Shitkicker Rebellion's Rick Cona and Greg "Stackhouse" Prevost just released their rippin' debut 45 on Penniman Records.
Here's the scoop...
For Rochester's Greg "Stackhouse" Prevost, 2022 turned out to be an especially fruitful year for his “artistic pursuits.” Greg's memoir On The Street I Met a Dog was published just two weeks before the release of his album Vintage Violence. To properly celebrate this coincidence, a presentation was organized at the legendary House of Guitars in Rochester. For such a special event, a book signing was scheduled, spiced up with free pizza, a “party” atmosphere, and a small, unannounced live performance. Greg was joined by his “brothers” and former Chesterfield Kings members Rick Cona (bass), Paul Morabito (guitar), Zachary Koch (drums) and Ryan Moore (lead guitar, piano/organ) from the Low Spirits. Watch some footage from the event below.
The band performed five songs under the name The Shitkicker Rebellion. As expected, it was a blast, leaving both the artists and audience wanting more. Within a couple of weeks, they headed to the studio to record two songs from the brief live set with the idea of releasing a single. Get a copy of Shitkicker Rebellion's debut single right here – covering the Velvets' "White Light White Heat" on the top side with an update of Moving Sidewalks' 60s garage classic "99th Floor" (penned by Billy Gibbons pre-ZZ Top) on the flip. Check it out followed by a portion of their House Of Guitar in-store performance from December 10, 2022.
The double album set "Viens Me Chercher" uncovers some unheard Iry LeJeune studio recordings and rare radio broadcasts.
This just in from Yep Roc Records...
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Cajun musicians ever to wield a button accordion, the legacy of Ira “ Iry” LeJeune comes alive on "Viens Me Chercher," a meticulously curated release from the Southern Folklife Collection in partnership with Yep Roc is out today! Available on opaque sky blue & red double vinyl LP and 2CD, the set features previously unheard master tapes, unreleased alternate takes and rare radio performances. Get a copy: https://ffm.to/viensmechercher. Check out a few of Iry LeJeune's classic 50s recordings for Goldband and FolkStar below.
Scott McCaughey's video for the Minus 5's "Blow In My Bag" – off their new album Oar On, Penelope! – boasts an all star cast.
Here's the scoop...
The Scott McCaughey directed and edited video for The Minus 5's "Blow In My Bag" off their forthcoming album Oar On, Penelope! (available here: https://ffm.to/oaronpenelope) which stars Scott along with Peter Buck and Kurt Bloch with cameo appearances from Alejandro Escovedo, Nate Fassold, Patterson Hood, Debbi Peterson, Linda Pitmon, Chuck Prophet, Wesley Stace, Steve Wynn and yes, Nick Saloman's boot.
Resonance's limited-edition 3LP set Mingus In Argentina is due for Record Store Day on April 12th. Watch a preview clip below.
This just in from Resonance Records...
"Mingus In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts" is a never-before-released pair of recordings of legendary bassist Charles Mingus captured live in Buenos Aires, Argentina in June 1977 featuring Ricky Ford (tenor saxophone), Jack Walrath (trumpet), Robert Neloms (piano) and Dannie Richmond (drums). Transferred from the original tape reels that were recorded by engineer Carlos Melero, the limited-edition 180-gram 3-LP set is mastered for vinyl by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab and pressed at 33 1/3 RPM at Le Vinylist. The elaborate booklet includes liner notes by author and jazz historian Brian Priestley; plus interviews with Ricky Ford and Jack Walrath. This is an official release in cooperation with Jazz Workshop, Inc. and the Charles Mingus Estate. Watch the preview clip and a WCB Jazz Vinyl podcast review following the track listing below.
Charles Mingus In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts
1. Introduction
2. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
3. Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love
4. Noddin’ Ya Head Blues
5. Three or Four Shades of Blue
6. Koko/Cherokee
7. For Harry Carney
8. Cumbia & Jazz Fusion
9. Solo Piano Improvisation (Performed by Charles Mingus)
10. Sue's Changes (Incomplete)
11. Koko/Cherokee/Band Intros
12. Fables of Faubus
13. Solo Piano Improvisation (Performed by Charles Mingus)
Tracks 1-9 recorded on June 2, 1977 at the Teatro Coliseo in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tracks 10-14 recorded on June 3, 1977 at the Teatro SHA (Sociedad Hebraica Argentina) in Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Dean Rudland holds the upgraded 50th anniversary reissue of Lonnie Liston Smith's expansions and Eddie Piller has the tape.
Writes Ace Records' Dean Rudland...
It's taken nearly a year from tapes in hand to the realization of this very special 50th Anniversary Edition of one of the most influential jazz albums of the 1970s: Lonnie Liston Smith's "Expansions."
Recorded in late 1974 and released in March the following year, this album was the full realisation of Lonnie's cosmic spiritual music - and in its title track combined all Lonnie's knowledge til that date, picked up during tenures with Roland Kirk, Gato Barbieri, Miles Davis and as a founder member of the groundbreaking Pharaoh Sanders group of the late 60s.
The title track obviously became a foundation tune in UK clubland, and influenced producers around the world - which is carefully examined in the sleeve notes that Frank Tope has written for the inner sleeve.
Of course the whole album is astounding, and it may never have sounded better than with this Frank Merritt all analogue cut edition, which is housed in a glorious gatefold tip on sleeve, which we like to think reflects its importance.
This continues my work with Ace Records on the Flying Dutchman catalogue and this will be released through their BGP label on Friday (March 28).
The pics show Eddie Piller guarding the master tapes for me at The Nellie Dean Pub in Dean Street and then me with the finished article.
Get a copy of the 50th anniversary AAA edition of Lonnie Liston Smith's jazz funk classic Expansions album directly from Ace Records right here. Listen to a digital version of the title track below.
Sadly, legendary audio engineer Terry Manning – who worked with Led Zep, Staple Singers, ZZ Top, Big Star, etc – has passed away. He'll be greatly missed.
Ian Blurton, Jay Anderson and their UWUW pals will be performing as part of We Are Busy Bodies 20 Fest tonight. Photo: T. Costa
Here's the scoop from WABB's Eric Warner...
Tonight will mark the debut of studio project turned 11-piece live band UWUW featuring luminaries from Toronto’s vibrant music community. Led by Jay Anderson and Ian Blurton, the band includes Chris Cummings, Nick Sewell, Andrew Scott, Drew Smith, and others. I’ve known and/or seen each of the aforementioned play in bands for over two decades in some instances, longer than We Are Busy Bodies has been around. This show is not to be missed.... maybe even a T2 cover! Find out more about UWUW's self-titled debut album from 2022 right here.
Lo-fi soul singer Aladean Kheroufi opens the show tonight. We Are Busy Bodies issued his debut full-length in mid-2024, which is nearly sold out.
Doors at 8pm. Tickets are $26.77 and available online right here and at the door. Listen to "Scattered Ashes" by UWUW followed by Aladean Kheroufi's video for "Now & Forever" below.
Watch the animated clip for Amy Millan's "Make Way For Waves" off her new album I Went To Find You out May 30.
Here's the scoop on Amy Millan's new album...
The first solo album from Amy Millan in over 15 years, I Went To Find You emerged from the kind of once-in-a-lifetime serendipity that alters our experience of the world.
After crossing paths with award-winning musician/composer Jay McCarrol in fall 2023, the Montreal-based singer/songwriter felt a sense of musical communion reminiscent of the elation she’d first accessed in singing with her father as a little girl—a connection severed when her dad was killed in a car accident just before her fifth birthday. As she began creating songs with McCarrol, Millan slowly realized that an unconscious desire to sustain that feeling had informed her lifelong devotion to music and her many cherished collaborations over the years, including her work in beloved indie-pop band Stars and a satellite member of iconic collective Broken Social Scene.
“I so clearly remember being a kid and putting on my pajamas and being so excited for nighttime, because that’s when my dad and I would sing together,” Millan says. “Ever since then I’ve tried to make my life an arrow back to that feeling, but I didn’t fully understand that until now.”
In selecting a title for her third solo effort, she chose to honour that sense of revelation and self-discovery. “A lot of this record had me looking into my past for clues on who I have become and why,” says Millan, who names longtime musician-friends like Feist, Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin, Metric’s James Shaw, Stars’ Chris Seligman, and her husband and Stars bandmate Evan Cranley among the musical kin who’ve profoundly enriched her life. “The ‘you’ of the title is the people I found, the people I went looking for after they’d gone—and the ‘you' is the person you become when all these components align.”
Amy Millan's much-anticipated new album "I Went To Find You" is being released on May 30th via Last Gang Records. You can pre-order a copy on hot pink vinyl right here. She'll be launching the album in Toronto with a show at Longboat Hall on June 14th at 8 pm. Get tickets via dice.fm right here. Watch Gaia Alari's animated clip for "Make Way For Waves" following Amy's preview below.
Eric Davidson and his Columbus punk crew return to Toronto for a show at the Horseshoe July 29 – tickets on sale Thursday (March 27) at 10 am.
Here's the scoop...
Columbus punk legends The New Bomb Turks are bringing their raw, high-voltage garage punk to Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern on July 29th! Formed in 1990 at Ohio State, these underground icons have been fusing prole-threat punk, destructo-rock, and garage chaos for over three decades.
Joining them are Seattle’s street-punk powerhouse The Drowns, who just unleashed their latest album, Blacked Out. With a sound that fuses 50s rock ‘n’ roll, 70s glam, and ’77 punk, they’re keeping the fire burning for the working class and the die-hard rockers.
This one’s gonna be loud, fast, and unforgettable. Don’t sleep!
Tickets are $32 advance and on sale this Thursday (March 27) at 10 am EDT! Get 'em right here.
Watch the New Bomb Turks live at The Horseshoe back in 2002, Lee's Palace in 1998, The Opera House in 1997, Much Music in 1996, Lee's Palace in 1996 as well as a Rotate This! in-store also from 1996 below.
Meiko Kaji's 1973 album Yadokari is being reissued with a bonus 7" featuring Kill Bill fave "Shura No Hana" (Flower of Carnage).
Meiko Kaji's Yadokari album reissued by WeWantSounds
Wewantsounds continues its extensive Meiko Kaji reissue program – in partnership with Teichiku Records and Kaji herself – with the release of Yadokari, her third album from 1973. This marks the first time the album has been reissued on vinyl, featuring its original artwork and newly remastered audio. Renowned for her iconic 1970s films (Lady Snowblood, the Stray Cat Rock series) and admired by Quentin Tarantino, Meiko Kaji also released a string of outstanding albums on Teichiku, blending Japanese pop with cinematic grooves. Yadokari, is being reissued with its original deluxe gatefold sleeve and OBI plus a two-page insert featuring new liner notes by Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha. As a special bonus, this edition includes a 7" EP single featuring the haunting "Shura No Hana," famously featured on the Kill Bill soundtrack.
Japanese actress Meiko Kaji, born in Tokyo, has become a worldwide cult icon, partly thanks to Quentin Tarantino, who heavily based his Kill Bill films on the 1973 revenge classic Lady Snowblood (which TCM is screening on Monday, March 31 at 2:00 am), one of Kaji's most famous roles. Renowned for her performances in the acclaimed Stray Cat Rock and Female Prisoner Scorpion film series, Kaji was one of Japan’s most iconic film actresses of the early 1970s.
Beyond acting, she was invited by film studios to perform theme songs for many of her films leading to revered music career. Between 1972 and 1974, she recorded five albums for Teichiku, which have since become highly sought after.
Yadokari (“hermit crab”), released in 1973, was Kaji’s third album for the lable. Like its predecessors Gincho Wataridori and Hajiki Uta, it offers a rich mix of kayĹŤkyoku (Japanese pop), traditional enka, psychedelic rock, and cinematic ’70s funk. The album includes two tracks, “Hagure Bushi” and “Kiba no Ballad,” from the cult 1973 TV series Sengoku Rock Hagure Kiba, in which Kaji starred.
“Hagure Bushi” stands out as one of the album’s funkiest tracks. Like “Kiba no Ballad,” it was composed and arranged by the legendary producer Yuji Ohno (best known for his work on Lupin the III). The album as a whole is a superb blend of atmospheric songs, from the haunting, slow-burning title track “Yadokari” to “Ah...,” which features groovy guitar licks, harmonica, and sleek string arrangements, evoking a subtle Morricone influence.
To complete this reissue, Wewantsounds has included the rare 1973 7” EP featuring "Shura No Hana" b/w "HĹŤ Yare Ho" as a bonus (also included on the CD version of the album). Only released as a single, “Shura No Hana” (Flower of Carnage”) is a cult classic, famously featured on Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol. 2 soundtrack. Reflecting on its use in the film, Kaji told Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha in an interview for this release: “I couldn’t fathom how an enka song like ‘Shura No Hana’ would work in a Hollywood film. But when I saw the screening, it felt very natural, which I couldn’t believe.”
A key release in Meiko Kaji’s 1972–1974 Teichiku Records catalog, Yadokari is a testament to her singular talent as a singer. Wewantsounds is delighted to reissue the album in its full glory, remastered from the original master tapes and presented in its Japanese-style gatefold sleeve. Get a black vinyl copy of Meiko Kaji's Yadokari reissue via Bandcamp right here. Listen to a few tracks below.
Shrag's fab BBC Sessions from 2010 and 2012 are being issued as a pair of limited-run 4-song 10" EPs on April 7th. Just 300 copies each. Don't sleep!
Here's the scoop...
Brighton-based Shrag (featuring Steph Goodman, Helen King, Bob Brown, Russell Warrior, Andy Pyne, and Leigh Anne Walter) were leading lights of the UK indiepop scene towards the end of the first decade of the 21st Century, recording several singles and three albums for iconic labels WIAIWYA and Fortuna Pop! They're also personal favourites of Precious founder Nick Godfrey as well as tastemaking Toronto DJ/chef Davy Love.
Post-punk influences to the fore, they referenced the likes of Prolapse and Life Without Buildings with a dash of C86 and Riot Grrrl ! thrown in to create their own inimitable racket – all the time showcasing the literate and emotionally vulnerable lyrics of main vocalist Helen King.
Shrag recorded several sessions for the BBC, including this four-song outing for Huw Stephens at the famous Maida Vale Studios on December 9, 2010 which predates their second LP ‘Life! Death! Prizes!’ and features an unforgettable version of string-drenched "Coda," that album’s closing track.
Limited-edition ten-inch vinyl comes with free downloads, a printed inner sleeve with hitherto unseen images from the one and only Alison Wonderland plus brilliant sleeve notes from Helen. Get Shrag's limited edition Huw Stephens BBC Session 10" EP via Bandcamp right here.
Shrag’s sound had developed by the time of their session for Marc Riley on March 21, 2012, which features sparkling early versions of four songs destined to appear on ‘Canines’, their critically lauded third and final LP.
The Brighton-based indie crew were regulars in the BBC Studios, with Marc Riley an especially fervent supporter before they called it a day in March 2013 with a triumphant and emotionally charged final show at London’s Lexington.
Limited-edition ten-inch vinyl comes with free downloads, a printed inner sleeve with hitherto unseen images and sleeve notes from Russell Warrior. Vinyl buyers will also receive a bonus download of another session for Marc Riley from October 2010 featuring four songs from their second LP, ‘Life! Death! Prizes!’ including that album’s centrepiece "The Habit Creep." Get Shrag's limited edition Marc Riley BBC Session 10" EP via Bandcamp right here. Note: There were just 300 copies of each 10" pressed so you'd better act fast. Listen to a few tracks below.
Sadly, Toronto singer/drummer Teddy Hawkins of Thelonious Hank & The Hulagoons has passed away. He'll be greatly missed.
Writes Lori Yates...
RIP Teddy Hawkins
I’m absolutely gutted to tell you that our pal , great guy, friend,singer and drummer, Teddy passed away unexpectedly this morning from a heart attack.
I started playing with Ted in 2012 in the Nashville Rejects and I always loved him.❤️❤️❤️
He’s going to leave a huge hole in our community…gonna miss him like crazy.
Writes Scotty Campbell...
Here’s a little bit of Teddy Hawkins wisdom/wit. I need a little smile…and that’s only right considering how funny he could be. I promised I’d never tell this one until he wasn’t around to give me shit.
In the years before he became a busy, older musician…He was running “El Cheapo movers” which was just a couple of trucks and a van in those days. I was a shipper at an electronics factory in Oakville, and we talked 2-3 times a day.
While he was in My Band “The Wardenaires,” it was always understood that if he ever got “The big break” he’d be free to go after it. He was such a fine musician but he was a little older, and I guess the chances of fate throwing him a bone seemed unlikely.
One day he calls me up and he’s really excited. “Scotty! ….fuck man, you’ll never believe this! Jim Cuddy’s been asking around about me, he wants to get in touch! He’s asked about 3-4 people now! Maybe Glenn’s leaving the band! Jeezus! Do you have any of their records? I said yeah, but it’d be quicker if he just grabbed his own…so of course he did, and for the next few days…everytime he calls me I can hear Blue Rodeo in the background.
He’s learned all their harmonies etc. He ran El-Cheapo off his phone in those days, and had missed a couple of calls from Cuddy. He’s really excited, so I let him go. I’d hate to lose him…but he deserved a break I thought.
A week or so passes, and we’d chased each other around the cellular world, but I hadn’t heard anything further. Finally he calls me one Friday…after a little chit-chat I say “Hey…did Cuddy ever find you?” He says “Oh yeah…sorry, yea he found me…He wanted me to move a couch.” I said “Oh…Ouch! Sorry Hawk!” he laughs and says “Yeah, but it’s funnier this way.”
“True” I replied.” So…that became our Code-phrase for disappointment.
Once he actually swung a date with a girl he had a crush on. Women weren’t his strong suit. The day after the date, I asked him how it went. He laughed out loud and darkly replied “Jim Cuddy’s couch.”
Teddy Hawkins, sweet, salty humour, sexy low rumble singing, he tolerated my thank you kisses on stage, and begging for an extra smoke with grace, shared outside on break before we all got annoyingly healthy and modern!
We shared the funniest stories, when I was lucky to spend time with him, at Lula Lounge usually, for the yearly Patsy Show. Even years prior, he and Scotty Campbell were introduced to me through our manager from Sony, all of us still hopeful for success, singing out guts out wherever we could.
First Big Rude Jake, then Bradley Harder, and now Teddy. My cherished world of old school rabble rousing thought challenging gentlemen musicians seems much dimmer and smaller without them.
I’m so sorry Teddy. And so sorry our last duet was … our last duet. đź’”
The limited-edition "Ballad Of The Last Payphone" single of 250 numbered copies is available only via AC Newman's substack.
Here's the scoop from New Pornographers HQ...
We pressed a limited edition 7" vinyl with two new full band songs – "Ballad Of The Last Payphone" b/w "Ego Death For Beginners" (both penned by AC Newman). It's available to purchase and is shipping now, exclusively on AC Newman’s Substack for Vinyl Club Member subscribers: acnewmanmusic.substack.com. Hand-numbered out of 250 copies worldwide!
“Ballad Of The Last Payphone” will be out on streaming services in a couple weeks, but we thought it would be fun to give everyone a chance to pick it up on vinyl to hear it that way for the first time. "Ego Death For Beginners” is exclusive to the 7” vinyl and won’t be on streaming services!
Artwork by Michael Arthur.
Note: For those only interested in New Pornographers full band recordings on which Neko Case sings, you'll be relieved to know that she's got a vocal credit on this single and Paul Rigby plays pedal steel. See below.
Born in Auckland, New Zealand and now residing in New York City, Dion has played in various bands, most notably The D4, who released two albums on legendary New Zealand label Flying Nun Records and A Place To Bury Strangers, appearing and writing on their studio albums Worship (2012) Transfixiation (2015) and Pinned (2018) as well as numerous singles and EPs.
He also played in the formidable Flowers Of Evil beside members of Crocodiles. While taking a break from touring with A Place To Bury Strangers, Lunadon recorded a self-titled solo album encompassing all that he loves about rock ’n' roll. Previewed by the single "Com/Broke," Lunadon's LP arrived in 2017 on Agitated Records.
Just as the pandemic hit early 2020, Lunadon decided to leave A Place To Bury Strangers and focus on his own music. In June 2020, he released the song “When Will I Hold You Again”, a duet with Kate Clover, and September 2020 saw the release of the “Schreien” EP.
In 2021 he put a band together to give his songs life and in 2022, he released his sophomore album Beyond Everything on In The Red Records. Dion Lunadon released his third album, Systems Edge via In The Red November 14th 2023. Check the clips. Visit: https://dionlunadon.bandcamp.com/
Night Finger
Blues, garage and psych all bundled up into a dual guitar boogie fest. Past, present and future all collide in an irresistible rock machine built from Shikasta, Drunkula and Leather Uppers members.That's Night Finger style! Visit: https://nightfinger.bandcamp.com/
