Double Whiskey Coke No Ice

R.I.P.

2012-02-11T10:47:00.001-08:00

Mediafire wiped my account this morning. Over 1000 files spread over two blogs are gone. It's been a slice.

Tenement - Napalm Dream

2012-01-15T06:02:00.001-08:00

Tenement are a punk band from Wisconsin who are totally killing it. Napalm Dream has hooks for days and sounds like Hüsker Dü mixed with the Descendents and Bracket. Good luck getting these tunes out of your head, cuz Tenement write some syrupy-sweet jams bro. One of the best releases of 2011 for sure. Go buy the 12" of this bastard from Mandible Records and look for their new 12", Blind Wink, out this month from Cowabunga! Records.

Street Chant - Means

2012-01-14T17:09:00.000-08:00

Street Chant - Means

Street Chant are from New Zealand and they are totally killer. Means was released in mid-2010 but I just heard the album a couple months ago and it slays. It sound like Veruca Salt mixed with Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. It's poppy, heavy and totally fucking rad. Do yourself a favour and grab this shit, it'll be your new favourite jam for sure. This was released by Arch Hill Records, the same dudes who put out the Surf City album Kudos that I loved so dearly.

Big Troubles - Romantic Comedy

2011-12-27T18:17:00.000-08:00

Big Troubles - Romantic Comedy

Romantic Comedy came out this September on Slumberland Records, and despite what Pitchfork may say this album slays. Don't expect the noisy shoegaze of their debut Worry (though they still give a tip of the cap to it here and there), this is a pure indie pop masterpiece. If you dig The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Real Estate, The Smith Westerns and Siamese Dream-era Pumpkins then this will be your new favourite album.

French Films - Imaginary Future

2011-12-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

French Films - Imaginary Future

I meant to post this awhile back but I am very lazy. I've been waiting for a full-length from these dudes ever since I heard the Golden Sea EP last year. French Films play totally rad indie rock that any fan of New Order, The Drums and The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart will surely dig. Top notch jams right here that you just can't help but sing along with.

Rational Animals - Bock Rock Parade

2011-12-21T18:24:00.000-08:00

Rational Animals - Bock Rock Parade

These dudes sound like the perfect blend of Black Flag and Black Sabbath. This came out in the fall on Katorga Works (which is one of the best labels going) and it totally caught me by surprise with it's awesomeness. Bock Rock Parade is a total fucking beast of an album; It's punk, it's hardcore, and it's fucking metal. There is some serious Ginn worship going on here. This is one of the better records I've heard all year. Do yourself a favour, pick this up and play it real fucking loud.

Wavelets - Athaletics

2011-12-09T17:46:00.001-08:00

Wavelets - Athaletics

Wavelets hail from Gainesville, FL but sound like they're from the mid-west. These dudes play twinkly indie rock and they play it very well. If you like American Football, or more recently Everyone Everywhere, then you'll totally be into these dudes. Tiny Engines Records just put this bad-boy out (Is there a better label going today? These dudes are seriously batting a thousand; Not one bad release) so go and buy it in every colour.

Psychic Teens

2011-11-29T19:18:00.000-08:00

Psychic Teens - TEEN

I think these dudes are from Philly, and I don't know much about them, except that they are one fucking rad band. This sounds like Young Widows mixed with Joy Division (or Sonic Youth mixed with Bauhaus). Noisy and dark rock music that any punk or goth kid can get behind.

Sacred Love

2011-11-27T19:43:00.001-08:00

Sacred Love - Love Songs Demo

Sacred Love - Dividing Lines

Sacred Love are a great hardcore band out of Baltimore, MD. If you dig Bad Brains, Cro-Mags, Burn and Bitter End then give these guys a listen, they'll have you bedroom moshing in no time. The demo is pretty rad but Dividing Lines is where it's at. Youngblood Records (one of my all-time favourite hardcore labels) released the demo 7" and the Dividing Lines 12" EP, so go and buy them both from them.

Coliseum - Parasites

2011-11-19T18:17:00.000-08:00

Coliseum - Parasites EP

Latest EP from one of the best bands going. The bulk of this EP was recorded by J. Robbins at Inner Ear Studio and the tracks all sound amazing. The remaining jams are House With A Curse leftovers (that also totally slay). The added icing on the cake here is that rad fucking cover art by Rick Froberg.

Life Sux

2011-11-05T10:54:00.001-07:00

Wavves - Life Sux EP

New EP from Nathan Williams and Co. I know this dude is a total douche, but god damn can he write some catchy tunes. Opening track "Bug" is one of the best songs of the year, and my favourite Wavves song so far. This is a great EP by an awesome band. I've been jamming this non-stop in the car on the way to and from work for over a month and I'm still not tired of it. Oh yeah Fucked Up and Best Coast guest on this thing, if that does anything for you.

Atlas Losing Grip - State Of Unrest

2011-11-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

Atlas Losing Grip - State Of Unrest

This is Rodrigo from Satanic Surfers/Intensity's new band. Fast as fuck punk rock. If you dig Propagandhi, Satanic Surfers and A Wilhelm Scream then you'll go nuts for this. I meant to post this months ago, oh well, here it is now. If you miss that 90's Fat and Epitaph sound as much as I do then this should help to fill that void.

Nothington - Borrowed Time

2011-11-02T18:46:00.001-07:00

Nothington - Borrowed Time

Here is the latest from these Bay Area punk rockers. These dudes take equal influence from Jawbreaker, Leatherface and Social Distortion (and sound like the perfect blend of all three). Gruff punk rock with lots of heart. This is their first LP for Red Scare after having released two albums with BYO Records.

Static Radio NJ - We Are All Beasts

2011-10-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

Static Radio NJ - We Are All Beasts

This is one of the best albums that I've heard all year. We Are All Beasts sounds like Samiam and The Draft mixed with a pinch of Seaweed and a dash of Nirvana; Gruff and emotional punk rock with just a touch of 90's heaviness. There isn't a bad song on here, every track is a serious banger. These dudes used to sound like Lifetime/Kid Dynamite but have grown by leaps and bounds on this new one. You need to be into this.

Big Biz - Quadruple Single

2011-10-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

Big Business - Quadruple Single

New EP from one of the most consistently rad bands around. This time out they've added a fourth member (Scott Martin, guitar) and he just fucking shreds all over this. Its like just when you think Big Biz couldn't get anymore rad, they go and release this EP, tipping the scales of radness.

CLOUDS - B Chuggas May Be Logging EP

2011-09-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

CLOUDS - B Chuggas May Be Logging EP

The last four songs these guys ever recorded and every last one of them is a serious banger. I wish these guys were still around. Awesome stoner rock from members of Cave In and The Hope Conspiracy (also the underrated A-Team). Clouds is not a band for everybody. Either you get it or you don't, and I fucking get it.

The Electronic Anthology Project

2011-07-24T07:22:00.001-07:00

The Electronic Anthology Project EP

This is Doug Martsch and Brett Nelson from Built To Spill doing 80's synth pop versions of BTS songs, and it fucking kills. This is like all the totally rad remix EP's you've heard but ten times better because they are Built To Spill songs. These aren't remixes they are totally new recordings (vocals and all). One song from each of their seven studio albums gets the synth treatment here. Party time.

PULLEY

2011-07-01T19:28:00.001-07:00

Pulley - Esteem Driven Engine

Pulley - Sixty Cycle Hum

Pulley - S/T

Pulley - Together Again For The First Time

Pulley - Matters

Pulley - Time Insensitive Material EP

Pulley - The Long And The Short Of It 7"

Fucking Pulley. One of the best melodic hardcore bands to ever grace the earth. Scott Radinsky (Ten Foot Pole) on vocals, Matt Riddle (Face To Face, No Use For A Name) on bass, Jim Cherry (Strung Out) on guitar and Jordan Burns (Strung Out) on Drums. A bona-fide punk rock super group. The line-ups shifted for subsequent releases but Scott Radinsky stuck around on vocals (despite a lucrative MLB career). Every one of these albums totally fucking slays. These guys played a major part in my youth and are definitely one of the 90's best punk bands. Life-changing tunes right here dudes.

The Dukes Of Nothing - War & Wine

2011-06-28T18:19:00.001-07:00

The Dukes Of Nothing - War & Wine

Former members of Iron Monkey playing scuzzy punk'n'roll. These dudes only released a couple 7 inches and this EP before breaking up (almost a decade ago). The singer of this band, Tony Sylvester, just recently replaced Hank Von Helvete in Turbonegro (the outcome can't possibly be as bad as Hank's new band Doctor Midnight and the Mercy Cult). If you dig Mötörhead, Zeke and Ass Cobra-era Turbonegro then The Dukes Of Nothing will leave you moist in the crotch.

MUNG - Vow Of Poverty

2011-06-27T18:53:00.001-07:00

MUNG - Vow Of Poverty

Named after Leukorrhea, Mung were a 90's Boston hardcore band. Their first EP, Vow Of Poverty, was released in 1996 on the Bosstones' Big Rig Records label. As far as I know this was Mung's only release and it totally slays. If you like H2O, CIV and American Standard then these six songs are your new favourite jams.

Social Circkle - City Shock

2011-06-27T18:42:00.001-07:00

Social Circkle - City Shock

Totally rad hardcore from some dudes who are so punk they don't even give a fuck about spelling. These dudes totally remind me of Cloak/Dagger and that is never a bad thing. Fast punk-influenced hardcore from these Boston dudes. This was released in 09 and I have no idea if this band is even still active, regardless, City Shock is totally killer.

Deep Sleep - Turn Me Off

2011-06-20T18:49:00.001-07:00

Deep Sleep - Turn Me Off

Totally awesome Descendents inspired hardcore. If you dig Lion Of Judah, Government Warning or Cloak/Dagger then this shit is for you. Ten songs with tons of melody and interesting guitar lines that breeze by in just thirteen minutes (who do they think they are the Circle Jerks?). My only gripe would be that this album is way too short.

Night Fever - New Blood

2011-06-20T18:39:00.001-07:00

Night Fever - New Blood

This is some fucking rocking hardcore out of Copenhagen, Denmark. This sounds a little like Annihilation Time, but mostly these dudes remind me of one of the best hardcore bands of the last ten years: DEAD FUCKING STOP. Eight totally rad old-school bangers that are sure to get your ass moving.

LEATHER

2011-06-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

Leather - Anchorite 7"

Leather - Sterile 7"

Leather ride the perfect middle-ground between hardcore and grunge. This is dirty, fuzzy and pissed-off shit. Leather sounds like Pissed Jeans with John Joseph singing. Jade Tree just released the Sterile 7" and it fucking slays so go buy it (Jade Tree needs the money). Sterile is more melodic than Anchorite, but both are equally rad releases that are totally worthy of your precious time.

Algernon Cadwallader - Parrot Flies

2011-05-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Algernon Cadwallader - Parrot Flies

This is the second album from these PA dudes and it is a total monster. Eleven of the best tracks you'll probably hear all year. Algernon play intense and mathy indie rock that any fan of Cap'n Jazz, By Surprise and Monument will totally dig. I thought their debut was the shit but Parrot Flies is just a total banger and so much better. I've listened to this all night on repeat and I can't get over how totally rad it is. This has already been posted on every blog on earth so if you haven't grabbed it do so because this album will totally own your life. I'll be blasting this shit out my car window all summer long. Jam.

Best Song Ever

2011-05-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

Slow One - The Double Cross

2011-05-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

Sloan - The Double Cross

The new one from these Godfathers of CanRock. This sounds like the Beatles, the Kinks and The Cars rolled into one. These dudes are Canadian Rock royalty. Power pop at it's absolute best. This album totally slays.

Maritime - Human Hearts

2011-05-21T20:50:00.001-07:00

Maritime - Human Hearts

Like a fine wine Davey Von Bohlen's songs just get better with every passing minute. Human Hearts is a pop masterpiece if ever there was one. If you don't know and love all of this man's songs then you are probably a fucking nazi bastard. This album is so fucking good I can't even put it's greatness into words. Home. Fucking. Run.

Big Kids

2011-05-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

Big Kids - Hoop Dreams

Big Kids - Don't Be A Baby EP

Big Kids - Phone Home

Big Kids are the fucking shit. Try and remember the first time that you heard Weezer.... That is what hearing these dudes for the first time is like. Big Kids play emotional punk rock that sounds like Small Brown Bike, Bear Vs. Sharks and Hot Rod Circuit mixed together. Every one of these dudes' jams is a total banger that begs repeat listening. I jam this shit on the regular and you should too. Buy whatever these dudes put out and press a beer in their hands when they play your shit town. Life changing punk rock right here.

Spraynard - Funtitled

2011-05-21T20:23:00.001-07:00

Spraynard - Funtitled

New on Asian Man Records. Mike Park has a great ear for bands (i.e. Alkaline Trio, The Broadways, The Larry Arms). This sounds just like Latterman. Fun and snotty punk rock that even an old fuck like me can get behind. Jam this and remember what it was like to get totally rad with your bro's. This album totally slays.

Tonite BINGO with Archers Of Loaf

2011-05-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

Ansikt Til Ansikt

2011-05-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

F T F - L N, L L

This thing is fucking good. Maybe I'm biased because this was one of my favourite bands throughout high-school (and beyond) but this is definitely their best LP since the Self Titled album. Chad Yaro is even back in the band after an eleven year absence. To me this sounds like Reactionary mixed with Big Choice and every track is a total banger.

M I D D L E S T A T E S

2011-05-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

TAC - Middle States

New EP from one of my all time favourite bands. These dudes can do no wrong and this EP is no exception. Four tracks in twenty-eight minutes and it definitely leaves you wanting more. Middle States is some of their most experimental stuff, and in that regard it reminds of Low Level Owl more than anything else. Epic fucking shit. Now I want another full-length.

Masakari - The Profit Feeds

2011-05-09T15:51:00.001-07:00

Masakari - The Profit Feeds

Masakari hail from Cleveland, OH and they play a brutal blend of punk and metal. These dudes are really pissed-off with religion and the government (among other things). Basically this band sounds just like Cursed circa the "One" album. Hardcore with just the right amount of grind/crust and d-beat thrown in. If you're a fan of His Hero Is Gone and Tragedy but wished they sounded a bit more like Ringworm then this is the band for you. The best use of sound clips I've heard since the "Intimacy" EP by Light Yourself On Fire. This is one sickeningly heavy album that any fan of Cursed, Early Graves or G.I.S.M. will absolutely love.

BLACK GOD

2011-05-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Black God - S/T

First there was Black Widows, then Black Cross and now Black God. This is the latest collaboration between Rob Pennington (By The Grace Of God, Endpoint) and Ryan Patterson (Coliseum). Along for the ride this time are Nick Thieneman (Young Widows) and Ben Sears (Prideswallower). This was recorded last Halloween in Louisville, KY and it totally fucking slays. Head on over to No Idea Records and buy a copy. According to the band they have already recorded the follow-up 7" but I have no idea when that will be released, hopefully soon. Best hardcore release of the year (so far).

Dear Tonight - We're Not Men

2011-05-02T18:39:00.001-07:00

Dear Tonight - We're Not Men

Dear Tonight were a punk/hardcore band from NY who existed from 2001-08. They sounded a lot like Drive Like Jehu, Angel Hair and Ink And Dagger. Lead singer Ryan Duffy used to write for Vice magazine back then as well and was one rad dude (just check out his segment for vbs.tv on donkey fucking) he was most recently seen on the MTV show the Vice Guide To Everything. This band never really toured behind this, as they called it quits immediately after it's release, which is too bad because I think they could have gone far behind it. If you like End Of A Year and Brainworms you will totally dig this album.

Young Ginns

2011-04-30T04:31:00.001-07:00

Young Ginns - Anthology

Members of Nation Of Ulysses and Unwound playing Black Flag worship. Their one and only 7" was released by the venerable San Diego punk label Gravity Records (Heroin, Clikatat Ikatowi and Angel Hair). This is their Anthology release which contains the 7" along with various comp and demo tracks. Chaotic fucking hardcore.

Capsule - No Ghost

2011-04-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

Capsule - No Ghost

Capsule are a hardcore band from Miami, FL who occupy the perfect middle-ground between Brainworms and Converge with some southern sludge thrown in (i.e. Torche and Kylsea). Heavy as fuck, spastic, melodic and totally fucking rad. This has been getting tons of love all over the place, so if you've been sleeping on this don't as it is the best heavy releases of 2011 so far (and definitely a top ten contender right now). No Ghost will be released this spring by Rorschach Records so pick up a copy, crank it to eleven and bum out all your square neighbours. I can't stress enough how rad this album is, and if you didn't love their last album Blue, fear not, as this one is a little more straight forward (but still fucking heavy as hell).

Mister Dream - Trash Hit

2011-04-21T18:05:00.001-07:00

Mr. Dream - Trash Hit

These dudes are Harvard grads who moved to Brooklyn and started a punk band. Trash Hits sound like The Pixies, Jesus Lizard and early Nirvana mixed with modern bands like Male Bonding, Wavves and No Age. Trash Hits is jagged, fuzzy and catchy punk rock that you need to be listening to right now. You'd be doing yourself a huge disservice if you slept on this album. This is your new favourite band.

Dress Like Yer Idles

2011-04-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

BOAT - Dress Like Your Idols

BOAT play really great indie rock that gives a tip of the cap to all your favourite alternative bands from the 80's, 90's and the oughts. Do you dig The Cure, Pavement, The Shins and Built To Spill? Because they've got songs that sound like all those bands. Their last LP, Setting The Paces, was one of my favourites of 2009 and this one ain't half bad either. Even if the music was shit (it isn't) you'd have to admit that that is one fucking cool album cover.

Daniel Romano - Sleep Beneath The Willow

2011-04-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

Daniel Romano - Sleep Beneath The Willow

Daniel is the lead singer/main songwriter for Canadian indie band Attack In Black. This is his second solo album to see a wide release, and it is a doozy. Daniel plays country and folk with a confidence you don't usually find in a man his age. If you dig the work of Gram Parsons you'll be blown away by how good this album is. I can't wait to get this home and drop the needle on the first track, to hear that crackle and those gorgeous harmonies and Daniel's weathered baritone. Fucking great album.

Lifeguards - Waving At The Astronauts

2011-04-19T17:38:00.001-07:00

Lifeguards - Waving At Astronauts

Robert Pollard and Doug Gillard doing what they do best together, writing catchy hook-filled fucking rock and roll. This has a real 80's sort of Wire sound to it. Spiky indie rock from some rad Ohio cats.

Buy Supplies

2011-04-17T05:40:00.001-07:00

By Surprise - Mountain Smashers

I have been listening to this album on the way to and from work everyday for the past couple weeks and I still haven't gotten tired of it. These songs will seriously be stuck in your head for weeks. Great melodies, a tight rhythm section, noodley guitars and fun lyrics have insured that this will be one of the years best albums. If you dig Everyone Everywhere, Algernon Cadwallader, Monument and bands of that ilk then this should be right up your alley. I can't recommend this album enough. Go buy ten copies from Topshelf Records and give them to your friends (assuming you have ten friends, that number may be lower for some of you) this album is that good.

Fang Rouge - Assassiner Les Montagnes

2011-04-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

R F - M T M

If you are looking to find another banger like "Prehistoric Dog" you'll have to look elsewhere, because it isn't on here. This reminds me of early 90's groove-metal, which is fucking totally rad. This sounds like the album Blind by C.O.C., only mixed with a dash Mastodon and a pinch of Soundgarden. Catchy and interesting sludge-rock that was produced by Chris Funk from the Decemberists (weird I know).

Kicking Spit - Psychrockbullshit

2011-04-16T07:15:00.001-07:00

Kicking Spit - Psychrockbullshit

Former members of the New Jersey band Seasick playing rad 80's influence hardcore punk. This three-piece sounds a lot like Dinosaur Jr. and Hüsker Dü, and I mean a lot. Tons of fuzzed out guitar solos, great melodies and a killer rhythm section make this EP one of the best I've heard in a while. Tankcrimes Records released this on LP and CD, so go grab it from them (they also have this as a free download right now on the label's bandcamp).

Miniscule Brown Bicycle

2011-04-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

SBB - F & F

I always felt a kinship with these dudes, probably due to their geographical proximity to me (Michigan/Ontario). I have been waiting eight years for these dudes to release something new and this album does not disappoint. After this long of a wait they could have released recordings of their bowel movements and I'd be here telling you how rad it sounded and how their "mic placement for track ten was especially amazing". Thankfully Fell & Found is eleven tracks of smart and gruff indie punk that is as much of a progression from The River Bed as that album was from Dead Reckoning. You need this album in your life. Lets cross our fingers that these guys keep writing and recording. Now if we can only get Hot Water Music back in the studio.

Uncle Phil

2011-03-30T19:12:00.001-07:00

Phil Collins - No Jacket Required

This is my favourite solo Phil album. All The rad jams are here: Sussudio, One More Night, Don't Lose My Number and Take Me Home. I bet there were at least a couple children conceived while One More Night played in the background, that is one smooth jam. This dude really had no business being a pop star in the 80's: He is four feet tall with a mullet, I mean the dude could have played Bilbo Baggins in LOTR and they wouldn't have needed any CGI, but God damn can he sing. Homeboy also played at both Live Aid concerts, rocking the shit out of Wembley Stadium in England before taking the concorde jet to play JFK Stadium in Philly (where he also drummed for Led Zeppelin). Throw this on the next time you want to get a chick pregnant.

Cool Cavern

2011-03-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

CC - CTLY

This is by far the best thing that I've heard all year. I've really got to hand it to Wes Eisold and crew as they've really knocked it out of the park on this one. Wes has almost single handedly created the album of the year, although he did have a hand on this one from members of Chavez, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Glassjaw. Every song on here is ready for the big time, nine serious bangers that you need in your life right now. From dancey numbers that remind me of New Order to dark synth that could make David Gahan and Martin Gore jealous. The songwriting on this is so good that I bet Wes could write circles around most bands with one hand tied behind his back.

Forming

2011-03-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

Forming - S/T

I don't know fuck all about this band except that they're young and they play totally rad throwback 90's punk rock. If you dig Samiam, Jawbreaker and Seaweed you're gonna love what these dudes are doing.

Lecherous Gaze - Audio Testament

2011-03-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Lecherous Gaze - Audio Testament

Lecherous Gaze are essentially Annihilation Time with a new singer. If you dig Thin Lizzy, Black Flag, Bullet LaVolta and Captain Beyond then you'll be totally stoked on these dudes. Some totally rad guitar parts are all over this thing, and on top of that the singer sounds like Glen Danzig (this dude has some serious pipes). This has just been re-released by Tee Pee Records as a self-titled EP, so go out and grab a copy you dummy. My neck hurts from head-banging and I suddenly want to consume large quantities of beer and smoke copious amounts of weed. I think it may be related to having this EP dime'd on the stereo. Party time.

I Guess You Eat A Lot Of Canned Food, Huh Dave....

2011-03-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

GG Allin - Hated In The Nation

2011-03-16T18:29:00.001-07:00

GG Allin - Hated In The Nation

Everyones favourite shit-smeared-nihilist-micropenis flashing-punk rocker. GG (born Jesus Christ Allin) was one wild dude who obeyed no laws, not even those of basic human hygiene. Serial killer John Wayne Gacy remarked after meeting GG that he "loved that guy, but God damned if he didn't smell like the worst pissy-assed wino I'd ever met". This is outcast music made by the most famous outcast in rock and roll. J. Mascis plays lead guitar on three of these tracks (as part of The New York Superscum), he was originally going to record a whole live set but in typical GG fashion the plug was pulled on the show after only three songs (GG shit all over the stage, rolled around in it and began attacking the audience). BITE IT YOU SCUM.

Huey Lewis And The News - Sports

2011-03-07T18:01:00.000-08:00

Huey Lewis And The News - Sports

I have some very fond memories of listening to this album as a child. My dad was seriously all about this cassette and he kept it in his regular rotation in the car stereo for a good ten years after it's release. Even though there are only nine songs on this album four of them charted as singles (Heart Of Rock And Roll, Heart And Soul, If This Is It and I Want A New Drug). This album was huge in 1983/84. Yeah of lot of this album is cheesy, but a lot of it is also fucking rad.

Pedals

2011-03-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

RS - Pedals

Walter Schreifels and co. return with a fucking stellar album of alt-rock gems that totally slays. There are some real bangers on here, right now I'm all about the tracks "69 Guns" and "Choose Your Adventure" but the whole thing is really great. As a whole this album is a lot more even than United By Fate, but not necessarily better. I thought that this band was toast a long time ago, so I am beyond stoked by anything that they release.

Jay Mass Kiss

2011-03-02T18:28:00.001-08:00

J. M. - SSOW

Basically just J. and his trusted Martin acoustic guitar (there are no drums on this thing and very little electrified guitar). I've been waiting months to get this and it does not disappoint. Tender jams from one of my favourite songwriters. There are a butt-load of guests on this thing too, namely Kurt Vile, Kevin Drew and Ben Bridwell. I always knew J.'s guitar playing could melt faces, now I know it can also melt hearts.

Stan Bush & Barrage

2011-02-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

Stan Bush & Barrage - S/T

If anyone out there was all fired up after listening to those Blood Bros mixes and wants more rad and inspiring jams from the 80's then look no further. Before you go and put this on make sure you've got an extra pair of socks and pants handy because Stan Bush's music will rock your socks off while simultaneously making you cream your jeans (this dude can sing like Sammy Hagar and shred like Eddie Van Halen). Even the slow-jams are rad (and I hate slow-jams). This contains "The Touch" and "Dare" from the Transformers movie soundtrack (the 80's animated one) as well as three tracks from the Kickboxer soundtrack. Try and be angry while listening to this, it can't be done, I'm grinning from ear to ear just writing about how fucking cool this album is.

SNFU

2011-02-22T17:03:00.001-08:00

SNFU - ...And No One Else Wanted To Play

SNFU - If You Swear, You'll Catch No Fish

SNFU - Better Than A Stick In The Eye

SNFU - The Last Of The Big Time Suspenders

SNFU - Something Green And Leafy This Way Comes

SNFU - The One Voted Most Likely To Succeed

SNFU - Fuck You Up Like A Bad Accident

SNFU - Let's Get It Right The First Time

SNFU - Ping Pong EP

SNFU - In The Meantime And In Between Time

SNFU (Society's No Fucking Use) are not just one of Canada's best punk bands, they are one of the best punk bands of all time. They have done time on BYO Records, Cargo Records, Epitaph Records and currently are releasing shit on their own label (Rake Records). For the bulk of their history the three constants have been lead singer Mr. Chi Pig (A total madman who is a punk rock legend) and the Belke brothers, Marc and Brent, whose guitar work ranks among the best of 1980's and 90's punk rock. All their albums totally slay and you'd be a fool to not grab at least one of these, seriously don't fuck around here (you really can't go wrong with any era of this band, I'm particularly fond of their 90's Epitaph output). Mr. Chi Pig is a total meth head now (a shell of the man he used to be) who is toothless and suffers from schizophrenia. He was homeless for a while, but seems to be doing better now and can still put on one hell of a show.

Blood Bros

2011-02-14T18:20:00.001-08:00

Blood Bros - First Blood: Train! Fight! Win!

Blood Bros - Heaven2Hell: Train! Fight! Die?!

The Blood Bros are DJ/Producers Derek Allen (DJA) and Dirty South Joe (DSJ). Under this moniker they have compiled only the most radical and inspirational songs from 1980's action movies (and a couple real choice recent ditties). Here is their write up for first blood:

Put this mix on when you are training on the beach, hitting the bag, chopping wood, running up/down a mountain, or generally doing anything which requires/involves fierce determination and focus to win. BLOOD BROS!

I have never read a more appropriate description in my life. The sequel may even be better than the original (It contains One Track Lover from Garth Marenghi's Dark Place). Seriously this shit has got me all jacked-up. Volume one dropped in September, and the sequel was only just unleashed in January but the Bros are already promising a third edition this year, so keep your fingers crossed for that. Don't sleep on these mixtapes as they will totally own your life, big time.

Rad - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Album

2011-02-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

Rad - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Album

The soundtrack to the ultimate 80's BMX movie. If these tunes don't get you all fired-up then you can get the fuck off my planet. John Farnham contributes two of the most radical tunes that you will likely ever hear in your life, like life shatteringly awesome songs (Break The Ice and Thunder In Your Heart). On top of that you get the song Real Life will always be known for, "Send Me An Angel". Crank this up and picture cliche 1980's montages playing out in your mind.

Aüfspring

2011-02-14T16:42:00.001-08:00

Yeah I still dig these dudes' first couple of albums. Great west-coast punk that borrowed heavily from Agent Orange, Bad Religion and especially T.S.O.L. Sure their recent output can eat a bag of dicks, but this shit right here is un-fuck-withable. Try and pretend like you didn't drive Smash into the ground by incessantly playing it over and over again. This shit is just plain rad, its been scientifically proven (like in lab tests and shit). Mr. Brett dug them and you should too. Oh yeah and punk legend Thom Wilson produced all of these releases.

Cryptic Slaughter

2011-02-14T16:19:00.001-08:00

Cryptic Slaughter - Convicted

Cryptic Slaughter - Money Talks

Cryptic Slaughter - Stream Of Consciousness

Cryptic Slaughter - Speak Your Peace

Politically charged, super-fast and pissed off hardcore/thrash from Santa Monica, CA. These kids (they were still in high school when Convicted was released) were one of the first bands signed to Death Records, and subsequently one of the most popular. They played super fast crossover that somehow managed to be both incredibly technical and a little bit sloppy at the same time. From 1986-88 they released three full length albums. The first three albums all have the same line-up and totally rule, but Speak Your Peace was recorded with a new line-up after the band broke in 1988 (guitarist Les Evans moved to Portland and resurrected the band) and as a result it is their least rad album. A couple of years ago Relapse Records reissued Convicted and Money Talks with some bonus tracks and those reissues are still available so go out and get them.

D.R.I. - Crossover

2011-02-14T16:10:00.000-08:00

D.R.I. - Crossover

The perfect combination of hardcore and thrash (the genre term "crossover" was coined from the album's title). Some say Dealing With It! is the better album and on certain days I would agree with them, but this album really is fucking killer and one of their best. This was released on Death Records in 1987 and like most of their releases it is the shit.

Excel

2011-02-14T16:00:00.001-08:00

Excel - Split Image

Excel - The Joke's On You

Great Venice Beach thrash on par with their friends in Suicidal Tendencies (Mike Muir signed them to his Suicidal Records imprint). Randy Burns (Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Possessed) produced both of these albums and they both wail. Guitarist Adam Siegel went on to play in the Suicidal Tendencies funk side-project Infectious Grooves. Dave Mustaine claims that Metallica stole the riff for "Enter Sandman" from the song "Tapping Into The Emotional Void" off of The Joke's On You LP (there are similarities, but I don't think there is much merit in his claim). If you dig Suicidal Tendencies, Exodus and Sacred Reich then you'll love Excel.

Beyond Possession - ...Is Beyond Possession

2011-02-14T15:50:00.001-08:00

Beyond Possession - ...Is Beyond Possession

Canadian thrash band from Calgary. These guys fucking slay big time. This album is so fucking fast and heavy it will scare the wrinkles off your balls. Jeff Hanneman and James Hetfield were both huge fans of these guys. This came out on the Metal Blade subsidiary Death Records in 1986 and it is definitely a classic. This thing is fucking hardcore, thrash and skate-rock all rolled into one. Crank this shit and go out and slay a bowl (like on a skateboard, not dropping a deuce). This is their only full length release (they recorded demos in 1989 but broke up shortly after).

Corrosion Of Conformity

2011-01-24T17:50:00.001-08:00

Corrosion Of Conformity - Animosity

Corrosion Of Conformity - Technocracy EP

Raleigh, North Carolina crossover thrash legends who created an absolutely huge sound for being just three dudes: Mike Dean on vocals/bass, Reed Mullin on drums and Woody Weatherman on guitar. Metal Blade head honcho Brian Slagel signed them to Death Records in 1985 at the urging of Slayers' Jeff Hanneman who had passed along their demo tape. They went to L.A. and recorded five new songs with Bill Metoyer. Those five songs would make up the A side of Animosity, while the demo that got them signed became side B (there is a very noticeable difference in sound quality between the two sides on Animosity). The artwork for Animosity was also done by the legendary Pushead. For the Technocracy EP they added vocalist Simon Bob Sinister who at the time was the vocalist for The Ugly Americans, another great Death Records band (the version of Technocracy here is the re-release with three demos that have Mike Dean singing). After these two releases they went groove metal/hard rock (they still fucking ruled) but could never match the speed and intensity of these two releases.

Sepultura

2011-01-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

Sepultura - Beneath The Remains

Sepultura - Arise

Sepultura are perhaps the greatest thing to have ever come out of Brazil (besides Pele and butt implants, natch). They had two rad albums before these and two after, but these two albums are their only truly essential releases. Sepultura seamlessly blend hardcore, death metal and thrash into one pissed-off assault on your eardrums. The band will always be loved and remembered because of these two albums and their radicalness. Max Cavalera has the perfect voice for heavy music, so in your face and aggressive, and on top of that guitarist Andreas Kisser just fucking shreds all over the place. Legendary Florida death metal producer Scott Burns recorded both of these albums (although only Arise was done at his Florida studio, Morrisound) and unlike a lot of his work the drums here don't sound like someone banging away at a typewriter in the least.

Dr. Know

2011-01-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

Dr. Know - This Island Earth

Dr. Know - Wreckage In Flesh

After having released several albums and EPs on Mystic Records, Dr. Know signed to the Metal Blade subsidiary Death Records in 1986 and released their debut for the label (This Island Earth) later that year. This Island Earth is more hardcore than metal, but by the time the follow-up Wreckage In Flesh was released in 1988 they were a full-on thrash metal band. I love it when punk and hardcore bands go metal. Metal Blade's house engineer/producer Bill Metoyer even did the recording of Wreckage In Flesh. These are by no means classic releases, just rad mid-80's punk/metal albums from one of the best 80's labels, Death/Metal Blade who's roster at the time was un-fuck-withable (Cryptic Slaughter, C.O.C., D.R.I., The Mentors, Ugly Americans and Beyond Possession).

Gang Green - You Got It!

2011-01-23T12:15:00.001-08:00

Gang Green - You Got It!

Gang Green were a Boston hardcore band who went thrash on this release. Along with SSD, DYS and The F.U.'s they were part of the first wave of hardcore in Boston during the early 80's. This is their debut for Roadrunner Records after having released albums on Taang! Records. You Got It! came out in 1987 and it featured future Mighty Mighty Bosstones bass player Joe Gittleman. Lots of songs about partying, drinking beer and getting totally rad. Their two favourite lyrical subjects were Budweisers and skateboarding.

Sacred Reich

2011-01-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

Sacred Reich - Ignorance

Sacred Reich - Surf Nicaragua

Sacred Reich - The American Way

Sacred Reich - Independent

Sacred Reich hailed from Phoenix, AZ and were around from 1985-2000. They were signed to Metal Blade Records who released these four albums (although Surf Nicaragua is actually an EP and Independent was co-released with Hollywood Records). Their debut album Ignorance is my favourite even though the follow-up, The American Way, is widely regarded as their best. Bill Metoyer (Slayer, C.O.C. and almost every Metal Blade act) produced the hell out of Ignorance and The American Way and they both totally shred. Like most thrash acts of the time their lyrics were about politics and social unrest. Well above average thrash metal. The video for American Way was also featured in the film Encino Man, which I believe was some kind of documentary about urban cavemen.

Atrophy

2011-01-23T11:34:00.000-08:00

Atrophy - Socialized Hate

Atrophy - Violent by Nature

Thrash metal from Tucson, AZ. Both of these fine slabs-o-thrash were released by Roadrunner Records in the late 80's/early 90's. The band called it quits after founding guitarist (and main songwriter) Chris Lykins left to attend med-school. Quality thrash metal with all the hallmarks of the genre: Blazing solos, double-kick drumming and generic lyrics about social unrest (with the obligatory party song thrown in). This may not be on a Megadeth level of awesomeness, but it is definitely on par with anything Exodus or Testament put out. Like most old albums on Roadrunner these are long out of print.

Wasted Youth - Black Daze

2011-01-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

Wasted Youth - Black Daze

Wasted Youth started out as a hardcore punk band in the early 80's (their singer is even on the cover of the book American Hardcore). However, on this release they went full on thrash metal. Bassist Dave Kushner went on to play guitar in Velvet Revolver and Drummer Joey Castillo went on to play with Danzig and Queens Of The Stone Age. The guitar work on this is fucking incredible, lead guitarist Rick Seccombe just shreds all over this thing with one face-melting solo after another. The musicianship overall is pretty rad and its a real shame these guys never took off. The artwork was done by Michael Seiff who also created cover art for Suicidal Tendencies, No Mercy, Excel and Beowülf.

Coffin Break

2011-01-22T18:20:00.001-08:00

Coffin Break - Psychosis

Coffin Break - Rupture

Coffin Break - No Sleep 'Til The Stardust Motel

Coffin Break - Crawl

Coffin Break - Thirteen

Coffin Break were a late 80's/early 90's grunge band from Seattle, WA. Their first three albums (Psychosis, Rupture and No Sleep...) were released on C/Z Records. The band then signed to Epitaph Records who released their final two albums (Crawl and Thirteen). They called it quits in 1993. As fas as I know all these albums are out of print (though possibly still available). Coffin Break were a little too punk rock for the grunge crowd and a little too grunge for the punk crowd. Great tunes that any fan of 90's Seattle will definitely love. Every album from these guys was recorded by legendary grunge producer Jack Endino, and as with anything he has done it sounds raw and rad. If you like Mudhoney, The Buzzcocks and Seaweed then you'll love Coffin Break.

TGUK - There Are Rules

2011-01-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

TGUK - There Are Rules

If you are a fan of The Get Up Kids than you'll no doubt already be in love with this release. If for some reason you never cared for them, give this new one a spin because it doesn't really sound like any other Get Up Kids album. As always the secret weapon is their rhythm section, the Pope brothers, who make even the most dull song sound incredible. This album has it all, angular buzz-saw guitars, Peter Hook basslines, 80's synths and melodies for days. If you like Bloc Party or Les Savy Fav then I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by this album. The last song on There Are Rules, "Rememorable", is a total banger (I've been spinning it on repeat for days now).

Lemuria

2011-01-16T05:52:00.001-08:00

Lemuria - The First Collection 2005-2006

Lemuria - Get Better

Lemuria - Pebble

Lemuria are a female fronted pop-punk band from Buffalo New York. They have released albums/singles on Art Of The Underground, No Idea and Asian Man Records and are now signed to Bridge Nine Records. Their early material sounds like Alkaline Trio and Jawbreaker mixed with Jimmy Eat World, which no doubt led to them being at the front of the pop punk pack. They've matured a bit on their new one, Pebble, taking a more sophisticated songwriting approach (and I can hear a definite Nada Surf influence going on). The album was produced by J. Robbins (Braid, The Promise Ring, Jets To Brazil) and it is definitely their best sounding stuff. If their is any justice in the world then this band will blow up in 2011.

The Futureheads - The Chaos

2011-01-16T04:50:00.000-08:00

The Futureheads - The Chaos

This is their new one which was just released last spring. Great four part harmonies sung over glitchy punk rock jams. I'm a fan of everything this band has done, but this isn't their best album, it's good but not great (and that artwork, woof). This is the Japanese version with two bonus tracks that are some of the most straight-up punk songs the band has ever recorded. Last year the band also released a Christmas single, "Christmas Was Better In The 80's" which is one of the best Christmas songs I've ever heard. So as an added bonus here is that single, it's three minutes of pure pop heaven.

The Futureheads - Christmas Was Better In The 80's

Annihilation Time

2011-01-15T15:05:00.000-08:00

Annihilation Time - I

Annihilation Time - II

Annihilation Time - III: Tales Of The Ancient Age

Annihilation Time were a hardcore band from California with some serious rock leanings whose sound reminds me of Black Flag mixed with Thin Lizzy and Motörhead. They broke up a couple years ago, which is a total bummer. The guitar work from this band was fucking awesome and there is some serious riffing on these albums. Lots of songs about partying and getting totally rad, which I can relate to (full disclosure: I get totally rad). I'm not sure what the members are up to now but hopefully they're getting another band together. If you like RKL, Suicide File and Turbonegro then you'll no doubt be into Annihilation Time.

New Lows - Harvest Of The Carcass

2011-01-15T14:54:00.000-08:00

New Lows - Harvest Of The Carcass

New Lows are a hardcore band out of Boston who play 90's style Clevo-hardcore mixed with Swedish death metal. This album has been posted all over the place, most likely for two reasons: It was highly anticipated and because it fucking slays. They sound like Integrity, Ringworm and Entombed mixed together. One of the best metallic hardcore albums I've heard in a very long time.

Phantom Tollbooth - Power Toy & Beard Of Lightning

2011-01-15T14:33:00.001-08:00

Phantom Tollbooth - Power Toy

Phantom Tollbooth - Beard Of Lightning

Phantom Tollbooth are a New York art-punk band who's members went on to play in Yo La Tengo, King Missile, B.A.L.L. and Bongwater. Gerard Cosloy signed them to Homestead Records in the 80's (Gerard was J. Mascis' college roommate who now runs Matador Records) and in 1988 they released Power Toy their final and best album before breaking up. On Power Toy they sound like an East-coast Minutemen, all jazzy and punky. Beard Of Lightning is the Power Toy album but with Robert Pollard of GBV fame singing his own lyrics. Bob had boasted (while drunk one night) that if he had sung on Power Toy the band would have "ruled the fucking world". The members of Phantom Tollbooth heard this and sent Bob the instrumental tracks to sing over, which he did, and Beard Of Lightning was the result.

Polvo & New Radiant Storm King - ...And Then I'm Gone

2011-01-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

Polvo & New Radiant Storm King - ...And Then I'm Gone

Two rad bands each contributing two songs to this split 7". Polvo are one of the pioneers of math-rock, and their 90's output is all fucking killer. I had never heard of New Radiant Storm King before this release and they play totally rad 90's indie rock that any fan of Pavement, Seam and the Pixies will dig.

Moondoggies

2011-01-08T10:54:00.001-08:00

Moondoggies - Don't Be A Stranger

Moondoggies - You'll Find No Answers Here EP

Moondoggies - Tidelands

Moondoggies have only been around for a couple years now, but they are making some of the best country and folk-tinged rock around. Their new one, Tidelands, is ridiculously good and one of 2010's best albums. They have four-part harmonies like their Seattle neighbours in Fleet Foxes, but they combine them with driving organ-heavy classic rock. Like The Byrd's Sweetheart Of The Rodeo covered by Bruce Springsteen And The E-Street Band. Over the course of their three releases they have yet to write a bad song. Moondoggies are perfect for saturday night or sunday morning. If you like Fleet Foxes, Band Of Horses or Blitzen Trapper then you'll love what Moodoggies are doing.

Maserati - Pyramid Of The Sun

2011-01-08T10:41:00.001-08:00

Maserati - Pyramid Of The Sun

Cinematic and synth-heavy instrumental rock. Pyramid Of The Sun is a melodic, driving and dark masterpiece from one of the best post-rock bands around. Zombi's Steve Moore contributes to two tracks and they both fucking slay. This whole album is dedicated to their drummer Jerry Fuchs who tragically passed away while they were making it. Whenever I listen to this band it is hard to not imagine Kurt Russell running around a scorched NYC looking for the President whose plane has just crashed, but maybe thats just me. The closing track on here, "Bye M'Friend, Goodbye", is one of the bands absolute best. Get into it.

OFF! - First Four EPs

2011-01-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

OFF! - First Four EPs

This is one of the best hardcore releases I've heard in a long time. You should already know who these cats are, that being said, It's great to hear Keith Morris fronting a band again. This sound like classic L.A. hardcore circa 1980: fast, fun and short. Sixteen tracks in seventeen minutes and each song absolutely shreds (most of the songs for this project came from an aborted Circle Jerks album). Totally fucking rad jams here.

Guided By Voices - Live in Daytron ?6°

2010-12-31T11:17:00.000-08:00

Guided By Voices - Live In Daytron ?6° Part 1

Guided By Voices - Live In Daytron ?6° Part 2

This was just released this month as a three LP/triple-gatefold album (on coloured vinyl no less) on Bob Pollards Rockathon Records. This isn't a recording from their most recent reunion tour, however, but a show in Dayton from 2001. 43 classic GBV tracks (over 2 hours of music) recorded by a mobile unit, so it sounds crisp and clear. Great live album from a truly legendary band.

Rich Kids On LSD

2010-12-22T18:41:00.001-08:00

RKL - It's A Beautiful Feeling 7"

RKL - Keep Laughing

RKL - The Best Of RKL on Mystic Records

RKL - Rock 'N Roll Nightmare

RKL - Revenge Is A Beautiful Feeling

RKL - Greatest Hits: Double Live In Berlin

RKL - Reactivate

RKL - Riches To Rags

Here is everything I have from one of the greatest punk/metal/hardcore bands of all time. For me and my group of friends in high-school these dudes were the be-all-end-all. Every song is fucking killer. RKL are the best out of all the nardcore bands (even if they were from Santa Barbara). The stuff on Mystic Records suffered from shitty production, but the songs all totally slay so who gives a fuck. The progression in musicianship that these guys made in the two years between the release of Keep Laughing (1985) and Rock 'N Roll Nightmare (1987) is unreal. I mean they were technical as fuck. The Double Live In Berlin album is one of the best punk live albums and it really showcased their skill as a band, plus they played all the old Mystic stuff (which sounded way better than their studio versions). The Revenge Is A Beautiful Feeling album is just a best of released in Germany that contains their Mystic Records recordings (the band was finally able to make some money off those recordings, as their German label actually paid them). Then in 1989 they broke up. A couple years later they resurrected the band without vocalist Jason Sears (drummer Bomber took over vocal duties) and they released Reactivate through Epitaph Records in 1993. It was a total Butt Rock album that really turned fans off (whatever I like it) and was promptly deleted from Epitaph's catalog. During the European tour for Reactivate Bomber quit the band to do drugs and they flew Jason in to finish out the remaining dates. The re-invigorated RKL returned to the United States and recorded their best album, Riches To Rags, which is the perfect hybrid of hardcore and thrash. Members from this band went on to play in Lagwagon, No Use For A Name, The Other, Me First And The Gimme Gimmes and Good Riddance.

False Confession - Left To Burn EP

2010-12-22T18:16:00.001-08:00

False Confession - Left To Burn EP

Of all the nardcore bands I know the least about False Confession. As far as I can tell this is their only official release. What I do know is that these six songs are all fucking bangers, and probably sound the best out of all the Mystic albums I've heard. Guitarist Fred Matatquin totally wails all over this thing, dropping face-melting solos in almost every song. If you like RKL, Suicidal Tendencies and The Exploited then you'll blow your load over this band. Fucking rad shit right here.

Stäläg 13 - In Control

2010-12-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

Stäläg 13 - In Control

Finally some more nardcore that wasn't released on Mystic Records. In Control differs from most nardcore in that it was recorded in a real studio and doesn't sound like ass. This is their only full length and it is a serious rager. Guitarist Dave Casillas went on to play in NOFX for a minute and here he seriously shreds. Stäläg 13 were influenced by Minor Threat and 7 Seconds (especially their clean vocal approach). This is not only one of the best nardcore albums, it is one of the best hardcore albums of all time. This here is the 2003 re-release of In Control that Dr. Strange Records put out and I'm pretty sure its still available, so do yourself a favour and pick it up because it seriously slays.

Dr. Know

2010-12-22T17:37:00.001-08:00

Dr. Know - The Best Of...

Dr. Know is best remembered as the band that child-actor Brandon Cruz (The Courtship Of Eddies Father, the Jello-less Dead Kennedy's reunion) fronted for a minute. The thing about Mystic Records best of's is that they aren't really the best songs, but all the songs the band released while on Mystic. That being said here is everything Dr. Know recorded for Mystic. After their tenure on Mystic Dr. Know went full-on thrash and signed to Metal Blade Records (I can post some of those albums too if anyone is interested). Classic nardcore that is crude, rude, fast and furious.

Ill Repute - What Happened Then

2010-12-21T18:31:00.000-08:00

Ill Repute - What Happened Then

This release combines their classic debut 7" (Oxnard Land Of No Toilets) and their first full length (What Happens Next?) onto one disc. Classic west coast hardcore. No other band of the era was more about "Nardcore" than these dudes, their civic pride was unparalleled. Fast and furious hardcore that influenced everyone after them. Ill Repute continued releasing new music well into the new millennium, and while some of their 90's output is pretty rad they will forever be remembered for their 80's heyday. Yet another Nardcore classic released by Mystic Records.

Agression - Don't Be Mistaken

2010-12-21T17:28:00.001-08:00

Agression - Don't Be Mistaken

Agression are so punk they don't even give a fuck about correct spelling. These dudes are not only one of the first (and best) skate-punk bands, they are also considered to be the quintessential Nardcore band as well. Don't Be Mistaken was released by BYO Records in 1983 and it is a true punk rock classic. After this they went metal and released a shitty album on Mystic Records, but forget all that because Don't Be Mistaken fucking slays. The song "Intense Energy" is a skate-punk classic. Famed punk rock/skateboarding photographer Glen E. Friedman even took the photo of Arthur Lake on the front cover of this album. If you dig 7 Seconds and JFA then you'll like Agression.

Scared Straight

2010-12-21T16:53:00.001-08:00

Scared Straight - Born To Be Wild EP

Scared Straight - You Drink, You Drive, You Die

Scared Straight were a Nardcore band (even though they were actually from Simi Valley) who changed their name to Ten Foot Pole and signed to Epitaph Records in the 90's. Lead singer Scott Radinsky (who also went on to front Pulley) was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1986 (right out of high-school) and pitched in the majors for almost 20 years. Both these records were released on Mystic Records, which meant the band never got paid any money for them and they sound pretty shitty. Despite all that Scared Straight were a pretty rad band who thankfully stuck it out and, as Ten Foot Pole, released Rev which is one of the 90's best skate-punk albums. Thrash.

V/A - Nardcore Compilation

2010-12-21T16:23:00.001-08:00

V/A - Nardcore Compilation

Oxnard California, the land of no toilets (according to Ill Repute) produced a totally rad style of hardcore dubbed "Nardcore". The scene also birthed one of my favourite punk bands, Rich Kids On LSD (RKL). This comp is jam packed with tasty hardcore nuggets from RKL, Ill Repute, Scared Straight, Stäläg 13, Dr. Know, False Confession and Agression (among others). Yeah this is on Mystic Records so the production leaves a lot to be desired, but who fucking cares when the tunes rage so hard. Mystic Records' owner Doug Moody never paid the bands on his label a cent and is generally regarded as a prick, but the time I prank called him (collect no less) he was nothing but a gentleman. The one thing that unites all these bands is their lightning fast tempos and blistering lead guitar parts, I mean everyone of the bands featured here totally rages. Crank this up and circle pit around the room.

This is the first in a series of posts I'll be making dedicated to "Nardcore" and its related bands. So if you dig this, I'll be keeping the good times rolling.

No Trigger - Be Honest

2010-12-19T15:15:00.000-08:00

No Trigger - Be Honest 7"

Two new songs from one of my favourite melodic hardcore bands. They'll have a new album out next year and if these two jams are any indication it is going to slay. I thought for sure that these guys were done, but thank Jah they're back. The second jam on here, "Tooth", sounds like Banner Pilot and that fucking rules. Get this now.

Guided By Voices - 1996-2004

2010-12-18T16:46:00.000-08:00

Guided By Voices - Under The Bushes Under The Stars

Guided By Voices - Tonics And Twisted Chasers

Guided By Voices - Sunfish Holy Breakfast EP

Guided By Voices - Plantations Of Pale Pink EP

Guided By Voices - The Official Ironman Rally Song EP

Guided By Voices - Mag Earwhig!

Guided By Voices - Do The Collapse

Guided By Voices - Hold On Hope EP

Guided By Voices - Isolation Drills

Guided By Voices - Universal Truths And Cycles

Guided By Voices - Earthquake Glue

Guided By Voices - Half Smiles Of The Decomposed

So this is it, everything I have from the greatest band to ever emerge from Dayton, Ohio (and perhaps all of Ohio, sorry Trent Reznor). This is their "hi-fi" period (the exception being Tonics And Twisted Chasers which was a 4-track recording, like bee thousand, made by Robert Pollard and Tobin Sprout as a fanclub LP) in which the band utilized 24 track consoles, proper studios and budgets that went to recording, not just alcohol. Some truly amazing material was released during this period. From the Kim Deal/Steve Albini produced Under The Bushes Under The Stars, the Rick Ocasek produced Do The Collapse and the Rob Schnapf produced Isolation Drills (the final three full lengths were produced by the band and Todd Tobias). Every one of these albums slays. Nobody sings with a better fake British accent than Robert Pollard. During this period they also released four boxsets (Suitcases 1-3 and Hardcore UFO's) several live discs and tons of singles. They are all worth hearing because their are only three types of GBV songs: Really great, plain great, and just good.

Monument - Goes Canoeing

2010-12-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Monument - Goes Canoeing

Debut full-length from this Washington D.C. group. Great 90's emo influenced punk rock. Goes Canoeing was just released this month on the Tiny Engines record label and if you dig their label mates Everyone Everywhere, Look Mexico and Castevet then you'll dig Monument. Take the spastic energy of Brainworms and the pop hooks of The Get Up Kids and you've just nailed their sound. I've been waiting to hear a full length from these dudes since I heard their 3 song 7" (which has been in constant rotation around my spot for over a year). In fact here is that seven inch, and their equally as rad demo:

Monument - 3 song 7"

Monument - Monujamz demo

Buffalo Tom

2010-12-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

Buffalo Tom - Self Titled

Buffalo Tom - Birdbrain

Buffalo Tom - Let Me Come Over

Buffalo Tom - Big Red Letter Day

Buffalo Tom - Sleepy Eyed

Great Boston rock band influenced by Hüsker Dü and The Replacements. The self titled debut and Birdbrain were both produced by J. Mascis and pretty much sound like Dinosaur Jr. minus the face-melting guitar solos (although J. does wail away on the track Impossible off the self titled). On Let Me Come Over the band enlisted the famed production duo of Paul Q. Kolderie and Sean Slade and it featured a much sleeker and polished sound. For Big Red Letter Day they worked with the Robb Brothers who scored a hit with The Lemonheads' album It's A Shame About Ray. It is also the most successful Buffalo Tom album and contains the hit single "Soda-Jerk" that was used in the TV series My So Called Life. The boys also appeared in a seperate episode of the show playing the song "Late At Night". Buffalo Tom took a much rawer approach on the album Sleepy Eyed, both in production and songwriting. Its the most punk sounding of their albums since the self titled. Frequent Dinosaur Jr collaborator John Agnello recorded the album and its a real rager. This band just got better and better with each successive release. They are back together now and will have a new album out early next year. If you are a fan of 90's alternative rock i.e. Dinosaur Jr., The Lemonheads and Superchunk then you're bound to find something to like here.

French Films - Golden Sea EP

2010-12-13T14:47:00.001-08:00

French Films - Golden Sea EP

This is the debut EP by the Finnish pop band French Films. These five dudes write catchy and bouncy indie rock that reminds me of Phoenix, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, The Drums, Joy Division and The Cure. French Films are in the process of recording their debut full length, and I really can't wait to hear more from these guys. These sunny tunes will be swimming in your head all day long.

V/A - Casual Victim Pile: Austin 2010

2010-12-13T09:20:00.001-08:00

V/A - Casual Victim Pile: Austin 2010

This album was released by Matador Records at the start of 2010 and it compiles the best and brightest new bands from Austin, TX (with a few ringers from Denton, TX). This was assembled by Matador co-founder Gerard Cosloy who moved to the city a couple years ago and fell in love with the local scene (he's since signed Harlem to Matador). Great songs from Woven Bones, Wild America, Harlem and The Young. "Casual Victim Pile" is an anagram for "live music capital", which is what Austin is. So if you thought Texas was all honky-tonk and Stevie Ray Vaughn worship give this a spin and see how fucking punk the city is.

Fugazi - In On The Kill Taker: Albini Demo

2010-12-12T16:28:00.001-08:00

Fugazi - In On The Kill Taker: Albini Demo

Seven songs off Kill Taker recorded by Steve Albini in his Electrical Audio Recording studio. A lot rougher around the edges than the eventual final product (these songs were all re-recorded by Ted Niceley and Don Zientara at Inner Ear Studios for the finished product). The drums sound fucking huge. Both the band and Steve think the final product was superior to these recordings, I just think this is a cool little demo that any fan of Fugazi should hear at least once.

The Young - Voyagers Of Legend

2010-12-12T13:02:00.001-08:00

The Young - Voyagers Of Legend

The Young are a four-piece rock band out of Austin, TX and this is their debut LP. Released on Mexican Summer Records (who are really knocking them out of the park) this fall, Voyagers Of Legend is dark and catchy rock and roll that sounds like GBV, Superchunk and Hot Snakes mixed together. I haven't read too much about these guys online, which is a shame because this album is fucking killer. Voyagers Of Legend is limited to 1000 copies (like most Mexican Summer LP's) so grab it now before it goes out of print.

Guided By Voices - 1986-92

2010-12-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

Guided By Voices - Forever Since Breakfast

Guided By Voices - Devil Between My Toes

Guided By Voices - Sandbox

Guided By Voices - Self-Inflicted Aerial Nostalgia

Guided By Voices - Same Place The Fly Got Smashed

Guided By Voices - Propeller

Forever Since Breakfast, the bands debut release, saw them playing American college rock in the vein of early R.E.M. After Devil Between My Toes was released Guided By Voices stopped playing live, due in part to their albums failing to catch on locally as well as the members responsibilities to their families and various day jobs (most famously Robert Pollard who was a fourth grade teacher). The next series of albums were all self financed/released by the band in limited numbers, recorded in the garage 8-track studio of a Dayton friend. During this time the core was Robert, his brother Jim (who never fully joined the band due to his working the second shift at the local GM plant) and Mitch Mitchell. Propeller was supposed to be the bands farewell, however, a friend of the band sent it out to publications and they gained national exposure in the pages of Alternative Press and most notably in Spin magazine. This resulted in several celebrated live performances in Philly and New York, where Mitch Mitchell jumped and windmilled like the bastard child of Pete Townsend, and Robert did microphone twirls and high kicks with beer and cigarette in hand. Every album has its high points (and very few lows), Propeller stands up the best today, but they all fucking slay. Thank Jah they never quit after Propeller.