Retrosonic Podcast

In our latest Retrosonic Podcast interview special we welcome Tom Powell, the man behind def.fo and contender for one of our albums of the year, "Eternity". You might recognise Tom as the bassist with former Shack and Pale Fountains frontman Mick Head's latest outfit, Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band and here, in a thoroughly entertaining show, Tom discusses the concept behind def.fo and the superb album "Eternity", some of the varied musical influences that helped to shape the sound and the contributors that played their part in creating one of the best albums of 2023, a concise and perfectly plotted debut that effortlessly moves between an eclectic mix of genres, from 60's West Coast Californian harmonies, pastoral Folk Rock with lush orchestral arrangements to 90's Trip-Hop and contemporary Neo-Psychedelia, but despite the varied reference points, it all sounds completely fresh and unique. Tom also covers the amazing reaction to the "Dear Scott" album and the wonderful experience of playing in Japan wit

Welcome to Episode 53 of Retrosonic Podcast, featuring 20 superb new songs by some of our favourite international Bands and Artists from as far afield as Canada, Sardinia, France, America, Sweden, Indonesia and Turkey including Big Boss Man, Jim Jones All Stars, Melody Fields, Jah Wobble (featuring Jon Klein), Pascal Comelade & The Limiñanas, Pete International Airport (featuring Rachel Goswell), Elephant Stone, Les Kitschenette's, Crayola Eyes, Jetstream Pony, Hipbone Slim & The Kneejerks, Gaye Su Akyol, def.fo, Spiders, Palooka 5, The Sound of Pop Art, The Hangee 5, Tiny Flaws (featuring Florence Joelle), The Masonics and The Guy Hamper Trio. Featured record label Spinout Nuggets. Cover Star: Tom Powell of def.fo, Cover photo: John Johnson. Please check out the link to Retro Man Blog for full track-listing and links to all featured bands and artists official web-sites for further information and details on how to purchase the excellent music featured in this episode. https://retroman65.blogspot.com/2023

Following our feature on Duncan Reid & The Big Heads final bittersweet show at The Lexington, we invite Duncan into the Retrosonic Podcast virtual studio to get the lowdown on the shock decision to hang up his purple Duncanbacker bass for the very last time. The announcement came just as he released his fifth and arguably best album to date "And It's Goodbye From Him..." calling time on a musical career that started off in 1976 with spells in The Matinee Idols and The Hollywood Killers before a move to London at the very start of the U.K. Punk explosion in 1977 to join the melodic Punk Pop legends The Boys. In this episode, Duncan picks five songs from the new LP that cover the reasons behind his decision and we take a look back at each of the rest of his albums with The Big Heads, discussing some of his favourite hidden gems and overlooked tracks along the way. He also praises his Big Heads bandmates who contributed to making them one of the most visually exciting live acts of recent years. For full tracklis

In part 2 of our chat with legendary music photographer Paul Slattery we cover what it was like growing up in West London in the mid-60's during the heyday of the British Beat and R'n'B scenes of Twickenham, Richmond and Ealing. We talk about the Eel Pie Island museum, the much-missed local venues and of seeing a young Stevie Wonder in concert in nearby Sunbury in 1966. There's the impact of his schoolmates The Others and their one and only single released by Fontana "Oh Yeah!" and he updates us on their reunion shows and current musical projects. Paul pays tribute to Jeff Beck and David Crosby and discusses the first stirrings of Psychedelia. Then we get to hear about how he got to know and photograph his musical hero Link Wray and finally, he discusses the use of his photos in the impressive new Grammy award winning box-set from the Grateful Dead. For feature with full tracklisting - exclusive Paul Slattery photographs and links please check out the Retro Man Blog feature at the link below: https://retroma

Welcome to Episode 52 of Retrosonic Podcast, a Brexit-busting selection of 22 superb new International releases from as far afield as America, Denmark, Scotland, Sweden, Canada, England, France and Japan - strictly minimum chat and maximum Rock 'n' Roll..! We've got tracks from Jim Jones All Stars, The Courettes, Vannas Kasino, The Jack Cades, Ian Person, The Masonics, The Guy Hamper Trio, The Jackal IV, Chris Casey, Gatuplan, Ian Kay, Stupidity, Per Svensson, The Priscillas, The Sensation Seekers, The Jukeez, The Sleazoids, The Voo-Dooms, The Routes, French Boutik, Rattanson and Popincourt. Please support the bands, musicians, record companies and artists by checking out the feature at Retro Man Blog (link below) for full track-listing and links for further information and details on how to buy the music featured in this show. So pour yourself a drink, crank up the volume, sit back and be prepared to be blown away! https://retroman65.blogspot.com/2023/07/retrosonic-podcast-episode-52-its.html

Welcome to this special edition of Retrosonic Podcast where we talk to the legendary music photographer Paul Slattery about some of the recent books and records to use some of his iconic pictures. There's Johnny Marr's new book "Marr's Guitars" and Paul pays tribute to The Smiths' bassist Andy Rourke who sadly passed away recently. There's news of Paul's recent meeting with Mona Soyoc from KaS Product in France and their new compilation album. Penetration and Invisible Girls frontwoman Pauline Murray has included some of Paul's photos in her promising forthcoming autobiography "Life's A Gamble". Then there's the comprehensive Subhumans book "Silence Is No Reaction" by Ian Glasper. The shortlived but influential band Empire featuring Bob Derwood Andrews and Mark Laff of Generation X used Paul's pics for their "Expensive Sound" album which was a favourite of Johnny Marr and John Squire and was an inspiration on Fugazi and the Washington DC Hardcore scene. Damaged Goods Records will reissue Thee Headcoats' class

In the latest episode of Retrosonic Podcast we welcome Mickey Bradley, bassist of The Undertones prior to their "Celebrating 45 Years of Teenage Kicks Tour" (or a 'series of weekends away' according to Mickey). We discuss his excellent book "Teenage Kicks: My Life as an Undertone" (Omnibus Press) and he picks some of his favourite songs and music that had an impact on the early days of The Undertones. Sadly, we recorded the episode the day that Seymour Stein passed away, so Mickey pays tribute to his former Sire Records label boss and picks his favourite Sire Records release. Throughout the show, we discover his influences as a bassist, some of his favourite music related books and authors, how he missed Paul Simonon smashing his bass while touring with The Clash, the influence of Lenny Kaye's "Nuggets" compilation and he picks some pivotal early Undertones tracks. We also cover last year's excellent compilation of the best of the current Paul McLoone fronted line-up "Dig What You Need". As you would expect,

In this latest special episode of Retrosonic Podcast we welcome one of our favourite vocalists and frontmen Dennis Lyxzén, to discuss his latest project Fake Names - a collaboration with some well known names from the Washington D.C. Hardcore Punk scene, Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Bad Religion, Dag Nasty), Michael Hampton (Embrace, S.O.A.), Johnny Temple (Girls Against Boys) and Brendan Canty (Fugazi, Rites of Spring). Dennis explains how he ended up in a band with some of his musical heroes, their impressive heritage and how he first discovered American Hardcore Punk. He also touches on the songwriting process, the influence of The Ruts and what to expect during their forthcoming American tour and we pick some choice cuts from "Expendables" and the Fake Names self-titled debut album. We also cover more of his many and varied current projects including the atmospheric Post-Punk of INVSN and the Punk Rock outfit Vännäs Kasino and then there's the free-form Jazz of Backengrillen which features members of Refuse

Steve from Retro Man Blog chats to Ruts DC guitarist Leigh Heggarty on the phenomenal reaction to the new Wingmen tour and critically acclaimed debut album. Wingmen is the superb new collaboration featuring Leigh on guitar, Baz Warne from The Stranglers on vocals and guitar, Paul Gray of The Damned on bass, Marty Love from Johnny Moped on drums and Rob Coombes from Supergrass on the keyboards and Leigh explains how this lockdown project took off and exceeded all expectations. Leigh also updates us on the latest Ruts DC news including upcoming tour dates and the forthcoming LP "ElectAcoustic Vol. 2". This episode includes a pick of tracks from Wingmen and Ruts DC's most recent releases. It's also soundtracked by The Dolphin pub's jukebox, sorry about that! Check out Retro Man Blog at the link below for corresponding feature with full track-listing and links. https://retroman65.blogspot.com/2023/02/retrosonic-podcast-with-leigh-heggarty.html Retrosonic Podcast has a valid PRS licence. Podcover photos, top left

Welcome to Episode 51 of Retrosonic Podcast where we welcome former drummer with The Chords Buddy Ascott into the 'studio' on New Year's Eve to look back on 2022. Buddy, now playing with The Fallen Leaves, is currently writing his memoirs and he treats us to a reading from a chapter about an unfortunate incident in Guildford Civic Hall in 1979 involving The Undertones, Jimmy Pursey and some ex-Sex Pistols. He also talks about more recent gig experiences which include drumming with The 79ers as special guests at The Vapors' weekend event at the iconic Portmeirion village, location of the cult TV show The Prisoner. Then we cover The Fallen Leaves shows at the Dublin Castle and their appearance at the Don Craine tribute at the Half Moon Putney, plus we get a sneak preview of a song from the Leaves' next album. We also take a look at some of Retro Man Blog's favourite LPs, Singles, Compilations and Gigs of the year and play a selection of great tracks from The Clash with Ranking Roger, Rhoda Dakar, The Limiñanas,

Welcome to this milestone episode of Retrosonic Podcast - yes we've made it to 50 shows so thank you all for your support over the last ten years or so, it is very much appreciated. Of course thanks also to the great bands, artists and record labels who have been producing so such excellent new music that keeps us so busy! So, here's a little Xmas gift for you to celebrate 2022 with - 18 new releases which prove that despite all the hardships of the past year - nothing has stopped the creative force of these fantastic musicians. We've got superb new releases from Jim Jones All Stars, The Schizophonics, Graham Day, Wipeout, The Beatpack, The Playn Jayn, Wyld Gooms, The Courettes, The Embrooks, The Jack Cades, Ruts DC, Gina Birch, Mimi & The Miseries, AlterModerns, Hipbone Slim & The Kneejerkers, The Jackets, The Highmarts and Nervous Twitch. As always, if you like what you hear, please do check out the feature at Retro Man Blog here https://retroman65.blogspot.com/2022/12/retrosonic-podcast-episode-50-somethin

We captured a great evening's entertainment at Damian O'Neill's Q&A at the Heavenly Social on November 6th to promote his excellent new LP "An Crann" hosted by Brian O'Neill of Dimple Disc Records and music journalist Ann Scanlon. As well as the story behind the record and its influences, Damian also discussed various anecdotes from his time with The Undertones, That Petrol Emotion and The Everlasting Yeah. As well as tales of The Undertones on Top of The Pops, touring with The Clash and news of the forthcoming That Petrol Emotion box-set, we also find out how Damian nearly joined Dexys Midnight Runners and how he should have been a famous footballer! The episode is soundtracked by Damian's personal selection of songs from the new album. For photos from the event and links on how to buy the LP please check out the feature at Retro Man Blog at the following link: http://retroman65.blogspot.com/2022/11/new-retrosonic-podcast-live-q-with.html

In the latest episode of Retrosonic Podcast, Steve from Retro Man Blog and Buddy Ascott of The Fallen Leaves are on location at the excellent Eel Pie Island Museum in Twickenham in the company of museum curator Michele Whitby and music historian Pete Watt. We discuss the rich musical heritage of what has become known as the Thames Delta and the birthplace of 60's British Beat and R'n'B, focusing on the legendary Eel Pie Island Hotel and some of the famous acts who played there. From it's opening night in 1956 and the Trad Jazz of Acker Bilk, Chris Barber and George Melly to the last show in 1970, the Hotel hosted gigs by many hugely influential bands and artists. There were shows by the leading importers of American Blues and R'n'B such as Alexis Corner, Long John Baldry and John Mayall, the originators Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker and of course, their young acolytes such as the Rolling Stones, The Artwoods and Downliners Sect. That's not to forget Soul acts like Jimmy Cliff and Geno Washington and even t

In our latest interview special we catch up with Suzi Moon following her show at Bannerman's in Edinburgh and welcome her into the virtual Retrosonic Podcast studio for a thoroughly enjoyable jaunt through her career as a musician and life as a music fan. We talk about her love of the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, where she was soon to appear, and her affinity with European and U.K audiences. Suzi then takes us on an entertaining journey from her upbringing in Southern California and the influence of her older sister on Suzi becoming a musician, inviting her to join her band Civet and encouraging her to write songs of her own. Then there's Turbulent Hearts and the short-lived project L.A. Machina before Suzi finally embarks on her own solo career with the release of the excellent and well-received E.P. "Call The Shots". Suzi picks her own favourites from all aspects of her career right up to the brand new single from the hotly anticipated debut album "Dumb & In Luv" which is available to pre-order from Pir

Steve from Retro Man Blog picks out 21 of the best new Garage Rock, Psych, Indie, Power Pop and Punk releases from as far apart as the U.K., Canada, Sweden, Italy, USA, Japan and the Medway Delta! Includes spotlights on some of our favourite record labels Spinout Nuggets, Chaputa, Beluga and Damaged Goods and the episode is packed with killer tracks from former Prisoners frontman Graham Day's debut solo album, The Coolies featuring special guests Clem Burke from Blondie and Kathy Valentine from The Go-Go's and an unreleased song from Les Envahisseurs. Then there's Mimi & The Miseries, The Sound Station, Los Pepes, Deviation Days, Smalltown Tigers, Giuda, The Mourning After, The Sellwoods, The Speedways, Thee Escapees, K.S. & The Mystery Jet Set, Kurt Shirt, Dirt Royal, Cyanide Pills, Thee Moot, Cat & The Underdogs, Thee Strawberry Mynde and a sublime song from Paper Lips, the new solo project by Mike Whittaker of The Baron Four and The Jack Cades. Please support these fantastic bands, artists and record label

Steve from Retro Man Blog welcomes special guests Buddy Ascott and Rob Green from The Fallen Leaves into the studio to discuss their upcoming tribute and fundraising show in the memory of the Deerstalker hat wearing guitar legend Don Craine of Downliners Sect at The Half Moon in Putney on Sunday August 21st. To help raise awareness of this very special event, Damaged Goods Records have kindly granted us an exclusive play of a brand new Thee Headcoats Sect song featuring Billy Childish, Bruce Brand and original Downliners Sect band member Keith Grant. This episode also features news of Buddy's latest recordings with Speakeasy, The Fallen Leaves, The 79'ers and another upcoming charity show with Vox Pop. Steve chats about some of the shows he's attended recently including Baby Shakes at the Pump It Up Power Pop Weekender, Love revisited with Johnny Echols at the Garage, The Gruesomes first ever U.K. show at Weirdsville, The Undertones at the Camden Electric Ballroom and there's music from The Masonics, The Fall

For this very special episode of Retrosonic Podcast we caught up with all four members of the legendary Canadian Garage Rock band The Gruesomes as they rehearsed for their upcoming debut London show at Weirdsville on July 2nd, hard to believe this will be the first time the band have ever played the U.K. since forming in Montreal back in 1985. In this comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining show, singers and guitarists Bobby Beaton and Gerry Alvarez, bassist John Davis and drummer John Knoll take us on a wild ride from their formation in 1985, their split in 1990 and right up to their resurrection and classic comeback album "Cave-In!" in 2000. Along the way we discuss their debut E.P. "Jack The Ripper" and how it became a favourite of The Horrors, along with their first album, the impeccably titled "Tyrants of Teen Trash". We play tracks from each of their albums and their latest single alongside a pick of various influences and favourite songs from The Haunted, The Chords, Kit & The Outlaws, The Prisoners

Welcome to Retrosonic Podcast Episode 47 where Steve is joined by Rock Photographer Paul Slattery to discuss "Retrospectively Yours", the excellent new compilation from Ronnie Mayor of The Tours, the criminally underrated, short-lived Power Pop/New Wave band who Paul first photographed and championed way back in 1979. There's a special feature on the album which highlights Ronnie's songwriting skills with The Tours and Da Biz and we pick a selection of songs from both bands. Steve talks about another great night of conversation at The Exchange in Twickenham hosted by Gary Crowley with his special guests Debsey Wykes from Dolly Mixture and Mick Talbot from The Style Council and we play a classic Dolly Mixture song. Then we have brand new releases from former bandmates in The Prisoners, Graham Day and Allan Crockford, Graham with his debut solo single and Allan with Sounds Incarcerated, the lockdown cover version project with Viv Bonsels. Then there's Autoramas, our favourite Space Age Garage Rockers from Brazi

In Episode 46 of Retrosonic Podcast, Steve from Retro Man Blog welcomes The Chords & The Fallen Leaves drummer Buddy Ascott for an update on his recent musical adventures. We cover The 79'ers tour with The Vapors, recent shows with The Fallen Leaves and his production work with Proper. There's also news on his charity bass drum skin which he is getting signed by as many famous drummers as possible to auction for the Roll Out The Barrel water-aid trust. So far there's the signatures of Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, Clem Burke of Blondie, Rick Buckler of The Jam, John Maher of Buzzcocks, Mick Avory of The Kinks and many more. We actually interrupt the podcast to capture the very last autograph, that of Terry Chambers of XTC. There's music from The Vapors, The Chords and XTC and then we play and discuss some new superb new releases from Ruts DC, The Price, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Eels, The Len Price 3, The Wedding Present with Louise Wener, Lester Square, Telefis with Jah Wobble, The Jukeez, Goodbye Victory

Happy Xmas and a big thank you to all Retro Man Blog and Retrosonic Podcast subscribers and listeners, we really do appreciate the support. After all, this is just a hobby to promote some of the fantastic bands, artists and independent record labels that are keeping us all entertained in these difficult times so your continued support is what makes it all worthwhile. Anyway, I sincerely hope you've enjoyed the music and hopefully you've discovered some new favourite bands along the way! So here's a little Xmas gift to say "thank you" - our latest Retrosonic Podcast which features 21 superb brand new and recent international releases from Brazil, Sweden, Wales, USA, Canada, Taiwan, UK, France and Japan with some previously unreleased exclusive songs as a little bonus especially for you. So pour yourself a drink, crank up the volume, sit back and enjoy some quality sounds from The Senior Service (feat. Rachel Lowrie), Wet Leg, The Bug Club, Jamie Perrett, Yufu, Les Envahisseurs, Howlin' Jaws, Los Pepes, The Gal