The Paranoid Squirrel

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 501

Welcome Episode 501 of The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show and on Friday, which was the 20^th May future listeners, The Damned played the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate 40 years of Anarchy, Chaos and Destruction. This is what happened………

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 499

To celebrate I’ve got a new portable music player that has my entire iTunes library on* I play some AntiProduct and Brides of Destruction. On the new musical front as The Chuck Norris Experiment, King Mastino, The Hip Priests and The Bitch Queens have a 4-way split 7” out at the moment I decide that you should hear it. Whilst checking out Strange Magic Records I stumbled across Swedish band CC Company who I’d not heard of before. A track of theirs is obviously played. Johnny Hayward of über Rock notoriety post a link on Facebook to The Lovesicks BandCamp site which I followed and thoroughly enjoyed what I heard. To whit I share a song with you. Making a rare appearance on the show are The Damned...who are swiftly followed by the Anti-Nowhere League and The Living End. As Cheetah Chrome has just announced some European dates with The Knobs as his backing band, who comprise of basically The Hydromatics (minus Nicke and Scott), I play a track from his “Alive In Detroit” CD. Keeping in the “Classic Punk Artist” vein, I play a track from The Last Ditches debut album “Spilt Milk”. The Last Ditches are; Walter Lure, Binky Philips, Randy Pratt and Bobby Rondinelli, a veritable pedigree of awesomeness. The Stonewall Orchestra impress me with a track off their soon to be released “The Machine The Devil & The Dope” album with this week’s show ending with a Hanoi Rocks track in tribute to Tarzan/OldFashionEd who sadly left us this week.  

*Not strictly true as you will hear

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 496

Welcome to another hours’ worth of music that you should hear on the radio but don’t. A bit of an odd show this week, or it could just be me. Take that as you will. Up first is a John Lennon track that features Elton John in a context that won’t get me sued, with The Damned swiftly following on after. I then bang on about Record Store Day, breaking my Washing Machine and a Goth in a Laundrette before playing The Nasty Bits who were the “house” band from the just finished Vinyl TV series. D Generation that’ll be Jesse Malin, Danny Sage, Howie Pyro, Richard Bacchus and Michael Wildwood, are up next with their first collective single in 17 years. The 69 Eyes’ new album “Universal Monsters” was released yesterday so obviously another track from it is aired. Hawkwind also had a new album released yesterday based on EM Forester’s book “The Machine Stops”. The band actually played it in its entirety at the Islington Assembly Halls yesterday as well. Ace Frehley has just unleashed an album of songs that that got his creative juices going to whit I play something from it. The MC5 get my juices going with a live TV recording which is quickly followed by The Black Bullets. Closing this week’s show is three live tracks by The Black Halos recorded at Rich Jones Birthday gig at The Black Heart on the 18^th. 

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 495

“I Come Along On Saturday Morning Greeting Everybody With A Smile” Kicking things off this week I have two Helsinki bands; one old, one new. First up its Smack with a classic from their debut album “On You”. Secondly it’s 69 Eyes with a new track from their soon to be released “Universal Monsters” CD. A couple of shows ago I played some Pure Hell, well I play some more but this time it’s a track from their unreleased “Black Box” album that Lemmy helped produce and indeed added vocals to the song in question. Shooting back over to Scandinavia and new music I play you a track from“Seal The Deal & Let’s Boogie” LP byVolbeat. I only own the debut album by Flotsam and Jetsam subsequently I’ve forgotten what they sound like, having not played in in 25 plus years. However their new self-title album I’m really enjoying. I’m not sure if it’s just me but I’m hearing, apart from some great Thrash drumming, hints of Progness. More Queensrÿche than Dream Theater I think. Obviously I play a track for your consideration. Gustav Wremer guitarist with Grande Royale contacted me with a “Check out my band” e-mail, so I did and was mightily impressed, with NickeAndersson at the production helm of their soon to be recorded third album, but it’s a track from their second album that I air. Pledge Music time and Brijitte West &The Desperate Hopefuls have just ventured down this route for album number two. Brijitte kindly sent me a track from said album which I of course play. Joining the former NY Loose vocalist in the Desperate Hopefuls are Richie Hudson, Keef Gibbs and Robin Guy from the Fiascos, although Robin can normally be found sitting on Sham 69’s drum stool. Following straight on afterwards is the title track from The Breakdowns new single “Charity Case”. The WitchDoktors new album “Voodoo Eye” and first since 2008s “$3 Hooker” is all set for release with a gig to launch it at The Alley Cat in Denmark Street on June 2^nd and to whet your appetite I play a song from it. As promised on last week’s show I play a track from Desert Rockers the Mojave Lords album “Unfuckwithable”. Zen Motel make a much welcomed return to The Paranoid Squirrel with a track from their just released “Choking On The Chrome (Part 1) ep. Looking forward to part 2 if part 1 is anything to go by. A new, previously unheard live gig from Sonic’s Rendezvous Band recorded in April 1976 is just about to be officially released by Easy Action Records. Joining Fred “Sonic” Smith, Scott “Rock Action” Asheton and Scott Morgan on this recording is original bassist WR Cooke. Finishing things off this week its Vice Squad and a track from the Sophie Lancaster Foundation Charity CD which is due for release this Summer.  

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 494

On this week show for your delectation I have The Wildhearts as I talk about Ginger Wildheart’s gig at The Forum on the 1^st April. I then take you into Crowd Funding mode with a track from the Role Models, I bumped into Role Model main man Rich Rags at Ginger’s gig and he has to be the most enthusiastic person in Rock, then it’s two tracks from the UK Subs, one from the bands soon to be released last album “Ziero” and one featuring Captain Sensible. No it’s not “Party In Paris”. Former Radio Birdman guitarist Chris Masuak and The Viveiro Wave Riders’ fund to get “Brujita” released on CD has come to fruition, so obviously I air a track from it. The last band in this week’s Crowd Funding section comes courtesy of Last Great Dreamers who are out and about at the moment supporting Tigertailz. A band that contacted me with a view to playing a track of theirs were A Capital Threat from Sweden. I’m glad they did as I thoroughly enjoyed them and I hope you do too. Moving over the Channel to France I play you a track by a band that I know next to nothing about. The band in question is called Western Machine. Their debut album “From Lafayette to Sin City” is chock full of New York Dolls & Stooges Rawk! Good stuff. The Mutants, whose core members consist of  Chris Constantinou, Paul Frazer, and Mr Rat Scabies, have for their third album “Your Desert, My Mind” gone all Desert Session and enlisted the likes of Chris Goss. So far I only have the title track to play you and that’s only an instrumental, but I love it and can’t wait for the full album in September. Bath 70s inspired reprobates Ulysses have a brand new album out on 3^rd June called “Law and Order” via Black Glove Recordings. To celebrate this fact I play a track from it. Following straight afterwards is a song from Plague Vendor who have just started a UK Tour. Moving North of the Border to Edinburgh the Heavy Drapes sight The Sex Pistols, The Damned’s first album, The Ramones, the MC5, Iggy Pop and The New York Dolls as influences. Obviously this got me interested and they did not disappoint me as hopefully you will hear. Up next it’s a quick blast from The Mants with Cheap Trick and The London Orion Orchestra featuring Alice Cooper and Rick Wakeman finishing things off for you this week.

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 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.      

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 479

My battle with Man-flu is the underlining theme on today’s show. On the musical front though DENIMGOAT, who sport Danne McKenzie, Nicke Borg, Richie Puzz, Max Diesel and Ida Evileye in their ranks have just released a cover of Phil Lynott’s “Nineteen” which obviously I play. Can you believe it’s been 30 years since he died? Even more worrying is that later on this year it’ll be Cliff Burton’s. Hey! Hello! have a track aired from their second album, “Hey! Hello! Too!” which has me more than excited. As the latest Classic Rock Magazine reviews Dirtbag Republic’s debut album for the second time I feel the need to play something off it. Up next are the LLUNATIKS who hail from Villalonga, Spain and a track from their “Ultra Rock” album. Then as I’m seeing the UK Subs tonight at the 100 Club as part of the Resolution Festival I hold my own mini one by playing classic tracks from the Anti-Nowhere League, GBH, Discharge, Chelsea and the UK Subs. Missing from the Festival were the Damned and or associated former or current members, so I redress the situation by playing the last recording that Captain, Rat and Paul Gray did together. It’s a riot. There’s a clue for you. As the World and her husband are talking about Guns ‘n’ Roses I join in with my two pennies worth playing one of their tracks in the process. The Cruel Intensions, who feature former Vains of Jenna vocalist Lizzy DeVine, make their second appearance on The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show with their new single. I finish this week’s show off with The Heavy Eyes who last fm describe as “psychedelic bluesy rock from the delta that sounds similar to a skeleton driving a speed boat on a flaming Mississippi River headed back to 1969.” Sold to the man with the snotty nose and cough!  

The Paranoid Squirrel ep 476

Welcome to Episode 476 of The Paranoid Squirrel Rock show and the final live gig from me this year. The band who hold this position are Ghost recorded at The Camden Palace (KOKO) on the last date of their 2015 European Tour. Unfortunately the sound quality isn’t up to my normal standards, I did think about shelving this episode until an alternative recording became available but then you wouldn’t hear me rant about the three extremely young industry types who were standing behind us who chatted throughout the whole gig hence the quality issue. Apart from that Ghost were bloody brilliant, they have really brought a breath of fresh air into the Rawk scene. For those of you who are going “Ghost who?” here’s a brief synopsis courtesy of Wikipedia so it’s bound to be inaccurate: “Five of the group's six members wear virtually identical, face-concealing costumes. The most distinguishable member is the vocalist, who sports skull face paint, appearing as what can be described as a "demonic anti-Pope". Each album cycle has brought about a change in the band's appearance. The vocalist is always portrayed as the same archetype character, but has slight appearance changes and even personality traits are altered from former versions. The band members' true identities are kept anonymous, as their actual names have not been publicly disclosed. The vocalist calls himself Papa Emeritus and according to band folklore there have been three different characters taking the name Papa Emeritus, each younger than the last. The first welcomed the second Papa Emeritus on December 12, 2012 in Linkoping. On June 3, 2015, the second Papa Emeritus welcomed his younger brother as the new Papa Emeritus after being "fired" due to not performing his duty in overthrowing governments and churches. Papa Emeritus II and Papa Emeritus III were stated to only have a 3-month difference in age. It is believed that all versions of Papa Emeritus are actually portrayed by the same guy.” No really?! “The musicians are referred to only as Nameless Ghouls each with a different symbol; Fire - lead guitar, Water - Bass, Air - Keyboards, Earth - drummer and Aether - rhythm guitar.”

So there you go.