Beebe Gallini - Begged, Borrowed and Stealed

Beebe Gallini is a band I've been writing about since 2016, so I was kind of amazed when I realized that the newly released Begged, Borrowed and Stealed is its very first studio album. Of course there was a pandemic that had a lot to do with that, but the point is that this is a very exciting release for fans of the American Midwest's #1 frat rock garage band. It's out on the iconic Soundflat Records, and it was recorded at the legendary Kay Bank Studio in Minneapolis with sound engineer Tom Herbers. 

The original concept for this project was for Beebe Gallini to record new versions of some Minnesota garage rock standards in the very same studio where these classic tracks were originally laid down back in the '60s. The band chose to record The Gestures' 1964 single "Run, Run, Run," The Accents' 1964 cover of Lonnie Mack's "Why," The High Spirits' 1966 single "I Believe," and The Kan Dells' 1965 single "Cry Girl." Some of the band's famous garage rocker friends joined in the fun, and if it had stopped there, the world would have been treated to a killer EP. But then Soundflat Records had the good sense to request a full album. The project was expanded to include some of the band's favorite covers and one of its original songs, and now here we are. Begged, Borrowed and Stealed is the frat rock/garage/soul blockbuster we've long been expecting from the one-and-only Beebe Gallini.

Begged, Borrowed and Stealed features a lineup of Miss Georgia Peach on lead vocals and guitar, Amy Larson Pearson on bass, and Travis Ramin (who also produced the album) on drums. On top of that, Keith Patterson (The Funseekers, The Spectors, The Conquerors) plays lead guitar on "Run, Run, Run" and "Why." Melanie Vammen (The Pandoras, The Muffs) plays keyboards on "I Believe." Russell Quan (The Bobbyteens, The Dukes Of Hamburg, The Countbackwurds, The Mummies, etc.) sings lead on "Cry Girl." That's an impressive cast, and the resulting album does not disappoint. I hate to sound like the cranky old man running some punk kids off his lawn, but there is something to be said for recording rock 'n' roll music in a real recording studio — in particular one with a rich history like Kay Bank Studio. Especially since a lot of people are going to be listening to this album on a vinyl record, it's fitting that it sounds like it could have been produced in the 1960s. It sounds warm and clean, but there's no unnecessary polish. This is just the sound of a great band doing great versions of great songs — with styles ranging from upbeat party rockers to garage/soul stompers to aching ballads. Highlights include Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich's 1966 single "Hold Tight!," the Wilson Pickett/Chris Kenner number "Something You Got," The Ohio Express's "Beg, Borrow and Steal," Otis Redding's "That's How Strong My Love Is," Amy Larson Pearson's original "Hey Honey," and "Kvar  I Min Bil," an obscure Swedish song written by Per Gessle of Roxette. Some of these songs have been Beebe Gallini favorites since the very beginning. It goes without saying that Miss Georgia Peach kills it on lead vocals, and the musical performances on this record are nothing short of first rate. Although this is not a live album, it does bring a live band energy. I can easily imagine the impassioned "Why" bringing down the house in a live setting. The upbeat "Hold Tight!" is a sure-fire cure for whatever might ail you. "Beg, Borrow & Steal," which the band rearranged, just feels like a party. If you didn't know "Hey Honey" was an original, you might assume it was a cover of some obscure garage rock nugget. 

Fans of the music Miss Georgia Peach and Travis Ramin make together have been happy campers this year. Three months after the release of MGP's Class Out the Ass, we get this absolute gem of a record from Beebe Gallini. Begged, Borrowed and Stealed is to garage rock what Class Out the Ass is to country. It's celebrates the Twin Cities' rock 'n' roll legacy and also re-asserts the timeless appeal of high energy, soulful garage rock. Even if you live far, far away from Minnesota, you can listen to this album and truly understand what Beebe Gallini is all about. If you feel compelled to dance around the house in your underwear or start air drumming with kitchen utensils, no one will judge you. I also love that the band went all-out with the packaging. The Cliff Mott front cover art is just so awesome, and the back cover looks so authentically like an actual record from the '60s that some people might be fooled! Whatever you have to pay for this LP is 100% worth it!

-L.R.

https://travisraminproducer.bandcamp.com/album/beebe-gallini-begged-borrowed-stealed
https://open.spotify.com/album/4vg22s08edvH3KDRWuuGRM
https://www.soundflat.de/punkrock-en/beebe-gallini-begged-borrowed-und-stealed-lp
https://beebegallini.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WeAreBeebeGallini/
https://www.instagram.com/beebegallini/

Miss Georgia Peach - Class out the Ass

Holy smokes, they pulled it off! Miss Georgia Peach, Travis Ramin, and the Nashville Pussy/Nine Pound Hammer gang joined forces three years ago to bring us Aloha from Kentucky — which I recently proclaimed to be one of my four favorite albums of the decade. These folks had such a blast making Aloha from Kentucky that they decided to assemble once more and make another country record. Luckily, getting the band together went a lot better for Miss Georgia Peach than it did for Doyle Hargraves. Class out the Ass, out today on Rum Bar Records, is that rare sequel that's even better than the original! If you want to hear some great country music with a rock 'n' roll edge, stop reading my drivel and go listen to this album! 

Backing Miss Georgia Peach on Class out the Ass is a true super-group. In addition to producing, Travis Ramin is on drums. Ruyter Suys is on lead guitar. Blaine Cartwright is on rhythm guitar. Mark Hendricks is on bass. Earl Crimm is on guitar. A.J. Srubas is on fiddle and pedal steel. Heather Parrish is on backing vocals. Suys, Cartwright, and Scott Luallen all make appearances on vocals. All that formidable talent is a big part of what makes this record such a treat. Another big part is the song selection — which is absolutely bulletproof. In terms of cover choices, this album leans more to deeper cuts. As was the case with Aloha from Kentucky, Class out the Ass largely draws its material from the 1960s and '70s glory days of country music but also ventures into some pleasantly surprising territory. "Shut Up And Drink Your Beer," a punched-up take on Norman Wade's mid-'80s country hit, is a perfect album opener that establishes the swaggering vibe of this record. Other standout covers include Ira Louvin's "Who Throw Dat Rock?" (you know I'm always a fan of dark humor!), a blistering take on Janis and Her Boyfriends' "Bang Bang," the wonderfully snarky Bobby George/Bonita Stevens number "Take Your Guitar and Git," and a stunning version of the Mike Nesmith/Stone Poneys classic "Some of Shelly's Blues." And I have to say it was a genius move to include a Pat Todd song ("Somewhere Down the Line") on a country album! As was the case last time, the duets alone justify the price of admission. Suys joins MGP on a spirited rendition of the Richard Dobson song "Baby Ride Easy" (a hit for Carlene Carter and Dave Edmunds). Luallen plays the perfect two-timer on the Nat Stuckey–penned "Sweet Thang." Cartwright and MGP are an absolute hoot as they do their best Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn on "You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly." Two MGP original songs, "Dusty" and "Honeywagon," fit perfectly on the record. The former, of course, is a new arrangement of an old Beebe Gallini favorite. The latter is clever as hell and such a gem that I assumed it was a cover of some lost classic the first time I played the record!

Now that I've absolutely loved not one but two Miss Georgia Peach solo albums, I'm trying to put a finger on what it is about these records that I find so delightful. Obviously, a lot of that comes down to the lead artist here. MGP is simply a fantastic singer, and the country genre really suits her talents well. Whether she's channeling a fed-up bartender or the frustrated girlfriend of a wannabe musician, tapping into the depths of heartbreak, playfully engaging with her duet partners, or taking us to church on the Elvis live favorite "Let Me Be There," she's equally in her element. Beyond that, the joy that all these individuals put into making this album is palpable. You can truly feel the love in these performances. This is simply a fun album to listen to. While I would describe this music not as alt country but rather as country, period, there's an efficiency to these songs that has the spirit of punk or garage rock. 11 of 14 songs clock in at under three minutes, and the ones that don't only miss the cut by a little. There's no waiting around for the good parts on these songs. Every tune gets right down to business. If you love country music, you'll be reminded why. And if you don't, perhaps this record will have you softening your stance. The album title says it all, doesn't it?

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/class-out-the-ass
https://open.spotify.com/album/4iqs5sZeWezQ4TAqqkmuvk
https://www.instagram.com/rumbarrecords/
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords/

Miss Georgia Peach - "Shut Up And Drink Your Beer"

2024 isn't even over yet, and already one of my most highly-anticipated albums of 2025 is on my mind! Miss Georgia Peach's Aloha from Kentucky has been one of my favorite albums of the decade, and now a sequel is imminent! Class Out the Ass will be out in February on Rum Bar Records. Once again, MGP and Travis Ramin have collaborated with Ruyter Suys, Blaine Cartwright, Mark Hendricks, Earl Crimm, and Scott Luallen of Nine Pound Hammer & Nashville Pussy fame on a rockin' old school country record. The album's first single is a cover of Norman Wade's classic "Shut Up And Drink Your Beer." This is an inspired take on every dive bartender's personal anthem, and it certainly suggests that Class Out the Ass (produced by Ramin and recorded by Brian Pulito at his studio in Kentucky) will be every bit the killer its predecessor was. I can't wait! Head up to the bar and pre-order the album now! 

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/track/shut-up-and-drink-your-beer
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords

Miss Georgia Peach - Aloha from Kentucky

When I heard that world-class crooner Miss Georgia Peach was making a country album with her pals from Nashville Pussy, I expected something special. A long time in the making, Aloha from Kentucky finally releases today on Rum Bar Records. And sure enough, it's an absolute monster of an album! This collaboration features two of the most beloved husband-and-wife teams in the rock and roll universe. Miss Georgia Peach and Travis Ramin (The Short Fuses, Beebe Gallini) are on lead vocals and drums. Ruyter Suys and Blaine Cartwright are on guitar. Also on board are former Nine Pound Hammer members Mark Hendricks (bass), Scott Luallen (vocals on "Bull and the Beaver"), and Brian Pulito (co-production and mixing). Now that, my friends, is a star-studded cast! 

Aloha from Kentucky traces its roots back to Rhinestone Chassis, Georgia and Travis's country/rockabilly trio from many moons ago. Many of these songs were in that band's setlist. A mutual love for classic country music eventually brought all of these talented individuals together, and their efforts do not disappoint. I'm sure someone will describe this record as "alt country". But that term makes me think of dad rock. Aloha from Kentucky isn't your parents' music -- it's your grandparents' music! And that makes it five times as cool. This album is right in the wheelhouse of 1960s and '70s country music with a rock and roll edge. 12 of 15 tracks are covers, and the song selection is formidable. MGP and friends serve up stellar renditions of songs made famous by the likes of Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard & Leona Williams, Jeannie C. Riley, and Johnny Cash & June Carter. A full third of the covers are drawn from the catalog of Wanda Jackson -- one of the greatest of all the country rock and rollers and undeniably a major influence on this album. 

Over the years, MGP has proven herself adept at musical genres ranging from punk to garage to hard rock to rhythm & blues. On Aloha from Kentucky, she sounds like she was born to sing country music. Over the course of this record, she's everything you want a singer to be: tough, tender, sweet, sassy, fun, and feisty. Whether she's belting out classic feminist country anthems like "Big Iron Skillet" or "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)", showing her flair for storytelling on "The Back Side of Dallas", or tearing your heart out on the tearjerker originals "Adam Neal Waltz" and "Don't Stay Away", she sounds 100% in her element. The covers show great respect for these songs' classic versions without being straight copies -- an example of what you can do with great material, exceptional musicians, and a dynamite singer. The original songs are strong enough to fit right in, and honestly the album would not be the same without them. Standout cuts are hard to identify because every song seems essential. But I've got a particularly soft spot for the duets (come on: you can't do classic country without duets!). MGP and Scott Luallen sound so great together on "Bull and the Beaver" that we all might have to demand a full album called Georgia and Scott Sing the Classics! Ruyter Suys absolutely slays the Johnny Cash lines on a rocked-up, super fun version of "Jackson". Blaine Cartwright and MGP fill massive shoes on the Conway Twitty/Loretta Lynn number "You Blow My Mind" and make an absolutely adorable pairing on Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan's 1970 hit "Tennessee Bird Walk". 

While Miss Georgia Peach's name is on the cover, Aloha from Kentucky is the ultimate full band effort. Nobody was trying to reinvent the wheel here. These fine folks turned out a top-notch rockin' country record -- the likes of which have rarely been heard in recent decades. I choose to believe that these recording sessions were fueled by barbeque and cheap beer. All stops were pulled out to make this album a complete package. Aloha from Kentucky features cover art by the legendary Rockin Jelly Bean and amazing liner notes by WFMU radio personality Dave the Spazz. A vinyl edition of this album (a rare thing for Rum Bar Records) is set for a July release and already close to selling out. Get your preorders in while you still can! Having already released the best two albums of 2022 so far, Malibu Lou has now gone three for three! If you rightfully believe that Dolly Parton belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Aloha from Kentucky is the album for you.

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/aloha-from-kentucky
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords
https://www.facebook.com/people/Miss-Georgia-Peach/100063540663762/

Miss Georgia Peach - "The Back Side Of Dallas"

We now have a release date and pre-order link for Miss Georgia Peach's new album Aloha from Kentucky! On March 18th, the album will release on compact disc on Rum Bar Records -- with an vinyl release to follow this summer! To celebrate, Malibu Lou has leaked another advance single. It's a cover of Jeannie C. Riley's legendary 1969 single "The Back Side Of Dalllas". You've got to have some kind of voice to even think about covering this song, but of course MGP is up to the task! She absolutely crushes this song, which she and her all-star supporting cast rock up quite a bit. This, my friends, is how you do a cover tune! For those unfamiliar with "The Back Side Of Dallas", I won't spoil the song for you. I'll just say that if you hate newer country music because it's too lightweight, this should be way more to your liking! And with the '60s/'70s era of country music being my favorite, I'm psyched that it's going to be such a big influence on Aloha from Kentucky! $1.50 will get you the digital track, or you can spring for the pre-order now and get two more songs. It's a long way to Dallas for a small town girl from the middle of Tennessee...

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/track/the-back-side-of-dallas
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords

Beebe Gallini - "You Ain't Getting Nothin"

In addition to being one of the best garage rock bands going, Beebe Gallini is well-known for its ability to cover the hell out of a song. So of course you could expect this band to turn out a first-rate Christmas single! Teaming up with local legend Cindy Lawson, St. Paul's finest rock and roll outfit has gifted us with a double shot of holiday goodness on Rum Bar Records. Listening to the garage ripper "You Ain't Getting Nothin", you would never in a million years guess that this was a Goo Goo Dolls song. Miss Georgia Peach takes full ownership of the song with her usual powerhouse vocal, and simply put this tune freaking rocks! You would swear it was written decades ago! On the virtual flipside, the band is right in its element with a truly excellent rendition of the Stevie Wonder classic "What Christmas Means To Me" (featuring MGP and Lawson on co-lead vocals). The girl group and Motown vibes are strong and undeniable. Given my reluctance to overshare Christmas music this time of the year, I've adopted a standard where I'll only review holiday releases that are simply too good to ignore. This one sure falls into that category. Who am I kidding? Beebe Gallini could cover the Dallas Cowboys fight song, and I'd still be writing a rave review. This band never disappoints!

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/you-aint-getting-nothin-b-w-what-christmas-means-to-me
https://beebegallini.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WeAreBeebeGallini/
http://beebegallini.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords

Miss Georgia Peach - "You Blow My Mind" b​/​w "Do You Know What Love Means?"

I've got some good stuff for you today! Back in August, I mentioned that Miss Georgia Peach had a new solo album in the works. The good news is that the album has been completed and is slated for release on Rum Bar Records. It's gonna be a country record, and I'm so pumped to hear it! Georgia and her total babe husband Travis Ramin recorded the album with Blaine Cartwright and Ruyter Suys from Nashville Pussy. With Mark and Scott from Nine Pound Hammer also featured on this release, it's no exaggeration to say that MGP has assembled a supergroup! In advance of the album, "You Blow My Mind" b​/​w "Do You Know What Love Means?" has been released as a teaser single. Both of these tracks are in right in my '60s/'70s sweet spot of classic country music. The latter, an exuberant sing-along, was previously featured on Rum Bar's XOXOXO Volume One compilation CD. The former, a rollicking & punkified duet with Cartwright, justifies your chosen purchase price even if you already own the comp. MGP is not just one of the greatest voices in contemporary music -- she's also one of the most versatile. Whether she's singing garage rock, heavy punk rock and roll, or old school country, Georgia is always a force to be reckoned with. If these teaser tracks are any indication, the full album is gonna be hot!

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/you-blow-my-mind-b-w-do-you-know-what-love-means
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords

Beebe Gallini - Pandemos

Pandemos is the long-awaited debut album from Beebe Gallini -- a band I've been exceptionally fond of going back to those ancient times of five years ago. The band recorded these songs in December 2019 strictly as demos. But then 2020 happened. Live shows and even proper band rehearsals were suddenly out of the question. Life gave Beebe Gallini lemons, and Beebe Gallini went ahead and made delicious lemonade! An album's worth of demos were sent off to Geza X for mastering. And today, Pandemos releases on the mighty Rum Bar Records! 

First thing's first: Pandemos absolutely sounds like a "real" album. Sometimes "demo" translates to "rough" or "unfinished", but in this case the rawness of the recordings gives them a live (and lively!) energy. The lineup for this particular album is Miss Georgia Peach on vocals and guitar, Amy Larson Pearson on bass and vocals, and Travis Ramin on drums and lead guitar. These tracks were originally recorded as a way to share material with new guitarist Monet Wong. Now the whole world gets to enjoy them! 

What's exciting to me is that I finally get to hear a large selection of original songs from Beebe Gallini. To this point, this band has been best known for its fantastic cover versions of garage and rock and roll songs from the '60s. Pandemos certainly does not lack for crackling cover tunes. The band's version of Randy and the Radiants' 1965 Donna Weiss-penned single "My Way of Thinking" is rock and roll at its most joyful and electrifying. And after hearing the band's take on the Bee Gees classic "To Love Somebody", the only response my brain could muster was wow. But can these folks write originals to rival the covers? You bet they can! Pandemos features six songs written by Miss Georgia Peach and another three written by Amy Larson Pearson. Running the gamut from high energy garage rock ("Little Sister") to glammy hard rock ("Mean Mama") to hopped-up rhythm & blues ("Busy Izzy") to straight-up red-hot rock and roll ("Danny"), these original songs fit in so well that you might suspect that they are covers! This is an album that builds on Beebe Gallini's previous musical identity. Of course you can throw on this album once it's safe to host your next garage rock house party. But I like how some of these songs reveal added dimensions to the Beebe Gallini experience. The heavy rocker "Bad Man" could almost be a Short Fuses song, while "Dusty" fully engages the band's pop side. And I love the way the album ends, with the sweet & heartwarming "Poppington Station" flowing straight into the band's thundering version of Roz Rogoff's anthem of empathy and acceptance, "Nobody Loves the Hulk".   

Had Beebe Gallini chosen to sit on these '19-'20 winter demos, we certainly would have gotten a debut album eventually. But no doubt the band played back these tracks and knew it already had an album the world would want to hear. And it certainly it didn't hurt that the band had Geza X on hand to work his mastering magic! The old joke about a singer being so good that you would listen to them "sing the phone book" certainly applies to Miss Georgia Peach. But luckily, there was already an album's worth of material in the can. I can't imagine how big that Twin Cities phone book must be. It would probably take a box set to get all of that down on tape. Pandemos is a royal treat for fans of garage rock and rock and roll in general. All the kids are telling me that these tunes have a good beat and you can dance to 'em. Let us look forward to future recordings from Beebe Gallini's current lineup and eventually live shows. In the meantime, be sure to check out the Pandemos release party event this Sunday night! And dig the amazing music video (embedded below) for "My Way of Thinking" created by Wendy Norton from Norton Video. If we ever need to explain rock and roll to visitors from another planet, this video will do the trick!

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/pandemos

https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords

https://beebegallini.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WeAreBeebeGallini/

http://beebegallini.com/

Beebe Gallini - "Dusty"

It was just a month ago that I wrote about the release of Beebe Gallini's terrific digital EP East Side Story. In addition to making this EP available to the listening public, Beebe Gallini has also been working on a new album called Pandemos. This album started as a way for the band to share demos of original tracks with its new guitar player. As more and more demos were recorded and the pandemic shut down live shows and full band rehearsals, the band decided that they had themselves an album! Pandemos will be out on this spring. In the way of a preview, the band has released the single "Dusty". The "pandemic" version of Beebe Gallini functions as a trio with Miss Georgia Peach on vocals and guitar, Amy Larson Pearson on bass, and Travis Ramin moving from guitar to drums (they'll be back to a foursome when life returns to normal). Given that almost all of the band's recorded tracks to date have been covers, it's going to be very exciting to hear a bunch of Beebe Gallini originals! If "Dusty" is any indication, Pandemos is gonna be one of 2021's must-hear albums! On this track, the band tears into some great high energy rock and roll with a pop sensibility. "Dusty", an ode to a girl who just can't stay home, hits you with a killer hook literally within two seconds! And my god, Miss Georgia Peach can flat-out sing! But you knew that already, didn't you? If the latest Short Fuses album is a little "too rock" for your tastes, you may find Beebe Gallini far more to your liking. Look for Pandemos in March on Rum Bar Records!

P.S. - that cover art is the best thing ever! 

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/track/dusty-free-digital-download-single
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords
http://beebegallini.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WeAreBeebeGallini

Beebe Gallini - East Side Story

 

If it seems like I've reviewed Beebe Gallini's "East Side Story" before, well that's because I have. "East Side Story" was originally released as a 7" record on Ramo Records back in March of 2018. It was the vinyl debut from Twin Cities garage rockers Beebe Gallini. The band at the time consisted of Miss Georgia Peach on vocals & guitar, Travis Ramin on lead guitar, Amy Larson Pearson on bass, and Chris Audette on drums. Miss Georgia Peach and Travis Ramin also make up two-thirds of the mighty Short Fuses - who recently teamed up with Rum Bar Records to release the must-have long player Dawn of the Deaf. Now through a partnership between Ramo Records and Rum Bar Records, "East Side Story" is getting a deluxe digital reissue that expands it from two songs to five!

The title track, of course, is a cover of a song that was a regional hit for Bob Seger back in 1966. The vinyl B-side here, "The River Flows", was written by Amy Larson Pearson and is the only original song on this release. I once referred to this song as a "psychedelic spiritual", and I will happily stick with that description. It still gives me chills. The "bonus material" here consists of killer cover versions of lesser known later '60s garage rock sides. "Open Up Your Door" was originally recorded by New Jersey based Richard and the Young Lions in 1966. "Hipsville 29 BC (I Need Help)" was a minor hit for Texas garage band The Sparkles in 1967. "Nobody Loves the Hulk" was written by Roz Rogoff and recorded by The Traits in 1969. Beebe Gallini's version was recorded in 2018 as a tribute to Stan Lee and a celebration of the original song's message of empathy and acceptance. 

In my mind, I like to think of Beebe Gallini as America's premier cold weather garage rock party band. I picture them playing to packed crowds at ski lodges, ice skating rinks, and winter festivals as fans dance the night away and double fist hot chocolate. Sadly, there will be no Beebe Gallini live shows anytime soon. But you can still get in the spirit by downloading this EP, donning your best winter hat, and having your own private cold weather fest. "The River Flows" is amazing, and all of the covers are as crackling as the Midwest winter wind. If you're a garage rock fan, you need some Beebe Gallini in your life!

 

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/east-side-story

http://beebegallini.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WeAreBeebeGallini

The Short Fuses - Dawn of the Deaf

Can I get a Hell yeah!? One of the most monstrous rock and roll records of recent years finally gets a physical release! The Short Fuses unleashed their raging comeback album Dawn of the Deaf in April of last year. It was their first new album in nearly 16 years. And holy smokes, did this thing ever rip! Travis Ramin, Miss Georgia Peach, and Justin Staggs re-assembled as a trio and flat-out rocked it. Inspired by 2016 election rage and a fascination with horror that was a rite of passage for almost any 1980s East Coast punk kid, the band was revved-up to make the resistance rock record of 2019. And now it becomes the resistance rock record of 2020! Dawn of the Deaf is out today on the mighty Rum Bar Records. This just might be the hardest-rocking thing Lou has ever released. Not playing it loud ought to be against the law. In my quarter-century of reviewing records, I don't know if I've ever heard a more successful merging of hard rock and punk influences. And then you've got Georgia's powerful, soulful vocals taking it over the top (is there a more underappreciated singer in all of rock?). If you were raised on a steady diet of the MC5, Motörhead, the Dead Boys, and The Misfits, these 12 thundering tracks ought to be right up your alley. From the powerhouse opener "Baby Got Bat Wings" to the face-melting "Rock Yo Self (Until You Wreck Yo Self") to the resistance anthems "Furiosa" and "No" to the arena death rock of the title track to the epic instrumental "High Score", Dawn of the Deaf is an unrelenting force! Heck, there's even a cover of Jakkpot's "You Ain't Shit (Without a Leather Jacket)" that gives the original a serious run for its money! 

In order to ensure that Dawn of the Deaf was as awesome of a rock and roll record as humanly possible, The Short Fuses enlisted a production team of legendary proportions. Daniel Rey produced the album. Adrian Popovich from Tricky Woo mixed it. Geza X mastered it. With all of that talent involved in the creation of this album, you had to know it was going to sound amazing and massive. More than a mere satisfying comeback, Dawn of the Deaf is The Short Fuses' best album by far. You can feel the passion, conviction, and energy that went into this record. And rather than overshadowing the message, these killer tunes make it all the more powerful. These songs were written and recorded well before the events of 2020, but their re-release at this exact moment in time could not be more fitting. If you're outraged by injustice in the world, this album ought to be your personal soundtrack to fighting the power. Crank up the volume, rock out righteously, and don't let the bastards grind you down!

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dawn-of-the-deaf

https://theshortfuses.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheShortFuses/

https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords

The Short Fuses - Dawn of the Deaf

Well that didn't take very long! Remember when I told you that The Short Fuses' "comeback" single "The Pink" was a teaser for a brand-new full-length album? I bet you didn't think the tease would only last two weeks! The Short Fuses just couldn't be cruel enough to make you wait several months for Dawn of the Deaf. Out digitally today on Ramo Records, this is the Minneapolis trio's long-awaited fourth album - and first since 2003's Dutchess Hustle.

I will admit that I'm always suspicious when any reviewer proclaims a longstanding band's latest album its "best yet". It's usually a load of crap. And given my involvement in writing some of the press info for Dawn of the Deaf, you would be doubly advised to approach this review skeptically (I would probably suggest that for all of my reviews!). But as a fan, I 100% believe this is The Short Fuses' best album. And it's not even close. The irony is that I'm a notoriously "pop" guy, and this is by far the least pop thing the band has ever done. There were always hints of pop lodged in there with the rock and soul on previous records. Dawn of the Deaf, on the other hand, is a fully focused hard-rocking record made by three individuals who sound like they're on a mission to pummel anything in their path. To recap the origins of this record, The Short Fuses had not recorded or played together since 2003. In the intervening years, Miss Georgia Peach and Travis Ramin had played in 1,000 bands combined (I exaggerate; it was only 999). Justin Staggs was, among other things, painting, making movies, and directing music videos. At some point not too long ago, Justin was writing some new songs that seemed perfect for The Short Fuses. He realized he missed playing with his good friends Georgia and Travis. The feeling was mutual. And just like that, a band was reborn. Travis, who'd been working on a large number of power pop projects, was really itching to rip some guitar. And riding a surge of 2016 election rage, The Short Fuses were energized to make their most powerful sonic statement yet. The band called in the big guns. Daniel Rey (Ramones, Nashville Pussy, Misfits) was enlisted to produce Dawn of the Deaf. Adrian Popovich from Tricky Woo was brought in to mix the record. The legendary Geza X was tapped for mastering duties. All stops were pulled out to ensure that this album would melt faces. Did it work? Well, I would definitely recommend donning protective headgear before clicking play.

I am a fan of the entire Short Fuses' catalog. But to me, Dawn of the Deaf sounds like the album this band has been trying to make for 20 years. Sometimes there's no substitute for that veteran know-how. And the band's excitement over making this record is palpable. It doesn't hurt that Georgia sounds amazing. Her voice is just so full of power and soul and a conviction that is undeniable. In that respect, she's perfectly in sync with the entire band. The Short Fuses have unleashed a resistance rock record for 2019, and they could not sound any more fired-up and raring to fight! You can hear the group channeling its inner Motörhead and MC5 more than ever. There's also a discernible Misfits/Danzig flavor to a lot of these songs which reflects the band members' East Coast upbringing. If you prefer your heavy rock with a sniff of the supernatural, the title track and "Galloping Ghost" ought to hit you just where you like it. Meanwhile, songs like "Baby Got Bat Wings" and "Rockford Getaway" demonstrate how to properly do scorching rock and roll with a soul influence. If you're not already pissed about the present state of things, "Furiosa" just might push you over the edge. A song titled "Rock Yo Self (Until You Wreck Yo Self)" promises something very epic...and proceeds to deliver exactly that!

I think most of us would have been perfectly happy with ANY new music from The Short Fuses. I would gladly have taken instrumental covers of Gaga hits or a concept album about the life and times of Ralph Malph. But lord almighty, has this trio ever crushed this reunion! Dawn of the Deaf is the ultimate "crank-it-up-loud and rock-the-fuck-out!" raging guitar record. The riffs are roaring, the solos are fire, and Miss Georgia reminds us that she is one of the true powerhouse singers in rock. And from a songwriting perspective, the band has never delivered a more compelling batch of tunes. If you've been waiting a while to have your ass kicked by a rock and roll record, HERE YOU GO!



-L.R.

https://theshortfuses.bandcamp.com/album/dawn-of-the-deaf
https://www.shortfuses.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/TheShortFuses/ 

The Short Fuses - "The Pink"

They're back! 16 years after The Short Fuses called it a day, they have returned with a new single that teases the shortly forthcoming full-length Dawn of the Deaf. It's not like the individuals in this band haven't kept busy over the past decade and a half. There's not enough time in the day to adequately review the musical resumes of Travis Ramin and Miss Georgia Peach. And Justin Staggs has done wonderful things as a filmmaker and painter. But something special happens when these three get together to play rock n' roll. The Short Fuses' reunion has produced the band's most ferocious material to date, and these two new songs ought to whet your appetite for the monster LP that is soon to come. Inspired in part by 2016 election rage and in part by Travis needing to cleanse his musical palette after working on so much power pop stuff, this incarnation of The Short Fuses is a pure rock n' roll experience. The trio sounds fired-up and focused, and they've really pulled out all of the stops to ensure that faces will be melted. These songs were produced by Daniel Rey, mixed By Adrian Popovich (Tricky Woo), and mastered by Geza X. Now that's a lot of star power! Not surprisingly, the band sounds awesome. "The Pink" is thundering heavy rock a la MC5/Hellacopters. The riffs are mighty, the leads are screaming, and Georgia belts it out big time on vocals. If you love a song you can wail along with on air guitar, this track will have you in your glory. On the B-side, the band really picks up the speed with the scorching "Furiosa". This one is all fire and fury, and it's the perfect rallying cry for 2019. I've got plenty more to say, but I'm saving that for the album review. Ladies and gentlemen, THIS IS HOW YOU ROCK!



-L.R.

https://theshortfuses.bandcamp.com/album/the-pink 
https://www.shortfuses.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/TheShortFuses/ 

Beebe Gallini - "East Side Story" b/w "The River Flows"

A lot has happened since I first reported on Beebe Gallini back in those innocent times of 2016. The band has gone through some lineup changes, and its fine debut recording has mysteriously disappeared from cyberspace. The wonderful news is that the band now has a really spiffy web site and has just released its first single that you can listen to on a record player! The always amazing Miss Georgia Peach is still out front on guitar and vocals, and boy is she sounding great! Our man Travis Ramin, who needs no introduction, is now on lead guitar. Amy Larson Pearson (Brits Out of America, Strumpet, Mexican Taxi, Brownstar) is on bass, and Chris Audette (Karma Sluts, The Goochers, Devil's Kettle) is on drums. So what we have is a new lineup but still the same Beebe Gallini. If you're in the vicinity of the upper Midwest and want to catch some goodtime garage rock with soul and girl group inspirations, this band needs to be on your must-see list.

I like this debut single because it highlights the band's dual mastery of crowd-pleasing covers and first-rate original songs. A-side "East Side Story", of course, was the first regional hit for a fella named Bob Seger way back in 1966. Beebe Gallini's version here is mostly faithful to the original, but Georgia's powerhouse vocal definitely adds a lot. This is some straight-up dirty garage rock to get you up and moving, and that guitar solo is wicked! On the flip, "The River Flows" is an original number penned by Amy Larson Pearson. It really slows down the tempo and works the band's soulful side. This is a really unique sounding song for a garage band - almost like a psychedelic spiritual or something like that. The band shows off some hot chops, and I believe every word of that vocal. The song is so well-written that I wouldn't have argued if you'd told me it was some long lost gem from 1967. But that's essentially the appeal of Beebe Gallini - they make '60s covers sound fresh and write original songs that sound like they could be '60s covers! I highly recommend this single and also suggest perusing the band's web site. I love that they're selling Beebe Gallini pom pom hats - truly a brilliant idea for a band based in frigid Minnesota!

$1 gets you the digital version of this first single from Beebe Gallini. Buy the actual record, and you also get a download card for a couple bonus tracks! Either way, it's a win for everyone. Dance!



-L.R.

https://travisraminproducer.bandcamp.com/track/eastside-story 
https://www.facebook.com/WeAreBeebeGallini/ 
http://beebegallini.com/

Introducing Beebe Gallini!

Hello, world! Meet Beebe Gallini - your new favorite garage/soul girl group! Formed by longtime friends Sally Sweet (The Blue Up?, The Cave Gurls, Runes Av Vaskeri, Sally and the Sallycats) on organ and Lynn Zecca (Moody Daughters, Kinda Kinky) on bass, this Twin Cities foursome is rounded out by Emily Cahill Ruiz (The Jim Ruiz Set, Walker Kong and the Dangermakers, Wild Things, The Latchhook) on drums and the fabulous Miss Georgia Peach (The Gloo Girls, Speedway, Rhinestone Chassis, The Short Fuses, Nikki Corvette and the Stingrays) on guitar and lead vocals. That's one heck of an impressive lineup, and the band does not disappoint! The original Beebe Gallini may have been a real piece of work, but her rock n' roll namesakes just want to show you a good time!

Beebe Gallini formed in January of last year - cultivating a live repertoire focused on garage, girl group, mod, and bubblegum favorites of the '60s. The band sticks to that niche on its debut album Need All The Help I Can Get. These ladies tackle (mostly) covers of soul classics, garage rock obscurities, and girl group standards - paying homage to the original source material while also putting their own signature on it. MGP is a total powerhouse on lead vocals, and this band suits her talents so well. If you don't make a regular practice of dancing around your house like a maniac, this release just might compel you to start! And ya gotta love that organ! Standout numbers include the Lee Hazelwood penned title track (first recorded by Suzi Jane Hokom in 1966), the Ohio Express/Rare Breed shaker "Beg, Borrow, and Steal", O.V. Wright's "That's How Strong My Love Is" (famously covered by both Otis Redding and the Rolling Stones), Lesley Gore's 1965 B-side "No Matter What You Do", and The Equals' should-have-been smash "Softly Softly".

Need All The Help I Can Get was mixed by the great Travis Ramin, and it's a name your price download over at his Bandcamp page. If you've played your Girls In The Garage and Nuggets compilations to death, Beebe Gallini is definitely the band for you. Who says that nothing good in life is free?!



-L.R. 

https://travisraminproducer.bandcamp.com/album/beebe-gallini-need-all-the-help-i-can-get 
https://www.facebook.com/Beebe-Gallini-989988974348602/ 

Meet The Pinsch!

Got some good stuff for you, friends! Hailing from the Twin Cities, The Pinsch might my #1 new band to watch this year. I have long been a fan of the supremely talented Miss Georgia Peach (Speedway, The Short Fuses, Bluebird). She's on guitar and vocals, while Sheela from Divebomb Honey is on keyboards and vocals. Rounding out this poptastic foursome are Francis from Strange Names and Matt from Condominium. Once you hear "Wanna Gotta Gonna", you're gonna be like, "Yeah, of course Rutledge is into this band!" But what I might like best about the group's debut EP Inside Jokes for Outside People is its stylistic variety. Lord knows I've got a weakness for female-fronted poppy punk. And this EP, bookended by "Comin' For My Love" and the aforementioned gem "Wanna Gotta Gonna", had me jumping for joy upon immediate contact. However, there's more happening here than just straight ahead power pop type stuff. And some of the "different" sounding songs are among the strongest on the record. "Midnight Lies" is garagey paisley pop a la early Bangles, while the vaguely chilling new wave/synth pop sounds of "String Along Girl" take me back to the early '80s in an entirely good way. What a fun EP! And M.G.P., for my money, is one of the best singers out there. The worst thing you can say about this disc is that it's too short. Then again, that might be the best thing you can say about it as well. When a band leaves you wanting more, you know they're doing something right! If you fondly recall The Short Fuses or are currently into bands like Midnite Snaxxx, you've GOT to check out The Pinsch!


-L.R. 

http://www.facebook.com/thepinsch
http://www.facebook.com/ramorecordsmusic
http://thepinsch.bandcamp.com/album/inside-jokes-for-outside-people