Beach Boys to re-release early singles set

The Beach Boys are going to release a collection of all their early US singles on Capitol Records, covering '62 to '65. Right up to, but not including, Pet Sounds basically. The collection will be released on June 16 in a limited edition boxed set of 16 CDs recreating the original 45s, including the original B-sides. As with all releases like this, there'll be loads of bonus material too. Read over for the details...

Stephen Malkmus readies single and tour

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks will release their first UK single from 'Real Emotional Trash' on June 2 via Domino. The tune they've chosen is 'Gardenia', and they are backing it with a new song called 'Walk Into the Mirror'.

The group will support the single with a load of European dates in June. Support on the UK shows comes from Domino mates Wild Beasts. Read over for dates.

Electric Roulette Top Picks

One of the joys of writing about the best music in the world is that you get to share it. Of course, you could see it as 'jamming our opinions down yer damn throat'... but either way, you get some good tip offs so we all win.

Naturally, this being the brink of summer, Electric Roulette folks have taken on a decidedly cheery frame, so maybe it's reflected in the tunes we're currently hoppin' to. You can be the judge I s'pose.

Anyway, enough jabberin', read over for ten randomly plucked treats from the trove... it's the top picks from May 2008.

Spiritualized have a new video... Soul on Fire

Okay. I like Spiritualized. I liked Spaceman 3 too. Hell, I even like Spectrum. So when there's a new Spiritualized track knocking about, I like to get a little excited. However, as lovely as this new 'Soul on Fire' track is, for all the strings, slow crackling fuzz and all that... I just can't get over the "fire" and "higher" rhyme in the chorus.

New Releases, 6th May, with Jim Davidson

Hello hippies. Jim Davidson here. You may remember me as that bloke off the telly who is stinking rich and more. Now, looking at the Electric Roulette writers, you lot probably don't like me much. Well tough. Tough. I couldn't give a f--k. I say what I like, when I like, about whoever I like. Usually brown people and women. Deal with it.

I'm in a good mood at the moment with the rise of the Tories and Bo-Jo! Boris Johnson got in and when the result of the London Mayoral race was announced, I nearly spat my tea everywhere thinking about the look on the faces of all those po-faced liberals everywhere crying and moaning. Anyway, I'm here to review the latest releases, so let's get on with so I can get back to my masonic lodge.

New Shortwave Set video!

The marvelous Shortwave Set have got a new single out called 'No Social' and it's ace! Taken from their LP, 'Replica Sun Machine', the band go into psychedelic pop mode with the help of Dangermouse, John Cale and Van Dyke Parks.

'No Social' is the first single taken from the group's second LP which is due out on the 5th May. The Shortwave Set are also playing live... 3rd May London Clash Club at 93 Feet East, 17th May Brighton The Great Escape, 31st May Leeds Wax:On. Check out the video for their new single by clicking over the jump. It's rather good!

Top 5 Acid House tunes!

It's the 20th anniversary of the second summer of love... Mixmag is 25 years old (really? - Ed)... so it seems apt to have a look at some of the best acid tracks from way back when. Of course, this list isn't all from '88, but rather, tracks from around that time that blew everyone's brains out!

1. A Guy Called Gerald - Voodoo Ray

Probably the greatest acid track ever made and has the dubious honour of being the only acid house track to have its lyrics printed in Smash Hits. How? No idea.

Review - Thee Fine Lines 'Instrumental E.P.'

There's not much I can say about this brilliant record... apart from the fact that it's a rather brilliant record.

I don't know a damn thing about the band, and to be honest, you don't need to know a thing about them. Knowledge isn't always power. At any rate, this record has enough power of its own and could probably heat a house for a year with it's blistering garage/surf.

For your money, you get five ferocious rockers, all instrumental (as the title kinda gives away) which veer from 100mph ear splitters to draw out skuzzy blues. Opener 'Domino' (not a Big O cover) is a cookin' dancefloor annihilator and closer, 'In The Hands Of A Madman' ups the ante further. If you like garage, you'll love this. If you like surf, you'll wonder why more bands don't sound like this.

Click here to visit Wee Rock Records to buy Thee Fine Lines 'Instrumental EP'

Stereo MCs return with Hot Plate

Stereo MCs had it big. Then they dipped out of the limelight. And since then, they've sporadically peeped in and out with various tunes to various acclaim. Their newest track, 'Gringo', taken from forthcoming EP, Hot Plate, is set to hit us pretty soon. Whether you like them or not, check this insane video out featuring posh graphics and mental sky-diver types. 'Gringo' is a 303 fueled acid-Moroccan-strings-and-things-dancefloor monster. Take your Es now.

Seeing as we're all about the breaks... have a load

Fuzz showed us one good breakbeat, I showed you another... now have a load in a mix by DJ Shortcut and Derrick D. Loadsa scratch porn for you DJs out there... and loads of funk for you beat fiends.

Babe Ruth hammer 'The Mexican' to bits!

'The Mexican' by Babe Ruth is one of those tracks that I will always go back to no matter what mood I'm in. It ticks so many boxes... funk, prog, rawk... Tropicalia even. However, all these years have gone by without me ever seeing them boppin' in the flesh. A quick search later and here they are! Jenny 'Janita' Haan going mental and, fact fans, did you know they were from Hertfordshire?

Electric Roulette consider trying to get the royalties for 'A White Shade Of Pale'

Procol Harum’s lead singer, Gary Brooker, and lyricist Keith Reid have won back full royalty rights for “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. The pair had been forced to share the songwriting credits with organist Matthew Fisher, after a 2006 legal ruling. However, the London’s Court of Appeal reversed the decision in favour of Brooker and Reid, ruling that there had been an "excessive delay" in Fisher’s original claim.

In October, Brooker’s barrister, John Baldwin QC, told the Court of Appeal that Mr Fisher had failed to take the case to court earlier because “he wanted to stay in the band and live the life of a pop star". Fisher had filed a lawsuit against Brooker in 2005, nearly 40 years after the hit was recorded, claiming his distinctive organ melody was integral to the song and he should be acknowledged as one of the song’s creators. “It was entirely my idea to compose a set solo, and give the last two bars a satisfying ‘shape’.” Then, Johann Sebastian Bach's ghost waded in calling all a "buncha ripper offers" (English ain't his first language, give him a break).

Party with The Urges and Hollywood Sinners for split 45 launch

No lies. The Urges 'Psych Ward' was one of the best garage LPs I've heard in ages. Tuff as you like and fulla screamin'. Brilliant. Well, The Urges have split a single with the Hollywood Sinners (insane Spanish garage) c/o of the fine folks at Dirty Water Records.

Well, to celebrate this, both bands are having a party... or a face-off... to rattle through raucous rock 'n' roll, flip fingers and whip crack hips into shape.  Where?

Well, on Friday, April 4th (that's tomorrow), they'll be playing the Dirty Water Club in London. Over the puddle, the groups will be playing at Eamonn Dorans in Dublin on Saturday 5th April. They'll both be firecrackers. The 45 will be out soon, click here to buy it.

Hollywood Sinners Myspace.
The Urges Myspace.

Single review - Martina Topley Bird 'Poison'

'Carnies' by Martina Topley Bird (formerly Tricky cohort amongst others) was one of the best pop releases of 2008 and thankfully, she's not letting up with her newest track 'Poison'. Breathe a sigh of relief as you find out that it's not a cover of an Alice Cooper track.

Anyway, 'Poison' is a wonky popper with snake hips. There's a sniff of the sixties about it... but not in a cabaret way... Dangermouse, producer of the track, has done a sterling job of making this sound like a classic track while still retaining something refreshingly modern.

There's no hiding from the fact that this is pop in it's purest form... but it's well informed pop that it's okay to like. We're not talking about big synthy Girls Aloud ripping off Goldfrapp... we're talking catchy, brainy pop that doesn't mind if you lose it on the dancefloor - drunk - in your handbag. I'd like to see Martina Topley Bird becoming a big star... gawd knows we need a smart popstar right now. Oh, it's out May 5th

Hot 45: Graham Day and The Gaolers 'Travelled and Unravelled' EP

Anyone who sends a 45 in the post to Electric Roulette is asking for a good write-up. Thankfully, Graham Day and The Gaolers don't need any favours as their 'Travelled and Unravelled' EP is one of the most cookin' records I've heard in ages.

For those that don't know the pedigree, Graham Day is no newbie, green around the gills. He was founder member of The Prisoners, Prime Movers & The Solar Flares as well as drummer in The Mighty Caesers and bassist in The Buff Medways alongside old friend Billy Childish. The Gaolers, Dan Elektro and Buzz Hagstrom, you might recognise from legendary US garage band The Woggles. Interested? You should be...

Pete Molinari - New 45 out on Monday - buy it or die

Best thing since sliced bread, Pete Molinari, has a single out on Monday and if you own a functioning heart and at least one working ear, you should buy it.

It's a three track 45, or if you're all modern and made o chrome, you can download it. The tracks are the gorgeous 'Sweet Louise' (off the new LP 'A Virtual Landslide' - review here) 'Indescribably Blue' (off debut 'Walking Off The Map' - review here) and a exclusive acoustic version of 'One Stolen Moment'.

'A Virtual Landslide' is out on the 14th April and also, look out for Pete in session on two Radio 2 shows, Mark Radcliffe & Mark Lamarr... and Pete will be doing a free instore at Rough Trade Records in Talbot Road (That's the Portobello Road one), he'll be on at 6pm. Catch him while you can.

Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs - Oh That's Good, No That's Bad (funniest record ever?)

Humour and rock 'n' roll don't work well together because... well, if I knew, I'd make the best funny rock 'n' roll record ever. Anyway, if you want some mirth and wit in your New Orleans styled groover, check out Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs' 'Oh That's Good, No That's Bad' (yep, them who did 'Wooly Bully') because it's ace.

Beatles? Pah! They just send you dog hair!

The Beatles, like no other band, featured in other people's records, whether it be The Beatle-ettes doing a reply song or Harry Nilsson cramming as many fab four references into his You Can't Do That... well, now here's a slice of preppy pop that can barely cover it's anger at the imminent invasion of those mop-top scousers. It's a track by the Four Preps and talks of A Letter To The Beatles and sniffs at their cash induced love for their fans in the US.

Ever been weirded out by The Carpenters?

The Carpenters - buncha sissies eh? MOR for people who dig the mellow golden laid back easy vibrations of... uh... chewed Battenberg. Well, 'kay, that may be the case some of the time... but check this. This is All I Can Do by Karen and her brother whose name escapes me at the minute... and it features real creepy harmonies and bah-bah's, snaking across off kilter jazz rhythms and mean Fender Rhodes. Dig. This.

Supergrass. New 45. New LP. New Tour. Same Faces.

Supergrass, currently having a well deserved resurgence, have a new single coming out called Bad Blood on March 17th. Wanna hear it? Well, that's what the video below is for. New LP, Diamond Hoo Haa is out March 24th and, the group are playing loads of live dates in the UK. Read over for those.

Great garage 45s on 45...

Here in the UK some enterprising souls have set up a new label Garage Greats, dedicated to re-issuing the best and rarest garage 45s from around the world.

The first batch of ten records include classics such as Fe Fi Four Plus 2’s ‘I Wanna Come Back (from the World of LSD)’ The Heard's version of 'You're Gonna Miss Me', and The Plague's ‘Go Away’. Some of these 45s are so rare as to be simply impossible to find no matter how deep your pockets (less than 20 known original copies in all cases). Each 45 has been remastered at London’s Abbey Road studios for ‘maximum playback enjoyment’. In keeping with the original releases the original labels have been reproduced faithfully. Each release is a hand-numbered limited edition of 500 that comes in a generic Garage Greats house bag.

The website www.garagegreats.com has been registered and advertised but is currently inactive (hopefully that will change soon). In the meantime  you want to purchase any of these 45s your best bet is from Bomp Mailorder in then US and Soundflat in Europe. [via]

Earthquake! Or Carole King sings 'I Feel The Earth Move'

In tribute to the earthquake that woke me up at 1am last night...

Hot 45s - The Shirelles 'His Lips Get In The Way'

Dig this! It's The Shirelles' His Lips Get In The Way (no, not a song about Mick Jagger). How can anyone resist a song that rhymes 'dope' with 'hope'? Not only that, you get the cool teen-melodrama of "What can I do? What can I say? Each time I try to say goodbye, his lips get in the way". Go listen!

Attempt at being topical or Jeru The Damaja mentions Fidel Castro in Come Clean

"I got a freaky freaky, freaky freaky flow...control the mic like Fidel Castro"

Hot 45: Neil MacArthur's 'She's Not There' (or How Colin Blunstone changed his name and released an ace single)

For no other reason that I've just bought this, I thought I'd let you in on one of the great lost pop singles in history. Wait a minute... I know this song... and I recognise him too... what's going on?

Colin Blunstone of The Zombies has got one of the most distinctive voices in pop... breathy yet urgent... and after the break-up of The Zombs, found himself at a loose end. Someone somewhere asked him to revisit The Zombies' biggest hit, She's Not There, and changing his name to Neil MacArthur, he created one of the most weird and wonderful records ever. Imagine bossa meets jazz meets Scott Walker.

If you wanna hear the track, click here. Jus' ignore the rubbish collage video that goes with the track. To buy this, have a look on eBay.

Jacques Dutronc - Et Moi Et Moi Et Moi Et Moi Et Moi Et...

There is always room for Jacques Dutronc (he's the greatest singer to ever come from France y'know?)

Who got the funk? Bill Cosby got the funk that's who!

Is that THE Bill Cosby? Y'know? Off the telly? Did the funny dance at the start of The Cosby Show? Yep. This is him rippin' Stevie with a track called Little Ol' Man. Man, he even pinched the chorus too... it's great though... you couldn't imagine a shagsack like Jimmy Carr doing something this good.

White Stripes to Spanish with new record

The White Stripes have announced that they're gonna release a Spanish record. Although, don't get to excited/dump in the dumps. This is not a full mariachi LP, but rather, a new version of their current 45 Conquest.

The band will release 'Conquista' under the name Las Rayas Blancas (work it out for yourself) in the US on February 19th. The new version is a "blistering nouveau flamenco number that climaxes in a violent musical battle between Mexican trumpeter Regulo Aldama and Jack White in his fastest solo on record," according to a statement released by the band.

The single, which will be available on CD and 7-inch vinyl, features a B-side acoustic version of the song performed by a mariachi band. The CD also contains the Spanish-language version of the 'Conquest' video. It's not too huge a leap from the original (which you can see over) but it's nice to see a famous band taking a few chances. If you're not that interested in the band, you can spend your time looking at Meg White's ample bra-less bosom in the picture... and no, it's clearly not her in that sex-tape someone sent you.

New Releases, 4th February, with Ian Moor (the world's number 1 Chris De Burgh Tribute act)

Hi. My name is Ian Moor. No. I didn't play for Burnley once. Being the number one Chris De Burgh tribute act is no easy ride. It takes a lot of time and effort to get the mannerisms and look just so. Just ask that bloke out of Stereophonics who wants to be Liam Gallagher. When I sang on Stars in their Eyes, Chris De Burgh walked on stage and sang with me and whispered in my ear, "sunshine... if you take any business from me I'll have you seen to by the boys... y'get me pukebag?" It was then I knew I'd made it.

Further testament to my making it is when I'm asked for opinion on popular music by publications such as Norfolk Pop Weekly, Pop Go The Potteries... and of course, Electric Roulette. So read over for my thoughts on the hit-parade...

Ten random 45 buys for a quid each

Over the weekend, me and the girlfriend met up with a mate and went to a record fair. After finding out that I was within spitting distance of getting in, then turning down a wrong street, being sent on a wild goose chase by a police man and the sign bearers not pointing their boards in the right direction, I finally got there and started to dig. I bought some expensive bits... but I don't wanna tell ya 'bout them as that's a bit anal... but I will tell you about the 10 records I got for a pound each. One pound for a 45? Yep... this guy was sellin' stuff at car-boot prices... which shows you that you don't have to spend moneymoneymoney to get some killer 45s.

So, read over to see what I bought...

Hang on... Two good songs by The Osmonds?

Y'know Mr Fuzz alluded to the fact that Crazy Horses wasn't the only rockin' acid track by The Osmonds? Well, curiosity got the better of me and I had a delve... and found this fuckin' insane video of the grinning inbreeds kickin' out Music Through The Ages. This glitterfest takes in Sly and the Family Stone, The Beach Boys and... unbelievably... prog and Moog. Yup. Watch it. You prolly won't believe y'eyes.

Grup Çığrışım. You dig?

I fuckin' love this!

One Good Song: Cozy Powell's 'And Then There Was Skin'

What's this? Heavy breakbeated proggy thing by famous drummer? As sampled by DJ Shadow? Yup. It's Cozy Powell's 'And Then There Was Skin' which can be found for next to nuthin' on the b-side of Dance With The Devil (which is not so great).

My Name Is Potato by Rita Pavone

You heard right. Her name is potato.

You dug The Branded yet?

Malmö may not make you think of snotty fuzz, as Sweden is generally more famous for the likes of Ace of Base, but if you ask The Branded who the hell Ace of Base are, they just shrug, snigger and whack you 'round the head with a big simple fist. This is my kinda grooop.

The Branded have studied their garage well. They don't ever eat. Just listen to records by The Yardbirds, Count Five and The Sonics. They don't do anything else. This has left them gaunt and slightly cabbaged. Thankfully, this state of ill repair has produced a back pocket full of great singles that strut like a damaged peacock. You gotta love that huh?

The Despondents... of British Spunk

Whatever happened to my rock 'n' roll? More importantly, whatever happened to good British punk rekkids? We were all told aboout Year Zero and No Futuuure and then... the pension plans kicked in. Thankfully, there's a band out there that are so punk that they have to add an 'S'. Yup, The Despondents sent me a 45 (already onto a winner in my book) and fuck me, it's gnarly and tough!

The Despondents have recorded an EP seemingly on a no-track recorder. Gone is the notion of going into a posh studio and getting the FX units out and in with the one-take, first take, press record and hang on to the chair in case you get blown outta the window! Yes my lovin' grandchillen, The Despondents are here and they're ready to kick you in the balls with no chords and the fat well and truly trimmed.

The Sonics... shot down in England

The Sonics! The Sonics! The Sonics! Hell yeah! They're playing live 'n' direct in Eng-er-fuckin'-land! Wha'? You hadn't heard? Click here. Then watch this. SALIVATE MOTHERSLINKERS!

Shangri Las wanna Give Him a Great Big Kiss (mwah!)

For no other reason than this. The Shangri-Las are one of the greatest groups ever to walk the planet. If you disagree, you might have 'em taking you hostage and kicking your cracker ass for hours in a hotel room. More? Once backed by The Sonics. Once backed by The Stooges... yeah.. listening now aren't you buddy.

...and the New York Dolls loved 'em too (click here)

Run for cover (click click) sum'one goan git (bang bang) with the Wu-Tang

For no other reason other than I've been listening, here's a chance to see a track in need of some sugar in the UK. It's the mighty Wu-Tang Clan with their Careful (Click Click) track which, in short, makes dem guns look fuckin' glam as! They say that rap glorifies weaponry and violence... and they do! I'm off to buy summat to click and snap in a tramps face. Bukka!

By the way, if you wanna listen to the new Wu LP for free, click here.

One hit wonder quiz

Fancy doing a pointless quiz? It's all about one-hit wonders and if you're a real snob like us, you'll cry "but that's not strictly a one hit wonder is it?". See how many you get right.

Exclusive! Watch the video for the new Super Furry Animals single here and free giveaway

Remember us telling you about those generous Super Furry Animals? No? Whatchu playin' at? Well let me remind you. SFA are going to give away their new single, 'The Gift That Keeps Giving' from their sublime 'Hey Venus' LP, on Christmas Day for FREE!

The track will also come with a brand new B-side as Christmas present for fans. Well, luckily, the band have given us the video to the track which you can watch here, now! Click over to see the video for The Gift That Keeps Giving Away.

New Releases, 4th December, with Princess Anne

Alright bitches? Princess Anne here with the new single releases. Last week you had Kid Jensen, who is a lovely man, but doesn't keep his ear to the ground like I do. It gives me great pleasure to be Electric Roulette's guest reviewer as being a music critic has always appealed to me. I remember saying to Emlyn Hughes, when I starred on the hilarious Question of Sport, that if music is the food of love, then I'll have a slice of pie! It was hilarious and we laughed about it for many many minutes. Anyway, here's the new releases.

Cinematic Orchestra - To Build A Home (45)

Ah. The sounds of Cafe Del Mar via Eastern Europe. I remember Emlyn Hughes was a big fan of swing, and Cinematic Orchestra fuse jazz with wallpaper. It' a pleasant enough sound... one to ease a comedown off too many Es. Lush!

Elvis Presley - Burning Love (CD)

The King is a personal fave of mine. To get me in the mood for a big equestrian event, I used to play his stirring rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone, which of course, reminded me of dear old Emlyn. Burning Love is a funkier number... a soulful rockin' stew to get you in the mood and, you might say, chomping at the bit!

Read over for more new releases...

New Releases, 26th November, with Kid Jensen

Hi gang! Kid Jensen here. It's a pleasure to review the new rekkids out today for this two bit e-rag, so let's have a look at the latest releases from around the globe to get your ears fuckin' rockin'!

New Singles

Elvis Presley – An American Trilogy

Isn't he dead yet? Yup. The king is back from the grave and now touring the country with a band of zombie rockabillies to show young punks like Razorlight how it's really done. From the womb to the tomb... from girth to the earth... and back again! Rock? And how!

PJ Harvey – The Piano (7”)

Ah. Polly Jean Harvey. Flashing her flaps since the nineties. Loves to rock... and doesn't mind fox hunting! Pull on a red jacket and strap me in baby! She's dropped the scuzz in favour of a church voice. The folk boom is on the wain... but don't let that stop you! You probably meant it anyway!

Queens Of The Stone Age - Make It Wit Chu (7”)

Scummy bastards find the place between metal and music you can actually listen to. What's that? You don't buy singles anymore? Read over pinkchops... I've got some LPs for ya...