Archive for August, 2011
Exclusive Interview – BopFlix’s Chris Magee, Rockabilly’s Documentarian
#rockabilly by Retro
In an exclusive interview with the filmmaker Chris Magee, the man behind UK-based BopFlix Films, Retro Kustom Honkytonk learns that the reason it’s rare to see well-shot video of great rockabilly bands is that to produce such video takes dedication, skill, drive and the courage of one’s convictions. It is a rare individual who commits to documenting a relatively small subculture, such as rockabilly, as a career. Chris Magee is such an individual. Read below how a “punter”in the UK rockabilly scene with a stultifying day job became a self-employed director/producer/editor documenting the global rockabilly/roots rock scene with many music videos and nine films (and counting) to his credit.
Thanks to Chris, people across the globe can feel like they “were there” at giant UK rockabilly festivals that would be geographically impossible to attend, or be witnesses to history, such as performances by now-gone artists like Billy Lee Riley. He seems to be having a blast combining a passion for music and film. Hopefully, he’ll be at it for a long time! Rockabilly fans can help ensure that will happen:
‘Like’ BopFlix on Facebook
Buy his latest release, Rockin’ the 229 from Rollin Records.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS MAGEE/BOPFLIX FILMS
Hello, Chris! Tell us how did BopFlix get started?
Chris Magee
Hello! BopFlix started as a hobby, long before I even calling it BopFlix. After university, around 10 years ago, I was working in a pretty dull sales job, looking after advertising space for TV, and although the job was ok I was feeling pretty bored and frustrated. One year we got a small bonus and I thought I’d spend it on something half decent. Around that time, I fancied the idea of making some films – just silly stuff, nothing serious – so I got myself a good semi-pro DV camera – an XM2 – which I still use it now from time to time.
Released Today
John Doe – “Keeper” (YepRoc) Glen Campbell – “Ghost on the Canvas” (Surfdog) Robert Earl Keen – “Ready For Confetti” (Lost Highway)
MPFree – Glen Campbell – Ghost On The Canvas – Amazon Deal of the Day – $3.99!
#countrymusic by Honkytonk
Glen Campbell has navigated a course between country and pop that been unmatched by anyone else. He’s had hits under his own name which have since become standards, such as Wichita Lineman and Gentle on My Mind. An accomplished and tasteful guitarist, his playing has graced a broad range of hits for artists in a mind-boggling array of genres.
At the same time, he pursued an acting career, starring with John Wayne in True Grit.
He then transitioned to television, hosting his own variety program, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, before defining the country crossover era of the late 70′s/early 80′s with the megahit Rhinestone Cowboy.
Like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings, Country radio wrote Glen off a long time ago. In 2010, Glen announce he has been suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. This release will likely be his final full-length album, and proves, once again, how much Country radio loses by throwing away the masters of the craft.
Rockabilly superstar Brian Setzer (STRAY CATS) plays on the album and, in addition to original compositions, the work features versions of songs by indie icons Paul Westerberg (REPLACEMENTS) and Robert Pollard (GUIDED BY VOICES).
Today, you can buy it for less than a sandwich. For the next 24 hrs. (as of this writing, on Tuesday, August 30, 2011), the songs are available as DRM-free MP3 downloads/free Amazon cloud thingie for $3.99 at Amazon.com.
And, by-the-by, since Amazon skunked all of their California associates, I don’t even get anything for pointing this out… just doing it out of the goodness of my heart (stop laughing).
Voodoo Swing Starts Rollin’ Again
#rockabilly by Retro – 90′s Neo-Rockabilly act, Voodoo Swing is back, better than ever, with a new album, Keep On Rollin’. Watch the video (above), listen to some sample tracks (below) and then buy it from CD Baby or iTunes.
RKH Review: Glambilly – White BBQ Sauce
#psychobilly by Kustom
A band calling itself “GLAMBILLY” seemed pretty genius. The music, however, isn’t “The Cramps Play the Sunset Strip”. There’s no “rockabilly” or “psychobilly” sound on the disc at all, and even the “glam” – either of the “Bowie/T. Rex” variety or the “glam metal” of the 80′s.
What I found GLAMBILLY to do, and do well, on White BBQ Sauce (Saustex), is give 70′s era “Southern Rock” a sonic overhaul. Call it “Southern Rock 2.0″. LYNYRD SKYNYRD’s original lineup had a very short run before tragedy struck. They succeeded in creating a genre of blues-rock that was more honkytonk-infused than their British counterparts, but, sadly, few could do it as well as they could, and they weren’t able to do it very long. I’ve found the “resurrected” LYNYRD SKYNYRD to be inert and lost in their own confused, jingoistic cliches (both lyrically and on the fretboard).
GLAMBILLY answers the question, “What should Southern Rock sound like today?” It has the over-driven guitars, the boogie-woogie basslines and the flashy blues-inspired rock lead playing that makes people wanna let their hair down and party, listening to songs that play up the wild, the crazy, the funny and the profane.
The band centers on multi-instrumentalist and sole songwriter, Hans Frank, a veteran of many different bands, now seeming to be taking control of his own creative destiny. He’s aided by “Dangerous” Danny Aaron, formerly of THE DANGEROUS TOYS, on guitar and Tony Gloria on drums.
In the disk, both musically and lyrically, Hans seems to be both embracing and running from his Texas stomping-ground. He seems disdainful of LA, complaining about all the blonde prettyboy hunks (although, when I look around, I see a lot of painfully thin dudes with male-pattern baldness), but also seems to stretch beyond the ZZ TOP version of Texas to something darker, sexier, and, well, more “Hollywood”. It might not be easy being a rocker from Texas, but without that potent mix of influences, Hans may not be such a unique songwriter. This tension makes for an interesting, revved up cover of “Stay All Night”, the Bob Wills standard that most know from Willie Nelson’s allegiance to it.
Lyrically, Hans seems to be writing from his own neighborhood. Some songs address the end of relationships, others focus on lost souls – usually female – who’s fast, complicated lives have come to abrupt ends. The themes give the songs some bite, menace and authenticity, much the same way the gritty, first GUNS ‘N’ ROSES album changed the tenor of Sunset Blvd.
Hans seems unwilling to stick with the groove he lays down at the opening of the album and revisits through its track list, dipping his toes into synth-pop, spoken word, more straight-up country rock and a goth-tinged mid-tempo album closer. While Hans may have found such sonic detours gratifying to his artistic development, they interrupted the rockin’, strutting roadhouse boogie found on the album’s strongest tracks.
If you’re looking for someone who has the swagger and the talent to pull Southern Rock out of the moldy oldie doldrums, give GLAMBILLY a spin.
R.I.P. Honeyboy Edwards, Bluesman
(h/t: Bloodshot)
MPFree – Muddy Roots 2011 Compilation Vol. 3
#countrymusic by Honkytonk
Muddy Roots Music Festival is an event in Cookeville, Tennessee on September 3rd and 4th, featuring Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Country, and Punk bands that honor American roots music, but play “with the energy of punk rock”.
This compilation gives all of us potential concertgoers a chance to hear songs from every artist on this year’s line-up – for FREE.
Go to THIS SITE and “add to cart”. You will proceed as if you are buying it (putting in your email, etc.), but you will NOT be asked for a method of payment. Within moments, an email is sent to your email address with a download link.
Check out their sites for more information about the event:
www.muddyrootsmusic.com
Muddy Roots Music (event) Facebook
(h/t Wreckhouse Radio Facebook Page)
Listen 2 Buddy – 2nd Buddy Holly CD on the Way
#rockabilly by Retro
A second Buddy Holly covers/tribute album is on the way. This isn’t the McCartney and Lou Reed one, but it does have Chris Isaac doing a winsome version of Crying Waiting Hoping – watch the video!
Listen to Me: Buddy Holly comes out on September 6th, 2011, but you can pre-order it at Amazon.com. The album will feature interpretations by Ringo Starr, Stevie Nicks, The Fray, Zooey Deschanel, Jackson Browne, Natalie Merchant, Jeff Lynne, Brian Wilson and, of interest to rockabilly fans, Imelda May.
Confused about the dueling Buddy Holly tribute albums (each with their own surviving Beatle, no less!)? Read this Variety article to sort it all out.
Viva Rockabilly! Says the 454′s and Other Latino Rockabilly Acts
“go”, the AirTran Airways official magazine, has an article about “The Rise of Latino Rockabilly”. Personally, I’d read any publication that sang the praises of Southern California rockabilly band, The 454s. For me, The 454′s were the revelation of this year’s Hootenanny (a rockabilly/psychobilly/punk festival in Orange County ever summer). They played the tiny [...]
Hot Sheet 2011-2012
Below are the albums that have piqued the interest of Retro, Kustom and Honkytonk in 2011. Check back as new titles are added! If you know of rockabilly, psychobilly, horror punk, Americana or traditional country album that should be on the list, comment below! ________________________________________ ??/??/2011 – The Buzz Campbell Band – [...]
Psycho Stuff
#psychobilly by Kustom
FRANTIC FLINTSTONES are O.G. psychobillies, from 1986. Lead singer and sole original member, Gavin “Chuck” Harvey, is ensuring that this fan-favorite psychobilly band remains alive and well… promising a new album, Freaked Out & Psyched Out, and a new website:
WE HAVE A NEW OFFICIAL HOMEPAGE SOON, NEWS, PICTURES, VIDEOS OF THE NEW LINEUP, ALBUM. AND SOME INSIDE MUH ABOUT THE PREPRODUCTION FOR THE “FREAKED OUT & PSYCHED OUT” ALBUM.
VOODOO ZOMBIE has named their new lead singer… Alessa Hell, details are promised to follow.
If you listen to “Motherf*ckers Be Trippin’” while picking your kids up from school, you may be interested to know that Jessika Daly, wife of Eddie Spaghetti (lead singer of THE SUPERSUCKERS and a solo artist ~ and she’s the “cover model” for all of his solo albums), has a mommy blog! Not Your Average Blog, Blog details life for a rock ‘n’ roll mom of two on the road.
THE QUINTESSENTIALS are a horror punk band that come recommended by THE TWANGSHIFTERS. Who am I to argue?
Non-music monster news: Bob & Kathy Burns are legends in the “monster movie” world. Get to know them better by checking out this Kickstarter page, set up to fund a documentary about these amazing people. They have appeared in movies and TV and they also have one of the world’s greatest monster movie memorabilia collection! Help them reach their funding goal!
Speak of the Devil Wrays
#psychobilly ~ THE DEVIL WRAYS have a new release on the way – Hard Times. It can be pre-ordered NOW at Western Star Recording Company. It is slated to be released in “early September, 2011″.
Imagine THE SUPERSUCKERS with a pronounced doghouse bass sound, rather than an electric bass, and you’ll have an idea of their particular approach to psychobilly. You can also listen to three sample tracks on their Facebook page.
The Twangshifters
#psychobilly by Kustom ~ I don’t know how I missed this, but back on May 27th, 2011, Portland, Oregon’s own THE TWANGSHIFTERS released a great, self-titled debut album! Good thing they spread the word on their Facebook page.
Lead singer Sara Barry belts out the vocals with sass and power, while the band keeps the music jumping, with tasteful playing that supports a driving swing beat. This is rockabilly with lots of attitude, but not with the completely overdriven psycho sound. It makes for a great middle-ground between “modern” and “traditional” rockabilly. Don’t believe me? Listen to the generous sampling of their album, below, then order it directly from THE TWANGSHIFTERS “merch” page.
MPFree – WWJDD?
No, we’re not talking about Jesus! Check out the extra “D” – it stands for “Doe”… as in JOHN DOE, the X and KNITTERS member, actor and alt. country/roots rock solo artist. John Doe has a new solo alum, Keeper, to be released on August 30th, 2011. To get a sneak peek, preview a new [...]
MPFree The Funerals
The garage rock band The Funerals are ready to bash your brain with a free single. Go to thefunerals.bandcamp.com and click on “Free Download” (the grey-colored text half the way down the page). Then, on the page that opens, click “Download War [Single]“. And then, it’s yours – for free! And, if you’re gonna grab their single, be [...]
Tee-Vee Alert – Willie Nelson on Travel Channel – 10 PM
The new Travel Channel reality show Truck Stop Missouri is featuring Willie Nelson TONIGHT (August 24th, 2011) at 10:00 PM Eastern. Willie Nelson is coming to Midway and preparations are in full swing but that’s not all that’s happening. Rain is on the way, as well a big bike rally with some rowdy customers to [...]
‘Rockin’ the 229′ Gets You Inside the UK Scene
Ever wonder what it’d be like to groove and shake the night away in merry old England? If all you know of London is the news, you’re missing out on one of the most vibrant roots rock scenes on the globe, full of some of the nicest, most dedicated scenesters, bar none! Luckily, the innovative [...]
Squee! New Tom Waits October 25th
Tom Waits is a love him or hate him proposition. So, I’m here to report that my friends, family, neighbors and even our man on the Country Music desk, Honkytonk, will all have BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW TOM WAITS TO HATE as I blast it relentlessly, all day and night, for weeks on end. His new [...]
Who’s the Young Man with the Big Beat?
RCA/Sony Legacy is releasing another giant box set to honor the King – Elvis Presley – on September 27, 2011. The Young Man with the Big Beat box set focuses on the 55th anniversary of Elvis’ breakthrough year – 1956. The 5 CD set at the heart of the box combines Elvis’ commercial releases for that [...]
Enter the House of Cash in October
Set to coincide with the release of Bootleg 3 is a new Johnny Cash scrapbook, edited/assembled by John Carter Cash (Johnny and June’s son), entitled House of Cash: The Legacies of My Father, Johnny Cash. That’s a heavy title to live up to, but it looks to be a pretty heavy book, both literally [...]
Hipster Fave Films on New “Miramax eXperience” App
If you want to remember when the Los Angeles swing dance mecca The Derby wasn’t a bank (grrrr) or twist the night away with Vinnie Vega, the newly independent Miramax film studio is offering rentals of some of their older hits via a Facebook page, iPad app or Google TV. It will set you [...]
Johnny Cash – Bootleg 3: Live Around the World – Oct. 11
On October 11th, 2011, reissue label, Columbia/Sony Legacy is releasing Johnny Cash – Bootleg 3: Live Around the World. The big headline is that of the 50 tracks on the two CDs, 39 songs are legitimately previously unreleased, including one concert Johnny gave for the troops in Vietnam (an experience that touched Johnny deeply and [...]
More Social Distortion on the Way?
Mike Ness and company may be following up this year’s long-awaited and much celebrated Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes with three potential new albums! The SOCIAL DISTORTION paper of record, The Calgary Herald (who knew?) spoke to Mike Ness, who explained that, immediately after wrapping up the new album, he kept right on writing, so [...]
R.I.P. Jerry Leiber, Songwriter
Jerry Leiber, half of the acclaimed and prolific songwriting partnership Lieber & Stoller has passed away at the age of 78, due to cardiopulmonary failure. With his partner, Mike Stoller, Leiber brought the rough and tumble R&B he loved in his youth to the masses, often through pop artists. When a young Elvis Presley covered (and [...]
Elvis Link Explosion II
Roughly 2 minutes in to this clip of The Real Buddy Holly Story features color film of Buddy Holly’s first encounter with Elvis. See the summit of these rock ‘n’ roll pioneers in a doc produced and hosted by Paul McCartney. The entire doc is actually on YouTube, all chopped up the way they do. [...]
