Head over to Blended for the full piece.

The piece tracks the history of the genre from Cecil B. DeMille’s Manslaughter (1922) to Jonathan Demme’s Caged Heat (1974). It was previously published as part of the NoirCon 2012 Program (pictured below), and available online now for the first time!

The Women in Prison Film: From Reform to Revolution 1922-1974

Head over for the interview.

Jake is the author of the fantastic Noir novel, Hell of Church Street, which should be your next stop after reading this piece.

For more info check out the event’s Facebook page.

NoirCon is a biennial conference celebrating Noir in all its forms. This years special honorees include authors Lawrence Block and Otto Penzier.

Check out the events official website as well as the full schedule for updates and registration to attend.

Check it out below, and be sure to also pick up Charlie’s album on vinyl or digitally from Guitars and Bongos Records.

Keep posted for some more NoirCon related news coming soon.

Head over to FIR to check it out.

And a clip from my top pick:

In no particular order:

Those Darlins – Mystic Mind (from Screws Get Loose)

My favorite track from my favorite album of the year.

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis – Don’t Make a Full Out of Me (from Smoking in Heaven)

British interpretation of American roots music, done right.

Eddie Clendening – Comin’ Home Baby (from Knockin’ at Your Heart)

Eddie Clendening’s the real deal. My favorite contemporary Rockabilly singer.

[audio:http://www.rockingoren.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/09-Comin-Home-Baby.mp3]

Vivian Girls – Take it as it Comes (from Share the Joy)

Can’t even count the number of plays this had on my computer.

The Fleshtones – Bite of My Soul (from Brooklyn Sound Solution)

Going strong since 1976, The Fleshtones are as relevant today as they were 36 years ago. Incidentally, also the best live show I’ve seen in 2011. Check out their documentary, Pardon Us for Living, But the Graveyard is Full.

The Woggles – Move

If The Fleshtones were created by Russ Meyer… Buy the 7″ here.

[audio:http://www.rockingoren.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/01-Move.mp3]

Alice Cooper – We Gotta Get Out of This Place (bonus track from Welcome 2 My Nightmare)

Alice Cooper’s most successful album in years, with good reason. A somewhat experimental sequel to his classic 1975 record. But my favorite track is this cover version of The Animals’ song.

[audio:http://www.rockingoren.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/15-We-Gotta-Get-Out-Of-This-Place-Bonus-Track.mp3]

Reigning Sound – Everything I Do is Wrong (from Abdication… For Your Love)

Every time Greg Cartwright sings an angel gets its heart broken.

Wild Billy Childish and The Spartan Dreggs – The Flying Tamarind (from Forensic R’n'B)

Anything Childish does would automatically be on any list I make.

Hunx and His Punx – Lovers Lane (from Too Young to Be in Love)

Because it’s the closest thing to a John Waters film I’ve seen in years.

Is Tropical – The Greeks (from Native To)

Best music video of 2011.

I will not be able to attend, but would love to hear from anyone who did.

For more info check out The Royal Flush Festival.