Simon Rushworth
Can’t afford to buy every album by every band you think you just might like? Then that’s where the Kerrang! compilations come in so handy and the 2009 edition – out tomorrow – is no different featuring the likes of Dragonforce (pictured), Enter Shikari, Slipknot and Rolo Tomassi across two CDs.
Bound to be a big seller, the double pack goes head to head with reformed thrash punks The Stupids, scuzz heroes Nebula and cult southern rock crew Toadies. Another great week for rock!
Various – Kerrang! The Album 2009 (Rhino)
With rock enjoying a real renaissance right now there are so many great bands out there just waiting for your nod of appreciation. But it’s impossible to hear them all and foolish to believe all the hype, all of the time.
So that’s where this little musical nugget comes in so handy, showcasing as it does a whopping 42 tracks from many of the best punk, metal, thrash and indie rock bands on the planet. If you religiously follow classic rock to the exclusion of everything else then this isn’t the compilation for you but for everyone else it’s a must.
Exclusive tracks from the likes of MCR and Gallows enhance a two-CD collection featuring heavyweights Green Day, Slipknot and Marilyn Manson as well as hip newbies The King Blues, Metro Station and You Me At Six. There’s even some Nickelback in there…
Great value, great fun, great times.
rushonrock rated: 8/10 Kerrlassic!
The Stupids – The Kids Don’t Like It (Boss Tuneage Records)
One of the records of 2009 and incredibly addictive, this 16-track blast down memory lane is, nevertheless, proof that The Stupids can still hack it 21 years after their last album.
At times sounding like they could mix it with the Bay Area’s big four as serious thrash metal players, their punkier, funkier moments lower the tempo and raise a smile. The decision to keep the bulk of their new tunes short but sweet proves to be a smart move as there’s never a dull moment across The Kids Don’t Like It.
If you’re new to the band don’t be fooled into thinking this is skate punk for cissies. At their heaviest The Stupids are quite simply stunning with thrash metal riffs to die for. An unexpected and welcome treat.
rushonrock rated: 9/10 The Kids Will Like It
Nebula – Heavy Psyche (Tee Pee Records)
This record says what it does on the tin and yet it actually says so much more. If psychedelic rock with a pounding underbelly is your bag then you will absolutely adore this experiment in hook-laden scuzz.
With no limits on the direction of a series of sprawling compositions, the LA power trio let their crazy take on life take an equally crazy course. Think Jimi Hendrix with Black Sabbath’s rhythm section and you get an idea of the quality and ferocity of Heavy Psyche’s finer moments.
This band should be huge and clearly would have been 35 years ago. It might not be their time but it’s vital you spend your time investigating one of the most invigorating acts on the planet.
rushonrock rated: 8/10 We’re Psyched!
Toadies – Made In Texas EP
It’s two decades since the Toadies came together preaching alt rock with a seriously southern flavour and 1995’s hit Possum Kingdom, from the seminal debut Rubberneck, suggested good tiems ahead for the Texan mob.
Tours with Bush, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and the Butthole Surfers might have followed but just as the band appeared to be on the brink of something special their appetite for aural destruction waned. Fast forward 10 years and there’s a new focus and an exciting future. Perhaps.
This EP brings together the highlights from the band’s first three records as a taster for UK and European fans unaware of the Toadies’ finer moments – and there are a lot of us. Tracks like Hell In High Water and Tyler are pleasant enough but whether they’ll make any impression on 2009’s congested rock market remains to be seen.
rushonrock rated: 6/10 Toad Dear