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psychobilly

Scum Boys

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Scum Boys – Vamp Attack

Rumble Records – RUMBCD008 [1991]
Coming Home – Natives Of Europe – Torro – Mystery Train – Scum Boys – Rock’N’Roll Vagabonds – Tattoo – Get A Sense – Vamp Attack – Menhir’s Rock – Josephina – Hoppela

scum Boys

The Scum Boys were a Franco-German group formed in the second half of the 1980s. The original lineup consisted of Markus Sansa on guitar and vocals, Marc Dirringer on double bass, and Peter Ziegenhorm on drums. They released their first 45 rpm record in 1988. The lineup changed with Damien Heitz becoming the new drummer and Frank Ziegenhorm joining on rhythm guitar. This quartet recorded “Vamp Attack” for Rumble Records in February and March 1991.
Even though “Vamp Attack” is an enjoyable album with some great moments, it sometimes struggles to impress thoroughly. The band delivers a solid dose of classic Psychobilly, from the relatively mellow “Tattoo” to the wild “Vamp Attack.” What stands out is the band’s inclination to push boundaries by incorporating songs with changing rhythms and a developed melodic aspect. The band’s best work emerges when they break free from traditional constraints. An example of this is “Mystery Train,” an original composition by the band (and not the Elvis-popularized Junior Parker cover) with a syncopated rhythm that flirts with New Wave. Additionally, The Scum Boys offer excellent instrumentals that complement the collection, such as the Spanish-tinged “Torro.”
Unfortunately, despite these qualities, the result is only partially satisfactory. The group lacks a producer, and the overall sound is somewhat weak and not always well-balanced. Furthermore, an outside perspective could have guided them, particularly in advising them to shorten certain songs that drag on, lessening their impact.

The Radioactive Kid

Francine

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Francine – Shake My Bones

My Way WAY 1203 [1989]
Shake My Bones – Sweet Lovin / Little Girl of Mine – Alley of Sorrow

francine

Francine was formed in 1987 with Pete Salomaa on bass, Mika Jokinen on vocals and guitar, and Esa Nurminen on drums. The name of this Finnish band was inspired by the song “Francine” by ZZ Top. After recording a demo, Tude Usvalla joined the band on drums in 1989. Jari Paksuben completed the lineup when he joined Francine on rhythm guitar, and Mika switched from electric to double bass.

The band quickly gained recognition and was offered a contract by My Way Records. This led to the recording of their debut EP, which was released in the fall of 1989.

The title track is a fantastic Neo-Rockabilly song reminiscent of Stray Cats and Polecats with modern touches similar to Long Tall Texans. “Sweet Lovin’” is a softer, more melodic, and almost acoustic track with a swinging rhythm and a jazzy touch. “Little Girl Of Mine” may be less original, but the punchy double bass and jerky rhythm will please fans of the genre. The EP concludes with “Alley Of Sorrow,” a superb Jazzy Rockabilly track that can be likened to “The Best Way To Jive” by the Wild Ones and “The Midnight Special” by the Nitros.

Official website.

Fred ”Virgil” Turgis

Skrunch (the)

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skrunch

Skrunch (the) – S/T

Tombstone records TOMB-DISC 672 [1989]
The Skunch – Watch Out! – Beez – In The Desert – I’m A Rocket – Small Town Stomp – Staze – The Big One – The Dream – When My Baby Left Me – Morning Fever – Rebel Rebel – True – Breakaway

Skrunch (the) – Smelly Sally

KIX 4u 3360 [1991]
Teflon Shake – Wild One – Herman the Sperm – Sorry – Intro – Raving Antstits – Gotta Geck Back – Lady Ghost Lover – Blue Suede Shoes – Smelly Sally – Caveman – Cadillac – Get Yourself Together – She’s Nice

The Skrunch
smelly sally

The Skrunch was a Dutch Psychobilly band formed in 1987 by Patrick Sturm (double bass and vocals), Daniel Nicolas (guitar), and Chris (drums). They disbanded in 1991. During their short career, the trio released two albums. They probably had no bigger ambition than having fun together. Hence, they sound more like a bunch of friends having a good time than a band that wants to create good music. As a result, Skrunch had little to offer. Their original songs were, at best, average, and their covers were barely recognizable (special mention to their horrible version of Breakaway). They were far from being accomplished musicians, and the sound is untidy. The poor production didn’t help either, especially on the first one. Smelly Sally, the second album, showed some improvement, but 14 songs are way too much for a band like this.

The Radioactive Kid

Slapping Suspenders

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Slapping Suspenders – Blood Sucking Freaks

Count Orlok Music – R.O.C.K. X [1990]
Bloodsucking Freaks – Swad Clodhopper – Highlander – End Of The Endless Sleep – Handsome Molly – Fat Slags – Terminator – Duke’s Gonna Be Alright – Chainsaw Peck – All You Need Is A Fist – Night In Whitechapel – Billy The Kid – Hillbilly Freak – Nude Girl – Shobido

slapping suspenders

Slapping Suspenders was a Swedish Psychobilly trio consisting of Thomas Schuldt (double bass and vocals), Johan Wallgren (guitar), and Michael Halonen (drums).
Their debut album, Blood Sucking Freaks, issued on Count Orlock records, is fast, annoying, and above all, very repetitive Psychobilly. The group has no fresh ideas, and their music has very little variation. The tempos and melodies are almost always the same, and the scratchy vocals are similar on all the tracks. They make a few attempts at a bawdy hillbilly style, but these are not very successful, and the same can be said about their cover of The Jungle Book (I Wanna Be Like You).
After listening to this record, it becomes quickly evident that it is not a masterpiece, and the fifteen tracks seem very long. The group also appears to lack musical cohesion. While the double bassist manages to do well, the drummer sometimes struggles to keep the rhythm, and the guitarist seems to have the skill level of an amateurish punk group.
The best thing you can do with this album is to store it next to Captain Coma and quickly forget about it.

Slapping Suspenders – The Good, The Bad And The Keeper Of The Seven Waffles

Count Orlok Music – C.O.C.K. XIV [1992]
1000 Ways To Suicide – Whos Dead? – Oh Darling – Ghostriders In The Sky – Sandy – Midnight Hour – Barfin All Night – Piece Of Dead Meat – Send The Hippo To The Gallows – Magnum 44 – Hedgehog – Rip It Up – Rubber Girls – Spanking – Love Is For Fools – Revenge Of The Mad Cow – Shobido

slapping suspenders

The Slapping Suspenders show no significant progress since their first album. Even if the group is more musically diverse, incorporating different tempos and styles into their songs, this album contains seventeen songs, which is way too long for a group of their level.
Additionally, the group’s bawdy side, as heard in their version of “Rip It Up,” may become tiresome rather quickly.

Chicken Jump Skips

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Chicken Jump Skips – Fly Back!!!

Thousands Records – 1000CD-047 [2024]
Honey Hush – Battle Back – Live Wire – Mess Around – Go Heavean – Jailhouse Rock – Mad Stone – Your Wildcat Ways – Saddle Soap

Chicken Jump Skips

Chicken Jump Skips is a band with origins dating back to 1991. Over the years, it has evolved to its current lineup. The band’s first album, released in 2016, demonstrated their talent with an impressive rendition of “Sing Sing Sing.” Now, in 2024, they are back with their second album, which primarily features cover songs. Despite the potential difficulties that come with covering other artists’ work, Chicken Jump Skips’ creativity and skill shine.
The album begins with a strong version of “Honey Hush,” a cover that is certain to capture your attention. Imagine Johnny Burnette’s rendition, but performed at a thrilling 78 rpm, complete with a powerful double bass that will resonate through your surroundings. In just a minute and thirty seconds, the band leaves a lasting impression.
The next track, “Battle Back,” doesn’t skimp on the double bass. It has a perfect melody and a very good structure, alternating between slow and fast parts. A short, original guitar solo brightens up the whole song. Psychobilly is a genre known for mixing with Metal (with various degrees of success). Among the successes is the excellent cover of “Ace Of Spades” by Batmobile. Now we have to consider Chicken Jump Skips’ version of Mötley Crüe’s “Live Wire,” which sets the bar very high and is on par with Batmobile. They manage to maintain the energy of the original track and its characteristic breaks while infusing their own Psychobilly touch. Once again, we can’t help but notice the enormous work of the rhythm section.
We continue with another successful cover with “Mess Around” (Ray Charles), which, in the expert hands of the trio, becomes a clever mix between Ska and Psychobilly with a frantic voice. One of the group’s great qualities is that, although they often play at tempos that would make Chuck Yeager blush, they always remain very melodic, as “Go Heaven” proves. At times, we would be tempted to compare them to Batmobile; this is particularly obvious when we listen to their version of Jailhouse Rock, which copies the melody of its verses from “Bambooland” (and given the result, it is an excellent idea!). “Mad Stone” alternates wild parts with more pop moments. “Your Wildcat Ways” should irritate many a Rockabilly purist, but how good does it feel to hear a band having fun and playing without worrying about anything other than having a good time.
“Saddle Soap” (released in 1985 on the Roughnecks’ first EP) ends the album on a melodious, more Rockabilly note, and it is just as successful.
Furthermore, Chicken Jump Skips has the excellent idea of ​​making a short album (nine tracks and less than 22 minutes), which avoids any attempt at filler and leaves the listener breathless and asking for more (which is always a good sign).

Fred ”Virgil” Turgis

Demented Are Go

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demented are go

Demented Are Go – Demented Are Go Present… The Demon Teds – The Day The Earth Spat Blood

Link Records LINK MLP 084
Country Woman – Brain Damaged Chile (Slight Retard) – One Sharp Knife – Flight 103 – Termite Man -Skitzoid Brain – Now She’s Dead (Warp Mix) Life’s A Bitch/Demon Ted Boogie/Now She’s Dead

demented are go

In 1989, Mark Phillips decided to revive Demented Are Go, which had broken up some time before due to the departure of Lex Luther followed by the double bassist. Faithful Ant Thomas (drums) and Simon Cohen (violin) returned, and the lineup was completed by Billy Favata (double bass) and Mike Pannell (guitar), both from the Court Jesters. The group was quickly offered the opportunity to record an album by Link Records. Despite not having any songs ready and without having rehearsed, Demented Are Go entered the studio to record what would become “Demon Teds… The Day The Earth Spat Blood.” Considering the large quantity of alcohol (and likely other substances) consumed, it’s quite surprising that Link Records was able to release an album at the end of the recording session.
The album includes several filler tracks such as Flight 103, Termite Man, and Life’s A Bitch, which quickly turn into aimless guitar demonstrations with a poor metal sound that borders on bad taste. These are interspersed with various noises and effects seemingly for no reason other than to fill up time. Despite this, there are still some good tracks on this record. When Demented Are Go are at their best, they are truly impressive. With Country Woman, the band creates a new genre that blends country music and Psychobilly with a wild and frantic violin and jaw harp. With its intro that sounds lile a zombie version of the Beach Boys, Brain Damaged Chile is a pure blast of madness, and One Sharp Knife is one of the group’s best songs. This version has a much heavier sound than the first version that appeared on Hell’s Bent On Rockin’! in 1985. Both versions are excellent, but I have a soft spot for the first, which is scarier. Skitzoid Brain is also a good song that captures the band’s signature Psychobilly sound.
It’s unfortunate that the mediocre songs drown out the good ones because these four tracks could have made for a great EP.

The Radioactive Kid

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