| 1) | Muffin
Men "Baker's Dozen" Muffin
Men Records |
| 2) | Geronimo
Black Two "Geronimo Black"
Inkanish Records Hard hitting Texas Rock and a little blues from another Zappa connected album. Geronimo Black Two refers to one of Jimmy Carl Black’s three sons (Geronimo, James and Gary) who make up this tough Texan rocking outfit…a cross between Arc Angel and Storyville, with the emphasis on Rock. Geronimo Black was Jimmy’s band of the late 70’s or so, and is also the name of his guitar playing son, who also dabbles in production. But it is also the big voice of Jason Chafee that cuts through on a brusque debut album, which is well worth checking out. File under “Huge Potential” |
| 3) | Kevin
Ayers "Joy Of A Toy" EMI
Records This album appeared on the splendid Harvest label of course – a home for all things innovative in the rock field. Conversely Kevin Ayres was the antithesis of much of the Rock at the time, being part eccentric, part raconteur, and certainly an innovatory figure on the thriving 70’s Canterbury scene. Had he been born in France, he would doubtlessly be a national institution. But he remains quintessentially English, and his muse is no better demonstrated than on the beautiful acoustic outing “Eleanor’s Cake (Which Ate Her)”. A worthy reissue with 6 bonus tracks. |
| 4) | Roger
Chapman "Techno Prisoners"
Mystic Records One of Roger Chapman’s most controversial but I think most satisfying albums. Produced by The Bolland Brothers who gave the world such instantly forgettable tunes such as “Rock Me Amadeus”, this unlikely meeting of one of Rock’s most powerful and unique vocalists with the pop Wunderkind’s of Techno, has stood the test of time well. Listen to the sheer power of “The Drum”, and the reworked production of the Chappo live favourite Prisoner, rechristened “Techno- Prisoners”, and the unlikely meeting of the two styles works. There’s also a cracking version of “Ball of Confusion”, which would grace any self respecting FM radio. Complete with 5 bonus tracks recorded with Alvin lee and Tim Hinkley, this is arguably one of the Chapman’s finest albums, even though it’s a massive departure from what he is known for. |
| 5) | Bernard
Allison "Kentucky Fried Blues: Live"
Ruf Records A timely live album by one of the hardest working blues acts on the European circuit. This album just about cuts it despite the most appalling voiced over intro. Anyone who has heard Luther Allison’s son live will know he can rock with the best of them. His limited song writing (he doesn’t contribute a single song here), strained vocals, and obvious covers like “Going Down” is offset by a lovely guitar style, a tight band, and some killer horns. There’s also a fine cover of his late dad’s “Bad Love” and “Midnight Creeper”, both of which by themselves make the album worth checking out. |
| 6) | Cadillac
Kings "Lou Ann" Hi Fidelity
Records Hot on the turntable because of their busy live schedule, the Cadillac Kings have rapidly ascended the ranks of festival darlings on the Euro blues scene. Their occasional 100 Club appearance has been boosted by a forthcoming Torrington debut in July. Harp player Gary Potts impresses throughout as do the band who mix Jump Blues, swing and Rock & Roll. Above all Mike Thomas on vocals tough out his lines and handles a wealth of material with style. He also contributes over half the album’s song writing credits. This album is the equal of the likes of Paul Lamb and Rod Piazza, and the Cadillac Kings look set to take their place as top of the range purveyors of British Swing/Jump Blues. |
| 7) | Sean
Tyler "Just Popped Out / Redneck In
Babylon" Mystic Records A double pack re-issue for one of Rock’s most likeable mavericks. Sean Tyler of Ducks Deluxe/Tyla Gang fame is to be found in his West Coast phase. His songs reflect a meeting of tough Pub Rock anthems, smoothed out by the creative West Coast air. The tile track of “Breakfast” charted in Germany, which just goes to show there’s no logic to anything. As ever, Sean offers a Graham Parker like vocal snarl, but overall it’s a much more relaxed effort complete with back up singers, and wailing saxes etc……miles away from his Duck’s origins, but just as interesting in a Californian sort of way!! |
| 8) | Jimmy
Griswold "Get To Work"
Grizzo Records Released to tie in with his recent club tour of the UK, Jimmy G hails from Connecticut but is based in Tampa bay. This is relevant as his guitar playing style is somewhere equidistant between Ronnie Earl and Roy Buchanan, with just a hint of Florida’s Les Dudek about the vocal style. "Get To Work" is a superbly recorded, tough blues outing full of hot licks, unrelenting funk and the ghost of the afore mentioned Roy Buchanan. It’s all there on the funked up blues of “Con Game” and the more obvious long linear guitar lines of “Buchanan’s Train”. This track as they might say at the races is worth the price of admission on its own. |
| 9) | Blue Oyster Cult
"A Long Days Night" Sanctuary
Records |
| 10) | Carvin
Jones Band "World Tour"
CJ Records A live compilation (what else!!), of Carvin’s recent World Tour, this album takes in the USA, UK, Germany, Italy, Ireland and Japan. Rough around the edges but as live as you are likely to get, this new Carvin effort suggests that if nothing else the enigmatic Mr. Jones does indeed hit the heights sometimes with some stupendous riffs. While the recording quality might not be the best, and of course, his vocals remain at best adequate, it’s the sheer excitement that Carvin generates with his mix of speed, sheer passion and the all important connection with his audience, that makes him just about unique…………..which when you think about it is a hard thing to achieve in the tired old world of Rock & Roll! Over and out. |