THE BILLY MARTINI SHOW
"Pajama Party A Go-Go" (Delicious
Records; 2008)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
You might not think it from the novelty record-like title but The Billy Martini Show's "Pajama A Go Go" is unadulterated rock'n'roll. Like The Supersuckers, The Billy Martini Show play an undiluted type of rock'n'roll that really can't be called heavy metal, or perhaps even hard rock, but that has a driving edge and almost punk rock attitude that makes it irresistible from the first track to the last.
The CD begins with the addictive anthem, "Rock N Roller," and never lets up throughout its twelve tracks. Standout tracks include the nostalgic "45's Anymore" and the stoner-tinged "Smoke on This." The title track is surprisingly rocking (again, considering its novelty title) and the CD ends on a perfect note with the damning "Blasphemy in the Rock N Roll Valhalla."
The band is tight as hell throughout and each musician is given room to breathe when it's best for the song. Speaking of songs, the songwriting here is outstanding being both varied enough not to bore yet familiar enough to hold you tightly. Billy Martini, on vocals, has a style that's part classic rock, part barroom belter and it's a perfect match for the music.
I've missed The Billy Martini Show when they've cruised through town but I won't next time they're here. "Pajama Party A Go Go" is a great record but one gets the feeling this band is even better live.
The Billy Martini Show: Billy Martini - vocals; John Keith - bass; Heath Bullet - percussion, vocals; Steve Allison - guitar; Eric Wood - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.billymartini.com or http://myspace.com/billymartini.
"Like
No Other" (Delicious Records; 2007)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Finding good rock'n'roll is like finding a dollar bill on the ground. Discovering a great rock band is like finding a 5-spot.
The Billy Martini Show is a band that plays every song as though it were for me personally. The music is fun and full of life. The presentation of the music is easy to absorb, carefree and loaded with catchy hooks, all of which just makes it more fun.
"Like No Other" is a CD by a band that obviously likes to party, have a good time and make great music. Although the band is best known as a cover band, this release of original material proves them to be an outstanding band with a sound all their own.
"Like No Other" is the name of the release and, in my opinion, nobody does it like The Billy Martini Show. This band fits perfectly into what we are into here at Rough Edge: solid music, quality musicianship, a band that doesn't take themselves too seriously, that plays the music the way they want to and has a great time doing it.
The Billy Martini Show showcases some outstanding musicians. Once again, allow me to say that The Billy Martini Show's "Like No Other" is indeed like no other. This CD will surely make my ten best list for the year.
For more information, check out http://www.billymartini.com or http://myspace.com/billymartini.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2009 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
18 Nov 2024 12:18:24 -0500.
