Tag Archives: pop music

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #43

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Ah yes, the seven inch single. These small discs of joy were the cornerstone of the pop charts for years, weekly sales adding up to thousands and thousands in their heyday. Nowadays it’s streaming that appears to power music sales. But many of us still have mucho love for the 45rpm record.

Many such as myself – I’ve got a huge pile of them, and it’s only slowly going down. What I do, you see, is spend a night playing 7″ vinyl – A side and B side – and going on a musical journey that can take me all over the place.

Sometimes that journey is a bit weird, or even disappointing – but it’s never dull. Pour yourself a drink and let’s have a look at the latest Singles night playlist…

  1. The D4 – “Come On!” / “Santa Claus”
  2. The D4 – “Get Loose” / “John Rock”
  3. Roberto Mann Orchestra & Chorus – “Love Theme From Witchfinder General” / “Both Sides Now”
  4. Adam & The Ants – “Kings of the Wild Frontier” / “Press Darlings”
  5. Jo Boxers – “Boxerbeat” / “Let’s Talk About Love”
  6. Brian Spence – “Back Door” / Chris Sutton – “Know It All” / Velvet Underground “Stephanie Says” / Smiley Culture – “Here Comes the Style”
  7. Bow Wow Wow – “Louis Quatorze” / “Blue Soldier”
  8. Sam Brown – “Stop!” / “Blue Soldier”
  9. Big Country – “King of Emotion” / “The Travellers”
  10. The B-52s – “Good Stuff” / “Bad Influence”
  11. The Beatles – “Long Tall Sally” / “I Call Your Name” / “Slow Down” / “Matchbox”
  12. The Barron Knights – “Merry Gentle Pops Part 1” / “Merry Gentle Pops Part 2”
  13. L7 – “Pretend We’re Dead” / “Shitlist”
  14. Rainmakers – “Let My People Go-Go” / “Nobody Knows”
  15. Wax – “Building a Bridge to Your Heart” / “Heaven in Her Bed”
  16. AC/DC – “Highway to Hell” / “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)”
  17. AC/DC – “You Shook Me All Night Long” / “Have a Drink On Me”
  18. The Stylistics – “Can’t Give You Anything (but My Love)” / “I’d Rather Be Hurt By You (Than Loved By Somebody Else)”
  19. Kipp Lennon – “Song From ‘Buck Rogers’ (Suspension)” / “Something Kinda Funky”
  20. Girlschool – “Hit & Run” / “Tonight”

See what I mean? That was a great night of music – well, for the most part! The only dud amongst the bunch was the horrendous Barron Knights single. I remember that group in the late 70s and early 80s, and thought they were funny. These two songs, both from earlier in the career, haven’t stood the test of time.

Other than that, an awesome mix of rock, punk, alternative, pop, disco and even a couple of wild soundtrack items. In contrast to the Barron Knights, I was pleasantly surprised by Rainmakers and I’d forgotten how great that Wax song is.

That’s all for this time, groove hunters – more soon.

Notes:

The D4 were a great rock band from New Zealand, fast and punky in a similar vein to The Hives. I saw them around 2001 supporting Fu Manchu, they were rad. Picked these singles up a while ago as I can’t find their excellent album anywhere.

There are two soundtrack songs in this latest playlist. I was very lucky to find the song from Witchfinder General for mere pence in a charity shop – as a big Horror and Vincent Price fan, it’s a cool curio to own. Also, yes – that is the classic theme tune from the Buck Rogers TV show of the early 80s. Even better, the B side is from when Buck is trying to teach the 25th century squares how to be groovy.

Always loved that Jo Boxers song since I heard it on Tiswas. Finally got the single.

Disc 6 is a Sounds magazine/Polydor sampler that I picked up super cheap, purely for the Velvet Underground song. The first two tracks ar eprety bland.

The L7 single is a numbered, limited edition single on red vinyl.

The two AC/DC songs need no introduction. My favourite Bon Scott song and my favourite Brian Johnson song on consecutive records in my list.

Brown Acid: The Twenty-First Trip – Album Review

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Various Artists – Brown Acid: The Twenty-First Trip 

RidingEasy Records 

Release date: 31/10/2026 

Review by: Alun Jones 

7.5/10 

Verily, pilgrims, ‘tis time for another feast of forgotten Rock’n’Roll fun, curated by the esteemed veterans at RidingEasy Records.  This is the twenty-first edition of their Brown Acid series (in case you didn’t read the headline) – a series that continues to run and run.  As with previous albums, herein lie ten hard rock songs that despite their brilliance, never blossomed into the classics they could-a (should-a) been.  The RidiingEasy boffins have dug ‘em up and are now re-presenting these tracks for our shared enjoyment. 

There’s a wide range of styles on display this time round, probably more so than usual.  We get things rolling with Opus Est and ‘Maggie Johnsons’, a short and furious proto punk number that has some ‘Communication Breakdown’ in its DNA.  A brief but great way to start.  Freedom North feature some very welcome female vocals on their song ‘Losing You’, a thumping psychedelic rocker with a deadly lead guitar.  ‘Friendly Stranger’ by Accents has a galloping rhythm, fuzzy guitar and brash organ that resembles Steppenwolf.   

And what’s this?  The Rolling Stones on a Brown Acid comp??  No, it’s Brother Love with ‘Rock N’ Roll Band’ – though that fuzzy riff sounds very like a certain legendary song by Mick, Keith and the other three.  Still, it’s a fun tune with decent lyrics and a catchy chorus.  Side One rounds out with ‘Bike Writer’ by River Styx, a solid, fast paced acid rock song with squealing lead. 

Some nice wah-wah warms up Side Two and we’re off again, this time with Maxx.  Their song ‘200 Years’ has a Stooges-like groove.  Pump are next, and despite that terrible band name, their ‘Kinda Like’ is a highlight of this collection – featuring more skronky organ and fierce guitar.  29.9 (much better band name) then unleash their version of ‘You Got Me Floating’, which despite being an authentic rendition, is still only a cover of a Hendrix tune that most people forget. 

Apparently, there was once a band called Wakefield, if you can believe that.  I can, ‘cos their song ‘Here I Am’ is on this compilation.  These guys seem to have Prog aspirations, with time changes and different sections, finishing with a glorious, melodic pop sing along for the last minute and a half.  But that’s not all folks – our last track is the psyche swamp blues of ‘Lazy River Blues’ by Peacepipe – a melancholy, sinister sail down the bayou. 

Volume Twenty-One of Brown Acid is another solid collection.  Not all the songs work, but they’re honestly all worthwhile – ‘Rock N’ Roll Band’ seems like a blatant rip off at first, but develops its own charm and style.  I felt a little short changed with a cover being included, but the overall quality doesn’t really suffer.  There’s still tons of acid-roasted, psychedelic fuzz on offer, and more variety than we’ve had previously. 

Next time, remind me to tell you the real story behind why the cover of “Beggars Banquet” was banned.  Clue: Mick still won’t speak to me and every Christmas, Keith sends me a gold toilet brush.

Visit the RidingEasy Records website here.

This review is presented by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

Zombina & The Skeletones – Album Review

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Zombina and the Skeletones – In Sinistereo

9×9 Records

Release date: 31/10/2025

Running time: 42 mins approx

Review by: Alun Jones

9/10

Yes, they’re back! Liverpool’s finest Rock’n’Roll revenants, Zombina and the Skeletones, have returned – the stake has been removed, and their hellbound hearts beat once more! But you probably already knew that, right? Their spellbinding comeback, “The Call of Zombina”, was released last year – and made Top 3 in my Ever Metal end of year favourites for 2024, as I’m sure you’ll recall…

So what’s going on here, then? Well, the songs on “In Sinistereo” were originally released as four separate EPs some ten years ago, as a digital only deal. But they’re not just being re-released here: the songs have been remixed and remastered, sure – but many are also enhanced with additional keyboards, horns and vocals that were previously absent. Songs have been edited longer or shorter, meaning that we have a whole new creature, reimagined Frankenstein-like from its previous form.

Lend a pointed ear, and the listener will also find a cauldron-full of the signature ZATS sound: a bubbling mixture of Punk, Rock’n’Roll, Psychobilly and glorious pop that revels in a B-movie graveyard of monsters, ghouls, murderers and broken hearts. With the sweet yet deadly voice of Zombina masterminding the whole crazy shindig along with partner in crime Doc Horror on vocals and guitar, this party never stops.

Opening song ‘(All I Wanna Do Is) Decompose (With You)’ is a fast paced Punk rocker and an ideal way to wake the dead. Chugging guitar and circus keys devolve into a spooky, theremin laced outro. ‘Phantom with the X-Ray Mind’ adds some skronky keyboards to a Devo/B-52s style mash up, whilst the jangly guitar of ‘Witch Mountain’ evokes early 80’s Damned.

The Skeletones add touches of 60’s girl groups with ‘Haunted House of Love’ and ‘Whatever You Do, Don’t Fall in Love’. Elsewhere they bring in a cheeky, Madness-does-The Addams Family-with-horns style stomper with ‘The Stakeout’. ‘Kill!!!!’ adds a synth pop sheen and is the least convincing track here, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of raucous tracks like ‘Ramon’, ‘The Wild’ and ‘You Swallow Spiders in Your Sleep’ to keep you bouncing like the Devil’s on your tail!

The production is warm and clean, with all of the musical parts seeping through perfectly. ‘In Sinistereo’ is rejuvenated as a vibrant and varied experience, a Tim Burton movie-like album with the songs dancing their way out of the crypt. Zombina and the Skeletones are without doubt the perfect band for Halloween. Trust me, this is all treat, no trick.

Check out Zombina and the Skeletones on Faceboo, Instagrot, ChewTube, Spookify and Badcamp.

This review is brought to you by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #42

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KABOOM! ZAP! POW! If you thought that was exciting, just wait till you read this latest Singles Night vinyl playlist! Yes indeed, Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub is ready to blow the roof off with another evening of 7 inch singles.

Wait, you have questions? I can explain. Singles Night involves playing through a stack of as yet unplayed 45 rpm discs, of any genre, and just going along with whatever happens. There can be anything in here, good or bad, so just go with the flow.

Pour yourself a drink and let’s get started:

  1. Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit” / “Drain You”
  2. Simon & Garfunkel – “Bridge Over Troubled Water” / “Keep the Customer Satisfied”
  3. Dave Rose & His Orchestra – “The Stripper” / “Ebb Tide”
  4. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Travellin’ Band” / “Who’ll Stop the Rain”
  5. The Rolling Stones – “Paint It, Black” / “Long Long While”
  6. Nirvana – “Come As You Are” / “Endless Nameless”
  7. The Troggs – “Night of the Long Grass” / “Girl in Black”
  8. Ramones – “Baby I Love You” / “High Risk Insurance”
  9. Buzzcocks – “Everybody’s Happy Nowadays” / “Why Can’t I Touch It?”
  10. The Sweet – “Blockbuster!” / “Need a Lot of Lovin'”
  11. Squeeze – “Up the Junction” / “It’s So Dirty”
  12. Debbie Harry – “Backfired” / “Military Rap”
  13. Twisted Sister – “You Can’t Stop Rock’n’Roll” / “Let The Good Times Roll” / “Feel So Fine”
  14. Rose Tattoo – “Rock’n’Roll Outlaw” / “Remedy”
  15. Doug E Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew – “The Show (Edit)” / “La Di Da Di”
  16. Kerbdog – “Dummy Crusher” / “Too Much Too Young”
  17. Reef – “Weird” / “Acoustic One”
  18. Skids – “The Saints Are Coming” / “Of One Skin” / “Night and Day” / “Confusion”
  19. U2 – “The Fly” / “Alex Descends Into Hell for a Bottle of Milk/Korova”
  20. Generation X – “Valley of the Dolls” / “Shakin’ All Over”
  21. Joan Jett Interview Disc

And what a mighty fine playlist that is! A really fun night with some top quality tunes from various genres and decades. Quite a few punk rock/new wave classics throughout that list, with a generous helping of rock’n’roll and more too. Sixties classics, glam rock, Hip Hop, 90’s alternative rock – one of the best nights yet.

More Singles Nights coming soon, stay tuned!

Notes:

Two Nirvana singles were recent finds (at a very good price) – unfortunately, I didn’t pick these up back n the day. Best of all, the “Come As You Are” B-side, “Endless Nameless”, was a hidden track on some random CD versions of ‘Nevermind’ only. My original vinyl copy of that album didn’t have it, obviously, though the CD I bought later did. Now I have it on vinyl at last.

Yes, that Dave Rose track is the classic “Stripper” theme, so that makes an interesting addition to the collection…

The Reef and Generation X singles are both coloured vinyl. Meanwhile, the 21st record is an interview picture disc with Joan Jett, no music. Gotta love Joan.

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #41

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What’s that I hear? Those loyal Hot Tubbers have been going ape for my Singles Night vinyl playlists? They want more, more, MORE?! Then it shall be so, my friends! With great humility I shall acquiesce to your rabid response – here we go again for another Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub!

For the stragglers at the back, this playlist includes a bunch of 45 rpm singles that have ended up in my treasured collection. I spend an evening playing them – both sides – and with the aid of a little alcohol, have a fine old time.

Join me again for another evening enjoying playing 7 inch records of all genres…

  1. The Kinks – “Dead End Street” / “Big Black Snake”
  2. The Steve Miller Band – “Abracadabra” / “Never Say No”
  3. Status Quo – “What You’re Proposing” / “A. B. Blues”
  4. Prince – “When Doves Cry” / “17 Days”
  5. Madness – “Grey Day” / “Memories”
  6. Kate Robbins – “The Real Me” / “Photo Fit”
  7. Ron Grainer – “Tales of the Unexpected” / “Malice Afterthought”
  8. Belinda Carlisle – “Big Scary Animal” / “Windows of the World”
  9. Bananarama – “Love in the First Degree” / “Mr Sleaze”
  10. Kate Bush – “Wuthering Heights” / “Kite”
  11. Paul McCartney – “Spies Like Us” / “My Carnival”
  12. Buzzcocks – “Orgasm Addict” / “What Ever Happened To?”
  13. The Presidents of the United States of America – “Lump” / “Wake Up”
  14. Ramones – “She’s the One” / “I Wanna Be Sedated”
  15. X-Ray Spex – “Identity” / “Lets Submerge”
  16. Wolfmother – “Dimension”
  17. Horrorpops – “Miss Take” / “Where They Wander”
  18. Captain Sensible – “Glad It’s All Over” / “Damned on 45”
  19. Black Lace – “Agadoo” / “Fiddling”
  20. ABBA – “I Have a Dream” / “Take a Chance On Me (Live)”
  21. The Sweet – “Teenage Rampage” / “Own Up, Take a Look At Yourself”
  22. Bucks Fizz – “One of Those Nights” / “Always Thinking of You”
  23. B. Bumble & The Stingers – “Nut Rocker” / “Bumble Boogie” / “Boogie Woogie”
  24. Bachman Turner Overdrive – “You AIn’t Seen Nothing Yet” / “Free Wheelin'”
  25. Barry White – “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” / “More Than Anything, You’re My Everything”

Yes, you read that right: Agadoo by Black Lace is now in my vinyl collection. Well, you never know – it might be useful to entertain somebody one day.

Well, I certainly must’ve enjoyed myself on this particular night – 25 songs in one go is a record of a different type. I think. And what a killer collection of tunes! Classic tracks from The Kinks, Quo, Kate Bush and ABBA elevated the playlist nicely. Plus a quality punk rock section with Ramones, Buzzcocks and X-Ray Spex – and some more pop hits from Madness, Barry White and many more.

Enjoy the tunes Hot Tubbers, I won’t keep you waiting long for more!

Notes:

The Wolfmother record is single with a blank B side, which I didn’t realise when I bought it.  The Horrorpops single is a picture disc, as is the POTUSA vinyl. Pretty stylish stuff.

Oh and yes, that’s the legendary theme tune from the Tales of the Unexpected television programme.  Pretty cool to have that.

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #40

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Singles Night! Singles Night! At the Virtual Hot Tub, yeah!!! Yes it’s that time again, hot tubbers – grab yourself a drink and let’s enjoy the latest Singles Night playlist!

If you’re not sure what’s going down, it’s like this: your Old pal Platinum Al has a big pile of unplayed, sexy 7 inch vinyl records – and they need to be played. So we’ll spin ’em, A side then B side, one after the other, and have the rad time while we do it.

Sound like fun? Ok, here we go…

  1. The Stylistics – “You Make Me Feel Brand New” / “Only For The Children”
  2. Scott McKenzie – “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair)” / “What’s the Difference”
  3. Sylvester – “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” / “Was it Something I Said”
  4. Nik Kershaw – “Don Quixote” / “Don’t Lie”
  5. The Mighty Wah! – “Come Back” / “The Devil in Miss Jones”
  6. Blondie – “Dreaming” / “Sound Asleep”
  7. Bryan Adams – “Can’t Stop This This We Started” / “It’s Only Love (Live)”
  8. Muddy Waters – “Mannish Boy” / “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man”
  9. The Creatures – “Mad Eyed Screamer” / “So Unreal” / “But Not Them”
  10. Los Lobos – “La Bamba” / “Charlena”
  11. Kate Robbins – “Run Wild” / “Cassie’s Song”
  12. Kim WIlde – “I Can’t Say Goodbye” / “Sanjazz Megamix”
  13. Crystal Gayle – “When I Dream” / “Someday Soon”
  14. Samantha Fox – “Aim to Win” / “Holding”
  15. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Achy Breaky Heart” / “I’m So Miserable”
  16. Boney M. – “Gotta Go Home” / “El Lute”
  17. Nina Simone – “My Baby Just Cares For Me” / “Love Me or Leave Me”
  18. The Monks – “Nice Legs, Shame About Her Face” / “You’ll Be The Death of Me”
  19. Transvision Vamp – “Baby I Don’t Care” / “Time For Change” / “Strings of My Heart”
  20. Sinitta – “love on a Mountain Top” / “Don’t Tell Me Not to Cry”
  21. The Alarm – “Unsafe Building” / “Up For Murder”

Now that’s a pretty eclectic playlist. Covering all manner of genres from pop, soul/disco, rock, punk, country, blues and more.

The absolute cream of the crop is the Muddy Waters single – “Mannish Boy” is one of the greatest songs ever written. This version came from a late 80s Levis commercial, always a handy way to pick up reissued classic songs. Similar with the equally awesome Nina Simone record.

The Stylistics are one of my Dad’s favourite bands and something I grew up with. Any Disco records on these lists are a result of upbringing

Sinitta crops up again, due to the fact that I always had a crush on her. Likewise Sam Fox, Kim Wilde and Crystal Gayle and of course Debbie Harry. Though I never fancied Wendy James of Transvision Vamp. Good track, though.

No absolute stinkers this time round, either. “Achy Breaky Heart” is a kitsch classic and I love it – stoked to find that one in a charity shop!

And we’re done. Another pile of 45 rpm goodies played – stay tuned for more, very soon!

Brown Acid: The Twentieth Trip – Album Review

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Various Artists – Brown Acid: The Twentieth Trip 

RidingEasy Records 

Release date: 20/04/2025 

Running time: 

Review by: Alun Jones 

8/10 

Aw, man!  Another deadline missed.  What’s this album?  The latest Brown Acid comp from RidingEasy Records, OK.  And when was it released?  The twentieth of April??!!  Oh right, yeah.  Released on 4/20, of course.  Very apt.  Now I don’t even smoke the Devil’s Lettuce, but maybe I can use that as an excuse for my tardiness?  Whaddya think?  Sounds better than “the dog ate the review” or “I fell off my skateboard”.  Yeah, that’s it.  I must’ve been higher than Godzilla’s toupee and forgot to write this thing. 

Let’s crack on.  The Brown Acid series are compilations of sadly long lost and forgotten songs from the late 60’s and 70’s, each the less successful step sibling of the major rock acts of the time.  The songs are garage rock, proto heavy metal would-be classics that fell through the cracks.  Until, that is, RidingEasy Records unearthed them and saved from obscurity. 

So what’s up first on this latest release?  It’s Afterflash with the psychedelic fuzz of ‘Cookbook’, where the band implore us to “feed our mind”.  Good fun of the sort you can imagine Scooby Doo and the gang listening to in their van, but not the strongest song on this comp.  Polvo are next with ‘Have You Ever Been There?” – I haven’t but I’d like to, it’s great early Hard Rock with a killer lead guitar solo.  ‘Darkened Passage’ is gifted to us by Hot Candy, a Zeppelin-like rocker that has a feel of ‘Communication Breakdown’.  A highlight of the album and a genuine righteous moment. 

The Brown Acid template widens again with Banana Bros ‘Suck You in’, a winning song with a super infectious funk driven rhythm.  Side One concludes with ‘Thank You For The Ride’ from another familiarly monikered troupe, The Jordan Brothers.  This romping number is definitely the ear-worm of the set, with a chorus that’ll stick in your head for days. 

Side Two opens with the crashing drums of Osage Lute.  Their track ‘Watch ‘Em Shine’ has an electrifying sound not dissimilar to Mountain, catchy riff and mind-expanding mellow section included.  Sandy Torano & The Nimo Spliff have the wildest name on this selection, and a wild fuzz guitar intro on their song ‘A Year Ago Today’.   

Lazy Day employ some skronky organ a la early Purple or Steppenwolf on ‘Don’t Dance In My Song’, but you’ll be hard pressed to stay still here!  No idea what a ‘Hot and Tot Woman’ is, but Flavor do – and they throw in a Stooges-ish proto metal riff that you could proto-headbang to!  Bringing things to a close this time around is Frozen Sun, with the funky, desert rock of ‘Jamm Part 1’.  Ideal for watching the sun set whilst you definitely don’t inhale any of the herb. 

The Twentieth Trip has managed to offer a little more variety yet again, as the Brown Acid series goes from strength to strength.  A genuinely good time listen and very worthwhile exploring for any retro heads out there.  Plus, listeners can gain kudos points for being familiar with ultra rare, underground rock that their friends won’t have a clue about! 

Visit the RidingEasy Records website here.

This review is presented by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #39

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Are you ready for more rock’n’roll?  And very possibly lots of other genres of music too?  In that case, pilgrim, you’ve come to the right place.  You know it – it’s another Singles Night here at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub!

Now, for any of you brave readers who are muddled and befuddled by what a Singles Night involves, here’s the lowdown.  You see, I  possess a huge collection of 7 inch vinyl singles, none of which have been listened to (yet).  So the concept is to spend an evening playing these records – both sides – and have a grand old time doing so.

During the course of the night, we’ll hear a variety of music, old and new, with plenty of surprises.

That’s not so scary, is it?

Grab yourself a drink and let’s check out the latest playlist:

  1. Cheap Trick – “The Flame” / “Through the Night”
  2. Stiff Little Fingers – “Silver Lining” / “Safe as Houses”
  3. Belinda Carlisle – “Live Your Life Be Free” / “Loneliness Game”
  4. Salt-N-Pepa- “Let’s Talk About Sex (True Confessions Edit)” / “Let’s Talk About Sex (Super Crispy Mix)”
  5. Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass – “Up Cherry Street” / “Numero Cinco” / “Mexican Shuffle” / “The Girl From Ipanema”
  6. Magazine – “About the Weather” / “In The Dark”
  7. The Lotus Eaters – “The First Picture of You” / “The Lotus Eaters”
  8. James Brown – “Rapp Payback (Where iz Moses?)” / “Rapp Payback Pt. II (Where iz Moses?)”
  9. Huey Lewis & The News – “World to Me” / “It’s All Right (Live)”
  10. Dannii Minogue – “This is it” / “It’s Time to Move On”
  11. Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody” / “These Are the Days of Our Lives”
  12. The Kinks – “Tired of Waiting for You” / “Come on Now”
  13. Big Country – “Wonderland” / “Giant”
  14. Timbuk 3 – “The Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades” / “I’ll Do Alright”
  15. Derek & The Dominos – “Layla” / Eric Clapton – “Wonderful Tonight”
  16. Jesus Jones – “Right Here, Right Now” / “Move Me” / “Damn Good at This”
  17. Big Country- “In a Big Country” / “All Of Us”
  18. Electric Light Orchestra – “Don’t Bring Me Down” / “Dreaming of 4000”
  19. The Belle Stars – “The Clapping Song” / “Blame”
  20. S’Express – “Hey Music Lover” / “Have a Nice Day”

Not a bad evening’s entertainment at all.  A thrilling exploration through several genres, from pop to punk, rock to funk, and more.  The only song I wasn’t a fan of was that hideous Clapton claptrap, so that’s a pretty decent result.

Lots of highlights, and I’m shouting out SLF, James Brown, Big Country, The Kinks and Jesus Jones as particular favourites.

Hope you enjoyed that list of killer tracks.  More soon!

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #38

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Singles Night! At Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub! It’s back – and better than ever!

What is it? A night where I play through a pile of as yet, never spun 45rpm vinyl singles. Both sides, whatever the genre, in whatever random order the fates have decided for me. There’s all sorts in that collection of 7 inch records, so it makes for a fine playlist (with a couple of drinkies to aid the process).

Here’s the latest playlist:

  1. Toyah – “Don’t Fall in Love” / “Snow Covers the Kiss”
  2. Doctor and the Medics – “Waterloo” / “Damaged Brains”
  3. The Screaming Blue Messiahs – “I Wanna Be A Flintstone” / “Jerry’s Electric Church”
  4. Blue Oyster Cult – “Astronomy” / “Magna of Illusion”
  5. Motorhead – “Overkill” / “Too Late, Too Late”
  6. Sex Pistols – “C’Mon Everybody” / “The God Save The Queen Symphony”
  7. Pete Mac Junior – “The Water Margin” / Godiego – “The Water Margin”
  8. Peter Sellers & Sophia Loren – “Goodness Gracious Me!” / Peter Sellers – “Grandpa’s Groove”
  9. The Professionals – “Little Boys in Blue” / Gillan – “I’ll Rip Your Spine Out”
  10. Stevie Wonder – “Lately” / “If It’s Magic”
  11. Psychedelic Furs – “Heaven” / “Heartbeat (Remix)”
  12. The Cars – “Drive” / “Stranger Eyes”
  13. Sex Pistols – “God Save The Queen” / “Did You No Wrong”
  14. Run DMC – “It’s Tricky (Remix)” / “Proud To Be Black”
  15. Bow Wow Wow – “Go Wild in the Country” / “El Boss Dicho”
  16. Atomic Rooster – “Tomorrow Night” / “Play the Game”
  17. Black Sabbath – “Hard Road” / “Symptom of the Universe”
  18. Anthrax – “I’m the Man” / “Caught in a Mosh (Live)”
  19. Anti-Nowhere League – “I Hate… People” / “Let’s Break the Law”
  20. Eighth Wonder – “I’m Not Scared” / “J’ai Pas Peur”
  21. Lynsey De Paul – “Ooh I Do” / “Nothing Really Lasts Forever”
  22. Sly Fox – “Let’s Go All the Way” / “Como Tu Te Hama”

A great selection. I can honestly say that I’m not ashamed of any of those singles. Except, maybe, “Goodness Gracious Me” which is somewhat… ah, dated, shall we say? At least the lovely Sophia Loren adds a touch of class. And she’s not the only beautiful lady in the list – I always had a crush on Lynsey De Paul.

Notes:

Two Sex Pistols records included here. including the wonderful “God Save The Queen”, one of the greatest rock’n’roll songs ever recorded. And we all know it got to number one really! There’s also a track from Jones and Cook as The Professionals, here on a Sounds flexi disc with Ian Gillan.

“The Water Margin” was a classic Japanese television series, shown in the 1970s. I vaguely remember it, but watched a later 1980s re-run religiously. The theme tune is brilliant. This single features a version in English on one side, and Japanese on the other.

Some great classic rock in this list, with Blue Oyster Cult, Atomic Rooster and a later Black Sabbath single (on purple vinyl in this case). A legendary couple of Motorhead tracks too, plus Anthrax throwing down some proto rap metal.

More punk from the Anti-Nowhere League: both of those tracks are fantastic.

A really enjoyable evening of music: random but unforgettable. More soon.

KASP – Gig Review

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KASP

Friday 11th July 2025

The Crown & Liver, Ewloe

The good old Crown & Liver in Ewloe used to be my home from home for many years. In fact, it was utilised as a club house of sorts not just by myself, but the members of KASP and a large chunk of tonight’s audience. Quite apt, then, to see these guys crank out some tunes that effortlessly recreated the sounds of the 1990s in this venue. The Crown may have been jazzed up over the decades, but it’s the same old boozer at heart.

KASP are four mates who got themselves together and formed a band, performing well known and appreciated cover songs. They’ve been gigging in the local area for a while, but this was the first time I’d caught up with them. It was a nice reunion of sorts with several welcome faces and a good atmosphere.

Wouldn’t you just know it, things didn’t get off to a stellar start: the set opener was ‘Rock’n’Roll Star’ by Oasis, and I’m not a big fan! To be fair, it’s one of the better Gallagher brothers songs, and KASP rattled the song out in confident fashion. Simon on lead vocals and guitar slotted right into the role with ease. Next up was ‘You Stole the Sun From My Heart’, a killer Manics cover where Adam ably took over lead vocals from Si and still delivered a formidable guitar part. Now we were starting to get bouncing!

Solid musicianship all round to be fair, meaning that a couple songs I’m not a fan of (that James monstrosity, ‘Sit Down’, being a prime offender) were superbly delivered with self assured style. Of course, this means that the quality songs in the rest of the set couldn’t really go wrong – especially with genuine energisers from Green Day, Stereophonics and even Steppenwolf’s old evergreen, ‘Born to be Wild’!

A special shout out to the closing song of the first set, a devastatingly great rendition of ‘Hate to Say I Told You So’ by The Hives. Classic track, rendered brilliantly by KASP. Kev’s nimble bass playing was particularly impressive, shining in that solo middle section; and Pete’s drums managing to keep everyone on track with all cylinders firing .

The band returned for part 2 after a short break, though I have to admit that my memories of the second set started to get a bit fuzzy…

I do remember a rousing version of Lenny Kravitz’s ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ getting the crowd moving. And a nice dedication for yours truly from Si in his introduction for Foo Fighters’ ‘Times Like These’ (thanks!). There was more dancing for this set as the audience started to really warm up. More first rate tunes by White Stripes, Kings of Leon and Stereophonics kept the mood high and feet moving as everyone sang along.

KASP at the Crown turned out to be a fun night of solid musicianship and camaraderie. A great band who possess some real skills, delivering a non-stop run of hit songs for all to enjoy. It was kind of cool to have that gig with that band in that pub, too. The evening wasn’t just about nostalgia, though. It was about good times with good people, and that’s what live music’s all about, right?

Check out KASP on Facebook.