It's been a good spring and summer so far for fans of Finnish Rockabilly, by far better than the weather here in the north. Many bands, veterans and newcomers, have released records: 45s, LPs and CDs. Most new releases seem to be by Goofin' Records like the latest album of Fin-A-Billy veteran Buck Jones: 'Ghost Train'. His backing band since late 2008 are the Billyhowgs, on bass and on lead-guitar 2 members of the Flatbroke Trio. One of the oldest Finnish Rock'n'Roll/Rockabilly bands still(or again) playing is Mystery Train and also their new album(CD) 'Enjoy This Boogie' is out on Goofin' Records. So is the new 45 by the Barnshakers 'The Trance'. Grab it while you can, it's limited to 500 copies. Not on Goofin' but a vinyl 45 as well is the latest offering by another great 50s Rockabilly band from Suomi, the Rockin' 8-Balls' 'Lil Boy Blue' on Wax-O-Matic. Also this one is limited to 500 copies. Goofin' again is the home of the country's most booked new band, inside and outside of Finland: Mike Bell and the Belltones. Their debut CD 'Scream And Holler' was recorded at Lightning Recorders, Berlin, one of the few studios in the world using only original 50s and 60s equipment. Although their name suggest Northern Sound ala Freddie Bell and the Bellboys the 4 Finns(of the Beetle Crushers, Wagtails, Cast Iron Arms and Roadracers) play authentic Rockabilly.
Another authentic Rockabilly band, local boys the Tail Shakers, just put out their debut-CD 'Pin-Up Lady' last weekend after playing together for 3 years. It's a self release containing 11 originals. Another self release is the 2nd album by the T-Bird Gang who are probably the best 1956 Gene Vincent-style band in the world. It's a live album recorded at various shows in 2008 and 2009 simply called 'Live On Stages' and you get it on LP(!) and CD. The label is called Snowflake Records and distributed by Goofin'. The Gang released the record at Screamin', Spain, at the end of May, where they were by far not the only Finnish band playing. So did the Barnshakers and Maibell and the Misfires who released their debut album on Spanish El Toro Records. So far it's available only on CD but word is that it will be available on vinyl in gatefold sleeve as well. Maibell used to play in the all-girl instro outfit Periferia and with the Misfires she got three musicians well established on the Finnish Rockin' scene who gained years and years of experience in the Daryl Haywood Combo, the Hi-Fly Rangers, Jussi Syren Rockabilly Revival, Phantom 409 and Mr. Breathless to name just a few bands they played in. But the most interesting release might be Red Hot's 'Big Black Engine' on Jungle Records. This album was bound for release in 1982 on the famous Rebel label but didn't see the light of day until now! Sucker for early/mid 80s Rockabilly sound that I am I can't wait to listen to this one!
After so much reading, now go and listen to the bands:
Another authentic Rockabilly band, local boys the Tail Shakers, just put out their debut-CD 'Pin-Up Lady' last weekend after playing together for 3 years. It's a self release containing 11 originals. Another self release is the 2nd album by the T-Bird Gang who are probably the best 1956 Gene Vincent-style band in the world. It's a live album recorded at various shows in 2008 and 2009 simply called 'Live On Stages' and you get it on LP(!) and CD. The label is called Snowflake Records and distributed by Goofin'. The Gang released the record at Screamin', Spain, at the end of May, where they were by far not the only Finnish band playing. So did the Barnshakers and Maibell and the Misfires who released their debut album on Spanish El Toro Records. So far it's available only on CD but word is that it will be available on vinyl in gatefold sleeve as well. Maibell used to play in the all-girl instro outfit Periferia and with the Misfires she got three musicians well established on the Finnish Rockin' scene who gained years and years of experience in the Daryl Haywood Combo, the Hi-Fly Rangers, Jussi Syren Rockabilly Revival, Phantom 409 and Mr. Breathless to name just a few bands they played in. But the most interesting release might be Red Hot's 'Big Black Engine' on Jungle Records. This album was bound for release in 1982 on the famous Rebel label but didn't see the light of day until now! Sucker for early/mid 80s Rockabilly sound that I am I can't wait to listen to this one!
After so much reading, now go and listen to the bands:
Buck Jones and the Billyhowgs
Mystery Train
Rockin 8-Balls
Barnshakers
Mike Bell and the Belltones
Tail Shakers
T-Bird Gang
Maibell and the Misfires
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