Bad Time Records – 21 June 2024
I think Joe Strummer would like this album.
Former The Mighty Mighty Bosstones bass fiddleman and The Kilograms vocalist, bass and guitar player Joe Gittleman has competed his first solo full-length album. Gittleman previously delivered three solo tracks on a split EP with Bad Operation last summer and this album follows suit with more of the reggae-ska melodies found on those earlier releases. The record contains 12 songs and, while a “solo” album, it features some of Joe’s friends from Big D and the Kids Table, The Pietasters, Sammy K, Michael McDermott, Bad Operation, and more.
I’ve already covered the first track “Plastered In The Rafters” when it first came out as a single but, to recap, this one features Bad Operation’s D-Ray’s trombone playing which guides you through the melodies on what is a somewhat sad but upbeat song.
The title track “Hold Up” features additional vocals from Big D’s David McWane and is super fun, uplifting, jazzy groove, that might be my album fav. “There Or Thereabouts” has some very cool organ sounds mixed with reggae style guitar cords.
The lyrics on this record are a blend of spiritual, reflection, struggles, romance, bars of soap, and even some references to Joe Strummer. Although some songs give evidence to Joe’s long-time contribution to the Bosstones, this is not the Bosstones with a different voice. This is more laid back with more reggae influences, elements of ska, and just a little dash of punk, after all Joe was in Gang Green for a few years.
Likes fine beer and cheap cheese. He has been a DJ, sound mixer for commercials and television, and currently designs motorcycle parts. He also has a habit of creating pastiche style cover songs and changing the chorus to incorporate “Jeff” or “Sorley.” (sigh… it’s true – Jeff)
https://www.instagram.com/rizchex_tgefm
