The Paranoid Squirrel

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 492

Welcome to Episode 492 of The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show and kicking things off this week are the Von Hertzen Brothers, who I recently caught up at the Brooklyn Bowl, with a song that they didn’t play live. As threatened, promised I play more from the Generators “Earn Your Stripes” LP, who join the Chelsea Smiles in “The Bands I kick myself for missing live” category. To whit I play a Chelsea Smiles demo just to make myself feel bad. Onto sort of new music with a track off the re-issued album from the Struts which is swiftly followed by Pink Cigar and the audio from the video from their last single(?!) We then travel to Poland for Poison Heart and a track from their brand new album “Strong Ties”. The band are very much influenced by Scandinavian Rock from the late 90’s. Great stuff! Dee Dee Ramone gives the answer to the Ramones Competition.Obviously a Ramones track is aired. Back onto new or upcoming releases with The Breakdowns, the Drama Club Rejects and the b-side to Strängen’s new 7”. Jimmy Lacey formally of The Roolettes, Kill Cartel, Gabba, X.O.X and Saetta Bloody Saetta new band, I say band but it’s only Jimmy, Young Francis released a new ep at the beginning of the month called “Trouble”. I say on the show that the track I’m going to play is the title track. It isn’t, I cocked it up and queued the wrong track and then went for a comfort break and didn’t realise until it was too late. As we move into the home straight I regale my story of Steve Nicol original drummer in Eddie & the Hot Rods accidently failing to signmy Damned, Damned, Damned Hot Rods sleeve. Music wise a track from “Generation Me” the third album from The Treatment is played which is swiftly followed by Thunderbitch who I think accidently and unintentionally sound like the New York Dolls. With a name like that I assumed Thunderbitch were an all Girl band from Scandinavia. They’re not but Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard's side project. The last trackon this week’s show comes courtesy of Gary Kaye & The Enemies Of Promise and “Nicky Morgan’s Eyes”, which is a superb take on the Adverts “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes”.      

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 491

On this week’s show we have; a track from The Generators new album “Earn Your Stripes” once again gets an airing as does Los Pepes with a song from their soon to be released “All Over Now” album and as not to feel left out so do Royal Republic with something from “Weekend Man”. We go back in time for some live DTK/MC5 whilst I talk about the AC/DC, Brian Johnson dilemma. Brand new music comes courtesy of The X-Ray Eyes who hail from Leeds with a track from their “See Though You” album. Up next roaring out of L.A. its Dr. Boogie a four piece powerhouse building on the foundation of seminal groups like the New York Dolls, Dead Boys, Flamin' Groovies, Rolling Stones and Chuck Berry while adding their own twist to song writing with instant classics like "Get Back To New York City" which you get to hear. Then we head over to Germany for The Mergers whose new album “With A Carrot And A Stick” is out now and then it’s Berlin based Dysnea Boys who sport a couple of Canadians. One of which used to be in The Loyalties. Talking of Canada; thanks to Austin Rockett of The Hip Priests I’m now a fan of Bum. Consequently I play something by them. Back into the realms of new music with Swedish Garage Band The Pollutions and their debut single “When The Fire Was Burning Brighter” and then Punk Rockers Milloncolin with a track from their “True Brew” CD. Then Richie Ramone offers us up a cover from his new solo album. Pledge time and the UK Subs whose final album “Ziero” is only a couple of weeks away from being released let us hear a second track from it which I play. Rounding off this week’s show is Hey! Hello! whose second album “Hey! Hello! Too!” was digitally released on the 11^th March only to be withdrawn four days later as vocalist Hollis suddenly left the band on the eve of a nationwide tour. A replacement is actively being sort to re-record the vocals. I think as Ginger once described the band as ABBA meets the Sex Pistols two female vocalist are needed. I raise my hand for Beki Bondage and Brijitte West.      

 

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 490

Welcome to Episode 490 of The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show where Mick Ronson and Ian Hunter start proceedings this week. Johnny Moped with a track from his brand new album “It’s A Real Cool Baby” is in second place with The Ramones coming in third. I’m running a Ramone competition this week to win a “We’re Outta Here” vinyl LP. Hard Action are up next with the result of their competition. More new music in the shape and form of Diamond Head and LA Punkers The Generators. Compare and Contrast is back featuring Iggy Pop and The Damned then King, the one featuring Captain Sensible and not the “Love and Pride” merchants, have one of their Peel Session tracks aired. Then I return you to more new music with The Dahlmanns new single, The Breakdowns with a Buddy Holly cover. Then it’s onto PledgeMusic with The Last Great Dreamers. As I finally caught Headline Manic live, who supported Märvel at The Pipeline on Thursday (10^th March), I play a track from their “Rock ‘n’ Roll Thuggery” album. Obviously I also play something by Märvel. Rounding up this week’s show is Strängen aka Strings former guitarist with The Hellacopters and his brand new solo single.    

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 488

Welcome to Episode 488 of The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show. This was almost scuppered by my goodself contracting the Flu. It had already seen me miss The DeRellas and the Witchdoktors down in Brighton on Thursday, The Fiascos debut gig yesterday in Wallington and even worse CJ Wildheart tonight in Hoxton. However the show must go on, again. The Stooges are at the top of this week’s show and are swiftly followed by The Damned. Remarquable Records are all set to release their third Johnny Thunders 1978 set of vinyl recordings. This time around it’s a full on album. Obviously Mr. Genzale Jr is played, as is his old sparring partner Arthur Kane with a track from his band The Killer Kane Band, natch, only 7” “Mr Cool” that features a young Blackie Lawless. As I’ve been getting into the TV series “Vinyl” I play a track by Jack Ruby whose material is used by house band The Nasty Bits in the show. Mötley Crüe are up next even if I don’t play the intended track. I’m ill. Prophets of Addiction and The Cruel Intentions bring us up to date in the Glam/Sleaze/Hair department. In the super new release section The Yorkshire Rats are up first with a track from their “Trouble City” EP. Los Pepes are second airing a song from their forthcoming album “All Over Now” which is out on the Wanda label in May. Before I play a brand spanking new Black Halos track I announce the winner of the red Vinyl “The Violent Years” LP. I then run another competition to win the new Hard Action 7” “Hands Dripping Red” courtesy of Bootleg Booze Records. It’s Motorpsycho however that end this week’s show with a track from their new “Here Be Monsters” album. Stay well.      

Deathtime ASSembly Part 2

Welcome to Deathtime ASSembly Part 2 where Bloodlights and only Bloodlights take up the show. Before we get going I’ve a couple of apologises to make; If I sound a bit disjointed and make less sense than normal it’s because I got the Flu, not 24 hour Man-Flu but full on laid up in bed, this is the first time I’ve dragged myself out of my pit since Tuesday, Flu. Over the last three days I’ve only eaten two oranges, two Pineapple fingers and a bowl of chocolate Ice-Cream and have spent that time in bed wrapped up in sweat pants, t-shirt, thermal socks, a bathrobe and a hot water bottle still shivering. But, quite literally, the show must go on. The second apology is that on Tuesday’s Deathtime ASSembly I promised live Bloodlights and The Hip Priests. Well I’m only going to deliver half my promise as The Hip Priests requested that instead of airing their set could I send the music file to them for a cheapo Spasm Saturday live CD release. However I can still give you a brief overview of their set to get you in the mood and chomping at the ball gag. Vocalist Nathan Von Cruz comes across as a Rabid Sgt Major barking orders with Austin Rocket and Lee Love backing him up with a machine gun stance a la Wayne Kramer and Lemmy. New boy Joe Blow holds his own pounding the drums as if he wishes to tunnel underground. The Hip Priests live are always fast and furious and last Saturday was no exception with the boundary between them, Spasm Gang Members, Turbojugends, blurred. The bands 45 minute set is topped off with a screaming out of control train-wreck version of Motörhead’s “The Hammer”. Even with the two day event sold-out bringing together some of the best Rock ‘n’ Roll Scandinavia and the UK has to offer at the moment the chances of reading about it in mainstream magazines will be none. So onto headlining band Bloodlights who were for me, the best band of the night. 2008 was the one and only other time that the band has played over here and that was at the LA2 supporting The Hellacopters. Howie B makes a welcome return to the band after a 2½ year break who took a shine to my Maggots T-shirt as he’d worn his out. The bands set gives everybody time to catch their breath with a much more subdued crowd. Bloodlights are less of a participation band, more of watch the craftsmen. Billy Braggs “New England” from their “Somebody Else’s Nightmare” is played with more of a Replacements feel than Kirsty MacColl. It was also good to hear “One Eye Open” the band’s debut track. The only disappointment was when I picked up the set list afterwards there was a three song encore which didn’t, for some unknown reason, get played that included a cover of the Damned’s “New Rose”. All in all, and I know I missed the whole of Fridays gig and Flash House and Zero, Zero from the Saturday Deathtime ASSembly was fantastic. Hats off to Thomas for getting it together. So all we need now is Deathtime ASSembly 2017..... 

Deathtime ASSembly Pt. 1

Welcome to Deathtime ASSembly Part 1, where The Chuck Norris Experiment and The Sick Livers are going to kick or kiss your Ass…….
The Sick Livers are South Wales' glam punk anti-heroes. Described by Pure Rawk as "coming on like one part Turbonegro, one part Zodiac Mindwarp and one part Backyard Babies." Frontman Ginge is undoubtedly one of the greatest R’n’R frontmen out there at the moment and can be relied upon to pulverise The Livers’ pendulous Piñata of splendidly catchy Rock n Roll into several smithereens. Whilst the fire breathing eight legged raging Rock ‘n’ Roll monster known to its many friends as CNE rose from the shitsonic swamps of Gothenburg, Sweden, over ten years ago and since then has stomped its way around the globe like a hi-energy glorious Punk ‘n’ Roll Godzilla destroying every venue and audience in its mongofucking path. In real speak – yeah, they’re pretty good....well, actually rather fuckin; banging...So enjoy Part 1 of The Deathtime ASSembly that was held over 19^th/20^th February at The Pipeline. Unfortunately I couldn’t make the 19^th……… 

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 487

Remember about six weeks ago I said that I was going to reserve Saturday’s exclusively for studio shows with week days being the place for the live gigs that I sometimes attend? Well after last week’s show I thought “Fuck it”, its half term, I’ve got holiday owing to me, and I haven’t had a holiday, holiday since, forever. So I packed Mrs A. Becca and myself into the car and drove until either a) we found a nice Hotel with Sauna, Steam Room and a Swimming Pool or b) we ran out of Petrol. Fortunately with Petrol still less than a quid a Litre which is about 6 bucks 50 a Gallon US chums, we found a hotel that ticked all the boxes, it even had free Wifi. So for the last week I've done nothing, apart from lounge around, eat, drink Beer and watch my inbox fill up with Music. The down side is that I missed yesterdays Deathtime Assembly gig at The Pipeline. Once I’ve prized my Daughter from the Gym and Mrs A. from breakfasting I’ll be powering down England’s finest Motorways to catch tonight’s.  So instead ploughing through said music clogging up my inbox, picking what does it for me and hopefully does it for you I've strayed into Arm's Archive, not too far only October last year, to play you Bernie Tormé who was recorded at The Borderline on his "Black Heart" tour. Until next time, take it easy

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 486

Welcome to Episode 486 of The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show. Blasting things off this week are The Outta Sites from Hollywood, California and a track taken from their newest recording "Outta Site, Outta Mind". Shame I missed their Numbucca gig on the 7^th January. Then at the behest and recommendation of Andy P. of The Fear & Loathing Fanzine I play a track from US Punk Stalwarts Poison Idea's "Confuse and Conquer" album. Then after talking about The Professionals and Rich Kids joint headlining gig at the Shepherds Bush Empire I play The Vicious White Kids who as the name implies features Sid Vicious, Rat Scabies and Glen Matlock and Steve New. Former Radio Birdman Chris “Klondike” Masuakalong with The Viveiro Wave are all set to release, thanks to Crowdfunding site pozible.com, the CD version of his soon to be released vinyl only album "Brujita". Obviously a track from it is aired. To celebrate The Black Halos recording again and playing in London for guitarist Rich Jones' birthday I run a competition to win a copy of "The Violent Years" numbered on Red vinyl album. As the Role Models are supporting The Black Halos and have just launched a Pledge Campaign for their second album "Forest Lawn" it seemed the right thing to do and play a track by them. So I do. The Michael Monroe Band have just landed Stateside for some touring and have just been added to the "Stone Free Festival" in June at the o2 Arena. The band have just released a new single "Going Down With The Ship" which I stupidly don't play. However I do still play something from "Blackout States. As you should know The Deathtime Assembly is taking place at the The Pipeline on the 19^th and 20^th two of the bands have got together to release a split 7" in time for the gig. Those bands being The Hip Priests and Bloodlights. Consequently I give you an audioable taster. As it was both Repo and Lloyd Stuart Casson from Smash Fashions birthday last week I thought I'd play "Long Blond Animal" which is the b-side of their current single “Junkie Luck”. Sticking with b-sides; Beat The Drag have the flip of their last single played as well. To celebrate 25 years from the release of "Where Have All The Good Girls Gone" core members of The Crybabys, that'll be Honest John Plain, from the Boys and Darrell Bath, who can currently be found in The Vibrators, have roped in Robbie Ruston and Lester Greenowski to record two new tracks for a split 7" called "The Italian Job". Lester Greenowski in solo mode is on the other side with two of his contributions. A track from each gets The Squirrel treatment. The Stranglers are up next with my own "Cut & Paste" version of "Bring On The Nubiles". Dai from The Sick Livers apparently needs a Nurse since being involved in a Car Accident, so I give him one......This week’s show is wounded up by The Rosehips whose vocalist Kevin Junior, who later formed The Chamber Strings, sadly passed away last month.

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 485

As it was 40 years last Thursday that The Ramones entered Plaza Sound to record one of the most landmark albums ever to appear on vinyl I start and finish this week’s show off with The Brothers and two tracks taken from those sessions. Deptford’s finest The Phobics are up next with a track taken from their last album “Deptford Calling”. New to The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show are from Spain The Assclats and a track taken from their debut “Punk” ep. A musician who is certainly no stranger to this show is CJ Wildheart who has just released his second Pledge Music album “Robot”. Those who have pledged will already have heard it, for everybody else you’ll have to wait until the 12^th when it gets its official release. For those of you still hovering over the “Undecided Button” to help you click that mouse I play something from it. Sticking with the Wildhearts interconnectedness The Dowling Poole who just so happen to feature Random Jon Poole and Willy Dowling are gathering momentum for their Pledge album “One Hyde Park”. You might’ve seen the video to “Rebecca Receiving”. If you haven’t I give you the audible equivalent. Tigertailz had their sights set on Eurovision greatness but that was before Auntie Beep sent them a “Bugger off” generic e-mail consigning the UK to the bottom half of the Eurovision Song Contest table. Some people/Countries you just can’t help. Fortunately enough the band put it out anyway. Naturally I play it. We’ve had Deptford’s finest so now I turn my attention to Croydon’s finest and Courage Best Bitter Band of The Year 1978 Johnny Moped whose 3^rd album “It’s A Real Cool Baby” is all set for release on the 25^th March via Damaged Goods Records. A single from the album was released late last year with a brand new one “Real Cool Baby” hitting the real and virtual Record Shops on the 29^th of last month. The yellow vinyl version gets an airing. (It’s my favourite Colour) “What’s In Arm’s Attic” makes its long overdue return with me finding a box of Cassette Tapes one of which was a live recording by The Family Butcher from the Summer of 1990 down in Brighton. The Family Butcher were Captain Sensible, Paul Gray, Garrie Dreadful and Malcolm Dixon. Obviously I play a couple form it. In hindsight I should've run it though my AudioLab to beef up the sound as it does sound a bit weedy in places. Even so it's still great to hear. Sticking with live recordings The Nomads are up next with a track taken from their Ghost Highway Recordings album "El Sol - Live In Madrid". As we approach the final furlong Boston's The Black Cheer give us "Everything" from their "Sick Gun" album with The Claypool Lennon Delirium, who as the name implies features Les Claypool from Primus and Sean Lennon, almost take us over the finishing line with their first fruits recording together. However, as I've already mentioned it's The Ramones that closes off this week's show.

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 483

I make no apologies for opening this week's show off with some Peel Session Motörhead as I should've seen them last night at Hammersmith Odeon. Instead I caught up with Brian James at the Hope and Anchor who has a track from his "Guitar That Dripped Blood" aired afterwards. Staying with the Damned interconnectedness; The Mutants, who feature Rat Scabies on drums, are finishing up album number three "Desert Sessions" so I play a track from their second album "Tokyo Nights" which up until this week I didn't realise had been released. Digging deeper into the realms of collaboration, Iggy Pop and Josh Homme have teamed up for an album called "Post Pop Depression" and subsequent tour, the London date is the same day as The Treatments London date, 13th May. Hurrah! Not. Obviously I play the track by them that has already hit the interwebs, along with The Treatments first single from their new album "Generation Me". However sandwiched in-between them are Headline Manic who sport 3/5th of Eddie & The Hotrods and a track from their soon-to-be-released album "Rock 'n' Roll Thuggery", Beach Slang who I'm seeing tonight down in Brighton and a track from their "The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us” album with The DeRellas the last filling as sadly vocalist Robbie Tart has stepped down from the Band. The UK Subs final and 26th album "Ziezo" is in the final throws of being Subsified. A track from it has just been unleashed on a suspecting fan base. Of course I play it! Megadeth have a brand new album out called "Dystopia". As with Metallica, the first three Megadeth albums are, for me untouchable, when it comes to aggression and Punk attitude. The playing on "Dystopia" as you expect to top notch but the Piss and Vinegar has somewhat been placated. However it still hits home as you will hear. Those "Pure Rock Awards" nominees and Welsh support band for The Professionals, The Sick Livers have a track from when some band members still had Restraining Orders played. New to The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show are German band The Gee Strings and a track from their Ghost Highways Recordings album "I'm So Gee". Black Sabbath close the door on not only on this week's episode but on their career with a 8 track tour ep. Four studio tracks that were recorded for the "13" album but didn't make the final track listing and four songs recorded live that did.