Fan Club...The Brian James Story...Show # 280

After his departure from The Damned in 1977, Brian James made recordings for a solo single featuring Police drummer Stewart Copeland. Titled Ain't That A Shame, the single was backed with the song "I Can Make You Cry (another single from these session was released in 1982 titled Why? Why? Why?). Brian James decided not to continue with a solo career. He instead joined up with the band Chelsea playing lead guitar on the track "No Escape", which would appear as a seven inch single and on a full length ablum the same name in 1980/1981. He joined up with Iggy Pop's solo band. While he played many live shows with Iggy, he was not featured on any studio recordings. He was however on live albums such as Heroin Hates You.

Brain James then teamed up with Dead Boys front man Stiv Bators to form a new band that would be titled Lords of New Church. Consisting of Bators on vocals, James on guitar, Dave Tregunna (of Sham 69) on bass, and Nicky Turner (of The Barracudas) on drums, the band lasted from 1982-1989.  They recorded three full length albums (The Lords of New Church (1982), Is Nothing Sacred? (1983), and The Method of Madness (1984)) and an EP. The music of the band reflects a Glam and Punk nature, but they are sometimes labeled as Goth Rock. In 1982, The Lords of New Church had a top 40 single (#32 on the Canadian singles charts) with the song "Open Your Eyes".

In addition to being in these bands Brian James also formed the short lived band, Tanz Der Youth. James also played guitar in a band called The Dripping Lips, who released an album in 1998 entitled Ready To Crack. He was also in a super group called Mad For the Racket, which featured Stewart Copeland, Wayne Kramer, Clem Burke, and Duff McKagan. They recorded and released an album in 2001 that was titled The Racketeers. Brian James has throughout the 80's/90's reunited with The Damned off and on, there has also been numerous Damned collections released featuring outtakes when Brian was still with the band. He currently plays with a new band titled The Brian James Gang (a self titled album was released in 2006) and he also plays with The Lords of New Church. They reunited in 2003, with a new singer Adam Becvare (Stiv Bators passed away in 1990). An album titled Hang On was released in 2003.

The Play List:

1. The Velvet Underground - White Light/White Heat
2. The Dishrags - Carry On
3. Hot Nasties - Steppin' Stone
4. The Spys - Best That I Can Get (Demo)
5. The Diodes - That Was The Way It Was
6. Deja Voodoo - Call Link Wray
7. Christian D & The Hangovers - Vampire Rocker
8. The Drums - Let's Go Surfing
9. Harlem - Friendly Ghost
10. The Mink Chicks - I Can't Stop Being Foolish 
11. The Vores - Stress
12. Brian James - Living In Sin
13. Brian James - Another Time, Another Crime
14. The Brian James Gang - VIP
15. Tanz Der Youth - Delay
16. King - Baby Sign Here With Me
17. Carbon/Silicon - Make It Alright 
18. Devo & Neil Young - Hey Hey My My
19. Keith Levene - Cold Turkey
20. The Clash - London Calling (Vanilla Tapes Version) 

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for December 29th. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

2009 Holiday Special....Show #279

Today's program featured all Christmas/Holiday based songs. Several of the songs were from newer bands, but many were older classic songs from the 60's Garage and 70's Punk era.

In 1966, on the Northwest coast three Garage Rock bands put together a Christmas album Titled Merry Christmas. This album was made up of almost all original compositions and the songs on the album are not your traditional holiday songs.  It featured three bands, The Sonics, The Wailers, and The Galaxies. On this album you will find three songs by The Sonics ("Santa Claus", "The Village Idiot", and "Don't Believe in Christmas"), three songs from The Wailers ("She's Comin' Home", "Christmas Spirit", "Maybe This Year"), and four songs from The Galaxies ("Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer", "Please Come Home For Christmas", "Christmas Eve", "The Christmas Song"). Originally released on The Wailers Etiquette label, this album was re-issued on CD in 1991, but is often overlooked. It is a great Christmas album in true Garage Rock fashion, that now is very hard to find because it is no longer in print. On today's program I played a song by The Sonics from this album. I also played two other bands covering "Santa Claus" (The Gruesomes, and The D4), which is a song that is also on this album.  

Christmas Play List:

1. The Features - Christmas Wish Book
2. Pointed Sticks -X-Mas Time Again 
3. The Swimmers - The Christmas Sound
4. Duotang - Old Man Davie's Christmas Kingdom
5. Snow Globe-ins - Christmas Dog
6. Evaporators - Who Are You?
7. Atomic 7 - Senor Santa El Es El Monstruo
8. Johnny Cash - I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day
9. The Bicycles - Snow 
10. The Raveonettes - The Christmas Song
11. Los Straitjackets - Jingle Bell Rock
12. The Greedies - A Merry Jingle
13. The D4 - Santa Claus
14. The Yobs - Silent Night (Single Version)
15. Stiff Little Fingers - White Christmas 
16. The Kinks - Father Christmas
17. The Sonics - Don't Believe in Christmas
18. Joey Ramone - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) 
19. The Pogues - Fairytale of New York 
20. Julian Casablancas - I Wish It Was Christmas Today
21. The Gruesomes - Santa Claus
22. Pearl Jam - Santa God 
23. The Flaming Lips - Christmas At the Zoo
24. REM - Christmas Griping
25. REM - Parade of the Wooden Solider (Alt.Version)

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for December 22nd. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Young Rival Interview...Show # 278

Coming from Hamilton, Ontario Young Rival started out in 2002 as The Ride Theory. The band features Aron D'Alesio (guitar/vocals), Kyle Kuchemy (guitar), John Smith (bass), and Noah Fralick on drums. Drawing influence from bands such as The Kinks, early Rolling Stones, Simply Saucer, Surf music, 70's Rock, and other 60's British Garage acts, The Ride Theory released their first album in 2002.

The Ride Theory, was produced by Jamie Andrew and features ten songs. The album introduced the world to jangly Garage songs such as "Alright", "Walk the Line", and "Can't Get it Right". The songs while they crunched with 60's Garage ethics, sounded fresh and original. Almost all the songs featured strong vocal harmonies that add further dimension to their music. There are also elements of Surf throughout their music too, that is evident on songs such as "Reflecting on A Foggy Day". In addition to this debut, the band has an explosive live show, which quickly built them not only a local following, but also a wider audience as well.

In 2005, Ride Theory released In This City. This album indicated a growing band, and the album displayed more musical dimensionality than on their debut. The album drew on 60's Garage, Surf, but also brought more Pop elements into their sound. Recorded at Chemical Sound Studios in Toronto on Reel-to-Reel tapes in 3 days, the album shined with a 60's gritty goodness. There are songs such as the riff filled "Dead Radio, Love", "I'm On Board" which emanates a Yardbirds/surf sound, "Parking Ticket", "Great White Shark", "Hey Sugar" Garage/Punk tracks, and finally "My Girl June". This song is an acoustic track filled with harmonious hooks, retro guitar licks, and handclaps, is clearly a highlight. After touring and being known as The Ride Theory since 2002, The Ride Theory changed their name to Young Rival in 2007.

Starting anew as Young Rival, the band took their sound to New York, and Hoboken, New Jersey, where they recorded new material. They posted several demos on their myspace page, sold demo CD's at their live shows, and even started receiving airplay in the UK. Working with Emery Dobyns (Lou Reed, Patti Smith), Young Rival produced several tracks that would end up on their first self titled EP. Young Rival features six tracks all of which keep true to the bands jangly Garage Rock past, while venturing into to new interesting music territory. It features songs such as "Another Nobody" an energetic reverb drenched Garage Rock, crowd favourite, "Poisonous Moves" a sleazy rocker, "4:15" which takes on a Zombie's-like influence, and "The Haunt", which reflects a darker yet melodic mood. The opener of the EP is the catchy and addictive "Your Island", a 60's style Pop song with strong harmonies, flooding drum crashes, and visually appealing lyrics.

On April 13th, 2010 (in the US on June 8th) Young Rival released their first full length album under that band name. Signing to legendary Hamilton label Sonic Unyon, Young Rival is now alongside other Hamilton, Ontario greats such as Teenage Head and Simply Saucer. Recorded during June of 2009 with Polaris Prize winning Jon Drew, Young Rival's self titled debut has all the energy, excitement and depth of Rock and Roll. Compared to previous releases by the band this album reflects a more "rough around the edges" sound.  There are also two tracks dating back to the bands recording sessions with Emery Dobyns from 2007 for the bands EP. The band takes on a new dynamic with this album. It Picks up where the bands six song EP left off, containing high energy rockers and songs more melodic in nature. Lyrically the album contains upbeat lyrics, juxtaposed alongside darker and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Within the new sonic dynamics that are being displayed here, Young Rival will now operate a three piece. In December of 2009, rhythm guitarist Kyle Kuchmey left the group to pursue other interests, but he is featured on all of the recordings found on this album.

The album keeps true to their live sound. Songs such as "The Ocean", "Authentic", "T-Shirt and Shorts", "Workin", "Ghost in the Park", and "Just Can't Stay Here" all capture the essence of the band. Other songs on the album such as "At the Break of Dawn" which is an acoustic track similar to Velvet Underground with Surf Guitar elements, and "A Few Things Left" which is a Blues and Garage Rock track, add to the songs featured on Young Rival. Drenched in elements of 60's Garage, Surf, Pop and strong vocal harmonies, Young Rival is an eleven track album that you will want for your collection.

I was fortunate enough to get an interview with the band prior to their live show at Phog Lounge in November of 2009. It can be downloaded here. Be sure to check out their myspace to hear one of their new songs that will be featured on their upcoming album.

Interview

Band Links:

Young Rival Myspace
Young Rival Blog

This Week's Play List:

1. The Clash - Drug Stabbing Time 
2. Alternative TV - You Bastard 
3. The Sound - Cold Beat
4. Teenage Head - Get Off My Back 
5. Lou Reed - Hangin' Round 
6. The Killermeters - SX 225
7. VIP's - Suttgart Special
8. Rolling Stones - I'm Alright (Live)
9. Paul McCartney - I'm Down (Live)
10. Ugly Ducklings - Nothin'
11. The Shakers - Baby It's True
12. Guided By Voices - A Good Flying Bird
13. Link Wray - Slinky
14. Dead Drouillard - Chocolate Toupee
15. Young Rival - Authentic Child (Demo)
16. Young Rival - Poisonous Moves
      YOUNG RIVAL INTERVIEW
17. Young Rival - Got What You Need
18. Simply Saucer - I Can Change My Mind
19. The Saints - Untitled
20. Them - I"m Gonna Dress in Black (Version 2) 
21. The Standells - Riot On The Sunset Strip
22. The Guilloteens - For My Own
23. The Stooges - Loose
24. The Kinks - This Time Tomorrow

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for December 15th. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Young Rival Videos:

Your Island
My Girl June

Mark Inside Interview...Show # 277

Photo By: Christina Naccarato

The Mark Inside originates from Whitby, Ontario. They started playing music around the year 2000, and currently reside in Toronto, Ontario. The band features Chris Levoir (vocals/guitar), Gus Harris (guitar), Geoff Bennet (bass), and Geordie Dynes on drums. Mixing influences such as 60's Garage Rock/Psychedelic, Punk and some 90's Rock bands such as Sonic Youth, The Mark Inside have created an urgent Rock and Roll mutation.

After relocating to Toronto, the band entered a studio with Tom D'arcy producing (of the band The Carnations). Intending to record an EP, the sessions turned out enough material for a full length album. Static/Crash was The Mark Inside's debut album and was released in 2004, initially on MapleMusic Recordings. It featured a varying style of music, but had stand out tracks such as "Carousel", "Everybody Talks To Everybody Else", and "Sweet Little Sister". Then Ian Blurton remixed the album with the band and they re-issued Static/Crash in 2005. Following the albums release and some music videos, The Mark Inside set out touring. Their live shows are loud, energetic, and their songs pour out with a dirty Rock and Roll fury. They have toured across Canada and parts of the UK and have played on the same stage with bands such as Velvet Revolver, Cuff The Duke, The Carnations, The Postage Stamps and Magneta Lane. In 2009, they played at North By North East.

The follow up to Static/Crash was recorded in six weeks in the UK, and is going to be titled Nothing To Admit. It was produced by acclaimed UK producer Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian) and is set to be released sometime soon. From previewing songs on their myspace, songs such as "Nothing To Admit", and "Lime Green Monkeys" groove with a Post Punk edge and a Garage Rock swagger. When the band played a live show at Phog Lounge in Windsor, Ontario, the crowd got to hear several other new tracks by the band. Some of the songs they played were songs such as the "Roman Candles" a Pop song with grit, and "Shocked" a suspense filled song with an aggressive soulful roar

I was fortunate enough to get an interview with the band prior to their show at Phog Lounge. The interview was done while the band was playing a game of Jenga with another band on the same bill, Young Rival. I have made the interview available to download along with two songs from Mark Inside's 7" single. Download them and spread the word, the band encourages it:

Interview
Circling The Drain
Liar!

Band websites:

Mark Inside Myspace Page
Mark Inside Blog

This Week's Play List:

1. The Griefs - All Over Again
2. The Vultures - Looking For A Job
3. X - The New World
4. The Wolfmen - Jackie Is It My Birthday
5. Franz Ferdinand - What She Came For
6. Kleenex - You 
7. Pere Ubu - Non-Alignment Pact
8. Action Makes - Berlin (Rough Mix)
9. Little Girls - Tambourine
10. Arctic Monkeys - Fright Lined Dining Room
11. Rich Kids - Put You In the Picture
12. King Khan & BBQ Show - Tryin'
13. Mudhoney - Generation Spokesmodel
14. The Mark Inside - Sweet Little Sister 

      MARK INSIDE INTERVIEW 

15. The Mark Inside - Circling The Drain 
16. The Mark Inside - Liar!
17. Gang of Four - Outside the Trains Don't Run on Time
18. The Lurkers - I Don't Need To Tell Her
19. Neil Young - The Art of Love 
20. The Subways - Holiday
21. The Almighty Defenders - The Ghost With the Most

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for December 8th. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Mark Inside Videos:

Carousel
Sweet Little Sister

Destiny Street Repaired... Show # 276

In 1982 Richard Hell & The Voidoids released their second and final album Destiny Street. The album featured recordings of well known Richard Hell songs such as "The Kid with the Replaceable Head", "Time", "Lowest Common Dominator", and more. There were also a few cover songs on the album such as "Going Going Gone" a cover of a Bob Dylan song from his album Planet Waves, and "I Gotta Move" by The Kinks. In 2004, Richard Hell acquired the rights to the album and let it go out of print.

The original version of Destiny Street was always plagued with problems according to Richard Hell. When the original rhythm tracks were discovered in 2006, the opportunity arose for Richard to re-record parts of the album and that's what Richard did.  Using the original rhythm tracks which feature Robert Quine and Naux on guitar, Richard Hell on bass and Fred Maher on drums, several guitarists were brought in to add additional guitar parts (Bill Frisell, Ivan Julian, and Marc Ribot) and Richard re-recorded the vocals. The result is Destiny Street Repaired, an album that is more representative of the original vision Richard had for Destiny Street.

In addition to the overhaul of the album, the CD version of the album contains two bonus tracks that were recorded in 1979. "Smitten" is a previously unreleased song and "Funhunt" is also included here for the first time in studio form. Previously "Funhunt" was only available in live form. The artwork has also been modified by Scottish artist Jim Lambie. Destiny Street Repaired can be found at Richard Hell's Official Website and insound.com

Play List:

1. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - I Gotta Move (2009 Version)
2. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Going Going Gone (1982 Version)
3. The New Strychnines - You've Got Head On Backwards
4. Dee Dee Ramone & The Chinese Dragons - Chatterbox
5. The Demics - The Least You Can Do
6. Little Red - Coca Cola
7. The Parkas - Isolation Pay
8. The Doors - You Make Me Real
9. Perpetual Motion - Infiltrate Your Mind
10. Last Knight - Shadow of Fear
11. Canadian VIP's - I Know
12. The Mynah Birds - It's My Time
13. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - The Kid With the Replaceable Head (1982 Version)
14. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - The Kid With the Replaceable Head (2009 Version)
15. White Denim - I Start To Run
16. The Sonic Avenues - Out of My Head
17. Black Sabbath - National Acrobat
18. Them Crooked Vultures - Reptiles
19. Queens of the Stone Age - Another Love Song
20. The Sweet Action - Tell Me
21. White Stripes - I Fought Piranhas
22. Gruesomes - What Wave
23. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Lowest Common Dominator (2009 Version)
24. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Funhunt (1979 Studio Demo)

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for December 1st. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.