Thursday, September 11, 2008

Today in Music History

August 19th 1948: Looking Glass singer Elliot Lurie is born today in Brooklyn, NY. He attended Rutgers College and then wrote the number one hit "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)."


August 18th 2003: Tony Jackson, bassist for The Searchers dies today at age 65.


August 12th 1992: Artist and early electronic music composer John Cage dies today.


August 11th 1975: Davey von Bohlen of Cap'n Jazz, The Promise Ring, Vermont, and Maritime is born today in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.


August 10th 1963: The Safaris top out at number #2 on the music charts today with their hit "Wipe Out".


August 9th 1996: After twenty-two years as the pioneers of NYC punk rock (and arguably punk rock as we now know it all together), The Ramones call it quits today. All three founding members (Joey, Dee Dee, and Johnny) would pass away within eight years of their final show.


August 6th 1983: German opera singer gone cosmic new waver Klaus Nomi dies today from one of the earlier cases of an AIDS related death.


August 5th 1965: Beastie Boy Adam Yauch (a.k.a. "MCA") is born today in Brooklyn, NY. Yauch recently announced the cancellation of a Beastie Boys tour and production and release delays on an upcoming album as a result of a diagnosis of cancer in a lymph node in his neck. Get well quick!


July 31th 1971: A security guard is stabbed at a Who concert in Forest Hills, New York. It would be eight years later that the legendary crowd stampede outside their Cincinnati concert would leave eleven dead and dozen injured, leaving the '71 concert incident to be nearly forgotten.


July 30th 1966: Craig Gannon is born in Manchester, England today. He is often credited as the "fifth Smith" as he spent 1986 as a member of the Manchester indie pop group, The Smiths.

July 29th 1959: British guitarist John Sykes (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) is born today.


July 28th 1948: Founding member Gerald Casale of Akron Ohio's new wave art rockers DEVO is born today.


July 26th 1974: Today Boston holds the world's first Beatles Convention.


July 21st 1973: Today is officially declared "Mary Wilson & the Supremes Day" by the city of Detroit.


July 20th 1956: Paul Cook is born today in London. He would end up playing drums for the Sex Pistols.


July 18th 1988: Velvet Underground singer and heroin-addicted solo rocker Nico falls over her bike today and dies.


July 17th 1967: Jazz Legend John Coltrane dies of liver cancer today in New York. He was 40 years old.


July 16th 1974: Sunny Day Real Estate front man Jeremy Enigk is born today.


July 15th 1947: Roger Kynard Erickson is born today in Austin Texas. He would later go by the name "Roky" and start the infamous psych/garage band 13th Floor Elevators.


July 14th 1984: Phillippe Wynne, lead singer of the Spinners dies of heart attack the day after collapsing on stage while performing at an Oakland nightclub.


July 13th 2004: Arthur "Killer" Kane, bassist for legendary rockers New York Dolls, dies of Leukemia today at age 65.


July 12th 1979: "Lovin' You" singer Minnie Ripperton dies at age 31 today of breast cancer.


July 11th 1969: David Bowie's Space Oddity is released today. It comes out on Philips in England and is called simply David Bowie. Mercury releases the album in the US under the title Man of Words/Man of Music. In 1972 RCA would rerelease under the more familiar end title, Space Oddity.


July 10th 1965: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" becomes The Rolling Stones's first US number one charter today.


July 9th 1946: AC/DC's original singer Bon Scott is born today in Kirriemuir, Scottland.


July 7th 1940: Richard Starkey is born today in Dingle, England. He would grow up to play drums, join a band called The Beatles, and change his name to "Ringo Starr".


July 6th 2006: Soul man Billy Preston dies today after an eight-month coma following respiratory failure.


July 5th 1989: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and The Replacements start their tour together today in Miami Florida.


July 4th 1944: Harvey Brooks is born in NYC today. This Folk bass pioneer would go on to work with The Doors, Miles Davis,Bob Dylan, and with his own band, The Electric Flag. He was also a musician on the soundtrack for the Peter Fonda/Dennis Hopper/Jack Nicholson Movie The Trip.


July 3rd 1969: Founding member of The Rolling Stones, Brian Jones is found dead in his pool today. Despite the rumors of an overdose and foul play, his death would eventually be ruled accidental.


July 2nd 1976: Brian Wilson plays his first show back with The Beach Boys after an extended stay indoors. The concert is in Anaheim, California, and Mr. Wilson reportedly seems more interested in zoning out than playing keys.


July 1st 1967: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles hits number one on the US charts today.


June 30th 2006: Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett dies today at age 60.


June 29th 1975: Tim Buckley snorts a line of heroin and it stops his heart.


June 28th 1972: Pink Floyd release Obscured by Clouds today. It is written as a soundtrack for the French film La Vallée.


June 27th 2006: Olympia Washington's all-girl rock ensemble Sleater-Kinney calls it quits today after a twelve year run.


June 26th 1955: Mick Jones of The Clash is born in London today.


June 25th 1966: The Beatles song "Paperback Writer" hits the top of the U.S. and U.K. charts today.


June 24th 1965: John Lennon's book A Spaniard in the Works is published today in England.


June 22th 1948: Genius musician and producer Todd Rundgren is born today in Upper Darby, PA.


June 19th 1977: Paul Cook of The Sex Pistols is treated in London for head injuries he sustained today when mugged.


June 18th 1942: Beatle Paul McCartney is born today in Liverpool, England.


June 17th 1965: The Kinks kick off their first American tour today.


June 16th 2004: Number 1 Dolls fan Morrissey carries out his plan to reunite the surviving members of the New York Dolls for a show in London. It would be their first show since their break up in 1977.


June 15th 1966: Capitol Records releases Yesterday and Today, today. Capitol quickly removes the records from the shelves over controversy surrounding the album's cover artwork. The artwork becomes later known as the "Butcher Cover" (depicting the band in bloody aprons with meat cleavers surrounded by headless bloody toy dolls). It is still one of the most sought after Beatles record ever released.


June 13th 2003: Adam Ant is put in a psychiatric ward after being arrested for freaking out and getting naked in a London Cafe.


June 12th 1954: Bill Haley & the Comets release "Rock Around The Clock" today. It takes about a year to get everyone's attention and top the charts.

June 11th 1948: Pretty Things drummer Skip Alan is born today in London.


June 10th 2003: Radiohead releases Hail to the Thief.


June 9th 1977: Patti Boyd and George Harrison get a divorce today. Boyd would later end up marrying Harrison's pal Eric Clapton.


June 8th 1954: Greg Ginn is born today. He founded SST records, played guitar for Black Flag, and has a brother who goes by the name "Ray Pettibon".


June 7th 1966: Roy Orbison's wife Claudette is killed today in a car accident..


June 4th 1990: After looking the wrong way when crossing the street in Paris, Dead Boys and LOTNC rocker Stiv Bators is struck by a car. Hours after refusing medical attention, Bators falls asleep and dies of internal injuries.


June 3rd 1972: Pink Floyd releases Obscured By Clouds.


June 2nd 1967: The Beatles release their epic concept album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in the states today.


June 1st 1991: David Ruffin, singer of The Temptations overdoses and dies today.


May 31st 1963: Prefab Sprout rocker Wendy Smith is born today in Durham, England.


May 29th 2005: Guitarist Perry Bamonte and keyboardist Roger O'Donnell leave The Cure today.


May 28th 1969: Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull are arrested for possession of marijuana today in London.


May 27th 1966: The infamous Fillmore Auditorium is graced with the presence of The Velvet Underground. Also making an appearance in the west is Exploding Plastic Inevitable (VU and the Mothers supergroup) - another genius Andy Warhol production.


May 26th 1995: Flavor Flav gets three months for firing a gun at his neighbor.


May 24th 1982: Topper Headon quits playing drums for The Clash today.


May 23rd 1979: MCA buys Tom Petty's record label ABC Records. Mr. Petty files for bankruptcy shortly thereafter.


May 22nd 1959: Steven Patrick Morrissey is born today in Davyhulme, Lancashire, England.


May 21st 1980: A fight between The Clash and audience members at a show in Hamburg, Germany lands Joe Strummer in jail for assault. He allegedly struck a rowdy fan with his guitar.


May 20th 1967: Jimi Hendrix is signed to Reprise Records.


May 19th 1951: Jeffrey Ross Hyman is born today in Forest Hills, NY. He would later join a rock band and change his name to Joey Ramone.


May 17th 1980: Ian Curtis of Joy Division hangs himself in his home today. His wife Deborah finds him the next morning and notices that he had been viewing Werner Herzog's film Stroszek and listening to to Iggy Pop's The Idiot.


May 16th 1986: Caitlin O'Riordan of The Pogues marries rocker Elvis Costello today.


May 15th 1948: Glam rocker and experimental rock producer Brian Eno is born today.


May 14th 1967: Former Yardbird Keith Relf is electrocuted and killed when he tries to tune his guitar in the bathtub today.


May 13th 1983: "Hand in Glove" by The Smiths is released today. It's their first single of many to come.


May 12th 1967: Pink Floyd play a song for the Games of May event at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall. The song demonstrates one of their earliest examples of experimentation with quadraphonic sound. The tune is later modified and named "See Emily Play".


May 7th 1990: Tom Waits is awarded $2.5 million dollars in a suit against Frito-Lay who used a song in a commercial that sounds too much like Waits.


May 6th 1958: American Bandstand introduces the world to The Champs. They perform the song "Tequila".


May 6th 2006: Grant McLennan, front man for Australian jangle pop band The Go-Betweens dies today in his sleep. He was 48 years old.


May 4th 1978: A riot ensues between two rival soccer team fans at a Preston, England Vibrators concert. When the crowd disperses, one person is dead.


May 3rd 1969: Jimi Hendrix is released on $10,000 bail after an arrest by Canadian police for drug possession at Toronto International Airport.


May 2nd 1980: Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall Part II" is banned in South Africa today. They claim that the song is "prejudicial to the safety of the state."


May 1st 1973: Today is officially declared Marvin Gaye day.


April 30th 1993: Rock critic Lester Bangs attempts to treat cold symptoms with painkillers and overdoses and dies today.


April 29th 1993: Mick Ronson, guitarist and composer/arranger for Ziggy Stardust era Bowie loses his battle with cancer today. His musical contributions can also be found on records by Ian Hunter, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, and Morrissey.


April 28th 1953: Kim Gordon, bassist for Sonic Youth is born today in Rochester, NY.


April 27th 1975: Over 200 show-goers at a Pink Floyd concert at the L.A. Arena are busted for smoking marijuana today.


April 26th 1984: Count Basie dies today in Hollywood, Florida at the ago of 79.


April 25th 1918: Jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald is born today in Newport News Virginia.


April 24th 1975: Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan decide to quit the New York Dolls today while on tour with the band in Florida.


April 23nd 1977: Stuart Goddard sees Siouxsie and the Banshees perform at The Roxy in London today. The inspirational experience causes him to start his own band, "The Ants" under his new stage name “Adam”.


April 22nd 1977: English rockers The Jam release their first single today. It's called "In The City".


April 21th 1959: Happy Birthday to Robert Smith of The Cure. He turned 50 years old today.


April 20th 1976: Black and Blue by The Rolling Stones is released today.


April 17th 1982: Iron Maiden tops the British carts today with The Number of the Beast.


April 16th 1969: Detroit rockers MC5 are dropped by Elektra Records today. The label did not like MC5's decision to place an ad in a local paper that read: “Fuck Hudson’s”. Hudson’s was a record store that refused to stock the band’s album.


April 15th 1971: Rolling Stone publishes an article about the Illinois Crime Commission compiling lists of rock records with drug references found on them. They mention songs such as The Beatles’s “Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds” and Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit”.

Read more here.


April 14th 1983:
Pete Farndon, bassist and one of the founding members of The Pretenders dies of a heart attack today. He was 29 years old.


April 13th 1946: Soul singer Al Green is born today in Forest City, Arkansas.


April 11th 1956: Please,please,please hits the R&B charts. It's a debut for a man named James Brown.


April 10th 1950: Funkadelic guitarist Eddie Hazel is born today in Brooklyn, NY.


April 9th 2003: Paul McCartney buys the entire Carl Perkins song library.


April 8th 1977: CBGBs experiences their first UK punk show. The band performing calls themselves "The Damned".


April 7th 1915: Jazz singer Billie Holiday is born today in Baltimore. Her birth name is "Eleanor Gough".


April 3rd 1965:“Wooly Bully” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs is released today..


April 2nd 1967: Producer Prince Paul is born today.


April 1st 1984: One day before his 45th birthday, Marvin Gaye and his father get into an argument that ends up getting Marvin shot and killed.


March 31th 1996: Jeffrey Lee Pierce, founding member of The Gun Club dies.


March 28th 2006:
Nikki Sudden of Swell Maps dies of an overdoes following an NYC concert. He was 49 years old.


March 24th 1973: Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd is released today.


March 20th 1969: John Lennon and Yoko Ono wed today in Gibraltar, Spain.


March 19th 1970: David Bowie and Angie Barnett wed today.


March 16th 1967: Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan is born today in Chicago.


March 13th 1956: Elvis Presley, the first album to reportedly sell one million copies is released today.


March 12th 1956: Billie Holiday is given a year’s probation after a drug possession charge from 1956.


March 11th 1977: The Slits make their first live appearance as openers for The Clash in London.


March 10th 2004: Dead Milkmen bassist Dave Schulthise, a.k.a. Dave Blood, commits suicide.


March 6th 1945: Zombies Drummer Hugh Grundy is born today in Winchester, England.


March 5th 1995: Vivian Stanshall, songwriter for Bonzo Dog Band dies at age 52 in a house fire in Muswell Hill England.


March 4th 1966: One of John Lennon’s more famous interview quotes occurs today in The London Evening Standard. "Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue that. I'm right and will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus right now." Mobs of angry Christians proceed to torch Beatles albums.


March 3rd 1953: Robyn Hitchcock of the Soft Boys is born today in London.


February 28th 1995: James Brown is released on parole after doing time for being involved in a high-speed car chase that lasted the length of two southern states. This was just the beginning of the end for Brown who would continue on to collect sexual assault and various violent crime charges.


February 26th 2005: Kentucky post-punkers Slint reunite in the UK at a holiday camp. It’s their first show in over ten years.


February 23th 1978: Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen are arrested in NYC today on drug possession charges.


February 20th 2003: 99 people are killed in a fire at Rhode Island’s Station nightclub. A pyrotechnic act by the band Great White ignites the club and causes the disaster.


February 19th 1948: Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi is born today in Birmingham, England.


February 18th 2004: In an entry on Billy Corgan’s website, Corgan writes: “James Iha broke up the Smashing Pumpkins's, not me. I would have gone on forever, the Smashing Pumpkins were essentially my entire life." This of course a comment on the 2000 splitting up of the Pumpkins.


February 17th 1949: Experimental guitar wizard Fred Frith is born in Britain today.


February 16th 1963: The Beatles chart their first U.K. #1 today with “Please Please Me”.


February 13th 1972: Marvin Gaye opens the NBA All-Star Game by singing the national anthem.


February 11th 1972:
Ziggy Stardust is born today when David Bowie performs as him for the first time in Tollworth, England..


February 10th 1967:
Proto-metal greats Blue Cheer perform in San Fransisco today. The show was a "Tribute to Edgar J. Hoover".


February 6th 2001:
Cincinnati Soul Rockers Afghan Whigs announce that they are breaking up today.


February 5th 1982: Alex Harvey of The Alex Harvey Band is born today. he dies in 1982, one day before his 47th birthday.


February 4th 1982:
Alex Harvey of The Alex Harvey Band dies of a heart attack today. This glam legend was 47 years old.


January 30th 1990: France makes Bob Dylan "Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters" nineteen years ago today.


January 29th 1991: Angry over the unofficial re-releasing of their band’s material, The Stone Roses douse Revolver Records MD Paul Birch, his girlfriend and his Mercedes with colored paint.


January 27th 1990:Gainesville, Florida officially claims today, January 27th, “Tom Petty Day”.


January 26th 1978:
Workers at Britain’s EMI record pressing plan refuse to run copies of The Buzzcocks “What Do I Get” 45 single. They apparently object to the title of the B-side, “Oh Shit”.


January 25th 1997:
Billy MacKenzie, singer of the 1980's post punk duo The Associates commits suicide in Scotland. He was 39 years old.


January 22nd 2001:
Jello Biafra loses control over rights to Dead Kennedys material today. He then tears into the remaining members of the band for their talks about licensing DK songs to advertisers.


January 20th 1982:
A fan at an Ozzy show in Des Moines, Iowa throws a bat onto stage while the band performs. Ozzy grabs the bat and bites it’s head off. He later requires rabies shots.


January 19th 1974:
Bob Dylan and The Band play a concert at the Sportsatorium in Miami Florida. A nine-mile traffic jam keeps thousands of fans from seeing the first half of the performance.

January 16th 1988:
George Harrison’s “Got My Mind Set On You” hits the number one spot on the American charts today. The original was written by Rudy Clark twenty six years earlier in 1962.


January 15th 1941: The mysterious, avant garde artist and musician known as Captain Beefheart is born today. Don Glen Vliet (birth name) would grow up to make abstract paintings and sculptures, along with experimental, psychedelic bluesy rock music.


January 14th 2004: Russell Simmons and Def Jam Records gets sued by rappers Eric B. and Rakim. The duo claims they were never paid royalties for their 1987 album ironically named Paid in Full.


January 13th 1962: Chubby Checker's "The Twist" hits the number one spot on the charts today. Although the more popular Chubby Checker version of "The Twist" gave birth to the Twist dance phenomenon, the song was actually written by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters three years earlier in 1959.


January 12th 2001: Liam Gallagher, singer of Oasis, is accused of indecent assault after a report stating that he grabbed the butt of a female employee of Gatwick Airport in England.


January 9th 2004: Jennifer Chiba, former girlfriend of Elliott Smith denies suspicions indicating a possible involvement in Smith’s death (Oct ’03). A coroner’s report is released January 8th, 2004 showing forearm and hand wounds on Smith’s body. Also, the alleged suicide note reveals the possibility of a simple apology letter to Chiba following a drug fueled argument, keeping the case from officially being classified as a suicide. view full autopsy here


January 8th 1947: Glam rocker David Robert Jones a.k.a. "David Bowie" is born in Brixton, London.


January 7th 1964: The Beatles step into the studio for a BBC Saturday Club session. They play what is to become their only known recording of Chuck Berry’s “Jonnie B. Goode”.


January 6th 1946: Roger Keith Barrett, a.k.a. "Syd" Barrett, founding member of the band Pink Floyd is born in Cambridge, England.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Past Records of The Week.

July 13th - July 19th



Jarvis Cocker - Further Complications - 2009 Rough Trade Records

I only recently made the leap from Pulp to front man Jarvis's solo work. Thanks to a good friend, I was turned on to his debut album Jarvis not too long ago. Jarvis has since grown on me, and it seems to reveal a hidden surprise every time I play it. It's definitely the type of album that grows and grows on you (and once you get past Mr. Cocker's explicit instructions: "As always, please do not read the words whilst listening to the recordings"), even more doors to his creative world seem to miraculously open.

Further Complications is different than Jarvis, and I'd go as far as to say it's a bit better. Firstly, it needs to be known that he worked with legendary rocker/producer Steve Albini on this one,so you know it rocks even before listening to it. And it does. Jarvis also apparently had a bigger hand in the composing of the songs (which range from slow soul burners to grungy rock tunes). Further Complications takes it up notch with louder guitars, blasting drums, and more aggressive vocals. Jarvis sounds like a 1970's David Bowie transplanted into some neo-britpop realm, singing about some new and amazing things in an experimentally racy fashion.


June 29th - July 5th



Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves - S/T - 2009 No Idea Records

This record is awesome and I almost missed out on it. I made a prejudice against the record, figuring that the "other guitarist for Hot Water Music" was more than likely joining the growing list of folk/country rock that a lot of the punk alumni are doing well with right now. But I soon realized it's not just another record that every band practicing hard for Gainesville's next FEST might obsess over.

The record starts off with a powerful pop/alternative radio-friendy song (something of a tame 1992 J. Mascais singing to a moderately paced song that could have been featured on the soundtrack for Singles). It then moves into a folkier sound with some fingerpicking fireside relaxers and some giddy-up drumming but periodically dips back into the aforementioned 90's alternative sound. The record is crisp and Chris's voice is so good on this that I think he could easily handle whatever form his solo sound ends up taking. Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves is a really solid and impressive record that will hang by my turntable for a good bit.


June 22nd - June 28th



Sonic Youth - The Eternal - 2009 Matador Records

This record is pretty amazing. It's a double, so it's pretty lengthy and the CTI Jazz style quality of the jacket makes it even more admirable. Their instrumental sound on this album is pretty classic, but their vocal and lyrical stylings maintain the high-quality maturity streak they've been on for a while now (since at least 2004's Sonic Nurse). That wonderful combo makes for a very listenable record. The Eternal borrows the grungy sounds from their SST releases, EVOL and Sister, grabs a hint of excitement found in Dirty and Goo, and revisits the vibe of their previous release, Rather Ripped. Throw those together and add a little element of psychedelia and you have yourself The Eternal. I'm also impressed that they went from Geffen in the majors to indie label Matador. I'm souped to hear what else they do under Matador; so far it's Jay Reatard split and this new one. You're two for two guys, keep it up.


June 8th - June 14th



The Church - Untitled #23 - 2009 SecondMotion Records

The Church is one of the bands that has stuck with me as a favorite for longer than most bands that I currently still listen to. A large part of the reason is based on Steve Kilbey's vocals (in my top five of all time vocalists), his lyrical content as well as the skills and overall production of most all their works. For some reason The Church never achieved the stardom that I believe they deserve out here in the states. In '81 they hit the U.K. charts with "Unguarded Moment" and then when the world almost forgot about them they popped back up in 1988 with the hit (and U.S. charter) "Under The Milky Way" off of the record Starfish. That would be the most noise that these Australian rockers would make for quite some time.They've made a great musical transformation over the years as well. Their early days began as neo-psychedlic and new wave that turned proggy and complex into the 90's. Also in the 90's they experienced troubles with members and some addiction issues but persisted with their three original founding members. Despite their issues and lack of commercial success, The Church trudged on with its back to their past, and it shows. Their catalog is impressive, with dozens of singles and albums - nearly pumping something out every year since they formed. Some good, some amazing. Last night I was in the mood to listen to The Church. I put on the 1982 s/t record and fell asleep blissfully. When I woke up this morning, I checked my mail and my cousin Dave had sent me the new record, Untitled #23. (thanks dude!) This is by far the best thing they've put out in at least five years. It recaptures the atmospheric magic and angelic guitar work of 1983's Seance and 1984's Remote Luxury, but takes you to the darker places found somewhere between 1990's Gold Afternoon Fix and their epic 1992 release Priest=Aura. The production is gorgeous, the subject matter of the lyrics is touching and real, and the anti-pop soundscapes they experiment with are a complete success. The vinyl release hits shelves June 23rd.


June 1st - June 7th



Human Adult Band - Samantha (b/w Samantha song/poem by Jad Fair) - 2009 Third Uncle Records

Amazing 7" by Jersey shredders Human Adult Band gets backed by guru of alternative creativity, Jad Fair. The Human Adult Band (who credit themselves as the writers of the song Samantha), play their version as something between the discordant guitar slicings of Jandek, and the primarily illegible yet melodic vocals of The Fall's Mark. E. Smith. Once you are satisfied with their vision, you flip over the records to hear the driving force of Half Japanese's Jad Fair busting out his creepy rendition. Imagine the opening theme to Pee Wee's Playhouse - slow samba/island beats with birds chirping, whistles and Jad's famously distinct vocals. Great stuff.


May 25th - May 31st



We're All Broken - Blacktop Cry - 2009 Devildance Records

We're All Broken have been a band for awhile now, but it wasn't until the release of 2009's Blacktop Cry that they actually began to receive their long-deserved recognition. Albeit that they had a pretty serious line up change (rhythm section remaining while vocalist and drummer are welcomed as the newest WAB members), We're All Broken have achieved all new heights with their most recent DevilDance Records six-song EP release. The guitar work screams DYNAMIC while the bass and drums blast you through each track with great satisfaction. But that's not all. Joe Wilson's contributions to their sound (vocals, third guitar,harmonica,etc) pull their whole world together. Post-hardcore rock for sure, with range-conscious singing, We're All Broken have become a band that sounds like you wished all your favorite 90's melodic rock could pull - but with an edge you may or may not be ready for. Keep it up boys, y'all sound "fixed" to me now.


We're All Broken
Devildance Records



May 18th - May 24th



Cheap Girls - Find Me A Drink Home - 2008 Los Diaper Records

Cheap Girls rock pretty hard, taking me back to the nineties with an alt-rock sound that might remind one most of the bands involved in the later grunge departure era. The first thing that strikes the listener is the unique vocal style. Imagine something between Ken Chinn of SNFU and Bob Mould (Sugar and solo). You'll quickly find yourself either loving or hating Cheap Girls. There really is no middle-ground. Download this album here and find out whose side you are on.(and donate to the label or buy the LP if you dig it)

May 4th - May 10th



Chain and the Gang/Down With Liberty...Up With Chains!- 2009 K Records

The latest creepy project from "punk gone gospel yeh-yeh creative freak huh" Ian Svenonious and friends (Thanks Matt!) This delightfully exciting concept record captures the collaborative thoughts and tunes of a wide array of pseudo-inmates who all share the same belief: "If this is 'freedom' then lock me up and throw away the key". I can't help but to love everything this man and his lunatic followers press on record. From classic cover design (including vintage paste-over cover) to the chanty hymns found within, Down with Liberty will make the listener question the motive of any person involved on this record, while unconditionally loving it.


April 27th - May 3rd

Pavement/ Live Europaturnen MCMXCVII- 2008 Matador Records

This is part one of two (so far) very limited live Pavement Albums. This was available as a Matador “Buy Now Get Early” campaign by Matador. Original set to be released in 1998, you’d receive a copy this record with an advance purchase of Brighten The Corners: Nicene Creedence Ed. Re-release (Matador “Buy Early #6” promo). The recording of the show is of very high quality and sounds brilliantly crisp. There are rumors that there were only 500 of this record pressed whereas 2500 copies of the very similar Live in Köln record was pressed for Record Store Day. A lot of people are confusing these two records for the same record and selling them online under similar descriptions. These are two very different releases and shows, only visually distinguishable by the fact that this record has a purple cover versus Live in Köln’s orange cover. Also, track listings are found on the Live Europaturen and Live in Koln labels themselves, in Spanish and English respectively.


April 20th - April 26th



Jay Reatard / "Sonik" Youth - Split 7" - 2009 Matador Records

Jay Reatard grabs side A on this Record Store Day exclusive 7". The song is called "hang them all", and it's a pretty solid track.The song draws techniques from his past success, including hooky repetitive riffs and vocals, with a bit of a warm, vintage low-fi feel. Side B belongs to Sonic Youth. The track is titled "no garage" and was appropriately recorded in the basement of Thurston's Moore's record label Ecstatic Peace! in Northhampton, Massachusetts. The song is instrumental, save a slightly distant "1-2-3-4!" heard rounding the final lap of the song’s composition. Not only does the song sound as if it could be handpicked from nearly any favorable sonic youth period, but it's a great and intense track. The song so perfectly drops into a lock groove at its finale. I thought I was losing my mind - in a good way.


April 13th - April 19th



Q-Tip - The Renaissance - 2008 Universal Motown Records

His second solo release (1999’s Amplified was his first and 2002’s would-be second release, Kamaal the Abstract was never released), Q-tip brings us his distinctive character once again. Reminiscent of his early Tribe Called Quest days, Q-tip unleashes a full album of new quality rhymes, drenched in style. Another hip hop classic that is sure to withstand the test of time. Special thanks to my roommate Matt for turning me on to his record.


April 6th - April 12th



Portishead - Third - 2008 Island Records

So it took eleven years for them to make a new record, but I’m not complaining in the least. As a huge fan of their debut album Dummy, I worried towards what I thought was the end of their career in 1998/1999 when it seemed they would never return to their original sound. Third takes the listener on an intimate trek through the troubled but intelligent mind of Beth Gibbons. A more retro 60’s experimental psych/krautrock sound is apparent in this album, a move I feel was very smart. The effects on this record don’t scream NINETIES like their previous works, but rather offer a timeless, more reserved vibe. Once again I can picture Ms. Gibbons smoking a cigarette in the rain with her head down, preparing thoughts for their next record.


March 30th - April 5th




Wire - Object 47 - 2008 Pink Flag


Wire is a band that started very strong and held their own for their first three albums and for the several singles and EPs that followed. It wasn’t until their next full length, 1987’s Ideal Copy that I began to wonder where the band was headed. They had an eight year break from releasing a full length album, and following up 1979’s 154 couldn’t have been an easy task. All the corny effects and production tricks used in their albums throughout the mid-later 80’s makes it hard for me to enjoy their music during that time frame. Also, a 90’s industrial sound becomes evident in their more recent stuff with the exception of this newest album, Object 47. This record is fantastic. It sounds like an immediate follow-up to 154, and a complete success at that. One of those records where it almost feels like the band finally listened to their fans and did the right thing.


March 23rd - March 29th




Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Real Emotional Trash- 2008 Matador Records


It took me a year to finally give this record an honest listen. I heard the promo in early 2008 and was actually turned off to the record upon first listen. Over this past weekend I found a clean copy of Real Emotional Trash and took a minute to sit down and give the record my full attention. A good friend of mine recently spoke of his positive opinion on this release as well, and I’m glad I bought this. As a Pavement fan for as long as I can remember, I go heavily guarded into all of SM’s newer material. Fortunately, by the second track of Real Emotional Trash I realized that I was listening to the classic tricks of SM’s Pavement days with a heavier, rock and roll edge. Quite good.


March 16th - March 22nd



Blank Dogs - On Two Sides- 2008 Troubleman Unlimited


A dark low-fi minimal synth sound that almost makes me wish Blank Dogs was a band from 1981 that I could brag to my friends about discovering. Something of a metal box PIL session coupled with an early New Order track but with that new desirable home recording sound that is capturing the attention of underground music creeps of late. Textured and poppy, On Two Sides takes the listener on a faceless journey through a non-cliché execution of a recently well traversed path.


March 9th - March 15th



The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - S/T- 2009 Slumberland Records


If you thought loneliness was something you got over, you haven’t heard this album yet. Brooklyn, NY’s The Pains of Being Pure at Heart’s Debut self-titled LP is a dream/fuzz pop gem that will take you places you thought you forgot. Timelessly simple layout screams “Creation Records 1988” or “UK Brit Pop I somehow overlooked”, and that’s just the start of the journey. Powerfully soothing production on this record could calm the beast in anyone, in moments. Magical male/female vocal melodies sung over something that fits somewhere between Belle and Sebastian,The Jesus and Mary Chain, and The Field Mice. Gloom meets pop. This is the first time in a while that I’ve gone from side A to side B and back to side A in a first listen. Bravo.


March 2nd - March 8th



Crystal Stilts - Alight of Night - 2008 Slumberland Records

There is something dark and strangely appealing about this record by Brooklyn’s Crystal Stilts. The album opens with a low-fi washy wall of textured sounds and the light shaking echoes of mesmerizing bells. Once you settle in and absorb all the elements, you realize that the genius is in the simplicity and minimalism of their compositions. At times I wonder if songs were written in dim lighting sometime in the middle of a winter night. Other times I envision a group of peyote-eating longhairs, circling a campfire in the middle of the desert. Either way, the album is intriguing, interesting, and mysteriously addictive.


February 22nd - March 2nd



The Estranged - Static Thoughts - 2008 Dirtnap Records

With intense guitar work that seems like it’s straight off of your favorite mid eighties Homestead Records release and vocal melodies that sound as if they were arranged by Roger Miller of Mission of Burma, and executed by Greg Sage of the Wipers, The Estranged “Static Thoughts” ties together the greatest elements of some of the greatest post punk bands out there. Their driving, catchy, mid-tempo compositions will leave you eagerly awaiting their next release.


February 16th - February 23rd




Red Stars Theory - But Sleep Came Slowly - 1997 RX Remedy

Their first effort, and in my opinion their best to date, But Sleep Came Slowly will rock you, shock you, and eventually ease you into sleep. Debuting on Sup Pop subsidiary, RX Remedy,BSCS is pure gold. I found this record back in 1997 when it was first released, and I picked it up based on the cover art. Needless to say, I scored. This record makes its way to my turntable regularly, and each time I hear something I’ve never heard before. The band features Pacific Northwest rock legend James Bertram and Modest Mouse drummer Jeremiah Green, along with a handful of other amazing musicians. Lois Maffeo steps in for a female vocal spot as well. The dreamy rhythms and exciting crescendos make this record a timeless classic worth holding on to.



February 9th - February 15th



Marked Men - Ghosts -2009 Dirtnap Records

I was very excited to hear that these guys were putting out a new album and very excited once I heard the album. It's not a far stretch from their previous works, which is a great thing since their past two albums have been amazing. Same droning guitars and memorable hooks, with some new surprises. The song structures are a bit more clever and developed and in my opinion, the album is a success.



February 2nd - February 8th





Nobunny - Love Visions - 2008 Bubble Dumb


An exciting, low-fi, bubblegum,Ramonesy,solo record with more memorable hooks than any recent records I can quickly drum up. Maybe something like if Ben Weasel and a random member of The Spits had a mutant bunny baby who knew how to tease an overly excited fun punk fan base. This record is hip yet humble.



January 26th - February 1st



Spacemen 3 - Taking Drugs To Make Music To Take Drugs To -1990 Father Yod Productions

This collection of early S3 recordings proves that these guys had the knack long before some of their more popular songs became polished and better known. Tracks from as far back as 1986, exhibit hints to future space rock classics like "Walkin' With Jesus" (then titled "Sound of Confusion"). A really neat piece of history for fans of this band's wall of white noise. These early versions might be more chilling than their later masterpieces, but raw and real if nothing else.


January 19th - January 25th




The Locust & VA - Well I'll Be A Monkey's Uncle - 2000 GSL 032


Here’s a little flashback to the good old grind days. The Locust combined interesting and funny lyrics with fast, energetic songs, generally under a minute in length. This record is a set of remixes from some great stuff with the help of Kid606, Sinking Body, I am Spoonbender and more. This two LP set contains “camo” wax on one disc and an intense etching on the other. I had the pleasure of getting to see them in Columbus, Ohio back in 2002 as openers for the Moss Icon reunion. People got naked, dressed like chickens, and there was even a community kiddie pool in the middle of the pit. Members have gone on to play in bands such as: Swing Kids, Crimson Curse, Some Girls, Holy Molar, Head Wound City, Cattle Decapitation, Tristeza, and The Album Leaf (to name a few!) Although the band continues to play and write today, I’ve been a bit out of the loop with their newer material. From what I am seeing in the new generation grind scene is that the band is still buzzing and the kids are still swarming for them.



January 12th - January 18th


Moolah - Woe ye Demons Possessed - 1974 Druidstone

I was lucky enough to find an original copy of this holy grail of the 1970’s underground NYC psychedelic experience. This masterpiece, allegedly recorded in a basement by Walter Burns and Maurice Roberson, will absolutely blow your mind. The frightening drums, chilling effects (tapes, noise, ???, etc), and ghostly/demonic voices will convince you to keep the lights on all night. Imagine Faust meets early Floyd to discuss a colossal mid seventies psychological horror/thriller by way of a 13th floor elevator. Beautiful. Repress available on 180 gram from Annuit Records. CD available on EM Records. I have to write more about this later.


Back Cover


“by the mystic fire

ye wait . . . . yor hide

glistening with sweat

of strange endeavors

performing dances

to the sun and moon

licking blood drinking tears

sacrificing love on the

altar of tomorrow

eating fruits of stolen vineyards

with withered young mouths

that sing old songs

which were forbid



the whirlwind . . . . . . !”



“look the dark clouds

gathering

on the horizon of doom

winds cross trees uproot

plagues of flies invade

the land at hand

o day of judge men

see ye children

of the accursed

what sown be reaped

given ye gods ye chose the beast

and eternity plays the tune

of unnamed horror

for terror is real

and so is hell!”

DOWNLOAD IF YOU DARE



January 5th - January 11th


Os Mutantes - S/T - 1968 Omplatten/Polydor

I have to give credit to my roommate Matt for blasting this classic a lot lately. I can't seem to get enough. A Brazilian psychedelic masterpiece at it's finest. Powerfully melodic songs, interesting textured soundscapes, and Portuguese vocals that are so incredibly visual - you'll think you understand what they are singing...


December 29th- January 4th


Bo Hansson - Music Inspired by Lord of The Rings -1972 Charisma CAS 1059

This record is one of my favorite musical afterthoughts on the LOTR books. It's from 1972, very psychedelic, very ambient, very interesting. There's an organ, a Moog, a textured and exciting bass, guitar, horns, and powerful drums. Imagine ELP's Tarkus record, except you can take the entire adventure seriously. I particularly like putting this on before bed, but be forewarned: It gets pretty intense when those Ringwraiths start galloping through the shadows looking for you and your Hobbit friend.


December 22-28 2008



Love 1, Love 2 - S/T1968-1970?? - cat#221978/221979

I found this record in a batch of classical records. It was in a plain white sleeve with white center labels (as shown). I was hoping it would be a live recording of the band "Love", but surprisingly enough it was not. I have no idea what this record is or why anyone ever pressed it. It's two sides of corny "sexy" pg-13 dialog between a man and a woman in their late 20's. It's creepy, weird, and disappointing. The only reason this scored "record of the week" is basically because it's just too odd to go unmentioned. Please contact me if you have any info on this.


December 15-21 2008



The Marked men - S/T - 2003 Rip Off Records

I can't seem to get enough of this record. It's good to put on when a lady is around, it's good to rock out to with friends, and it's great at any volume. Driving 2-3 chord punk rock reminiscent of early 90's CA punk meets droney late 90's indie. Catchy riffs, fantastic vocals, solid song structures. You'll be singing along whether you figure out the lyrics or not.


December 8-14 2008


Lime Spiders - Slave Girl - 1984 Big Time Records

Legendary Australian indie rockers shred both sides of this EP. Original tracks taken from several different recording takes and a line up change come together in garagey psychedelic sounds. Raw, poppy, punky and down right awesome, this record has scored some serious quality playtime on my turntable.


December 1-7 2008


The Chameleons - Tony Fletcher Walked On Water...La La La La La-La La-La La - 1990 Glass Pyramid (recorded in 1987).

I honestly love everything the Chameleons ever did, but this is their masterpiece. This very rare posthumous release clearly captures the devastation surrounding the loss of their band manager and friend, Tony Fletcher. The group disbanded shortly after Fletcher’s sudden death and reappeared in 2000 for some short lived reunions.