JD McPherson - Let The Good Times Roll

Rounder Records

Someone once said you’re only as good as your last album. 'Signs & Signifiers' from JD McPherson was the best album of 2012. Three years later, the anticipated new album 'Let The Good Times Roll' has arrived. So the question is, is it as good as his last album? Let’s begin.

We open up with the title track, “Let The Good Times Roll”. This a great opener, a Rock ’n’ Roll anthem , so far so good! The next song, “Bossy” is a unique song, it’s definitely a JD McPherson song but spanning many of his Blues influences. “It’s All Over But the Shouting” will have everyone strolling on the dance floor. The next song “Bridgebuilder” opens up slowly like a song from a David Lynch film but instantly JD McPherson’s soulful vocals come in, it’s almost Sam Cooke-like. We get back to the Rock ’n’ Roll with “It Shook Me Up”, probably my favorite on the album and makes you feel like you’re back in the heyday of good ol' days when music was good. “Head Over Heels” is another stroll number, and will get you clapping literally since there’s much clapping on this song. They slow things down with “You Must Have Met Little Caroline?” Will get the ladies to move their hips and the guys to keep their arms crossed because they’re too cool to dance. “Shy Boy” is a soulful/blues song with JD McPherson busting out a blues riff here and there. It’s the Blues theme for us shy guys. The next song “Precious” almost sounds like the beginning of a Bo Diddley song (which JD McPherson has covered at his live shows), but then we get a very beautiful guitar lick that comes in. JD’s soulful vocals come back and you forget how good of a singer he is. “Mother Of Lies” is a early 60’s-style rock number, with plenty of saxophone by Doug Corcoran. The closing song “Everybody Is Talking ‘Bout The All-American”, like the opening song, is another Rock ’n’ Roll anthem, and  a great way to close out 'Let The Good Times Roll'.

What I love about JD McPherson and his band is how they’re bringing back a familiar sound, yet it’s completely original. While many bands try to be so original, it’s confusing genre wise and all over the place and other bands are such copycats you can’t tell the difference, but JD McPherson and his bandmates; Jimmy Sutton, Jason Smay, Ray Jacildo, and Doug Corcoran bring a distinct sound and it shows on this new album. So to answer the question, is it as good as his last album? Is it better than 'Signs & Signifiers'? To be honest, I can't really give you an answer, but what I can say is that 'Let The Good Times Roll' is definitely on the list for one of the best albums of the year.  

You can now buy the CD and the LP at their merch store, and make sure to catch JD McPherson and his band live because they’re on tour right now!

The Bop Hounds - The Bop Hounds 

Ipojuke Records

I had a chance to catch The Bop Hounds when they played the car show at Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend. Awesome band, awesome guys, but to be completely honest; if they were to play next year, they need to play a smaller venue (such as The Bienville Room) where people can really appreciate these guys from Brazil!  Dastaev on lead vocals, Tijolo on the electric guitar, Cão on the acoustic guitar, Augusto on the upright bass and Andola on drums came together in 2013, and play straight up/stripped down Rockabilly, which is what we get from their EP, released last year.

The first song off their self-titled EP, “Get Your Cat Gone” is a perfect Rockabilly song to get in your car and hit the road. The next song “On Fire” should get the legs moving, pure Rockabilly with the energy of the Johnny Burnette Trio. The energy doesn’t stop there, with the song “All Over the Towns” is a Rockabilly anthem. “Lonely On The Road” is a twangy number for the broken hearted Rockabilly kid who hitchhikes his way back home. “Make It Snow, Santa” is an upbeat Christmas bopper which feels like a mix of Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Stray Cats. The next song (and my personal favorite) “Crossroads Of Her Heart” is a Rock ’n’ Roll love song in the vein of Richie Valens and Buddy Holly, while not sounding like either one, but something they both would’ve played in their heyday. The EP closes out with the song “Don’t Mess With The Cat” that comes right out of a Quentin Tarantino film, it’s a Wild West ballad, and a nice contrast from the opening song. If fact, this entire EP is the soundtrack to any road trip down the long desert road. Too bad it’s only seven songs, but it’s a taste of what’s to come from these guys!

This is where I usually tell you to go pick this one up, but you can actually download the entire EP for FREE at their website. So you don’t have any excuses!

Nico Duportal and His Rhythm Dudes - Guitar Player

Rhythm Bomb Records

When looking through the very long list of bands that would be playing the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend, one band name stuck out; Nico Duportal and His Rhythm Dudes. I don’t know, but I had to check them out before catching these guys live. All I can say was I was hooked from the start after a listen to their song “Real Rockin’ Papa” (which you can watch the music video here). These Paris-based rock ’n’ rollers play... well... Rockin’ early Rhythm ’n’ Blues; the way it was meant to be played.

When I heard Rhythm Bomb Records were releasing their new record, I was excited but realized I don’t own a record player (again, I know, what the hell?). Then later learned the same songs would be on CD plus more songs? So in a way it was a blessing in disguise! I had the chance to catch Nico Duportal (not with his Rhythm Dudes, but instead the Memphis Kings as his backing band) play two sets at Viva Las Vegas, both amazing! I immediately picked up the latest album titled “Guitar Player”, which is a fitting title since Nico himself does play guitar, and a mean one at that!

Okay, let’s get to the album shall we? The opening track “When I’m Gone” blasts into a drum roll and we’re hit with Nico’s guitar playing. It’s a scorcher of a song and a great way to open the album. 

The album doesn’t slow down there, we move on to “Lost In The Game”, a real jive number! Bluesy riffs and a uptempo that should make an old geezer throw away his walker and start dancing. The next song “Polish Woman” is a groovy one (did I just say “groovy”?), well it will get you snapping your fingers. Again, the band shines in this one. Nico slows it down with a cover of John ‘Guitar’ Watson’s “Oh Baby”, and I would say Nico and the band do it justice. We keep the blues going with “Can’t Afford to Lose Her”, incorporating the harmonica, which gets as much attention as the guitar, I love it. 

We tone down on the blues, but still keeping the R ’n’ B flavor, with “She Knows How”, a real catchy number. The song ends in another great guitar solo from Nico and slowly fades into the next song, “Real Good Lovin’ Tonight”. This one is swinging, almost has a Louie Prima vibe to it, but never strays away from the Rhythm ’n’ Blues. We get a cover of “Big Mary’s”, again another one that does it justice and should be in a detective or spy movie soundtrack. The next song, the title track “Guitar Player” is the most Blues song on the album, and the guitar really packs a punch in this one. 

We get yet another cover song “Oh Oh” by Paul Gayten, I actually can’t find the original version to compare, but I dig this version a lot. The instrumental song “Josh & Slim”, where Nico can take a breather and showcase the whole band at their finest,  from Nico's guitar (obviously), to Alex Bertein and Arnaud Desprez's saxophone playing. Thibaut Chopin on the upright bass gets a nice solo in there, and the rhythm of Pascal Mucci's drums and Oliver "Red" Cantrelle on the piano keeps the rhythm going. This is almost like a farewell before we get to the last two songs. 

“Much Later” is the last cover of the album and the cover the Ike Turner/Jackie Brenston song. I’m telling you, these guys pick the best songs to cover and know how to make it their own! The album closes with an unreleased version of “Polish Woman” It doesn’t sound much different, but I think I hear some bongos in there, a nice added bonus and a great way to end the album. 

This could very well be in my top favorites of 2015 and I’m glad I picked this one up when I had the chance. All I can say is that Rhythm Bomb Records has released another hit! For those looking for some real Rhythm ’n’ Blues for the 21st Century, pick up “Guitar Player” at the Rhythm Bomb Records online store right now!

Here's a photo from Nico Duportal's show at Viva Las Vegas. 

R.I.P. B.B. King

Sean Coleman & The Quasars - "I'm A Man" 

People say Rock 'n' Roll is dead (and in a way it is with all the crap that comes out these days labeling themselves as Rock 'n' Roll), but after one listen of New York-based rockers Sean Coleman & The Quasars, you're going to think differently and feel that Rock 'n' Roll has never left. 

Now I'll admit, I actually don't own this record as I don't own a record player (crazy, I know). However, I have heard all three of these songs and all I can say is (and excuse my French) but holy @#$%ing shit, this is good! This is how I like my Rock 'n' Roll to sound; no gimmicks, just great musicianship.

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend and they blew me away. Definitely one of the highlights of the whole weekend. With Sean Coleman's razor sharp vocals, the powerful riffs of Mick Hanson on guitar, thunderous saxophone by Jay McMahon, Jeff Feinberg constant energy on the bass, and Kevin Hudson pounding the skins like no other, this band is meant to be seen live!

The title track on Side A "I'm A Man" hits you like a ton of bricks, you immediately start bobbing your head and play air guitar (well that's what I would do). On Side B, the song "Count On Me" is a great stroll number and my favorite on the record. You'll be singing "Baby, baby, baby you can count on me" in your head all week. The last song "Ruckus Juice" is a booming number that should get you dancing on the floor and maybe start a couple of fights at the bar. Either way, this is a best way to close out the record. My only criticism is that it's not enough, I want to hear more!

If you're living or even visiting New York, do yourself a favor and catch these guys at a club near you, and pick up this record while you're at it. 

Here are a couple of photos from their set at Viva Las Vegas.

                     

Ricky Fabian - Pictures

Rhythm Bomb Records

I had the chance to catch Ricky Fabian on the last night of the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend this year in Brendan's Pub, where the room was filled with cigarette smoke. While I probably second-hand smoked about hundred packs that night, that didn't take away from enjoying a great performance by the Berlin born rocker. I picked up his latest album "Pictures" from Rhythm Bomb Records and have to say I haven't stop listening to it since I got back! 

This album is twelve tracks of catchy Rockabilly in the vein of early Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson. No frills, which is what I like, with bands today trying to be different and out there. It's nice to see a musician really bring a classic sound yet makes it his own. 

The opening song "Believe In Me" is perfect for hitting the road. The female harmonies really compliment Ricky Fabian's voice, which would continue to the next song "Put A Spell on Me". We get a real rocker with "When I'm Gone" which I'm instantly reminded of Elvis Presley. Ricky slows it down with the next song "Hideaway Blues" featuring Ruby Ann. It's a Western ballad for when the sun goes down on a desert country road. With the next three songs  "Big Ole Bag", "Skinny Jeannie", and a cover of "Cindy Cindy" should get you moving on the dance floor, if not, you don't have a soul or two left feet, as long as you're clapping. 

Things slow down with a cover of The Shirelle's song "A Thing Of The Past", which should make the ladies swoon. The next (and my favorite) is "Starlite", a beautiful, catchy love song that should be on the mix tape (or CD) for that one girl who would probably reject you anyway, but hey you made an awesome mix. Anyways… the next song "Try Again" is a twangy number that sounds very reminiscent of Johnny Burnette when he went solo.

For some reason, the next song "Julie Anne", much like "Starlite" hit me the most. While I don't know a Julie Anne, you can replace the name and pretty much brings you back to a nostalgic time when you had your first crush. The album ends with the ballad "Sunset Girl" featuring Cherry Casino, the perfect song to book end this album. 

"Pictures" is the album you listen to after a perfect first date or a devastating break-up as you drive in your 50's cadillac down a long road and the sun begins to set. 

Do yourself a favor and pick this one at the Rhythm Bomb Records shop and make sure to catch Ricky Fabian at a Rockabilly weekender near you!

Welcome to the Lost Highway

Hello folks, thanks for visiting! Here you'll get music and concert reviews from the latest in Rockabilly and Rock 'n' Roll, and maybe the occasional movie review if it fits the criteria (probably a movie starring Elvis Presley). Have a look around!