To quote the Grateful Dead, “what a long strange trip it has been” for Big Boy Pete aka Pete Miller. Or is it Pete Miller aka Big Boy Pete? In any event, this marvelous multifaceted musician has been around forever, meaning since the days of the British Invasion when he enjoyed his first blush of success with The Jaywalkers. So here it is, nearly fifty years later, and he’s still making great music. Big Boy Pete’s latest effort, “Bark!” is something of a tribute to JS Bach. What he did was write twelve new original melodies and infuse them with six preludes initially composed by the famed classical artist all those many years ago. But instead of copying what JS Bach created, Big Boy Pete adds a real quirky twist to the brew. Choppy instrumentals, charged with tingly hooks, anchored by a guitar and piano, man the sessions. Also included on “Bark!” is a fourteen minute guitar workout of Dvorak’s “New World Symphony,” which further features the calm and peaceful sound of a waterfall. One never knows what to expect next from Big Boy Pete, but you can always bet it is cool, interesting and stamped with his own special unique imprint. Playful and clever, “Bark!” is a must have for those who crave an alternative to the alternative. www.bigboypete.com
VARIOUS ARTISTS “Bubble Gum Music Is The Naked Truth” (Rev-Ola Records)
Originally released in 1969, “Bubble Gum Music Is The Naked Truth” not only scores points for being the first compilation album of its kind saluting the sticky sweet genre, but also deserves a pat on the back for being one of the best of its kind. All the big names are here, along with their wonderful hit singles. Recently reissued, the disc goes beyond the call of duty by slapping a few bonus tracks into the program, such as Salt Water Taffy’s cute and cuddly “Finders Keepers,” the ridiculously catchy “Sausalito (Is The Place To Go)” by The Ohio Express and The Shadow of Knight’s thumping “Run Run Billy Porter.” Speaking of The Shadows of Knight, one of the numerous highlights on the record is no doubt the band’s screaming, pulsating “Shake,” which sounds like bubble gum music on steroids. The nasal-pitched vocals of “Quick Joey Small” from The Kasenetz Super Cirkus, The 1910 Fruitgum Company’s keyboard happy “Simon Says” and the psychedelic indentations of “Green Tambourine” and “Jelly Jungle,” both by The Lemon Pipers, are additional joys to behold. Although the music of the late sixties is primarily remembered for extended guitar and drum solos, profound lyrics and pushing the envelope to extreme heights, bubble gum music, with its relatively simple rhythms, intentionally silly verse and springy melodies, held its own against such practices. And the proof lies in the sterling quality of the songs. www.revola.co.uk
VARIOUS ARTISTS “Staring At The Sun Volume 8” (Blindspot Records)
San Diego, California is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the country and is also home to loads of great musicians. And that brings us to “Staring At The Sun,” a long running series starring bands and artists from the area. A fairly diverse selection of pop and rock styles are flaunted here, ranging from the hard edged glare of SO3’s “MIA” to the soulful stirrings of “You’re Not My Girl” from Four Eyes, which sounds like a tasty tune Michael Jackson would have laid down before fancy videos, crotch grabbing and plastic surgery entered the picture. A live version of the mod pop magic of “Clouds All Day” by The Shambles, Anna Troy’s snappy “Wait For The Day” and Wendy Bailey’s instantly invigorating “Harmless” log in as other gems featured on “Staring At The Sun Volume 8,” as well as the rocking gospel scented “Rollin’ Up To Heaven” from Dave Humphries. The Shamey Jays provide a dose of bluesy Chocolate Watchband meets The Black Crowes flavored garage punk on “Your Pretty Packages,” where Vinyl Film’s “Can’t Stop This Feeling” combines traditional rock moves with smart pop sensibilities and Circa Now’s “100 Watts” is just that, a hundred watts of sheer power and electricity. Staring at the sun may damage the eyes, but the music the series presents is definitely good for the ears. Whistles, cheers and thumbs up! www.myspace.com/blindspotrecordssd
THE MULLENS “It’s Hard To Imagine” (Get Hip Records)
From Dallas, Texas comes The Mullens, who for almost twenty years now, have been cranking out rock and roll so hot that it will fry your speakers and melt the walls. “It’s Hard To Imagine” marks the band’s fourth full-length album, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s their best yet, which is saying an awful lot, considering they boast such an impressive track record. Launching off to the brash and beefy kick of “Esmeralda,” the disc proceeds to unveil one killer song after another. Carved of a fetching refrain and a stabbing hook that refuses to let go, “A Man Who Nearly Owns Me Too” nimbly mixes pop aspirations with a raw garage rock bent, “Something For Yourself” is harsh and hairy, and “Cellophane” buzzes like mad with ringing guitars and sturdy drum beats, and the pile driving throb of “You Really Move Me” crisscrosses The Kinks with Van Halen with stunning results. The title cut of the record and “She’s Got Charity,” the latter which freely borrows the main riff of Them’s “I Can Only Give You Everything,” pound and roar with relentless energy and enthusiasm. Swaggering vocals, incorporated with loud choruses, wild guitars that simultaneously jangle and squeal, capped with blinding melodies and cocky, confident vocals propel the tunes on this rollicking record. www.gethip.com
It’s a known fact that casual music fans eternally associate Chubby Checker with “The Twist,” which hit the number one spot in the summer of 1960 and spawned an incredibly popular dance of the same moniker. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, as it is a phenomenal tune, Chubby should not be pigeonholed. True, further chart-toppers such as “Pony Time,” “Let’s Twist Again,” “The Fly,” “Limbo Rock,” “Popeye The Hitchhiker” and “Let’s Do The Freddie” were dance related, but to deem Chubby a novelty rocker, which many people regard him as, does not do him justice. First off, his vocals are simply awesome. Dripping with emotion, he pours his heart and soul into his songs and really gets the message across. And as these two albums, “It’s Pony Time” and “Let’s Twist Again,” which were initially pressed on the Cameo Parkway label in 1960 and 1961 respectively, attest, his band was on fire. Blaring horns, robust rhythms, clicking hooks and impeccable timing all the way around. The energy is contagious and Chubby’s vocals are strong and convincing. Simply put, “It’s Pony Time” and “Let’s Twist Again” involve some of the greatest rock and roll ever relayed to vinyl. Chubby sincerely believes in the music he performs and always has. His live gigs are utterly exciting affairs, as he twists, turns and teeters with glee while belting out the tunes. Chubby’s giddy dance steps do indeed match the fun and frisky music he promotes. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and ants in your pants, “It’s Pony Time” and “Let’s Twist Again” promises a thrilling ride. www.collectorschoicemusic.com
THE BRITANNICAS “The Britannicas” (Kool Kat Musik)
What happens when Herb Eimerman from The Nerk Twins, Joe Algeri from Jack and The Beanstalk and Magnus Karlsson from The Happydeadmen and The Charade get together? They become The Britannicas and cut a dandy of a debut album that leaves the listener begging for more. But it’s hardly surprising these guys have struck gold the first time around, since they’re all so talented and have crafted such masterful sounds in the past. Not straying the least from what they originally achieved with their previous pursuits, The Britannicas write, sing and perform classic pop rock. A rousing ode to biding farewell to the work week, “Friday Night (Come Out And Play)” is a modern day version of Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues,” and then there’s “The Other Side,” a moody slice of hypnotic psychedelic shimmer and glimmer. Chiming guitars, pleasant vocals, neat harmonies and melodies galore crown songs like “Those Good Vibrations” and “Stars,” while a low-key folk fragrance fuels “Blue Sky Grey” and “Baby Say Yeah Yeah” adopts a gritty garage rock angle. Shades of The Kinks, Badfinger and Shoes often crop up here and there on “The Britannicas,” but in the end, the band has developed an identity of their own that connects on every level. A superb record, filled with pure pop from a band that knows their stuff. www.KOOLKATMUSIK.com www.myspace.com/thebritannicas
BEVERLY PATERSON
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