So after much deliberation, head scratching, discussion, and more head scratching, we have MM’s favourite albums of 2010. And we choose our words very carefully here, because we would not presume them to be the best, only those that have given us the most pleasure and enjoyment, records that we have returned to again and again, and for whatever reason have captured a moment or … Continue reading Mad Mackerel’s Albums of the Year
We got this track, Colt 44 by The Range Rats, via Rollo & Grady, and were instantly taken with its Johnny Cash rumble and gun toting lyrics. We’ve not been able to find out much about them. Their MySpace page says they’ve been around since 2006 and hail from Oregon and apparently last released an album in 1985…Other than that…who knows. We like the song … Continue reading Introducing…The Range Rats
So ahead of our mammoth postings of end-of-year favourites: albums, tracks, covers, old songs heard for the first time in 2010 etc. etc. and posted by Mrs Mackerel, MM, Barry-Sean, Mr Popper, Dr Roddy, Polly Pocket et al here is a quick and dirty round-up of some of the new tunes, Christmas tunes, covers and other bits and pieces that have been doing the rounds. … Continue reading Festive Round Up…Xmas songs, covers, and bits ‘n’ pieces
As a holiday gift to all blogs and online magazines etc., Tempe, AZ band, Gospel Claws have recorded a cover of one of their favorite tunes, Like A Friend from Pulp’s This Is Hardcore. Having recently released their album C-L-A-W-S to much critical acclaim, the quintet play a soul-inflected rock with a swagger and poise that is nothing if not infectious. So take a listen … Continue reading Gospel Claws cover Pulp for Christmas
Brett and Rennie Sparks are The Handsome Family. They are also a staple of the musical diet in the Mackerel household. Pioneers of modern gothic country, we’ve been fans ever since we heard such classics as After We Shot The Grizzly, Weightless Again, In The Air, right through to more recent tracks like Darling My Darling and a host of others. With a sly black humour ever … Continue reading Scattered – new album from The Handsome Family
E’ville Fuzz arrives two-and-a-half years after 6 Day Bender’s self-titled debut. The title references the farmhouse in Earlysville, Virginia, where the band crafted the album’s thirteen songs, as well as the ‘fuzzier,’ more blues-oriented dimension the album explores. The band recorded the new project between bouts of touring, bankrolling the studio sessions with proceeds from the road. The result is a high-octane rock record with … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…6 Day Bender
John Velghe is a notorious scammer, a charlatan; one of those musicians with a guitar case filled with pretty songs performed by a man of ugly intent. Over the years of performing he’s ruined his character and his body in service to rock ‘n roll. All the while leaving a trail of acrimony wrapped in shimmering chords and the snare drum’s crack. So what could … Continue reading Introducing…John Velghe
During time away from his other bands (Blackout Party, John Meeks), Brian Holwerda has recorded a collection of mostly-acoustic songs in his bedroom. The result is a 7 track EP called Witchteeth. Most of the recordings are spare, quiet acoustic versions, but they are presented in a way that retains a rawness and honesty that sets them apart from the usual fare on offer. The … Continue reading Introducing…Brian Holwerda
For some unfathomable reason we’ve been sat on this excellent split release between Exeter’s New Years Evil (like No Age covering The Wedding Present), and Falmouth’s The Black Tambourines (like The Black Lips if they came from Cornwall). It was released on 29th November as a 7″ single with 5 track digital EP along with zine and individual photo print from up and coming south … Continue reading New Years Evil / The Black Tambourines split 7″
We streamed a couple of tracks from the new EP from Two Wounded Birds in late November and since then My Lonesome from the EP has been creeping up the BBC Radio 6 Music playlist and has been much admired by Mrs Mackerel and Barry-Sean here too. Now they’ve given us Night Patrol from the EP to give to you, and it is another cracking … Continue reading Free Download from Two Wounded Birds
