Raging Speedhorn – How The Great Have Fallen (2005)

“We’ve got everything covered. Anything else you’d like to add?” I asked, out of courtesy. Without missing a beat, Darren Smith fired back with the most hysterical answer …

Learn MoreIF I ONLY COULD, I’D MAKE A DEAL WITH GOD

Having lived between two countries for a few years, I often found myself needing to transport records. Sometimes, quite a lot of them. While I was obviously concerned at first …

Learn MoreFLYING WITH VINYL: HOW TO PACK RECORDS CAREFULLY

I was waiting for the usual cartoons when something unexpected appeared on screen: ‘Kidd Video’. It looked like a live-action show, with this group of teenagers picking up their instruments and gathering in a garage to rehearse …

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Moonpools & Caterpillars – Lucky Dumpling (1995)

“How can you turn down the chance to be the prom band in a B-movie?”. It was hard not to notice the sarcasm in guitarist Jay Jay Encarnacion’s answer when I interviewed him …

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Slipknot – Mate Feed Kill Repeat (1996)

Before skyrocketing to fame with their self-titled album in 1999, Slipknot already had one release under their belt: ‘Mate Feed Kill Repeat’, product of a quite different entity …

Learn MoreTHINK YOU KNOW SLIPKNOT? THINK AGAIN

Holly & The Italians – The Right To Be Italian (1981)

Holly Beth Vincent is not exactly the first punk rock woman who comes to mind, but certainly deserves your attention if you’re up for some no frills, infectious tunes …

Learn MoreTHE RAMONES AND THE RONETTES ROLLED INTO ONE

The setting of the Temple of Neptune, an archeological site of Roman ruins, would have provided a magnificent backdrop for Cyrus Chestnut and his group. I say would have because a heavy downpour on the morning of the concert prompted

Continue ReadingTHE PIANO AS AN ORCHESTRA

Meat Loaf – A Time For Heroes (1987)

Something unexpected starts popping up in the pages of Marvel Comics: an illustrated version of Meat Loaf, standing onstage, proclaiming, “Special Olympians are the real heroes. I’m gonna give ’em everything I’ve got. But who’s gonna help me?”. …

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Dan Siegel – On The Edge (1985)

Pure ‘Miami Vice’. I dare you to listen to this without picturing a white Testarossa in pursuit of drug lords, or Don Johnson brooding along the pier at night, mulling over what went wrong …

Learn MoreRETROWAVE BEFORE IT WAS RETRO

30 years ago, Metallica’s ‘Load’ was launched in Italy with one of the most bizarre promotional stunts ever: the Metallitrain. All aboard …

Learn MoreA TICKET TO THE METALLITRAIN