The Lost UK Jewels Vol.27 ; SMASH ALLEY – Dead Men Don’t Cry (2024)
Now arrives a new installment from the great ‘‘The Lost UK Jewels”, the series unearthing lost bands which deserved better luck and at least, exposure.
The Lost UK Jewels Vol.27 consists of SMASH ALLEY recordings from 1988 to 1991, 14 tracks under the title “Dead Men Don’t Cry“, as usual limited to 500 copies. There were several bands with the same name in the US, but this is the first time that all UK’s SMASH ALLEY tapes from 1988 and 1991 are being released together remastered to obtain the best sound quality possible.
In the late Eighties and early Nineties, the UK rock scene was overflowing with new bands, all set to take on the old guard. The likes of Thunder, Little Angels, Wolfsbane and The Almighty were making waves and a young bunch of hopefuls from the Northeast of England were hoping to hitch a ride on the stardom express.
Starting life in ’87, SMASH ALLEY made strident steps via some incendiary gigs, packing out local venues with ease. With their demos catching the attention of Metal Forces, Iron Fist and Kerrang!, it wasn’t long before the record labels came a calling in the shape of Virgin, EMI and East West.
Born from the foundations laid by the Rolling Stones, The New York Dolls and Hanoi Rocks, SMASH ALLEY came so close, yet so far.
Their 1990 ‘Silver Screen Fantasies’ demo was the one that should have broken them, but in ’91 the musical climate was on the change and bands like SMASH ALLEY suddenly became yesterday’s news very fast.
Still, they dared to dream big and loved every minute of their Rock and Roll ride…
“Dead Men Don’t Cry” contain 14 songs recorded in the 1987-1992 frame time, with a style close to bands like Cheap And Nasty, Tigertailz, Faster Pussycat, Hanoi Rocks, and a touch of bluesy ala early The Quireboys. It’s raw, gutsy rock n’ roll.
Highly Recommended
“Silver Screen Fantasies” Tape – Late 1990:
01 – Dead Men Don’t Cry
02 – Valentine
03 – Liar
04 – Easy Street
05 – Pride
06 – A Bourbon In St. Tropez
“Mr Groover’s Blues Nite Out” Tape – 1989:
07 – Whiskey Glass
08 – Beat City Blues
09 – Mr. Groover’s Blues Nite Out
“Smash Alley” Tape – 1988:
10 – What’s New Pussycat
11 – All Fall Down
1989-1991:
12 – Worlds Apart (1989)
13 – Rock A Bye Baby (1990)
14 – Mind And Soul (1991)
Try here:
beyondbattlerecords.com/shopdetail/000000014222/
