Glen Matlock - Good to Go

*****

Rock 'n' Roll Punk for everyone!!!

In 2010 about eight years ago Punk bass legend Glen Matlock of Sex Pistols fame, with his band the Philistines released an album called 'Born Running'. And I think his new album 'Good to Go' is a continuation of this record and sound, and looking forward to finding out if this was so. So when I got a really nice CD copy through my door, I was really excited about putting it straight on. With Punk albums I have always liked them short and sweet, about ten tracks is always best... well 'Good to Go' is a couple over this. But this time this is just a bonus, and they are not two that you will never put on or listen to. 

I like the album cover, even though it doesn't look like a Punk album cover. It more looks like something you would expect from a Morrissey solo album. And being a massive fan of Morrissey and The Smiths, to me is a good thing and the picture of Glen is superb. 'Good to Go' see's Glen reunited with David Bowie guitarist Earl Slick, but if that is not enough he is back with Slim Jim Phantom of Stray Cats fame. Some stars when they get into doing stuff on TV, loose something... but Glen still has real attitude and can still bring out the F**k the system Punk vibe. Well when he wants to, and he does this on the new record. And even in his cover of the Pharrell Williams hit single 'Happy', which you can see the video for at the bottom of this page.

The album starts with a full slice of Rock 'n' Roll with 'Won't put the breaks On', which is so catchy and Retro ... that it get's stuck in your head straight away!!!. This sounds like all the classic records I listened to when I was a kid, would love to get a vinyl copy and have the joy of putting it on... and watch the needle bobbing up and down. I love how they have put the overlapping on the vocals, really sounds like it was recorded a long time ago.

Next song 'Wanderlust' brings in a more Psychobilly / Rockabilly feel to it, with it's striking riffs and little changes... that would bring quite a few moments of delight. To fans of music done the way it originally was meant to be done, if you can understand what I mean by that. This butter churning Rock 'n' Roll extravaganza is a wonder... actually it is a 'Wanderlust'. They ten go where Ray Winston went on their Rockabilly track 'Sexy Beast', this keeps to an old traditional sound... and isn't nothing new but very enjoyable. But not as enjoyable as 'Speak too Soon' which is one of the stand out tracks on the album. It has great vocal works, and has so many cool lifts and riffs.

This is an album that is a 'Piece of Work', so if your a fan of Glen's other pieces of work... then you will love this. His vocals again are really strong on this track as he tells you a story, in an American East Coast way. This has a sound of a lot of modern Punk from the States, and Glen even verges on sounding like Nick Borg from Backyard Babies in places. By this point in the album, Glen Matlock has really got his 'Hook in You', and you can't stop listening to his hooks and riffs. So as the album is at a midway point you have a good idea of what he is trying to say, so you ready for tracks like 'Montague Terrace, Cloud Cuckoo Land' and the easy flowing 'Strange kinda Taste'. This track feels like an old friend coming back to visit.

'Chill' is really bouncy and friendly, unlike track eleven where Glen 'Couldn't give a Damn'. I really like this track because it has real attitude.So when he closes the album with single 'Keep on Pushing', you know you have heard a great album. How many albums finish on a single. Showing that every track on this record is strong, and that it is well worth a purchase... and is an album you and I will play over and over again.

Check Out! the Video for their cover of Pharrell Williams hit single 'Happy' Below...