GLEAMING SPIRES
SONGS OF THE SPIRES ('82) WALK ON WELL LIGHTED STREETS ('83)

For much of the '80s, Leslie Bohem (bass/vocals) and David Kendrick (drums) led a dual existence as members of LA's Gleaming Spires and as the rhythm section of Sparks. Both had been in the punk-oriented Bates Motel; their subsequent work together has taken two divergent paths. The first Spires album is full of catchy, synthesizer-strewn silliness ("Are You Ready for the Sex Girls?" "How to Get Girls Thru Hypnotism"), As of Walk on Well Lighted Streets, joined by Bob Haag and Jimbo Goodwin, the Spires became a quartet and the stylistic influence of their Sparks experience is beginning to show. The lyrics are more bizarre than ever, while the music manages to be simultaneously catchy and quirky, throbbing with drive but punctuated with oddball effects and gimmicky production by Stephen Hague. Best tune: "A Christian Girl's Problems". In 1985 they released a third album "Welcoming a New Ice Age". In 1986, Kendrick joined Devo. Bohem became a screenwriter and director. (Trouser Press)

Songs Of The Spires
Are You Ready For The Sex Girls? / How To Get Girls Thru Hypnotism / While We Can / Going Hey Hey / The End Of All Things / Funk For Children / Brain Button / Life Out On The Lawn / Somewhere

Walk On Well Lighted Streets
Mining / You're Right / Big Surprise / Walk On Well Lighted Streets / Fun Type / A Christian Girl's Problems / Happy Boy / At Together / The Making Of Love Project / Yes I Can

WIZE (1980)

Released on Becket Records, a subsidiary of Buddah Records, Wize were John "Mac" Maczynski (Lead Guitar & Vocals), Tom Topalian (Bass & Vocals) and Bob Tamburri (Drums & Vocals). I guess they were coming from the New-York area. Though not totally successful, this album has an engaging blend of innocent bubblegum and power pop. There's plenty of catchy tunes mixed with joy. The spirit of the Rubinoos is not far...Any further info will be welcome.

Latest info: "I was a member of this band. This band was based out of Jackson Heights, NY in Queens. Played all over the tristate area. Right after album and single were released there was a dispute between the label and our production company over another record that put us in a holding pattern until we broke up."

Songs
Getting Out / After School / Darling, I Need Your Love / Letter / Keep On Trying / Tonight, Tonight / Hangin' Out / Come & Sit Down / Excuses / Searchin' For A Dream

PAUL ROLAND - BURNT ORCHIDS (1985)

Paul Roland released his first album "Werewolves Of London" in 1980 as the Midnight Rags. Then he released a 7" as Beau Bummel (1982) before recording under his own name. His first single was "Hot George" (1982). The next release was a 12" "Blades Of Blattenburg" (1983) which was also given away as a bonus with his mini album "Burnt Orchids" (1985). He was joined by Knox who played all the lead guitar parts and sang backing vocals. The opening song "Death Or Glory" would later be re-recorded with a more aggressive vocal and released as a four track EP (1986). Burnt Orchids has never been reissued on CD, but all the other Paul Roland albums are available. A good place to start with is "Waxworks", a double CD compilation. Check Paul Roland website.

Songs
Death Or Glory/ Burnt Orchids/ The Puppet Master/ Captain Blood/ Cairo/ Green Glass Violins/ Funhouse/ Ghost Ships

THE THINGS - OUTSIDE MY WINDOW (1986)

Coming from La Habra, Ca, The Things were fronted by Steve Crabtree who wrote all the songs. They have released three albums "Coloured Heaven" (1984), "Outside My Window" (1986) and "The Things" (1988). Part of the L.A. Paisley movement (You Can't Deliver reminds me a lot of Rain Parade), The Things reached their peak with this excellent album (Voxx) which was also released in France (Lolita) and Greece (Hitch Hyke). It has never been reissued on CD (what a shame!!!)

Songs
Outside My Window / Can't Get Enough / Love Is Gone / Take The Chance / Everytime / All Work And No Play / You Can't Deliver / Look What You're Doing / I've Been Nowhere / Young And Wild

YANKS - TELL ME NO LIES (1984)

The Yanks were from San Francisco. After SVT had split, Paul Zahl and Jack Casady left to form the Yanks with Jack Johnson and Owen Masterson. Then Jack Casady quit the Yanks and was replaced by bassist Steve Aliment. This line-up released a mini album "Made In The States" on the DTI label, it was expanded with their first EP "Only Lovers Left Alive" for the french LP "Tell Me No Lies". The same year "I Don't See Her Anymore" was released as a single in France. Before joining the Yanks and later the Flamin' Groovies, Jack Johnson played with Roky Erikson and co-wrote with a couple of songs for the "Gremlins Have Pictures" album. After the Yanks, Paul Zahl joined the Groovies with Jack Johnson, they played on "One Night Stand", "Step Up" and "Rock Juice". "Tell Me No Lies" was produced by Karl Derfler who would later produced the Groovies' Rock Juice (1992).
Owen Masterson, who penned most of the songs, is now living in Atlanta (Georgia) doing photography exclusively: magazines, book covers, CD's (check out "The Randies" first CD, a L.A. band), billboards... whatever. Paul Zahl is living now in Belgium. Married happily for 16 years. Father to two children. He can be heard on myspace. Steve Aliment is living now in Seattle. Married and working for Boeing.

Songs
Tell Me No Lies / Searchin' / Reason To Try / We Call Each Other Mine / Run / Made In The States / Only Lovers Left Alive / Ain't Like Mine / Scandal Rocks High Society / Saddle Up / White Lies / I Don't See Her Anymore

THE TAXI BOYS
THE TAXI BOYS 7" (1981) THE TAXI BOYS 12" (1981)

The Real Kids were one of Boston's earliest new wave band. Their debut album was full of dynamite tracks that took the trashier aspect of the Rolling Stones and coupled it with the high-power guitar approach of the Ramones.
Frontman (and onetime Modern Lover) John Felice not only provided tough guitar and distinctive lead vocals, he had a knack for writing clear, infectious melodies. Poor sales of the Real Kids' first LP led Felice to become a Ramones roadie, but he subsequently returned to Boston and formed the Taxi Boys (named after a Real Kids song) , whose two EPs carry on the Real Kids tradition with high-energy '60s garage-band rock. The production of the records might be crude, but Felice is in fine form on both. (The Bomp! release is a 12-inch, the earlier one a 7-inch pressed on pink or black vinyl.) Then, John Felice reactivated the Real Kids with a new and improved lineup.

Star Rhythm 7"
I Can't Kick / Down To You / Up Is Up / Some Love Like Yours

Bomp 12"
She / Bad To Worse / Happens All The Time / What She Don’t Know / What’s It To You / Everybody’s Girl

MAD VIOLETS - WORLD OF... (1986)

Formed by Wendy Wild and Dino Sorbello in 1982 when they met at Privates niteclub (NYC) where she was the MC and he was the busboy. A common interest in psychedelic music and mushrooms started them off writing songs and forming a band. They were featured on "Battle Of The Garages Vol 2" (1984) with Psylocybe. In 1986, Keith Streng (Fleshtones and Full Time Men) joined the band and they released a mini album "World Of..." on Lolita.

Songs
Black Light Sound Reality / Come Out and Play / Crystal Chandelier / I Can Hear The Grass Grow / World of LSD

CHARLIE PICKETT & THE MC3 - THE WILDERNESS (1988)

From Florida, Charlie Pickett & The MC3 released "The Wilderness" (1988) after a couple of albums (Route 33 available from Twin Tone on CD-R). Produced by Peter Buck, "The Wilderness" (long out of print) finds Pickett howling and rocking at top form with a new backing band. The MC3 (Magic City (Miami, that is) Three) includes ex-Egg Salton, whose blistering blues-based guitar excitement provides fiery encouragement for Pickett's plain and emotional singing which, at times, recalls Neil Young's mournful country wail. Covers of a twelve-bar blues and a gospel song, both penned by Son House, and an electrifying new rendition of "If This Is Love" settle in nicely alongside such new originals as "Religion or Pleasure" and the cowboy saga, "Destry Rides Again." Trouser Press

Songs
In The Wilderness / Religion Or Pleasure / Death Letter / Party Till Noon / On The River In '59 / Tell Me (That You Don't) / Destry Rides Again / John The Revelator / If This Is Love/Four Wise Men

37 TARGETZ - WATER FROM THE MOON (1986)

Fronted by Geoff Darden who wrote most of the songs, it seems 37 Targetz were from Chattanooga and released abroad "Water From The Moon" (1986) this rather enjoyable album produced by Don Dixon. The other members of the band were Rig, Pete and JC. I don't really have any further info about the band, except the album was released in the USA under the "And It Burns" title. You can add any info by posting your comments about the band.

Songs
Trains Of Richmond / Ring Of Fire / Buddah's Hand / Another Day / Rumor's Mill / Crisis / Bett Rebels / Water From The Moon

CUB KODA - THAT'S WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE SOUTH (1984)

As Koda began to back away from the group's loud, overdriven rock sound - at least in private. He purchased a multi-track tape recorder and started producing one-man-band tapes, where he overdubbed all the instruments and vocals. For the next several years, Koda made home recordings of rockabilly, blues, R&B, country, jazz and early rock & roll -- the exact opposite of Brownsville's heavy rock stance; the rockabilly tapes were eventually released as "That's What I Like about the South" in 1984, with other tracks showing up on compilations as late as 1993. The album was also released in France with a different artwork. Source: ElvisPelvis

Songs
Hoy Hoy / Who Do You Love / Two Hundred Love Affair / Beetle Bug Bop / Blues Stop Knockin' / Bottle To The Baby / My Baby Left Me / That's What I Like About The South / Aces Of Spades / Ten Little Women / Tight Jeans / Rattle Shakin' Mama / Chicken Walk / Split Personality

BOB BELAND - UNHAPPY GIRL (1982)

Here's a lost Power Pop gem, the first solo EP released by Bob Beland. The Polar Bears are the musicians and Jules Shear guests. For the ones who couldn't remember who was Bob Beland, here's a short summary written by the artist himself.
I met Jules Shear-straight out of Pittsburg, PA at the monday night hootenanny shows. We became fast friends and formed Southpaw (we're both left handed, upside down players) with my ex-bandmate from S.F., Deki Mason Farwell, on vocals. We expanded from a trio to an electric band and played the Troubador/Ice House circuit. Our sets at the Troubador sometimes became informal pre-"unplugged" style shows with special guests sitting in. From Southpaw I formed Bates Motel with Les Bohem. We played the Punk/New Wave circuit with bands like The Motels,The Runaways, The Plimsouls, Toni Childs (Toni & The Movers), 20 /20, The Pop, The Last, The Zippers and even (gasp!) The Knack.
While my ex-Bates Motel (one song on the Sharp Cuts compilation of New Wave bands) bandmates went on to work behind the Mael Bros. in Sparks, I signed an exclusive songwriters deal with MCA Publishing and released an EP on What Records produced by Stephen Hague (Blur, Robbie Robertson, the Pretenders, Jules & The Polar Bears) that included the single "Stealing Cars," a KROQ favorite at the time.
Getting the bug to play out more and play guitar, I joined The Furys, one of L.A.'s original punk bands. We eventually recorded an EP on King Coitus Records. After the Furys I went to recording and playing with Skin Trade - an eclectic, somewhat progressive unit fronted by Dickies guitarist Glen Laughin. Studio tracks were produced by Earle Mankey (an original member of Sparks and producer of Concrete Blonde and others). Feeling the need to return to my own songwriting, I left Skin Trade and started back on the solo path. 1993 found me starting to record tracks that would become "AMNESIA LANE," on Seeing i Records (still available through CD Baby). I have also co-written songs with Peter Curry (Los Straightjackets), who contributes to AMNESIA LANE released 1994 for his surf band the Halibuts.

Songs
Unhappy Girl / That Shot / Love's Not Such A Mystery / Open To The Public / Spitball (Up Against The Wall) / Stealing Cars

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS - HOME FIRES BURNING (1989)

The band began getting favourable press around town for their blend of '60's garage, punk, and country blues material. Following a career highlighting gig opening for LA's The Gun Club, Gordon and second guitarist John Deslaurier (Doughboys) left and Byron Pickles was brought in on guitar. Immediately the songwriting began to change and the departure of Daytona (who went onto Change Of Heart), brought about the new rhythm section of James and Ridley. It was this line-up that recorded a three song cassette. This line-up would follow this well received tape with the full-blown album 'Weird Out' in 1987 on the band's own Sensible Records label. During the recording of the 1988 7" single "Wherever I Go" they lost drummer Bob Ridley so the band turned to another drummer, Tony Jenkinson, to record their follow-up album the less garagey (i mean... more powerpop) 'Home Fires Burning' in 1989, the main references coming to my ears would be The Barracudas. The Ten Commandments struggled throughout the early 1990's before calling it quits and released one more album shortly after disbanding. Source: canoe

Songs
I Won't Be Happy / Now And Then / Chances / Isn't It Time / Favorite Day / I Saw You Cry / The Lost / Want You I Don't / When You're Around / Boom

THREE HITS - FIRE IN THE HOUSE (1989)

Hailing from Raleigh, NC, the Three Hits (then Sheila Valentine, Michael Kurtz,, Jim Biddell and Danny Kurtz) were part of the "Comboland" report (1985) featuring 17 of North Carolina's hottest acts. They released two singles (Sharp Focus and Pressure Dome). In 1989, Sheila Valentine, Michael Kurtzt and three new members Jeff Anderson, Lori Toth, Freddy Jones released Fire In The House and proved they still kept the "Comboland" tradition of quality indie pop-rock alive. Production duties were split, but a couple of songs were produced by ex-Records/Magic Muscle Huw Gower. The sound was suitably clean and bright.

Songs
Fire In The House / In This Country / Lori (Last Girl On The Beach) / Say Goodbye / It's Raining Teardrops / Save Myself / Not Another Mirror / Cage Of Gold

FULL TIME MEN
FAST IS MY NAME (1985) YOUR FACE MY FIST (1988)

In 1985, the Fleshtones released Speed Connection and featured guest guitar by Pete Buck of R.E.M. The same year, Buck also collaborated with Fleshtone axeman Keith Streng on the first Full Time Men record, a three-song 12-inch EP. Three years later, concocting a fuller version of the side band (without further involvement by Buck, although the EP's "I Got Wheels" turns up again), Streng made a full album with three-fourths of the Fleshtones - Gordon Spaeth (sax/harmonica), Bill Milhizer (drums) and Robert Warren (bass) — and a spare guitarist. A busman's holiday of rocking originals and cool covers (by Marvin Gaye and the Creation — now that's versatility!) enthusiastically played by a studio full of low-rent superstars, Your Face My Fist is as easily enjoyable as it's meant to be. (Trouser Press)

Fast Is My Name
I Got Wheels / One More Time / Way Down South

Your Face My Fist
Nothing's Gonna Stop Our Train / One More Time (Encore) / Southern Twitch / I Got Wheels / Four Day Creep / Full Time Men / Critical List / Wreckin' Ball / Making Time / High On Drugs / Baby Don't Do It

THE ALLEY CATS - NIGHTMARE CITY (1981)

LINK REMOVED: CD HAS JUST BEEN REISSUED BY TIMECOAST. CLICK HERE

The Alley Cats were a Los Angeles based punk trio, consisting of Randy Stodola (Guitar & Vocals), Dianne Chai (Bass & Vocals) and John McCarty (Drums). Similar in sound to X (they were once described as "X-Lite") they were a regular fixture in the L.A. punk scene from the late 70s to the early 80s. Signed to the Faulty Products distributed Time Coast Records, they released one single and the LP, Nightmare City. It included re-recorded versions of two songs previously available on the single. They were soon signed to MCA Records where one more LP (Escape From Planet Earth) was recorded. In 1985 they reunited as The Zarkons and released a couple of albums (Riders In The Long Black Parade) and Between The Idea & The Reality... Falls The Shadow (1988). After that they more or less vanished. Though the first LP has never been reissued on CD, a compilation (including a DVD of rare footage) recently released can be ordered from their website . Source: rudyscorner.com

Songs

Nightmare City / Night Along The Blvd. / One More Chance To Survive / King Of The Street Fights / Today / Nothing Means Nothing Anymore / Too Much Junk / Give Me A Little Pain / Black-Haired Girl / When The World Was Old

JO ALLEN AND THE SHAPES (1980)

During 1977 Alan Powell/Jo Allen formed the short lived touring band Kicks then teamed up with Mick Farren for 1977's "Screwed Up" EP and 1978's Vampires Stole My Lunch Money album. Also in 1978 he formed Tanz Der Youth with The Damned leader Brian James, released the single "I'm Sorry. At the end of the 1970's he emigrated to San Francisco and fronted his own new wave Jo Allen and the Shapes band, releasing the 1980 single "Cryin' Over You"/"Lowlife" and "Shimmy, Shimmy" on the "415 Music" compilation album.

Songs
Cryin' Over You / Lowlife / Shimmy, Shimmy

ROY LONEY - CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE (1981)

Here's the third Roy Loney album, "Contents Under Pressure", if you never listened to it, you'll be really surprised by this one - a total departure from the two previous ones. You'll hear synths, so maybe it's the reason why Roy Loney hardcore fans don't like this one, but i realy like it. There are some real great songs on this album. As Trouser Press wrote it "A total failure", but TP is sometimes wrong. Post your comments about it and enjoy...

Songs
Sorry / We're all Heroes / Dead Ringer / Different Kind / Swinging Single / Too Funky Yo Live / She's No Lady / Heartful Of Soul / Cinema Girls / Last Time I'll Cry / Intrigue Indeed / Contents Under Pressure

TOM DICKIE & THE DESIRES - THE ELEVENTH HOUR (1982)

Tom Dickie and the Desires existed from 1979 to 1983. Jon Macey and Tom Dickie had become friends during the peak of the Fox Pass at The Rat days. Tom Dickie was in a band called ‘Susan’ who had performed on the infamous Live at The Rat album and were one of the top bands in Boston in those days.
In 1979, after the demise of both of their bands, Macey moved to NYC to form a songwriting partnership with Dickie. Michael Roy from Fox Pass followed a few months later, and they auditioned a series of drummers, settling on Ronnie Ball. They recorded their first album, "Competition," at Electric Lady studios in December 1980. Released in March of 1981, the LP yielded two radio hits across various US regions:'Downtown Talk' and 'Competition'.
By the summer of 1981, it was time to plan another album and Martin Rushent was called in again, but he declined to proceed. Ed Sprigg, who had worked with John Lennon, became producer. The aptly titled album, 'The Eleventh Hour,' was released in the summer of 1982, just as Macey abruptly quit the band. Tom Dickie and the Desires played more gigs and did some touring, but the label and management abandoned them quickly. The promise of the band at the beginning, to merge sharply crafted lyrics to the elusive power pop sound, lay in the dust of misfortune as the band dissolved. Their legacy is on the 2 released Mercury albums. There is enough material for a third Tom Dickie and the Desires album recorded and stored in boxes.

Songs
Victimless Crime / Stolen Time / Gone To Stay / Our Eyes / So Mystified / I Don't Want To Live Without You / What Happened / Twisted Years / Patience Is A Virtue / They Don't Know Anymore / If I Could Paint

POWERPOP TO THE PEOPLE VOL 4 (1979-1993)

ZS


Powerpop To the People is back again. 25 bands, 25 songs you may know or not, but 25 songs with plenty of hooks. Roy Loney's opening is from the Contents Under Pressure LP, (you know... the Roy Loney album with synths...). Of course you all know the Full Time Men were Keith Streng and Peter Buck for this 12" EP. Though their drummer Alan Powell (ex-Tanz Der Youth) was coming from England, Jo Allen & The Shapes were from San Francisco, just like the Yanks were from the Bay Area, and the Peter Case acoustic version is from a B.O.B flexi, The Rubinoos' King Youth is from the Bomb Shelter CD (a very limited release). The Alley Cats released two LP's before switching their name to The Zarkons. Read comments for more details. Both links in title.

NICK LOWE & HIS COWBOY OUTFIT
LIVE AT THE PARADISE CLUB, BOSTON (1985)

A great Nick Lowe performance with a little help from the Cowboy Outfit (Paul Carrack, Martin Belmont and Bobby Irwin) live from Boston, MA. The show was aired on WBCN. Artwork based upon the Ragin'Eyes/Cool Reaction 12" EP.

Songs
Whoa Baby / Ragin’ Eyes / She Don’t Love Nobody / Crackin’ Up / If You Let Me Love You / Little By Little / Saint Beneath The Paint / You’re My Wildest Dream / Lucky Dog / Tempted / Cruel To Be Kind / The Rose Of England / Marie Provost / Darlin’ Angel Eyes / Seven Nights To Rock / I Knew The Bride / I Need You / How Long / Burnin’ / Half A Boy & Half A Man / encore / Shake & Pop / (What’s So Funny) ‘Bout Peace, Love & Understanding

THE COUNT - I'M A STAR (1978)

In 1969 at the age of 15 a young collector of 8mm science fiction/fantasy films, Joe Viglione, published Varulven Magazine in Arlington, Massachusetts. Later the magazine turned into a record label, Boston's original rock label, Varulven. Along with releases by Viglione's own band, The Count, the imprint issued comedian Paul Lovell a.k.a. Blowfish, music by Willie "Loco" Alexander, Thundertrain, Third Rail, Mr. Curt, Unnatural Axe, Fox Pass and other New England region pioneers. In 1978 Patrick Mathe who was running Music Box (then the best record shop in Paris) issued their first contract to the twenty-four year old Joe Viglione on Flamingo Records. Flamingo was a subsidiary of the dance label, Carrere Records, Mathe releasing a 12" record by another group after having signed Viglione with the debut lp from The Count the label's first album release. In 1980 Viglione became the A & R rep for Patrick Mathe's new European label signing Willie Alexander to New Rose / RCA after the split up of MCA recording act The Boom Boom Band. Joe Viglione would release subsequent albums on New Rose until its demise at the end of the century. Joe Viglione released his latest album in 2005.
Note: the track sequence on the inner sleeve was different from the one on the wax.

Songs
I’m a Star / Foggy Notion / Whiskey Mama / The Morn of The Confrontation / Run The Night Away / Love Is Abandon / Jodi / I Thought You’d Be Mine / Andy’s Revenge / The Guitarmaster / Old Friend / The Salt Water Summers

DFX2 - EMOTION (1983)

"From a label that has never before issued an EP, a San Diego quartet who sound like the Stones - despite hints of Lou and Ig, the Some Girls Stones, irreverently bluesy as personal style and personal commitment, an odd an apt effect in a teenaged band for whom Now! and even Exile are artifacts. Less ironic, and funnier, than the originals, so that titles like "Emotion" and "No Dough" mean what they say, they're rock-is-lifers--not immune to sexism, with all the usual retrograde attitudes. And believe it or not they do it do it do it do it, which makes the attitudes seem somehow worthwhile, just like always. Let's hope they grow up right." (Robert Christgau)

Songs
Emotion / No Dough / Maureen / Down To The Bone / Something's Always Happening

LES RYTHMEURS - F.I.FI.N.I.NI.FINI (1983)

Hailing from Rouen, and led by Gilles Tandy (former Olivensteins and Gloires Locales, both bands released one single on Melodies Massacres), and brother of Eric E.T Tandy, les Rythmeurs released their one and only mini album on the then fresh New Rose label. This 6 song album will appeal to all the Dogs addicts even though it is 100% french sung. Good pal of Dominique Laboubée and the Dogs, Gilles Tandy was backed by the Dogs on "La Colere Monte" his solo LP (1986). Gilles Tandy will pay tribute to the defunct Dogs' frontman in 2003.

Songs
A L'ecouteur / Un Soupcon D'indifference / Reverie / Cet Hotel / F.I.FI.N.I.NI.FINI / Plaire, Plaire

JIMMY LEWIS & THE CHECKERS - YEAH, RIGHT (1980)

Jimmy Lewis & The Checkers released Yeah, Right on Bomp Records in 1980. One song ("Think") from the LP was included on the Experiments In Destiny compilation. Little is known about the band, but it seems they were coming from Tulsa. Jimmy Lewis (guitar, vocals) and Jerry Naifeh (drums, vocals) were the core of the band, the same way Twilley & Seymour were the Dwight Twilley Band. So , this is no surprise to know Jerry Naifeh was the original drummer with the Dwight Twilley Band. Even more about the Twilley link, side two was produced by Noah Shark & Max and some of the musicians playing were Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench.

Songs
Rockin' Right / FBI / Think / Night Ride / You're My Girl / One Nite Stand / Money Honey / I Think We're Alone Now / Desert Right / Dance With You

THE DEL-LORDS
FRONTIER DAYS (1984) - JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME (1986)

Between 1984 and 1990, the Del-Lords released four studio albums plus a mini live album. Most of their output has been made available on CD except the first two LP's which have never been reissued on CD, even though some songs can be found on Get Tough (the CD Best Of). With guitarist Scott Kempner (once Top Ten of the Dictators) penning the material but occasionally relinquishing lead vocals to guitarist Eric "Roscoe" Ambel, the Del-Lords embraced rock's basic components with such skill and verve that they outshone most everyone else on the scene. (Trouser Press). PLAY IT LOUD OR SHUT IT OFF.

The links have been removed. Both albums have been remastered and reissued with bonus tracks. Check your local record store.

Frontier Days
How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live / Get Tough / Livin' On Love / Double Life / I Play The Drums / Burning In The Flame Of Love / Pledge Of Love / Shame On You / Mercenary / Feel Like Going Home

Johnny Comes Marching Home
Heaven / Love Lies Dying / Drug Deal / Soldier's Home / Saint Jake / Dream Come True / True Love / Everlovin' / Against My Will / No Waitress No More

TRUE WEST - HAND OF FATE (1986)

True West may have been part of California's psychedelic underground, but the Davis quintet definitely had a sound and style all its own. At the moment of the long expected reissue of their first two albums Hollywood Holiday/Drifters on one CD, it is time to bring the "Hand Of Fate" album released after Russ Tolman had left the band. A year later, Richard McGrath & Gavin Blair formed the Fool Killers (Out of State Miracle available on CD), while Russ Tolman released seven albums. True West reformed in 2006.

Songs
Falling Away / The Gunner / Just One Chance / Mark Time / Trim The Fat / Hand Of Fate / Waving Me By / Lost At Daybreak / Happenings Ten Years Ago / No Comebacks / Untitled

THE PLAYN JAYN - FIVE GOOD EVILS (1985)

Formed in 1983 from the ashes of the Zoodoo (then The Idd and The Zoo) around the nucleus of the Jones brothers, the Playn Jayn were part of the UK 80's psychedelic revival. Obviously rooted in crafted '60's english pop, but drawn towards the more cracked elements of american psychedelia, the Playn Jayn released a live LP on A&M and then were dropped by their record company before they were signed by ABC. They released their sole studio LP in 1985. Mike Jones (the singer) ended up an acid casualty and became incresingly fragile. Nick (guitarist) took the Chris Dreja route and became a commercial photographer.

Songs
I Love You Like I Love Myself / Letter From The Other Side / Sixty Seconds Too Late / Why’s Your Kind So Blind / Five Good Evils / Dig My Own Grave / Silk And Satin / It Doesn’t Mean I’m Not There / Juliette / Something Died / Having A Good Time (Ain’t No Crime).

DIRTY ANGELS
KISS TOMORROW GOODBYE (1977) DIRTY ANGELS (1978)

Every line you're gonna read is lifted from the lost in the grooves blog. Boston’s Dirty Angels were a truly marvelous Stonesy guitar band who played upbeat, driving pop to the obvious delight of very few. No one remembers these guys it seems, which is odd because to me the Boston ‘indie/punk’ scene was always one of the more forgettable - notable exceptions (Reddy Teddy, Real Kids, Nervous Eaters, DMZ) aside. For those that care though, the core of the Dirty Angels grew out of a funky, soul and blues group called White Chocolate (one LP, ’73 on RCA - don’t stop reading yet!) which had actually begun its life as Arthur Lee’s backing/touring band in the early 70’s (they don‘t sound anything like ‘Vindicator,’ I assure you). Adjusting the name of the band to something less distasteful, the DA’s became one of the first signings to Seymour Stein’s newly reorganized and nascent ’new wave’-friendly Sire label in late 1975. Nevertheless, the relationship between Sire and the Angels did not last long, the band remaining on the label just long enough to issue its debut single: a competent airing of Tim Moore's ‘Rock ‘N‘ Roll Love Letter’ (yes, the same one the Rollers and the Records did - how’s that for ideological commitment!) which, with no label support, unsurprisingly failed. Still, it appeared that at least someone had taken notice of the band; for as quickly as the band had been dropped, New York’s Private Stock label scooped them up, pairing them perfectly with early Blondie producer and ex-Strangelove, Richard Gottehrer. Sounding as if the poppiest tendencies of Richard Llloyd and Tom Verlaine mated with the classic girl-centric themes of very-proper-Bostonians Piper and the Sidewinders, the Dirty Angels first LP, ‘Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,’ is every bit as seductive as the Cagney film from whence it takes its name. The production is patent ’Instant Record’ Gottehrer - sparkling and pristine - while the lead-off track and first single, ’Tell Me’ - with its ascending chorus and Telecaster riffing, seemingly tailor-made for a Greg Shaw end-of-year list - is every bit as good, if not better, than the Sidewinders’ ’Rendezvous’ or Piper’s ’Who’s Your Boyfriend.’ Though nothing else on the record quite equals it, the remaining eight tracks on the album are all above-average pop - offerings stacked high with ample licks of spry, non-groin-grinding guitar. A year later, a second album was released with a different version of their classic "Tell Me"

Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye FLAC
Tell Me / Who Does She Do / One Time Woman / Bad Love / Alley Cat / Radio / Long Gone Johnny / You Got Me Runnin' / Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye

Dirty Angels
Call My Name / Buzz Buzz / Friends For The Sake Of Convenience / Tell Me / Fantasy / Lonely Heart / School Drag / Grown Up Wrong / Sweet Summer / Honey Honey (Can't You See)

HOT KNIVES - HEY GRANDMA (1976)

After leaving the Groovies in 1971 and 1973 respectively, Tim Lynch and Danny Mihm later resurfaced together in a new San Francisco band. The Hot Knives were formed around 1975 and consisted of a nucleus of Michael Houst, Danny Mihm and Debbie Houst (sister of Michael and girlfriend of Danny). Around this three-some various others would come and go over the band's three or four year lifespan: Tim Lynch, James Ferrell, Cyril Jordan who produced the second single, Roy Loney credited on the same second single, and possibly even Ze Moita, later of the Kingsnakes. The band dissolved at the end of the 70's. Danny Mihm, James Ferrell and Ze Moita became involved in the Kingsnakes.
Songs
Hey Grandma / I Hear The Wind Blow

p.s: if anyone has the other Hot Knives 7" (with artwork), please send a comment. thanx