The New Bardots

The latest single from The New Bardots carries on the tradition of Jersey garage rock with a vengeance. ‘Change Reaction’, released on Deadwalker Records is a wonderfully melodic cover of the Robert Hazard song, filled with sweet harmonies, beautifully executed changes and transitions, a way cool harmonica, and a sax riff that’s still playing on in my head. While the promotional material lists the band members as the Bardot brothers, I have it from a reliable source that they are in fact Gar Francis  (The Dughboys, Rockids, Plainfield Slim, The Satisfactors), Wayne Olivieri (Rockids, Oliver’s Twist, Oliver Wylde); Dan Skye (Oliver’s Twist), and Johnnie Rago. Produced by Francis and Olivieri, the song captures the essence of the Jersey sound. A wonderful track and a wonderful time. I can’t wait for the upcoming album.You can check it out  here, and get yourself a copy at iTunes, Spotify, and GooglePlay.

 

 

 

 

CRAB BUBBLES-“Fool For Your Love”

I was fortunate to receive an advance listen to the new single by Crab Bubbles. Written by Gar Francis, “Fool For Your Love” is scheduled for a November 2014 release on New Jersey Indie label, Bongo Boy Records.

The song has a wonderful 1960’s feel, a sort of Paul Revere & The Raiders thing going on, with its dynamite pop melody, and way cool psychedelic effects. There are great riffs, a terrific guitar solo, and a fabulous bridge. Dale Lee Richards‘ vocals are  incredibly powerful, as they sail along with some very cool harmonies. Dynamite song. Definitely one to sing along with. I could go on and on, but I think you should just go check it out for yourselves. And then come November, get yourself a copy or 2. A 1960’s classic merged with 1980’s garage.I don’t believe it gets much better than this!!  I hope there is a Crab Bubbles album!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.bongoboyrecords.com/

 

 

 

 

https://icantbelievemyearz.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/review-archives/

https://www.facebook.com/ICantBelieveMyEarz

@cntblievemyearz

 

 

THE SATISFACTORS-The Satisfactors

Well, its finally here. Referred to as New Jersey‘s 1st SUPERGROUP, Bongo Boy Records recording artist, The Satifactors released their long awaited debut album on October 9, 2014. John Lennon’s birthday. Not a coincidence. The rock heritage of this New Jersey band staggers the mind. You can check out Bruce Ferguson, Kurt Reil, Gar Francis, & Kenny Aaronson here while I finish the review.

The 12 track, self titled album opens with “She Got Charm“, a great punk/garage song with a dynamite melody, wonderful harmonies, and a way cool hook. The acapella harmonies as the song ends are simply impeccable. “I Love Girls” delivers a wonderful bass line, and a way cool riff. The solo and the chorus standout. The up tempo “You’re So Crazy“, has great changes, cool guitar and sweet harmonies. The track exudes energy and emotion. The organ in “Hey Mama” is a dynamite bonus amid the great guitar, and a cool vocal track. A wonderful song with a blues edge. “Sweet Sunshine” rocks with power chords, and wonderful harmonies. I dig the chorus, and the piano rings with old school rock ‘n’ roll. The ultimate punk tune, “Johnny Commando“, grabs you right from the outset. There are so many things to be said about this track, it is easier just to listen to it. Then, listen again. Hey Ho, Johnny Commando!  The rhythm section shines in “Hit Me, Hit Me, Hit Me” , a straight ahead rock ‘n’ roll track with a way cool 1950’s vibe. I dig the intro to “Gimme My Rock ‘n’ Roll“, and the wonderful way it morphs into a 1980’s New York City rock song. The harmonies and guitar are wonderful. “Girl Just Wants To Dance” offers a dynamite bass line, and a great vocal track. The changes, and harmonies are wonderful, and the guitar effects give this song a sweet 1960’s feel. The organ is almost magical, highlighted by killer guitar, “My Baby Got It” delivers perfect harmonies, and great changes. There is wonderful acoustic guitar, and some way cool psych effects thrown in for good measure. “Had It With You” is pure, high octane rock ‘n’ roll. A wonderful song. My favorite track on the album, “Take Your Troubles Away“, still plays in my head, and occupies a prominent position on all of my playlists. A spectacular garage-pop-surf song. Sort of Beach Boy punk! The drumming is perfectly wonderful, The guitar solo kills, and the keyboards, sweet. The instrumentation, in its subtlety, allows the melody, harmonies, and dynamite vocal track to be the focus. It works! A beautifully seductive song.

 

So, there you have it. The Satisfactors debut album. It rocks from beginning to end with a wonderful garage groove. The songs are amazing.Written by Bruce Ferguson & Gar Francis, they are wonderfully crafted, and played with a beat that just doesn’t stop. Bruce’s vocals are great. Cool to see him fronting Jersey’s Fantastic 4! Kenny’s bass lines, and Gar’s guitar riffs are insanely good, and I like the less is more approach to Kurt’s drumming. The album, produced by Kurt Reil & Gar Francis. leaves me feeling that each song is an adventure in musical improvisation, filled with something wonderfully unexpected. This is rock ‘n’ roll the way it is meant to be played! This is Rock Til You Drop! This is The Satisfactors!

 

 

 

 

 

Listen & purchase The Satisfactors:  http://www.bongoboyrecords.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://icantbelievemyearz.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/review-archives/

https://www.facebook.com/ICantBelieveMyEarz

@cntblievemyearz

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHRIS POPE-Dedicated Follower Of Fashion

I have always been a fan of Chris Pope.  From his days in The Chords, and Agent Orange, to Gatecrash Heaven and Pope. I was excited to learn that he was releasing a new album. Even more excited to hear that he had released a debut single on Bongo Boy Records, a cover of The Kinks “‘Dedicated Follower Of Fashion“, as selected by Gar Francis himself.

Pope’s version is wonderfully raunchy, with exciting guitar licks, and heavy drums. The vocal track is amazing, creating an ideal surface on which to layer dynamic harmonies. There are great changes and transitions, and insanely clever flourishes throughout the track. After several listens, I can’t help but wonder what the rest of the album sounds like.

The Kinks seemed like a tough act to cover, but Pope nails it here, adding a British mod-punk spin to a 50 year old song that lends itself to this interpretation perfectly.The arrangement is exciting and upbeat, with an in your face attitude. Sort of  punked out The Kinks. Very cool.. Keep your eyes and ears open for the release of the new album, ‘Peace Of Mind‘,  on Bongo Boy Records,and for upcoming North American tour dates.

 

You can check out/purchase “Dedicated Follower Of Fashion” from Bongo Boy Records.

 

 

 

http://www.bongoboyrecords.com/

 

 

 

 https://icantbelievemyearz.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/review-archives/

https://www.facebook.com/ICantBelieveMyEarz

https://www.facebook.com/icantbelievemyearzrecords

http://www.icantbelievemyearz.com/

@cntblievemyearz

 

 

 

BONGO BOY TV-Indie Music From Around The World Episode 1032

Another month, and another whack of way cool music videos in yet another episode of Bongo Boy TV Indie Music From Around The World.

 

 

 

The winner of The Bongo Boy Indie Music Video Contest, Texas band Life Is Hard, gives us “Ten Miles ’till Empty“, a cool country song with nice harmonies, and a great slide guitar. The video gives us a pick up truck, a hitchhiker, a gas station,and heartbreak, Pretty slick production. https://www.facebook.com/lifeishardmusic  Funkmaster Milo Z, from New York City, brings us “Do Ya Thang“,a rap/hip hop tune with a twist. This danceable song has some cool guitar and great horns, while the video switches between live band performance and street scenes. Nice. https://www.facebook.com/milozfunk2012  Another Texan, J-Hen delivers a way cool classic hip hop/pop song with “Baby Come On“. There are nice effects, and electronics. The video is filled with quick edits, and some way cool production values. By the way, this guy can sing. Dynamite vocals! https://www.facebook.com/therealjhen  Russia’s Mumiy Troll shows us what electro-pop is all about. in “Swimming With Sharks” . The visuals are great, with amazing production values, bright colors, and quick edits. The effects, while simplistic, are dynamite. This song is cool to listen to, and the video,well, just plain damn fun. https://www.facebook.com/mumiytroll  Gar Francis, the New Jersey garage guru, does a great job with effects in the lyric video for “Man On The Moon“. Wonderful art creating great visuals. The song has a beautiful melody and some way cool Gar guitar. https://www.facebook.com/garfrancis  Bruce Lev, out of Arizona, does a nice job on his song “Catwoman“, although the video is titled “Catwoman Returns!“. The song is filled with great guitar riffs and licks, and a way cool solo played over a great bass line. There are sweet changes, with nice harmonies and a cool melody. The video edits back and forth between the band playing on a river bank, and other images. Nicely done. I like this. https://www.facebook.com/BruceLevMusic  Natalie Jean, also from the United States, provides us with the electro/pop dance track, “Mission“. The vocals have great effects, while the video uses time lapse techniques. Very cool stuff. https://www.facebook.com/NatalieJeanObsession

 

And there is a way cool teaser for The Satisfactors‘ “Gimme My Rock ‘n’ Roll“. The album is coming soon from Bongo Boy Records. Get a copy. Can’t wait for mine.

Anyway, this is stuff you really need to check out. Bongo Boy Tv-Indie Music From Around The World..

 

http://iframesrc=//player.vimeo.com/video/104345762width=500height=281frameborder=0webkitallowfullscreenmozallowfullscreenallowfullscreen/iframepahref=http://vimeo.com/104345762BongoBoyRockn'RollTVShowNo.1032-PresentsIndieMusicVideosfromaroundTheWorld/afromahref=http://vimeo.com/bongoboyBongoBoy/aonahref=https://vimeo.comVimeo/a./p

 

 

 

 

http://www.bongoboytv.com/

http://www.bongoboyrecords.com/

 

 

 

 

 

https://icantbelievemyearz.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/review-archives/

https://www.facebook.com/ICantBelieveMyEarz

http://www.icantbelievemyearz.com/

@cntblievemyearz

 

 

GAR FRANCIS-The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

I am not sure if there is anything Gar Francis cannot do. The Guru Of Garage has swung his guitar into The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same. Released in 2010 to the European market only, the 12 track album of Americana has finally hit North American shores and has been released by New Jersey’s Bongo Boy Records.

The opening track, “Midnight In Rome“, delivers a great melody, with wonderful changes. The guitar picking is cool as hell, while the keys smolder under a hot vocal track. “How Its Supposed To Be” has an insanely powerful chorus but it takes nothing away from the licks and riff, and the dynamite organ. The Latin feel of “Palaces”  is wonderfully created by bongos, acoustic guitar, strings and organ. The effects on the harmonies are brilliant, and I dig the ‘Mexicali” themed guitar solo! “Down At The Ocean Gate” offers a great acoustic guitar solo, and way cool harmonies amid multi-tracked guitars. I like the mandolin and bongos on “Bank Of The River“, the way cool reverb of the almost rockabilly “Ole Tom’s River“, and the wonderfully Dylanesque feel to “Another Cowboy Rides” , with its great organ, guitar solo, cool riffs, and a dynamite vocal track.

 

 

The jug band vibe of “She’s Still Blue” proves once and for all that Gar Francis can write and play anything! The washboard and concertina are amazing, and the melody, so sweet. Gar’s vocals are spectacular on “Raise A Hand“, and the song’s socio-political message resonates, at least,with me. The melody and harmonies highlight some way cool changes and incredibly melodic instrumentation. “The Sun Will Never Go Down” offers cool changes, a great chorus, a wonderful bass run, and beautiful choral style harmonies. I like this track. The acoustic guitar solo in “Adeline” shines amid the mandolin and bongos. The song is beautifully simple yet manages a great bridge, a dynamite chorus, and a wonderful ending. And, that leaves “Oh Annie“, my favorite track on the album. The wonderful chorus, dynamite guitar, including a way cool riff, an amazing melody, and some great organ, make this the standout track. A wonderful song with a way cool blues-rock-folk-country thing going on, that is reminiscent of Levon Helm and The Band. “Oh Annie, someone’s got to settle you down“. Indeed.

This album demonstrates just how talented Gar Francis is. As a song writer; as a producer; as a musician, and a performer. I hear rockabilly, jug band, Latin, roots, blues, folk, and rock. I listened to bongos, banjo, mandolin, and organ. I heard a washboard, a concertina, and I think an upright bass. There are vocal and guitar effects. But most importantly, there are 12 incredible tracks that will hold you from beginning to end. I have been a Gar Francis fan for years, and this album has me wondering, why isn’t everybody? Get it as soon as you can. Then, put on your cowboy boots, grab your honey and have a blast. The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same is a must have album. Get yours here:  http://www.bongoboyrecords.com/Albums.html.  You can stream some of Gar’s other music here:  

 

 

 

https://icantbelievemyearz.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/review-archives/

https://www.facebook.com/ICantBelieveMyEarz

@cntblievemyearz

BONGO BOY TV-Indie Music From Around The World Episode 1031

 

Another episode of Bongo Boy TV’s Indie Music From Around The World is here. Another great collection of videos that rock.

Radio Drive, featuring Kevin Gullickson are back for another week with ‘A Taste Of Heaven‘.  This band from The United States song combines a strong melody, sweet riffs and a 1980’s feel. Add to that some great visuals, and you have one dynamite video. http://www.radio-drive.com/ A German entry, Hella Donna, featuring None Like Joshua (NLJ), the American rapper, offer ‘Gimme Lights, Camera, Action‘. An interesting fusion of elctro-pop and hip hop  showcases this woman’s great voice, and some wonderful video techniques. http://www.helladonna.com/  An English entry, ‘Hard Heart‘ from Sharp Practise, is a wonderful blues song, with a video appropriately shot in black & white. There are way cool special effects, nice transitions, and some cool keyboards. http://www.sharppractise.com/  Another American entry, Rob Rise On Belief, gives us ‘The Chosen One‘, is an amazingly interesting video. There is acoustic guitar, and dynamite vocals, that kicks into a way cool rock tune, with great guitar and wonderful harmonies. An incredibly powerful song. http://www.robriseonbelief.com/   Also from the United States, Saydah with ‘Bound2Break‘, shows how to make a great music video. Amazing vocals, great piano, and some very cool synthesized horns, filmed in black & white. The minimal instrumentation keeps the focus on this woman’s voice, as it should be. http://www.saydahzufilms.com/  Chand K Nova, delivers ‘Solar Bliss‘ all the way from England. This is a way cool animated video, set amid an instrumental that showcases amazing guitar. All in all, way cool.http://www.reverbnation.com/chandknova

Added to this episode, you lucky viewers, is a sample of Jana Peri’s “Ballerina Of The Bowery“, featuring clips of Jana, Gar Francis, and Kurt Reil, and a drop in spot by Bruce Ferguson of The Easy Outs. What else can I say. The show rocks. 

 

 

 

 

http://www.bongoboyrecords.com/TVSHOW.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.icantbelievemyearz.com/

https://icantbelievemyearz.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/review-archives/

@cntblievemyearz

 

 

BONGO BOY TV

The folks at Bongo Boy are not so quietly turning New Jersey into the music mecca of the American east coast. Monique Grimme & Gar Francis (the Guru Of Garage) of Bongo Boy Records, launched Bongo Boy TV over 3 years ago, determined to share Independent music with the world. As it enters its 4th season, Bongo Boy Rock ‘n’ Roll, the television show, offers up indie music through music videos, and interviews. This 30 minute show seems to be picking up where MTV left off.

Now distributed on 20 TV channels across the United States, the little show that could has more than 3.5 million cable subscribers, with each episode being broadcasted just over 125 times. The latest addition to the format, “Indie Music Videos From Around The World” gives every Indie band with an HD video an opportunity to be on television. This is not web tv!   That’s 20 U.S. markets, 125 times, and distributed by 6 major cable companies. Not a bad deal!!! The shows are packed with videos from everywhere and anywhere you could imagine, interviews with way cool musicians, and all of the information about Indie Music you would ever need.

 

 

 

So, what does all of this mean? Well, if you want to have your music video seen, really seen, all you need to do is submit a link of your video to Bongo Boy Records. Bongo Boy will respond to all submissions. Become a sponsor. And then everyone can watch you on tv. Bongo Boy TV. And, to make it even sweeter, there is now a Bongo Boy TV app for your mobile phone. You never have to miss a note. No matter where you are. One way cool idea. One way cool show. Exactly what I would expect from Bongo Boy. Watch it. Live it. Breathe it. I am a fan. I used to want my MTV, but these days, its  Bongo Boy TV I’m after.

You can submit your music videos here: http://www.bongoboytv.com/

 

 

 

https://icantbelievemyearz.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/review-archives/

http://www.icantbelievemyearz.com/

@icntblievemyearz

THE SATISFACTORS-Johnny Commando

When Bongo Boy Records let me know that they were releasing a single from The Satisfactors as a tribute to Johnny Ramone, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was always a fan of The Ramones. “I Wanna Be Sedated” and “Rock & Roll High School” are still active on my playlists. “Johnny Commando“, set for release on March 10/14 is a wonderful ride back to New York City’s 1970’s punk heyday. Bruce Ferguson ( The Easy Outs) delivers kick ass vocals, with inflections and nuances that remind me of Joey Ramone. The guitar is simple, yet driving, with a dynamite riff and solo. The chorus is fabulous, driving me to rock and bop as I listened. The harmonies are perfectly punk, the transitions amazing, and the hook kills. Produced by Kurt Reil (The Gripweeds) and Jersey’s godfather of garage, Gar Francis, what else should I have expected? This song is punk in all its glory. Johnny Ramone would be impressed. Now I am going to have another listen. Get your hands on your own copy as soon as you can. “Hey Ho, Johnny Commando”!

Go get it:   www.cdbaby.com/cd/thesatisfactors

http://https://icantbelievemyearz.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/review-archives/

http://http://www.icantbelievemyearz.com/

follow us on twitter:

@cntblievemyearz

BONGO BOY RECORDS-The Singles

There seems to be a whack of incredibly cool music coming out of New Jersey, and Bongo Boy Records seem to have their hand on most of it. Aside from the 2013  Mark Lindsay release, Life Out Loud, and the Gar Francis EP, Shine On, this Indie label out of Belvidere, New Jersey has a truck load of singles that they are about to release on a “Singles” album. Being quite fond of Bongo Boy Monique and Garage Guru Gar-the coolest musician to come out of Jersey since Frank Sinatra– I agreed to listen and wax poetic about this soon to be released compilation.

Jana Peri, the New York City rocker with power pop and punk influences, delivers a knock out tune with “Ballerina Of The Bowery“. Written by Gar Francis, the song has a great surf-pop groove, great harmonies and a wonderful bridge and chorus. The choppy guitar  rocks and the riff, subtly great. Terrific opening track on any album.

I didn’t know who The Easy Outs were, but  the New Jersey rock-punk-garage band’s “Come On, Come On” is up there on my list of coolest songs I have heard lately. The track has a great 1960s feel, delivered through wonderful keys and an amazing melody. There are great horns, beautiful transitions, and a dynamite bass line. I can hear Gar Francis all over this song. The riff, clean and crisp, and the solo, as always, class, not flash. Consider this a hit.

 

The wonderfully multi talented Genya Ravan contributes a Gar Francis song, “I Won’t Cry Anymore” with a powerful voice and a delivery that made me shiver.  This rock-blues tune reminds me of something that should be on Janis Joplin album, and hands out great choral harmonies in the bridge and a wonderfully R & B harmonized “whoo hoo hoo”. This woman can sing.  Powerful and pleasurable.

 

 

I don’t know where he finds the time, but Rockids is another Gar Francis project. Originally formed in 1973 by Gar and Wayne Olivieri, this garage band recorded Eddie Cochran‘s “C’mon Everybody” in 2012. I love this song. I dig Rockids cover of it. The guitar layered underneath, the amazing Jerry Lee Lewis piano, and the great hook, deliver an incredible track. Might as well stand when you listen, ’cause it will get you dancing.

“Born Dainty“, a country-rock song, was written and produced by, you guessed it, Gar Francis. Recorded by New Jersey’s Kelly Caruso, daughter of The Doughboys bass player, Mike Caruso, this track offers some amazing banjo, cool drumming, and a great chorus. The transitions are wonderful and the guitar riff, great. Kelly delivers a wonderful vocal track. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear this song covered by Kelly Clarkson.

The Swinging Iggies,  with one of the coolest band names around, offer up “Lady Gaga“. This New Jersey garage-rock band is another one of Gar Francis’ projects. The song,  humorous and up tempo, has a dynamite power start. There are great transitions and I dig the guitar riff. Great song. Still, what a wonderful name for a band.

One of the most meaningful songs I have ever heard, Gar Francis’ “Rocket” touches me. This heartfelt tribute to American soldiers, raises powerful emotions as an acoustic number. The vocals are something out of Bowie’s Hunky Dory, and this is not the first time I have made a Bowie reference about Gar. The beautifully played strings set the tone and mood amid the haunting melody. Wonderful lyric like, “rest my faith against my gun”, drive home the message. I like Gar Francis unplugged.

New Jersey singer, songwriter Gigi, contributes one way cool tune. “Put Your Freakin’ Hands Up” a  pop-dance track, in the Carly Rae Jepsen “Call Me Maybe” style,  has a great guitar intro and some amazing double tracked vocals. The melody, pure pop and the guitar riff in the bridge/chorus, wonderfully cool. The minimized instrumentation during the verses highlights the vocals that come with some great effects. Wonderful song with an incredible hook.

Plainfield Slim, Gar Francis’ alter ego, offers 2 blues tunes. “Dirty Girl” has wonderful southern blues-rock guitar and sweet, double time drumming. The slide guitar rocks within a cool vocal track and nice harmonies. I swear I hear a train in there. “Let Go My Hand“, delivers a wonderful blues riff and a great rock beat. I love the guitar solo and the muted effect to the entire track. Jersey blues are way cool.

My choice for coolest song of the year, “Merry Go Round (Christian’s Song)” by Mark Lindsay is a definite bonus. What can I say about this song that I haven’t said in my review of the Life Out Loud album? Way cool 60s organ, great harmonies, exciting guitar, wonderful changes, and I really dig the “less is more” drumming style. The vocals rock, the melody, dynamite and well, this is my favorite Mark Lindsay song since “Kicks“. Coolest song of the year for sure.

Well, there you have it. The Bongo Boy Records singles compilation. The genres are varied, with something to please everyone.  11 tracks destined to amaze and entertain. This album will rock you, and  it will surprise you. An amazingly eclectic collection of songs by incredibly talented artists. I would liked to have seen Gar Francis’ “Back In 1985”  included on this record.  Check it out for yourself and see what’s really going on in New Jersey. Its not just Snooki and The Sopranos. A must have for every collection.

https://icantbelievemyearz.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/review-archives/

Follow us on Twitter: 

@cntblievemyearz

Check out all of Bongo Boy Records artists:  http://www.bongoboyrecords.com