Pin-Ups

Pin-Ups are HOT...

If you haven't noticed, Pin-Ups and vintage glamour is experiencing a surge of interest and popularity at the moment. And why not? Pin-Ups are classy, sexy, and inspiring. But what is Pin-Up? According to the common wisdom, the term 'pin-up' was coined in the early 1940s to refer to the mass-produced photographs, paintings, and other illustrations intended to appeal to popular culture. Generally the model was female, attractive, and often a celebrity. Female pin-ups were commonly referred to as "cheesecake". Male models were know as "beefcake". You can read more about Pin-Ups and get some great example art/photos on our website (just scroll down the page a little!): 

http://www.perthrockabilly.com/Rockabilly_Style.php

Gil Elvgren: Classic drawn Pin-Up

Personally I'm a big fan of the drawn Pin-Ups, but there really is something for everybody out there today. If you take just a quick look around the country, without even considering modelling and photo studio options, there are plenty of ways for you to explore Pin-Up:

Miss Pinup Australia

http://www.misspinupaustralia.com.au/

Miss Kustom Kulture SA

http://www.facebook.com/events/289932624375359/

Greazefest 2013: Pinup Sessions

http://www.greazefest.com/pageOne.html

PinupSkool Magazine

http://www.pinupskoolmagazine.com.au/

PinupSkool are certainly providing a great option for the discerning enthusiast of talented Aussie Pin-Up. For the lovely ladies who would like to show the world why they love the art, PinupSkool wants you:

We need you retro lovelies... ALWAYS

This is the best part, we want to showcase what talent we have, right here in Australia. If you have always wanted to see yourself in a magazine, if you are an enthusiast Pin-Up girl with photos from a shoot, if you are a photographer...

A good Pin-Up photo really doesn't take too much effort or require extravagant settings, so why not check out PinupSkools modelling requirements: http://www.pinupskoolmagazine.com.au/model-for-us

Pin-Ups can be very simple. Dayna Delux may certainly borrow my guitar any time...

Western Australia is also getting hot under the collar for Pin-Ups:

Miss Pinup Australia: WA

http://www.misspinupaustralia.com.au/index.php?page=wa

http://www.facebook.com/misspinupaustralia

There are lots of gorgeous WA gals who are entered in the many different categories of Pin-Up offered in the Miss Pinup Australia competition. Why not check out the website/facebook and support your favourite?

Perth Rockabilly Rampage: Pin-Up Competition

http://www.facebook.com/events/132796423529542/

Where Miss Pinup Australia targets the more avid/professional Pin-Up girl, Perth Rockabilly would like to recognise the gorgeous ladies who grace our Rockabilly events and venues each week. The Pin-Up competition held in conjunction with the Rampage will provide an opportunity for the Perth Pin-Up enthusiast to look great (and win some great prizes!) and get their pic in PinupSkool Magazine. Yep! Here's what's on offer (UPDATED!):

• Miss Hot Rod: Collectors special PinupSkool Magazine edition #1, Featured on Perth Rockabilly, My Little Rockabilly (http://www.facebook.com/KatCreasey?fref=ts) accessories, Prize package from HepKat Heaven (http://www.hepkatheaven.iinet.net.au/), Retro-a-gogo personal case from Perth Rockabilly.
• Miss Classic Rockabilly: Collectors special PinupSkool Magazine edition #1, Featured on Perth Rockabilly, My Little Rockabilly (http://www.facebook.com/KatCreasey?fref=ts) accessories, Prize package from Vixen Express (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vixen-Express/181977685190177), Rockin' Rydes (http://www.facebook.com/RockinRydes) "Pinup 2012" T-Shirt.
• Miss Kustom Kulture: Collectors special PinupSkool Magazine edition #1, Featured on Perth Rockabilly, My Little Rockabilly (http://www.facebook.com/KatCreasey?fref=ts) accessories, Rockin' Rydes (http://www.facebook.com/RockinRydes) "Kustom Kulture Girl 2012" Pinup T-Shirt, 2 x $50 vouchers from Kittie Chaos (www.kittiechaos.com).
• Overall Winner: Professional photo shoot from Viva Photography (http://www.vivaphotography.com.au/studio-locations/western-australia/balcatta.aspx), plus from PinupSkool Magazine:
• A 12 month subscription to PinupSkool Magazine for the winner,
• A 1 page photo in PinupSkool Magazine labelled Perth Rockabilly Rampage 2012 title winner
• An editorial on Perth Rockabilly Rampage 2012 in next issue of PinupSkool Magazine

Submissions – Digital photos to be received via email to Perth Rockabilly (perthrockabilly@perthrockabilly.com); a limit of one photo submission per category. You don't need to be at the Rampage to participate, but to support all of our sponsors and to cover administration costs, you will need to purchase a ticket to the Rampage. 

To help you get your Pin-Up photos taken, as a strictly limited offer, Viva Photography Balcatta is giving away 10 Complimentary Photography Studio Sessions. To enter, SMS your Name, Phone Number and “ROCK” to 0412 708 151

If you miss out on their special offer, you may also take advantage of a Viva Photography Studio Photo Session with one image on facebook for only $50 (Normally $250!!!) - simply present your Perth Rockabilly Rampage ticket before December 1st.

International Flavours

October and November are bringing some great international Rockabilly acts to Perth. If you're not already in the know, here's the low down on who, what, and when...

Nekromantix - 2nd October @ Rosemount Hotel

Supported by local greats Blazin' Entrails, all reports are that this was an awesome gig. For the full blurb you can check out: http://www.rosemounthotel.com.au/events/201210/nekromantix

Nekromantix has been around for a while now and if you want the full history, read on here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nekromantix

Their latest album What Happen's in Hell, Stays in Hell  offers their usual (amusing & interesting) psychobilly mix of horror and monster themed tunes. With song titles like "Monsterbait" and "Bats In My Pants" you can draw your own conclusions! I personally enjoy "I Kissed a Ghoul" for a bit of fun... sorry Katy Perry...

Past favourites include Last Night I Saved an Angel [Demons Are a Girl's Best Friend], Monster Movie Fan [Brought Back to Life], and Trick or Treat [Return of the Loving Dead].

Get some more Nekromantix in your playlist! http://www.youtube.com/artist/nekromantix

The Go Getters - 2nd November @ Deville's Pad

Supported by Perth favourites The Continentals, The Go Getters head out to spice up Dia del los Muertos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead) at Deville's!

Swedish rockabilly trio The Go Getters have a classic, high energy rockabilly sound with a heavy infusion of blues. Releasing albums since the early '90s the band has an impressive biography, which is best read (and listened to) here: http://www.myspace.com/thegogetters.
For the latest information, of course, where would we be without Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/gogetters.official?fref=ts

For a look and listen to The Go Getters, check out this video of a slightly naughtier version of Hip Shakin' Baby:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnQa0ybtCTY

To get a feel for their 'blues infused' sound, check out this cover of Sugar Sweet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I78Alb7rz_c
... enjoy the Pinups too, guys!


If you can't make it along for Deville's on the Friday night, you also have the chance to catch The Go Getters @ The Mustang Bar on Thursday November 1st (http://members.optusnet.com.au/perthrocks/#Whats_On).

Amber Foxx - 9th November @ Deville's Pad

Supported by Perth's best guys with guns Johnny Law and the Pistol Packin' Daddies, Amber Foxx is set to bring her Southern California Rockabilly stylings to delight with harmonies and a bit of twang. Amber Foxx has played the Viva Las Vegas, Greenbay Rockin' 50s Fest, and Rockabilly Rave music festivals. Amber and her band currently have 2 CDs Restless and Wild and HiFi Party.

For more information on Amber Foxx, check out her biography and videos at Reverb Nation:
http://www.reverbnation.com/amberfoxx
Or Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/amberfoxx
Or Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/amberfoxxfanclub 





So get out there this month to enjoy some great international acts, right here in Perth - just before enjoying our great home-grown talent at the Perth Rockabilly Rampage!
http://www.perthrockabilly.info
http://www.facebook.com/events/132796423529542/

Greazefest 2012

As promoted by the organisers, Greazefest (Brisbane, QLD) is "the 'must-do' event for kustom kulture devotees in the Southern Hemisphere ... a crankin' weekend of cool cars, Rockabilly music and fashion, vintage bikes, lowrider cycles, low brow art, pinstripers, tattoos, markets and more". It is certainly one of the key events  in Australia and, unsurprisingly, there were more than a few people from Perth there to enjoy it. 

For those who couldn't make it, the following review provides a slice of the action :)

Friday

The first hot rockin' night of the festival was (relatively) subdued, with plenty of space and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the bands, dancing, and initial vendors. Most patrons took the opportunity to dress up for the opening night and the atmosphere was convivial. A great night for fun, photos, and socialising with friends.

All of the bands on the Friday night line-up were enjoyable and well-paced for those interested in dancing. However, from a personal perspective, stand-out act for the evening (indeed, of the Festival) was Sonyta and the Incinerators [left]. Just 17 years old, Sonyta did a great job delivering on songs from Wanda Jackson, Janis Martin, and Imelda May. If you want to get a taste for the band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W5hAk51PRk

The only down-side for the evening was the weather, which was cold.  As the bands were performing on an outdoor stage, if you weren't dancing you definitely wanted to stay rugged up or retreat indoors for a bit of warmth.

Saturday

The ReChords - Felix (ex. Salt Flat Trio) rockin' it out on guitar!

Saturday had a great line-up of bands, though it was disappointing that Perth favourite Rusty Pinto had to cancel his performance at the last moment. While replacement act Scotty Baker delivered a fine show, those of us who know how good Rusty can be certainly noticed his absence. Headline international band for the evening, The Planet Rockers, also put on a great set. However, while recognising the greater time allocation warranted for an international act, the delivery was drawn out in several places. Several songs just dragged on, while "less talk - more music" is always good IMHO. In contrast, The Rechords played a tight and energetic set that anyone with twitchy feet just had to dance to. 

Unfortunately the space for dancing Saturday night was practically non-existent, with the dance floor consumed by those eager to simply watch the bands. Though this would not frustrate many Greazefest patrons, the issue highlighted the less successful elements of festival organisation. Saturday night was a fully populated event, including many apparent casual [and often less than considerate] participants, and space was at a premium. Understandably, the front of stage was prime viewing area. However, this placed the crowd not only on the dance floor, but also in front of the Hula Lounge. Drinks (and drunks) in transition from bar to stage were a hazard for all in attendance. Dancers and non-dancers alike were observed slipping in spilled drinks and/or knocked over by other patrons on several occasions.

Sunday

Cars, cars, and more cars... A motor enthusiasts dream day.

No doubt about it, Sunday was all about the cars and shopping. The huge numbers of stalls provided plenty of opportunities to help empty your wallet, while the creativity and artistry of the cars on display would make even those most disinterested in automotive pursuits pause to appreciate and respect the work. Of course, while you wandered there was a variety of food and drink to enjoy and a full selection of bands playing on multiple stages. Unfortunately there is simply no way to be everywhere at once!

With the departure of the stalls and cars (not to mention the unruly children) later in the day, the Festival wound down to a very relaxed atmosphere of dedicated and enthusiastic participants. Sunday evening saw many of the same faces as Friday and Saturday night, the dance floor cleared for those so inclined, while others chilled out near the bar. Having been  a warm afternoon, the atmosphere was certainly conducive to a few quite drinks with friends. Not that the party stopped: Psychobilly band The Sin & Tonics delivered a hard and fast set in the evening to help wrap up a great day. Those whose feet were not yet too tired from a day of walking and dancing got the chance to burn up whatever fuel was left in the tank - and many did.

The Sin & Tonics - hitting it full-on Sunday evening for the die-hards!

For Rockabilly fans wanting a great weekend away, the Lucky 13th Greazefest should certainly be on your calendar for 2013. If you want the best accommodation we suggest booking now :)

The Twang Heard 'Round the World...

The Perfect Coffee Table Book?

Ever had trouble introducing your less enlightened friends and family to what makes Rockabilly so great? Then this illustrated history may be just the thing you're looking for. For both the uninitiated and the enthusiast alike, this visually engaging and easy to read book offers something to truly appreciate. Encompassing the music, artists, history, and fashion, the book contains interviews with many significant figures from the world of Rockabilly and is a great addition to your collection. 

It is also very, very pretty. 

Consider it pin-up material for your library.

The narrative is established around the conventional wisdom that Rockabilly began with Elvis: "It's arrival can be pinpointed: July 5, 1954, the night Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black recorded That's All Right Mama in Memphis' Sun Studios". While those interested in a more developed perspective are encouraged to consider the broader history (e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockabilly), this premise does provide a useful framework around which the remainder of the book is built upon. However, rockabilly roots and the background of Sun Studios are not overlooked and there is certainly enough depth in this regard to satisfy most. Meanwhile, to ensure that the attention is not lost while reading, every page is accompanied by fabulous photography. I may have personally fallen in love with 5 or 6 different guitars... 

You Can't Cover Everything...

While it would certainly be difficult to address the full scope of the topic, there does feel to be some distinct imbalance in what is and is not discussed. Most notably to my mind is the limited consideration provided to the female singers of the original Rockabilly era. Though Wanda Jackson is given significant treatment, other greats such as Janis Martin and Brenda Lee are left aside. In contrast a number of relatively minor male artists are given quite a lot of column space. However, this does serve to better portray the mix of artists and convergence of musical styles that, at least initially, was loosely brought together and termed - often derisively - Rockabilly.

'Round the World

Minor gripes aside the book does live up to it's name, giving a global perspective on Rockabilly and how regional influences both interpreted and influenced the sound and, hence, modern Rockabilly fashion and culture. For those accustomed to the US centric portrayal of Rockabilly the sections on European Rockabilly may be very rewarding. Particularly compelling is the discussion of how the European scene allowed Rockabilly music and style to remain vibrant during the 1960s and 1970s, while Rockabilly in the US all but disappeared due to the pressures of the shifting pop-music industry. This exploration bridges the gap from the traditional Rockabilly era to the Rockabilly Revival, at which point the interviews with modern greats such as Brian Setzer grab your attention.

And More...

The last section of the book takes a look at how Rockabilly has both morphed and stayed the same. From musicians such as Sleepy LaBeef, producing new, yet traditional, Rockabilly music well into the 1990s, to Roots and Revival musicians such as Big Sandy and Imelda May, and Psychobilly juggernauts like The Meteors and The Reverend Horton Heat. If you want to get a feel for where Rockabilly music is going, as energetic and dynamic as the day it began, you will undoubtedly find yourself turning yet one more page through the broad selection of photographs and commentary.

The perfect coffee table book? Perhaps not - but readily the best one I've encountered for some time. 

Find a copy and enjoy!

Rocket to WAMI & DeVille's

New Sounds from Rocket to Memphis

Rocket to Memphis have been keeping themselves busy. Apart from their gigs about Perth, a suite of new songs have just been introduced to the RtM mix. These new numbers were introduced last week at the WAMI festival, with second helpings Friday night at DeVille's. I'll be looking forward to the new album!

There was plenty of good music on offer about Perth during the WAMI festival and fortunately the weather was fantastic. Those who had the chance to wander and investigate certainly would have been rewarded with something new and/or different. I personally was quite impressed with new young group Sisters Doll and will be interested to see how they develop in the next few years. Some great rockin' numbers for those with itchy dance feet...

However, RtM were the draw card for many in attendance at the Arts Centre Swampland Stage. They certainly did not disappoint, opening proceedings with their usual flare and groovin' swamp vibe. Traditional favourites included "Walking the Plank", "Zombie Rumble", and "Bad Girl" - the last being dedicated to the two youngsters at the front of the stage :) Particularly impressive was the performance of "Wolfman", with Voodoo Viv providing the sound FX for all to enjoy.

Without overlooking the traditional favourites, the highlight of the afternoon for most RtM fans would have been the new content. Some numbers fit very comfortably within the format of existing songs, such as "Ride to the Stars" - which has a similar feel and rhythm to "Walking the Plank". Another that I expect to become popular is the jaunty and smoky "Slapback". It was clearly enjoyed by the crowd on the day, and once again at DeVille's on Friday night.

I suspect that some other offerings may take longer to warm to as RtM stretch their style and play with some new sounds. I found "Swamp Guy" to be one such song, feeling a little disjointed at first as some of the rhythms became familiar. Other numbers such as "Roll On" may have suffered from the acoustics of the setting, feeling somewhat flat despite solid rockin'  beats and signature guitar work from Razor Jack. I expect the studio versions shall provide a much fuller sound that will make it hard to resist bopping away to. The atmosphere at DeVille's Friday night certainly provided a much better forum for all the new songs to be performed and hook you in.

Thanks RtM for keeping it interesting!

*Please note that all song titles listed here have been taken from stage announcements. My apologies to RtM and the reader if I've not gotten things exactly right!

Perth Burlesque Festival

Opening Night Review

While burlesque is certainly not Rockabilly, there has been increasing cross-over with both the Swing and Rockabilly scene in Perth over the last couple of years. That seemed like more than enough reason to me to go and check out the opening night of the "First Annual International Perth Burlesque Festival" at DeVille's Pad - no ulterior motives. Really ;)

http://www.perthburlesquefestival.com/

My first and (most lasting) impression of the evening was the quality of the host, MC Feisty (FeistyStrumpet) (http://www.feistyentertainment.com.au/images/me.jpg) - thank me later guys... Hmhmm... by quality, I am referring to the fantastic job of engaging the crowd with wit and humour. The evening never once fell flat or felt stalled between performances as she did a great job of keeping everyone entertained. She was also clearly well supported by a variety of helpers and co-ordinators on and off stage. In short, a professional and well run evening.

There variety of local and guest performers was diverse, with the acts ranging from clever comedy pieces (Kitty Litteur), dance inspired numbers (Scarlet O'Harlot), raunchy tease (Agatha Frisky), and everything in between (Miss La Vida). 

Kitty Litteur - this act was a *lot* of fun

As with any multi-act event, undoubtedly not all the performances struck the right note with the audience. Nevertheless, it was great to participate in the convivial wolf whistles and cries of "get your gear off!" liberally dispensed to all the ladies on stage during the evening. Unfortunately MC Fiesty never complied, despite the enthusiastic requests from the crowd...

While there were many fine performances during the evening, my personal choice was for NZ's Miss La Vida. Funny, sexy, and very compelling to watch. A great use of the music, not to mention props... Similarly, it was a shame that an equipment malfunction prevented the performance from Tasia from having a chance to truly shine (if you were there, please forgive the pun!). This act had a very Vampirella vibe to it and for those who enjoy a slightly darker edge it would surely have been a highlight of the evening.

Miss La Vida - another reason to visit NZ soon...

However, while all the ladies received acknowledgement for their efforts, the judges pick for the evenings stand-out performer was Agatha Frisky. Along with Kitty Litteur, this act was certainly one of the most memorable performances by Perth's local performers. Though I found it slightly lacking in the comedy department, it was a very polished and  well synchronised performance.  

Agatha Frisky - the night's main winner... showing her cheeky side ;)

If you haven't caught the Festival already there's still one more day to go. Otherwise, join the roadshow as the festival heads through the south-west!

Ringside Rockabilly

Pat Capocci vs. Rusty Pinto

What a great night out at DeVille's! Both Rusty and Pat put on great performances, rising to the challenge...

While I do enjoy Rusty's blues stylings with the Combo, Friday night was a great change to the regular programming. The gauntlet was thrown down early, with Rusty ripping out some red hot numbers. Those who like their Rockabilly fast and furious would have had a hard time being disappointed. The dance floor was full, the joint was rockin', and the uninitiated probably wondered what awesome hidden pocket of the Perth music scene they had just uncovered.

Rusty - hitting the right notes...

After some great tracks from DJ Razor Jack, Pat stepped up to put his stamp on the evenings proceedings. As a (*cough*) completely unbiased observer I always thought Pat would have  a pretty tough time following up on a local legend. However, after some very catchy tunes, I'm sure I was not the only person lamenting the rarity of visitations from our Eastern compatriots. While the tempo generally set a more relaxed pace, for many reaching the close of a great evening with friends and (possibly more than) a few drinks this was probably just what the doctor ordered.

Perth commands that you bring more Rockabilly!!!

At the end of the evening, my entirely impartial verdict -

Rusty, on points ;)

If you felt differently, go ahead and fly a flag for your team and leave your comments!

More photos from the evening can be found on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.298555936895575.70537.121502454600925&type=1

Garterbelts & Gasoline

Garterbelts & Gasoline 

Rockabilly, Rod & Culture Festival 2012

**Rocket to Memphis' Razor Jack gives the 

low-down on this knockout weekender**

This was the second year in a row that we've had the pleasure of attending Garterbelts & Gasoline - and it seems to be getting bigger and better all the time! Held in picturesque Mt. Tamborine (a hour outside Brisbane) this is a celebration of 50s rockin' culture, with live music, pin-up gals, hotrods, lowbrow art and more - wrapped up in a 3 day festival that rivals any in the country. Here's a brief taste of the action…

Friday night

Things kicked off on Friday with the Rockabilly Ball. The event sold out so quickly last year that organiser Paul Biagini made the wise decision to move the Fri & Sat nights to the Vonda Youngman Centre. While it was a little less intimate than last year's venue, it had a huge dance floor and great stage/sound for the bands. As always the mix of music was great, with 4 live bands and DJ Jamie Suppa (Dingo, from Presstone Records) spinning up a storm in the breaks. There was also a vintage fashion show, which added a nice touch.

Opening act was the Drey Rollan Band a young rockabilly outfit from Sydney - I thought they sounded great, reminding me a little of Kitty, Daisy & Lewis. After the fashion show, Rocket to Memphis turned on the voodoo - we busted out a brand new song "Turn it on" - and had a ball!  Next was the swinging' country sounds of QLD-based Pete Martini & the Freight Jumpers (great name!). Joining Pete (also Corn Liquor's frontman) were my good friends Warren Earl (guitar) and Ben Franz (steel) and a wild fiddle-player who's name unfortunately escapes me. International headline act for this (and Sat) night were Austrian/Swiss rockabilly cats Mars Attacks. These boys have been around for a while and it shows - they were solid and rockin' - a great addition to the bill!

Saturday 

Had a few extra jars when we got back to our accommodation, so Saturday morning wasn't exactly an early start and we didn't get to see the thrills and spills of the legendary "Soapbox Derby" - G&G's annual vintage Gokart race! Instead, we spent the afternoon with our Canberra buddies The Fuelers who treated us to 4 fabulous sets at the micro brewery. They've gotta be one of the most entertaining bands on the planet, with a great mix of rocking' music (hillbilly, surf, even a bit of "country & eastern"!), crazy ad breaks and audience participation games - they are an act best savoured live and we love 'em! The Mars Attacks boys dropped by for a beer too and really dug it.

Saturday night

Back to the Vonda Youngman Centre for Saturday night's great line-up. Launching a brand new album (and what a corker it is too!) was Melbourne-based Warren Earl & the Atomic Rockers. Billed as rockabilly, but this band plays period-perfect western swing and hillbilly boogie - and they're dynamite! Great twin lines from Warren & Ben Franz - and a killer rhythm section to boot!  Next up was the Pin-up competition, which Rusty & I had the pleasure of judging last time round. This year, the Rocket gals Betty Bombshell & Voodoo Viv shared the duties with Martin (guitar man from Mars Attacks) and a gentleman from Cruizin' mag, who sponsor the event. All good clean fun - and the usual high standard of pin-ups!  Hang onto your hats folks… the whirlwind is about to take the stage… next up, the Rusty Pinto Combo, back by popular demand and with killer Pat Capocci on guitar - proceeded to tear the place apart!  (this is the same line up that played Devilles the next Friday - so if you caught that Perth show, you'll know what I'm talking about). Great rockabilly and rockin' blues… as was the next band too. Wes Pudsey's Hollywood Hombres (NSW) added piano and sax for a swingin' r&b sound - and were great. Mars Attacks closed the night and once again bust out a great set of savage rockabilly.

Sunday - HOTROD CARNIVALE

Perfect weather for the big show - and a huge turn-out too (I think they'd already clocked up 6000 people by 2pm!). A great display of hotrods and custom cars, vintage stalls, live bands, fairground rides, food stalls and a bar - all contributed to a very enjoyable day. The Fuelers kept people entertained with their own stage once again and the main stage featured the following:  Corn Liquor (alt. country/rock n roll), Little Miss Garterbelts competition, the hip-shakin' swampabilly of Rocket to Memphis,  great rockin' sets from Scotty Baker, Coral Lee and one of my favourite rockabilly bands Hank's Jalopy Demons. Midnight Son kept things rockin' right till the end.

Sunday night

Billed as the festival "wind down" session, the Sunday evening was at last year's venue St. Bernard's Hotel. Warren Earl & the Atomic Rockers treated us to two swinging' sets and the more intimate room was perfect for them - the band was a knockout! Great to have a beer and chat at the end too, before making the trek back across the country to the "big smoke" of Perth (heh heh!).

Big thanks to Paul & Amanda, who put so much work into making this event such a success (and a medal to Giggles for driving us all around too!). Check out the pics and investigate any of the bands you haven't heard of - they were all great. I have a feeling even more people will be putting Garterbelts & Gasoline  on their calendar for next year!

https://www.facebook.com/garterbeltsandgasoline

MARS ATTACKS - hot rockabilly from Austria / Switzerland 

Sounds of the Swamp

Those who know me will also know that I'm a big fan of the swampy Rockabilly sound. The more the notes seem to slowly ooze out of the guitar, the deeper the bass, the thicker the drums and I just enjoy it more... So I consider myself very fortunate to have one of the swampiest (and best) Rockabilly bands around, right here in Perth: Rocket to Memphis!

Rockets have been around for a while now, but I still consider their first offering "Swampwater Shuffle" to be the standard against which all other "swampy" albums should be assessed.


The title track, Swampwater Shuffle, slowly creeps up on you as it seems to drip off the album - before it hits you in the face with that driving rock. And so things continue: Voodoo Twist grooves right along, while Catwoman and Devil's Ride somehow seem to make me want to keep looking over my shoulder... then, when I'm maybe feeling  a little vulnerable already, What Kinda Man? reminds me not to mess around with girls who know how to use Daddy's gun ;) However, my favourite track from the album (not to mention just one of my all-out favourites) is The Jazz Butcher. If you know the track, you know why... Yes, Rockets, we definitely want more... I can't wait for the next album!


If you haven't got a copy of Swampwater Shuffle already then I strongly recommend you ask Andy (Razor Jack) for a copy the next time you see him at Mustang Bar or DeVilles. You can also pick up a copy at the Mustang Bar on Monday nights from Cool Cats (www.coolcatsrocknroll.com).


Until then, get a taste from YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BxovVCX5OY&feature=relmfu