - The Swamp Gospel and the Lucky Cheats at the Sand Dollar anniversary party!

Friday August 12 - Shooter Jennings back by Waylon's Band at Fremont Country Club
Friday August 12 - the Weirdos, Scoundrels, and the Civilians at the Dive Bar

Saturday August 13 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Saturday August 13 - The Swamp Gospel, Thee Faded Pyctures, and more at the Double Down

Friday August 19 - Psyatics CD Release Party at the Double Down with Tito Mojito and the New Conquerors, Pluralses and Swamp Pussy

Saturday Sept 10 - Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Friday Oct 21 - the Psyatics and the Vibrators at the Double Down

What have I forgotten? Lemme know

Ten High - Party Store

Total Energy was (is?) and offshoot of Voxx Records, where they released some of the more high-energy, Detroit-styled punk'n'roll bands and Ten High certainly qualified! Now I don't remember (if I ever knew) the story behind Wendy Case's combo, but I believe that they were Detroit-based and they mixed 60's garage with high-energy, mid-west rock'n'roll.

Wendy handles the lead vocals here, with a powerful, raspy voice, and adds guitar and harp, while being backed by Craig Claunch (guitar), Tom Robbins (bass), Milton Hill (keys) and Adam Berg (skins). They blast out of the gate in "Get On" with power chords, keys, and fierce, fuzzed out guitar leads ala the Fuzztones or DMZ taking on the Sonics (the song even has hints of "Shot Down"). In "Crazy Ways" they mix frantic r'n'b and garage, they channel the Fantastic Dee Jays "Fight Fire" in their own "Mindreader", take on the Seeds' "Satisfy You" and crunch out a stompin' rhythm on "Sins of the Family". There's a Bo Diddley beat propelling "Dollrod", they demolish Cuby and the Blizzards' "Your Body Not Yer Soul" (much different feel with a female singing), give us pure-power-garage in "Slow Burn" and take on the Smoke Rings' "Love's the Thing" with wild abandon.

Cool call'n'answer garage on the sensual "He's Gonna Do It", poundin' r'n'r in "Hey Driver" (using the analogy that's been around since at least Memphis Minnie), frenetic Wailers'-styled garage in "Tree" ("I wanna climb a...") and, in an odd twist that really works, they turn the Beach Boys' cutsie "Do It Again" into a punk raver!

Great rock'n'roll record that sounds like a Detroit muscle car is revvin' up inside this garage! Not sure what became of these cats'n'kitten, but this is worth pickin' up if ya find it around.

The Sloths - Back From the Grave

I've been reporting on the Sloths for their Las Vegas ventures and have been diggin' their updated takes on the 60's garage that they helped to create with their Back From the Grave compilation hit "Makin' Love", recorded in 1965. The current line-up includes original Sloth Mike Rummans on bass (he also plays guitar) along with 60's peer Tommy McLoughlin on vocals and harp, Ray Herron on drums, LA stalwart (he of many bands and ex-of Flipside Magazine) Pat DiPuccio (Pooch) on guitar. This CD also includes guitar/bassman (he and Mike would switch on stage) Mark Weddington.

This CD has plenty of 60's garage influences, but also hints of 70's punk rock, power pop, 50's rock'n'roll and more. Mike and Tommy write the originals but there are a few cool covers here such as the opener, Holly Beth Vincent's new-wavey-rock'n'roll "Never Enough Girls" and Jerry McCain's 50's blazer "A Cutie Named Judy". "End of My Rope" always reminds me of the Pirates swaggerin' pub rock, with it's call'n'answer groove and wailin' harp solo, and "Everybody's Tryin' 2 B Somebody" continues in this vein with its starts'n'stops and poundin' piano. The band has a cool video for "One Way Out", a mostly spoken tale of life's trials and tribulations, then they talk about another deadly sin in the fast-paced "Lust" (with a smokin' solo) and complain about day jobs in "Gotta Get Fired". "Haunted" is a moody 60's garage number, reminiscent of other great minor-key 60's hits, "Before I Die" is a heavy, slide-guitar-dominated, blues-rock answer to Pete's "hope I die before I get old" and "Wanna New Life" is a choppy, guitar chord-riff garage rocker. They close with an update to their classic, Bo Diddley-influenced "Makin' Love", showin' that they haven't lost anything in the ensuing years.

No, they're not trying to duplicate their original sound, as they know that a number of decades have passed since then, but they still provide some hard edged, garage punk'n'roll.

The Hi End - 100 Proof e.p.

Another project that my pal Curt Florczak is involved in is The Hi End, a Boston quintet with Curt and Bruno Giodano on guitars, Johnny Carlevale on vocals, Anthony Giodano on bass and Scott Sugarman on drums.

Claiming influences like the Jam, Eddie and the Hot Rods, and AC/DC, they bring high-energy melodic rock'n'roll that reminds me of 80's LA catchy punk'n'roll projects like the Little Kings. Guitar riffs abound in the opening title track while Anthony and Scott give cool, percussion dynamics and Johnny boasts of how he lives his life. There a nice break-down section here, as well. Drivin' rhythms, more rockin' riffs and catchy chorus propel "Wreckin' Ball" and "Ain't No Funny Stuff" mixes a soulful dance groove with power pop in a hip, late 70's kinda way. The closer, "I Don't Really Care" is an aggressive chant-along rocker with plenty of catchy'n'rockin' guitars and a bit of horns for added flavor.

Again, much too short, but a well-recorded piece of spirited rock'n'roll that mixes the best of 70's and 80's punk'n'roll with pop influences. Recommended for sure!

Greg Allen's Fringe Religion - CD Single

I've known guitar slinger Curt Florczak for decades now - since he was shredding the strings for LA's powerful punk'n'roll outfit, the B-Movie Rats (look for their reunion in July!). He moved to Boston a while back and has been involved in several projects (along with teaching guitar lessons and repairing gits) including this one.

Led by Greg Allen (natch) on vox and guitar, Curt adds the biting leads while Chicago Vin Earnshaw provides the low end and Chris Michaels pounds the skins.

The sound here is 70's power pop, with plenty of power! These cats would have fit right in with the LA scene bands like 20/20, the Knack and the like. Curt gives us some cool licks throughout the ode to unrequited love (a must for power pop), "Elevator Girl", a rockin' piece of pop with cool starts'n'stops and fun lyrics. The "flip", "Queen of Dirt" is more of the same, with good use of dynamics, dirty-ass power chords'n'riffs and an explosive lead section.

Fine, fun stuff here - my only complaint is that it is far too short! Check 'em out! (And guys, put your CD image on your Facebook page!)

Shanda and the Howlers at the Golden Tiki Saturday June 4, 2016

Las Vegas' premier 50's R'n'B/60's Soul outfit, Shanda and the Howlers made their Golden Tiki debut this evening to a crowd of swingin' supporters, dancers and, yes, howlers!

Led by the Big Maybelle-like blues belter, Shanda, the Howlers set fire to a couple of sets of cool covers and hot originals. Drummer Keith keep the dancin' beat going, while Luke's bass gets ya shimmyin', Micah adds fine sax flavoring and guitarist Trevor fills in the tasty, growlin', blues-based licks, despite having a torn ligament in his hand!

I totally dig Luke's cool backing vocals on "Baby, You're the One", Trevor's slide guitar on "Don't Do Much", which also included some nice guitar/sax trade-offs, they snarl through the Sonics' "Shot Down", give us a soulful ballad with groovy dynamics that reminded me of the best of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, got everyone singing - and dancing, with Shanda joining in -  the call'n'answer in Huey Piano Smith's "Don't You Just Know It", they throw in a country song, just to show that they can, do a smouldering take on James Brown's "I Go Crazy" and got everyone to participate in the frat-rockin' "Shout!".

Las Vegas has some real talent flowing these days and this combo is right up there with the best. See 'em whenever you can!

RIP Muhammed Ali

Muhammad Ali, 'The Greatest,' dies at 74 
---
While I consider boxing to be a primitive and cruel sport, Ali was a true cultural icon who helped to bring the civil right movement, the peace movement and Islam into the American home.

recommended gigs

Friday June 3 - Super Zeroes, Radio Silence and more at the Double Down

Saturday June 4 - Ritchie Ramone at the Dive Bar
Saturday June 4 - Shanda and the Howlers at the Golden Tiki

Monday June 6 - the Swank Bastards with special guests at the Golden Tiki
Monday June 6 - Shanda and the Howlers at the Double Down

Tuesday June 7 - Couch Bombs, Pluralses, Jerk! at the Hard Hat

Thursday June 9 - the Peculiar Pretzelmen and the Sharps at the Golden Tiki

Friday June 10 - the New Waves at the Golden Tiki

Saturday June 11 - The Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Monday June 13 - the Murder Junkies at the Dive Bar

Thursday June 16 - the Astaires and We Were Promised Jet Packs at the Bunkhouse

Friday June 17 - the Rhyolite Sound, the Union Drifters at the Bunkhouse

Friday June 24 - Melanie and the Midnite Marauders, Alan Six - CD release party! - the Undercover Monsters and the Mapes at the Dive Bar

Saturday June 25 - the All Togethers at the Pioneer Saloon

Thursday July 14 - Screeching Weasel, the Dickies, the Queers at LV Country Saloon

Friday July 22 - Eagles of Death Metal at the Hard Rock

Sunday July 24 - Bob Log III at the Golden Tiki

Tuesday July 26 - Jesika von Rabbit and Spindrift at the Bunkhouse

Friday July 29 - The Swamp Gospel and the Lucky Cheats at the Sand Dollar anniversary party!

Friday August 12 - Shooter Jennings back by Waylon's Band at Fremont Country Club
Friday August 12 - the Weirdos, Scoundrels, and the Civilians at the Dive Bar

Saturday August 13 - The Swamp Gospel, Thee Faded Pyctures, and more at the Double Down

What have I forgotten? Lemme know