February, 2022 - The Ginger Quiff

Singles Round Up 2022 – Part 2 – February

February 25, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

2022. Two months in already and not a dish done… that’s now confused half the readers at least.

However, good things come in small packages, and the number of singles that have kept me going throughout February has provided a wheen of good things.

I just need to get around to writing about all the big packages and all the amazing LPs the postman has kindly been delivering over the last couple of months (much to the consternation of Mrs Quiff)

The news of rescheduled gigs and UK tours was coming thick and fast too. None more welcome than from band of the year from 2021, The Courettes, who are returning to Glasgow in June as part of their 2022 tour.… Read the rest

Bela and the Lugosis – Vampire Kiss – album review

February 21, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

Before you press play on any of these songs, I imagine you will have some idea of the style of music, Bela and the Lugosis – Vampire Kiss, screams 70s disco crossed with grime doesn’t it? I jest of course. If you are yearning for the days you wore only back, came out only in the hours of darkness with your pale complexion, eyeliner (or guyliner!) and black nail varnish, this album will have you re-living nights in the Tech. Actually, if that is still how you roll, this album is for you.

Of course, the band name recalls the gothest of all goth bands (cue debate from all the ”real” goths out there), the mighty Bauhaus.… Read the rest

From Berlin to Russia, Punky Rock n Roll to Reggae and everything in between… bitesize album reviews (Joe Whyte)

February 15, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

My output has been sparse to say the least in 2022, it is therefore with great thanks due to Joe Whyte (Vive Le Rock writer and guitarist with legendary Airdrie punks Reaction) that this blog contains not one but four album reviews covering the globe and providing a gamut of musical styles to suit all tastes…

First up, from one of my favourite record labels, Tarbeach, is an album from Two Hearts, a band I only became aware of last year after they performed as part of Cynthia Ross birthday bash streaming live from NYC…

Two Hearts

Rock ‘N’ Roll 2020 (Tarbeach)

7/10

A Japanese love letter to NYC

I’d have to say that this one was a slow-burner for me; the first couple of listens didn’t convince and I found the lo-fi, clattering production slightly irritating.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2022 – Part 1 – January

February 10, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

I’ve been in absentia for the entire month of January, like many out there, I’ve been struggling with my Mental Health, to the extent that even things that normally give me pleasure felt like a chore or just utterly pointless.

I normally revel in receiving emails and messages sharing new music and releases, but in the last few weeks I just found it overwhelming. However, I have finally started to dig myself out of the mire and in doing so, have trawled through seemingly unending emails unearthing the best of new songs, singles, demos and so on from January (in my humble opinion)

In no particular order:

Simon Love – I Love Everybody in the Whole Wide World (Except You)

This seems to be a good place to start, lyrically and musically exceptional, there is no mixed message to be picked up from this, Mr Love making his feelings perfectly clear.… Read the rest