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Here in Birmingham, we're celebrating the fact that we've got two days off thanks to good old Queen Betty. Good on her for hanging on to the gold chair and jewelled hat long enough to get us not one, but two days of leisure for riding, drinking, and generally having a good time.

Of course, having a good time always involves a musical accompaniment. So here again is a lovely playlist of recent new releases that we've been listening to, along with some classics and a few not-so-recent tunes that are good for your ears.

So pop the vegan swan substitute in the oven, hang out the bunting, turn up the volume and party like it's 1952. Cheers, Liz!

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN - SEX PISTOLS

When the Sex Pistols released this track, back in 1977, they became at once the most revered and reviled band in the UK. Tabloids calling for them to be hanged and the track being banned by the BBC couldn't stop this now legendary establishment-baiting rant from breaking out. While it may feel a little cliched now, it is still a pivotal moment in musical history.

 

CHLOE SEVIGNY - DAVILA 666

Puerto Rico noise merchants Davila 666 are back after a bit of a loooong hiatus with this new track, and we bloody love it. TBF a band with 666 in their name singing about Chloe Sevigny - what is not to like about that? On top of that, the fact it is gloriously raucous means we can't get enough. ¡súbelo!

 

HELLO, HI - TY SEGALL

What we love so much about Ty Segall is his ability to create this kind of super-tight track with pounding beats and fuzz-laden guitars aplenty, but which keeps you feeling that at any point it might explode into madness. A precursor to his forthcoming full-length due in July, we really don't think we can wait that long to hear more.

 

BRIGHTON ROCK - QUEEN

I mean, come on, we're trying. While our attempt at a Jubilee theme is a bit weak, this track is anything but. 'Brighton Rock' is an absolute classic. You can hear the twinkling of Bohemian Rhapsody in this multi-section opener from 'Sheer Heart Attack', but imagine it at double speed with less pathos and more raw energy, and you get somewhere close.

 

RIP MY FLESH (WISDOM) - SPEW

Punk Rock from the 0121. SPEW is the hardcore/punk project of the supremely talented musician, producer, rapper, MC and Birmingham local Tony Bontana. 'Rip my flesh' from his latest release 'Hard R!' has a raw, low-fi, minimal approach harking back to hardcore roots, yet sounds totally fresh and relevant. Killing it.

 

I WANT YOU SO HARD (BOY'S BAD NEWS) - EAGLES OF DEATH METAL

Friends of Mutt and bike enthusiasts Eagles of Death Metal were in the UK recently, so we headed out to see them to talk about all things music and motorcycles. Like the band, this track is legendary. And if you haven't seen it before, you should check out the video.

DISPOSABLE - CRIMEWAVE

Synergy is when you put things together, and what comes out is greater than the sum of the parts. New track 'Disposable' from Crimewave is the perfect example. Melding aspects of wall-of-sound modern shoegaze, thunderous neo-trip-hop beats and sonic experimentation, what comes out is something visceral and transcendental all at the same time. More, please.

 

FABLES - INTERPOL

Born in the NYC post-punk revival scene of the late 90s, and early 00s, Interpol have continued to evolve yet stay true to their sonic roots all at the same time. 'Fables' is the latest of a line of releases from their new album 'The Other Side of Make-Believe' due for release in July this year.

 

THE MATTER, FORM AND POWER - MY DILIGENCE

Here at Mutt HQ, we love a good riff. And Belgian trio My Diligence are really bringing it in the riff stakes. This latest release is a wonderfully melodic, multi-layered doom workout, with a sound so vast it sounds like it was born on a mountaintop.

 

 ALL THE JUNK ON THE OUTSKIRTS - ICEAGE

Danish post-punk outfit Iceage's recent new release, 'All The Junk On The Outskirts' has the anthemic brooding that we have come to expect (and love). The group are working hard this year, with a huge string of dates and festivals booked through the early summer, followed by a US tour with Earth later in the year.

 

HAS ANYONE SEEN GAVIN? - TOO PISTE

A refrain often heard in Mutt HQ when someone has a problem only the GM can solve. That's not why we've included this though. (Fairly) local duo Too Piste create fantastic math-rock hardcore that ploughs a furrow all of its own. The only downside to this track is it only lasts just over two minutes. We want more!

 

 MUSIC FOR CHAMELEONS - GARY NUMAN

We are massive Gary Numan fans here at Mutt HQ. Getting the chance to chat with him recently was a real honour. 'Music For Chameleons' is probably the most well-known track from 1982s 'I, Assasin'. Moving away from his punk-influenced beginnings, the album (and this track) are notable for many of the tracks being led by Pino Palladino's funk-influenced bass. And try as we might, the bass players amongst us still can't master this one. Classic.

 

A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS - KEVIN MORBY

Memphis is a musical mecca, with an unparalleled lineage stretching back through the history of American blues and rock. Reflecting on his own life and music after reaching that point in living when your own mortality hoves into view, Kevin Morby headed there to record his latest LP 'This Is A Photograph'. Combining his alt-rock approach with sounds of gospel and soul, the album is a beautifully polished introspective journey.

 

IDK - PHOEBE GREEN

Released last year, Manchester's Phoebe Green regales us with a tale of social disassociation, set to an addictive cross-over sound with squelching synths and layered guitars underpinned by wonderfully repetitive bass. You wouldn't normally think we would go there, but pop music never sounded so good.

 

HANGOVER GAME - MJ LENDERMAN

In 1997, the NBA playoffs between Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz were tied at 2-2 going into game 5. Arguably the greatest ever basketball player at the time, if not all time, Michael Jordan turned up ill. He still played in what went on to be called the 'Flu Game', even scoring the three points that one the Bulls the game. However, rumours abounded, with one theory being that Jordan had been partying all night and was suffering the mother of all hangovers (never proven). Here MJ Lenderman, in his lo-fi style, talks us through the 'Hangover Game'. Genius.

 

SPIT AND CRAWL - FUNERAL CHIC

Funeral Chic blends elements of black metal, explosive hardcore and underground punk into an explosive, violent sound. And we love it. Coming from their forthcoming LP, the band described their return: "We could’ve quietly went away like so many other bands during the pandemic; instead we came back to make all your lives worse."

 

TROGLODYTE - VIAGRA BOYS

'Troglodyte' sees Stockholm post-punk legends in the making Viagra Boys taking a pot-shot at the worst of society. The band themselves say it is an "exploration into the chaos and confusion of current events through the comparison of modern man with troglodytes." There have always been idiots in the cave.

 

LAVA LAMP PISCO - PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS

An amazing slice of Psyche rock from Australian noise makers Lava Lamp Pisco. Ploughing a similar furrow to Aussie counterparts Tame Impala, Pond and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, but with a heavier sound, this one comes from their recent 'Night Gnomes' long-player.

TENNIS - COURTING

Courting describes themselves as "more than just a take that cover band". Which gives some hint as to their sardonic Liverpudlian roots. 'Tennis' is a tale about a paypig finding their self-worth. Enough said.

 

THE QUEEN IS DEAD - THE SMITHS

 

Finishing our (very loosely) themed playlist is this classic. Back in the days when Morrissey wasn't a complete arse, The Smiths were the most vital band on the planet for the introspective working-class misfits amongst us. And honestly? Johnny Marr was the talented one.

 

That's it for another month. More of the same next month. Hopefully, unlike Michael Jordan, we'll be over our Jubilee hangovers by the time we get there. God save the Queen! We mean it, man.

 

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