The RGM Inbox: October 2021
The RGM inbox returns with a typically eclectic selection of music for you, dear reader, to explore. We’ve a country cover tune by a Ska related duo and a pop-punk band from New Orleans both of whom have great videos for you to check out and that’s just for starters. Add a NYC singer-songwriter who played with the New York Dolls and now contributes to Anime soundtracks and another singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland returning to music after a fifteen year break spent winning awards as a tattooist. I did mention the selection was eclectic? There’s much to enjoy in the October edition of the RGM Inbox.
First up we’ve something 100% guaranteed to brighten your Monday or any other day for that matter. Everybody loves Kenny and Dolly including Scott Klopfenstein (Littlest Man Band, Reel Big Fish) and Tahlena Chikami, frontwoman of Orange County, CA ska/pop/punk faves Bite Me Bambi. Two artists with roots in the ska/pop/punk community performing the Gibb Brothers penned classic is a little unexpected to be honest, but it’s done with love, appreciation and really big hair. Check out the video, you’ll be glad you did.
NYC singer/songwriter Steve Conte has a really interesting resume. You might know him from his time in the New York Dolls, or as guitarist for Michael Monroe the Hanoi Rocks singer, but I’m guessing his work on a string of Anime soundtracks including Cowboy Bebop with Yoko Kanno will have resulted in name recognition with many in the know about that thriving scene. Steve will release his first solo album in five years on November 5th ‘Bronx Cheer’ via the Wicked Cool label and has a single ‘Flying’ available now. The core band on the album consists of Steve Conte on guitar and vocals with bass by his brother John Conte (Southside Johnny & The Jukes, David Bowie, Ian Hunter) and Charley Drayton (Keith Richards, Iggy Pop, The Replacements) on drums. That’s a trio with an impressive list of credits I’m sure you’ll agree and ‘Flying’ is a cool track that shows a more reflective side of Steve Conte.
Credit: LazyEye Photography
Leaving New York behind the next stop on our trip around the USA finds RGM in New Orleans and pop-punk quartet Neutral Snap who’ve just released their sophomore album ‘Tell Me How I Feel’ and are about to hit the road in the USA. There’s a very cool video for ‘Sleeves’ from the album available now which highlights clever songwriting and singer Joshua Latham’s impressive hair. Great tune, if a little sweary for those of a delicate disposition. If you don’t usually do the whole pop-punk thing then these guys might just change your mind..
LEE ROGERS : photo by Ken Haddock
Returning to this side of the Atlantic but coincidentally continuing on with the tattoo theme we encounter Northern Irish singer-songwriter Lee Rogers. If the name is familiar then you might remember Lee released an album in 2006 ‘Drawing Clocks’ before withdrawing from the music business and opening an award winning tattoo studio. Lee has an album produced by Gareth Dunlop on the way and European/USA touring plans set for 2022 opening for Foy Vance but in the meantime he’s selected six songs including one unlikely cover tune for a 10” Vinyl / digital EP release entitled ‘Dark Notions’ set for October 29th release and the first track from the EP ‘Hellbound’ is available now. The EP and related singles all feature artwork designed by Lee that is sure to appeal to lovers of the ink.
When it comes to LP Box Sets there can’t be too many acts more suited to the format than Pentangle. The Folk supergroup released six albums in a mere four-year period from 1968-1972 and these are now collected, with a host of bonus material, on a very smart-looking 14 LP deluxe box set via Svart Records on 16th April 2025. A breakdown of the release including a full tracklisting follows: