By Monk
Over the course of more than more decades than he perhaps cares to remember, a period which has nonetheless seen him develop an extremely justified reputation as one of the most respected, not to mention hardest working figures on the glunk scene, resulting in a rock ‘n’ roll CV that includes a six-year stint, covering four albums and a seemingly never-ending world tour with the New York Dolls, and a further four albums alongside Michael Monroe, as well as stints in Company Of Wolves, Crown Jewels and The Crazy Truth, not to mention his various solo projects, there is no doubting Steve Conte’s ability to turn his hand to a decent rock ‘n’ roll tune or ten. Now, almost four years after his last solo outing – not that he’s been quiet in the interim, no sirree Stevie boy – he’s back with a stonking new set of recordings – and a few very good friends along for the ride, not least in the case of former XTC mainstay Andy Partridge who co-wrote exactly half of the ten Übertastic toons featured on this magnificent collection…
Kicking off with the jangly power pop anthemic of ‘Fourth Of July’, which possesses one of those choruses (and melodies) that embeds itself deep in your aural memory banks for days after that first listen, this is a collection of solid garage rock ‘banger after solid garage rock ‘banger, each and every song catchier than a dose of clap in a back alley whorehouse, filled to the brim with singalong choruses and hummable melodies galore, coupled with massive jangly geetar riffs and hooks big enough to catch a blue whale at half a mile distance.
Alongside Partridge, Conte recruited a whole host of distinguished and ingenue collaborators and fellow conspirators to bring this slice of rock ‘n’ roll effervescence to life, with the cast list including the likes of an Hunter, Michael Imperioli, Marshall Crenshaw, Steve Lillywhite, Kasim Sultan, Simon Kirke, Danko Jones, Nasty Suicide, Dregen, Dennis Dunaway, Glen Matlock, Prairie Prince, Tommy Henrickson, Marc Broussard, Jessie Wagner, Palmyra Delran and Genya Ravan.. and they’re all on just one track!
‘The Concrete Jangle’ is a proper, old-fashioned rock ‘n roll album from beginning to end. One which does exactly what it sets out to achieve: and that is entertain. At the same time, it down give an insight into the character of the man behind it… and that is someone who loves playing rock ‘n’ roll and hearing his music heard and enjoyed by those who enjoy hearing it: and that definitely includes us! Wickedly cool stuff indeed.
- ‘The Concrete Jangle‘ is out now.
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