WILD BILLY CHILDISH & CTMF
‘HOUSE ON FIRE’
(Damaged Goods)
Three years is a long time in Billy Childish’s world to wait for a follow-up, but that’s how long it’s been since CTFM’s last studio album. For those that waited patiently, this was worth it. This is Childish and co in uncompromising mood, kicking off with the autobiographical ‘The Magpie’s Flown’ the stage is set, there’s almost unbridled anger in places from the main man with pressure cooker scream kick ins to seriously jagged guitar breaks. Those that understand completist Childish ambitions are as insane, will be pleased that covers ‘Untitled’ and ‘Shape of Things’ previously only available on limited edition vinyl are included, even the biggest of Billy’s fans will appreciate the melodic relief when Julie Hamper takes up vocals on a handful of these 14 tracks, including the title track she wrote which started as a love song but ended as a revenge ditty, it’s a wild ride.
Simon Nott
CHARLIE BROWN
‘HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOSSIP?’
(Bear Family)
A ten-inch ten track vinyl platter which celebrates the music of Texan ranch hand Charlie Brown and his much younger sidekick guitarist later to be ‘The Fingerless Fiddler’ Roy Thackerson. These tracks bar two were recorded in 1955 when Charlie was already 42 years old but he belts out prime examples of rockabilly in its purest form, Elvis’ Sun recordings of the time sound veritably cosmopolitan in comparison. Brown’s musical ‘career’ only last 12 months and two singles on the Rose label, A-sides ‘Mean Mean Mama’ and ‘Have You Heard The Gossip’ are proto rockabilly backed with more country numbers, the rocking sides may well have been a little too much for the conservative rural audience of Callahan County, as they put plenty primal bounce into what’s still predominantly hillbilly, this album contains the alternative versions of ‘Gossip’ and its flip ‘Don’t Put The Blame On Me’ also on the set are home recordings including an echo drenched ‘Milkcow Blues Boogie’. The two outlier tracks from a dateline perspective are ‘Back To B Boogie’ from 1953 erroneously titled ‘Pickin’ by Cees Klop and Roy Thackerton’s excellent ‘Guitar Boogie’ from a 2003 session. This is a wonderful little package complete with booklet and sleeve notes, Bear Family doing what it does best.
Simon Nott
BIG JOHN GREER
‘ROCKS’
(Bear Family)
The latest instalment of the hugely popular ‘Rocks’ series focusing on Big John Greer, whose career faded out as rock n roll stormed in, or rather the latest version of rock n roll superseded his big band precursor. Make no mistake though, Big John was rocking and rolling from 1948 both vocally and honking that tenor saxophone of his backed by some of the best musicians of their day. Tracks recorded between 1948 and 1950 include ‘Wineola’ ‘Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee’ ‘Long Tall Gal’ and ‘Big Rock’ from a long list. Greer was a regular at RCA’s Studio 2 for much of the early to mid-1950’s kicking on with honking songs about women and drinking with apparently no particular preference for which particular indulgence recording for RCA-Victor, King and Groove laying down some memorable and extremely danceable tracks which still make great listening and I’m sure dancing. The new sounds of 1956 had already eclipsed Big John Greer’s style when recorded ‘Midnight Ramble’ and ‘Duck Walk’ for King the release that marked the end of near a decade of fine rocking jump. This is another terrific addition to the ‘Rocks’ hall of fame.
Simon Nott
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