The Art of Kepi - The Rise of Kepiland 2000-2012

 

Along with his continuing musical adventures, Kepi is making a name for himself as an outsider pop artist, which is more lucrative in its own way - selling one painting is equal to innumerable "streams" or single song purchases or even CD or album sales. His art is childlike - not dissimilar from his tunes - but cute and as catchy as his melodies!

This book contains 500 (!!) of his paintings along with a nice introduction to Kepi by Jerry Hormone with some early pics of a long-haired Kepi (who, apparently, appears in Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" video, which I will have to watch again now!), pre-Berry Pickers, much less pre-Groovie Ghoulies!

It's a nicely done, high quality printing, limited to 1500, with Kepi's revolving cast of characters doing his best to create "Bright and Simple Art for a Dark and Complicated World". Dig it!

Chu - (She) Drunk History

Continuing the saga of Anthony Chu's sister, Saffron, who has taken her grandfather from an old folks' home in order to try to find the Nazi gold that he pirated away in his youth, and, of course, instigating wild'n'crazy adventures of her own separate from this cause.

The wildly improbable'n'impossible food-related powers continue, as well, including a wine that, when drunk, transports you to the place where it was brewed - in this case, 17th century France, where Saffron gets involved in a art heist by befriending the artist at the time of his painting!

Naturally, lots more goes on throughout the tale and new characters appear, new powers are discovered, more people are murdered and fun'n'chaos'n'mayhem ensue.

Yeah, I got hooked on Chew and Chu continues to impress. While I loved the crazy, stylistic art of Chew, the work on Chu is quite hep, as well - sorta/kinda similar with a similar attention to detail, but a style all its own.

Quality stuff - well worth checking out!

Kepi Ghoulie - various releases

 

Here's a few items we picked up at Kepi's house show last night - along with a couple of CD's that I'll get to later!

Winning Combination / I Want You Around

This cassette release (also out on CD) is Kepi with a full band - 2 other guitarists, bass and drums - kinda getting back to his 60's pop roots with the super catchy, mid-tempo pop number "Winning Combination" backed with a fairly faithful take on the Ramones' classic love tune, "I Want You Around", with their own touches, of course. 

Love Letter / The Familiar

This CD single is Kepi doing a truly heartfelt love song as an acoustic guitar pop/folk number (with some extra additions by producer/engineer David Houston) backed by another simple acoustic guitar/vocal folky cut, "The Familiar", sounding like he is performing in the room with you. Very intimate and very cool!

Kepi Ghoulie featuring Miss Chain and the Broken Heels

A vinyl 45 (Kepi is keeping all media types alive!) with Kepi backed by a full band doing a couple of excellent originals. originally from the Ghoulies album Re-Animation Festival, "Zombie Crush" is, again, very 60's styled, with a swingin', mid-tempo-ish beat, fine melody and classic Kepi lyrics. The flip is an ode to the Smurfs, apparently, an organ-dominated, harmony-drenched catchy pop tune called "Hair of Gold (Skin of Blue)". This is an excellent double sider and he performed both of them at the party last night and they come off great as live numbers, as well.

M.O.T.O. / Head - Mikey / Kepi

An homage to the bands MOTO and Head as a vinyl 45 rpm EP with Kepi (again backed by producer David Houston on keys, bass'n'drums) doing a 60's-ish take on MOTO's power-poppy "I Won't Give It Up Until You're Mine" and, after a couple of listens, I finally realized that this segues into Head's "Theme of Head", making it sound as if it is one song. Mikey Erg, on the flip side, covers MOTO's pop-punk "I Am A Bomb" that blends seamlessly into Head's "No Hugging! No Learning!". Super short but both sides are cool'n'catchy!

You know it's quality stuff if it's Kepi and these are no exceptions! Pick 'em up if you see them, as they are all limited editions.

Kepi Ghoulie, Suburban Resistance, The Devil's Duo - house party Sunday May 29, 2022

 Super music fan Kevin Wilcox from Vegas' Suburban Resistance was good enough to put together this amazing house party (along with his wonderful wife, Geri, of course) and they were kind enough to ask the Devil's Duo to perform. Considering that it had been years since we had seen our old friend Kepi (The Excessories used to play with the Groovie Ghoulies regularly back in the day), we were more than happy to be part of this holiday weekend celebration.

Of course, we couldn't take any photos of our set and, thanks at least in part to a bottle of champagne, we were a bit sloppy as we ran through a short set of our covers of the likes of Tom Waits, X, Jerry Lee Lewis and old traditional tunes. Even if we were not at the top of our game, it seemed like people dug it and we got a warm response! Thanks again for including us, Kevin!

(The Duo with Kepi Ghoulie)

Kevin and SR guitarist Adam (who also provided the PA - thanks for that Adam!) then ran through a set of fine acoustic takes on some of the Resistance's songs, including a truly heartfelt tune about Kevin's dad, and plenty of audience-participation "whoa-ohs"! This was actually quite impressive and the songs were totally catchy (I am not overly familiar with their repertoire, which I will have to remedy - I did pick up something from Kevin - more on that when I have time), and I hope that they do more performances like this again in the future.

It had been far too long since we had seen Kepi perform - we missed his appearance at Evel Pie the night before as it was Melanie's birthday and we were stuffing ourselves with a terrific dinner and drinks - and I think we had forgotten what a treat he is live! Amazingly charismatic, with fun banter in between his old Ghoulie numbers and more current tunes all done with just an acoustic guitar and occasional harmonica - he's kinda the Jonathan Richman of pop-punk. I think that Kevin put in a request for a few songs beforehand, but Kepi captivated everyone with all kinds of songs including hits like "Brain Scrambling Device" and one of our faves, "The Beast With Five Hands" along with newer numbers like "Zombie Crush" and "Hair of Gold and Skin of Blue" (a double-sided hit of a 45 that we picked up)! The house was a fab place for the performances and Kepi made use of the huge curtains behind him for a "disappearance" before his encore! 

It's been far too long since Kepi was in Vegas and he promises to rectify that now so we hope to see him back here soon. Make sure you check him out - you WILL leave with a smile on your face!

Once again, a huge thanks to Kevin and Geri and everyone who made it out and made this such a fun event! It was a super get-together and everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming - Vegas does have a groovy music scene!

RIP Ronnie Hawkins

Cross-border rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins dies at 87 

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Most famous for cultivating the group that became "The Band", Ronnie was a legend in his own right.

RIP Goldtop Bob

 Those of you who are not from Las Vegas may not know the man, but Goldtop Bob (named after his iconic Goldtop Les Paul that he has had since the 60's, as the story goes) has been a mainstay of the Vegas blues scene for as long as most people can remember. A highly talented guitarist, he could play solo or with bands and despite health issues and advanced age (I don't know if anyone knew exactly how old he was), he continued to play at least weekly, if not more often, in Vegas bars. Known for his excesses and curmudgeonly attitude, he was quite the character and will be missed by the entire Vegas scene.

recommended gigs

 Thursday 5-26-22 - Guttermouth, Guilt by Association, Suburban Resistance, the Modifiers at the Dive Bar

Friday 5-27-22 - Shanda and the Howlers at Soul Belly

Friday 5-27-22 - Thee Hypnotiques at the Golden Tiki

Friday 5-27-22 - Little Miss Nasty, Gina and the Eastern Block, Dead Posey at the Usual Place

Saturday 5-28-22 - Kepi (Groovie Ghoulies) at Evel Pie

Saturday 5-28-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at late night at the Golden Tiki

Saturday 5-28-22 - Monster Zero, the Nuclear Undead, First or Last, Latest Regrets, Societies Infection at the Double Down

Saturday 5-28-22 - Cancerslug, Dead at Midnight at the Dive Bar

Sunday 5-29-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Sunday 5-29-22 - The Devil's Duo play a private party

Monday 5-30-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Tues 5-31-22 - The Chords UK, the Rebel Set, TV Party, Cromm and the P200 at Taverna Costera

Wednesday 6-1-22 - Franks'n'Deans Weenie Roast with special guests the Pluralses at the Double Down

Thursday 6-2-22 - A Tribute to Goldtop Bob at the Founders Club with live music by the Souvenairs, the Way Outs and Thee Swank Bastards, drink specials and raffles

Friday 6-3-22 - the Psyatics at the Double Down with Thee Swank Bastards and the Way Outs

Saturday 6-4-22 - The Psyatics video shoot at Cemetery Pulp - EARLY! 6:00 pm!

Saturday 6-4-22 - the Souvenairs at the Golden Tiki

Saturday 6-4-22 - Thee Swank Bastards late night at the Golden Tiki

Saturday 6-4-22 - The Pluralses, Stagnetti's Cock, Cadaver Pudding and Battering Ham at Starboard Tack

Sunday 6-5-22 -  Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Wednesday 6-8-22 - Joe Jackson at the Smith Center

Wednesday 6-8-22 - Thelma and the Sleaze, Zach Ryan, Elevated Undergrounds at Artifice

Thursday 6-9-22 - Total Chaos, Soldiers of Destruction, Gob Patrol, Endless Struggle at the Dive Bar

Thursday 6-9-22 - TV Party Tonight at the Double Down showing Eurotrip with live music by Jerk!

Friday 6-10-22 - Sandbox Bullies, the Hideaway, the Devillians at the Dive Bar

Saturday 6-11-22 - Mojave Sun, the Dirty Hooks, Mother Mercury at Soul Belly

Saturday 6-11-22 - The New Waves at the Golden Tiki

Monday 6-13-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Tuesday 6-14-22 - Babes and Blues at the Usual Place - live music by Thee Hypnotiques and Burlesque

Saturday 6-18-22 - Thee Swank Bastards late night at the Golden Tiki

Saturday 6-18-22 - Sector 7-G, the Left Right Lefts, Suburban Resistance at the Double Down

Sunday 6-19-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Monday 6-20-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Thursday 6-23-22 - Zeke, Soldiers of Destruction, Suburban Resistance, Downtown Death Rattle and Cutthroat at the Dive Bar

Friday 6-24-22 - Thee Hypnotiques at the Golden Tiki

Friday 6-24-22 - Jerk! Illicitor, Shubees, Battering Ham at the Double Down

Saturday 6-25-22 - GayC/DC, Crimson Riot, The Forget Me Nows, Negative Nancys at Taverna Costera

Saturday 7-2-22 - The Devil's Duo and the Unwieldies at Cemetery Pulp

Saturday 7-16-22 - The Psyatics at the Huntridge Tavern

Saturday 8-6-22 - Dirty Rock'n'Roll Dance Party presents the Surfrajetts, the Volcanics and the Sheiks of Neptune at the Usual Place

Friday 8-12-22 - The Psyatics at the Huntridge Tavern

Saturday 8-13-22 - Suburban Resistance record release show at the Dive Bar with special guests TBA

Ant-Man / Giant-Man Marvel Epic Collection

 

I guess that I'm forever enamored with the early 60's Marvel characters that I discovered via my brother when they came out and I will always have a fondness for their early stories. I have a feeling that Ant-Man was initially created just so that the artists (Jack Kirby, at first) could have fun with different perspectives as they led him through various improbable adventures. For some reason that I never understood - I suppose they thought he wasn't powerful enough - Marvel turned Hank Pym into the polar opposite, Giant-Man, to handle stronger foes, and at times Pym would jump from one to the other extreme within the same adventure. 

The first few tales are basically introductory, an origin story (that was initially meant as a stand alone, but apparently, it was popular with the readers), followed by Pym's initial expeditions as a costumed super-hero and not long after, the introduction of his partner/love interest, Janet Van Dyne, the Wasp. Of course, there has to be some Commies involved - as there were with every hero at the time - along with basic thieves, rival scientists, aliens, magicians, super-villains and even mutant insects!

Funnily enough, I have never seen a number of these stories, even in reprints, so it's fun checking them out for that reason alone. I have to say that Don Heck is not one of my favorite Marvel artists, but the Kirby stories are great, natch, and Dick Ayers has a neater style, but I guess Giant-Man did not get enough respect to deserve the top-tier artists after Kirby left. 

Again, I grew up with these comics, so I have a natural love for all the 60's Marvel output, and while this batch might not be the best-of-the-best, I still dig the wacky exploits and implausible escapades (and boy, both the heroes and villains spent lots of money setting up traps!). 

The Unwieldies and the Devil's Duo at the Huntridge Tavern, Saturday May 21, 2022

 

None of my bands have played at the Huntridge Tavern since pre-Covid days (in fact, the last Swamp Gospel gig was at the Huntridge), but we felt like it was time to get back in and felt like the Devil's Duo would fit in this intimate space. We asked our pals, the Unwieldies, to join us, and they were gracious enough to do so. Hope that everyone who attended stays safe'n'heathly!

(This photo was banned from Facebook, so let's see if Blogger has an issue with it! :) )

Obviously, we have no way of taking photos of ourselves as the Devil's Duo played, so we have no documentation of our show at this time. Despite some small technical issues with the PA and a sparse crowd at the beginning, the room filled up as we played and we had a fun time literally playing every song that we know - from Johnny Cash to Tom Waits to Hank Williams to X and the Knitters to Bessie Smith and many other old-timey tunes on our acoustic guitar and banjolele. The response was good and we hope that we will get back to the Tavern again before too long.

Of course, I have ranted'n'raved about my fave acoustic act, the Unwieldies, more times that I can count and they never fail to entertain'n'impress. With a set full of tunes from the numerous CDs, they have incredibly cleverly written originals, fun arrangements of covers and, as always, some brand new numbers. The Huntridge libations aided in some fun'n'sassy repartee and the musicianship is always beyond top-notch. This eve besides Dani (guitar/vocals) and Rob (bass/vocals), they had their mainstay violinist Jack, along with dobro master Richard and banjo wrangler Erik, somehow all managing to fit in the Tavern's entertainment nook, along with a huge cigarette machine! 

Totally fun night from start to finish so thanks again to the Huntridge for hosting us, along with bartendress supreme, Emilie and manager Buck, for taking the chance on a wacky acoustic night. We'll do it again soon!

RIP Bob Neuwirth

Bob Neuwirth, Folk Singer-Songwriter Who Had Profound Impact on Bob Dylan, Dead at 82 

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recommended gigs

 Thursday 5-19-22 - Crimson Riot, Forget Me Nows, Nova Babies at Soul Belly

Friday 5-20-22 - The Psyatics with Complete Disaster at the Dive Bar

Saturday 5-21-22 - The Devil's Duo and the Unwieldies at the Huntridge Tavern

Sunday 5-22-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Monday 5-23-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Thursday 5-26-22 - Guttermouth, Guilt by Association, Suburban Resistance, the Modifiers at the Dive Bar

Friday 5-27-22 - Shanda and the Howlers at Soul Belly

Friday 5-27-22 - Thee Hypnotiques at the Golden Tiki

Friday 5-27-22 - Little Miss Nasty, Gina and the Eastern Block, Dead Posey at the Usual Place

Saturday 5-28-22 - Kepi (Groovie Ghoulies) at Evel Pie

Saturday 5-28-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at late night at the Golden Tiki

Saturday 5-28-22 - Monster Zero, the Nuclear Undead, First or Last, Latest Regrets, Societies Infection at the Double Down

Saturday 5-28-22 - Cancerslug, Dead at Midnight at the Dive Bar

Sunday 5-29-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Sunday 5-29-22 - The Devil's Duo play a private party

Monday 5-30-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Tues 5-31-22 - The Chords UK, the Rebel Set, TV Party, Cromm and the P200 at Taverna Costera

Wednesday 6-1-22 - Franks'n'Deans Weenie Roast with special guests the Pluralses at the Double Down

Friday 6-3-22 - the Psyatics at the Double Down with Thee Swank Bastards and the Way Outs

Saturday 6-4-22 - The Psyatics video shoot at Cemetery Pulp - EARLY! 6:00 pm!

Saturday 6-4-22 - the Souvenairs at the Golden Tiki

Saturday 6-4-22 - Thee Swank Bastards late night at the Golden Tiki

Saturday 6-4-22 - The Pluralses, Stagnetti's Cock, Cadaver Pudding and Battering Ham at Starboard Tack

Sunday 6-5-22 -  Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Wednesday 6-8-22 - Joe Jackson at the Smith Center

Thursday 6-9-22 - Total Chaos, Soldiers of Destruction, Gob Patrol, Endless Struggle at the Dive Bar

Friday 6-10-22 - Sandbox Bullies, the Hideaway, the Devillians at the Dive Bar

Saturday 6-11-22 - The Unwieldies at Boulder Dam Brewing

Saturday 6-11-22 - Mojave Sun, the Dirty Hooks, Mother Mercury at Soul Belly

Saturday 6-11-22 - The New Waves at the Golden Tiki

Monday 6-13-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Tuesday 6-14-22 - Babes and Blues at the Usual Place - live music by Thee Hypnotiques and Burlesque

Saturday 6-18-22 - Thee Swank Bastards late night at the Golden Tiki

Saturday 6-18-22 - Sector 7-G, the Left Right Lefts, Suburban Resistance at the Double Down

Sunday 6-19-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Monday 6-20-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Thursday 6-23-22 - Zeke, Soldiers of Destruction, Suburban Resistance, Downtown Death Rattle and Cutthroat at the Dive Bar

Friday 6-24-22 - Thee Hypnotiques at the Golden Tiki

Saturday 7-2-22 - The Devil's Duo and the Unwieldies at Cemetery Pulp

Saturday 7-16-22 - The Psyatics at the Huntridge Tavern

Saturday 8-6-22 - Dirty Rock'n'Roll Dance Party presents the Surfrajetts, the Volcanics and the Sheiks of Neptune at the Usual Place

Friday 8-12-22 - The Psyatics at the Huntridge Tavern

Baron's Court, All Change by Terry Taylor

 

Yet another find recommended by the fine people at Ugly Things, Baron's Court, All Change is, as the cover proudly displays, "the Holy Grail of hipster novels"! Set in England in the mid-1950's, the story follows the exploits of the unnamed teenage protagonist, an early Modernist, who can't be bothered by the folks living their straight'n'narrow lives and is instead enamored with spiritualism and jazz. The first leads him to an affair with a sexy, somewhat older woman, and the later sets him on a path straight to "Charge" - marijuana! 

Loosely based on Taylor's own life, he writes in a swingin', hipster jive speak, which was quite controversial at the time, especially as he would write as people would speak, with "swear words" and depictions of bohemian lifestyles. Of course, considering the time, there are some non-PC phrasings, but nothing meant as insulting - it is just the way they spoke at the time.

As would happen in stories of this sort, the marijuana pretty much takes over - continual partying, buying, selling, etc., with some of the descriptions sounding pretty on the mark and some a bit dramatically over-the-top. Of course, there is some other drama, as well, with various women, a pregnant sister, drug dealers, violence, police and more, all told in a compelling hipster-speak.

It's a great read with a somewhat unresolved ending, as often these stories have, but highly entertaining and compelling throughout. A fun find depicting the early days of just-pre-swingin' London. Seek it out!

Saturday Night and Sunday Morning - Alan Sillitoe

 

Came across this 1950's book in a kinda roundabout way, via Ray Davies talking about it in the most recent Kinks book that I read. Apparently, the Davies brothers appreciated Sillitoe's rowdy, life-loving, boozin', womanizin', well dressed, pre-Mod, sorta Teddy Boy-ish main character as well as his expressive writing style.

Seemingly at least partially autobiographical, Sillitoe's Arthur loves drinkin'n'women in the evenings, and works hard doing piece work in a bicycle factory during the day, a job that he actually doesn't mind all that much since it is one he can basically do automatically and let his mind roam free while earning the cash for his more earnest activities.

Sillitoe's style is truly engaging, with a great attention to detail while maintaining a fun and flowing storyline. On occasion his British-isms and phonetic depictions of their accents can be a bit much, but nothing that takes away from the story and while Arthur may have some character flaws (he drunkenly vomits over two strangers and beds another man's wife as you first meet him), he comes across as an intelligent, likable bloke who knows his place in the world and does his best to enjoy his lot in life.

Of course, there's plenty of drama - he gets his mistress pregnant, gets a fairly daft recommendation on how to handle it (that somehow works, although there doesn't appear to be any medical reason why it should have), and immediately bed's his mistress' sister, thereby getting numerous soldiers after him simultaneously! Of course, much more goes on, excitement mixed with daily trudgery, as Arthur's life kinda sorts itself out for him.

Great style and an engaging story about "real" people living real lives. I'm going to look more into Sillitoe's writings.

recommended gigs

 Friday 5-13-22 - Jenny and the Spurs and Dog Party with The Devil's Duo at Soul Belly

Saturday 5-14-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Dillinger Block Party

Saturday 5-14-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at late night at the Golden Tiki

Sunday 5-15-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Monday 5-16-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Thursday 5-19-22 - Crimson Riot, Forget Me Nows, Nova Babies at Soul Belly

Friday 5-20-22 - The Psyatics with Complete Disaster at the Dive Bar

Saturday 5-21-22 - The Devil's Duo and the Unwieldies at the Huntridge Tavern

Sunday 5-22-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Monday 5-23-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Friday 5-27-22 - Shanda and the Howlers at Soul Belly

Friday 5-27-22 - Thee Hypnotiques at the Golden Tiki

Friday 5-27-22 - Little Miss Nasty, Gina and the Eastern Block, Dead Posey at the Usual Place

Saturday 5-28-22 - Kepi (Groovie Ghoulies) at Evel Pie

Saturday 5-28-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at late night at the Golden Tiki

Saturday 5-28-22 - Monster Zero, the Nuclear Undead, First or Last, Latest Regrets, Societies Infection at the Double Down

Sunday 5-29-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Sunday 5-29-22 - The Devil's Duo play a private party

Monday 5-30-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Tues 5-31-22 - The Chords UK, the Rebel Set, TV Party, Cromm and the P200 at Taverna Costera

Friday 6-3-22 - the Psyatics at the Double Down with Thee Swank Bastards and the Way Outs

Saturday 6-4-22 - Thee Swank Bastards late night at the Golden Tiki

Sunday 6-5-22 -  Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Wednesday 6-8-22 - Joe Jackson at the Smith Center

Thursday 6-9-22 - Total Chaos, Soldiers of Destruction, Gob Patrol, Endless Struggle at the Dive Bar

Friday 6-10-22 - Sandbox Bullies, the Hideaway, the Devillians at the Dive Bar

Saturday 6-11-22 - Mojave Sun, the Dirty Hooks, Mother Mercury at Soul Belly

Monday 6-13-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Tuesday 6-14-22 - Babes and Blues at the Usual Place - live music by Thee Hypnotiques and Burlesque

Saturday 6-18-22 - Thee Swank Bastards late night at the Golden Tiki

Sunday 6-19-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at Red Dwarf Sunday Brunch

Monday 6-20-22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Thursday 6-23-22 - Zeke, Soldiers of Destruction, Suburban Resistance, Downtown Death Rattle and Cutthroat at the Dive Bar

Satuday 8-6-22 - Dirty Rock'n'Roll Dance Party presents the Surfrajetts, the Volcanics and the Sheiks of Neptune at the Usual Place

The Barnyard Stompers - CDs

 

We had a totally fun time playing with the Barnyard Stompers a couple of weeks back and while buying some merch, they were good enough to gift us with their entire CD catalog! Damn nice folks and totally entertaining! 

That said, be forewarned that this duo is extremely, almost painfully, non-PC in their lyrics about drinkin', womanizing, killin', stealin'n'beatin'! Their image is proudly "white trash" and hick-ish, although they are sweet'n'friendly and put on a charismatic, entertaining gig.

Lead singer/guitarist Casey has a fine voice, and sings like a cross between Junior Brown and Rev. Peyton (from the Big Damn Band) while doing most of Telecaster wranglin', although his wife, Megan, occasionally moonlights from bashin' the drum kit and handles some git-work done when Casey is busy with some harp playing.

Overall their sound is very country - sometimes more than others - but with a heavy, bluesy, downhome tone mixed in, along with a bit of punk rock rowdiness. The Casey Miller and the Barnyard Stompers CD (the one with the pistol/wagon wheel on the cover) is probably the most traditionally country, with steel guitar on a number of tunes and a fuller sound in general. Songs about Texas, Tennessee, Knoxsville, truck drivin', shotguns, the devil, Jesus and drinkin'n'fightin' kinda checks off all of the proper country subjects while the tunes are melodic'n'countrified, although there's a pure Tex-Mex number in "Tomorrow Ain't Promised", partially sung in Spanish, which was a bit of a surprise. 

Goin' Down to Meet the Devil (with the sorta Tenacious D-inspired drawing of them fighting the devil) starts off with more of a cow-punk, high energy sound and is generally a bit harder edged, with plenty of tough, bluesy moments mixing with their own style of country punk and they even go acoustic for "500 miles From Home" and "My Woman's Man". This 2019 release is damn near commercial compared to the loose, purposeful trashiness of some of the others - even the lyrics don't seem to be nearly as confrontational. Pretty darn rockin'!

The Drunk and Dirty live CD is certainly filthy enough simply from the song titles and the lyrics do not disappoint if you're looking for absurdly X-rated numbers with simple, country-ish singin'n'playin'. If this is indeed recorded at a live show, you cannot hear the audience and the drums are a bit buried, but Casey's voice and guitar are plenty prominent and Megan comes through when she harmonizes with Casey. Listening to this one, it hit me that Casey reminds me a bit of David Allen Coe, as well, which I assume he would appreciate. Funnily, most of these songs aren't nearly as offensive as some of their other songs - these are just funny'n'goofy, in a Rudy Ray Moore kinda way.

I dig the simple, stompin' harp-driven "Corn Liquor" that opens Outlaw With Chainsaws Part II, in kinda a chain gang chant kinda way, that moves into their usual bluesy, D-tuned, outlaw country bravado in "Payback", "Roll On", "California Kicker", "Bad Man" and throughout the rest of the album. They go acoustic for the horror movie-influenced "Saw is the Law" and rockabilly for the (I think!) anti-crack "Pipe Hittin' Daddy" and they close with the powerhouse title cut that continues the horror movie theme.

They do an acoustic gospel parody in the opening title cut for "Highway Gospel" before returning to what they do best - down'n'dirty, D-tuned country blues with more tales of chainsaws (yikes!), the devil, fightin', murder, misogyny, sinnin'n'drinkin'. Some fast, some slow, all crazy!

This duo is as nice as can be and totally fun and engaging live, but if you have an aversion to offensive lyrics, this ain't for you! But, if you have a sick sense of humor and dig raunchy country blues, check it out!

RIP Lee Angel

 

RIP Lee Angel 1940-2022 - Farewell to the Original Girl Can't Help It

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Jonny Whiteside says farewell to this influential woman.

Fans of Thee Fourgiven will recognize her from our fliers - I was, naturally, knocked out by this beauty the first time I saw her pic in a Little Richard biography that I got in the early 80's. Great story here.

Teenage Werewolves, the Psyatics, Lost Cat at the Usual Place, Saturday May 7, 2022

 

Once again, promoter Ralph Carrera of Beau Monde Productions was good enough to add the Psyatics to this fun show at the Usual Place. Being a huge Cramps fan I certainly wanted to check out the touring Teenage Werewolves whether I was playing on the bill or not and the addition of LA's all-femme garage combo Lost Cat, along with hip DJ's and burlesque made it a full night of rock'n'roll insanity.

Unfortunately, the insanity bled over to the scheduling of the night due to unforeseen circumstances, with Lost Cat apparently getting lost on their way from LA and the Psyatics having to take the opening slot, even though we still played at about the time we were originally scheduled for. DJ Cromm was spinning some great cuts before out set and we had a good time with our usual mix of garage/jazzy/no wave/ whatever the heck it is that we do! The crowd was sparse but enthusiastic and a fun way to start the eve.

The headlining Teenage Werewolves came on after us with our drummer Ron once again earning the MVP of the evening by loaning his drum kit to both the TW's and Lost Cat. The Werewolves consist of a dynamic lead singer (Jack) who actually looks like a cross between Lux and Nick Cave (!) and who comes from Lux's hometown, with two guitars (Kent and Roy) - one of which was a cross between Bryan Gregory and Kid Congo while the other actually was made up as a werewolf (!), along with Nick Knox-ian drummer, Louie, and two stunning dancers/percussionists, Kitten (who performed with the Cramps themselves in the past) and Moana adding to the visuals and the mayhem.

The set list was made up of true Cramps classics, including ravers like "Potentate", "Wighat", "Teenage Werewolf" (of course!), "The Way I Way", "Goo Goo Muck", "Garbageman", "Black Leather Lagoon", "Drug Train", "New Kind of Kick" and plenty more. The lovely Kitten actually sang "She Said" - probably the first time I've heard a female cover that one! - and dueted with Jack on another that I can't remember off hand - and she had a fine voice, as well. Encoring with "Human Fly" and "Bikini Girls" - with the bikini clad dancers brandishing light-up machine guns, natch! They pretty much knocked it outta the park from start to finish - - fab playing from everyone, Jack is a terrific Lux-ish frontman, and they all looked cool, too! Definitely highly recommended for a psychotronic good time! (Yes, I took a ridiculous amount of photos - they were certainly highly visual!)

The between bands burlesque wasn't quite as organized as the last Beau Monde show that we played, with burlesque MC Kalani appearing to be a bit in her cups, as it were, and ad-libbing and inviting most of the audience on stage and trying to convince them to all participate in some burlesque, which everyone declined (thankfully!). We did get some dancing to a Lydia Lunch soundtrack, which was interesting, but the loosenes just added to the more casual atmosphere of the night.

Lost Cat were eventually found and ended up closing the night instead of opening it. I was pretty exhausted by then, as the show was already running late and we had also played an afternoon show AND my week had been super stressful (seems a theme with me when we play a Beau Monde gig, unfortunately) and I was only able to stay for a portion of their set, but dug the trio's stripped down, kinda low-fi garage sounds with simple but solid playing throughout and cool songs. Kiki (guitar), Angie (bass) and Lucy (drums) ran through numbers with titles like "Mental", "Bitch Fight" and "Losers" (giving you an idea of their attitude) along with covers from the Headcoatees, Coasters and the Runaways, showing that they have a wide range of influences, from punk, garage and glam. I would certainly dig seeing them again when I am more awake! Hopefully, they will return to Vegas before too long.

The night was still a barrel of fun despite the looseness and thanks again to Ralph for having us and bringing out quality touring acts!