Man or Astro Man? - The Miracle of Genuine Pyrex

In honor of their long awaited return to Earth this November....

Unknown Hinson - Venus Bound

What could be better than a vampiric king of country n western troubadours? A vampiric king of country n western troubadours, in space...

The Red Elvises - Love Pipe

From the land of frozen dreams and solid skies, here's our commie red friends with a song from one of the best cinematic features ever produced, Six String Samurai.

The Raveonettes - Love In A Trashcan

...and now, everyone's favotite Danish duo.

The Kaisers TV Appearance - Hip Shake Shimmy Kitten

While I am reluctant to claim that the beat sound of the 60's has ever left our friends over in jolly ole England, there have definitely been resurgence of popularity over the years. None have captured that sound quite like the Kaisers. Hailing from Scotland, the Kaisers made a name for themselves within the beat scene in the early 90's that eventually lead to a US tour in the mid 90's. The Kaisers have such a hold of the invasion sound that they have been mistakingly put on 1960's compilation albums. Their last album "Shake Me" was released in 2001, and the members have since gone on to other projects. Kaiser George has his own work as well as occasionally lending his vocal talent for Los Straitjackets, the Hi-Risers and the Neanderthals. Occasionally, two other band members will join with two members of the Rapiers and play as the Ravemen. While the Kaisers have no official videos, here they are in their first TV appearance performing a song off their first album "Squarehead Stomp", a 1993 release from No Hit Records...

THE NEATBEATS / 59 BAR

To start out our international week I would like to introduce a band that I know absolutely nothing about. In fact, I just discovered them today. Japan has always had a special fondness for early rock and roll, and the Neatbeats have captured the essence of that sound. I don't know what they're singing about, but based on the music alone, this song would have had the potential to easily become one of those great country-pop-rock crossover hits of the 60's.

Southern Culture on the Skids/ Deja Varoom!

Don't feel much like talkin' today, so here's a quick one from our favorite countripolitans.

Black Diamond Heavies - Sinnerman

AT@T have been running the hell out of their commercials that feature a sample of Nina Simone's "Oh Sinner Man", but they always leave you wanting. You just cannot cut such a great song before her vocals even kick in. This song has been covered countless times over the years, and while none can top Nina's version, to my ears, the Black Diamond Heavies come pretty close. This version just rocks while keeping a level of soul consistent to what Nina put in. Plus, you can never go wrong with a distorted Fender Rhodes. If you're diggin' on the Black Keys like I am, you'll really enjoy these guys.

The Howlies-Aluminum Baseball Bat

Another one from Georgia. I just love the sound of this song... and it will get stuck in your head for the rest of the day, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. This is a fun little video if you can overlook the over-the-top lip syncing and the slightly off timed props. You can also piece together how many takes they used with a close study of the road. The best part comes at the end, both musically and visually. As the song picks up an impromptu street dance party happens full of the most random assortment of characters... including a 3 legged robot.

Los Straitjackets: Tempest

Just got in from a week long conference down in Wilmington, so for all of our efforts in The Coastal Society....

Surfs Up.



and Wilmington's own The Noseriders

April March- Mingnonette

April March’s voice gives an aire of child-like innocence, which directly contrasts with the often times racy lyrics in many of the songs in her 1996 album “April in Paris”, which was mostly covers of 1960’s standards of french pop. “Chick Habit” is probably her most notable song due to it’s inclusion on the soundtrack to the movie “Death Proof”. With a style and sound directly influenced by young french pop artists such as Françoise Hardy, France Gall, Dalida, and Mina, it’s no surprise that she would be one of the few contemporary artists featured in a Tarintino film.



Another notable piece from April...



Something you may recognize... April didn't translate this, but wrote her own english lyrics, although she did also record the french version too...

Sarah Shannon's "City Morning Song"

Here is one of my favorite singers from the 90's. While in the indie band Velocity Girl, Sarah Shannon's voice added a smooth finish to the rough edged guitar driven sound. On much of their first album, Copacetic, the heavy distortion had a tendency to drown out her voice, but as their sound became more cleaner in the years to come, it all began to meld together beautifully. Sarah is now one here own and has gravitated to a more orchestrated sound. City Morning Song is aptly titled, however, with the Burt Bacharach-ish arrangement, it could easily be a morning some 40 years ago.

The pipettes-Pull Shape

This week's theme is dedicated to the women who are carrying that 60's sound into the future.

Hailing from Brighton UK, The Pipettes envoke the spirit of many of the girl groups from the early 60's like The Shangri-las, The Ronettes, The Honeys, The Crystals and the Chiffons. The brain child of singer/song writer/producer Robert "Monster Bobby" Barry, who's attempt to bring back that Phil Spector sound was right-on. The Pipettes had more membership overturn in the last 2 years than any sound that works this well together should. Here is the second (and longest lasting) incarnation with Gwenno, RiotBecki and Rosay.



If this video looks familiar to you, than you may need to think back to The Carrie Nations in Beyon the Valley of the Dolls. Of course, these songs are nothing alike.

The Woggles (from KNIGHTS OF FUZZ)

Before leaving Atlanta, it would be utterly irresponsible of me to not introduce you to The Woggles. They have been the keepers of that 60's garage and soul sound for more than twenty years now. Even when they decide to cover a 60's original, they delve so far into obscurity and make that song their own that you will think they wrote it themselves. From their 2003 album of the same name, here's Ragged But Right.

The 45's "Superpill"

There has always been a certain timeless quality to the south, and this was never more true than when it comes to the music. If you decided to venture through Dixie with a blindfold on, you would be hard pressed to tell what year it is. Due to the shear volume, you could be certain that you would gravitate towards Georgia, and when you opened your eyes you would be standing in Atlanta in front of The Star Bar or The Earl when the Forty Fives are playing. Here from their 2004 release "High Life High Volume" is Superpill.



Here's a Fun little short featuring our favorite solar powered, winged attorney, and music by the Forty Fives.

Nowhere Boy Official Movie Trailer 2009

Looks to be a fun movie. Kickass as young John Lennon. Really looking forward to this.

Alive and Amplified

Formed back in 97, the Mooney Suzuki took the clubs of NYC back to the garage. These four lads have no loss of energy,which is how we want to sent the stage for this blog. Here with probably their most recognizable release "Alive and Amplified" from the 2004 album of the same name.... The Mooney Suzuki!!!