Crossed Combs - retro, rockabilly, rhythm and blues, tiki and more

The Cool Gent - The Nine Lives of Radio Legend Herb Kent

Known as the Cool Gent, King of the Dusties, and the Mayor of Bronzeville, Herb Kent is one of radio's most illustrious and legendary stars.

This fascinating autobiography details both the high and low points of Kent's life - including his poverty-stricken childhood in the Chicago housing projects and his straight - years at Northwestern University - while providing a vivid picture of African American music, culture, and personalities from the second half of the 20th century to today. Despite not being a musician himself, Kent lived a typical rock 'n' roll lifestyle full of drugs, alcohol, all-night partying, and women, eventually hitting rock bottom where he finally faced his personal demons. Throughout the years, Kent has sustained his debonair, classy persona, and uncanny knack for picking timeless tunes.

Published by Chicago Review Press, this 270+ page book is hereby recommended by Crossed Combs.

Koko Taylor R.I.P.

Grammy Award-winning blues legend Koko Taylor, 80, died on June 3, 2009 in her hometown of Chicago, IL, as a result of complications following her May 19 surgery to correct a gastrointestinal bleed. On May 7, 2009, the critically acclaimed Taylor, known worldwide as the “Queen of the Blues,” won her 29th Blues Music Award (for Traditional Female Blues Artist Of The Year), making her the recipient of more Blues Music Awards than any other artist.

Rockers movie 30 years - now on Blu-ray

Wienerworld proudly presents the Blu Ray edition of the classic reggae film Rockers, to coincide with the film's 30th anniversary since its release.

A riotous burst of energy and colour, almost documentary in style, Rockers is a cameo-packed gutsy thriller of the dread-locked, ganja-smoking drummer Leroy Horsemouth Wallace's attempts to succeed in the cut throat Jamaican music biz which provides much insight, amusement and education.

The film captures reggae at its musical apex with a vibrant and magnificent reggae soundtrack now digitally re-mastered from the original 35mm film made in 1978. Release date 15 June 2009.

Teenage Gang Debs (1966) trailer

Almost every B-movie has a little something. Teenage Gang Debs from 1966 features the top tune Don't Make Me Mad by Lee Dowell. Which does exist as a 45 but very few copies are known. Anyway, here's the trailer for Teenage Gang Debs. "The Go Go girls who go... too far".

The Golden Age Of American Rock'n'roll Special Doo Wop Edition Vol 2

The compilation series “The Golden Age of American Rock’n’Roll” by Ace Records has just had another installment released. Volume 2 of the special Doo Wop edition is upon us!

Volume 2 mines the same rich seam of vocal group splendour – only it digs deeper, to bring us many of the more obscure or lesser doo wop hits – but hits nonetheless – by groups lost to posterity, counterbalanced by some better known names.

Compiled by the painstakingly fastidious Rob Finnis and Trevor Churchill, Doo Wop 2 is programmed as much for listening pleasure as for its archival value.

Read more about this record over at Ace Records.

1. Arabia - Delcos
2. Paradise - Temptations
3. Lullaby Of The Bells - Deltairs
4. You Baby You - Cleftones
5. So Strange - Jesters
6. I Only Want You - Passions
7. Teenage Vows Of Love - Dreamers
8. Magic Moon (Claire De Lune) - Rays
9. Don't Forget I Love You - Butanes
10. Can I Come Over Tonight - Velours
11. Juke Box Saturday Night - Nino & The Ebbtides
12. Things I Love, The - Fidelitys
13. Taste Of A Tear, The - Johnny & The Tokens
14. My Memories Of You - Donnie & The Dreamers
15. My Hero - Blue Notes
16. Everyone's Laughing - Spaniels
17. If I Should Lose You - Dreamlovers
18. L O V E - Craftys
19. If You Want To - Carousels
20. Nite Owl - Dukays
21. Rosie Lee - Mellotones
22. Gift Of Love - Van Dykes
23. Lovers - Blendtones
24. Starlight - Preludes Five
25. Brenda - Cupids
26. Solitaire - Embers
27. You Broke My Heart - Gleams
28. Island Of Love - Sheppards
29. I Lied To My Heart - Sheppards
30. Come On Little Angel - Belmonts

Ladies rockabilly jeans by Freddies of Pinewood

Raw rockabilly ladies jeans without stretch. Invisible zipper and button behind one of the front pockets for a more feminine look. The high waist gives you the real authentic retro feel.
Four big pockets, two in the front and two in the back.

Check out Freddies of Pinewood Classic jeans at Sivletto