X - Aspirations

X (Aus) - Aspirations (1979)

This is a band I've always dreamed of doing. Rock and roll with a punk attitude. This album was pretty good when I heard it, but after reading the Maximum Rock and Roll interview they did earlier this year, I couldn't get enough of the band and this record, mainly. The interview described Steve Cafiero the drummer to play with the thickest sticks he could find and play with the ends. The way they described him with huge biceps and always playing with his shirt off, he would just pound on the drums while Ian Rilen would try and play as loud as he could (2x15 and 4x10 cabs that he would tilt on their sides) while trying to fight the crowd while the crowd fought themselves. The way Steve Lucas (last remaining member) described all the shows that got shutdown by cops and the venues that banned them from playing at, I can only imagine that this was Australia's answer to Black Flag and hardcore in the early stages around America. Good on you baby.

Handsome - S/T

Handsome - S/t

"Tom capone from quicksand, jeremy chatelain from jets to brazil (i think he played bass for them, anyway he's only on vocals here and he's pretty great), and some other guys including peter mengede and pete hines. they sound kinda like quicksand but a little more melodic and melancholy. good stuff.

I couldn't have said it better myself. This album was a big shocker when I downloaded on a whim (Can't go wrong with Quicksand members.. or can you?)

Tyvek - Nothing Fits

Tyvek - Nothing Fits


Tyvek gone punk. Band from Detroit who played their jangly garage quite well has gone the opposite way of what is "cool" now. Hipster cool. If that means anything. Garage turned punk and I couldn't be happier with the transition. Check it out. B+

Tamaryn - The Waves

Tamaryn - The Waves

Another banger from Mexican Summer. Female fronted vocals with heaps of echos drowning in swells. The Waves is a perfect title. I had been anticipating this release for sometime and should have posted this a while back. Some of the songs on this album are really huge, mostly the start and end which is kinda unfortunate, but for the stuff that is kinda alright, the good ones really make up for it. This will be a great listen for those upcoming winter walks (or drives) from work.

No Joy - Ghost Blonde

No Joy - Ghost Blonde

Montreal shoegaze stars have put themselves on the world map with this release. Mexican Summer (Washed Out, Best Coast) has been dropping some huge releases lately in the indie/garage/chillwave/nowave/shoegaze world (Hilarious, I know). The way Chris from Metz talks about this band, I assume they are pals. Be sure to check them out when they come by (local Toronto friends) next wendesday with METZ.

Rival Schools - Shot After Shot

Rival Schools - Shot After Shot

I ripped this song from the video that was released last month, thought Id share (yes, it's just the first single, not the album). Rival Schools have a new record coming out sometime next year, which is their first full length since 2001's United By Fate. And if this song is anything like the rest of the record, I am stoked and anticipating it to be one of the best of 2011, and you should be too. You're probably familiar with Walter Schreifels and his previous bands; Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today, CIV, Quicksand, Walking Concert, and not to mention he produced some of Hot Water Music's finest material. A+

Grids - Kansas

Grids - Kansas

I can't get enough of this record. I've had the opportunity to listen to this album a lot over the course of October, and let me tell you this might go down as one of the best albums for me of 2010. Back to back solid releases this year and I've only heard good things about their live show. Recorded by Kyle Spence (harvey milk) in Athens, and apparently this will be the last release with two guitars. I don't know if this band will last very long, but enjoy it while you can.

Weekend - Sports

Weekend - Sports(Link fixed)

I've decided to keep this blog alive. For better or worse, here is a fantastic album by the band WEEKEND (not to be confused with THE WEEKEND OR WEAKEND). The San Fransisco trio debut release SPORTS starts of with COMA SUMMER which is quite the hit and a great album opener. A little happier and not as vocal driven as a lot of shoegaze bands do now a days. I'd say if you were into the earlier No Age stuff or Joy Divisions driving bass lines, check this out. (I'm trying really hard not to reference JTMC or MBV now) Definitely a record I would pick up.