The new DAVE ALVIN album, ASHGROVE is out any day now on YEP ROC records and early birdlike individuals snaffling up copies of the initial pressing will receive an additional 2 track cd of material completed just after the project was completed. So I guess that'll be you then kiddo?

Sticking with the Joisey theme of the last couple of posts, we had the pleasure of dropping by THE BUBBA MAC SHACK to catch JERRY (THE GEATOR) BLAVAT in action. More about that in due course but Bubba was kind enough to lay some copies of his self-released Blues Band cd's on us and if you're ever in the Somers Point hood then you should toddle on down to Bubba's for a snapshot of American culture best enjoyed in it's own environs. We get all the dodgy US franchaises here but we need a place like the shack to shake in. Accept no imitations.

In a clever SOPRANOS related segue here, I gotta remind you to pledge allegience to LITTLE STEVEN'S UNDERGROUND GARAGE. A veritable last bastion of all the music that matters from then, now and still to come. Do it or he'll slip into Silvio mode and come getcha.

The fifth season finale episode of THE SOPRANOS airs on HBO tomorrow night (Sunday). All bloody heck is about to break loose!

I get kinda nervous when I see a comparison to Thee Headcoats or their ilk in a press release. Y'see, I don't really rate them and figure much of the B. Childish canon to be art rock galumphing in g'rage clothing but our US cousins seem to be able to shake the positive elements about like they did and continue to do with the Beatles so I guess I'm mithering for nowt as usual. Anyway, I mention this because THEE FINE LINES introbumf namechecks that very combo but fear not because, apart from the basic feel of these their tunes having been wrought outta solid concrete, any misgivings are soon shot-blasted clean away. This perfectly formed trio hail from that home of the hits, Springfield, Mo. and thusly are well versed in the big beat that cannae be beat. Their primal stomp is as raggedy and ready as a grizzly's hindquarters and all the better for it. There's a fine line in what's served up as "garage" these days and these youngsters most definitley have it down to keep them well inside the YO zone. They rocks, they rolls and all 14 songs pinch all the right spots to leave that nice bruising you like. Their debut, self titled album is just about to hit the stores and mail order emporiums that matter on a new Austin, TX label by the name of LICORICE TREE. A place where you'll soon be able to shake down a whole crop of wild and woolly recordings. The sound of the underground that deserves to be overground awready.

From the Dictators website: The Master Plan will be the special guests at Little Steven's Underground Garage Battle of the Bands in Long Island on June 23. Ten battle semifinalists appear with very special guests the Master Plan at the Crazy Donkey in Farmingdale, Long Island. Doors open at 8 p.m. More info: www.rockingarage.com.

My pal Jos was rather quick to point out that the mighty Sack-o'-Woes will be playin' this Sunday night here in Utrecht supporting the Ponys at the Tivoli De Helling.