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I am Managing Editor at Metal4Life

I am Metal Editor at Pure Metal

You will also find reviews at Blogcritics

NERINA PALLOT
The Graduate
Echo



Hey everybody! It's Nerina Pallot. You must remember her. You know. The kooky singer / songwriter with the video. You know, the one that was a bit Tori Amos, but without the suffocating worthiness. Yes, you're right. That doesn't really narrow it down much.

Anyway, she's back, and has discovered the power of a good tune and a fancy dress shop. Two things you really can't go wrong with. Apparently, she was far too chirpy to write songs after her last album, so her record company packed her off to write with hacks for hire, Linda Perry, Rob Davis and Rick Knowles, squillion selling songwriters to a man (and woman). If you want to know how that went, none of the songs appear here, and she's put the album out herself.

But stranger than all that put together is the fact that this album is absolutely fantastic. I can only think of one thing that would have improved this record, but the lack of an oompah band on 'Real Late Starter' isn't that much of a passion killer. There are a couple of tracks I'm happy to skip over (hello, 'Human'), but as long as there is a perky, poptastic tune like 'I Don't Want To Go Out' round the corner, then I'm as happy as a pig in poo.

In a fair and just world, 'When Did I Become Such A Bitch' would be number one for a couple of months minimum, but no, you're all busy buying that bloody awful Black Eyed Peas record. The one where the transvestite hoor and her three pimps gatecrash their grandkids party. Well, stop. Buy this instead.

Buy @ Amazon

ALAN DAVEY
Eclectic Devils
Earthquake



Alan Davey was the on/off bass player with the Mighty Hawkwind for several hundred years before finally falling foul of Baron Brock. He really, really wanted to be Lemmy, going so far as gigging with his own Motorhead tribute band (who were rather good when I saw them in a Lanarkshire country park). But now that he's all on his lonesome (again), it seems that he really, really wants to be back in Hawkwind. But in 1976.

Which is marvellous news for me as the fantastic riff to 'Angel Down' kicks in, joined thereafter by the swirling violin of Hawkwind fiddler Simon House. He never was much of a singer, was Mr Davey, and it remains a weak point on what is, generally, an excellent spacerock album.

However, he is helped out vocally on a couple of tracks by Isobel Morris and there's a sprinkling of instrumentals, where you can just sit back and enjoy the ride for long periods of time. There are enough bleeps and swooshes on display to keep this old Hawkwinder very happy, and with the Mothership seemingly caught up in endless reissues, it's nice to hear some new music in the HW tradition.

It's not all good, but as long as there are tracks as good as 'Angel Down', 'Encounter' and 'Ya Know Ya Should', then I'll be back for more.

http://www.alandaveymusic.co.uk

GYPSY PISTOLEROS
Welcome To The Hotel De La Muerta
Bad Reputation



To say I know absolutely nothing about the Gypsy Pistoleros would be a gross understatement. But I reckon we know too much about people these days, so I declined Mr Googles kind invitation and decided to proceed on the basis that Messrs Lee J, Denny, Iggie and Jet are both bona fide gypsies and, indeed, pistoleros.

However, this five track mini-album seems to indicate that they are actually very confused boys who're unsure whether they want to punks or sleaze rockers, resulting in something that falls between stools, with the opening, title, track an unholy mess.

'Living Down With The Gyspies' is an improvement, with some excellent howling and a passing acquaintance with a tune. Shame then, that the ballad, 'Sangre De Las Rosas' sounds like something that Andy McCoy may have scraped off his shoe on his way into a Hanoi Rocks session back in 1984. Which means that 'Walk Through The Shadows' comes as a blessed relief.

The best is saved for last in the shape of 'Son Illusiones', a song that comes across like a Trust out-take and, on closer inspection, turns out to be a cover version. So The Mystery Of The One Good Tune is solved.

Download @ Amazon

STEEVI JAIMZ
My Private Hell
SCS 2009



It's a strange old world, the world of rock'n'roll. See, it would never have crossed my mind to hunt down a copy of a solo album bu the original vocalist in Tigertailz. I mean, c'mon! I used to share a flat with a Tigertailz fan / looky-likey, so was all too familiar with their oeuvre.

But then I chanced upon an interview with Mr Jaimz in which he professed his love for all things Black Oak Arkansas. Which made two of us, and that was enough for me. Even more remarkably, this is a really good album. Of course, the fact that the legendary Chris Laney is producing, writing and playing with his guitar, alongside his partner in crime, Anders Ringman, pretty much guarantees that it sounds great.

Now I'm not going to pretend that Mr Jaimz is the greatest singer in the world, but when you've got a bunch of addled sleaze rock anthems on your hands, it's Stephen Pearcy you want, not Celine Dion.

There's half a dozen tunes here that I'll be happy to hear over and over again, with 'Something Good Something Bad', the crushing 'Still Crazy', the Crue-like 'Kikk It Down' and the anthemic title track, my current choice selections.

I never expected to enjoy this so much, but it just goes to show you can't keep a good ole Black Oak Arkansas fan down.

Buy @ Amazon

LYNYRD SKYNYRD
God & Guns
Loud & Proud / Roadrunner



Now there's no point in rehashing the old "is it or isn't it" Lynyrd Skynyrd argument, even if they are now down to one surviving original member. It's good enough for Deep Purple these days and, if truth be told, this and the preceding Vicious Cycle album are two of the finest southern rock albums you're likely to hear, regardless of provenance.

With guitarist Gary Rossington the sole survivor, and reeling from the latest in a long line of Lynyrd Skynyrd tragedies, the band have knuckled down and put together an excellent album that sees them, understandably, mellowing out and reflecting on life, but without losing the essence of who they are. Not that they still don't know how to rock!

Something that's apparent on the opening, hard rocking and apposite "Still Unbroken", a song co-written by the late Hughie Thomasson who, although he'd left Lynyrd Skynyrd to reform The Outlaws post Vicious Cycle, is much missed. Then it's on to the laid back, countryfied "Simple Life" and on into the boogie rock of "Little Thing Called You", and you know this is prime Lynyrd Skynyrd. There's a handful of songs co-written by former Marilyn Manson / Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 but, fear not, there's no industrial goth beats here. In fact, "Southern Ways", one of his credits, is pure country rock!

The rock gets ramped up on "Skynyrd Nation", a fist in the air anthem for the fans who've kept them going through the hard times and tragedies. There's the latest in a long line of Lynyrd Skynyrd storytelling tunes stretching back to "The Ballad Of Curtis Loew" on "Floyd", which sees Rob Zombie making a vocal appearance. They get to let off steam on "That Ain't My America", a theme revisited on the title track, "Gods & Guns", the sole outside song on the album. The album closes with "Gifted Hands", a tribute to the late Lynyrd Skynyrd piano player Billy Powell. Both he and bassist Ean Evans, who also passed away recently, perform on the album, although there's no breakdown of who does what on each song.

If you go for the deluxe edition, you get a second CD with three studio tracks, all co-written and produced by Trey Bruce, the country music songwriter with three Billboard country chart Number One singles to his name. "Look Heart, No Hands" and "Whisper My Name" by Randy Travis, and "How Your Love Makes Me Feel" by Diamond Rio. They're all excellent, especially "Hobo Kinda Man", and you can't help but wonder what a full album would have been like.

Things finish off with three live tracks from a 2007 concert, in the shape of "Red, White & Blue", "Call Me The Breeze" and "Sweet Home Alabama", all culled from a projected 2010 live DVD release. Not many bands of their vintage are still making music this good, less as though they still find magic in a song.

Buy @ Amazon

STEVE MORSE BAND
Out Standing In Their Field
ear



It must get right boring being the guitarist in Deep Purple. Especially, if you've been a creative sort in your youth, the way that Steve Morse was when he was a lad. After all, Deep Purple albums don't come along very often (four in fifteen years). And when they do, you're shoehorning your music into someone elses slippers.

Which could explain why he's resurrected the Steve Morse Band for this new, rather excellent, release. No-one who followed his career prior to his hitching a lift in the reformed Kansas will find anything to surprise them here. Unless they've forgotten just how good a guitarist Morse was, all those years ago.

This album is a close relative of his mid-eighties, post Dixie Dregs albums, and will prove irresistible to fans of driving, guitar instrumentals. The last fifteen years are brushed aside withing the first two tracks - 'Name Dropping' and 'Brink Of The Edge' - which are just brimming with inventive life.

He's lost none of his sparkling fluidity and is gamely followed through every twist and turn by bassist Dave Larue and drummer Van Romaine. Not everything works as the somewhat leaden prog of 'Here And Now And Then' demonstrates, but the misses are few and far between.

Instead, listen to the utterly insane country picking on John Deere Letter' or the classical licks on 'Baroque'n Dreams'. In between there's enough electrifying fusion to keep the most demanding noodler satisfied, on what is a very good album indeed. However, Todd Rundgren does ask if he can have his copy of "Deface The Music" back.

Buy CD From Amazon

SHARI PUORTO
What Love Will Do To You
self released



I said some kind things about the last Shari Puorto album, "Down The Road". Of course, I did say that Ms Puorto was at her best when she let rip on the Blues belters rather than the ballads, going so far as to use the phrase "a souped up Bonnie Bramlett vibe". So, here's the new release, and what is it? That's right, a mini-album of soul ballads. Nice to see the regard my opinion is held in!

It's another collaboration with the legendary Barry Goldberg, who has worked with just about everyone (and you really ought to read my interview with him in Blues Matters magazine #50), and sees them going for that whole Southern soul sound that came out of Memphis back in the sixties. And it's very good, even if I do miss her rocking out on the Blues. The opening track didn't do much for me, but once "Who's Gonna Put Out The Fire?" arrived, with it's laid back funky rhythms, I was much happier. Now I'm going to 'fess up here and let you into a big secret. One of my favourite albums of all time is "New Routes" by Lulu. You've probably never heard of it, but 1970 saw Lulu recording with the Muscle Shoals rhythm section and Duane Allman. Really. Now this isn't that good, but it's going for a similar vibe.

'Forbidden Dreams' makes a foray into swamp rock, all Bobbie Gentry gone bad, before 'Funny Thing' brings a sweeter Motown sound to the table and 'Good Inside' some laid back funk. Things finish with 'Broken Record', a more traditional pop ballad that saw my finger hovering over the skip button. It wasn't what I was looking for, but the four tracks from "Who's Gonna Put Out The Fire?" through to 'Good Inside' got my fires burning.

http://www.bluesrockmusic.com/

Bitches Sin vs. Chasing Pandora

BITCHES SIN - The Sound Of Silence



Bitches Sin were one of the second division bands of my NWOBHM* obsessed youth. Everyone in my world had heard of them, but no-one actually bought their records. They tried to transform themselves into a more melodic rock band called Flashpoint, but I doubt anyone would have expected guitarist Ian Toomey to put together a new lineup in the 21st century, who released a new album in 2008.

And now they've released a follow-up single. A cover version of SImon & Garfunkels 'The Sound Of Silence'. Yes, really. I'm not inventing Tapisms here. Now imagine how bad you might think a heavy, power metal cover of that song might sound. Then double it.

Which is a shame, because their own songs are pretty good. 'What Loving Means' is a fine piece of mid-tempo power metal and 'Red Skies' charges along in fine fettle. One-time metal producing legend, Chris Tsangarides has twiddled the knobs (and played guitar), recreating the eighties metal world well.

As an attention grabbing release, it does the job. Here's hoping people get past the opening track.

http://www.bitchessin.co.uk

*ask yer Dad.


CHASING PANDORA - Running In Circles



Well, it took some effort to get past the boak inducing, none more hippy front cover. But once I get there, it was worth it, as "Malta's greatest ever music phenomena" have plenty to offer.

Essentially a duo comprising singer Melissa Portelli and multi-instrumentalist Keith Anthony, their simple folk-pop tunes take on a new dimension through some adventurous and interesting arrangements and instrumentation.

The title track is the sole new number, with the others having been culled from their début album "Mocking The Mocking Bird". It's also the best, which suggests they're still improving as writers and performers. However, for some reason. it was the simple and affecting 'I Know' which made me catch my breath with delight.

Live video for 'Memories' below;



http://www.chasingpandora.com

SANDRA PILLER
Kindred Spirits
Shady Hill



I still have trouble getting my head around the notion that someone like Taylor Swift is, apparently, a country singer. I mean she seems like a nice girl, but it means I spend my time wandering around the internet trying to find some real country to sate my appetite. And that's why most of my impulse buys over the last couple of years have been bluegrass records.

Which is why this record is a complete and utter delight. You see, it's an unabashed and unashamed country record. The kind they used to make, with lush harmony vocals, fiddles and banjos. And songs with melodies that linger on, long after the CD has stopped spinning.

This follow-up to "A Long Time Coming" is chock full of songs that sound like old friends, with the clear, melodic voice of Ms Piller, a pleasure to listen to. There isn't a single song here that I would hit the skip button on, but I do keep hitting repeat on 'Redemption', the jaunty 'The Little Devil In You' and the bluesy 'Bottom Lin'.

A total treat, this one couldn't come more highly recommended. And is that the Joey Scarbury singing backup? I hope so.

http://www.sandrapiller.com

STEVE CONTE & THE CRAZY TRUTH
same
Varese Vintage



I saw the New York Dolls live for the first time this year, and came away quietly impressed. Although, having said that, I'd have been hard pushed to pick out Steve Conte from a police lineup, given the large amount of hair lacquer and polka dot shirts on display.

But here he comes, complete with his own band, The Crazy Truth, and a new album which, strange to relate, is being released a couple of days before the New York Dolls return to these shores for another batch of live shows. An amazing co-incidence!

Now it's safe to say that there is absolutely nothing new on offer here but, speaking as someone who grew up thinking that Hanoi Rocks and Mink DeVille were the two coolest bands in the world, it's safe to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this. However, even if I had thought it was rubbish, I probably would have lied just because Mr Conte has entitled one of the songs, 'Strumpet-hearted Monkey Girl'. I mean, come on. How great is that!

But it's not rubbish (unless I'm lying). It's sleazy, down at hell, guitar rock-Blues that anyone who fell in love with Hanoi Rocks, Sea Hags or even early Dogs D'Amour will take to their tattooed bosoms. Mr Contes boss, David Johanson, pops in to honk his harmonica, and these are songs you can dance, cry, sing, and waggle your tush to. Be it 'The Goods Are Odd', 'Get Off' or 'Busload Of Hope', with the latter a song the late Willy DeVille would have been proud of.

An album that left me feeling a wee bit grubby, but in a good way.

Buy @ Amazon

GOV'T MULE
By A Thread
Provogue



I still sometimes wake up in a cold sweat, aghast at the horror that was the Gov't Mule remix / thingymajig / dub album that "Mighty High". A record that was so wrong, I could have wept. So I was a wee bit wary when their new album landed on my doormat. Would it be a return to their glories, or another step towards redundancy? Well, with some minor qualms, I'm plumping for the former.

The opening track, 'Broke Down On The Brazos', is a thing of wonder. Texas funk fried Blues with ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons popping in to add some greasy guitar licks. And things continue in fine fettle on tracks like 'Monday Mourning Meltdown' and 'Frozen Fear'. However, Warren Haynes seems keen to continue his quest for uninspired reggae rhythms which leech inappropriately into songs such as 'Steppin' Lightly'.

But new bass player Jorgen Carlsson seems to have slotted in seamlessly, and Haynes continues to demonstrate one of the best, if under appreciated, voices of the last two decades as he shines on tunes like the immense, Bluesy 'Railroad Boy'. Fans of his guitar picking also have plenty to salivate over, as the music ranges from Blues to classic rock to sixties psychedelia, with almost everything the band touching, turning to gold.

Minor quibbles aside, it's good to have them back.

Buy @ Amazon

Trashcan Sinatras vs. Tin Soldiers

TRASHCAN SINATRAS - People



I suppose that Trashcan Sinatras get a bonus point for never giving up, despite never having gotten beyond "who?" status. But here they are, five albums in, still plugging away with their well-crafted, grown-up pop songs.

This is the third single lifted from the "In The Music" album, and is unlikely to propel them to world domination, despite a lush chorus straight out of the seventies West coast songbook. Think America, rather than Big Star.

Don't get me wrong. It's a good tune, but not a hit single.

Video here;



http://www.trashcansinatras.com


TIN SOLDIERS - Just What I Needed



Tin Soldiers, on the other hand, rock. That's rock, not rawk. See, the initial, attention grabbing riff gives way to some bog standard indie-rock. Which is a real shame.

but then the chorus arrives to grab you by the throat, the riff returns and then, damn! The bridge goes and buggers it up again. Blast.

This is so close to being a powerful, urgent and essential release, that it actually hurts. However, two out of three is more than most bands get nowadays, so keep an eye out for Tin Soldiers. They could end up being really special.

Video here;



http://www.tinsoldiers.co.uk

ORANGE
Phoenix
Hellcat 2009



Album number three from LA pop-punkers Orange sees them carrying on from where they left off on 2007's "Escape" despite a turnover of personnel that saw frontman Joe Dexter and drummer Zak Glosserman as the last men standing.

Although you'd never notice the difference as the band rattle through a series of melodic pop-punk offerings that err on the pop side of things. Songs like 'Each Other', 'Everything I Need' and 'Sunday Night' are as good as it gets in the genre, and fans should be well pleased with this latest release.

The album finishes with a cover of Lou Rees's 'Perfect Day', an odd choice for a band who still qualify as kiddywinks, and who should have the pop-punk world at their feet.

Buy CD From Amazon

JEGSY DODDS & THE ORIGINAL SINNERS
Loquacious, Loquacious, Loquacious
Piffle



Poets, eh? Can't live with them, can't set them on fire and beat them about the head with a dead mime. No wonder this country's going to hell in a handbasket.

Jegsy is a poet. From Merseyside. Who was 'discovered' by John Peel. Another reason for having a three strikes law. Oh, and did I mention that he writes humorous lyrics? See, if we had that law, everything would be OK. Instead we have this.

The band certainly have an adventurous approach to music, being equally inept at a wide range of musical styles, including pub-rock, reggae and dance music. Check out 'A DJ Shaved My Wife' for proof of the latter. To be fair, I had to stifle a chortle during 'Let's Give Granny The Bumps', but that's only because my maternal grandmother was a nasty piece of work. Either that ot I was rifting from the roast beef sandwich I had earlier, and mistook it for a stifled chortle.

I'm unclear as to why he turns into a weegie at the start of 'Jeepers Creepers, It's The Asylum Seeker', but rest assured. Play this at border control, and they'll hitch a lift on the first boat back home.

Buy CD From Amazon

Ben TD vs. Alphabeat

BEN D - Leaves



Now here's a competition that would be worth watching on the telly. Fey Antipodean troubadour takes on kooky Scandipoppers in battle to the death. It's a bit like panda cub clubbing. You know it's wrong, but...

In the fey corner, Ben TD is busy channelling the spirit of Nick Drake, but in a non rubbish way. He has a decent voice and better melodies, making him a bit good. With mellow folkies still compulsory listening in middle class land, this is the one you should adopt, in between frappucinos.

http://www.myspace.com/bentdmusic


ALPHABEAT - The Spell



Alpahabeat used to be the Scandipop band that should have been good. I nearly liked them when 'Fascination' was brewing up, but they seemed a bit too calculating in their kookiness.

This, however, is cracking. The bloke has been relegated to tambourine shaking, where he belongs, the image has had an overhaul, and they've thrown a a touch of Hi-NRG into the mix.

All of which makes for a splendid pop tune, which you should all buy immediately, instead of all that X-Factor related pap. Go on. Oh, say you will. Gits.

Buy @ Amazon