Captain Bigwheel - 4 Song Demo (Demo)
Captain Bigwheel play high-energy instrumental rock that would benefit from a little more reverb on the guitar and a little less distortion. It sounds like a bunch of high school or college kids getting together, playing a few parties, drinking a few beers, and having a good ol' time. This demo is a little lo-fi, but I can see 'em being a pretty fun live band. (Continental #5)

(*) The Chameleons - Live Shreds (Cleopatra)
This is yet another disc from those cool lads from Manchester, England. I think this is their tenth or eleventh posthumous release (I've lost count!). Live Shreds is a live disc compiled from two shows recorded in their home town back in 1982-1983. All of their early hits are here: Second Skin, Paper Tigers, Monkeyland, and eight other songs. If you are a big fan of The Chameleons you will no doubt be thrown by the Dali-esque cover art. This one if for die-hard fans only. (Hmmm... #7)

The Church Keys - Viva Viva Rock And Roll (Norton) 7" The title cut of this 7" is a rippin' version of the Chuck Barry classic, while the flip has two cuts - one an original vocal - Peephole and the other a drunken instrumental - Staggerin'. This five piece garage outfit outta New York has two guitars, drums, bass, and saxophone. Apparently these guys stole The Untamed Youth's PBR plaque, so if you see 'em TELL THEM TO GIVE IT BACK! (Continental #5)

The Civil Tones - Rotisserie Twist (Pravda)
"It's vital and surprising and full of unexpected pretty phrases and biting rhythms."
The Cilvil Tones succeed in creating a dancy, organ-grinding sound that abounds in used record stores and thrift shops. Some may see this type of music as cheesy, while others will accept the subtle humor found here and just have fun with it. I enjoyed this album, mainly becuase I never know what would come next while listening to it. The playing on here is solid throughout, and they always seem to keep things light and dancable. My favorite tune on here was "Hurricane", a solid surf tune that I really wasn't expecting while listening to this for the first time. If you're looking for a good time, join The Civil Tones and do the Rotisserie Twist! (Pravda Records, 3823 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60613.) (The Continental #1)

(*)Petula Clark - Downtown (Warner Brothers)
This album contains the hit song 'Downtown'. That is the only song I knew by her before picking up this wonderful album. The early 60's were a great time for music. This kind of reminds me of Nancy Sinatra without the attitude. (Hmmm... #2)

(*)Columbia Salon Orchestra - Quiet Music (Columbia)
I was in the mood for some easy listening music, and that's exactly what I got with this album. This is part four of a six part series. I am not going to knock myself trying to obtain the other five albums. This one is enough for me. (Hmmm... #2)

The Cramps - Flamejob (Medicine)
What can I say? This is more great music by The Cramps. If you like any of their previous albums, buy this one. It's more of the same. (Hmmm... #1)

(*)The Crossfires - Out Of Control (Sundazed)
This six piece instro band features plenty of sax, reverby guitars, and driving drum beats. They later became The Turtles (Happy Together) after three years of driving 'em mad on the dance floor. This contains one classic cut after another, especially "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". This song goes from a gentle surf ballad to an all-out rage-a-thon. Yet another "must-have" from the Sundazed collection. (Hmmm... #5)

The Crown Royals - All Night Burner (Estrus)
"It ain't lo-fi and it ain't punk…what you got here is all-instro, sax-driven power soul stripped bare to the bone."
The Crown Royals are a swingin' combo that plays R&B and jazz perfect for a dingy bar with a glass of bourbon in one hand and a smoke in the other. Their sound isn't quite what you'd expect from an Estrus release, but with their name on the jacket you know it's gonna be cool - and it is. From the opening riffs of Shake It to the closing chords of Hangin Thang you have all the ingredients necessary for full-on rock n' soul dance shindig! (Continental #4)

Xavier Cugat - Cugie A-Go-Go (Varese Sarabande)
"Xavier Cugat was the pioneer of the Latin-American style."
On this great compilation Xavier Cugat takes his patented sound and adapts it to the sounds of the sixties. Classics like Bang Bang, Goldfinger, Music To Watch Girls By, Thunderball, Chim, Chim, Cher-ee, and others get his special treatment. This is exotica at it's finest, full of crazy rhythms and sounds that made the sixties so cool. With this compilation you get tracks from several of his LP's, such as "Bang Bang", "Dance Party", "Today", and "Feeling Good". Essential listening for lounge enthusiasts everywhere. (Continental #4)

Curse of Horseflesh - Burning Up The Jade (Roto-Flex)
"Like a lynchin' party on the make, Curse of Horseflesh is a band that GETS IT DONE."
Man-oh-man, do I love these guys! From the nitro fuelled instro fumes of Mohave Riptide that leads off this smokin' set to the rip-roarin' power-chords of Wild Dogs of Kentucky this is primo rock n' roll. Comin' from rodeo central (Calgary, Alberta) these guys and a gal know what to do with a few vintage instruments, a big ole bottle of moonshine, a carton of cigs, and puh-lenty of attitude. Imagine a cross between The Mono Men (especially their instro stuff), Southern Culture on the Skids, and the Lord High Fixers and you'll have some idea of what's in store for you when you slip this baby into yer CD player. (Continental #4)

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