Screaming Tarts Compilation Album By Steve Rudd

A genuinely thrilling compilation album can often be impossible to find, so this refreshing blast of largely Glam-garnished rock 'n' roll action is welcome relief indeed. Especially in this day and age when so many people still think that the pop-pouting Now releases are the ultimate be-all and end-all of compilation albums. This 17-track wonder, that plays for just shy of an hour, is the first release initiated by Mr Martyn, the man behind the Screaming Tarts empire. Mr Martyn has been championing the very best in quality underground music for well over five years now, whether it be through going to as many gigs as humanly possible, or by reviewing and promoting new bands and their music via his high profile www.screamingtarts.com website.

For this release he has got in touch with some of his favourite bands of the moment, and in most cases he's somehow managed to coerce such bands into allowing him to feature one of their best tunes. For the large part, all songs have only recently been released, while a couple are exclusive demo tracks that tell of exciting things to come from the respective bands involved. Opening the album in style we have the Glam-rock of Ariel-X, fronted by the charismatic singer-guitarist Ben who used to front the fantastic if short-lived Remote Control band. The With You track that is featured here proves in one fell swoop just how great a songwriter he is.

Diehard fans of contemporary British Glam-rock music will surely get giddy with excitement over the inclusion of Rachel Stamp's unsurprisingly raucous Queen of The Universe anthem. For those who don't know (or, more worryingly, who might profess to not even caring), Rachel Stamp have to be one of the most fabulously exciting live bands in the UK, and they've been around for what seems like ages... but they still aren't as well known as they deserve to be. Scarlet Soho might not have been around as long as the 'Stamp, but their Electro-orientated orbs of Goth-guided Glam-rock truly are just as stunning as the sounds that the 'Stamp produce.

Madcap London super group Sack Trick, meanwhile, deliver yet another hilariously tongue-in-check tune in Almost Human, before fellow London lads Drugdealer Cheerleader give ACDC a run for their voltage with their colossal Britain's Great anthem.

Fans of Kinesis are also in for a treat, as their Everything You Thought You Knew To Be cut makes a surprisingly apt appearance, even if the band has unfortunately split up just recently - on the same day that their latest album hit the shops. As Mr Martyn proudly professes, this release - in a way - is the final one to feature the dynamic Kinesis sound in all its storming, Smashing Pumpkins-esque glory. Tat's titillating Live For Rock spices affairs up mightily, while the Planet Of Women's 'I Don't Care' further proves that women can and do rock as hard as men - and then some.

Still, Maple Bee's emotionally stunning contribution - the ethereally delicate and astutely haunting Hello Eve - does provide a reprieve from all the loud and fast music, closing this album on a tender high that is as unusual as it is unforgettable.

What's more, there's also sure to be a fair share of bands that you (the open-minded and open-eared listener) might never have previously heard of, and that you might never otherwise actually hear if not courtesy of this release. Indeed, bands such as Nebraska, At Risk and Locus Of Control demand your attention without fail. Copies of this CD are already selling fast, so if you are interested in what these Screaming Tarts collectively have to offer the music-loving world, then skip along to www.screamingtarts.com now to order your copy right away for just £5 (which even includes P&P).

To be honest, resistance is futile...and Mr Martyn should be justifiably proud of the music that he has kindly compiled here for your pleasure. So don't let him down! 5/5 For the all the latest news and views on the very best music around, be sure to visit www.screamingtarts.com now! today.

Album Reviews - Jeff Caudill - Here's What You Should Do (Fortunate Son Records) By Nick Quantrill
	If evidence was ever needed that old punks don't die, they transform into singer-songwriters with an itch to scratch, Jeff Caudill personifies this. Cutting his teeth fronting acclaimed US pop-punkers Gameface, his solo career sees him ease his foot off the pedal and kick-back without losing any impact or bite. Caudill's trump-card is his ability to craft instantly memorable songs that swing with Read more...

Album Reviews - The Vultures - Rebel Yelp By Caroline Murphy Photos - 23rd April 05 at The Adelphi By Michelle Dee
	Listening to this 6+ track EP conjured up images of black drain pipes and pudding basin haircuts, the retro 60's feel seeped from every groove. The distinctive guitar riffs and rhythm in most of the tracks could have come straight from the dark and smoky atmosphere of The Cavern, and I'm sure The Vultures dream that their success will equal that of the most famous band to come Read more...

Single Reviews - Be There (Freezer Recordings) By Steve Rudd
	This single is heart-warming indie-pop music of the highest order, from a fresh quartet that is fronted by the naturally talented singer and guitarist Leon Black. The band's chirpy Be There anthem is a perfect summer-suited tune for the masses to smile along to, being an electro-edged gem - and hugely commercial to boot. B-side Prozac Generation is just as poppy, while the Dirty Blue Gene Read more...

Single Reviews - Tsar - Band-Girls-Money (TVT) By Steve Rudd
	This cracking single is taken from the band's latest album, the follow-up to their debut LP that came out some five years ago, back in the year 2000. Tsar hail from LA where they have a strong following, but more and more people over here in the UK are fast -tracking their passions in favour of Tsar and their quest for worldwide domination. Read more...

Single Reviews - The Jim Muir Slideshow - Tomorrow's World, Today (Bowmans Capsule Records) By Nick Quantrill
	Tomorrow's Word, Today is the final part of a trilogy of releases from The Jim Muir Slideshow. Conceived as a refuge from the stresses of working in the medical profession, the trilogy started with the initial aim of ensuring the sanity of its participants. A single of the week award from The Guardian Read more...

Singles Reviews - Chart Review 13th June 2005 with DJ Chris Plant
	I had an unfortunate experience on Sunday evening. A long car journey meant that just for a change I was in a position to listen to the chart show on a certain national radio station. You'll know the one I mean, the one that used to have a host that actually cared about what he was playing and what it meant for each artist to have each chart position. Read more...

Music News - White Rose Movement - Supporting The Infidels at Silhouette Saturday 18th June 05.
	If you have already heard Love Is A Number, the debut single from London's White Rose Movement, then this introduction is unnecessary. The attitude, the groove, the hooks, and the spiky pop sensibility, speak louder than any press release. But if you're looking to fill the next 30 seconds while you cue up the record, Read more...

Single Reviews - Kate Aumonier - Much Like Yesterday (Sanctuary) By Steve Rudd
	Things are looking bright for this pretty young thing, and surely to goodness this fresh-faced singer-songwriter will wind up remembering this year fondly, given the potential fame and fortune that could very well edge her way on the back of this superb release. Much Like Yesterday (which, interestingly, was co-composed by Jez Ashurst - the cheeky front man of pop-rockers Farrah) Read more...

Single Reviews - Hey Negrita - Devil In My Shoes (Fat Fox) By Steve Rudd
	Truly a mighty tune to help you breathe more easily, the anthemic vibes therein are born out of a monstrously angular guitar riff being creatively pinned up against a wicked dance beat. The resulting high octane energy levels more than mean business, and there isn't one dull second of Read more...

Single Reviews - Beach - Burning Up (Sliding Vinyl) By Steve Rudd
	Truly a mighty tune to help you breathe more easily, the anthemic vibes therein are born out of a monstrously angular guitar riff being creatively pinned up against a wicked dance beat. The resulting high octane energy levels more than mean business, and there isn't one dull second of Read more...

Album Reviews - Back To Base featuring Benjamin Zephaniah - Heading For The Door By Suzanne Hicks
	A fabulous blend of chilled, haunting guitars, gentle hip-hop and reggae drum beats with Benjamin Zephaniahs' soothing voice reciting his poetry. This album has something for every mood. Mostly relaxing with some fantastic funky house beats as well as African tribal rhythms and eastern influences Read more...