With this first volume of ‘Phantom Rockers’, the Atomicat label launches a new series. The guitarist pictured on the cover is wearing a masquerade or Zorro mask, which immediately highlights the essence of this series. The ‘phantom rockers’ recorded both under their own names and under various aliases. The musicians who supported them in the studio also often fell into this category, shrouding many recordings in a strange haze. This first volume offers 30 tracks by artists who fit the description of ‘phantom rockers’. The first to appear is keeping their identity very well hidden. ‘Don't Bug Me Baby’, which is also the title of this first compilation, comes from an acetate recording, the name of which is not always clear. It's a smashing rock song, with excellent sound quality and already 68 years old. Incidentally, the song was written in the Nashville State Penitentiary. The next song is the well-known ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, here in Buzz Williams's version. Williams was actually Delbert Barker, who recorded under several aliases. Rightly so, a ‘phantom rocker’. A beautiful piano introduces the somewhat bluesy ‘Little Girl, Little Girl’ by The Fairlanes. They were founded by Rick Hall, who was also part of Bill Bowen & The Rockets' ‘Have Myself A Ball’, which can also be heard here. Jack Hammer became known to us with his songs featuring the twist. He also co-wrote ‘Great Balls Of Fire’. Here, he rocks out on ‘Girl, Girl, Girl’. Someone who also adopted multiple aliases was Daniel Flores, a member of The Champs. You hear him twice: first as Danny Boy with ‘Don't Go Pretty Baby’ and later as Chuck ‘Tequila’ Rio with ‘Bye Bye Baby’. Known as Don Covay, under his own name, James Randolph, he was part of The Rainbows, featured here on the doo-wopper ‘Shirley’. Pretty Boy was also a member of The Rainbows. He returns twice more on ‘Bip Bop Bip’ and in the raw, rocking ‘Rockin' The Mule (Back In Kansas), Swingin' Like A Young Gray Mare’.
Bob Kornegay's aliases are countless. Not only was he part of the vocal group Du-Droppers, but you can also hear him rocking as Dave & Bob on ‘Whoa Bessie’. Dave is better known as Dave ‘Baby’ Cortez.
The Rio Rockers also rock hard on ‘Mexicall Baby’. Rusty Isabell was a member of the Rio Rockers but also recorded ‘Stop’ under the name Red (Hot) Russell. Both songs are featured on this compilation. Just like Don Cole, also a member of the Rio Rockers, who can be heard here with Donnie Owens as Two Dons on ‘Funny Honey’, which is strikingly reminiscent of The Everly Brothers.
For a touch of cool country, you can check out The Tunesmiths and ‘Oh Stop!’, complete with steel guitar and fiddle.
‘Don't Stop The Rockin'‘ features Pat Richmond & The Fireballs. The ‘phantom rocker’ here is Billy Eldridge, member of The Fireballs. He would go on to enjoy further success with ‘Let's Go Baby’.
Rudi ‘Tutti’ Grayzell recorded for the Abbott, Starday, and Sun labels. As ‘phantom rocker’ Rudy Gray, he can be heard on the country rocker ‘There's Gonna Be A Ball’.
A fine example of an instrumental guitar song comes in the form of ‘Red Hot Red’ by Young Guitar Red, later known as Guitar Red with recordings for Checker. ‘Dancin' Wild’ is a song by Tom & Jerry. You'll undoubtedly hear the duo, who later became known as Simon & Garfunkel, in it.
A vocally powerful song is definitely ‘I'll Mess You Up’ by The Cliques. They consisted of Eugene Church, who later recorded for Modern Records, and Jesse Lorenzo Belvin, who also performed as Curley Williams and Jesse & Marvin, among others.
With this first volume, the Atomicat label is undoubtedly generating interest in artists performing as ‘phantom rockers’. That interest will soon be fueled by more ‘phantom rockers’, as the second volume, titled ‘Jake The Snake’, is already scheduled for release. It will be reviewed on this site soon.

No full albums from the psychedelic label Fruits de Mer before the end of the year — but three 7” singles, each limited to 300 copies on colored vinyl, will be released on December 15. Since the label was named “the most collectable”, we recommend you act fast. I was lucky enough to hear the songs on a promo CD, and I was deeply impressed by their quality.
The Chemistry Set deliver a few strong tracks that (according to Record Collector) could easily have come from the mind of Syd Barrett under different circumstances. “The Tragic Fridge Magnet” swirls past the collection of holiday magnets on guitarist Paul Lake’s refrigerator — a retro vibe that gives you goosebumps! And on “STP”, they play with LSD effects through bizarre hallucinations: Space Time Perception with a beautifully twisted edge.
New to Fruits de Mer is the English band Behind The Sun Collective. They shone live at the Dr. Sardonicus Festival 2024 with a mix of psychedelia, grunge, and jazz. For their first single on the FdM label, they brilliantly limit themselves to two covers: Marc Bolan’s “Children Of The Revolution” and Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain”. Each is instantly recognizable, yet transformed with cosmic soundscapes.
Last but not least, the alternative folk band The Owl Service seduces us with the sweet “The Sea”, a song by folk singer Sandy Denny from the Fotheringay repertoire. Singer Dorothy Chappell, the band’s new member, proves to possess an illustrious voice and does full justice to the song. On the flip side, they cover Fairport Convention’s “Genesis Hall”, enriched by the harmonious accompaniment of bandleader Steven Collins. This is what folk rock should sound like — a cover that outshines the original. Folk(rock) fans: this is pure emotional delight!

Relax on the sofa and enjoy the virtuosity of this international company. Strong album!

When country and western artists in the 1950s created a crossover between their genre and rock 'n' roll, the result was brilliant songs. Songs that, just like those in rock 'n' roll, had ‘drinking’, ‘dancing’, ‘love’, and ‘lying and cheating’ as their themes. What they also had in common with rock 'n' roll was that they drew you to the dance floor. Just as in the two previously released volumes, the third volume is also full of this.
This volume opens with a swing, ‘I Want A Bowlegged Woman’ by Jimmy Ballard, a song Bull Moose Jackson recorded in 1948. Ballard is followed by Jimmy Boyd. Boyd was 13 years old when he recorded the classic ‘I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus’. Here you hear Jimmy with the 1956 country-rocking ‘Crazy Mixed Up Blues’. Lattie Moore first recorded ‘Juke Joint Johnny’ in 1953. The song already exuded a rockabilly vibe. During the genre's heyday in 1956, Lattie re-recorded it. Besides a career under his own name, Billy Strange was also a sought-after session musician. He shines under his own name on ‘Let Me In There Baby’.
Fine performances on steel guitar and fiddle can be found on ‘Tom Cattin' Around’ by Speedy Noris & His Radio Rangers. ‘You Got The Right Number’ by ‘Rusty’ McDonald certainly sounds swinging. McDonald also sang for Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys. Incidentally, you'll get them later on the energetic ‘Miss Molly’. In her heyday, Ann Jones earned the title ‘The Hillbilly Girl’. Not surprising when you hear her on ‘I've Had It’. A song with a tremendously high rock 'n' roll feel arrives with Howard Crockett and his ‘If You Let Me’, complete with an impressive clean-sounding guitar solo. Jimmie Piper also rocks later in ‘Don't Play Around (With My Heart)’. And doesn't that guitar sound a lot like Johnny Cash's accompaniment? ‘Sweetie Pie’ by Johnnie & Jack sounds delightful and cheerful. The backing vocals by The Jordanaires certainly contribute to this feeling. This duo returns once more with the unique and excellent ‘Uncle John's Bongos’, drenched in impressive bongos.
Sublime harmonies come this time from New Zealand, featuring the Apaapa Sisters along with The Downtown Boys and ‘Guess Things Happen That Way’. Wonderfully merging voices also define the follow-up single ‘Leroy’ from ‘Nita, Rita & Ruby’.
In previous series, we saw that acetate recordings often contain beautiful songs. Well, someone who made a ton of such recordings with the hope that someone would one day record his songs was Sandy Rivers. He proved he had a knack for catchy songs in ‘A Woman Is Like A Guitar’. Not much is known about Red Romine. We do know that ‘Money In The Bank’ is a cool country rocker. Country, rockabilly, and even a touch of bluegrass can be found in ‘Rock-A-Billy Baby’ by Johnny Duncan & The Blue Grass Boys. A great version of ‘Tweedle Dee’ is provided by Pee Wee King featuring Redd Stewart & The Trio. You can immediately hear where Little Jimmy Osmond drew his inspiration back then.
This compilation concludes with the slow ‘Tomorrow Night’ by Carl Smith.
The great thing about series like this is that the artists successfully blend two genres. This is reflected not only in the songs but also in their use of instruments. Besides the guitar, you'll naturally also hear the steel guitar and the fiddle. Wonderful third volume!

Very special French folk album, a fusion of traditional and modern songwriting, played with a balkan, classic or jazz twist!  Recommended!

As we mentioned in previous reviews of the ‘Right Hand Man’ series, this series highlights the sidemen who put their talents and craftsmanship at the service of renowned and well-known artists. Many of them never received the attention they deserved, while others were able to gain a piece of the pie by recording under their own name. An influential figure in this series is finally featured: guitarist Robert Lockwood Jr., who played a key role in bridging the gap between Delta and Chicago blues. Lockwood's career spanned five decades. He played both traditional Delta blues in the style of his stepfather, Robert Johnson, and Chicago blues and rhythm & blues. Robert is widely considered the ideal sideman for both piano players and harmonica players.
Robert Lockwood Jr. was born in 1915 in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas. He began his musical career playing the organ in his father's church. After his parents divorced, Robert Johnson spent time with Lockwood's mother on and off. Robert Johnson undoubtedly influenced Lockwood Jr..
In the 1930s, Robert Lockwood Jr. was already working with blues giants like Sonny Boy Williamson II, Johnny Shines, and Elmore James. His musical career truly took off in 1941 when he played on the influential King Biscuit Time radio station.
In July 1941, he made his recording debut with Dr. Clayton. These recordings also form the starting point of this album and are categorized as piano Delta blues. Clayton is listed here as Peter Cleighton. It's worth noting that, although these songs were recorded in 1941, they are heard here in excellent sound.
On July 30th, Robert recorded four songs under his own name, and all four are featured on this release. You can hear his magnificent slide guitar performances on ‘Little Boy Blue’. He also delivers similar performances fingerpicking on acoustic guitar on ‘Take A Walk With Me’, ‘I'm Gonna Train My Baby’, and ‘Black Spider Blues’.
In 1951, he appears on recordings by Alfred Wallace, also known as The Fat Man, and on albums by the Sunnyland Slim Trio. These songs are also heard here and clearly demonstrate the evolution Robert Lockwood Jr. had already undergone in those few years. He swings with verve on ‘Glad I Don't Worry No More’. He also appears on the brilliant ‘Rhythm Rockin' Boogie’ by John Lee (Healey) in 1952, a song that wasn't released until 1958. A fantastic track!
He made his Chess Records debut in 1952 alongside Eddie Boyd, and here you hear Lockwood Jr. perfectly at ease in the role of a more sophisticated guitarist, who knows what the frontman wants. Be sure to listen to the instrumental ‘The Tickler,’ as well as ‘Nothing But Trouble’ and the slow blues ‘24 Hours’.
A year later, in 1953, we find Robert again on St. Louis Jimmy records, three of which can be heard here, including the sublime slow blues ‘Your Evil Ways’.
He also replaced Louis Myers in the band of blues harp virtuoso Little Walter in 1954. Little Walter is present on four tracks, including the instrumental ‘Teenage Beat,’ where Little Walter's blues harp perfectly matches Lockwood Jr’.s guitar playing. Superb! At that time, Robert Lockwood Jr. was a respected and sought-after session musician and co-responsible for creating that characteristic Chicago blues guitar sound. Jimmy Rogers also called on Robert for ‘You're The One’ and the well-known ‘Walking By Myself’. This first volume covers the period 1941-1956 and features, in addition to recordings he made under his own name, magnificent recordings by artists on whom Lockwood Jr. accompanied.
A follow-up volume, covering the period 1951-1961, is coming soon. Definitely worth keeping an eye on!

There are no less than 27 songs on this remastered collection, all from Donovan’s troubadour time, that’s to say the mid-sixties. Together with a most instructive booklet covering the singer-songwriter’s career till the present day, this is a comfortable way to discover – or rediscover – Donovan’s early work issued on EPs in countries such as the UK, France, Spain and Sweden. The ‘EP Collection’ treats you to some hits, like ‘Cath the Wind’ and ‘The Universal Soldier’, plus a wide variety of tunes that you may not know or may have forgotten about. Have a look at the track-listing. Of course, everything is now available on some record or platform somewhere. The EP angle is such is of less interest, but a great many tracks have led a hidden existence up to the present day, e.g. ‘The Summer Day Reflection Song’. One can only regret that the booklet pays so little attention to the EPs themselves and that the wonderful sleeves are here reproduced in a most tiny format. 

The fact that the Netherlands has released a considerable number of excellent albums by talented roots bands in a short time is once again proven here. After Supersonics, PJ Taylor Band, and Tennessee Drifters, we can add The Men From Nowhere to the list of unmissable roots bands from the Low Countries.
The band was formed around guitarist Jelle ‘Joe Sixpack’ van Atten. Between 2022 and 2024, he recorded a large number of instrumental tracks with various lineups. Twelve of these tracks have now found their way onto The Men From Nowhere's eponymous album. Joe Sixpack has performed extensively live over the past decades, taking him across Europe and even the USA, including with Miss Mary Ann and as the opening act for Brian Setzer. Influences that are clearly audible on this album. Joe found great inspiration in the work of the recently deceased super guitarist Larry Collins, known for his work with The Collins Kids, as well as in the many obscure instrumental tracks from the 1950s to the 1970s.
The number of musicians who contributed to this album is impressive. Here we go…, Arjan Spies (drums, percussion), Peter Kroes (bass), Sietse Heslinga (drums), Donné La Fontaine (upright bass), Benjamin Herman (tenor sax), Joe Rivera (trumpet), David Rockenfeller (trumpet, trombone), Carl Sonny Leyland (mellotron, harpsichord, piano), David Gram (pedal steel guitar), and Franky Gomez (drums).
All the songs, with the exception of ‘The Man From Nowhere’, flowed from Sixpack's pen. High-quality instrumentals with brilliant melodies, bathed in an authentic 1950s sound. It goes without saying that this required an impressive list of guitars, amplifiers, and microphones. Joe has handled this with expertise. You can find that extensive list on the inside of the four-piece sleeve.
Surf, rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, country, jungle beat, and space sounds; with this album, they all blast through your speakers.
If you love the formidable instrumental tracks of the 1950s, then this disc, packed with original work by The Men From Nowhere, is definitely for you.
Finally, Joe makes a statement with "catchy pop songs without vocals are a forgotten musical style”. Something we wholeheartedly agree with, but something The Men From Nowhere are decisively changing with this album. Fantastic, and we'd love to hear more of this!

God=Dog is the collective formed by Belgian pop icon Rudolf Hecke. Hecke has already built an impressive career in various fields. In 1989, he released his first solo album, ‘God Is Dog Spelled Backwards,’ but Rudolf has also established himself as a songwriter in genres such as psychedelic pop, soul, R&B, and folk. ‘God Is Dog Spelled Backwards’ was named the best Belgian album of the year by De Morgen, and Humo crowned Rudolf ‘The Nick Cave of Flanders.’
And as if that weren't enough, he is also a gifted author. His books on Serge Gainsbourg, Roy Orbison, and the Sixties have garnered widespread critical acclaim.
On this album, Hecke is surrounded by Yassin Joris, Nikkie van Lierop, Klaas Tomme, and Toon Derison. These musicians have already made their mark in various genres and ensembles. With 10 original songs, 9 of which Rudolf penned, supplemented by ‘Heroin Eyes,’ co-written with P. Taes, Rudolf Hecke + God=Dog create an exceptionally atmospheric album. Guest artists for lead vocals are mezzo-soprano Marianne Vliegen, baritone Joris Stroobants, and Elsje Helewaut. The latter makes a deep impression on ‘Let's Not Give A Damn’. We also hear Hecke and Yassin Joris on lead vocals.
Each song is unique and, thanks to the alternating lead vocals, clearly gains a charismatic edge.
This album further confirms that Rudolf Hecke can still claim the title of ‘The Nick Cave of Flanders’.
During their live shows, Rudolf Hecke + God=Dog are often accompanied by authors Herman Brusselmans, Elvis Peeters, and Delphine Lecompte.
The album that Hecke is releasing together with God=Dog is without a doubt unique.

What a beautiful rich concept album. A real masterpiece to discover!

​Eljuri doesn't shy away from the world's problems and she gives us a kick in the conscience while we dance to her songs.

​With this album, Roomful Of Blues brings something new. After 19 albums with male singers, Steppin’ Out! is their first-ever album featuring a female vocalist, the masterful D.D. Bastos. Her powerhouse, soul-stirring voice and her charismatic stage presence bring a whole new spirit to the Roomful sound. 

With every album, Stef Kamil Carlens manages to surprise. Each time, he manages to steer himself in a new direction, a direction he consistently executes with exceptional skill.
For this album, he's surrounded himself by Nel Ponsaers (keyboards and vocals) and Rahmat Emonds (keyboards, violin, mandolin, percussion, and vocals). Incidentally, the name, The Poem, is formed by combining the first two letters of both female singers' last names. These ladies are also part of the seven-piece The Swoon, Stef Kamil's energetic backing band, with which he surprised everyone last year with the funky album ‘Be(e) Who You Wanna Be(e).’
Fortunately, Carlens hasn't lost his love for the narrative, as this album testifies.
The album contains 14 tracks, featuring both originals and covers. With ‘The Old Blue House,’ the Carlens/Ponsaers/Emonds trio proves that creating an atmospheric song that inspires dreaming comes naturally to them. Giving a traditional song a beautiful and typically ‘Carlens makeover’ is what the trio achieves with ‘I Saw Cecilia Coming.’ Covering songs isn't always a rewarding undertaking. The way they do it here is simply breathtaking. For example, ‘The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face,’ originally by Ewan MacColl, receives a formidable arrangement and performance, effectively transforming it into a new song. This is echoed in Matt Watts' ‘With Every Healing Mile,’ Prince's ‘Katrina's Paper Dolls,’ Springsteen's ‘All I'm Thinkin' About,’ and Leonard Cohen's ‘A Thousand Kisses Deep.’
The trio's sublime vocal harmonies, which take center stage here, are incredibly captivating. Stef Kamil's husky tenor blends beautifully with Nel's velvety alto and Rahmat's soulful soprano. Just like on his previous productions, Carlens's penchant for using countless instruments is once again evident here. The use of various guitars, basses, organs, analog synths, and automated percussion gives the impression of an extensive backing band at work, ensuring that all the songs, with sublime arrangements, are bathed in an inspiring, full sound.
With this album, SKC & The Poem deliver an undeniable masterpiece. Discover it!

One of the best contemporary psychedelic bands with Balkan roots.  Dance and enjoy!

Be surprised of the metal skills on lead guitar and drums of musicians all around the world.