VARIOUS ARTISTS – Second Shot (A Rum Bar Records Sampler)

Over the last decade or so, Rum Bar Records has grown to become one of the great independent labels. For lovers of grubby sounding retro rock, power pop and even melodic punk, it’s become a one-stop shop for some superb underground sounds. They’ve even diversified to bring their audience bits and pieces from the alternative country scene, and via artists like Jittery Jack and Mozzy Dee, some top quality rockabilly, old school rock ‘n’ roll, and a whole different retro vibe.

The label’s 2023 sampler, ‘The Nice Price’ – promoted by Knyvet PR – ranks an essential freebie, but this selection of tracks (yours, again, for absolutely nowt) runs it pretty close. ‘Second Shot’ gives the label’s fans, and those with a more inquisitive ear, a fantastic round up of the Rum Bar wares released over the prior twelve months or so. In short, it’s a very interesting overview of where the label stands at the time of issue.

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Grab a FREE 33 track sampler from Melted Records

Long before Malibu Lou Mansdorf launched Rum Bar Records, he was involved with Melted Records, a New York label that delivered various power pop and pop punk releases between 1995-2001.  The label was home to The Cretins, Darlington, 30 Amp Fuse – a great punk band whose last album was produced by Descendents men Stephen Egerton and Bill Stevenson – an a handful of lesser-known names.

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