For a long time now I was thinking of creating a column about raw, primitive rock’n’roll that praised, and still do actually, by bands such as the Hellacopters, Supersuckers (from whom the name came up), Backyard Babies, Nashville Pussy and I guess you got the idea… but if you haven’t… walk this way! Yiannis Dolas
Joecephus & The George Jonestown Massacre – Heirs Of The Dog
The collective Joecephus and the George Jonestown Massacre recruits some friends as special guests for the ultimate rawk tribute to Nazareth’s epic two times platinum “Hair Of The Dog”, which was released in 1975. Note that this is the third similar project of the band with all proceedings going to charity.
Blaine Cartwright and Ruyter Suys from Nashville Pussy, Eddie Spaghetti from the Supersuckers and Neil Falon from Clutch put their stamp on one of the best, as well as unexpected, tribute albums we’ve listened to lately. Also, Nazareth’s guitarist who played on the album and also produced, Manny Charlton, makes his contribution. “Love Hurts” becomes a country duet, “Guilty” a bar ballad and the party is still going on “Changing Times”, “Beggar’s Day” and “Hair of the Dog”.
https://www.facebook.com/Joecephus13
Snakebite Whisky – Black Candy
When you come across song titles like “Raised in Hell”, “Reload”, “Aim, Kill”, “Hammered”, you can’t make a mistake on what this album is all about.
That’s the case with these honest lovers of pure rawk which is enhanced with big American South doses and drenched in whisky. Actually, listening to the album I couldn’t help it but think o f Moly Hatchet. They are fast, filthy and damn good. Certainly, what’s missing in bands like this one is the groove these guys have (they are American after all) and the simple but big production.
You wouldn’t let them all alone with your sister, or even your mother!
https://www.snakebitewhisky.com
Ramrods – Bracelet Circus
I am sure that if somebody haven’t told you that these guys are German you wouldn’t figure it out. Ramrods grew up with all the classics of vintage 60’s rock’n’roll which they mix up with a wide scale of influenced spanning from soul, rhythm and blues, country, even prog. You will listen to trumpets, sax’s, even a small choir whenever it’s needed. Stay assured that if you are throwing a party you might as well hire them, they will make everyone happy!
The main difference compared to the other bands we regularly present through “Evil Powers” is their more old-school approach, which of course is strongly connected with he term “rawk”. The might have the same influences with the giants of the genre, but their approach is different, closer to the originals. For example, “Don’t Whine Baby” could have easily been New York Dolls B-side.
This is a solid album, tight, complete that flows awesomely and will make you to play it from start to finish again and again.
Sator – Basement Noise
The seventh album of those amazing Swedes was released originally in 2006 via their own Planet Of Noise.
Although the band was founded in 1981 and released its album as Sator Codex the same year they changed their direction and started evolving to what we know today from 1987 on. Guitarist/singer Chips Kiesbye, who later worked as a producer for The Hellacopters, Sahara Hotnights, Millencoilin etc, played a very important role.
“Basement Noise”, although not their best, is a typical example of the band’s body of work with the high energy that had always been one of their trademarks. What surely stands out is “Goodbye Joey” a song written for Joey Ramone after his death (April 15th, 2001). However, before the album was mixed Dee and Johnnie also died, so they had to re-write the lyrics twice.
It’s also worth mentioning that the album’s reissue made it to the top of the Swedish charts (No.1 on the physical sales, as well as on vinyl sales) just a week after its release.
