PAUL SPENCER: The Whole Shebang

Paul Spencer

The Whole Shebang

© 2005 Paul Spencer Music (ASCAP) (783707040103)

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Loud, foot-stomping garage rock

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2005's "The Whole Shebang" marked the debut of CT native singer/songwriter Paul Spencer. Opening with the 1-2 punch of "We Don't Give A Damn" & "Instant Crush", the first an AC/DC-meets-The Replacements rocker, the second a frenzied Bo Diddley romp that manages to sound both fresh and classic at the same time, these two songs make it clear that Paul Spencer is broadcasting live from Garageland, and yes, he has his bullshit detector on.

"Bettie Page" keeps the momentum going with its Ramones-like hooks and twisted 50's imagery ("locks the world in a cage / she's kinky like Bettie Page"), segueing into the menacing "Going Higher", a perfect blend of MC5 & Trompe Le Monde-era Pixies that contains a great opening line: "the universe is expanding / and so is my mind".

"Hard To Get Across" conjures up mid-70's George Harrison, complete with some beautiful slide guitar work. "Asian Eyes", with a catchy chorus & sugary harmonies is a slice of mellow power-pop that gives way to the acoustic, mandolin-tinged "Say Goodbye To Summer" where Spencer releases his inner Dylan to great effect.

"She's One Of A Kind" crosses 60's garage rock with 70's power-pop in an irresistible mix of handclaps, hooks & clever lyrics ("she likes Dali and David Lynch / and says the Pixies are the missing link"), while "New Mexico" pushes Spencer's sci-fi fixation to the forefront with its mentions of UFOs & parallel universes, all this put to a frenetic beat and killer riff.

"Hands Off" breezes through with punk guitars and sunny harmonies that will keep you humming long after you hear it, and "Don't Let The World" shows that Spencer can write a disarmingly tender ballad just as well.

"Walk Away Christie" recalls late 70's Cheap Trick in the rich wall of guitars/synthesizer that anchors the power chorus, before flowing into the quiet acoustic despair of "Worried About You", a song where the narrator helplessly witnesses the slow death brought on by drug addiction ("...now your eyes have no sparks / and your body's full of needle marks"). Producer Paul Opalach gives the sound just enough shine while maintaining a healthy rawness that suits the songs well.

By the time we get to the last track, Paul Spencer has already flexed his songwriting muscles rather impressively. A glorious distillation of punk, garage & glam rock with a happy-go-lucky vibe, super-tight harmonies and a solo that threatens to burn the speakers down, "The Whole Shebang" is a bona-fide classic that closes the record in style and leaves the listener wanting more!


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THE BIG TAKEOVER (Issue 56, Apr.'05):

"Paul Spencer infuses his meaty, Cheap Trick/Heartbreakers-like garage/power-pop with thick catchy riffs, and a scratchy, bluesy voice which alternately recalls Elvis Costello, Paul Westerberg and The New York Dolls' David Johansen." - Mark Suppanz, The Big Takeover



INDIE-MUSIC.COM:

"In sheer devotion to that which we hold above all other things, rock 'n' roll, Paul Spencer doggedly pursues an audio shrine to The Greats on his album, 'The Whole Shebang'. Whether a determined attempt at recreation or a modern twist with a little classic resurrection, Spencer incorporates all things sacred to achieve that sound. With vocals floating between The Pixies and The Clash and some killer guitar riffs every so often, Spencer runs his fingers through his hair and sets out to prove rock 'n' roll isn’t dead after all.

Spencer’s triumph can be found simply in that he actually achieves what he seems to be striving for ... solid melodies and a sound nearly anyone can nod a head to. His lyrical transitions are as thick and amber-pleasant as honey, and he has the ability to make you believe he has felt and learned something from those experiences he references." - Genevieve Will, Indie-Music.com



STYLUS:

"Paul Spencer's debut, 'The Whole Shebang', bursts out of the gate in a hail of bullets. It has the raw nerve attitude of early new-wave artists like Elvis Costello or Joe Jackson with smart lyrics to back it up. It's obvious that Spencer is fan of the rougher side of rock, as influences such as MC5 and Clash percolate to the surface of his music, much like Cheap Trick. Using Bettie Page as a simile never hurts. Every teenager needs an album like this in their collection." - Broose Tulloch, Stylus



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Paul Spencer & The Maxines' music has been featured on the MTV shows "Cribs", "My Super Sweet Sixteen", VH1's "Hogan Knows Best". Paul Spencer and The Maxines have also appeared on cd compilations alongside artists such as Spoon, Okkervil River, John Vanderslice, Architecture In Helsinki, Suzanne Vega, Emerson Hart (Tonic), Fionn Regan, Ani DiFranco, David J (Bauhaus / Love And Rockets) and Marty Willson-Piper (The Church / The Saints).


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reviews

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  • excelente
    author: Gerardo Sánchez, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain

    He escuchado el disco de Paul Spencer, "The Whole shebang", un poco por casualidad. Él mismo, Paul, me invitó a descargarme sus trabajos, y lo cierto es que fue una grata sorpresa. Es cierto que tiene ecos de los Kinks, los Clash e incluso otros grandes de la música, pero conserva su propia personalidad... La voz, estupenda, y las guitarras, fuertes, como deben ser. Me gusta mucho el disco, y si tengo que escoger, ese "Hard to get across", me encanta, con esa slide que recuerda mucho a George Harrison, aunqu eno es sólo eso, por supuesto... y Asian Eyes tambien está muy bien, y todo el disco en general.... Well done! Paul.

  • perfect rock
    author: shorty

    .. and just to let you know that he's finished recording a new record; promisses to be even better, check it out in a few weeks time.

  • Offbeat, but strangely familiar
    author: Alex

    Recently, I had the chance to listen to "The Whole Shebang" album by Paul Spencer. To put it simply, this album rocks, creating a strange mixture of relaxing but strong rhythms and soundtracks for rebellion. Starting off with "We Don't Give a Damn", the album definite sends that message. Listening with your eyes closed hearkens images of torn-denim clad teenagers running through the night, carefree and immortal in their innocence. Another key track is "Bettie Page", my personal favorite. The song is a fast and steady rocker, beautiful in it's simplicity. Long story short, give the album a chance and a listen, and I promise you won't be dissappointed.

  • En grym och skön skiva att lyssan på i år!
    author: Samy

    Jag gillade verkligen "The Whole Shebang". Den påminner mycket om The Replacements och deras grejer. Rak, punkig amerikansk rock a la åttiotalet. Vad mer ska jag säga? Jo, köp skivan idag!

  • Perfect New york punk/rock sound!!
    author: Nick

    I m from Greece ..a big thx to Paul Spencer for his album..It s a long time i heard something STRONG AND LOUD!!Really rebel music guys!!I like this album!!!It reminds me Ramones sound and New York Dolls!!!!Be sure Paul that your CD has already shared in a few people and going on...Keep Rocking MAN!!!I love the music so it's bad to make an exception..but the "Don't let the world" and "Worried about you" r really adorable..Waiting for your next LP man!!!Nikos from Athens-Greece!!

  • die vergangenheit wird wiederbelebt.
    author: jan, Germany

    Angesichts eines Zeit, in der es den meisten Künstlern nur noch daran liegt Zahlen zu schreiben, den Geschmack der Massen zu treffen, findet man selten noch Musik aus leidenschaftlicher Hingabe. Paul Spencer hat mit "The Whole Shebang" ein Album veröffentlicht, dass in Anlehnung an seine Inspirationquellen (Iggy and the Stooges, The Ramones bis hinzu Bob Dylan) die alten Zeiten nochmal aufleben lässt - und das wie!

  • great album its a must have for old school fans
    author: cbg mogly

    ok i really like the old school sound of this band kinda reminds me of the stooges mixed in with dee dee from the ramones vocals on it with a little bit lighter voice the music sounds very original and is impressing to hear music like this in this day and age

  • author: Lex Talionis, Poland

    Paul's album is really good, particularly for a debut. You know, I usually listen to the music of other kinds (extreme metal, dark ambient, dark folk), but, in spite of that, I enjoyed "The Whole Shebang". It seems that Paul was very enthusiastic and spontaneous while recording this CD, and this puts the listener in the good mood. The music reminds me somewhat of The Stooges (though less morbid), somewhat of The Misfits (when played faster), somewhat of british Punk'77. To be honest, I liked more the faster and more powerful tracks, because IMHO Paul's vocals fit better to noisy and energetic songs. Tracks are not too long, well composed, not repetitive, looking from perspective of whole album. Production is raw, but that's OK, it's garage rock! Favourite tracks: "Going Higher" (harsh vocals, sounding a bit metalish) and the title one. In my oppinion Paul definitely deserves more attention and wider audience.

  • Great Connecticut Punk Rock!!!
    author: johnnykillabee (Serbian Hard Core / Punk crew)

    The music on this CD is very well done and shows a wide range of musical expression - from slow melodic rock and grunge to punk rock. Each song has something different so things never get boring. The lyrics here are great and the songwriting is something is far better than I expected. Descendents, Ramones and Iggy Pop influences. The best songs on the album are: "Bettie Page", "Hard To Get Acros", "Asian Eyes", "Say Goodbye To Summer". If you want some good Connecticut punk rock and something new and different, this is a great find.

  • A diamond in the rough!
    author: Ed Stuifzand

    The whole shebang reminds me of the Ramones(may they rest in peace) and a few other great ones like Clash or Iggy. Instant Crush of the album is my personal favorite with the awesome drum in the beginning. Makes me wonder what comes next. I think it's a great band to see perform live I'm looking forward to what's comin' next!!

  • Très prometteur et très personnel
    author: Yann, a French fan

    Paul Spencer a de l'énergie et de l'enthousiasme à revendre, mais ce qui le caractérise surtout c'est sa maturité : non seulement il maîtrise parfaitement ses compositions (trouver de jolies mélodies est une chose, en faire des chansons intéressantes en est une autre) mais il sait doser les genres avec adresse et générosité. Et s'il manifeste un savoir-faire incontestable dans le rock pur et dur (comme en témoignent d'emblée "We Don't Give a Damn" et "Instant Crush", deux titres qui bottent les fesses), c'est dans le registre folk qu'il révèle toute sa finesse et sa sensibilité (mention spéciale à "Say Goodbye to Summer" et "Worried About You", tout simplement magnifiques). En résumé, un premier album très honorable et déjà très personnel, qui pourrait bien annoncer de glorieux lendemains. Vivement son successeur, prévu pour la fin 2006...

  • Style is what it is.
    author: Paige

    One of the best songs is Say Goodbye to Summer. It has style and is one of the slower songs on the album. THe cd has alot of different styles as well as good lyrics. Very cool.

  • It's a dose of acid rain in the eye
    author: Theo Clemons

    It burns, and I love it. It's harsh and full of attitude, but I would not say punk. It's melodic and sensible, but not Chuck Berry. Truthfully, I think it's an exceptional album, raw and clever. The riffs never seem overbearing, the solos never proceed to soften the effect. I suppose...recommended if you like: the Replacements, Wire, the Minutemen, MC5, even pre-Rollins Black Flag. Yes...it's that diverse, and that much of a ship wrecking storm. I love it. Theo Clemons, Okinawa, Japan

  • Great for every garage and punk rock fan
    author: FallenHawk

    Paul Spencer made an album with songs that all sound like and punk and garage rock classics. Mixing elements from 70's power pop, punk and garage rock, it's great for fans of all these genres. In all, this album contains a very nice collection of songs made for all those who enjoys punk, power pop and garage rock songs with a classic feel to them.

  • author: rocknray

    good catchy old school rock with a punky edge reminds me of pete way from ufo's solo stuff. very good indeed!!!!

  • author: dr.knox

    this is what rock music is about'gritty 'real & to the point.dead boys/heartbreakers sound that we should get back to.pisses on bullshitters like guns'n' roses & oasis long live paul spencer.if you like '77 punk&cbgb's scene you'll like thisgeezer.

  • PURE SWEET KICK ASS R`N`R (already ten ? )
    author: vblonder

    Kicked me by accident - and satisfied. Love that stuff - and no comparisons - but - maybe JEFF DAHL in his best moments - but his very best - cheers - GO ON......

  • Johnny Thunders Step Aside
    author: Jamie Blair

    This disc gets down to the bare bones of pure, back-to-basics rock and roll. Great listening if you're sick of todays electronicly defiled 'rock'. My personal favourites include the opening track worthy of rock anthem status 'We Don't Give A Damn', the slower, thought provoking, but still rocking 'Don't Let The World', and the absolutely brutal assult on track 4 called 'Going Higher'. Absolutely mind-blowing disc. Buy a convertible just so you can crank it with the top down!

  • i kill nuns for a living~!
    author: chris oseland

    I got this cd through pirating it from the artist, anywho you should buy this record, because if you listen to it you'll feel great whenever its spun, the record changes from fast to slow. I think the reason i love this record sooo much is because it sounds like elvis costellos my aim is true

  • Listen and feel it!!!
    author: Miss Kittin

    It's a nice cd to listen to. I normally listen to punkrock, metal and other sorts of heavy music, but i think this cd is worth the effort. Nice to put on on the background, when you want to create a nice atmosphere. Keep up the good work. I hope to see you in the netherlands some day. Cheers!!!

  • do your self a favour...buy this CD
    author: Bob DeRosie

    Just an excellent basic rock and roll CD. No frills, no waste, no pretentions. This is someone who is in the music business to make good music not to be phoney. Pure rock and roll...nothing more, nothing less. The CD like all good music improves with each listen. Looking forward to future releases.

  • Kick Ass Cd
    author: Eric Whitler

    It is a kick ass cd. It sounds great. Everyone should get the cd.

  • It's really worth to listen it!!!
    author: Radamante

    Listening the whole shebang you have the impression you are listening a classical album. For one side, the Ramones's influence, but it has too part of the strength of the Sonics. Strong guitars, classical riffs that would let Keith Richards green of envy. Specially remark for Asian Eyes that drinks of the fountain of pure punk-garage-powerpop. Congratulations Paul and thanks for your album. I'm whising to listen your next one!!!

  • Excellent stuff. We'll hear this guy on the radio in the near future, no doubt a
    author: space238

    If you are into rock, indie-pop or power pop you need to get this record. Imagine Jonathan Ritchman, Paul Weller and Michael Penn and add all the rock these guys lack and you’ll get an idea of what Mr. Spencer is all about. The album is smooth from song to song, and there are no fillers on this record. Every song is great. Mr. Spencer delivers a solid record that won't disappoint the listener.

  • nice production good guitar sound
    author: conrad

    Sweet sound and good vocals (they come through nicely) rock on!

  • author: MeryKey

    I really liked this CD. I might not be a music genious or anything, I'm just the kind of person who likes to listen to music, and this CD is something I DO like to hear. I recomend it! :D

  • Tolle Neu-Entdeckung dieses Sommers
    author: Bernd Weinberg

    Nicht unbedingt ein Album aus einem Guss, aber wem es gefällt auf einem Album eine größere Bandbreite an Musik zu finden, dem sei dieses Album wärmstens empfohlen. Von Balladen mit dominanter Klavierbegleitung (I’m Lonely), getragenen Softrock (Don’t Let the World, die Stimme ist wie eine Mischung aus Dylan und Jagger) über ein bisschen nach frühen 60er Jahre klingenden Rock (Betty Page), punkig angehauchte Stücke (Instant Crush), gitarrenbetonten fetzigen Hardrock (Hands Off, Walk Away Christine, und das dem Album den Namen gebenden The Whole Shebang), an die Kinks und Ray Davies erinnernde Rythmen und Vocals (She’s One of the Kind) bis hin zu melodiebetonten, durchaus chartfähigen Songs (Asian Eyes, Hard to Get Across)ist alles da. Erfrischend und alles andere als eintönig! Lieblingssong? Da gibt es nicht nur einen: Don’t Let the World, Asian Eyes, Hands Off, aber auch End of Summer gefallen mir richtig gut.

  • Pure Good Rock & Roll
    author: janne (stockholm, sweeden)

    Nice music, the more I listen to this album it feels like a recognition, have I heard something like this before? The album have a big mix of influences, I can say 'Punk, Garage, Rebel, Rock' or what ever, I will call it pure good Rock & Roll. The first song I reacted to was 'She's one of a kind' where the first tunes resemblance to The Kinks, and so it has rolled on with 'We don't give a damn', 'Bettie Page', 'The whole shebang' and so on. Thanx Paul, you reminded me that there is a future for good Rock & Roll

  • great rock & roll with very good lyrics
    author: kroov2000

    fun fun fun, raw and alive, good melodys and harmonies strait to the face rock and roll. not fashioned in any way, but very up to date. listen to Instant Crush!

  • NO PRETENTIONS
    author: Frederick Abrams

    Long ago I read a parody review which proclaimed a rock composition to be pretentious for containing more than three chords. Without suggesting any sense of parody, there's nothing pretentious whatsoever about this new CD which reduces the whole shebang of rock music history to its most glorious bare bones roots. Self consciously or not, the CD comes across as something of a synthesis of numerous noteworthy predecessors from the glory days of garage, folk and punk rock with all of the raw energy that an electric guitar can muster. In so doing it portrays the timelessly alienated urbanite locked away in self-imposed exile, armed with axe, drumsticks and girl by his side, making a rebellious rumble to the world outside: Here in the city the only place to play is the garage/And if the neighbors complain/ Just tell them to get lost... And like that, from an old dusty hat pulled out of a cupboard of stored knicknacks, jumps the likes of Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, X, the Plimsouls, The Kinks, Velvet Underground, The Cure and a host of others, several already mentioned on this page. Yet there are also moments when a defiant don't-give-a-damn spirit gives way to introspection: Ain't it funny how we build these walls/ Invisible to the eye/ And proceed to hit on them/ Everyday of our lives/ Like a fear that won't subside... Instant Crush, Going Higher, Hands Off and Walk Away Christie may have the neighborhood police pounding at the garage door but I think that the celebratory She's One of a Kind and The Whole Shebang should get the whole neighborhood knocking it down more out of curiosity to see what's cooking inside, without asking to be invited to the party.

  • Headed in the right direction
    author: wild shovel

    These days when hardly anyone is mining the early Replacements vein, along comes Paul Spencer to fills gap nicely. Herein you'll find Sorry Ma era stomps and Hootenanny era wistfulness mixed in with nods to classic rock (including songs built around the riffs from Reed's Sweet Jane and the Kink's You Really Got Me, both of which are sure to be crowd pleasers in a live setting). Also, you can hear echos of Exile on Mainstreet, a la Fruit Bats, Ramones, and some stuff that is vaguely Stooges... Mr. Spencer clearly has choosen his influences well, and has staked out an ambituous territory for future growth as an artist. I look forward to hearing more from him. This would be a dynamite band in a live setting.

  • Great Garage Rock
    author: Matthew

    The cd is a surprising find for a music fan looking for a descent Garage Rock Cd. The Album starts Strong with We Dont Give a Damn, and ends Strong with the Whole Shebang, with very little Fillers in between. Paul Spencer is a mix of The Ramones, Pixies, and The Clash, which isnt a bad comparison for a debut cd. I highly recommend that you pick this cd up as soon as you can!

  • Rock and Roll never forgets!
    author: Peter Egan

    Rock and Roll never forgets! Brimming with echoes of its 60's influences, this CD is full of hard rocking songs that can't help but make the listener remember the early Kinks, Velvet Underground, Ramones, et al with a healthy nod to the likes of The Clash and The Saints. Stand out tracks include the slower Say goodbye to summer, Asian eyes, Walk away Christie, She's one of a kind and the title track. Look forward to the next one!

  • author: Timmeh (Vancouver, B.C. Canada)

    Discovered this album online and it fit perfectly into my eclectic collection of music, my favourites are the track The Whole Shebang and Say Goodbye to Summer, reminds me of good old Canadiana like Gordon Lightfoot and Bruce Cockburn. Love the harder stuff too, in particular the track We Don't Give a Damn because, well, we don't! Keep on rockin in the free world. Peace in the Middle East

  • Killer '77 time-warped retro punk sound!
    author: Spikey Mikey

    Catchy, unpretentious, hook-laden release that successfully blends elements of 70's punk/powerpop, 60's garage and 50's rock 'n roll with just the right touch of melody and some snotty vocals. My personal favorite Bettie Page could easily be filed alongside '77 punk luminaries like The Drones, Eater, Suburban Studs & Dead Boys. Forget about all the '77-wannabes - this is THE REAL THING!

  • Nice peace of work
    author: Bas & Harry

    The Whole Shebang is nice rock-steady record with catchy hooks. The songs are quite divers as different influenses seem to arise on the record, but the different tendencies do relate perfectly and unit on the disc. For example "Instant Crush" is a great song that reminds me of the Rollins band, "Betty Page" reminds me of Bruce Springsteen and "Hard To Get Across", one of my favorites, reminds me of Jeff Buckley. Slow songs like "Say Goodbey to Summer" and explosive songs like "Going Higher" seem to give a good impact when listening to the record. Though I must say that there are also a few songs, "Walk Away Christine", "worried About You", I don't like that much, I think Paul Spencer is heading the right direction and I am looking forward to the next record.

  • An older guy who listing modern music
    author: Math Koll

    From The Netherlands: I'm one of the older generation. Beatles, Stones, Who, Small Faces, Spencer Davis and so on. Those are my favourits. But, time is passing by and some of the modern lyrics are just as good as those in the 60's. One of them is the song Asian Eyes from Paul Spencer's The Whole Shebang. The best song is Asian eyes. The real beat rythm and lyrics in one! It reminds me on my younger-60's-time.

  • Great mixture of good arrangements, thumpin' beat and clever melody
    author: REDunmow , West Oz

    Punk/garage really is not my music being a grey-haired old f**t with a 19 year old son who reckons I am a dinosaur. But, surprise, surprise,I found some really good rockin' guitar arrangements with some great stompin' sounds such as the first track, We Don't Give a Damn, and the last (title) track. My favourites are Asian eyes with its Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music feel, the 60-ish influence in Hard to Get Across, loved the mandolin sound in Say Goodbye to Summer, the Kinks-like She's one of a Kind, the growly Hands Off and the melodic Don't Let the World. I've had my hair dyed today and banged up the volume of this CD to shake up the neighbours (ain't revenge sweet!).

  • author: Daryl (Rushden,UK)

    Just when you thought dull corporate "rock" had taken over the Earth , along comes Paul Spencer and his compadres with their debut to keep the independent rock musician`s flame burning brightly. "The Whole Shebang" lives up to it`s title, there`s something for everyone, hell, there are even ballads on here !! The group`s forte, however, is straight ahead rock and roll delivered with bucket loads of riffs which worm their way into the brain and are never seen again, until a few days later when you find your self humming a particularly virulent riff, step forward "We Do n`t Give A Damn". It`s not just a riff-fest, however. A lot of trouble has been taken with the lyrical content, production and arrangement, and I look forward to the band`s follow -up.Their live shows must be great !!!

  • paul spencer : wild and tender
    author: xisco

    Paul spencer displays a good set of powerful, electric songs in this record .His music could be labelled (if necessary) as punk or garage , but differently from most of their peers , his music goes beyond the rest exploring unknown territories and opening new doors . Obviously , he doesn't come out of nowhere , his music has got obvious influences such as the early clash,lou reed,the libertines,the buzzcocks ,the pixies ,etc ... . There is also room to acoustic songs or mid-tempos such as "hard to get across" with a Paul kelly influence . He shows all of his power with a raw rock n'rol "She's one of a kind" with an infectious rythm which points directly to your guts."Don't let the world" is a brilliant ballad where Paul sings as though he was singing in the edge of the world in despair with his heartrending voice ."Walk away Christie" , is another energetic song with a relentless chorus and riff guitar which get you higher and higher on every second . In "Worried about you" Paul performs a melancholic tune supported by an acoustic landscape creating a flawless diamond of a song . "The whole shebang" record uses a simple and direct sound which turns out to be terribly effective . Paul Spencer's work oozes genuineness and honesty and it worths a listening . You won't be dissapointed .

  • The whole album is a great rock and roll blast that demands to be played at high
    author: The Rock and Roll Report

    Wearing influences as diverse as the Beatles, the Kinks and Bob Dylan to the Ramones, Replacements and Pixies proudly on his sleeve, Paul Spencer's "The Whole Shebang" is chock-full of screaming Richenbackers and Les Pauls, great melodic riffs and vocals that would make Iggy proud. Highlight tracks for me include "We Don't Give a Damn", "Walk Away Christie" and "The Whole Shebang" but really the whole album is a great rock and roll blast that demands to be played at high volume. Paul Spencer and his band deserve your support not only becauss they rock out but because they rock out with conviction. The two are not always a part of rock and roll these days so when they are you want to make sure the musicians know it. Great stuff.

  • This is good buy it!
    author: daolnwod

    This is the best new music I have heard in ages. At last someone writes songs that are catchy and have hooks. I'm reminded of Eddie and the Hot Rods and the Records when I listen to the songs. Paul must have listened to all the good great powerpopgroups and then made a record that are modern and at the same time based in old good songwriting tradition. If this could be played on the radio....

  • Great garage rock album with great influences
    author: Colin

    This is A really great debut ablum. lots of ramones influences show through especially on Bettie Page. its one of those albums you can listen to over and over again and never get tired of. I recomend picking this album up

  • author: jmgr

    La primera vez que oi el disco de Paul , vino a mi mente un mas rockero Dylan por el sentimiento que pone en la voz en muchas de las canciones , otras veces el parecido es con los Kinks o Doctors of Madness por el toque pop que inserta tan bien en composiciones principalmente rockeras , tambien me gusta el sonido indie de las guitarras , llegando a sonar con la crudeza de los Bishops , mis canciones favoritas son las mas ritmicas como We Don't Give A Damn , Instant Crush , The Whole Shebang , Paul tiene tambien una voz muy carcteristica que hace a su banda reconocible al instante. Buen disco para los amantes del rock de finales delos 70 y principios de los 80.

  • this album kicks arse
    author: Jason (Australia)

    This has got to be the best rock album I've heard in a while, definitely this year anyway. It reminded me of The Clash with catchy guitar riffs throughout. Instant Crush, Going Higher, Hard To Get Across and She's One Of A Kind were stand out tracks for me. Keep up the good work Paul.

  • Love the album
    author: al1219

    I heard this album just the other and I must say that I really liked it... The way I would describe the sound is that it reminds me of the Velvets and early to mid 80's punk rock.

  • good old rock and roll with some melo tunes!!!
    author: eric rivera

    well i believe this cd is pretty great.I loved that its completly in touch with rock and roll but then theres smooth transitions that really hit the spot.All i can really say is that lets hope the these guys keep kickin out the jams because the only way i see these guys is up.Theyve got some great things goin for them and thats what i like to hear in my rock and roll. Id say for the next release....stick to those fast high hat parts and rock and roll sound......AND throw in some more of those not TOO melodic parts...these three things are what made me love this release!!

  • Stoogey-garage rock, I thought the genre was dead!
    author: smartjosh

    I am very pleased with this album. Its catchy, energetic, and very poetic at times. I thought those qualities were gone in new music, but Paul hearkens back to the age before mtv and screamo, bringing a fun album comparable to the Stooges early stuff. A most excellent debut!

  • The cd is awsome
    author: Marcelo

    I am generally a fan of great music and this Cd fits the bill. Unlike most modern and main stream rock, this music stands out from the rest. It is very unique and gets back to the roots of rock and role. This, perhaps best exemplified by the song "We Don't Give A Damn." Great work on this album. Id like to see you go mainstream and blow crap like simple plan off the radio.

  • Music At It's Best!
    author: rainer (germany)

    14 tracks with rough and groovy energic music - a real great album. When listening i feel back in the late 60's and 70's and remember groups like Spencer Davis/Clash or the Pistols. Because of those different influences the music never gets boring. I will recommand this album to my friends. Favorite songs are 'Hard To Get Across', 'Hands Off' and the title-track.

  • Sonido impecable, crudo y con mucha fuerza. Recomendable
    author: PVBLO

    El disco está bueno y logra sonidos bien diferenciados, lo que lo hace más creativo e interesante. Es entretenido oírlo. Me recordó mucho a bandas como Buzzcocks (principalmente) y por momentos a Wire, y en general al sonido punk de los 70. La voz desgarrada y áspera me hace recordar a The Clash y Stranglers. En fin, un álbum con personalidad y ritmos finamente crudos. Merece tenerlo y mis felicitaciones a Paul, desde Chile.

  • hard to get
    author: ekhia

    i write from basque country about paul spencer in spanish, para decir que el disco es una buena descarga de rock contundente. sin lugar a dudas que merece la pena adentrarse en esos lugares antes recorridos por rockeros de la talla de j mascis y compañia. de puta madre!

  • Damn good garage rock
    author: DaCooLRoB

    A great garage rock album, I can hear the influences of many bands, like punk bands as the Ramones and even Sham 69. My favourite tracks are Instant crush, Asian eyes and Hands off. I'm looking forward to hear new stuff of this guy.

  • author: Arnold-France : A reminder....

    A real amazing album that "The Whole Shebang" is. It let me remind about something between The Saints and Jeff Dahl Group,even The Wipers. Real nice powerfull harmonics vocals, clear. Riff rhytmics guitars appropriate and acoustic melted together. Paul Spencer and his mates are a link for those that need to remind about what is punk rock music (I mean, what is and not was punk rock).Glad he is a reminder.

  • author: Ronnie 1(liverpool uk)

    This Guy Sounds Like He'sBeen Playing For Years. Great Guitar Riffs.Takes You Back To The Late 70's Bit Iggy Pop Touch Of Uk Subs Clash Ect.Top Punk Rock And A Kick In The Ass Of Boy Bands.At Last Someone Can Still Rock. Try It We All Cant Be Wrong

  • Sonic-boom Rock & Roll
    author: Qamny

    Opening Number of this Rock & Roll album is "We Don't Give A Damn".First I heared this song,I thought,"How crazy!"My best song of this album is "We Don't Give A Damn". And this album has no uselessness.Solid,100% only Rock & Roll. There are some Influence from The Stooges,MC5,Ramones,etc. You know,those bands played real Rock & roll Music loudly. It is the same thing for Paul Spencer.

  • This rocks
    author: Craig - Australia

    This is a real suprise of a record. A bunch of great rock songs with that melodic gritty edge that very few albums have been able to manage since "Let It Be/ Tim" era Replacements. If you miss great bands such as the Mats, the Heartbreakers et al - this is for you. THIS WOULD BE GREAT LIVE

  • The Whole Shebangs really Rocks!
    author: odysseus64

    I am first listener from Russia. I don't want to compare this artist with another bands. Because it is individual and unique contribution to the Rock History! Very promising start!!!

  • Great summer music
    author: K Brown

    Imagine a young Bob Dylan singing with the replacements... That's about what Paul Spencer's cd reminds me of. It's a great listen and it's great summer music. Check it out for some enjoyable upbeat songs.

  • This rocks!!!
    author: Mackey StarTurn

    This is really good stuff. Actually I've been into more "clean" powerpop, but this somewhat got me back to more garage stuff - so then this album must be good! I think the album has a high standard all the way through, and my favorite songs are "Bettie Page" and ”The Whole Shebang”. Reminding me of a lot of old garage/punk/powerpop bands, and it’s important that this style of music continues to live on. And Paul Spencer is one the savers, and one of the best too. Really looking forward to hear more from this man in the future! Gr8!

  • Great rock album, especially guitar is magnificent
    author: marko86

    Now there are some nice words from Poland. I really enjoy listening to this CD. It reminds me of old, good bands like the Stooges and George Harrison. I'm keen on these soft songs even more and I love the keyboard in "Don't let the world". work Paul. That's all for now but I'm looking forward to another album.

  • Modern day power-pop that still sounds fresh!!?
    author: Kink

    Upon listening to Paul Spencer's CD it was a great feeling I had knowing that power-pop had not gone totally out of fashion and needed a quirky gimmick to work in 2005. Sounded like Bob Mould paying tribute to power-pop classics in a neat little side project.

  • A damn fine album
    author: CaG

    Upon hearing this album for the first time, I instantly thought "This guy must be a fan of The Ramones". And he is! It's clear in his music that Paul Spencer is into punk AND general rock. I think that his voice is a mix of Joey Ramone and Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), which is a good thing! The guitar playing is really catchy and the songs are easy to sing along to. I can definitely see this album being mentioned a lot more this year. Keep up the good work, Paul, I look forward to hearing more from you!

  • An impressive debut
    author: David L

    I listened to this album yesterday and it really impressed me that someone still could bring out rocking songs similar to that of the Replacements, Matthew Sweet, Richard X Heyman, Dwight Twilley, Tom Petty, Flaming Lips among others. Every song on here is catchy and could become an instant classic if given a chance. Anyone who misses the sound of rock n roll during the power pop-Replacements-Husker Du era this album is for you

  • A stunning deubt
    author: Paulyus

    A brillant deubt. Paul takes everything from scuzzy punk rock to Alex Chilton to heartfelt teary ballads, underground indie rawk among other things and mashes them together to create a fluid and tasty intricate record..where every song feels like it belong. I want to go to New Mexico now..I don't know why, I just do...

  • Refreshing, fun album that has depth
    author: Max

    Upon first listen, the album gets you with the energy in it, but it actually reveals itself to be quite full of ideas. I think that he makes a lot of good use out of the influences while still sounding new and fresh at the same time. Definitely good for anybody that has ever liked anything rock/punk/surf or just plain good.

  • author: aacm

    i'm from Korea and He said I'm his 1ST Listner from Asia so i am happy to be this privileged man. he reminds me of Jim Carroll. maybe you know, 70's new york punk rocker/poet(an old friend of Patti Smith and the infamous writer of BasketBall Diary). Jim Carroll's songs are very straight and powerful and have simple charming hook. Yes, Paul Spencer's music is just like this. and you could add 90's sensitive feeling to it. just listen to 'Going Hear', 'Hands Off' and 'The Whole Shebang', you will surely know what i'm saying.

  • A modern day throwback to better times...
    author: Jeff with TransWorld Media

    A clean, stripped down sound that takes me back to the early 80's of San Fancisco's East Bay Area. A sound that can be related to Rancid, The Ramones,and the Clash but with a new twist. A refreshing change from the carbon copied, radio ready music you hear these days. A definite plus to any collection.

  • Betti Page in ta Majorcan Beach
    author: elbugulu

    Someone of you have a rock club? Just play "Betti Page" at your club like i did last weekend here in Majorca, Spain, and you'll see how everybody like Paul Spencer. Yes, "Betti Page" was in my playlist, between The Kinks and The Zeros. Rockin' in the Mediterranean Sea

  • awesome album
    author: nick

    A refreshing, smooth album with rockin vocals. The lyrics are thoughtful, creative and sometimes abstract. New Mexico and Going Higher are excellent songs, and Instant Crush is a fun very original song with a heavy drum beat. Great music, great lyrics and he's a great guy, what more do you want!?

  • Awesome Blend of Folk like the Velvet Underground and punk like Wipers and Avail
    author: Ollie

    Cool lyrics... melodic and faithful to 70s punk bands like the Ramones, Fear, and the Undertones while still having an underlying Springsteen, Dylan and Stones feel to the sound. "Asian Eyes" is probably the song I like most, the opening chords hooks you in the and chorus just work well with it. It has a feeling like an 80s song, J Geils without the keyboards but it's better trust me. "Walk Away Christie", "Going Higher" and the title track are also great. A fresh sounding sampler of cool musical developments in the seventies (with hints of indie rock) basically...

  • Rock and Roll!!
    author: Gordon (Liverpool UK)

    I happened upon this album purely by chance and I'm glad I did. It has elements of all my favourite bands but still manages to sound original. All the comparisons have already been made by previous reviewers so I won't repeat!! Fave track has to be "Hands Off" (I love the ahh! ahhhs!) Plenty of great guitar solos which is always a plus for me. Recommended!!

  • Another great Paul
    author: Marcos (Madrid, Spain)

    It's funny... another guy, above me, wrote that even though he's not a fan of punk music he likes this record. I love punk rock and i do love this record, though i wouldn't label it just as a punk rock record... Of course you can find the attitude and honesty of punk in it, but mainly this is rock... The same great, independent and unique rock done before by Paul Westerberg or Paul Weller... And, as his predecessors, this Paul knows how to write and play heartfelt music... and i only can thank him for it!

  • Drop the neddle down
    author: Peetah (Nottingham, UK)

    Imagine Billy Childish at his most childish. Combine that with a lunatic 'Mats fan who joined a garage band in '80's, got locked away, and was released twenty years later after consuming every notable punk n garage album ever recorded and you might begin to understand the logic behind this album. Paul Spencer is a true needle-down rock n soul aficionado, and what I love most of all about the album is that music is clearly a labour of love for Paul Spencer - cathertic, even. Of course, being referencial and having good taste (dude likes MC5, The Kinks, Big Star, The Replacements so I don't think that's open to any scrutiny) can only do so much. The material has to be good. Fortunately, you can breathe a deep sigh of relief, because "The Whole Shebang" is a glorious mix of upfront punk rockers and some rather more reflective offerings. Intelligent, sweaty and gloriously executed punk rawk and rollah? I'm in.

  • Totally awesome, and other things.
    author: Travis

    I have to say, I totally dig the Replacements and the Jam-esque sound of Paul Spencer on the Whole Shebang. Particularly repeated tracks are Say Goodbye to Summer, Bettie Page, and Instant Crush. Definitely an album to listen to, and enjoy for quite a while.

  • WOW, great sounding vocals and guitar riffs!!
    author: André (The Netherlands)

    It's a good sounding, absolutely not overproduced, first album. I's got a great 70ties garage feel and it reminded me of an album I've got on vinyl from the band: Third World War. Totally different musicgenre, but the same expressive raw vocals. This album should be pressed in that black stuff too! One of the songs I like best is: Going Higher: nice variation in the music and the vocals are absolutely great, scream off the roof dude!! Keep on doing this Paul!, and I'm really looking forward to album nr. 2

  • Good cd, great performance
    author: lpelo

    Even though I'm not a fan of punk music, I think that The Whole Shebang is very interesting in some point of view. It brings a mix of emotion and energy. Hard to Get Across allows us to enjoy great slide guitar. One of my favorite songs, Say Goodbye to Summer reveals an influence by Bob Dylan. She's One Of A Kind almost brings us back to the 70's with handclaps, while Don't Let The World (another of my favorite songs) and Worried About You shows true emotional feelings. The other tracks are full of energy. In brief, it's a very good performance of Paul Spencer.

  • cool baby
    author: fredrik

    like those songs, resembles in general the jam. in slower songs you can hear the bob dylan / lou reed influences. now it has found it's way all over to sweden :) try it out!

  • Groovy energy. Some smart themes for rockin out.
    author: sam foster/cmang

    I dig the jump-around rock songs. New Mexico jams (my favorite track on the album)! There aren't *too* many modern rockout songs about UFOs and parallel universes. It's even a travling song. :) Chase aliens to it. Hands Off follows it up nicely - love theme, lots of energy. Chase girls to it. Going Higher keeps the expansive reality theme going. Hard to Get Across has some great guitar riffs for sure. I also got to chat with Paul, and he's a totally friendly and cool guy. Worth a listen for the indies and rock and roll fans.

  • author: dez

    very good tunes a little bit of paul weller and the kinks with a touch of the who mixed in for good measures. good to hear new sounds.

  • Energetic and touching
    author: Elgi

    This is a great album with the energy that is required combined with a kind of wish to communicate that I like. Spencer seems to want to tell us something, and he has found a congruent way to do it. There is a good variation in expressions without being fragmented. This is good to listen to although it is not blank-polished. I would say it is more like well-rubbed.

  • unpretentious, cunning toe-tapping melodies
    author: Rob

    Spencer's 'The Whole Shebang' is an unabashedly adept throwback album essential for those missing the days of true power pop with ingenious hooks. Spencer brings the rock and handclaps on "She's One of a Kind" while yelling out over a mid '60s Kinks-esque riff, "she likes Dali and David Lynch/she says the Pixies are the missing link/puts William Burroughs over a couple drinks." This woman's tastes would also mean she'd be into Spencer, seeing how (1) he's written a song about her and girls always dig that and (2) she's got excellent taste in general and would be dancing around to this record for sure. Also, I'm a sucker for the occasional well-done unsappy rock ballad and Spencer proves he can master the Westerbergian challenge and stretch out into other musical paramaters. Overall this is a solid album that will undoubtedly attract a following and for well deserved reasons.

  • it's a very good and nice album
    author: Cicero (Brazil)

    i like a lot speciali We Don't Give a Damn and Hands Off Remind me The Ramones I wish to have bands like that here in brazil

  • Jodidamente bueno...
    author: ::JaPO::

    First, sorry, my english isn´t very good... If you like Ramones, if you like The Clash, if you like Sex Pistols... if you like the really good music you love Paul Spencer... Fresh melodies, pure punk-rock, sounds like the best hard-rock bands, amazing guitar solos, fucking good lyrics... more? Listen "Going Higher" and you know what i say... I love this CD, it reminds me of The Clash!... Simply 5 stars... I love this CD, it reminds me of The Clash!

  • great record, worth owning
    author: nickyre

    Paul Spencer is one of the best surprises of the last years in the indie scene. Meaningfull lyrics, power for good measure, and a lasting melody at the right time. "The Whole Shebang" is the right choice for anyone into power pop. These songs live must be pure energy...

  • Catchy tunes of Nostalgia
    author: Anuj Gangopadhyaya

    Paul Spencer's album is quirky and catchy. If you're a fan of the clash, you'll be an instant fan of this type of music. The tunes on The Whole Shebang harken back to a period rock that many of us reminisce of. And back to the Clash simile...Paul's voice can easily be mistaken for Joe Strummer's. But Spencer's tune is unique at the same time, with riffs that'll be stuck in your head and feel-good lyrics "We don't give a damn"...a great purchase from a talented upcoming artist

  • The Whole Shebang is a mix of The Clash and original melodies.
    author: Justin Ricci - Music Director WTSC 91.1 FM Potsdam, NY

    Paul Spencer brings back memories of The Clash and other rock icons. His music has a great mix of punk and rock bringing his own interpretation and vision of what rock music could be. Some of his best songs include Instant Crush, Going Higher, She's One of a Kind, Walk Away Christie, and The Whole Shebang. Go ahead and give Paul Spencer an hour of your time, who knows you might want to give more.

  • The Whole Shebang is Paul Spencer's debut CD, and the title speaks for itself. T
    author: NHurmusic.com

    Pauls CD The whole Shebang has elments of punk, rock, and pop all blended together with catchy meldoies that stick with you. A narly guitar sound and in your face lyrics drives you to start banging your head right off the bat."WE DON'T GIVE A DAMN" is all out guitar driven anthems that every sixteen-year-old high school kid who has ever had a garage band and pissed off his neighbors and parents would love."INSTANT CRUSH" is a happy song about love at first site. From here on all the songs have a similar feel, but the album keeps rolling with its punkish "BETTIE PAGE" and then the infectious "GOING HIGHER" which gives you the the real meaning of "The Whole Shebang". Paul's voice is very easy to listen to and his imaginative guitar rhythms are very good, which makes them stand out well. If you close your eyes and listen to track 8 "Hard To Get Across" you would swear Lou Reed was in front of you, then track 9 "ASIAN EYES" kicks you in the face with an intro riff by Velvet Underground which Reed made popular back in the sixties, very cool. From here on in most of the songs take on a similar feel. Paul saved the best for last byclosing out with the tilted song "The Whole Shebang" which has great engergy and a killer solo. One of the things that I notice which I believe we're all guilty of, is when the creative juices start to flow we write about things we have experienced such as love, life, broken relationships, etc. I believe paul has covered that well and it's now out of his system, leaving his mind clear to explore other avenues with his music. Overall I feel the recording is a little thin in places and the drums are sparse but the music is very good. It definetly gets the message across. An excellent job for a debut album!.

  • Get THE WHOLE SHEBANG for your buck!
    author: Lex Zaleta

    So this is Paul Spencer's debut CD! He certainly made sure he put in something for everyone. Songs like "Bettie Page" and "Hands Off" reveal his infatuation with The Ramones, "We Don't Give a Damn" hits home as a Replacements'/Garage Band anthem, ans "She's One of a Kind" is Paul's Kinks' rave-up. The quieter songs like "Say Goodbye to Summer" and "Worried About You" show a bit of his love for Bob Dylan. Paul Spencer saves the best for last, the album title track, "The Whole Shebang." I loved this song when I first heard it on his band page at Mixposure.com, and I love it as the closing track to a very solid CD. I'm already looking forward to Paul's second album!

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