Scabies/James play "Damned, Damned, Damned" with Texas Terri at The Retro, Westbourne Park July 27th

Photo by Paul Slattery

I couldn't make it to the recent Scabies/James gig at the 100 Club, but I was in two minds anyway, maybe even a bit sceptical about it. How was it going to work? How were the drummer and guitarist going to pull this one off, not only with the absent, but still imposing presence of Captain Sensible and Dave Vanian looming over them, but with a girl singer taking the lead? Not only is "Damned, Damned, Damned" one of my all time favourite albums, but all those classic songs, with Vanian's somewhat Americanised drawl, they are all etched into my brain. So I was curious but not a little dubious too. However, after the 100 Club gig, I heard back from people that were there and it was all pretty much positive. Most of the reviews and comments were all glowing red hot and it did indeed seem that Scabies/James and Texas Terri had in fact pulled it off extremely well. 

Texas Terri by Paul Slattery

So I was really keen to see them play and made my way to the Retro in Westbourne Park, where an excellent set from The Priscillas warmed things up nicely. This was a special gig to celebrate Rat's birthday and also the 35th year of what was to be the first ever U.K. Punk Rock album, "Damned, Damned, Damned". The Damned were always ahead of the game, the first Punk single, first to tour in America and the first ever Punk album too. It's iconic custard pie splashed cover photo, heralded originally by those rather sinister adverts suggesting you should "Play It At Your Sister", The Damned's debut was a raw and chaotic statement of intent. That live, youthful energy was captured perfectly by producer Nick Lowe, and on first listen it felt almost as though the band were leaping out of the vinyl and bashing you around the head with their guitars and drumsticks. Back to the present, and I'm getting a breather outside the venue when I hear that familiar elastic bass riff to "Neat, Neat, Neat", I rush inside and make it down the front, a quick drum burst from Rat and then I'm almost blasted back outside again by the sheer power and volume of Brian James' guitar amp. 

Texas Terri is a vivid blur of bright red hair and tattoos, she's been compared to a female Iggy Pop and it's not hard to see why. Terri was previously in sleaze trash rock outfits The Killer Clowns and The Stiff Ones, and has just released an album under the name Texas Terri Bomb! brilliantly titled, "Your Lips...My Ass!". That album features a guest appearance by Wayne Kramer of The MC5, one of The Damned's big favourites. Tonight, although they do play all the songs from the album, it isn't in strict track-listing order, for example a brilliant "Born To Kill" is followed by a storming run through of "You Take My Money" from the follow up album "Music For Pleasure". Hearing that makes you wonder why that second album is so maligned as it is a really great song. Maybe it was the production or the dynamic of the band changing, what with the the band expanding to a five piece with the addition of Lu Edmonds as second guitarist, incidentally now playing in the revamped Public Image Limited. I do think it's an album that deserves a second chance. Texas Terri is really getting into her stride as an unrelenting blast of high octane tracks follow, including "So Messed Up", "See Her Tonight" and an immense "Fish", with Rat's drumming blowing the cobwebs away. After seeing Rat recently drumming for the Members, where you get to appreciate the true skills of a drummer not usually noted for his subtlety. But, tonight we get the full on assault of the Punk Rock Keith Moon, crashing round his kit. Not a bad songwriter either, as two Rat penned numbers follow, the brilliant single "Stretcher Case Baby" and the brutal, short sharp shock of "Stab Yor Back". 

Scabies & James - Photo by Paul Slattery

Terri leaps off the stage and makes her way to the back of the room where she balances on a partition and belts out her vocals. I thought having an American singer would be strange but she makes it work so well, and really injects her own personality into the songs. Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, I always felt Vanian was singing with a bit of an American twang on the album. Plus, Brian James was always steeped in that Stooges/MC5 influence and did go on to work with The Dead Boys' Stiv Bators in Lords Of The New Church. My slight cynicism was quite literally, blown away, maybe because I'm standing right in front of Brian's amp, it is loud, he turns up the volume. Rat later tells me that Brian's volume can cause a bit of consternation for some venue's sound engineers, I can understand why, my ears were not to recover for the whole weekend. It's great to hear those familiar riffs though, Brian is a hugely underrated guitarist, he has that unique angular way of playing chords, and I find myself playing air guitar along to "I Fall". I look around, sheepishly hoping nobody noticed, but it was just an involuntary reaction, and I guess I wasn't the only one!

Photo by Paul Slattery

So, a short but ultimately satisfying set draws to a close with "I Feel Alright (1970)", and a quick happy birthday singalong to Rat. The band kick off the encores with their crazed cover of "Help!" with more energy and power than most young bands can seem to muster. The Bass player Austin, who has worked with Brian before, handles his role really well, taking a bit of a back seat next to Terri, Rat and Brian, he nevertheless deserves a big shout as he played brilliantly too, keeping it locked in as Rat and Brian bash away respectively on the Stooges style free-form wig-out "Alone". "Sick of Being Sick" is a great choice and of course there can only be one closing number, yes it's "New Rose". I was converted, it was a really fresh take on the reunion/come back and play a classic album scenario, and I suppose if you are going to recreate something like this, you might as well do it with a totally different slant. Unless you can pull off the ultimate trick, as the Buzzcocks did recently, and get all the original members back on board, then what's the point of roping in some karaoke tribute band style lookalike/soundalike. Yeah just do it different and do it well, just like they did tonight. So, all in all it worked perfectly, a great idea and I wouldn't be surprised if they couldn't make this into an interesting little side-project band with maybe some new material to come in the future? Now, that really would be something!

All Photos above - Courtesy & Copyright Paul Slattery 2012

Photographer Paul Slattery with Texas Terri - Photo by M. Worrall (Copyright 2012)

Retrosonic Podcast Special Edition: "L'Histoire de Jean-Marie Carroll" JC Carroll of The Members.

JC Carroll by Steve Worrall

From the Suburbs to The World: We are very pleased to announce the latest in our successful Retrosonic Special Edition Podcast spin-offs, this time round Adam and Steve are joined in the Pod by JC Carroll from The Members. This is an hour long special where JC takes us on an amusing and illuminating trip through his interesting musical career. From the early days of The Members' distinctive sound of the Suburbs from where they sprang, "a mix of Big Youth, Surf music, Hank Marvin and the weird stuff John Peel played on the radio...". We follow JC on his journey from the Members and beyond, from Punk Rock to Top Of The Pops and from Camberley to California. Along the way we discover which iconic Punk Rockers he has played music with, including that "what-might-have-been" Super Group to his solo recordings with people off the internet who he's never met off. We are then brought up to date to the release of the brand new Members album "In_Grr_Land", their first in over 25 years, and co-starring original bassist Chris Payne and a certain Mr Rat Scabies on drums. We also get a taster of what the future has in store for JC, including the new Julien Temple movie "London: The Modern Babylon"  and we discover what links a collaboration muted at a dinner party in Addlestone to Serge Gainsbourg's finest moment. The Podcast is generously soundtracked by a choice selection of brand new and classic Members tracks along with prime cuts of solo material, this is certainly a fascinating and not to be missed tale of a life in music. 

Please check out the Retrosonic Podcast site for more of our Special Editions which include in-depth interviews with Dick York from Cryssis along with Artist and Photographer David Apps, legendary Rock Photographer Paul Slattery and most recently, the superb feature with TV Smith of The Adverts, with an exclusive live session. All the Podcasts are available for download completely free!

Retro Man Blog Night with The Members at The Half Moon in Putney June 30th

The Members by Paul Slattery

Firstly, I'd like to say  a big "thank you" to all those that came along to my latest Retro Man Blog night at The Half Moon in Putney last week. This continued my series of "Punk Rock Legends" gigs which kicked off the week before with our superb show for TV Smith of The Adverts at The Railway in Southend-on-Sea. Headliners, The Members take the stage and bang straight into the classic "Soho A Go Go". I'm really enjoying this three piece line-up, with original "members" JC Carroll and Chris Payne augmented by the legendary Damned drummer, Rat Scabies. It's great to see Rat play up close, maybe his character has sometimes overshadowed the fact that he really is a superb drummer. I don't think the music press has ever accorded him enough credit. It's not all crash, bang wallop and setting fire to the drum-kit, he takes on The Members more subtle and intricate songs, especially those with the reggae influences, superbly well. 

Rat Scabies by Paul Slattery

Of course there's no doubting his muscular style is still there, showcased in the way he powers round the kit in the Keith Moon style drum breaks of "Chelsea Nightclub". Guitarist JC Carroll shares the vocal duties with bassist Chris Payne, and they complement each other perfectly, with the hyperactive JC zooming about the stage, and Chris looking on with a quiet grin. The slightly limited time means we get a lean set-list packed full of classic tunes, "Solitary Confinement", "Working Girl" and a selection from the excellent new album "InGrrLand" including "Bleak" and "New English Blues". Of course we do get a rousing "Sound of The Suburbs" which has the crowd singing along and encores of a crazed "Ain' Gon' Be Yo' Bitch No Mo'" and a cover of Larry Wallis's "Police Car". So, The Members really do deserve to be re-evaluated and certainly I'd recommend you trying to see them live, as this current line-up kicks that proverbial ass!

Monica & The Explosion by Paul Slattery

Kicking off proceedings were Monica & The Explosion who comprise Swedish singer-songwriter Monica Welander and Paul Slack, the original U.K. Subs bassist and composer of that classic bass riff to "Warhead". They play a selection of tracks from their excellent "Shut Up!" album and new material from their forthcoming album. Playing their acoustic juke-box Punk, driven by Paul's inventive bass which makes up for the lack of percussion, the songs come across really well live. Monica bashes away on her acoustic guitar and is an energetic and charismatic singer, her and Paul exchange smiles on stage and together they transmit some good vibes to the appreciative audience.  They are currently recording songs for their new album so watch this space for news on it's release. Next up is The Jetsonics, a band that have a West London Ruts and Clash style reggae-tinged influence, apparent on their crowd favourite "Somewhere Else". They mix this with their take on a late '70's Power Pop/New Wave sound of the suburbs with boisterous, shout-along numbers such as "Never Meet Your Heroes" and the catchy "Amazing".

The Jetsonics by Paul Slattery

They are improving with every gig and building more of an on-stage chemistry between live-wire vocalist/guitarist Sam Day and laconic bassist Adam Donovan. Their third E.P. is currently being mixed and should be a cracker as the new songs played tonight such as the bass driven "She Wolf" and "Debbie Harry" are sounding really great. Things draw to a close with "Chelsea Drugstore" which, although yet to be released, is fast becoming their signature track and then "New Romance", for which the band have recorded a great video that is well worth checking out.  Thanks again to all those who came along, to all the bands and Carrie and staff at The Half Moon. Here are some more exclusive Paul Slattery photos of the gig:

Rat Scabies of The Members - Photo by Paul Slattery

Chris Payne of The Members - Photo by Paul Slattery

JC Carroll of The Members - Photo by Paul Slattery

Your host for the evening! - Photo by Paul Slattery

Monica Welander of M&TE - Photo by Paul Slattery

Paul Slack of Monica & The Explosion by Paul Slattery

Sam Day & Adam Donovan of The Jetsonics - Photo by Paul Slattery

Dave Lombardi, Sam Day & Adam Donovan of The Jetsonics by Paul Slattery

With many thanks to Paul Slattery for the excellent photographs!

The Jetsonics - new video for "New Romance"

The Jetsonics by Paul Slattery

The Jetsonics have finished their great new video for "New Romance", the lead track from their second E.P. somewhat cryptically entitled "Second Extended Player"...You can order copies from the band's web-site or even better, come along to The Half Moon in Putney this Saturday June 30th, where not only can you pick up a copy in person, but you will also be treated to a raucous night of Punk Rock, New Wave, and Acoustic Jukebox Punk with live sets from The Jetsonics, Monica & The Explosion - featuring UK Subs original "Warhead" riffing bassist Paul Slack - all headlined by that sound of the suburbs, The Members - now with the added bonus of legendary Damned drummer and Holy Grailhunter, Rat Scabies. Don't miss it...!

The Members with Rat Scabies + The Jetsonics + Monica & The Explosion live at The Half Moon June 30th

Here's a reminder that Retro Man Promotions has put together another superb line-up for Part 2 of a double hit of Punk Rock Legends gigs. Following hot on the heels of our fantastic gig at The Railway in Southend last Friday with TV Smith, this is sure to be another great night.

The Members, now with The Damned's legendary drummer Rat Scabies, will be headlining The Half Moon on June 30th along with Monica & The Explosion who feature original U.K. Subs bassist, Paul Slack and Swedish singer songwriter Monica Welander. Completing the line-up will be The Jetsonics who bring their New Wave Power Pop to the party.

Tickets for this gig can be pre-ordered from the Half Moon web-site HERE.

The Half Moon Putney, 93 Lower Richmond Road, London SW15 1EU - Tel: 0208 780 9383

The Members + The Jetsonics at The Tropic Ruislip June 03rd

The Members - by Steve Worrall

I got a bit lost on the way to the venue, it actually turned out to be the social club of Wealdstone FC, overlooking the pitch and was a pretty impressive set-up. It reminded me of a good old-school working man's club but with a really decent stage, P.A. and lighting set up, good lay-out and well organised staff. The turn-out was impressive too, considering it was a Bank Holiday Sunday evening and there was apparently some big Event or other on in London earlier that day. Thanks to a local convenience store letting me check their A-Z, I made it just as The Jetsonics were powering through "Amazing" and the audience reaction was very positive. I think the band are a good match for The Members, with their West London sing-a-long New Wave numbers such as "White Capri" nestling alongside the Reggae influences on the excellent "Somewhere Else". The band are currently finishing off their third E.P. in the studio so keep an eye on the Blog or the band's web-site for news on the release date. New number "She Wolf" is based around a cool bass riff from Adam Donovan, and adds a different dimension to their sound. Another new one, "Chelsea Drugstore", which will feature on the new E.P. is fast becoming a favourite and tonight they end on the punch the air classic "New Romance", which has just been made into a superb "Minder-esque" video filmed in their local. It's well worth checking out. There was quite a queue of eager customers hoping to purchase the band's previous two E.P.s so things are certainly looking up for The Jetsonics.

The Jetsonics - Photo by Steve Worrall

The Members are now playing as a three piece with original "Members", guitarist JC Carroll and bassist Chris Payne joined by The Damned's legendary drummer Rat Scabies. This stripped down line-up serves the songs really well and adds a rawness to proceedings and the band look like they are having a lot of fun. The crowd are certainly having fun too as they are treated to a perfect set-list of hits, new album tracks and cover versions. "Soho-A-Go-Go" is superb, one of the highlights of the night, and the thrashing chords of "Chelsea Nightclub" brings to mind The Who's "My Generation", especially with the sudden instrumental break where Rat powers round his drum-kit, proving that he really is Punk Rock's very own Keith Moon. "New English Blues" from the excellent new album ”InGrrLand” has a huge chorus, it's a real "all join arms and raise your pints in the air" moment. It's a folk song for the modern age, and I could almost image it replacing Sinatra's "New York, New York" or "Auld Lang Syne" as the song to sing as a party draws to an end! 

Rat Scabies - by Steve Worrall

"Offshore Banking Business" and a storming version of "Solitary Confinement" sandwich their inventive reggae version of Kraftwerk's "The Model" from the "Uprhythm Downbeat" album, which spotlights Chris Payne's great bass playing. Another cover version, this time a raw run through of Bolan's "20th Century Boy" gets people moving. However, as much as I enjoy the rousing renditions of the classic Members tracks, it's actually new song "Bleak" that is the stand-out of the evening for me, a fantastic song with JC's cool little sixties style guitar riff. Of course "Sound Of The Suburbs" gets the biggest cheer of the evening, it's probably their defining song and the charismatic JC prefaces most of the songs with little anecdotes of life just outside London. These included working in a bank in the City and going home to an empty bed-sit to the joys of living near the Airfix model factory, wondering what life would be like to be part of the glittering scene in the capital. "Working Girl" keeps everyone singing along and they are called back for a well deserved encore, their powerful version of "Larry Wallis' "Police Car" and then it's all over. A thoroughly enjoyable evening, with band and audience all enjoying themselves and I'm now looking forward to the gig at The Half Moon on June 30th even more! Make sure you book your tickets in advance as I can see this one being a big hit and I would not want you to miss out on the fun!

You can get more info on the Half Moon gig on June 30th and book reduced rate advance tickets here. The line-up will be completed by The Jetsonics and Monica & The Explosion who feature original UK Subs bassist Paul Slack. For more information on The Members new album "InGrrLand" check out the earlier Retro Man Blog feature here. Check The Members web-site for news on future tour dates and merchandise.  JC has also just released a brand new album ”21st Century Blues”.  

This is out under the name Jay-Cee Carroll and available from Anglo-Centric Recordings, featuring a cast of Legendary Guitarists from all over the world via Internet collaborations.This is Jay-Cee's follow up to the critically acclaimed "New English Blues Volume 1". JC takes the English Blues Genre and extends it into the 21st Century adding Fat Synth Basses, Drum Loops, zithers, mandolins, Rap versions of Folk Songs, Punk Blues updates on Spoonfull, culminating in the Blues Prog oddyssy the 17 and a half minute "Voodoo Childe Surrey Boy Keytar man". As it says on the Cover this is not an album for Blues Purists, but it is another bold experiment from the Surrey Maverick.

All Photos Copyright Steve Worrall 2012

U.K. Subs "Time & Matter" Archive Web-site + Paul Slack Tour Blog

Great news...the U.K. Subs immense historical archive web-site "Time & Matter", run with admirable dedication by Mark Chadderton & Rob Cook, is now back up on line following it's re-launch today! It has beaten the unbelievable act of mindless hacking from some extremely sad Internet nerd, and is now back and running at full steam! Any fan of any band would crave a site like this, it really is a huge and impressive labour of love, so it's more reason to be thankful that Mark & Paul could recover their work. "Time & Matter" features a wealth of excellent archive material and memorabilia, ranging from photos, press releases and old fanzine features to a full discography and up to date news on the band and it's various ex-members and off-shoots. Anyway, best of luck to Mark and Rob. 

U.K. Subs - Photo by Steve Worrall

Whilst the site was down, original Subs' bassist Paul Slack, now with Monica & The Explosion, moved his fantastic Tour Blog/Travelogue to a different site. You can catch up with Paul and Monica's adventures on the new "Access All Areas" Blog. Paul said when he was on tour back in the day, he went to some amazing places but it was just venue/backstage/tour bus/venue...but now he really wants to savour and experience the various places he plays (and eats...!) at. He writes and photographs very well, and I recommend his Blog whether you like Food, Travel, or Music...or all three for that matter...it is a thoroughly entertaining read!  

Monica & The Explosion - Photo by Steve Worrall

You can see Paul Slack in action with Monica & The Explosion at The Half Moon, Putney on June 30th as Part 2 of Retro Man Blog's "Punk Legends" nights. Also on the bill will be the original "Sound of The Suburbs" - The Members - with Rat Scabies from The Damned on drums. Part 1 will be at The Railway in Southend-on-Sea on June 22nd with TV Smith from The Adverts, Andy J Gallagher with Roman Jugg (The Damned, Naz Nomad) and Dick York (Cryssis).

News: The Members release new album "IN_GRR_LAND" + Live at The Half Moon Putney on June 30th

For the last 18 months, The Members, JC Carroll, Rat Scabies and Chris Payne have been touring all over the UK and Europe playing to packed houses, concert halls and small clubs, playing material from their 70'-80's albums and from this brand new album "IN_GRR_LAND". They have been re-doing their groundwork or re-paying their dues.

JC Carroll, the Ray Davies of Punk Rock, the man who  brought us the 6Music Favourite "Sound of the Suburbs" and Occupy protesters anthem "Offshore Banking Business", has a new album with The Members. With Nicky Tesco retired from rigorous touring, the band comprise of JC, original Bassist, the mad Professor of Punk Dub Bass, Chris Payne and the man that played the first drum roll on the first ever UK Punk Record, Grail Hunter, Archeologist and Living Legend from The Damned, Rat Scabies. The New album "IN_GRR_LAND" starts with the Anthemic "New English Blues Part II", a  Mott terrace anthem of  Hoople catchiness and bravado. Air Raid sirens howl, guitars scream and a cornet plays the last post as the Lyrics explain.

"Tho' the Mill has Closed the Band's Cornet still Blows, a mean New English Blues"

"Manchester in the Rain will never be the same without you and the New English Blues"

"From the docks of Liverpool to the best Private Schools we rock to the Beat of the New English Blues"

Next up is a Ramonesque cover of The Move's classic "Firebrigade" sung by Bassist Chris Payne. Payne is doing a lot of the singing live and this song is a favourite.

Then  "NW10"  is a Sound of the Suburbs mark 2 with  the punk rockers from the Sound of the Suburbs now a grown up DIY man, with a marriage on the rocks in North West London.

"We moved up there when the girl was four, I painted the walls, I sanded the Floor"

"When the weather was nice, we'd barbecue, talk property price with the neighbours wife,

"On those long hot summers nights I thought I was in paradise…but I was in NW10"

Next up is "Bleak", Chris Payne's pessimistic song about emptiness and financial hardship.

The Members, Then...and Now

Next "(I Love My) English Girls" is an irreverent  romp round all the women in JC's life from past girlfriends and wives to his daughters and current wife, this song  boasts perfect pop harmonies via Michael Giri from the Lilac Time, a Beach Boys accapella breakdown and a rocking play out.

"Parisian ladies are famous for their coolness and haute couture but I do not know if I could love one even tho she whispers je t'adore"
"I lost one I left one I divorced one I got a new wife down West Byfleet way,"

Tracks 6 and 7 are the Post Punk and apocalyptic "Virus" and the live favourite "Aint Gon' Be Yo' Bitch No Mo'" Track 8 is the self explanatory "M1DL1FECRi5i5" which should be played on Radio 2 every hour on the hour...

"I'm 'aving a Midlife Crisis I've 'eard they are all the rage, I'm gonna get a massive motorbike and a girlfriend half my age".

"I'm gonna get a Loft in the City, maybe even get a tattoo, I've already started making a list of the fun things I'm gonna do"

"Remember Us" is the only slightly political song on the album the ghosts of dead doldiers and Jarrow Marchers sing over a Marching Drum.

"You used to bring us flowers, roses every year, the blossoms are all withered now but still we lie here"

"We were the 99% the Average Joe and Jill, we wiped the glass and cut the grass for the Folks upon the Hill"

"(We Are Gonna Be) Huge" is a Song written by Carroll for Ben Miller and Simon Godley's Film "Huge" which Carroll had a cameo in. The song never made it onto the Soundtrack but its here in all its glory, the song of two stand-up comedians who are gonna set the world on fire.

"Stand up comedy is what we do best, we are Warren and Clark so f' f' f' forget all the rest - We are Gonna be Huge".

The final track of the album is the Chris Payne masterpiece "Free At Last". This was was recorded secretly  by The Cure and Human League producer David M. Allen as Carroll and Payne played live in the Studio. It's not a punk record, it's a great song and shows Payne to be an accomplished singer as well as a Bass Player and Songwriter.

The album also features contributions from Nick Cash from 999 and original Members guitarist Nigel Bennett. You can order a copy of the album from The Members store HERE.

I'm also pleased to announce that Retro Man Blog has put together a superb line-up for Part 2 of a double hit of Punk Rock Legends gigs (news of Part 1 to be announced very soon..!). The Members, with Rat Scabies, will be headlining The Half Moon on June 30th along with Monica & The Explosion who feature original U.K. Subs bassist, Paul Slack and Swedish singer songwriter Monica Welander. Completing the line-up will be The Jetsonics who bring their New Wave Power Pop to the party.

Tickets for this gig can be pre-ordered from the Half Moon web-site HERE. 

Thanks to JC for the information.