Pennyblackmusic: April 2021
Interviews
Robbie Robertson
Reissued to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, 'Stage Fright' was the third studio album by legendary Americana outfit The Band. Presented in a new mix with revised running order and accompanying Royal Albert Hall show, Nick Dent-Robinson chats to guitarist/vocalist Robbie Robertson about the disc
Midge Ure
Alice Cooper
Walter Egan and Pamela Des Barres
Midge Ure speaks to Andrew Twambley about next year's Voice and Visions tour, being in both The Rich Kids and Thin Lizzy, Live Aid and Ultravox.
Alice Cooper talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about his new album ‘Detroit Stories,’ which, in homage to the infamous blue-collar city and his home town, includes new and classic covers, and features original band members.
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Walter Egan and 70’s groupie and writer Pamela Des Barres talk to Eoghan Lyng about their friendship, and his new album ‘fascination’ for which she was the inspiration and muse.
Jason Ringenberg
Wedding Present
Sleeper
Members
Hailed as ‘The Godfather of Americana’, US roots rock musician Jason Ringenberg recently issued new solo LP ‘Rhinestoned’ to outstanding praise. Julie Cruickshank caught up with the alt. country pioneer to chat about the making of the album and formative influences
Wedding Present frontman David Gedge speaks to Andrew Twambley about ‘Locked Down and Stripped Back’, his band’s new album of home recordings and reworked material from its back catalogue.
With ‘lost’ LP ‘This Time Tomorrow’ recently released and a tour to celebrate their 1995 debut LP ‘Smart’ this August, Sleeper lead singer Louise Wener chats to Richard Lewis about the new album and upcoming plans
Members guitarist and frontman JC Carroll speaks to Andrew Twambley about the punk/reggae band’s new and seventh album ‘Bedsitland’ and his recent autobiography ‘Still Annoying the Neighbours’.
Outsiders
Outsiders
Philip Parfitt
Cult Figures
In the first of two interviews with 70's group the Outsiders, drummer Adrian Janes speaks to John Clarkson about his underrated group, which was the first band of the Sound's front man Adrian Borland, and their new five CD box set on Cherry Red, 'Count for Something'.
Bassist Bob Lawrence, in the second of two interviews with 70's group the Outsiders, talks to John Clarkson about his memories of the group and front man Adrian Borland, and their new five CD box, set ‘Count for Something'.
In the second part of his in-depth interview with ex-Perfect Disaster frontman Philip Parfitt, Denzil Watson speaks to him about his influences and new solo album, ‘Mental Home Recordings’.
Gary Jones, Jon Hodgson and Lee McFadden from post-punk band Cult Figures speak to John Clarkson about their reformation after an absence of 36 years and new album ‘DerItend'.
Lammergeiers
Nirvana
Philip Parfitt
Chris Constantinou
Last Harbour and Anna Kashfi's James Youngjohns speaks to John Clarkson about his new project Lammergeiers and their debut album, 'And I Will Wake the Dawn Itself'.
John Clarkson speaks to Patrick Campbell-Lyons from influential 60’s orchestral group Nirvana about his group’s career and their new vinyl box set ‘Songlife’.
In the first part of a two part interview, former The Perfect Disaster frontman Philip Parfitt speaks to Denzil Watson about his second solo album, 'Mental House Recordings', and his return to music after an absence of many years.
Ex Adam Ant bassist and Wolfmen frontman Chris Constantinou talks to Andrew Twambley about his new award-winning project Rude GRL + CC, playing at Live Aid, working with Rat Scabies and Wilko Johnson and co-writing with Lou Reed.
Visitor Comments
Editorial
Jowe Head - Interview
Hugh Cornwell - Interview
James Williamson - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Chuck Prophet - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Miscellaneous - 3
Jesuit - John Mayall, Civic Hall, Guildford, 1969
Peter Straker - Interview
Pirates - Interview
Robert Wyatt - Robert Wyatt
Clash - The Image That Made Me Weep
Hugh Cornwell - Interview
James Williamson - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Chuck Prophet - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Miscellaneous - 3
Jesuit - John Mayall, Civic Hall, Guildford, 1969
Peter Straker - Interview
Pirates - Interview
Robert Wyatt - Robert Wyatt
Clash - The Image That Made Me Weep
Hello and welcome to the April edition of the Pennyblackmusic Magazine and our new look website. Lockdown has been a terrible experience, but some good has come out of it, and in Pennyblackmusic's case it is a new website. When our webmaster Richard Banks was unable to go home and meet up with his family over Christmas, he decided to start rebuilding our website. It was something that we had wanted to do for a while as we were working with an old server, and he was constantly having to mend things so that we could continue to get articles and reviews online. Two weeks off over Christ ....more
Profiles
Nicky Crewe pays tribute to her friend and Pennyblackmusic writer Keith How who died unexpectedly in January.
Production Crew Confront Covid
Doug Hoekstra
Reg Meuross
Neil Anderson
Last April Cila Warncke for an article at Pennyblackmusic spoke to several people who worked in production and behind the scenes in music about the devastating impact that the Coronavirus crisis was starting to have on them. A year on she revisits them and others in the same situation to find out where they are now.
Pennyblackmusic is proud to premiere the video for 'Wintertime', the third single single from Nashville-based singer-songwriter and writer Doug Hoekstra's forthcoming first album in ten years, 'The Day Deserved'.
Including discs which have been out of print for some time, a new six CD set of Somerset singer-songwriter Reg Meuross’s output from 1996 until 2013 brings all of his work together. Malcolm Carter reviews.
Nicky Crewe reads this rollicking tale of The Limit, the legendary Sheffield club.
Live Reviews
Joe Bonamassa
For fans of guitarist and singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa, Lisa Torem discovers that the Austin City Limits livestream is an exciting way to celebrate the old and the new in the comfort of one’s home.
Joe Bonamassa
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Austin City Limits Livestream, 1/4/2021
Hector Gannet - Live at Polestar Studios
Wytches - Signature Brew, London, 22/9/2020
Idles - Abbey Road Studios, London, 29/8/2020...30/8/2020
Miscellaneous - Comment
Miscellaneous - 1
Miscellaneous - 2
Miscellaneous - 3
Miscellaneous - 4
Tori Amos - Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago, 6/5/2020
Dubioza Kolektiv - Academy 3, Manchester, 21/2/2020
Ben Ottewell - Leaf, Liverpool, 5/3/2020
Hector Gannet - Live at Polestar Studios
Wytches - Signature Brew, London, 22/9/2020
Idles - Abbey Road Studios, London, 29/8/2020...30/8/2020
Miscellaneous - Comment
Miscellaneous - 1
Miscellaneous - 2
Miscellaneous - 3
Miscellaneous - 4
Tori Amos - Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago, 6/5/2020
Dubioza Kolektiv - Academy 3, Manchester, 21/2/2020
Ben Ottewell - Leaf, Liverpool, 5/3/2020
Hector Gannet
Wytches
Idles
Gus Ironside profiles a new video from acclaimed North Tyneside indie act Hector Gannet recorded live at the iconic Polestar Studios in Newcastle.
A terrific lockdown gig by The Wytches leaves Peter Cole musing about the nature of live music, what we've lost in 2020 and what we might gain in future.
Mark Rowland watches Idles play a remarkable three set lockdown session over two days at Abbey Road Studios in London.
Most Viewed (articles)
Current Edition
Jason Ringenberg - InterviewCult Figures - Interview
Walter Egan and Pamela Des Barres - Interview
Midge Ure - Interview
Outsiders - Interview with Adrian Janes
Robbie Robertson - Interview
Keith How - 1950-2021
Chris Constantinou - Interview
Reg Meuross - Six Cd Set
Philip Parfitt - Interview Part 2
Previous Editions
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - InterviewRemnants/Saloon Bar Romeos - Interview
Brian Locking - Interview
VIPS - Need Somebody to Love
Jason Ringenberg - Interview
Blue Nile - Peace At Last
Celeste Bell - Interview
Robert Wyatt - Robert Wyatt
Lemonheads - Ritz, Manchester, 12/2/2019
Kay Russell - Interview with Kay Russell
Favourite Albums
Loft
Kaleidoscope
Disco Zombies
In our 'Re:View' section Tommy Gunnarsson reflects on a new double CD retrospective by influential early indie act The Loft.
Malcolm Carter examines a new compilation that covers all stages of cult 1960's outfit Kaleidoscope/Fairfield Parlour's career, and finds an accompanying DVD of archive footage makes it an essential purchase.
Disco Zombies, who were post-punk proteges of John Peel. get an essential reissue – and send Maarten Schiethart on a trip down memory lane.
Features
In the second in her new series, 'A Life in Music', in which she will be talking to a Pennyblack writer about how music has affected and influenced them, Cila Warncke speaks to Fiona Hutchings,
In his column ‘In Dreams Begin Responsibilities’ European Sun and The Short Stories’ Steve Miles reflects on the role of silence in music.
Erasure
John Lennon
Bandcamp Explorer
Mary Wilson
Fiona Hutchings picks ten personal milestones from the tracks of British pop pioneers Erasure.
In 'The Image That Made Me Weep, Lisa Torem writes of a life-sized statue of John Lennon that she discovered while visiting Havana.
In his ‘Bandcamp Explorer’ column Mark Rowland examines some of the best lo-fi bands and albums that are available on Bandcamp.
In 'Raging Pages', her regular book column, Lisa Torem examines 'Dream Girl: My Life as a Supreme', the 1987 autobiography of Motown star and Supremes member Mary Wilson, who died in February.
Photography
Nul Telexes
Kiefer Sutherland
Darren Aston photographs new indie/electronic duo Nul Telexes on a photo shoot in Liverpool.
Andrew Twambley photographs actor and now acclaimed country rock artist Kiefer Sutherland at a gig on a UK tour at the O2 Academy in Liverpool.
Elvis Costello
Andrew Twambley photographs Elvis Costello on his recent UK tour at the Blackpool Opera House.
Steel Panther
From The Jam
Libertines
Andrew Twambley photographs tongue-in-cheek metal act Steel Panther at the O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.
Andrew Twambley photographs From The Jam at the Manchester Ritz on a tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jam's fourth album, 'Setting Sons'.
Andrew Twambley in the second of two galleries photographs the Libertines on the first of two gigs in Manchester.
Most Viewed (reviews)
Current Edition
Araluen - And There It IsFirefay and Alison O'Donnell - The Travels of Janus
Damn Truth - Now or Nowhere
Jesse Aycock - Jesse Aycock
Launchers - Rainbow Children
Bear of Bombay - Something Stranger
MG Boulter - Clifftown
Surreal Appeal - Gently Deranged
Hedvig Mollestad Trio - Ding Dong, You’re Dead
Robert Jurjendal - Water Finds a Way
Previous Editions
Bryan Ferry - Royal Albert Hall 2020Songs Ohia - The Lioness
Sonia - Everybody Knows - The SIngles Box Set
Tuomas Palonen - Tuomas Palonen
Arlo Parks - Collapsed in Sunbeams
Pointed Sticks - Perfect Youth
Doomed Bird of Providence - The Bell of the Jardines/The Death Flurry
Love - Love Songs: An Anthology of Arthur Lee’s Love, 1966 – 1969
Simon Stanley Ward and The Shadows of Doubt - Songs from Various Places
Zara Larsson - Poster Girl
Reviews
Damn Truth
Surreal Appeal
Araluen
London Grammar
Explosive psychedelic rock on first-rate album from undiscovered Montreal-based band The Damn Truth
New release from Sheffield based three piece group Surreal Appeal, bringing their electronic psychedelic sensibilities to an intriguing collection of songs.
Instantly classic debut album from new country supergroup which includes three of Danny and the Champions of the World, and also members of the Magic Numbers and Mutton Birds.
Accomplished combination of pop and balladry on latest album from Nottingham-formed trio London Grammar
Hedvig Mollestad Trio
Jesse Aycock
MG Boulter
Paul Brett
Baffling and energetic cross genre album from Norwegian act Hedvig Mollestad Trio, which combines loud krautrock, prog, jazz and garage punk rock
Tulsa’s Jesse Aycock delivers a sublime new album encompassing country-folk, pop, rock and hints of psychedelia.
Highly personal and evocative new album from M G Boulter which tells of his relationship with his home town of Southend on Sea
Extensive four CD compilation from session musician and experimental guitarist Paul Brett
Firefay and Alison O'Donnell
Robert Jurjendal
Hayley Williams
Julien Boudart
Evocative and atmospheric second collection of songs from folk legend Alison O’Donnell with Firefay
Imaginative fourth album from Estonian guitarist Robert Jurjendal which continues to explore the concept of instrumental exploration that is so much part of his solo work
Introspective and sparse second solo album from Paramore vocalist Hayley Williams
French sound artist and musician Julien Boudart explores the boundaries of sound inspired by an ancient myth in this first volume of a planned series
Who
Bear of Bombay
Launchers
Birdpen
Fantastic digital only EP which provides alternative versions of The Who's 1967 album The Who Sells Out', which is being reissued in an expanded version
Debut EP of synthpop soundscapes from Milanese musician and songwriter Lorenzo Parisini.
Upbeat and hopeful new single from West London nine-piece reggae/ska act The Launchers
Haunting sixth album from Birdpen is a protest against technology’s stranglehold on our lives and society
Various
Black Pistol Fire
First Aid Kit
Steve Robinson
Well-researched three CD box set which provides to the listener with a compelling sonic history of 1970's rock's lesser-known acts as well as also its legends
Canadian duo Black Pistol Fire offer impassioned and energetic rock with some subtle twists and turns
Excellent tribute album to Leonard Cohen recorded live over two nights at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm by sibling duo First Aid Kit
Classic folky-pop with Beatle touches. on first album in five years from former Headlight and Roger McGuinn sideman Steve Robinson
Nick Cave And Warren Ellis
Global Village Trucking Company
Jason Ringenberg
Fanfara Awantura
Intense and versatile collaboration between Nick Cave and his fellow Bad Seeds member Warren Ellis
Impressive double CD anthology on Cherry Red from Iconic communal band The Global Village Trucking Company
Highly enjoyable solo effort, which was recorded during the 2020 Covid lockdown, from Tennessee’s Jason Ringenberg, one of the early pioneers of alt. country
Ingenious blend of brass and techno music from Polish act Fanfara Awantura
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adam Coxon
Adrian Janes
Adrian P
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Carl Bookstein
Chris O'Toole
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Adrian Janes
Adrian P
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Carl Bookstein
Chris O'Toole
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dixie Ernill
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dixie Ernill
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank