This three track release from British art/prog rockers Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate is the follow up to their 2014 single ‘One Word That Means The World (Arkhipov)’ – an excellent, complex number – and a precursor to their planned full length release ‘The Uncertainty Principle’. It should not be considered a mere stop-gap, however, since the three tracks play very well as a stand-alone listen, and each one showcases a different aspect of the Hats Off sound, making it feel very much like a legitimate project in its own right.
Monthly Archives: March 2025
BUSTER SHUFFLE – Together
As 2024 began to draw to a close, Buster Shuffle had already started to look towards the year ahead. The London-based ska band’s then current single ‘Shows How Little You Know’ provided a very effective peak into their proposed new long player, supplying the kind of energy driven number their fans had not only come to expect, but also a powerful workout that seemed perfect for attracting new listeners.
THE GAMBLERS – One More Time / You Keep Me Hangin’ On
Music obsessives keeping an eye on the underground at the beginning of 2025 might have already spotted The Gamblers making a few waves. The reggae band – fronted by punk band Booze & Glory vocalist Mark – rush released a couple of singles in January and February which not only provided an early showcase for the still new band’s writing talents, but coupled with great cover tunes, also suggested these were also musicians with great taste.
This third instalment from The Gamblers follows the exact same format as their previous releases, in that it pairs original piece with a well chosen cover. Hey, if it worked before, it’ll work again…right? Unfortunately, in this case, the answer is no.
Listen: Jaime Kyle puts her own spin on the classic ‘I Hear You Knocking’
‘I Hear You Knocking’ is one of those tracks that’s always felt as it were part of the music fans’ collective consciousness. Originally recorded by Smiley Lewis in 1955, it has been covered by dozens of musicians, from Fats Domino to Billy Swan, from James Last to reggae vocalists The Pioneers. Status Quo dropped it into their ‘Anniversary Waltz’ medley, and even hard rock veterans Thunder have put their own stamp on the classic track. For most British listeners, though, it remains most familiar via the Dave Edmunds recording. With its trebly sound and slightly echoey vocal, the Edmunds recording has pretty much become the definitive take, reaching the number one spot in November 1970 and staying at the top for an impressive six week run.
THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #97
Featured at the Singles Bar this time around, you’ll find a couple of familiar names. You’ll also uncover a world of eclectic sounds ranging from jazz, to light country, to calypso. There’s also a really quirky piece of pop and an almost unrecognisable cover tune to be found amongst the eight picks. With submissions still coming in at a frightening rate, we’ve certainly not been short of musical choices, but we feel that these definitely represent some of the most interesting sounds to be found at present. As always, we hope you discover a new audio treat or two along the way.
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