Saturday, November 11, 2023

REISSUE: Brandtson – Trying To Figure Each Other Out & Dial In Sounds

Steadfast Records recently issued the latest two chapters in their long-running reissue campaign for Cleveland emo greats Brandtson; with a 20th anniversary edition of their stellar third album Dial In Sounds and their career-best EP Trying to Figure Each Other Out

Originally released in 2000 on Deep Elm Records, the Trying to Figure Each Other Out EP showed the band at their absolute best.  The 6-song EP (7 songs, if you include the hypnotic bonus remix of “As You Wish”) is filled to the brim with the most catchy sing-along melodies ever put to tape with standouts “Boys Lie” and “Leaving Ohio” leading the way. 

Dial In Sounds, released in 2002 by Deep Elm, picks up where the previous EP left off with the one-two-three power-pop punch of “Mark It A Zero”, “The Rookie Year” and “With Friends Like You”.

Both reissues were were originally produced by Ed Rose and were recently remastered by Adam Boose of Cauliflower Audio with a new DMM pressing.  Trying is packaged with updated expanded artwork along with previously unseen photos taken during the recording sessions.   Sounds is highlighted by a glossy 24”x12” fold out insert with lyrics and photos.

Each release is limited to 500 vinyl copies and 100 cassettes with Dial In Sounds getting the cassette treatment for the very first time.

To order, please visit: https://steadfastrecords.net/

Stream Trying To Figure Each Other Out here:

 

Wednesday, September 07, 2022

REISSUE: Brandtson – Hello, Control


Cleveland-based Steadfast Records continues their reissue campaign for 90’s/early 2000’s emo-punks Brandtson with the recent release of the band’s final album, Hello, Control

Originally released in 2006 via The Militia Group, the band ventured away from their signature sound and into dance-rock territory.  Led by the standout single “Earthquakes & Sharks”, the album replaced their propelling punk rhythms and riffs with hip-shaking, danceable rhythms and moody atmospherics. 

The drastic change in direction was a bit shocking for some fans at the time but this reissue - featuring new previously unreleased mixes by producer Ed Rose and expanded artwork – shows that their harmony-rich ear-worming melodies were always the focus and gives their old fans a chance to get off their couches and onto the dance floor to shake off some rust. 

Hello, Control is out now on Steadfast Records on opaque yellow vinyl and available on cassette for the first time.  The reissue was mixed by Ed Rose and mastered by Adam Boose (who joined the band prior to the original recording of the album to play bass and synths) and lacquer masters were cut by Bob Weston.  The stunning vinyl package also includes an 8-page booklet with lyrics and tons of photos. 

Order Hello, Control here: https://www.steadfastrecords.net/               

Watch the video for “Cold War” here:

Monday, June 13, 2022

REVIEW: Ryan Shelkett – Someone Becomes No One

 

30 years ago, Ryan Shelkett emerged from the Baltimore underground with his influential emo/indie rock bands Cross My Heart and Liars Academy.  Now, Shelkett is releasing his debut solo album, the self-depreciatingly titled, Someone Becomes No One, out now on Steadfast Records (whose recent Cross My Heart reissues sold out instantly).  Produced by the legendary J. Robbins, who also performs, the album sees Shelkett shifting his style towards darker Americana and melancholic folk while retaining his rocking sense of melody and emotional weight.

The 10-song album is led by the singles, “Corroded” with its gloomy, 90’s alt-rock vibe and “Damage” which rocks like a distant Southern Rock-loving cousin to the Cross My Heart discography.  Other standouts include the statement-making sway of the aching opening track, “There Is No One” from which the album gets its title; and the gorgeous, organ-drenched “Strange Behavior”.      

The album is available from Steadfast Records on vinyl on three colorways (purple rain, hellfire red and neon green) as well as digitally, CD, and on limited edition cassette.      

For more info: https://www.steadfastrecords.net/Team/Ryan-Shelkett

Stream Someone Becomes No One here:


Tuesday, June 07, 2022

SHOW ALERT: The Lumineers with Caamp @ Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati – 6/7/22


Folk-pop favorites The Lumineers bring their Brightside World Tour to Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center tonight.  The band - led by founding members/songwriters Wesley Shultz and Jeremiah Fraite – is touring in support of their latest album, Brightside, released in January on Dualtone and highlighted by the hit singles, “Where We Are”, Big Shot”, A.M. Radio” and the title track. 

Joining The Lumineers is the Columbus-bred indie folk outfit Caamp who are set to release their highly-anticipated new album, Lavender Days on June 24.    

Tickets are still available here: https://riverbend.org/concerts/2022/06/the-lumineers-brightside-world-tour

For more info and tour dates in your city, please visit: https://www.thelumineers.com/ & https://caamptheband.com/

Watch the video for “A.M. Radio” taken from album, Brightside here:

 

Monday, June 06, 2022

REISSUE: Roxy Music - Vinyl Album Reissues

 

2022 is the 50th anniversary of Roxy Music’s unconventional eponymous debut album, originally released in June of 1972. Led by the quivering vibrato and grand theatrics of vocalist Bryan Ferry and the strange, highly-influential synth-scapes and tape manipulations of Brian Eno along with the vital contributions of guitarist Phil Manzanera, saxophonist/oboist Andy Mackay and drummer Paul Thompson; Roxy Music’s debut was a hybridization of spacey glam-rock and sophisticated art-pop that was well ahead of its time.  The band’s forward-thinking avant-garde sound was an influence evident in a wide range of bands such as Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Shudder To Think and even Sonic Youth in the years following its release. 

 In celebration, Virgin/Ume will reissue the influential art-rock band’s eight studio albums on vinyl in special anniversary editions outfitted with a new half-speed cut, revised artwork including lyrics and a glossy laminated finish.  The LPs will be released two at a time throughout the year.  The debut and For Your Pleasure were released in early April and Stranded and Country Life are due June 8, with more to come.

In addition, Roxy Music is set to tour this fall for the first time in 11 years.  The 13-date North American and U.K. arena tour will feature like-minded performer St. Vincent as special guest and hit cities including, NYC, Chicago, Dallas and L.A.   

For more info: https://www.roxymusic.co.uk/

Watch the 2018 video of “Virginia Plain” (taken from Roxy Music):

Wednesday, May 04, 2022

REISSUE: Rush – Moving Pictures (40th Anniversary)

 

Prog-rock pioneers Rush continue with their 40th anniversary celebrations with the recent reissue of their most beloved album, Moving Pictures, out now via Mercury/Anthem/UMe. 

If 1980’s Permanent Waves was a turning point for the band - as they stepped away from the epic, lengthy suites they were best known for and streamlined their sound with tighter arrangements, shorter song lengths and catchier melodies - then 1981’s Moving Pictures was the final destination. Evident from the beginning with the bombastic drums and surging synths of the opening track of their eighth studio album, “Tom Sawyer” (an instant radio mainstay); along with standouts, “Limelight”, the virtuosic instrumental “YYZ” and dynamic album centerpiece “The Camera Eye”. 

The 40th anniversary edition of Moving Pictures is available in several different configurations including, the Super Deluxe (3CD, 5LP, 1 Blu-ray), 5LP Deluxe, 3CD Deluxe, 1 LP, digital and Dolby Atmos Digital Editions.  Highlights include the Abbey Road Mastering Studios remastering of the album from 2015 as well as a half-speed Direct To Metal Mastering of all vinyl included, a first for the Rush catalog. 

One of the best aspects of the expanded reissue is the inclusion of a previously unreleased complete concert recording from Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto on March 25, 1981.  The live set titled, Live in YYZ 1981, includes 19 tracks highlighted by a killer drum solo during “YYZ” and other masterful takes of hits such as, “Closer To The Heart”, “Freewill” and “Spirit Of Radio”.  Additionally, the deluxe sets include a booklet with unreleased photos, newly reimagined artwork from Hugh Syme and insightful liner notes written by some of Rush’s best protégés including, Les Claypool of Primus, Kim Thayil of Soundgarden and the late Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters.  Of course the Super Deluxe edition features exclusive goodies such as Neil Peart signature drumsticks, embossed metal guitar picks, a replica tour program from 1981 and a YYZ luggage tag and much more. And as always, UMe takes care to package their expanded reissues beautifully and with no detail spared. 

This new reissue celebrating the 40th anniversary of Moving Pictures is a testament to the lasting legacy of Rush and is a must-have for all fans of the band.    

Order Moving Pictures 40th Anniversary Reissue here: https://rush.lnk.to/MovingPictures40thID

Watch the new video for “YYZ” (also included on the Blu-ray in the Super Deluxe Edition) here:

Monday, November 15, 2021

REISSUE: Bad Brains - Bad Brains

 


Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains recently began a reissue campaign of their early albums via their re-launched Bad Brains Records; manufactured, distributed and marketed by ORG Music.  The campaign is led by their iconic self-titled debut album – originally recorded in 1981 - which sounds better now than ever having been remastered by Dave Gardner at Infrasonic Mastering. 

Bad Brains’ highly-influential sound was a one of a kind blend of hardcore fury and dubbed-out reggae rhythms highlighted by the frantic vocal style of H.R. and frenzied fretwork of Dr. Know and driven by the raging rhythm section of bassist Darryl and drummer Earl Hudson.  The NYC-by-way-of-D.C. based band also delivered a politically-charged message of unity and positivity on standout songs like, “Attitude” and “I”.       

Alongside their debut, the other albums receiving the reissue treatment are I And I Survive, Rock For Light, Quickness, Omega Sessions and legendary live albums, Live At The Fillmore 1982 and The Youth Are Getting Restless (Live at the Paradiso, Amsterdam, 1987). 

Each release is pressed onto quality black and colored vinyl and available to order or pre-order here: https://badbrainsrecords.com/

“Attitude”:

Friday, February 19, 2021

REISSUE: Brandtson – Death & Taxes

 

Cleveland-based label Steadfast Records continues their reissue campaign for label owner Matt Traxler’s band, Brandtson.  Death & Taxes – released on Deep Elm Records in 2003 - was the 90’s emo-era favorite’s second EP.  Many bands often experiment with their sound on EP releases but Brandtson seemed to sharpen their harmony-laced hooks and they saved some of their best songs for their EPs.  The Death & Taxes EP opens with hard-charging riffage on “You Do The Science” and is highlighted by the soaring dual harmonies of “Circa 1991” and the incredibly catchy ode to band and touring life, “Ain’t No Trip To Cleveland”.        

Death & Taxes is now available for the first time on deluxe limited edition vinyl and cassette. The 6-song EP is expanded to include two bonus tracks, “Dead Animals” recorded during the Death & Taxes sessions and previously released on the Brandtson/ Camber/ Seven Storey Mountain split; and “Optimist Club”, which was recorded during the sessions for their excellent first EP, Trying to Figure Each Other Out and previously released on the compilation Deep Elm Unreleased No. 1.    

The original audio was newly-remastered for vinyl and cassette by Adam Boose at Cauliflower Audio. The vinyl is packaged in a beautiful hi-gloss UV coated jacket featuring new artwork and includes a printed inner sleeve and 11” insert with live and studio photos. Steadfast offers the EP on three gorgeous variants; Opaque grass green, Transparent Green w/Black Splatter (ltd to 100), Clear with Green, Yellow and White Splatter (ltd to 100).

Order here: https://brandtson.bandcamp.com/album/death-taxes

Stream Death & Taxes here:

Thursday, December 31, 2020

TOP 10 ALBUMS of 2020

 

2020 has been a terrible year, we all know that.  I even ended the year experiencing COVID-19 myself.  This is a list – in alphabetical order – of the Top 10 Albums that helped get me through this year.  Here’s to a better year in 2021!

 

Samuel AtkinsonWeather On The Brain (Self-Released)

Stream: https://samuelatkinson.bandcamp.com/album/weather-on-the-brain

 

Blinker The StarJuvenile Universe (Self-Released)

Stream: https://blinkerthestar.bandcamp.com/album/juvenile-universe

 

Ebony TusksHeal_Thyself (High Dive Records)

Stream: https://highdiverecords.bandcamp.com/album/ebony-tusks-heal-thyself

 

FullbloodsSoft And Virtual Touch (High Dive Records)

Stream: https://highdiverecords.bandcamp.com/album/fullbloods-soft-and-virtual-touch

 

HumInlet (Self-Released)

Stream: https://humband.bandcamp.com/album/inlet

 

KoneyKoney (High Dive Records)

Stream: https://highdiverecords.bandcamp.com/album/koney

 

Bob NannaCelebration States (New Granada Records)

Stream: https://bobnanna.bandcamp.com/album/celebration-states

 

Shabazz PalacesThe Don Of Diamond Dreams (Sub Pop)

Stream: https://shabazzpalaces.bandcamp.com/album/the-don-of-diamond-dreams


Andy Shauf - The Neon Skyline (Anti Records)

Stream: https://andyshauf.bandcamp.com/album/the-neon-skyline

 

Shy BoysTalk Loud (Polyvinyl)

Stream: https://shyboys.bandcamp.com/album/talk-loud

 


TOP 5 REISSUES of 2020

 

Redd KrossPhaseshifter & Show World (Third Man Records) https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/05/reissue-redd-kross-phaseshifter-show.html

RushPermanent Waves 40th Anniversary (UMe) https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/06/reissue-rush-permanent-waves-40th.html

Tears For FearsSongs From The Big Chair 35th Anniversary & The Seeds Of Love 30th Anniversary (Ume) https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/03/reissue-tears-for-fears-songs-from-big.html & https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/10/reissue-tear-for-fears-seeds-of-love.html

that dog. Totally Crushed Out & Retreat From The Sun (Third Man Records) https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/07/reissue-that-dog-totally-crushed-out_31.html

Zao Preface: Early Recordings 1995-1996 & All Else Failed 25th Anniversary  (Steadfast Records) https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/10/reissue-zao-preface-early-recordings.html

Top EPs of 2020

 

CarcassDespicable

Stream: https://carcass.bandcamp.com/album/despicable

 

Dori FreemanHeavenly Sunlight

Stream: https://dorifreeman1.bandcamp.com/album/heavenly-sunlight

 

Infectious GroovesTake U On A Ride - Summer Shred Sessions, Vol. #1

 

In ParallelFashioner

Stream: https://wiretaprecords.bandcamp.com/album/fashioner

 

Jupe JupeNightfall

Stream: https://jupejupemusic.bandcamp.com/album/nightfall

Friday, November 20, 2020

REISSUE: The Cranberries – No Need To Argue - 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

 

The Cranberries’ stellar sophomore album, No Need To Argue was released in 1994 and to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Island/UMe recently released an expanded deluxe edition of the album.  Led by the singles, “Ode To My Family” and the surprisingly heavy, “Zombie”, the sophomore slump-busting album solidified the status of the late Delores O’Riordan and the band, Noel Hogan, Mike Hogan, and Fergal Lawler as 90’s alternative rock titans.   

For this deluxe edition, the original album has been newly remastered and the 2LP set is highlighted by the addition of three B-sides and demos, including the standout, “Close To You” taken from a Carpenters cover album released around the same time as the album. 

The expanded 2CD and digital versions include the remastered original album as well as the three B-sides, plus an additional 19 previously unreleased tracks including, demos, live recordings from 94 and 95, remixes including the fan favorite remix of “Zombie” by Orb, and a version of “Yesterday’s Gone” taken from a 1995 MTV Unplugged session.  Additionally, the 2CD set features previously unseen photographs from the album photo sessions and extensive essay focusing on the history of the album written by the band’s longtime archivist Eoin Devereux. 

Delores possessed a one of a kind voice and her memory remains with this expanded reissue of No Need To Argue, The Cranberries’ stunning second album. 

To order please visit, https://thecranberries.lnk.to/NNTAExpanded

Check out the video for heavy – both musically and lyrically – single, “Zombie” here:

Monday, November 09, 2020

REVIEW: Beastie Boys – Beastie Boys Music

The Beastie Boys - MCA, Ad-Rock and Mike D - were once-in-a-lifetime; from their hardcore beginnings to hip-hop stardom, there was and never will be a band like them again.  Rightfully so, the last few years we have seen a celebration of the Beastie Boys, with their aptly-titled book, Beastie Boys Book and the Spike Jonze-directed documentary film, Beastie Boys Story. 

The celebration continues with the recent release of Beastie Boys Music - a companion to the film - out now on Capitol/UMe.  Available on 180gm 2LP, this 20-song compilation is chronological – beginning with the songs you know so well on Licensed To Ill to their final album Hot Sauce Committee Part Two - and complete as is contains “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)”, which had been omitted at the band’s request from prior Best Of compilations. 

Celebrate the 30-plus year career of the Beastie Boys by listening to Beastie Boys Music on vinyl while thumbing through the Beastie Boys Book and watching the Beastie Boys Story.   

Order Beastie Boys Music here: https://beastieboys.lnk.to/MusicPR

Watch the newly-remastered classic video for ““(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)” here:

Monday, October 19, 2020

REISSUE: Tear For Fears – The Seeds Of Love - 30th Anniversary Edition

The British synth-pop duo Tears For Fears released The Seeds Of Love, their ambitious third album, in 1989.  To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Mercury Records/UMe recently reissued the album that is available on picture disc vinyl, 2CD and a 4CD/1Blu-ray deluxe edition.       

The long-awaited album – released four years after their breakout sophomore hit Songs From The Big Chair - was highlighted by the singles, "Sowing the Seeds," "Woman in Chains," "Advice for the Young at Heart," and "Badman’s Song"; and represented a more mature sound from Curt Smith and Roland Orzabel that subtracted the synths and added in elements of Soul, Gospel, Jazz and 60’s psych-pop.  Guest vocalist Oleta Adams and a host of guest musicians including, Kate St. John, Ian Stanley and Phil Collins gave a more organic feel to the sessions and somehow the duo created an even lusher layered sound. 

The deluxe edition features the remastered original album as well as a second disc of single edits, instrumentals and B-sides.  Highlights on disc two are the fan favorite B-sides, “Tears Roll Down” and “Music For Tables” as well as several different versions and mixes of the hip-hop inspired “Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams”.  Disc three features several previously-unreleased early mixes and radio edits including the standout, “The Year of The Knife - Steve Chase 7 Remix”.  In my opinion, disc four is worth the price of the box set alone with the inclusion of demos and the six intimate and organic Townhouse Live Jam Sessions versions of tracks, “Woman InChains”, “Standing on the Corner of the Third World” and a fun version of “Badman’s Song” which includes the interpolation of some Doors’ lyrics, which showcases the duo’s more playful side.  Disc five is the Blu-ray which features the Steven Wilson 5.1 mix of the album as well as Andrew Waters’ 2015 mix of the album, allowing the listener the best possible listening experience of this wonderful and timeless pop masterpiece. 

Completing the package is a replica tour program loaded with photos and biographies for each touring musician; and a 36-page booklet highlighted by an oral history of the Seeds Of Love era with new insightful interviews with Curt and Roland and others including, keyboardist/co-writer Nicky Holland, producer Chris Hughes and Oleta Adams.   

To order or for more info:  https://tearsforfears.lnk.to/TSOL

Watch the recently remastered in HD video for the standout single, “Sowing The Seeds Of Love” here:

 

Friday, October 16, 2020

Stream It From The Mountain – Koney – Koney

Koney is the new moniker of K.C. musician Konnor Ervin (also of Shy Boys) for his solo project, formerly known as The ACBs.  His self-titled debut album as Koney was recently released digitally and on vinyl via High Dive Records.  

Set to minimalistic soft-pop arrangements featuring, warbly synths and 70’s lounge charm, Ervin’s hushed voice and catchy, swooning melodies will wind their way around your grey matter instantly.  The album opens with the slinky R&B rhythm and choppy vocal cadence of “Combos”.  Another standout, “Grey Times” is built upon a bright, bouncy keyboard melody that sounds like its being beamed in from a UB40 record.  Elsewhere, the upbeat “Actin Dumb” features a rubbery bassline and tipsy synths.  The album closes out with the stutter-stepping rhythm of “Slow Death”.

Much like the wonderful weirdness of Shy Boys, Konnor creates captivating music that defies boundaries on his stellar debut album as Koney.

For more info: https://www.highdivekc.com/bands/koney/

Stream Koney here:  

 

Monday, October 12, 2020

REISSUE: Zao – Preface: Early Recordings 1995-1996 & All Else Failed: 25th Anniversary Edition

 

Zao, the Pennsylvania-based hardcore/metalcore veterans, are celebrating their 27th year of existence this year.  The highly-influential band has been releasing several new reissues across their eleven album catalog including, a 25th Anniversary Edition of their debut full length, All Else Failed, out now on Steadfast Records as well as a new compilation titled, Preface: Early Recordings 1995-1996, that features fourteen tracks including early demos, tracks from long out of print compilations and splits. 

These rare early recordings – remastered from their original sources by Adam Boose at Cleveland’s Cauliflower Audio - capture the band in their V.F.W. hall and church basement beginnings; tracing their growth from leaders of the Christian hardcore genre to paving the way for metalcore, before becoming the experimental extreme metal band we know them as today.   

Preface: Early Recordings 1995 - 1996 is available on transparent blue vinyl, transparent blue shell cassette; and CD, which features two previously unreleased bonus tracks from early Zao side project Monroe. 

All Else Failed: 25th Anniversary Edition features the 2018 restored audio re-cut as a 45rpm 2xLP by Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Service and pressed in Cleveland, Ohio at Gotta Groove Records. This deluxe edition is available in black or “hellfire” red vinyl, packaged with all new artwork in a UV gloss coated gatefold jacket with a 12 page lyric and photo booklet and download coupon. It is also available on CD or transparent red shell cassette with the gorgeous updated artwork. 

Order here: https://www.steadfastrecords.net/store

Stream Zao - Preface: Early Recordings 1995-1996 here:

 


Friday, October 09, 2020

Stream It From The Mountain: Samuel Atkinson – Weather On The Brain

The last time we heard from Eaton, Ohio singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Samuel Atkinson was in 2008 when his band Only Makebelieve released their excellent debut album, Message From A Mockingbird.  After a decade-plus wait, Atkinson has just released his debut solo album, Weather On The Brain. The album was recorded and carefully crafted over the last five years by Atkinson in his home studio, produced by Atkinson and Eddy Groen and mastered by Steve Turnidge at UltraViolet Studios in Seattle.       

The standout single, “King Of Nothing” opens the album with a trio of sounds including, e-bow, Theremin and sweeping, spacey synths; urging you to strap on your headphones for a whole album journey through Sam’s penchant for power-pop, love for Rush-inspired prog-rock and 80’s synth-pop, for an eclectic yet cohesive listening experience.  Other standouts including, the Carpenters-esque 70’s balladry of “My Angel” and the laid back jazz lounge vibes of the title track, along with the jangly, 12-string guitar-led “Up Down Right” and the aptly-titled experimental electronica of “Weird Dance” show Atkinson branching out from his signature sound into new sonic territories.  The thirteen-track album closes out with the climatic closer, “All Questions Will Be Answered” with its lushly-layered guitars and soaring synth and vocal melodies. Atkinson has once again crafted pure pop perfection, this time with his solo studio project.   

Stream Weather On The Brain here:

Wednesday, October 07, 2020

REVIEW: The Hives – Live at Third Man Records

 

Last year Swedish garage-rock icons, The Hives, regrouped and toured the States after a lengthy hiatus.  They kicked things off with a live performance in the Blue Room at Nashville’s Third Man Records.  The explosive evening was captured live direct-to-acetate on May 19, 2019 and released via Third Man Records late last month for the band’s first ever live album. 

The seven-song tracklist includes fun fan favorites, “Main Offender” and “Walk Idiot Walk”, and is highlighted of course, by effortlessly-energetic performances of their signature smash singles, “Tick Tick Boom” and “Hate To Say I Told You So”.  Also included is a lively performance of their vamping, stomping new song, “I’m Alive”. 

The Hives have always been considered one of the best live bands and now you have sonic documentation. 

Stream/order The Hives – Live at Third Man Records here: https://thirdmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-third-man-records-3

Stream “Hate To Say I Told You So” taken from The Hives – Live At Third Man Records here:

Friday, September 04, 2020

3 Songs: On Repeat

Benchmarks – “Six One Way” (The Nashville-based indie rock/emo-punk hybrids led by Todd Farrell Jr. recently released their sophomore album, Summer, Slowly.  The excellent new album deftly places poignant and relevant lyrical themes of change - both personal and social - alongside contrastingly fun-loving and anthemic punk rock melodies with dual guitar leads and sing-along choruses.  Check out the timely, social media-inspired message of the standout single, “Six One Way”, here.) https://benchmarks.bandcamp.com/album/summer-slowly   

In Parrallel – “Deep Dark” (Nashville’s In Parallel consists of former members of Celebrity and Hopesfall; who hit the sweet spot between atmospheric space-rock and shoegaze-inspired post-punk on their new EP, Fashioner, out today on Wiretap Records. The 5-song EP – led by the driving and moody single heard here - was mixed by Ken Andrews of Failure and follows their stunning 2018 debut EP, Broken Codes.) http://www.inparallelband.com/

Rufus Wainwright – “Damsel In Distress” (The eclectic singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright recently released his long-awaited, ninth pop album, UNFOLLOW THE RULES via BMG.  Boasting swooning melodies and grand arrangements, the new album – his first in over eight years – delivers both catchy folk-pop tunes and dreamy piano-led balladry that focuses on aspects of marriage, family life and growing older with grace, charm and the sly humor we’ve come to expect from the troubadour.  Watch Wainwright’s CBS Saturday Sessions performance of standout track, “Damsel In Distress” below.) https://rufuswainwright.com/
Watch:

Monday, August 24, 2020

PREMIERE: Sock-Tight – “Got Dapples, Yay” | Record Store Day 2020 – ORG Music

The original date in April for Record Store Day 2020 was cancelled in due to COVID-19 - which seems like a lifetime ago - but Record Store Day is set to soldier on and will spread the wealth over three separate dates to allow for social distancing; it will now be held on this Saturday, August 29; September 26 and October 24.
Once again ORG Music is offering up 9 tasty platters of vinyl including releases from Mia Doi Todd, Marion Brown and Jimmy Sweeney, among others.  Listed below are my top 3 choices from the ORG Music offerings for Record Store Day this year, including an exclusive premiere of the track, “Got Dapples, Yay”” from punk rock legend Mike Watt’s new collaborative project, Sock-Tight.   
Sock-Tight – “Got Dapples, Yay” (Sock-Tight is the experimental project of longtime friends, collaborators and punk rock royalty; bassist Mike Watt and visual artist/vocalist Raymond Pettibon.  Their debut album, Smudge, will be released for Record Store Day #1 on August 29.  Watt lays down a bed of his signature bass spiels, allowing Pettibon’s humorous avant-leaning musings to bloom alongside funky beats and jazzy saxophone skronks from guests including, Steve McKay of the Stooges and Vince Meghrouni.  The gatefold jacket includes four pieces of Pettibon’s artwork and is pressed onto either black or randomly inserted blue vinyl, due out August 29.) 
Stream the neurotic nursery rhyme-like track “Got Dapples, Yay”, featuring call and response vocals from Pettibon and guest Aida Ruilova and saxophone by Steve McKay, here:

Infectious Grooves – (The funk-metal offshoot of Suicidal Tendencies - led by ST’s Mike Muir and bassist Robert Trujillo of Metallica - returns with a new 4-song EP titled, Take You On A Ride, out October 24. Pressed onto transparent orange 12” vinyl and mastered at 45RPM, the EP features a new track, “Take You On A Ride” as well as 3 originally recorded in 1995.)

Würm – (Würm is the punk band formed in 1973 by legendary Black Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski before he co-founded Black Flag. This RSD exclusive 7” inch – limited to 1,000 copies worldwide - offers their first new recordings in over 40 years, with tracks, “Poison” and “Zero Sum”. The standout A-side opens and ends with a Doors-like psychedelic passage before launching into a satisfying Sabbath-like stoner-punk groove. Available September 26.)

Friday, August 14, 2020

Stream It From The Mountain: The Slackers – “Nobody’s Listening” + “Sleep Outside”

Long-running NYC-based ska/reggae institution The Slackers recently released a new two-song 12” single via Pirates Press Records.  For 30 years, vocalist/keyboardist Vic Ruggiero, saxophonist David Hillyard and crew have created an infectiously danceable blend of jazz, reggae, rock and ska and these two new tracks live up to the standard they’ve set.  Lead track “Nobody’s Listening” is a 50’s rock and reggae hybrid with a start-stop rhythm.  “Sleep Outside” blends nostalgia and a timely political message alongside a bouncy beat and catchy melody.  Both songs were recorded live at Ernesto’s in the Netherlands.     
Pirates Press Records continues their innovative streak, offering The Slackers’ “Nobody’s Listening” and “Sleep Outside” on 12” vinyl with the songs on one side and a fantastic UV digitally-printed design of the album art on the B-side.      
Stream “Nobody’s Listening” / “Sleep Outside” here:


Watch a quarantine performance of “Nobody’s Listening” here:

Friday, August 07, 2020

Stream It From The Mountain: Bob Nanna – Celebration States


Bob Nanna of Braid, Hey Mecedes, Lifted Bells, etc. recently released his first proper solo album under his own name.  Celebrations States – out now on New Granada Records – is an acoustic album recorded on what would have been his wedding anniversary.  Lyrically, Nanna documents every range of emotion including the messy lows and hopeful highs of his post-divorce life with unflinchingly honest detail laced with glimmers of humor and hope.
Standouts include the one-two gut punch of the melancholic album opener, “Do You Want To Buy A Guitar?” and the self-depreciating single, “Mr. Albatross”.  Likewise “Instant Chemistry” is a late album surge of self-discovery and newfound love that gives the cathartic album a sense of closure.   
Though painfully raw and honest, Celebration States is relatable and worth celebrating as one of Bob Nanna’s best accomplishments in his storied musical career.   
Stream Celebration States here:

Friday, July 31, 2020

REISSUE: that dog. – Totally Crushed Out & Retreat From The Sun

that dog. was one of my absolute favorite bands of the 90’s.  The criminally-underrated yet highly-influential L.A. band fused fuzzy punk rock energy and ridiculously catchy alt-pop hooks with gorgeous three-part harmonies and beautiful string-led arrangements into pure pop perfection. 
 Led by principle songwriter Anna Waronker along with sisters Rachel and Petra Haden and Tony Maxwell, that dog released three albums starting in 1993 with their self-titled debut, their excellent 1995 sophomore album Totally Crushed Out and the gleaming pop-leaning 1997 swan song, Retreat From The Sun.   Just last year, a reunited trio of Anna, Rachel and Tony (sadly, sans Petra) released a new album titled, Old LP, to great acclaim.  
Sadly, their 90’s discography had never been released on vinyl - save for a UK import version of the self-titled album and a self-released picture disc of alternate takes of Retreat From The Sun.  But Third Man Records has come to the rescue, recently releasing vinyl versions of Totally Crushed Out – celebrating its 25th anniversary! - and Retreat From The Sun.  Both albums are pressed onto 180gm black vinyl and are the cure for collectors and for your pang for 90’s nostalgia. 
Here are 3 Songs from  that dog, one each from the two reissued albums and one from their latest album, Old LP.  Enjoy!
“He’s Kissing Christian” (taken from Totally Crushed Out):


“Never Say Never” (taken from Retreat From The Sun):


“Just The Way” (taken from Old LP):

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Bush – Live In Tampa – Blu-Ray/DVD/CD

With live shows and live venues cancelling and closing up due to the current state of affairs, music fans are looking for any live music fix they can get.  To that end, 90’s alt-rock lifers, Bush recently released a live Blu-Ray/DVD/CD set titled, Live In Tampa, via Cleopatra Records/MVD.  Filmed in 4K UHD utilizing 15 multi cameras, the performance was filmed last year at the MidFlorida Amphitheater in Tampa, during their successful Altimate Tour with fellow 90’s alt-rockers Live and Our Lady Peace.   
Live In Tampa features a 12-song set packed with hits including, “Machinehead”, “Swallowed”, “Little Things”, “Chemicals Between Us” and “Comedown”.  They also perform the heavy, standout track, “Bullet Holes”, which was included on both the John Wick 3 soundtrack and their recently released studio album, The Kingdom.      
Frontman Gavin Rossdale remains an engaging and energetic performer and is locked in with his band featuring, lead guitarist Chris Traynor, bassist Corey Britz and drummer Nik Hughes, in this beautifully shot 90-minute performance.  Completing the package is an interview with Rossdale. 
Watch the trailer here:


Listen to “Chemicals Between Us” from Live In Tampa here: