it was just the drug for me: 04.10

29.4.10

TAD - Inhaler

TAD were one of the first bands to be signed to Sub-Pop Records, as well as being one of the first Seattle bands to be labeled as "grunge". While a lot of Seattle bands took their influence from punk, TAD drew more inspiration from 70's metal and hard rock. They definitely leaned more towards the metal side of things, lead vocalist/guitarist Tad Doyle even ran his guitar through four different fuzz pedals at the same time! TAD were also the only band of the grunge-era who really did dress like lumberjacks. In almost every promo photo of the band Tad Doyle has a beard and is wearing a flannel shirt, work boots, track pants and a trucker cap. I sometimes get the feeling that if Tad Doyle had even been half as handsome as Chris Cornell (no homo) the band would've been twice as big as Soundgarden. Inhaler was produced by J Mascis and homeboy makes the band sound absolutely huge.

Sloan - Smeared

The debut full length from one of Canada's most popular bands. Halifax's Sloan sounded like a more shoegaze-y Sonic Youth with four-part Beatle-esque harmonies on this one. Geffen Records released this in the U.S. to little or no fanfare in early 1993, and the band were dropped shortly after and still haven't had a U.S. breakthrough. In Canada however, the band is all over the radio and TV, winning Juno Awards (Canadian Grammys) and having their music featured in beer commercials.

Teenage Fanclub - Bandwagonesque

This early 90's Glaswegian power pop band sounds just like Big Star. Gumball's Don Fleming produced Bandwagonesque, which was their commercial and critical breakthrough (in America at least). This album beat out both Nirvana's "Nevermind" and My Bloody Valentine's "Loveless" in the 1991 Spin magazine year end poll.

28.4.10

Hooded Menace - Never Cross The Dead

Another soon-to-be-classic full-length album from this Finnish blackened doom trio. Frontman Lasse Pyykö also shreds his pipes in Acid Witch and Claws, two totally rad bands.

Fu Manchu - In Search Of...

This was the last Fu Manchu album with lead guitarist Eddie Glass and drummer Ruben Romano who split to form the band Nebula. More great rock from California's third best stoner band (after Sleep and Kyuss, natch). Songs about muscle cars, space, and getting totally rad. You'll dig this if you like fuzz-pedals, riffs, fun and bong-hits.

27.4.10

Glass & Ashes

Glass and Ashes - Aesthetic Arrest

Glass and Ashes - S/T

I first caught on to this band from a friend who had a song on their myspace 4 years back. I was immediately hooked by the not so traditional guitar work and constant throaty screaming (no singing at all) which not many bands do now a days in this style. Members of Young Livers (hence the post), very under rated, barely toured and put out 2 records on no idea. I was able to pick up their last release in New york this past weekend. FFO: Planes Mistaken for Stars, Fugazi/Rites of Spring

25.4.10

Eric's Trip - Love Tara

This is the group's 1993 Sub-Pop debut, and first release not put out by the band members themselves. Eric's Trip were a dreamy lo-fi punk band who took their name from a Sonic Youth song. They were part of a tight-knit scene of musicians in Halifax, Nova Scotia that generated a lot of buzz in the wake of the Seattle and grunge music explosion. Along with Sloan, Thrush Hermit and Jale they helped popularize the "Halifax" sound. Eric's Trip write short dreamy pop songs that are pure fuzzed-out bliss. Rick White and Julie Doiron's voices blend extremely well together, especially on the folkier numbers. This is one of the best albums to ever come out of Canada.

Andy and the Pandys - Drink Up, Weary Soul

Andy and The Pandys - Drink Up, Weary Soul

This is a new record from an old friend. I met Andy Maitland in London where we both went to school for music. He's a drummer by nature but a song writer at heart. His first album was a double disc of material that he wrote, played, and recorded entirely by himself. If you dig this, I can post that later. This record reminds me of Matt Pond PA at times. I recommend listening to "Cannibals" on repeat.

Batcomputer - Spring Is A Chorus Of Vomit

Batcomputer - Spring Is A Chorus Of Vomit, Everyone Rejoice!

This record reminds me of an 80's movie where there was a Jock and a Geek who were both trying to get with the same Girl, and the Geek has to prove himself to the Girl but the Jock doesn't because he thinks he's too cool for school. Then by the end of the movie the Geek wins over the Girl at the school dance they were trying to save and then this record comes on and they get their first slow dance. Like Cru Jones and Aunt Becky in Rad, except without the bikes, and more reverb.

Gumball - Super Tasty + Wisconsin Hayride EP

Gumball were a New York alternative band led by scene vet Don Fleming. Prior to Gumball Don led the bands B.A.L.L. and The Velvet Monkeys and was also an in-demand record producer, working with Sonic Youth, Hole and Teenage Fanclub to name a few. He was also briefly a member of Dinosaur Jr appearing on the recording of "The Wagon" that Sub-Pop released as a single in 1990 as well as a couple tracks on Green Mind. This is the European version of Super Tasty that included the Wisconsin Hayride EP (an EP of covers). I know that at this point it must be getting pretty old, but yes, J Mascis does play on this album as well as a couple tracks on the EP (the Damned and Black Flag covers). Super Tasty is a rad album that references 70's punk and power pop, eighties indie rock and even grunge music without sounding derivative. Both Super Tasty and the Wisonsin Hayride EP sound super thick and fuzzy thanks to the Butch Vig production, and are definitely lost 90's classics that should have been all the rage.

Frightened Rabbit- Winter Of Mixed Drinks

I always describe this band to people as being just like Coldplay but not as shitty. This album sounds huge but doesn't have the same punch as their last one. Don't let my negativity discourage you though because this is still an amazing album.

Pure

Pure- Feverish

Pure- Extra Purestrial

Pure- Generation 6 Pack

Pure- Pureafunalia

Pure were a 90's alternative band that i'm sure didn't get much play outside of Canada but were definitely one of my favourite bands at the time. Generation 6 Pack was their most popular album here in Canada but my vote for their best release is the Extra Purestrial ep. When i was 15 I bought Generation 6 Pack which was promptly taken away from me by my dad not because of any sort of questionable content but because i was "wasting" too much money on music. Thankfully my mom was able to talk some sense into him and I got the cd back. Now here it is 14 years later and I'm still "wasting" too much money on music, oh well.

Toe- For Long Tomorrow

Wow long time no post, thank dog (the bounty hunter) that Tommy is holding this shit down . Well lets get down to business, this right here is the newest Toe album which i'm sure if you're into post rock you'll already have but if not than grab this immediately. "Goodbye" is my favourite track on this album by far. An alternate version of the same track is on their New Sentimentality Ep, I'm not quite sure which version I like better but both are incredible. If I decide to stop being lazy I may even post that album but until then eat this shit up .

23.4.10

Young Livers - Of Misery And Toil

New one from these hirsute Gainsvillians. Of Misery And Toil sounds like Hot Water Music in a big way and is a lot more melodic (musically) and focused than The New Drop Era, but still every bit as gruff. The songs flow so well and the musicianship on here is out-of-this-world good. Best punk album I've heard in 2010.

Desaparecidos - Read Music|Speak Spanish

Sadly this is the only full length release from these Omaha, Nebraska cats. These guys are famous for having members of The Good Life, Statistics and, oh yeah, Conor Oberst from Bright Eyes as their vocalist. All kidding aside, this is my favourite Conor Oberst project, hands down. Here Conor screams about his distaste for American materialism, and trust me he does scream. This album was recorded by Mike Mogis in less than a week and the recording is raw, intense, and totally rad. Sounds like Pinkerton-era Weezer with a post-hardcore edge.

Superdrag - Head Trip In Every Key

Their sophomore album, which some regard as their best. John Davis went all Beatles on this one. Definitely their most ambitious album. Their label gave them buckets of cash to make this album, so long as they got another single like "sucked out" from the band. When they failed to deliver said "hit" the band was dropped, which may have been their goal with Head Trip all along: Take the money and opportunity presented to them and make their dream album. Regretfully Yours is still my favourite of theirs, but Head Trip is pretty fucking rad.

22.4.10

Happy Birthday - Shampoo b/w Alien

Another Record Store Day™ exclusive release, this time from Happy Birthday. These two tracks sound like Love You-era Beach Boys (right after Brian Wilson destroyed his voice with cocaine and cigarettes) and that is fucking rad. Two more weird and poppy jams from these dudes.

20.4.10

Sweet Apple - Love & Desperation

This came out today and the reviews so far have been pretty unremarkable. Pitchfork gave it like a five, and the AVClub gave it a C rating but, fuck that noise, this album is straight-up fun. Sweet Apple take all the best elements from 70's rock (even the ballads) and cranks the intensity up to ten. It sounds like Thin Lizzy mixed with Big Star, The Replacements and Hüsker Dü, but with J Mascis on drums (and the occasional very recognizable guitar solo and back-up vocal). I can tell you right now that this is going to be the soundtrack to my summer, dimed on the car stereo while I cruise around with the windows down screaming the lyrics out and totally bumming out squares. Get hip.

19.4.10

Minus The Bear - Omni

Minus The Bear are one of my favourite bands, and I love how they continue to grow and evolve with each new release. On Omni it sounds like the boys are going for an adult contemporary or white-boy R&B sound and it fucking works. It's like they've added elements of 80's Hall & Oates and Peter Gabriel to their sound and the results are phenomenal. It's still Minus The Bear, they haven't gone full blown yacht-rock on us here yet. It's too soon to say whether or not this is my favourite Minus The Bear album, but it is definitely going to be one of the best things I'll hear all year.

Jail - There's No Sky (Oh My My)

The debut full-length from this Milwaukee, WI psychedelic garage punk band. I picked this up before Christmas and It definitely got a lot of plays around my spot. They've since added another L to the end of their name (making them Jaill) and signed to Sub-Pop Records, so expect to be hearing a lot more about this band. To me they sound like a way sunnier Obits, but if you liked the Harlem albums I posted then check these dudes out.

18.4.10

Tombs - Winter Hours

Great blackened doom metal three piece. Tombs go from pummeling you with d-beat ragers to pummeling you with blast beats, all in the same song. Some parts remind me of Neurosis/Isis but instead of epic builds, Tombs start with the crushing riffs and keep them going full-bore throughout the song. Like mixing Isis with Coliseum and adding layers of guitar effects.

Acid Tiger - S/T

Arty and progressive noise punk from this Brooklyn band featuring Converge's Ben Koller on drums and Kurt Ballou producing. If you like The Blood Brothers, These Arms Are Snakes, Clouds and the new Daughters album you'll like Acid Tiger.

Jawbox - For Your Own Special Sweetheart

The band's 1994 major label debut. Jawbox were the first band to leave Dischord for the greener pastures of the majors. This is their best album, it sounds the best and it has the best songs. The guitars are jagged and angular, the bass is throbbing and the drums are heavy-handed while still being extremely tight and intricate. The moderately successful single "Savory" is found on this album, a song that has been recorded by both the Deftones and Far. If you like Fugazi, Chavez and Helmet then check these guys out.

Built To Spill - Water Sleepers 7"

This was the bands exclusive Record Store Day™ release. It contains the There Is No Enemy outtake "Water Sleepers" as well as a live recording of "Linus & Lucy", aka the Peanuts theme.

Upsidedown Cross - S/T

Boston doom/sludge metal band's selft tilted 1991 album released by the venerable Taang! Records label. That is British occultist Aleister Crowley (from Ozzy's Mr. Crowley fame) on the cover seated like the Buddha. J. Mascis played drums on this album and Seth Putnam from Anal Cunt played bass. To me it sounds like the perfect hybrid of Pissed Jeans and Eyehategod.

17.4.10

Look Mexico - To Bed To Battle

New album from these Tallahassee, FL youngsters. They've turned down the mathy-ness and turned up the pop hooks on this one. All the song titles are Vin Diesel quotes, which tells me right away this band has a great sense of humor, and I'd like to party with them. This sounds like everything you love about Minus The Bear, The Get Up Kids and The Arcade Fire rolled into one solid release.

Kongh

Kongh - Counting Heartbeats

Kongh - Shadows Of The Shapeless

Swedish atmospheric doom trio. These guys are fucking heavy. The new album Shadows Of The Shapeless was finally released here in North America on Seventh Rule Records (who still haven't released a bad album). Both albums clock in around the one hour mark but only contain 5 epic songs each. Walls of epic guitar riffs, thundering bass and crushing drums blanket each track. If you like Disappearer, Isis, Khanate and YOB then get ready to have your head blown out of your ass by Kongh.

Dinosaur Jr - Out There

Here is a pretty great bootleg recording of the band on the European festival circuit in 1997 while touring behind Hand It Over. I came across this on the freesofree board, and it is one of the best live recording of the band I've ever heard. This is the lineup of J., Mike Johnson and George Berz and they plow through these songs with an intensity seldom found on Dinosaur Jr studio albums. Tracks 1-9 were recorded at the Water Festival in Stockholm Sweden, and tracks 10-12 were recorded a week later at the Bizarre Festival in Cologne Germany.

Dinosaur Jr - Zombie Worm

This is a compilation of the bands SST years. It was released in Japan only and coincided with their 2006 reunion tour over there. There are also two live songs recorded at the Metro in Chicago, Il on the initial 2005 reunion tour that are pretty killer.

16.4.10

Dinosaur Jr - Some Singles

Dinosaur Jr - The Wagon

Dinosaur Jr - Start Choppin

Dinosaur Jr - Get Me

Dinosaur Jr - Feel The Pain

Dinosaur Jr - Feel The Pain (Live Tracks)

Here are some Dinosaur Jr singles from their tenure on Blanco Y Negro/Sire Records. Most of the b-sides saw the light of day on the Whatever's Cool With Me EP or the Green Mind/Where You Been Reissues, but the two Feel The Pain EP's contain some rad unreleased songs. The Live Tracks EP is a high quality recording of five Dinosaur Jr tunes that stretches over 30 minutes (due to extended soloing) and has a killer track list: "Feel The Pain" (obviously), "Get Me", "Grab It", "What Else Is New", and "Sludge". The Feel The Pain single has the song "Get Out Of This" from Without A Sound with the vocals replaced by a searing solo by J. throughout the entire song. On the Get Me single Matt Dillon sings back-ups on their cover the Flying Burrito Brothers' song "Hot Burrito #2", Matt also directed the video for "Get Me", and more recently "Been There All The Time".

15.4.10

Band of Susans - Love Agenda (1989)

Love Agenda (1989)

One of the early New York noise rock bands from the late 80's. Features Page Hamilton before he was in Helmet. One big beautiful wall of sound.

Hey Mercedes

Hey Mercedes - S/T EP

Hey Mercedes - Everynight Fire Works

Hey Mercedes - The Weekend EP

Hey Mercedes - Loses Control

After the dissolution of Braid, 3/4 of the band soldiered on as Hey Mercedes. I saw this band a bunch of times in both London, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan and they were always spot-on. Their drummer is fucking incredible, both live and on record. The debut was released by Polyvinyl while everything else came out on Vagrant. Hey Mercedes as a band also wrote amazing bridges for their songs, even if you don't like a song at first wait for the two or three-minute mark for them to shift gears and pull out the catchiest riff you've ever heard. Everynight Fire Works is my favourite album, but each release is great, especially the EP's.

Buzzov*en - Welcome To Violence

This is a compilation released by Alternative Tentacles in 2005 that contains the bands debut album To A Frown as well as the EP's Wound and Unwilling To Explain. Dark depressing sludge music. These guys were even more drug fueled and violent than their friends and tour-mates in Eyehategod. Crank this up and totally bum out your neighbors.

13.4.10

Bison B.C. - Dark Ages

I've only listened to this beast once through but, holy fuck, does this thing ever slay. These guys really give Mastodon a run for their money in the riff department, as bad-ass riffs are piled high on each track. Dark Ages is definitely one of the best albums released this year, these jams are seriously heavy.

12.4.10

Awesome Color

Awesome Color - S/T

Awesome Color - Electric Aborigines

Awesome Color - Massa Hypnos

Brooklyn by way of Detroit garage/psych rockers. These dudes play Detroit style stompers, ala the Stooges and MC5 (the singer grew up across the street from the Stooges' Scott Asheton). All three of these full length albums were released by Thurston Moore on his Ecstatic Peace! record label. I saw these guys open for Dinosaur Jr. a couple years ago in Ann Arbor and they were pretty rad. Being that the show was right in the singers hometown, his Dad came out to blaze a couple solos during their set. If J Mascis and Thurston Moore both dig these guys then you have no reason not to check them out.

10.4.10

Attack In Black

Attack In Black - S/T EP

Attack In Black - Widows EP

Attack In Black - Marriage

Attack In Black - Curve Of The Earth

Attack In Black - Years (By One Thousand Fingertips)

The best band to ever come out of Welland, Ontario. These guys have progressed so far in an incredibly short span of time. They began as a gruff punk band but have evolved into one of the best folk/country infused rock bands around and they still haven't written a bad song. Here in Canada they achieved some minor radio success with the single "Young Leaves" from the album Marriage, but instead of churning out a string of releases in that vein they did a total 180 and have released more personal lo-fi albums recorded in the basement of singer Dan Romano's parents house. They've toured up here with Built To Spill, Jimmy Eat World, Ladyhawk and The Constantines and have always held their own. If anyone has their split LP with Baby Eagle I'd love to hear those songs as well as the Ian Blurton recording of Marriage that I know is out there somewhere.