Category Archives: Rock

HAPPY LOVIN’ TIME-SUNSHINE POP FROM THE GARPAX VAULTS.

HAPPY LOVIN’ TIME-SUNSHINE POP FROM THE GARPAX VAULTS. By 1967, Gary S. Paxton had established a reputation as one of the top producers in Los Angeles. Success hadn’t come overnight for Gary S. Paxton. Far from it. He had overcome a lot to get to where he was. Gary Sanford Paxton was born on 18th …

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HERE TODAY!-THE SONGS OF BRIAN WILSON.

HERE TODAY!-THE SONGS OF BRIAN WILSON. Brian Wilson is seen by some, as the closest thing music has had to a genius. Proponents of this argument cite the Beach Boys 1966 progressive, psychedelic Magnus Opus, Pet Sounds. By then, Brian Wilson was one of the most successful singer, songwriter, and producers of his generation. Already, …

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FINLAND-RAINY OMEN.

FINLAND-RAINY OMEN. Over the last ten years, the Norwegian music scene has been thriving.  It’s now one of the most vibrant musical scenes in Europe. Playing an important part in the rise and rise of Norwegian music, are the  members of Finland, whose debut album Rainy Omen, will be released on the 17th July 2015, …

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BOPPIN’ BY THE BAYOU-ROCK ME MAMA!

BOPPIN’ BY THE BAYOU-ROCK ME MAMA!  Asked to name America’s musical centres of excellence, and most people will come up with Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Nashville, New York and Philadelphia. Each of these cities are responsible for some of the best, and most important music of the past fifty years. To this list I …

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LED ZEPPELIN-PRESENCE-DELUXE EDITION.

LED ZEPPELIN-PRESENCE-DELUXE EDITION. By 1975, Led Zeppelin were at the peak of their powers. They were one of the biggest bands in the world. Every time they released an album, it was to critical acclaim and commercial success. Led Zeppelin albums sold by the million.  That had been the case since Led Zeppelin released their …

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VAN HALEN-VAN HALEN, VAN HALEN II, WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST, FAIR WARNING AND DIVER DOWN-REMASTERED.

VAN HALEN-VAN HALEN, VAN HALEN II, WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST, FAIR WARNING AND DIVER DOWN-REMASTERED. In the history of rock ’n’ roll, Van Halen are one the most successful bands. They released twelve studio albums between their 1978 debut Van Halen, and their 2012 swan-song A Different Kind Of Truth. These albums sold an incredible …

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BILAL-IN ANOTHER LIFE.

BILAL-IN ANOTHER LIFE. Just over two years ago, in March 2013, Bilal released his fourth album A Love Surreal, on BBE Music. A Love Surreal was billed as the most ambitious album of Bilal’s career. The music on A Love Surreal had been inspired by the art of legendary surrealist painter, Salvador Dali. It seemed …

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JETHRO TULL-MINSTREL IN THE GALLERY-STEVEN WILSON 2013 MIX.

JETHRO TULL-MINSTREL IN THE GALLERY-STEVEN WILSON 2013 MIX. By the time Jethro Tull began work on their eighth album Minstrel In The Gallery, they were one of the biggest selling groups of the seventies. Especially in America. Five of their albums had been certified gold, while 1971s Aqualung was certified triple-platinum. In America alone, Jethro …

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REMEMBERING MOUNTAINS: UNHEARD SONGS BY KAREN DALTON.

REMEMBERING MOUNTAINS: UNHEARD SONGS BY KAREN DALTON. Karen Dalton could’ve, and should’ve, been one of the most successful singers of her generation. She certainly had the talent. Her peers agreed. Bob Dylan described Karen Dalton as his favourite singer in his autobiography. He compared Karen’s voice to Billie Holliday, and her guitar playing to Jimmy …

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SKYDIVE TRIO-SUN MOEE.

SKYDIVE TRIO-SUN MOEE. For many musicians, making the step up from sideman to bandleader can be problematic. Other musicians embrace the role and seem to enjoy the added responsibility. That’s the case with guitarist Thomas T. Dahl. He founded Skydive Trio, who recently released their debut album Sun Moee on Hubro Music. Since then, Thomas T. …

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THE MAGICAL MYSTERY PSYCH-OUT-A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES.

THE MAGICAL MYSTERY PSYCH-OUT-A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES. On Saturday night, hell froze over. Hip hop “star” Kayne West took to the stage at the Glastonbury Festival. In an error strewn set, Glastonbury lost all credibility as Britain’s supposed premier music festival. To rub salt into the wound, towards the end of his “set,” West …

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BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS-CATCH A FIRE.

BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS-CATCH A FIRE. Forty years ago, Bob Marley and The Wailers released the album that launched their career, Catch A Fire which will be rereleased by Commercial Marketing on vinyl on 25th September 2015. Catch A Fire was certified in the UK and was the start of a career where critical acclaim and commercial success were …

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LLOYD COLE AND THE COMMOTIONS COLLECTED RECORDINGS 1983-1989.

LLOYD COLE AND THE COMMOTIONS COLLECTED RECORDINGS 1983-1989. The Lloyd Cole and The Commotions story began in 1982, when Derby born Lloyd Cole was studying at the University of Glasgow. Twenty-one year old Lloyd Cole had moved to Glasgow to study philosophy and English. Previously, Lloyd had studied a year of law at University College …

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PAUL BRADY-PRIMITIVE DANCE.

PAUL BRADY-PRIMITIVE DANCE. Paul Brady first came to prominence in 1978, when he released his debut album Welcome Here Kind Stranger. Later in 1978, Welcome Here Kind Stranger was voted Folk Album of the Year by Melody Maker magazine. However, the thirty-one year old Irishman wasn’t a newcomer to music. Far from it. Music was …

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THE BATHERS-SWEET DECEIT.

THE BATHERS-SWEET DECEIT. Usually, the music business is quick to celebrate anniversary. Especially, a thirtieth anniversary. That usually, is a cause for celebration, and would result in a reissue of all the band’s albums.  Each album would be remastered and released in various formats. Usually, there’s lavish double albums, featuring outtakes, unreleased tracks and live …

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DIRE STRAITS- COMMUNIQUE.

DIRE STRAITS- COMMUNIQUE. 7th July 1978 is the day that changed the lives of the four members of Dire Straits forevermore. That day, Dire Straits released their eponymous debut album. This was the beginning of a glittering seventeen year career. However, it wasn’t until Sultans Of Swing was released as a single in the spring …

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ROLLING STONES-STICKY FINGERS-DELUXE EDITION.

ROLLING STONES-STICKY FINGERS-DELUXE EDITION. By 1970, The Rolling Stones were in the middle of what is now perceived as their “golden age.” It began in 1968, when The Rolling Stones released Beggars Banquet in December 1968.  Beggars Banquet was released to widespread critical acclaim. It featured an outpouring of creativity from The Rolling Stones. The …

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SHE…WANTS A PIECE OF YOU.

SHE…WANTS A PIECE OF YOU. In 1963, sisters Nancy and Sally Ross were attending a Beach Boys concert in Sacramento. That concert would change their lives. Buoyed by having witnessed the Beach Boys at the peak of their powers, Nancy hit on the idea of forming a band. Sally Ross who was only thirteen, volunteered …

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DISCO 2: A FURTHER FINE SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT DISCO, MODERN SOUL AND BOOGIE 1976-80.

DISCO 2: A FURTHER FINE SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT DISCO, MODERN SOUL AND BOOGIE 1976-80. Just seven months after Soul Jazz Records released Disco: A Fine Selection of Independent Disco, Modern Soul and Boogie in November 2014, the London based label return with the sequel, Disco 2: A Further Fine Selection of Independent Disco, Modern Soul …

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YOUNG JESSIE-HIT, GIT AND SPLIT.

YOUNG JESSIE-HIT, GIT AND SPLIT.  Texas has a rich musical history. That’s been the case for over a hundred years. Country legends Gene Aubry,  Boxcar Willie and George Jones were from Texas. So were blues men Albert Collins, Freddie King and T-Bone Walker. Then there’s Buddy Holly, jazz drummer Buddy Miles, Janis Joplin, Sly Stone, …

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