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‘Why Britain Rocked’ – Elizabeth Sharkey | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Most people, particularly Americans, assume (or are absolutely certain) that rock and roll began as a distinct musical style in the United States during the mid-1950s. It drew heavily from rhythm and blues, blues, jump blues, boogie-woogie, up-tempo jazz, and swing music. Clearly some elements of its make up existed earlier in the 20th Century…
“Eat My TV” – Liliths Army | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Liliths Army are Sylvie Studente on vocals and guitar, Tommy Mayo on bass and Sam Sherwood on drums. They are based in the UK in Northamptonshire. Their new single, "Eat My TV" is the finest slice of lo-fi British punk that I have heard for a long while. The song bemoans the fact that, in…
Asylum – Fulford Arms, York – Wednesday 26th February 2025 | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
The volume of gigs so far for 2025 is simmering nicely. This was a bill with three bands and only one, the headliners Asylum, that I have seen before. First on stage were Rejected Reality a classic power trio playing punky power pop seething with emotion. The band were tight and played off each other…
On This Day Dweezil And Moon Unit Went Fred For The Space Cadet With Steve And Eddie! | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
On March 4th 1982 two of Frank Zappa's kids son Dweezil and daughter Moon Unit formed a band called Fred Zeppelin. They were aged 12 and 14 at the time. Their first single was "My Mother Is A Space Cadet". That is a great band name in my opinion! In fact there is a Led…
Catch! – Fulford Arms, York – Monday 24th February 2025 | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
I try to never pass up the chance to see a band or artist that I have never seen before, so this was an easy choice. There were four bands on the bill, none of which I had seen before. This was another gig put together by the delightful human known as Simon P for…
Under The Covers With Mayhem – Chapter 13 | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Here comes Under The Covers With Mayhem Chapter 13, featuring the iconic reggae band the Paragons with Roslyn Sweat and their take on the Beatles (Paul McCartney) song "Blackbird". Their version is titled "Blackbird Singing" and I think it came out in 1974 on the Treasure Isle label. The band formed in Jamaica the 1960s.…
‘Hope I Get Old Before I Die: Why Rock Stars Never Retire’ – David Hepworth | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
David Hepworth is a talented, world class music journalist. He began his career in journalism writing for the NME and Sounds (two of the classic UK music "inkies"). He joined Smash Hits magazine in 1979, and having turned it around financially and made it profitable, became its editor. He was behind the launch of a…
“Peace” – Dr Pushkin | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Austin, TX via Bolgatanga in Ghana uber talented hip-hop artist Dr. Pushkin has just released a new single featuring Isolirium and Ataman Nikita. The release precedes his SXSW performance on March 12th. The track includes a great blend of Ghanian Kologo guitar with some great Hip-Hop and R & B beats. The lyrics seek hope…
Roberta Flack RIP | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Many of you may know by now that the music world has lost another monumental talent with the passing of Roberta Flack. Her biggest hits were "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Killing Me Softly With His Song", and "Feel Like Makin' Love". In 1972, 1973 and 1974 respectively. All three of those…
On This Day The Who Took A Bet On MTV! | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
On February 28th 1981 the Who released their first single since the death of drummer, Keith Moon, who died in 1978. Former Faces and Small Faces drummer Kenney Jones, took Moon's place behind the drums. The song was called "You Better You Bet". The single peaked at Number 9 in the UK and Number 18…
Gwen McCrae – RIP | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Supremely talented soul singer Gwen McCrae passed away recently aged 81. Gwen was a prominent singer and performer for many years after working as a duo with her then husband George McCrae. Singer Betty Wright helped the pair get a recording contract with TK Records in 1967. Gwen followed her husband's huge 1974 hit "Rock…
GOO – Fulford Arms York – Saturday 8th February 2025 | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
I am more than two weeks late with this post, humble apologies to everyone who played. But I am old school and write my notes in a paper notebook. Said notebook was misplaced, but now I have found it! This was to be the first time I had seen GOO and who would turn down…
On This Day Jimi Experienced Being Mobbed! | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
On 24th February 1969 the Jimi Hendrix Experience played their last ever British performance when they appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in London. I am not entirely sure why, but during the encore of "Purple Haze" and "Wild Child" the stage was invaded by fans, police, bouncers, floor managers and practically the entire audience.…
“BLOW” – Kety Fusco | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Kety Fusco is an unbridled and immensely talented musician. She has been dubbed the Queen of the Electric Harp. She was born in Pisa, Italy in 1995 and is Swiss by adoption. She has a Master of Arts in Music Performance at the Swiss Italian Conservatory. She first discovered the electric harp at just six…
“Born All Wrong” – Museum Of Light | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Photo by Scott Evans Seattle band Museum Of Light have just released their third single of 2025, "Born All Wrong" on Spartan Records. The track follows hot on the heels of "Blunt Force Drama" and "Undone". All three tracks will form a part of their sophomore album, 'Diviner', produced by Scott Evans, which will be…
On This Day Catherine Of Kent Was Kicked Inside! | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
On February 17th 1978 Kate Bush released her debut studio album 'The Kick Inside' which included her UK Number 1 hit, "Wuthering Heights". That song was the first time a female singer-songwriter topped the UK charts with a self-penned song. She was still only 19 years old and had written some of the songs when…
Wow That’s What I Call Mayhem – Volume 6 | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
I continue to send my humblest of apologies to the creators of the iconic NOW music compilation series of tri-annual releases. Their compilations began in 1983. I posted and compiled the first WOW That's What I Call Mayhem collection back in March 2024. Volumes 2, 3 and 4 followed in August and September. Volume 5…
‘Modern Mirror’ EP – The Bricks | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
York's very own alternative rock gang continue to furrow their unique and mightily wonderful direction with their new EP 'Modern Mirror'. The Bricks are Guy (Guitar), Gemma (Vox), Marc (Drums) and Paul (Bass). The title track and the first song on the EP, "Modern Mirror" is dark, sharp and oozes post punk energy with Gemma's…
‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’ – Documentary | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
'Becoming Led Zeppelin' is the first authorised documentary of the globe straddling rock monster that Led Zeppelin became. It ends in 1970 with a triumphant homeland gig at the Royal Albert Hall just a few weeks after the release of 'Led Zeppelin II'. I suspect that some hardcore fans will likely be disappointed that the…
Mayhem’s Most Popular Posts – January 2025 | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
This is the sixth issue in our fun (well I am enjoying it) series where we share the latest post with the most views for a given month and the archive post with the most views. This one covers January 2025. The biggest read post was my review of Johnnie Walker's Final Sounds Of The…
On This Day Michael And The Boys Didn’t Go Back To Rockville To Do Some Night Gardening! | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
On February 8th 1981 R.E.M. made their first ever-recording sessions at Bombay Studios in Smyrna, Georgia. Not India, obviously! The tracks they recorded that day included "Gardening At Night", "Radio Free Europe" and "(Don't Go Back To) Rockville." None of these three recordings were hits. But the band rerecorded "Radio Free Europe" in 1983 and…
The Mayhem Charts – January 2025 | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Here is the Mayhem chart for January 2025. Regular readers know the chart is based on my Spotify listening habits. These are gathered over the last month by obscurify.com. After a slight blip last month my taste in music is now apparently 99% more obscure than the rest of the UK! The chart remains contemporary-ish…
On This Day Cupid Finds Janis! | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
On February 14th 1977 US singer songwriter Janis Ian received 461 Valentine's day cards after indicating in the lyrics of her song 'At Seventeen', she had never received any. The particular line from the song which produced this rather kind gesture was "To those of us who knew the pain of valentines that never came".…
“All Together On 3” – Push Puppets | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Push Puppets have one of the best names in music today and they have just released a classy new single "All Together On 3". The band are based in the Palatine community near Chicago, Illinois in the USA. The track is a taster for their fourth album 'Tethered Together', slated for release later this year.…
“Dancing With Ghosts” – Pink Turns Blue | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Pink Turns Blue are a classy European band who took their name from a Hüsker Dü song. They have been around a long while and they have just released the third single, "Dancing With Ghosts", from their forthcoming album 'Black Swan'. The album is slated for release on 28th February. The song has dark overtones…
With Just A Hint Of Mayhem Is 16 Years Old Today! | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
started my journey with the With Just A Hint Of Mayhem blog back on February 9th 2009. It started as just a few posts with me rattling on about some odd pieces of music trivia. Then it grew into me reviewing almost all gigs that I go to and then reviewing singles, albums and EPs.…
Smashing Pumpkins Announce Huge Gunnersbury Park Show For August! | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Gunnersbury Park in west London is now established as one of the capital’s favourite outdoor venues and plays host to a series of day shows offering an eclectic mix of music genres and incredible acts in August 2025. Those already confirmed include shows with Khruangbin, The Libertines, PAWSA and Martin Garrix. Now the iconic masters…
On This Day Syd Got The Boys To Play On The Street Named Arnold Layne! | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
On February 1st 1967 Pink Floyd spent the day recording parts for the Syd Barrett songs "Arnold Layne' and "Candy And A Current Bun" at Sound Techniques Studios, Chelsea, London. The Floyd also turned professional on this day after signing a deal with EMI Records. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3DGpINHX5Q If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to…
“All Night” – Robo – The Video! | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Last weekend it was my pleasure to attend a gig to launch Robo's new single "All Night". Check out my review of the single here and the review of the gig here. It was more than just a gig though, it was also a night which saw the premiere of the video that accompanies the…
“A Stone Only Rolls Downhill” – OK GO | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
OK GO had their first chart success back in 2002. How the fuck was it that long ago? Back in those days they had a knack of mixing loads of genres. Everything from dance to slacker rock via punk and classic rock. Well they never really went away and have just released a nifty new…
Robo – (Single Launch) – St. Aelred’s Community Centre – Tang Hall, York – Saturday 25th January 2025 | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Robo kindly invited me to this gig for the launch of their new single "All Night" and frankly it would have been rude to refuse! So obviously I went along and I am glad that I did. Community Centres like this one are like a home from home for me after more than 30 years…
Under The Covers With Mayhem – Chapter 12 | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Here comes Under The Covers With Mayhem Chapter 12, featuring the wonderfully named Dutch Criminal Record an indie surf band from Chichester in the UK with their delightful take on Chappell Roan's mega hit from 2024 "Good Luck, Babe". They give this perfect pop song a slight rock tinge and it works very well! I…
“A New Dream” – Gregory Darling and Julian Lennon | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
A new collaborative single between long friends and musical partners Gregory Darling and Julian Lennon have just released a new single "A New Dream". The song was written with their friend Anthony Caligagan. It first appeared on Gregory Darling's album 'Shell' in 2006 in its original form. This re-imagining has a majestic magical feel as…
‘Rave Immortal’ – ALT BLK ERA | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
It is less than 18 months since I became aware of ALT BLK ERA and what a time that has been. From my perspective I featured them on the Mayhem Virgins series in August 2023. That same month I was lucky enough to see them on the BBC Introducing Stage at the Leeds Festival. I…
“All Night” – Robo | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Robo are a York band overflowing with talent and that is abundantly clear if you listen to their new single "All Night". If Tome Verlaine produced the Arctic Monkeys it might have sounded a bit like this. Their is also a mood of 70s classic rock throughout this magnificent tune. I love the call and…
“In Retro” – The Gringos | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
The Gringos are a band from Athens, Georgia and they have recently released a classy single called "In Retro". It is full of soul and some delicious old school guitar licks. The vocals remind me of the Kings Of Leon when they first broke big. It feels modern and at the same time evokes the…
“Safe & Sound” – Pip Lewis | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
Pip Lewis is a 22 year old British singer-songwriter based in San Diego, California. She has just dropped a great single from her forthcoming album 'Growing Pains'. Pip sees some of her key influences coming from Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers. The song has a heavenly indie pop sound with a beautifully crystal clear vocal.…
“Elevator Operator” – Electric Callboy | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
German music powerhouse band Electric Callboy have just unleashed their latest single, "Elevator Operator". It is an unforgettable blend of hardcore rock, electro dance, disco and pure pop. It has heavy guitar riffs. Club style synth sounds accentuate it. There are huge four to the floor beats. There are growly rock vocals alongside poppy disco…
On This Day The Dame Sacked The Gnome! | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
On 23rd January 1990, David Bowie announced his Sound And Vision world tour. This tour would run from March 4th until September 29th that year. During the tour, he invited each local audience to decide on a 'greatest hits' running order. This was organised through local radio stations. The tour surpassed Bowie's previous Serious Moonlight…
“Vice” – Rizzle Kicks | With Just A Hint Of Mayhem
British hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks are Jordan "Rizzle" Stephens and Harley "Sylvester" Alexander-Sule. They first broke big back in 2011 with the rather excellent single "Down With The Trumpets". They had a few more hits and split up for a while. Last year they announced their return. They released a few classy singles last…