Music - The Ginger Quiff

monsterpop – Undaunted – album review

August 28, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

Jimmy Dev seems to have been an omnipresent part of the Glasgow music scene forever, playing with countless bands putting his hand to a variety of music styles over the decades. Testing and honing his craft throughout his career, he can most recently be found and heard releasing singles and EPs under the nomenclature of monsterpop (lower case “m” intentional).

The resultant sound for monsterpop is a harmonious amalgamation of the different incarnations of Jimmy through the years (and believe me, if you’ve seen him on Facebook, there are many of those….) take a hunk of hard rock, a peppering of punk, a few grains of glam, an element of the eighties and plenty of punchy power pop, mix well and you’re pretty much there.… Read the rest

GIFTSHOP – Kewl With Me & More Than That

August 28, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

I recently interviewed Carol Hodge, and reviewed her new album The Crippling Space Between, for the Ginger Quiff (read it here), during our chat we talked about streaming gigs, and how over the period of lockdown, we initially religiously tuned into every stream going, but eventually got tired of doing so, longing for the real thing.

However, two of the most memorable live streams for me were the two I stayed up into the wee small hours for, both “live” from the Big Apple. One was to watch the wonderful New York Junk supported by an incredible set from Beechwood and songs from a host of other supporting acts (including Glasgow homeboy and friend of the blog, Jonzip).… Read the rest

The Hurricanes Devil's Choice album cover

The Hurricanes – Devil’s Choice – album review

August 22, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

Neil Young once sang in Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) that rock and roll can never die. A sentiment I couldn’t agree with more. So it is with a huge amount of joy I’m glad to say that, one of the purest forms of rock ‘n’ roll is in rude health.

Certainly rockabilly on the streets of Glasgow is appealing to a whole new generation thanks to the efforts of young wolves, The Best Bad Influence. The band draw huge crowds on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street when they ply their trade. The Bikini Bottoms left Glasgow for pastures new.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2021 – Pt 8

August 16, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

This is a singles round up of mammoth proportions. I spent some time scrolling through the wealth of e-mails I received over the last few months, and other singles I’ve been particularly enjoying. 2021 has been a treasure trove of new music across so many genres. Even though this is my biggest singles round up of the year so far, it still only scratches the surface of what is going on just now…

…and then there are all the albums, just recently, over and above the ones I’ve already featured/reviewed I’ve been enjoying the new albums from The Media Whores, monsterpop, The Hurricanes, Jackal Trades, Mickey 9s, Jeshua and The Strays to name but a few.… Read the rest

Hodge on Hodge – Carol Hodge – Interview and album review

August 12, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

Hodge on Hodge

The master of the torch song, punk pianist extraordinaire, and all round good egg, Carol Hodge is back. Her new album, The Crippling Space Between has been one of my go to listens over the last while since she gave early access to anyone who had signed up to her Patreon page.

The last time I spoke to Carol was in February of last year before all the shit hit the fan. At that point, I was hoping there would be a real-life Hodge meet up at that years Scotland Calling Punk Festival. She was due to be playing piano and keyboards playing Crass songs with Steve Ignorant.… Read the rest

Sister John – I Am By Day – album review

August 5, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

Sister John’s third long payer, I Am By Day, finally got it’s official release last week on Last Night From Glasgow after what feel’s like a lifetime’s anticipation. The follow up to Returned from Sea and their eponymous second album was absolutely worth the wait. I’m not sure there are enough superlatives in the English language to describe how listening to this record makes me feel.

For the uninitiated, first I need to say, what’s taken you so long? But, by way of trying to give an indication of what to expect, try to imagine if some of the members of Fleetwood Mac had decided to join forces with The Velvet Underground and created their own blend of divine avant-garde folky Americana and you’re partly there.… Read the rest

Marianne Dissard – Interview

July 26, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

Marianne Dissard

Marianne Dissard is a French born singer/songwriter, who spent a large part of her life living in Tucson, Arizona. She started her career as a film-maker before taking up singing, and releasing her first album in 2006.

I am making up for lost time listening to her wonderful back catalogue having been introduced to her music through her sultry re-working of Richie Valens Come on Let’s Go and the remarkable Prisencolinensinainciusol by Adrian Celentano. These were initially planned to be part of a covers album, although having now released several of her covers as singles, the album might not materialise imminently.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2021 Part 7

July 20, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

It’s mid July and I’ve got about a hundred reviews semi written, but not finished, so instead of finishing them, why not waste several hours putting together another singles round up while sitting by my home built garden bar drinking some IPA or other..

I’m going to kick off with perhaps my favourite single in the last couple of months, from my most eagerly anticipated album in an age…

Lola in Slacks

Trocchi’s Canal blends the wondrously sultry vocal talents of Lou Reid with Brian McFie’s exquisite guitar playing to create a dark noir pop masterpiece, roll on October for the album Moon Moth.… Read the rest

Songs that Saved Your Life? Pt 1*

July 17, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

*Borrowing from lyrics from Rubber Ring by The Smiths, and a book by Simon Goddard with the same name.

“The passing of time
And all of its sickening crimes
Is making me sad again
But don’t forget the songs
That made you cry
And the songs that saved your life
Yes, you’re older now
And you’re a clever swine
But they were the only ones who ever stood by you”

My experiences in the last few weeks have inspired me to write a (currently undetermined) series of blogs covering some of the albums that, without being too over dramatic, played a part in saving my life.… Read the rest

Live Music – The Best Bad (Good) Influence…

July 10, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

This is a post I started writing earlier, but the outcome has changed as a result of today’s activity…

Rollercoaster of Emotions

I’ve been on a bit of a rollercoaster for the last few weeks, experiencing some of the highest highs and the lowest lows I’ve felt in a long time from a mental health perspective.

Yesterday I finished delivering a two week induction training course in Perth for 10 new starts, and I’m now emotionally and physically drained after two weeks of putting my heart and soul entirely into work. I’m glad to say the actual training was an entirely positive experience, with the odd left field issue thrown in to test me.… Read the rest