Tag Archives: virtual hot tub

Halloween Horror Fest, Vampire

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Pull up a chair, settle down, here’s the next batch of scary movie reviews…

Count Yorga, Vampire (1970)

Now this is more like it! Late 60s/early 70s vampire film on a budget, Count Yorga, Vampire is something of a cult classic. Just the sort of nonsense I love! Set in California, we meet Bulgarian aristocrat Count Yorga (Robert Quarry) as he conducts a seance for a bunch of groovy kids.

Afterward, a couple of the groovy kids, Erica and Paul, give the Count a lift home to his foreboding estate. On the way back, their van gets stuck in the mud, and they’re attacked by the Count in full vampire mode. The next day, they remember nothing, though Erica has lost blood and is examined by a doctor friend.

Erica succumbs to vampirism, and is whisked away by Count Yorga. The race is then on to rescue her and destroy the Count and his minions.

It’s a simple film, but effectively breathes new life into the old vampire legend. Quarry is enigmatic and powerful as Yorga, looking part Terence Stamp and part Christopher Lee. Count Yorga, Vampire is low budget, dated, and rambles on a bit, but it’s perfect for anyone who wants to explore the kitsch and uncanny.

8/10

Child’s Play (1988)

On the other hand, whilst retro cheapo vampire movies are always to my taste, Child’s Play was never something that appealed to me. I’ve never really had much interest in the more modern American horror/slasher movie. However, I’m often proved wrong in this regard, and Child’s Play proved me wrong again.

Serial killer Charles Lee Ray is reincarnated by Voodoo spells as Chucky, an innocent looking Good Guy doll. Young Andy is desperate for one of these dolls for his birthday, and his mother manages to scrape together some cash to buy a dodgy one. This of course is Chucky, and he’s out for revenge on his former partner and anyone else who gets in his way.

Murder ensues, and of course none of the adults believe Andy when he claims Chucky is to blame. Yet slowly, his mother (Catherine Hicks) begins to suspect the truth. The lead detective on the case (Chris Sarandon) eventually comes to realise what’s going on, too. They need to keep Andy out of harms way and stop Chucky from becoming human again…

After all this time, I finally watched Child’s Play a few years ago, and wouldn’t you just know it – old Chucky grew on me. It’s actually quite a fun, engaging supernatural horror with lots going on, and some neat observations on the furor caused by toys like Cabbage Patch Dolls. Forget your incredulity and enjoy!

8.5/10

Vault of Halloween Horror Fest

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Welcome back, horror fiends! Let’s take a look at a couple more spooky movies for Halloween Horror Fest…

Vault of Horror (1973)

For our first film tonight, we’ll venture into the Vault of Horror, a portmanteau film from Amicus. Like its predecessor Tales from the Crypt, the five short stories that compose Vault of Horror are inspired by the classic, notorious EC Comics of the same title.

In this movie, we journey to a vampire café, witness an obsessively neat bully get his comeuppance, and see a nasty stage magician mess with forces he should’ve left well alone. Then there’s the tale of an insurance scam gone wrong with the protagonist buried alive, and an impoverished artist resorting to voodoo to enact his revenge.

The stories vary in their effectiveness, but all have a charm and entertainment value. My favourite segment is probably the first, the bistro of the undead – but the last two have the more chilling narrative. Great performances from a cast including Terry-Thomas, Glynis Johns and Tom Baker keep everything on track.

Obviously I’m a huge fan of both the old EC Comics and Amicus films in general, so I enjoyed every second of Vault of Horror. It may be dated, but class like this never goes out of style.

8/10

Rec (2007)

Rec is a Spanish horror movie in the found footage genre. It follows a TV reporter and her cameraman filming a local crew of firefighters, who end up trapped in a residential block. They’re effectively quarantined inside the building with several residents, while an outbreak of some unknown disease starts to spread and the infected attack and kill survivors.

As the situation intensifies, Rec does a fine job of keeping the viewer on the edge, ramping up the scares as we go. The found footage approach works excellently to give a sense of realism and immerses the viewer in the confined surroundings.

Rec was remade in the US (as they do) as Quarantine, though I’ve never seen it. Don’t let the subtitles in this version put you off – if anything, it’s another effective way to make the viewer feel isolated. Like Blair Witch does 28 Days Later, Rec is a harrowing, unnerving film. Rec-ommended! Hahaha!

8/10

Halloween Horror Fest 2026

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Glowing strings of moonlight break softly through the canopy of trees above. The forest is otherwise almost completely dark. The call of an owl rings out through the night as you tread carefully in the shadows, eyes working hard to glimpse something, anything, that seems familiar. You try not to stumble, shuffling slowly to avoid perils littering the forest floor.

And then, from behind you, you hear something. A low, menacing growl…

Don’t worry kids, it’s just another Halloween Horror Fest at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot tub! You know we dig the spooky movies round here, and every October we dial that appreciation right up with out our own festival of frightful films.

So let’s dive right in with our first film of the year…

Sinners (2025)

Our first film of 2026 is right up to date, with this highly regarded modern take on the vampire legend. Set in the Southern USA in 1932, the film focuses on two twin brothers, ex-gangsters who have retuned to their hometown to set up their own juke joint in the midst of the local black community.

Smoke and Stack (both played brilliantly by Michael B Jordan) gather their friends and family members around them as they work to create their dream. Recruiting staff and noted blues musicians, the venue appears to be on its way to a glorious first night. But they – and the bar patrons – are unaware of a supernatural evil that threatens everything.

Much has been made of the success of Sinners, and it’s not hard to see why. It won four Oscars at the Academy Awards including a well deserved Best Actor for Jordan – it took me a while to realise that the same actor was playing a dual role. And of course it’s highly unusual for a horror film to be recognised in this way, at all.

Sinners is a fantastic movie, that starts slowly and recreates an authentic time and place, before it races off in a very different direction. It is indeed a scary film, but not at the cost of character and world building. Beyond the visceral horror element, other themes of race and culture are explored by writer/director Ryan Coogler, providing the viewer with a pretty unique combination of thrills and food for thought. Oh, and the music – by Ludwig Goransson – is great.

Vampire films never die, they just keep coming back – and Sinners is a modern classic of the genre.

9/10

Cocktail Time: Sailor Jerry Rum

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Whether sat on a sun-kissed beach as the crystal waves break on the beach, or lounged in a dimly lit cocktail bar absorbing the ambience, Sailor Jerry rum has a classic vibe that’s both bold and smooth. The bottles are unmistakable: adorned by the traditional tattoo work of Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins – and the taste of the rum is pretty unforgettable too.

I was first aware of Sailor Jerry rum when it was a regular prize for the star letter in Bizarre magazine. The brand cultivated something of a counter culture feel, assisted by that classic artwork. When I first tasted the drink, I was instantly smitten by the taste.

There are dozens of ways to enjoy your Sailor Jerry rum, but this is my favourite: mixing with cola. For me, it has to be full fat Coca Cola, other brands or diet versions just don’t cut it.

To prepare, simply add 2 measures of rum (1 if you prefer) to a highball glass and add ice. Then top up with the coke, and enjoy.

I was lucky enough to pick up some limited edition Sailor Jerry plastic tumblers to drink my rum from. Plus a while back, the bottles were packed with promotional posters. I even acquired a promotional CD a while back in my local, featuring some great Rockabilly and Punk bands. These items are ideal additions to any home tiki bar and have helped build my loyalty!

You can check out plenty more Sailor Jerry rum recipes at their website here.

Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub urges you to drink responsibly.

Soundtrack: The Cramps, Reverend Horton Heat.

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.

Comic Con Midlands 2026

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Comic Con Midlands

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July 2026

NEC, Birmingham

Much time has passed since I last attended a Comic Con at Birmingham NEC. However my good buddy, Adam, and I decided to venture back to the cavernous halls of this huge venue, to visit Comic Con Midlands, organised by the Monopoly group. These same guys run the huge Liverpool convention that I’ve been to several times recently.

The reason for our trip was because Adam had convinced me to go halves with him on a photo with a celebrity. This is not usually my kinda thing. I’ve queued up for signed autographs from actors etc in the past, and often (though not always) been very underwhelmed by the experience. For a big cash outlay I’ve been left with a colour pic and heaps of embarrassment. It would take something major to drag me out of my celeb-meeting retirement.

Something big would be the cast of cult 90’s comedy Mallrats, including Jason Lee, Renee Humphrey and Ethan Suplee. The cultured amongst you will know that Lee and Suplee also starred in legendary comedy series My Name is Earl, of which I am also a huge fan. Of course, the really hip cats out there will also know that Jason Lee is also an ex-professional skateboarder – one of the greatest to ever do it and a living legend.

So it didn’t take too much persuasion to sign me up for the My Name is Earl duo photo with Jason and Ethan.

Doors opened at 9am, and we were there bang on time. That meant a very early start for me on a Saturday morning, which is NOT a good thing. Waking up at 6.30am at the weekend? That’s pure criminality. Never mind, there would be plenty to keep us occupied till our photo op at 3.15pm.

Well, you would assume so. Usually these events (and certainly based on previous experience at the NEC) have hours worth of merch stalls to wander round. Merch stalls there were, but not enough – we’d completed a circuit by 10.30am. What??! Absolutely crazy. I mean, OK – I picked up a few comic books for my collection. Action figures were a scarcity, however (this would’ve been unbelievable in the past) – so it was relatively slim pickings on the merch front.

With hours to kill, we did some more circuits of the merch and explored outside the events hall to find refreshment. It was like a ghost town out there – even the Wetherspoons was shut.

Eventually it was time for the Mallrats Q&A session, featuring all three of the guests. The panel was very entertaining and informative, each of the cast members came across very well. They all seemed relaxed, happy to be there and divulged some interesting and funny stories. I later decided to quickly say hello to Jason Lee at his signing station. We had a really quick chat about skateboarding and I got a fist bump from the master. A very cool and memorable experience.

Later (much later) it was time for the photo op. Adam and I waited in line on our best behaviour, and soon enough were ushered in to have our photos taken with Lee and Suplee. Both stars were friendly, greeting us warmly with handshakes. The assistants barked orders at us and the photo was taken, then milliseconds later the same assistants barked at us to get out.

I was left feeling embarrassed and as if I’d been rude to two of my heroes. But the assistants were just doing their job, Jason and Ethan were lovely and I got a cool photo of us all together.

After that, it was time for the journey home. It had been a successful day – my experience of the Mallrats/My Name is Earl stars was very positive and I got a bunch of Marvel comic books. In future though, a later start wouldn’t hurt. I learned to my cost that no one needs to be in Birmingham at 9am.

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.

Syncolima – Move Mountains Album Review

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Syncolima – Move Mountains

Self-released

Release date: 05/09/2025

Running time: 38 mins

Review by: Alun Jones

9/10

OK kids: listen up, and listen up good. There’s a new release from those revved up, lightning charged Derbyshire hell-riders known as Syncolima, and we need to talk business. The three piece, consisting of Josh on guitar/vocals, Stoff on bass duties and drums courtesy of he-who-shall-be-known-as Harry, have gone full warp speed ahead and dropped their third full album release. I’ve been checking it out like an eager little monkey and here’s what I have to share.

“Move Mountains” plays to Syncolima’s considerable strengths, and delivers a tasty, chewy platter that’s a step up from previous. Launching with the furious and interestingly titled ‘Gluten Free Toast’, there’s an immediate declaration of Metal intent. Loaded with a sneering disdain, this full-on rocker sets the tone for the album in uncompromising fashion. ‘Shipwrecked’ bounces out of the speakers like a runaway galleon on a stormy sea, and ‘Kill All the Billionaires’ bursts at the seams with obvious contempt. If they put this song title on a t-shirt, I’ll be front of the queue for one.

Aggression isn’t the only trick in the bag though, as Syncolima nimbly intertwine other shades and shifts in pace. This is particularly evident in what I consider the album highlight, ‘Mistakes Were Made’. Here, the band meld angst driven riffs, mellow sections and a blinding melody. ‘Ouroboros’ also delves into the band’s Grunge influences with an ear friendly marriage of tuneful musicality and chugging Rock.

Syncolima’s exploration of different genres, from groovy Stoner to nasty Metal and on to gritty Grunge helps to elevate their songcraft to higher levels. Rather than cherry pick in an obvious manner, they’re mature and clever enough to absorb influences rather than merely ape them. Which is why songs like ‘The House We Build’ can stand on their own, rather than sound derivative. And it’s why “Move Mountains” is more than a satisfying release, it’s essential. Quality of a very high order.

Check out Syncolima on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

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

North West Doom Fest III 

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North West Doom Fest III 

10th – 11th April 2026 

G21 at The Saddle, Chester 

And lo, there shall come a time when the barbarians shall storm the gates of the fortress city, and congregate within its ancient walls in search of enlightenment.  Great would be the merry making, for the barbarians will come not with weapons of war, but with musical instruments and tales of hard-won valour.   

That time came, and it was known as:  North West Doom Fest III. 

Yes, after the runaway success of previous events, Chester’s premier/only Rock pub The Saddle was host to another weekend of the heaviest, the Doomiest, the Sludgiest of bands from around the UK.  Such was the demand, the event was sold out well in advance.  Personally, I was really looking forward to NWD Fest and very thankful to be there! 

Friday 10th April 2026 

The first band of the entire weekend was Ghozer, who are a four piece band from the Midlands.  Sadly, they don’t appear to be Ghostbusters fans, as that Gozer is spelt differently.  They are, however, a mighty and hugely impressive Alternative Metal band, with solid, catchy riffs and crazy, psychedelic lead guitar working nimbly through captivating, proggy epics.  They reminded me of a sludgy High On Fire with wild Hendrix lead.  A perfect start to the weekend, I was massively impressed.    

https://www.facebook.com/GhozerUK

Up next were Bristol’s Froglord, one of my personal favourites and a band I was excited to see again.  I’d seen these guys previously at the same venue, for the Warlockhunt album launch gig.  I immediately fell in love with their swampy, psyche Doom with its perfect riffs and incessant grooves.  Froglord really put on a show too, there’s nothing in their approach that hasn’t been meticulously prepared – swamp noises between songs?  Masks?  These amphibious Dark Masters are a true revelation, and I seriously urge readers to check them out soon! 

https://www.facebook.com/Froglordband

Friday night’s headliners were Cardiff based Atmospheric Doom band, Pantheist.  This band enraptured the audience with an almost symphonic take on Doom, complete with ethereal, operatic female vocals.  They’re obviously exquisite musicians and put on a great performance.  However, it was too symphonic and operatic for my tastes – like Katherine Jenkins singing along to Ghost in her bedroom.  What do I know, though?!  Everyone else – and I mean absolutely everyone else – loved Pantheist, so you should ignore me and check them out. 

https://www.facebook.com/Pantheistuk

Saturday 11th April 2026 

Some of us kind of over did it on Friday night, socialising with other North West Doom Fest attendees and enjoying the karaoke in the main bar of the Saddle.  Well, it was Frank’s (from North East Wales Metal Productions) birthday, so no excuses needed.  Happily, I managed to make it back for the start of Day Two of the fest on time and with no trouble, which is highly unusual. 

Warming things up for Day Two were Warlockhunt, festival organisers Mark and Lorraine’s Doom Pop band.  Their dual lead bass sound was now augmented with a new drummer, who had the unenviable task of filling out the sound with apocalyptic, post punk tribal rhythms.  Drums are front and centre in this band, right up there with the bass and dreamy vocals – so there’s nowhere to hide.  The sound was meticulous, no need to worry – an accomplished start to the day’s proceedings. 

https://www.facebook.com/warlockhunt/?locale=en_GB

One of the amazing things about this festival is the sheer variety of music evident within the genre of Doom.  Cruel Mother was a great example: they looked at first like people LARPing Robin of Sherwood, but they delivered a magnificent set of Doom based on Olde English (and Scottish) folk songs.  Brilliantly performed and utterly captivating.  I would’ve loved a lyric sheet to read along and explore the stories and themes!  They’re London based, if Cruel Mother are playing near you – go see them and enjoy the magick.  The outfits were cool, by the way. 

https://cruelmother.bandcamp.com/music

Helve were up next – a five piece from Leeds who unleashed a set of very heavy, sludgy Doom metal.  The performance was intense and unforgiving, with harsh, growled vocals over crushing riffs and huge soundscapes.  They reminded me a little of last year’s headliners (and one of my fanboy faves), Son of Boar.  Absolutely no complaints from me, a winning set from a great band. 

https://www.facebook.com/Helveband

I had no expectations at all regarding Sleeping Mountain, and so I was very pleasantly surprised to witness a superb band that I can add to the favourites list!  They’re a three piece, London based, and extremely effective at creating enormous Stoner Rock grooves with psychedelic and progressive overtones.  There’s some classic 70s inspiration here, with a foot planted firmly in the now, as well.  Like a grinding, cinematic early Monster Magnet.  I loved them, and made sure I picked up a copy of their excellent self-titled album on vinyl. 

https://www.facebook.com/sleepingmountainband

When Goat Major were announced on this bill, I practically shit my shoes off in excitement.  I’m already a massive fan, having reviewed their debut album, “Ritual”, for Ever Metal a while back – awarding it a solid 9/10 score.  Getting the chance to see them live was a big draw for me in attending NW Doom Fest.  And Goat Major did not disappoint, their awesome Occult Doom dripped thunderous and powerful riffage with eerie, spectral undercurrents.  Absolutely unmissable and a true highlight of the weekend! 

https://www.facebook.com/goatmajorband/?locale=en_GB

And then we had Goblin Smoker, another band I was really enthused to experience firsthand!  With releases on Sludgelord and APF Records, these guys have a quality pedigree.  Their music is classic Sabbath based Doom, with raspy, Death Metal vocals that set them apart from other bands this weekend.  This was an epic, brutalising set, taking the intensity of Death Metal into slower and fuzzier realms.  I’m just glad I was there. 

https://www.facebook.com/Goblinsmoker

Mage are a band I’ve seen live previously, they played Pentre Fest a while back.  They were amazing last time I saw them and they were even better this time around.  Seriously, Mage are the perfect Stoner/Doom Metal band, as far as I’m concerned: they cover it all, from in-you-face rockers to tripped out psyche-athons.  They remind me of a British Corrosion of Conformity, and I can think of no higher praise than that.  Their performance was riveting, even in the restricted space of the G21.  If you’re not following this band like a hungry dog, you need to be. 

https://www.facebook.com/Mageband/?locale=en_GB

And finally, then – our Saturday headliners, Old Horn Tooth: a three piece proudly representing the London Doom Collective.  Musically, this power trio deliver slow and heavy yet mesmerising Doom metal, unhurried in their approach they create something not far removed from a soundtrack to a supernatural, occult thriller.  When the riffs crash in, they are utterly devastating – and the whole experience is pulverising, yet hypnotic.  Thrilling stuff and a fitting end to a weekend of pure, definitive Doom Metal.    

https://www.facebook.com/oldhorntooth/?locale=en_GB

Well done to Lorraine and Mark, and thanks to the staff of G21/The Saddle for a spectacular festival.  There’s a one dayer planned for this summer, so keep your eyes peeled – otherwise, I’ll see you at Noth West Doom Fest IV!   

https://www.facebook.com/Thesaddleinnchester/?locale=en_GB           

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.