Record-Release Roundup

The release party for A Scribe Amidst the Lions’ new split seven-inch happens at the Casbah on Saturday, January 7. “The other band is Sour Soul from Mexico City,” says lead Scriber Kris Towne. “We’re both on La Escalara Records and we’ll be touring together this year.”

When Revenge Death Ball launches their full-length It’s An Attack at the Shakedown on January 21, “At least 17 different people will be performing, a few at a time,” says bandleader Ronald “Woogie” Maggard, “so there will be different drummers, singers, bassists, and guitar players for every song.” Guests will include members of the Screamin’ Yeehaws, Downspell, Behind the Wagon, DPI, and others.

The four-CD Bob Dylan tribute Chimes of Freedom, due January 24, features former Dragons guitarist Ken Horne (performing with Mariachi El Bronx), as well as locals Flogging Molly.

On January 27, Billy Joe and the Roosters debut their new full-length at the Riviera Turquoise Room. “We’ll play the CD songs in order,” says Billy Joe Clements, “and then we’ll cover a rare version of ‘Muleskinner Blues,’ by Jerry Reed and Glen Campbell, ‘The Contenders,’ by the Kinks, and ‘Poor Elijah,’ by Delaney and Bonnie.”

Joe Mendoza is finishing his third full-length at Earthling Studios in El Cajon with Mike Kamoo at the board and on drums. Over a dozen original demos have been taped, along with a cover of Ron Flynt’s “Picasso’s Big Blue Heart.”

Simeon Flick’s next CD, Sub Rosa, is being recorded at his own Blue Chair Studio. Vanya James is tracking a new full-length (which she describes as “very rock oriented”) with guest players Tommy Andrews, Damon De La Paz, Ismael Velasquez, and others.

A new Strawberry Alarm Clock album is being recorded in Big Bear by Randy Seol and George Bunnell, produced by longtime Alarm Clock collaborator Steve Bartek (Oingo Boingo, Danny Elfman) and set for release in February.