The Death Valley Girls 'Breakthrough' 7'' Vinyl release

The Death Valley Girls have released the first new material since their outstanding 2018 album Darkness Rains, it's a new single, and it's most excellent.  A tasty bi-coloured purple/black 7'' of covers. The A side's an interpretation of Atomic Roosters 1971 'Breakthrough' and on the B side a version of Daniel Johnston's Rock 'n' Roll/EGA.

Their take on Breakthrough is awesome, they've captured the original though definitely added something, it maintains a 70's flavour, though where as the original has a more 60's hangover/early proggy feel; the Death Valley Girls version has a more earthy late glam rock early proto punk feel to it, a touch of subtle menace too, nice. It starts off real slow, even making you wonder whether you've got it on the wrong speed, a repetitive organ chord leads, the drums then announce their presence and boom, in kicks the beat followed by a lovely driving riff, and then the final ingredient, Bonnie's wonderful vocals, I love that voice, at some points appropriately reminiscent of Jett or Quatro. They've more than done this Atomic Rooster track justice. And hey, in these dark times we could do with a breakthrough.

Rock 'n' Roll/EGA is off Daniel Johnson's 1994 album 'Fun'. I'll be honest now, I don't think I've ever heard of Daniel Johnston, so I gave his Rock 'n' Roll/EGA a listen before listening to the Death Valley Girls interpretation.  There are no doubt some similarities between them, I then discovered that the Death Valley Girls gigged with Johnson for a period, that explains that. Again though, Death Valley Girls have washed the track in their own distinctive wash, it's a touch faster, a touch edgier and heavier in a different way to the original, and again it has that 70's glam rock stomp feel to it. Bonnie's voice is perfect for this track too, beautifully reflecting Johnson's original. A really lovely rendition.

Being accomplished musicians (as is manifestly shown by their individual performances) together they create a well crafted and distinctive wall of sound; the Death Valley Girls sound is simultaneously beautifully produced and engagingly raw, I love that, I love a 'real' sound and they've got that by the spade. Check out their chorus harmonies too, groovy. Both these covers do their original sources justice and both go further, ensuring your reaction to both will be ''this is fricking ace!'' And I'll say it again, you've got to love Bonnie's vocals, there's just something so appealing about them, she's a very cool voice. This is, they are, recommended listening, check it out here or here if you're in the UK.

The Locker Room Cowboys,

Bassist Andy Budge's project The Locker Room Cowboys have released their first single since the band's début on Fruits de Mer's triple vinyl compilation 'The Tree Seasons' (performing an outstanding interpretation of the Rolling Stones 'We, love you'), and it's very cool indeed. Two wonderful tracks 'Always Love You' and 'Revolutions'. 'Always Love You' has a lovely 60's folk rock-esque ambience, soothing jangly guitar and lovely backing vocalsa sunny afternoon of a song, whereas Revolutions' has a much  grander arrangement with a bigger sound, would work well in a film soundtrack I reckon, or...as the final track on an album, it's a fantastic number. I understand that Andy has the musicians lined up to record a Locker Room Cowboys album, now that's something I can't wait to hear. You gotta go check this out. A little side note, I love this image of Carrie Fisher, she was cool, and of course a definite childhood crush of any Star Wars fan of my generation.

The Soft Hearted Scientists 'Please read Me' from Fruits de Mer Records

There was one item in particular in my recent Fruits de Mer Records package that I was especially looking forward to, a 7" single from The Soft Hearted Scientists. A few years ago a very good friend gifted me a special copy of the Fruits de Mer Records compilation 'What Ever Happened To The Soft Hearted Scientists' saying he thought I'd like it. I didn't, I absolutely loved it, everything about it and have been a fan ever since. The Soft Hearted Scientists herald from Wales and follow in the footsteps of that nations venerable son Taliesin, being both lyrical and musical bards of the highest grade. There's a certain je ne sais quoi about the Soft Hearted Scientists remarkable (hard to properly categorize) sound, if you haven't checked them out, you really must.

So, on to the single, the 'A' side is a dazzling interpretation of The Bee Gees 1967 'Please read Me'. You can't go wrong with the Bee Gees, what ever they did, they just did so well. Of course, The Soft Hearted Scientists have sprinkled on their unique magic, breathing new life into a 50 year old track, raising it even higher. They've done a sterling job too, creating a thoroughly listenable slice of quality psychedelic pop with one foot rooted in the history of the genre, whilst the other stands firmly in the here and now. The arrangement is perfection, with a slightly increased tempo which lifts the melody beautifully, Nathan Halls soothing vocals and the wonderful accompanying harmonies, I'm certain the Gibb brothers would approve of the bands endeavours. 

The 'B' side, 'Moths mistook us for the Moon' is classic Soft Hearted Scientists, an enchanting melody bathed in gentle melancholy, Nathan's wonderfully magical lyrics, accentuated by his gloriously honeyed vocals, the addition of some beautifully subtle though powerful harmonies, all add to the tracks already transcendent ethereal atmosphere. Pure bliss, the trade mark of the Soft Hearted Scientists. Nathan is an peerless wordsmith, on some level or other his lyrics often pack a deceptive emotional punch, which sometimes you see coming though more often it's hidden, creeping up on you. Always the tracks melody is the perfect vehicle for delivering the emotive payload, and this track does that so gracefully, a floaty tempo carries you upwards towards the moon just like the eponymous moths, and throughout the arrangement is sublime, crammed with delightful flourishes and so much more, all rendered perfectly, a track of marvellous psyche pop replete with substance, warmth and depth. It's bloody lovely listening.  

I know scientists are currently maligned in our anti-expert culture, though no one could possibly doubt that these scientists really know their musical onions. The Soft Hearted Scientists certainly stand out from the crowd as the purveyors of the finest in contemporary psychedelic folk tinged pop, their unique style shines brightly, and what you've got here are two tracks which highlight why. As you'd expect from Fruits de Mer Records it's a quality product, beautifully packaged, a high grade sleeve holds a nice 7" single coloured pressing on white mix (pastel purple) vinyl. Go visit Fruits de Mer Records and pick up a copy of this glorious release for a mere £6!  Or, a digital copy of the single (plus two additional instrumental tracks) is available from the Soft Hearted Scientists bandcamp page. 

Russian Spy 7" By The Neighbourhood Strange

Those premier psychedelic sons of Salisbury 'The Neighbourhood Strange' are back with a vengeance with their fabulous 7" release, the topical 'Russian Spy'. If you've seen the band perform live you'll know they're a tight outfit of  consummate musicians delivering their brand of high quality mod-esque psychedelia with panache and brio. That flavour comes across beautifully in both Russian Spy and the flip sides 'Many Secrets' (as well as all the bonus material available on the CD EP release).

The 'A' side 'Russian Spy' has a melody echoing the folk sound of the steppe or that moment in a 60's TV drama when the 'Reds' appear, and a fantastic chorus with an appropriately Red Army sounding harmony, throughout the track is peppered with nods to recent dramatic events in Salisbury and references to the east/west political dichotomy. Russian Spy is a modern cold war classic born of the attempted assassination by nerve agent of 'hero of Russia' and double agent/former spy Sergei Skripal. Though the novichok wasn't strong enough to take out Skripal, what is powerfully strong is this track, which works beautifully both musically and lyrically. The 'B' side 'Many Secrets' ostensibly has a great Mod revival (of the late 70's) feel to it, played at an energetic pace and sung with gusto, also buried in there is that intelligent punk sound I'd associate with bands like The Damned at their peak. Although throughout Bob's wonderful organ ensures the sensibilities of the modernist hey day are maintained. Bob's organ is perfect at conjuring a genuine mid 60's British sound and atmosphere, which to me has a timeless appeal and consistently shines on every track. Whilst, front man Marcus has the perfect demeanour and voice to deliver this punchy fast paced style of mod infused psychedelic pop rock with a side serving of punky asthetic, and he has the swagger to match. We should remember though that a great band is gestalt, created by the contributions all the band members, and so it is with 'The Strange'. Dazman on bass and Matt on drums ensure by their solid performances that the rhythm section on all the tracks is tight and drives the numbers along at an appropriate velocity. Whilst guitarist Mark provides some great guitar riffs, as well as wonderfully proficient and expertly performed string work throughout. Splendid stuff, man!

The Neighbourhood Strange have done it again, they've nailed it. The band deserve more acclaim, it's a wonder to me that The Neighbourhood Strange aren't better known, they really should be. Russian Spy along with their previous 2 single releases showcase their manifest talents as writers and musicians, and their fabulous live performances always hit the spot. There's nothing not to love about this band and their beautifully crafted sound, a sound so broad in appeal that it transcends genre boundaries.  They're all nice fellows to boot. 

Russian Spy is available now on bandcamp as a 7" vinyl single or CD EP, each comes with a digital download of the EP's 5 tracks (Russian Spy, Many Secrets, Mary Mary, Walk On Water, Desert Sand). You can also get a copy of the 7" vinyl single on The Neighbourhood Strange website. I'm sure I'm not alone in hoping that a LP with be forthcoming, it really should, I know the band easily has enough top quality material. Fingers crossed, ay. To be honest where you buy Russian Spy isn't important, that you make certain you do buy it is the paramount thing, don't miss out on this gem (while you're about it check out their previous singles too), bag yourself a copy today! And make sure you catch one of their live performances too, I guarantee you wont be disappointed.

Really?

Who the bally heck had the bright idea of producing a 7'' single with a 45rpm side and a 33.3rpm side? Why is that a thing? Why would you do that?  I've never come across a single like this before, or I can't remember anyway. The whys aside, I picked up a groovy 7'' single in a charity shop today; Ten Year After's 1970 'Love Like a Man', one side the studio version at 45rpm, and on the other a version recorded live at 33.3rpm. Although the labels have been defaced with scribble, the actual disc plays clean. It's a great single, a great track, from a classic British blues rock band of the late 1960's early 1970's and both versions are good listening. If you have to change the belt to change the speed on your turntable, as I do, I'm still confused as to whether this single is hindrance or help. Still, nice find.

Elfin Bow and Gary Lloyd

Elfin Bow and Gary Lloyd have released a fabulous single on the Fruit de Mer Records label, Elfin Bow is musician and artist Elizabeth Anne Jones, and Gary Lloyd a respected composer, with them the Scottish Session Orchestra. I'll be honest I'd heard of none of them, and choose this single primarily as I liked the name 'Elfin Bow' (cool name), that, and I've yet to get a record from FdM that I don't enjoy. Well, what a lovely record. The A side is a beautiful arrangement of Sandy Denny's classic 'Who knows where the time goes', and one that really does the original justice. Elizabeth's got an absolutely gorgeous voice, and uses it wonderfully, doing a fantastic job with this classic. The original has a mournful feel to it, I think, whereas Elfin Bow has managed to elevated the mood, whilst retaining the gravitas and emotional essence of the original. Elizabeth's dreamlike honeyed vocals complimenting Sandy's lyrics, invoking those images of open fires in winter bound cottages, of the cycles of the year and of life. It's a really lovely interpretation. And the addition of the orchestra just hits you, man, and when it cuts in proper it adds drama, real depth and warmth, elevating the song even further, a grand interpretation. Masterful, man. As good as the Denny reworking is, and it is, what I love best is the B side.  A stunning reworking of Elfin Bow's 'The Wisdom'.  The original with Elizabeth's beautiful vocals is lovely enough (I checked it out on Bandcamp), though, on this track her voice is absolutely mesmerizing, man, transporting you to magical realms, maybe that's the 'elf', in Elfin Bow. Again, the addition of the orchestra lifts an already impressive track to something simply wonderful, the perfect juxtaposition of simple folk and grand orchestra. Both re-workings are enchanting, Elizabeth's voice is heavenly throughout, and massive kudos to Gary Lloyd and the Scottish Session Orchestra whose performances on both tracks are remarkable. A really lovely single. As with all FdM releases it's a quality release with attention to detail, a lovely gate-fold sleeve housing a pastel pink 7inch vinyl, go on buy one, you'll love it. Also, go check Elfin Bow out.

A fantastic release FdM, I'd have more like this.

And, if you fancy a trip, play it at 33rpm (both sides), go on, it's amazing what you get. 

Little fishies

A Fruits de Mer parcel through your door never fails to bring a broad smile to your face, and why wouldn't it, Fruits de Mer Records produce the most exquisite musical ear treats. Today a wonderful quadrigeminal of 7 inch's by: Elfin Bow and Gary Lloyd, The Chemistry Set, Nick Nicely and Touch. That's rarely all with a FdM delivery, included today the fabulous Swordfish and the Toad 'the first road trip', a mix exploring the FdM archives (all I've listened to, so far) and a Christmas postcard.  A nice touch, and always appreciated. I was late to the  Fruits de Mer party, and came to the label a couple of years ago through a selection of FdM mix CD's in a friends car, track after track of music which simply just hits that sweet spot, well, my musical sweet spot anyway. What FdM does, it does brilliantly. Attention to detail runs through the label like Brighton through rock, primarily in the choice of artists, all unique, all selected from a wide psychedelic spectrum and all with their own certain magic, the records are usually colourful quality pressings with a great deal of consideration put into the sleeves as well, the whole thing smacks of class. Anyway, these little fishies will not be going on the little dishy, rather on to the spinning platter. I'm off to listen the heck out of these beauties.

The Neighbourhood Strange

A nice surprise to return home to after a damp walk under sullen skies. The latest 7'' waxing from Salisbury's premier psychedelic garage combo, The Neighbourhood Strange. A nice high grade cardboard sleeve with a colourfully tripped out cover houses a quality heavy weight vinyl. This second single is a double 'A' sider of glorious 60's infused psychedelia, and complements nicely their earlier release. Both tracks are organ heavy, guitar driven numbers with tight drumming, though both very different. The A side's 'let's get high' is quite a dancey number with a cellar club feel to it, great organ and jangly guitar give this track a really nice groovy feel to it, great vocals too. You can help but move to it. The AA side 'One last chance' has a slower feel to it, a lamenting number with an appropriately heavier feel to it, there's a heavier garage guitar sound on this one and some tidy drumming, again nice organ and vocals. Very happy with it. Thing is, listening to it just makes you want more, I want to hear what an album would sound like...bloody good I'd imagine. If not an album, at least an EP. Anyway, don't take my word buy a copy here.