Review: DB Cohen - For the Love Of Ella (Ramrock Red Records)

Ramrock Red Records know how to get jazz heads interested in what was originally penned as a theme tune of a TV rom-com, no doubt centred on hilarious antics of characters played by the likes of Wilfred Pickles, Karl Howman or Bill Nighy!

Before that talking of love and r,omance, if you're a fan of Ella Fitgerald and were looking for cover versions for a re-launch of your radio show, look no further than 'Ella' from 1969 for 10 Super Hot pop-pickers choices.  

And nothing to do with this release by DB Cohen (last seen on YATM with 'Manchild' - see review HERE) where he's sailed upstream from the Essex delta blues, picking up Dr. Feelgood and Chris Hill's Soul boys from Canvey Island, only to dock around the corner from Loftus Road (a reference for all the fans of The Libertines out there).

This is energetic indie rock rampage that'll attract Acid-jazz-mod-rockers that have been touched by the Latin Soul of Snowboy and is slated for the tracklist of Craig Charles' BBC 6 Radio show; (he of 'Trunk Of Funk' - see review HERE).

Sounds like a late alternative feature to me whilst we await the album 'On Target' release

Artist: DB Cohen 
Title:  For the Love Of Ella 
Release date: 10th January, 2025
Label: Ramrock Red Records
Cat. No: RRR072
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Scorpio Leisure - No Apologies (The Oddball Creatives VHS Remixes) (Ramrock Red Records)

If you know your VHS from your Betamax, you're half way to loving this one already as The Oddball Creatives return to Scorpio Leisure's 'No Apologies' for a remix treat.

Fans of twangy guitars a la a slo-mo dub of Chris Isaak's 'Blue Hotel' (I know that there's loads of you out there who are) with an eerie post Halloween presence of 'Bela Lugosi's Dead' (Bauhaus, 1979) but with vocals by Hettie Noir in a 80s disco (and now there's even more fans out there into this), will love what The Oddball Creatives (aka Joseph Malik and Daniel Walls) have done on the remix of 'No Apologies' as it's got them instant access, past the Bouncers (Security), straight into the best of basement clubs with this one (plus the instrumental version).

This is so on-trend these dayz (Ed. ohhh, very VHS!) with post-punk disco re-emerging with 'Two Synths, A Guitar (and) a Drum Machine' (Soul Jazz) , 80s revival of Skeet (Almost Unknown/Efficient Space) and a look back to Edinburgh's Fast Product label.

You'll recall the Malik/Walls partnership we're responsible for the totally synth-funky 'Only Fans' from last years' 'Album Of The Year' (see review HERE) and but most recently the X-Press 2 remixes, see review HERE). 

The 'No Apologies' remix fits nicely in the ball park of F*CLR's Natashia Kitty Kat (also Edinburgh based) after her recent release, 'Intergalatic Vampire' (see review HERE) and don't forget Scorpio Leisure's 'Give Us Some Space' (see review HERE) that's equally great.

Now, where can I get one of those Poker/Golf/Tennis visors?

Artist: Scorpio Leisure
Title: No Apologies (The Oddball Creatives VHS Remixes) 
Release date: 8th November, 2024
Label: Ramrock Red Records
Cat. No: RRR071
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: The Secret Garden - Names In The Sky feat. Jo Wallace (Ramrock Red Records)

Whether it's the Garden of Eden, The Garden of Earthly Delights or indeed, The Secret Garden, here's the flowering of Mrs Ramrock on vocals for 'Names In The Sky'.

Jo Wallace, the boss at Ramrock HQ, has made an appearance previously on the label (see review HERE) was introduced by Dan The Drum (he of 'Jazzcazz - see review HERE) to Alex of The Secret Garden and the result is this great track, 'Names In The Sky'.

Whilst older readers may imagine a John Gordon Sinclair /  Clare Grogan moment on the "End Of Summer" headland/beach but this is always going to be "current" which is kind of ironic as Alex's inspiration and the title was inspired by a Nancy Wilson track from 1968.

But don't get the impression that this is all dreamy stuff as the track (with the instrumental) is serious disco-boogie-funk ready for the spaceship dancefloor (and possibly a dubby remix from the Morris & Wallace team?)

Another winner from Ramrock and perfect timing as ever. 

Artist: The Secret Garden

Title: Names In The Sky feat. Jo Wallace

Release date: 28th October, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR070

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: D.B Cohen - Manchild (Ramrock Red Records)

Troubadour D.B Cohen has a new album coming out and if it's all as good as 'Manchild', Ramrock fans (and everbody else) have got something great to look forward to.

DB Cohen's been drinking at the corner of 'Scratchcards & Wine' (see album review HERE) but on this new single, 'Manchild' he's channeling his inner Muddy 'Mannish Boy' Waters with a bit of Captain Beefheart.

And if you're recording in the hear of the Essex delta, you've just gotta call Mark 'Snowboy' Cotgrove - Latin jazz dance legend last seen on YATM supporting Dele Sosimi & The Estuary 21 album on Wah Wah 45s, 'The Confluence' (see review HERE).

The 'difficult' (not in Dan's case') second album, 'On Target' is due out in November and  Snowboy production so more excitement next month.

Artist: DB Cohen 
Title: Manchild
Release date: 18th October, 2024
Label: Ramrock Red Records
Cat. No: RRR067
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: New King - Summer Sun (Mr Bassio Vocal + Vocal Lite Remixes + TOSS Remix) (Ramrock Red Records)

If there ares any sun kings out there, beware, there's a New King in town and about to be crowned!

Regular readers will know that we've been closely following the progress of the New King's 'Summer Sun' releases (see review HERE for the Original with a D.Foe remix and HERE for the Stefano De Santos Remix).  Now the Bank Holiday has passed and the kids are back at skool, is this the best of the triptych?

Well, trippy this triptych is and I've been saying, "New King are Rob Clydesdale and Mark Daniels from D.Foe, featuring the amazingly ethereal vocalist, Noah and Ruben Campos" and these vocals and Ruben's flamenco guitar expertise comes to the fore on Mr. Basso two vocal versions as it's out-there to D.Foe's "Balearic dub".

T.O.S.S does take them all into a main room beach environment where the summer sunburns are re-heated.

Some think that the Ramrock family should do a 3-part release for all thier works (but not Joe Probert's 'Hold Up' that came out recently - see review HERE) and I'd say all three of these releases are proof of that.

PS. Many will have seen the support Ramrock's "Daddy" Ashley Beedle has received this week and the GOFUNDME campaign; equally, if you feel like X-Press 2 to support by choosing 'music', this is another way, especially on a Bandcamp Friday.

ASHLEY BEEDLE’S FUNDRAISER FOR URGENT HELP AND ONGOING CARE HERE

Artist: New King

Title: Summer Sun EP (Mr Bassio Vocal + Vocal Lite Remixes + TOSS Remix) 

Release date: 6th September, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR069

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Joe Probert - Hold Up (Ramrock Red Records)

Ramrock's Jo Wallace knows you know after nailing down Bristolian Joe, now living in New Zealand, you can be sure this guy will hold up as a super talent.

Almost exactly a year since 'The Nose EP' (see review HERE) we thought that this guy was as funky as a mosquitos you know whats it but clearly he's also absorbed some of Joe Dukie's soul as he adopts more of that classic Motown soul soaked strings on 'Hold Up' (thats as equally impressive as vocals and instrumental versions)

Note, the label are adamant that there's no remixes or edits of these two tracks and you've got to admit, it's a perfect as it is.

This track has that type of impact of 'Sixteen With A Bullet' (Pete Wingfield) or 'I Can't Stand The Rain' (Ann Peebles) [kids, ask your grandparents] that shouts "MAGIC" at you!

Clearly the Ramrock team have done it again, amazing consistency release after release - we love 'em and Joe's album is going to have a huge impact.

Artist: Joe Probert

Title: Hold Up EP

Release date: 2nd September, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR066

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: New King - Summer Sun EP (Stefano De Santis Remix) (Ramrock Red Records)

Sun King's beware, there's a New King in town and about to be crowned!

Of course, a week is a long time in the reign of a New King because, just last week we were introduced to New King and their Summer Sun EP (Original Vocal + D.Foe Remix - see review HERE) and then we've got a Stefano De Santis take as vocal and instrumental versions.

You'll recall fellow "Ramrocker" Stefano from his 'Stick With Rhyme' and 'Unreachable Galaxy' releases (see review HERE) and he adds a layer of low down Latin jazz-funk shuffle and you get a vocal and instrumental version that's ready for a dancefloor warm-up.  

DJ Colin Curtis is a big fan of Stefano and he's worked with WheelUp too - Curtis and WheelUp where Djing in spiting distance of each other the other week at WeOutHere Festival so all of tthem know what get gets us on our feet.  

As you'll know, New King are Rob Clydesdale and Mark Daniels from D.Foe, featuring the amazingly ethereal vocalist, Noah and Ruben Campos.

So this is the 'middle' release of this 'Summer Sun' triptych so equally excited to hear the final installment..

Artist: New King

Title: Summer Sun EP (Stefano De Santis Remix) 

Release date: 30th August, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR068

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: The Jennifer Ewan Band - Space Girl (Ramrock Red Records)

On the space ship we find the high flyin' The Jennifer Ewan Band who has us in orbit with 'Space Girl'.

Nearly a year to the day that we found out 'Something Ain’t Right' on the EP by The Jennifer Ewan Band as it was our introduction to Celtic Cajun on the Clyde estuary banked by the Louisana bayou (see review HERE).

With an accent as strong as Susan Calman/Val Mcdermid (for the avoidance of doubt, that's a good thing), Ms. Ewan gives this tremendous swagger as we get the blast off.  

Be prepared for the instrument too with full accordion swing-a-long for Cajun and Zydeco types.

If you're in the Highlands for some golf or holidays, the band have been supporting Bill Bailey this summer and can be regularly seen at Edinburgh's Jazz Bar with their 'Bonnie Bayou' show and as part of the Fringe Festival.

Wonder if these guys could do a cover of 'Sea Cruise'?

Artist: The Jennifer Ewan Band 

Title: Space Girl

Release date: 19th August, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR064

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Dan The Drum + Ronnie Turner - JazzCazz ft Emma Noble (Ramrock Red Records)

Trust a serious musicologist 'of the cover' version like Jo Wallace (Ramrock/F*CLR head honcho) to know that the 1980 disco chart buster 'Casanova' by Coffee was not the original version!  

The original tribute to the exploits attributed to Giovanni Jacopo Casanova was sung by Ruby Andrews in 1967 and I bet they'd never have imagined that song re-interpreted as Dan 'The Drum' Spalding and Ronnie Turner have in 2024 with Emma Noble on vocals. It's full of cool 60s Blue Note/Dave Brubeck 'Take Five' swing with Emma's vocals perfect for the jazzification of the lyrics; "Hey boy, your playing days are over". They've even squeezed in a bit of a nod to hip-hop and dub; kinda US3 'Cantaloop' that was just as massive.

We're told there's lots more to come from this Spalding/Turner set up that's going to appeal to BBC 6 Music's obvious candidates like Craig Charles (what did I say on his latest compilation on BBE - see review HERE) and Gilles Peterson - and way beyond.....trust me

Artist: Dan The Drum + Ronnie Turner

Title: JazzCazz ft Emma Noble 

Release date: 26th July, 2024

Label : Ramrock Red Records.

Catalog Number : RRR063

Format :  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: ROY INC. & Darren Morris - Credit Me EP (Ramrock Red Records)

If you said that Roy INC. had a bad credit rating, you better check his history and give the man some credit, especially for the new single on Ramrock Red, 'Credit Me'.

As a singer / songwritter / composer / arranger / performer, Mr. INC. has worked with an amazing array of industry big heads over the years including Frank Ocean, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Grace Jones, Donna Summer, Sting, The Pet Shop Boys, Neneh Cherry, Mica Paris, Suede, The Verve, Living Colour, Johnny Hallyday, Eros Ramazzotti and Cerrone.

And on this 3-track EP, equal credit is due to Darren Morris as the pair of them conjure up a deep synth driven Acid-Italo-house that Cerrone, Horse Meat Disco, Joseph Malik, Martin Green, Rusty Egan, Dom Servini would all approve of.

There's a clean and original (explicit) versions with an equally stunning instrumental to get you hot and sweaty in club or festival location.

Ramrock Red's sister/brother/associate label, F*CLR stunned us with the synth-disco 'Galactic Love' by Natasha Kitty Katt featuring His Bitter Truth (see Review HERE) and they'd be more than enough to get the party started and the cheque book out.

And credit where credit is due, we're promised more ROY INC x Darren Morris collaborations in 2024 together with Joe Goddard (Hot Chip), George T (Mr. Malik), Hannah Holland (of Ashley Beedle remix fame) all joining in the fun.

Artist: ROY INC. & Darren Morris 
Title: Credit Me EP
Release date: 17^th May, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records
Cat. No: RRR062

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: King Bee ft. Dave Wilde - On The Hill (Ramrock Red Records)

It's so good to be back as King Bee are now 'On The Hill' and it could literally be that!

It doesn't seem that long ago that we were heralding the new era in jazz dance Brit-funk with King Bee's previous single, 'Good To Be Back' (see review HERE).  But can this new track be even better as they and Ramrock Red Records (and Mrs Ramrock, Jo Wallace in particular) are one rack away from winning the match (a term Mosconi Cup fans will know well).

Once more, the Newcastle based seven piece band that features the classic three horn front line with Chris Jelly on vibraphone, has Dave Wilde taking on featured vocalist duties for the first time giving a post-Weller-esque sound to their own condensed acid-jazz'd Incognito/ Chevalier Brothers/ Morrissey Mullen/ Beggar & Co. cool selves.

Expect even more support from DJ fans, Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music), DJ Robbie Vincent (Jazz FM), The Relex, and more as they all line-up to pot the proverbial 9 ball!

Artist: King Bee
Title: On The Hill ft. Dave Wilde
Release date: May 10th, 2024
Label: Ramrock Red Records
Cat No: RRR061

Review: Suddenly WOW! - Space Soul Mother EP (Ramrock Red Records)

We know your funk soul brother will want to know where your 'Space Soul Mother' is these days; Suddenly WOW! has found her.

Last summer we were introduced to Suddenly WOW!'s 'Plastic Life' other world but these space cowboys (aka Otti Albietz and Darren Morris) are now "out there" and this is their message from 2099.

In three parts, the main propulsion system being the 'Space Soul Mother' original version, the stripped back mix being the guidance system and the super dreamy instrumental which sounds to me like the structural element of the EP: all versions combine to deliver a mighty payload that emits space travel 60s optimism rather than private paid landings on the moon in 2023. 

Does this seem a lot different to 'Little Things' (see review HERE) and their big hit from last year, 'Plastic Life' (see review HERE)?  It's definitely less krautrock and more Hall & Oates mixed with a Balearic electric guitar with a touch of Bowie's space dub and some Love Unlimited Orchestra strings (and who wouldn't love that?).

Did I hear someone say, "Remix" - Naaaaaaaah, it's perfect as it is! And what would your (space soul) mother say? (Mrs Ramrock says....there could be a meteoric No'West remix in the asteroid belt).

Artist: Suddenly WOW!

Title: Space Soul Mother EP 

Release date: 29th March, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR059

Review: Substance Abuse ft. Kurious - Don't Add Me EP (Ramrock Red Records)

Substance Abuse is a pretty cool name for a couple of High School kids that happened to find themselves growing up a the heart of the LA hip-hop scene in the 1990s; but what's this match up with Kurious all about in 2024?

Curiously enough, I find that I picked up their 'Profitless Thoughts' 12" featuring MF Doom a mere 10 years after it was released on Kutmasta Kurt's Santa Monica label Threshold Recordings, (Ed. it's take's that long for Imports?) but when you're hanging around Peanut Butter Wolf, Madlib, Declaime, Oh No and the like like they were, it's still a surprise that their 'Bridges' track (featuring Aceyalone) came on Ramrock Red  back in 2019.

Apparently, the connection with 'Bridges' was made via Ladbroke Audio's A&R man Neil who introduced Ramrock's Jo Wallace and Kurious is equally well connected with scene legends like Doom (particularly, on 'Born Like This' that features my favourite Dilla track, 'Lightworks') and Kool Keith (he of Dr. Octagon and many, many more).

'Don't Add Me' is more funky-jazz hip-hop, consious boom bap with the sideways poke (no pun) at the shallowness of the 'social media' fallacy of off quoted likes/adds/plays etc is some quality assurance (and that's without touching the evil of SM's role in the increasing list of teen/adult murders).  

Back to the record, in explicit, clean, instrumental forms, "Don't Add Me" is perhaps a reminder that social media can be a force tor good and any rap that warns us that, "Gil Scott-Heron will not post on Instagram" - is an odd mirror of 'This Revolution Will Not Be Televised'; a far cry from Kardasians/West self-implosion

Nicely follow's the label's Joeseph Malik's release, 'Be A Lion' featuring Kameelah Waheed (see review HERE) and in both cases, all are showing us that hip-hop still has substance and it's not to be abused; you do the sums (as the kids might say).

PS. Big radio shouts to BBC 6 Music for their Dilla day (especially Gilles Peterson for featuring BBE's Peter Adarkwah at Gilles Peterson - Pete BBE on J Dilla - BBC Sounds : as one Detroit resident put it, "it seems that you're doing more (to celebrate) than we are in Detroit".

Artist: Substance Abuse 

Title: Don't Add Me ft Kurious

Release date: 19th February, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red

Cat. No: RRR055

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: DB Cohen - Scratchcards & Wine (Ramrock Red Records)

Lately, there's been repeated remarks about 'cover artwork' and here's another, this is not a cassette but Ramrock Red Records' latest on vinyl by DB Cohen.

So you think you know Ramrock Red with their heavy influences from the US (like Twelve Caesars modern classic, 'Ride The American Wave' - see review HERE) and now, this album is actually a re-issue of a 2013 lost gem.

Ok, there's a strong Dylan influence at times with the 'Hurricane'/'Just Like A Woman' period harmonica, organ and lyrically cleverness but equally, the music seems to owe just as much to the UK with The Kinks, 2-Tone (more Dexy's soul and Specials dips into reggae), a touch of 70s Stones, throw in some Blur, the peak-swing of the Libertines and angst of Essex Bragg; quite a gig! 

In fact, Essex 'everpresent' Snowboy is on here (he of the 'New York Afternoon' LP and more recently seen on Dele Sosimi & Estuary 21 - see review HERE) as he produced the album and it's not surprising the influence spread as the London scene he gathered here have played with many head-liner acts like Faithless, Gorillaz, Adele, JTQ, Steve Hooker, Roger Daltry et al (oh! and Adele). In fact, I'm sure people were thinking the DB was all ready to be on all the top festival billings/chart success.  

But now's the time to give this album the love it deserves.  The past 10 years have done nothing to lessen the relevance of the songs.  Kicking off with a song about being a teacher, 'Shit Jobs' (of course, you don't have to be in Education industry to have one of those) and if you've got, 'Tim Smart on 'bone from the Specials' at your service doing his best "Rico", what more do you need?, 

Cohen's troubadour lifestyle has helping him with the subject matter of the songs with 'The Dealer' (remember: sometimes words have more than one meaning), 'Bus 142' (is that Fulham?) and the title track, 'Scratchcards'.

Unllike scratchcards, this collection has matured with age [like wine] and is sure to be 'Album Of The Week' on all good radio stations - putting my money on BBC 6 Music, Radio Essex and Colne FM for first a trifector/patent winner!  Bigger odds that a sratchcard.

A new album is planned for next year 'On Targe' (sounds a bit mod?) and I hope Snowboy can get involved as he did such a brilliant job here; roll on 2024.

Artist: DB Cohen 

Title: Scratchcards & Wine

Release date: 24th November, 2023

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRRLP012 

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Twelve Caesars - Ride The American Wave (No’West Remix EP) (Ramrock Red Records)

World Surf League followers will be just recovering from the recent Malibu Longboard Championships but the big winner on our finals chart is the No'West remixes of 'Ride the American Wave'.

This year we've really enjoyed Twelve Caesars' album 'Scenes From Wild Eyed Dreams' (see review HERE) and particularly the single, 'California Sleaze' (see review HERE) but label big wigs apparently always had there eye on the closing track on the album, 'Ride the American Wave' for a full Twelve 'bore' Caesars Beedle/Morris/Wallace coming down the barrel remix.

The EP comes in 3 versions, 'No'West Vocal', 'No'West Dub', 'No'West Insturmenta' together with the original.  And if you thought the original was on the Californian West Coast Highway road trip with CS&N, Beach Boys, Grateful Dead the No'West version(s) get even more psychedelic with the addition of Darren Morris's fuzz pedal and the violin wave that gives it some British 70s rock to it, did someone say, "Beatles, The Who, Supertramp, Man and many more" who's somehow slithered into the the mixing desk and makes the trio of remixes even more complete; rumours of a 'The Whole Side Of 'Side-A' Edit' may be exagerated but it's not a bad idea as this is a fantastic 20 minutes that can satisify your all your soft rock balaerics needs.

And what is this 'Ride The American Wave' about? Apparently it's an adaptation from Hilaire Belloc's book, 'The Modern Traveller' (free to download on Project Gutenberg) and there's a deeper sense of foreboding going on the keeps your attention throughout; especially if your waxing your boards.

PS. Point Break is the best surf-inspired action films of all time. 

Artist: Twelve Caesars

Title: Ride The American Wave 

Release date: 3rd November, 2023

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR054

Review: Leo Pesci - Impolite (Ramrock Red Records)

Well, it'd be 'Impolite' not to! 

Yes, Team Ramrock have done it again with an excellent album of eight tracks inspired by the West Coast wave of 'new' hip-hop/soul/jazzers like Lamar, Glasper and Thundercat (sound like a firm of very suspect firm of Attorneys at Law?)

Leo Pesci's got that jazz heritage to his insightful hip hop a la Tribe Called Quest - if Roy Hargrove was around, he'd appreciate the opener 'Nuffin' Left But Crumbs' and the single, 'Power Clash'.

Jackson Mathod's trumpet on the single/album is a revelation and on an elevating positive outlook, we move onto 'Betta Now' that's more fully into the Dwele end of soul/R&B.

'Soprano's Theme' (Pesci, hey! Any relation?) and 'Evry1's Theory' lyrically point at the depressing world we've created; and then the music brings us hope of peace and love

Whilst this has echoes of the musical past, particularly Dwele / Hargrove/ RH Factor/ MC Solaar(en anglais), there's post-Thundercat / Flying Lotus / Kamasi Washington hints with the space-bruk of 'Dario's Pummarola' - supreme synth work and definitely one you're going to hear a lot of on the radio in the future - and the rally-cry of 'NU-ST8'.

Stay tuned and order the the vinyl; is it 'Impolite'? Take in 'Leo's MSG' and reflect on.

Artist: Leo Pesci

Title: Impolite

Release date: 20th October, 2023

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRRLP011

Reveiw: Joseph Malik - Adjust Like Dat (Ramrock Red Records)

Craig Charles' favourite track of the new album, 'Adjust Like Dat' has just got a single release on Ramrock Red Records as vocal and instrumental versions.

Can we possibly say how good the album is, 'Proxima Ebony' (see review HERE) but if Mr Charles plays any track on BBC 6 Music's flagship 'Funk & Soul' show 3 (count 'em) weeks in a row, you know it's a tune.  And even more gratifing that's it's Joseph's tribute to his Dad, Francis Ukachukwu Malik (hence the tradition Nigerian dress in Igbo tribal colours.

And for those with a ear for this kinda of thing, you might reckonise Darren Morris' backing track is a cover of Norman 'The Harris Machine' Harris' 'In Good Faith' that got a wider audience when the 1980 track turned up on Harmless' compilation, 'Jazzy Vibes - Soulful Jazz Licks From The 70s'. 

Getting back to Mr. Malik's track, did someone say Jo Wallace is on back vocals?  And what's Joseph's Bill Wither's story anyway?

Artist: Joseph Malik 

Title: Adjust Like Dat 

Release date: 29th September, 2023

Label: Ramrock Red

Cat. No: RRR053

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Joe Probert - The Nose EP (Ramrock Red)

When you've got Tim Goldsworthy (DFA, UNKLE, Hercules & Love Affair) and Ramrock's Jo Wallace after a Bristolian living in New Zealand, you can be sure that they're sniffing out some super talent.

Over the last 20 years, New Zealand has proved to be more than just an musical outpost that produced Split Enz/Crowed House/Finn Brothers and Charles Tumahai (BeBop Deluxe) as the likes of Fat Freddy's Drop/Joe Dukie and Julien Dyne have seen them have album releases on cult labels in the UK and Europe.

And now it's Joe Probert's turn as his unique soul/funk/pop is right up Ramrock's as 'No Hot Fever' gets psych/funked-out, 'Toe The Line' that's classic Motown soul soaked vocal/organ (you get me, Mrs Ramrock?) and 'Tired Of Waiting' which is my pick of the three; that said, I can see all three getting played on all the great radio stations throughout the day.

Who know's why it's call The Nose (why not 'The Toe'?) but if you're a fan of Joseph Malik's new album, 'Proxima Ebony' (see review HERE), here's another must have and it's frightening to think how good these guys are and indeed, what's to come!

Did someone say, DJ Gerry Hectic was on the undercard to Tim Goldsworthy in Bournemouth many moons ago?  I thought not.

Artist: Joe Probert

Title: The Nose EP

Release date: 22nd September, 2023

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR052

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Scorpio Leisure - Give Us Some Space (Ramrock Red)

We are told that this is this the lastest in, "Ennio Morricone vs The Clash spaghetti western reggae....": you'll have to give us some space to let that sink in! 

If you're a little worn on the Clash's 'Bankrobber'/'Dub' and after a bit more rockabilly as in Brian Setzer (he's got a new album out too, 'The Devil Always Collects') with the Camden Cat (Daniel Jeanrenaud) and the spirit of Joe Meek, here's a reviver with a sting in the tail.

That said, you've got to watch those pinchers at the front as they've got a vocal version and an instrumental double punch.

The only thing this is missing is a full string orchestra OST version and a full on dub but that apart, this is another winner from the Ramrock Red team.

Artist: Scorpio Leisure

Title: Give Us Some Space EP

Release date: 18th September, 2023

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR051

Format: Bandcamp / Digital