Wavves - "King of the Beach"

Seeing as how I just got home from a King of the Beach themed party last night, it only feels right to post this rad little gem of an album.

I typically don't trust Rolling Stone to give me good music or accurate reviews, but when they mentioned a band with a guy named Nathan singing accompanied by some long haired looking surfer dude in a Misfits shirt singing and playing a jazzmaster, I had to check them out. I wasn't dissapointed.
Wavves is the brainchild of Nathan Williams. Though it started with solo recordings from a bedroom, this was the first album he recorded with a full backing band (Jay Reatard's backing band, actually) in a full on studio, and its right about when Wavves stopped being an interesting little noise experiment and became a fun, unique band. Alot of people like to hate on Wavves (or so I have heard,) saying they are boring and un original. I say nay, you haters. Wavves rules!
It's beach ready fuzz pop, with a dash of punk thrown here and there. There's a ton of Beach Boys-style "oooohs" and Ramones buzzsaw riffs, with even a hint of 90's alternative here and there. Think Nirvana, if Kurt Cobain surfed and smoked weed instead of shot heroin. Whats real interesting, however, is the occasional exploration into noise rock and shoegaze they make, sandwiching optimistic sounding pop punk riffs with really surreal effects and lyrics. The production strikes just the right balance of slick sheen and lo fi noise, making for an organic -yet raw- sound. Its funny because I tend to prefer a bands lo-fi origins compared to its production heavy evolution, but I think Wavves went from a middle of the road noise project to a legitiment musical force with better sound quality and a full band. Just dont expect any deeper lyrics then mediations on girls, having fun, smoking up, and (you guessed it) the beach.
Overall, the album is brilliant in a really bratty, fun way. It juxtaposes all that sunny American good time surfer soul shit with tight, mean sounding riffs and apathetic values that cuts open the throat lets all the sunshine out. 60's slackers had surfing and lazing, modern day slackers have... Wavves. Or whatever. Its a really good record, so enjoy!

1. King Of The Beach
2. Super Soaker
3. Idiot
4. When Will You Come
5. Post Acid
6. Take On The World
7. Baseball Cards
8. Convertible Balloon
9. Green Eyes
10. Mickey Mouse
11. Linus Spacehead
12. Baby Say Goodbye


DL link here!



PS, here's me being a King of the Beach.

The Exploding Hearts - "Guitar Romantic"

So here's a sad story for yea.
A bunch of perfect looking young adults get together to write some of the most perfect music ever made. They make one sole, brilliant, underrated album. And then they get in a car crash after a gig and 3 of the 4 core members die far to young. Saddest story in a long time, especially after you listen to this one album of what could have been.
What could have been is one of the most influential power pop/rock bands ever. Seriously, I'm not exagerating, this entire album is just perfectly made and produced. The songs all sound different yet consistant, packing enough poppy garage punk jams with romance and cheap thrills to get your rocks off. Its poppy enough to appeal to the little girl in everybody yet raw enough to still feel legit. The lyrics are clever, fun, light hearted yet full of timeless teenage angst and mature longing. Its like a John Hughes movie and an episode of Happy Days had break up sex and spawned a baby that plays music. Oh and the best part? These old 70's sounding souls were active in the early 2000's. Bet you wouldnt have guessed that!
So download this and listen to a snapshot of what could have been. Best songs include "Throwaway Style" and "I'm a Pretender," for fans of dancable pop music that you wont feel guilty for listening to. Also, a great alternative to that "Moves Like Jagger" bullshit.

1. Modern Kicks
2. I'm A Pretender
3. Thorns In Roses
4. You're Black & Blue
5. Sleeping Aides & Razor Blades
6. Rumours in Town
7. Throwaway Style
8. Boulevard Trash
9. Jailbird
10. Still Crazy


DL Link here!

(ALSO GUYS, It is officially halloween season! which means plenty of schlocky horror movies, music, and dress up shows! expect a post on what to check out this october real soon.)

Elvis Costello and the Attractions - "This Years Model"

I can't believe I have never posted this one before!
I have ALOT of respect for Elvis Costello, even if I don't like all of his music. He's my favorite lyricist ever, I love how he experiments with so many different styles, and is willing to work with such a diverse range of people. I actually sang a b-side of his from "My Aim Is True" to get into theatre school!
Most of the stuff I like by him is his early work with the Attractions, and this his second album is hands down my favorite record by him (and possibly, ever!)

He would start as a mid tempo country twang rocker and end up a new wave icon, but this album perfectly captures the time in between. Deftly blending organs and synths with classic rock and roll riffs, herky jerk punk grooves, and some seriously snarling lyrics. This was pissed off, cynical Elvis at his best, criticizing everything from the Radio to miniskirt wearing punkettes hanging out at McClarens SEX shop.
I wish I had discovered this album when I was a bombastic, self proclaimed punk rocker who sneered and hated on vague concepts like "government" and hate" and rocked out to my simple 1-2-3-4 chords. Dont get me wrong, that stuff still rules, but Elvis took all those ethos and actually added some intelligence to the mix. His tunes on this record were just as fast and catchy as anything the Damned did, but it also had a brain and a far more unique shine to it. I feel like it is ageless, as a result. Pump It Up, Radio Radio, (I Dont Want TO Go To) Chelsea..... There are SO many classic songs on here, I cant even handle it. Whats even better, he was an INCREDIBLE live performer at this point in his career; go youtube Costello in the 70's to see what I mean.
Bottom line, when people say that Elvis is the King of Rock and Roll, I think Costello.

1. No Action
2. This Year's Girl
3. The Beat
4. Pump It Up
5. Little Triggers
6. You Belong to Me
7. Hand in Hand
8. (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea
9. Lip Service
10. Living in Paradise
11. Lipstick Vogue
12. Night Rally
Bonus Tracks:
13. Radio, Radio
14. Big Tears
15. Crawling to the USA
16. Running Out of Angels
17. Greenshirt
18. Big Boys

DL here! Enjoy!

The Coachwhips - Bangers vs Fuckers

These has instantly become a new favorite of mine, the kind of band you hear for the first time and have no idea why you've never heard them before. Major shout out to my friend (and future band mate) Chris for showing them to me.
The Coachwhips were an exciting three piece garage punk rock and roll band from San Francisco, consisting of a guitarist/vocalist, a drummer and an organ player. "Exciting" may be something of an understatement. This music is loud, fast, simple, and sounds like its falling apart at the seams... and yet its so brilliantly tight and musically sound, your jaw is left somewhere on the floor as each song attacks you for a minute and a half each. The vocals are so distorted, you only manage to catch a word or two, a "yea" here and a "baby" there. Luckily, The Coachwwhips aren't trying to tell you anything; they just wanna get your ass shaking in all sorts of weird ways. Think the White Stripes (if the White Stripes actually COULDNT play there instruments) on speed, being molested by the organ player from The Attractions. As you can see, I haven't lost my touch for nasty metaphors.
I seriously love these guys. They aren't a band anymore, but the singer/guitarist has a fantastic new band called Thee Oh Sees. Catch them at Sled Island if you can!
Enjoy!

1. You Gonna Get It
2. Extinguish Me
3. I Knew Her, She New Me
4. Purse Peekin
5. Dancefloor, Bathroom
6. I Drank What?
7. Evil Son
8. Thee Alarm
9. Recline, Recline
10. (Harlow's) Muscle Of Love
11. Goodnite, Goodbuy


Download it here!

Streetlight Manifesto - "Everything Goes Numb"

As far as third wave ska goes, it doesnt get much better then Streetlight Manifesto.
Taking the manic energy of punk and putting an extremly talented brass line behind it while playing in what sounds like fast forward, its hard not to get up and start skanking whenever I hear these guys. I saw them live not to long ago and I dont think I'll ever forget it, the bearded sax player doing scissor kicks, the doc martin boots I kept getting to the face, the massive sing alongs. Formed from the remains of Catch 22 and in my opinion, far better.... Streetlight Manifesto isn't a band you should miss! Enjoy!

01- Everything Went Numb
02- That'll be the Day
03- Point/Counterpoint
04- If and When We Rise Again
05- A Better Place, A Better Time
06- We are The Few
07- Falling, Falling
08- Here's To Life
09- A Moment of Silence
10- A Moment of Violence
11- The Saddest Song
12- The Big Sleep

Download it Here!

The Max Levine Ensemble - OK Smartypants

I find it hard to believe I haven't talked about these guys before on this blog; they only happen to be one of my favorite bands currently active. Oh well, better late then never.
I have posted before about the wonderful D.I.Y collective known as Plan-It X Records. In case you didn't read it way back when, they are a do-it-yourself record label rub by Chris Clavin. A diverse nucleus of bands, ranging from indie to folk (including some of my favorite bands, like Defiance Ohio and This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb) operate out of it, often sharing members with one another. The Max Levine Ensemble is one of them.
A classic three piece pop punk band in the spirit of Screeching Weasel and Blink 182, The Max Levine Ensemble was actually once a fast paced third wave ska band. They were fantastic back then, and they are fantastic now. Always love it when a band can evolve without sucking. Please also understand that when I say pop punk, I mean a punk band that plays poppy, catchy riffs. I don't mean Warped Tour style, basketball jersey clad "Pop Punk" (which has its place, dont get me wrong.)
They play bratty, irresistable pop riffs with surprisingly complex structures and deep lyrics that touch on concepts like hometowns, loss, terrible radio stations, and that girl you once loved who changes with the seasons. Its all done up tempo with the kind of energy that only comes with youth. Don't miss this band while they are still young, everything they have done is amazing. This just happens to be my favorite album.
For a D.I.Y album, the production is surprisingly slick and each song fades into the next... this only add's to it. Alot of "punk" bands shy away from nice production, but The Max Levine Ensemble embraces and loves it.
Track highlights are "Nuclearadio" and "Summer, Like The Season." Enjoy this album like you enjoy the summer!

1. One Click.
2. Thrash Mt. Towson.
3. Firetoowwweerrr.
4. Aren't All Songs Political? Are’nt All Songs Vaguely Self Referential?
5. Nuclearadio.
6. The Accident.
7. Small Talk. ( Blah, Blah, Blah )
8. Love, Capital L
9. You’re Bitter.
10. Franny And Hooey.
11. Complex Machines.
12. The Loss.
13. Summer, Like The Season.
14. I Loved To Watch Them…

The Max Levine Ensemble, in true D.I.Y fashion, post all of there music online for free download. Go to their official website, scroll to the album, and download it for free Here!

Mika Miko - "We Be Xuxa"

There is a few reasons I think its important to talk about this band right now. First of all, with the aforementioned death of Poly Styrene, I think its important to take a look at the joy she influenced and the inspiration she gave every woman with a scream. Secondly, its sunny and awesome outside right now! And there's no better way to enjoy these sort of days then with a glass of lemonade and some low rent, proto punk fun.
Mika Miko was an all girl indie punk band known for frantic sugar fueled live performances, wonderfully lo-fi recording quality, and poppy hooks. They stood outside typical "punk" norms by being consistantly self aware, humourous, and giddy about life. Plus, who isn't a sucker for dueling banshee like chick singers? Listening to these gals is like listening to a kid drinking his first soda pop and jumping off the walls! Its a bummer they broke up, but oh well.
Album highlights include "Wild Bore" and "Keep On Calling." Put this on and shake those hips!

01. Blues Not Speed
02. Turkey Sandwich
03. Wildbore
04. Sex
05. Totion
06. On The Rise
07. Beat The Rush
08. Johnson R Cool
09. Sex Jazz
10. Keep On Calling
11. Turky Barntard Mix

Download! Listen! Dance!

Grown Ups - PRETTY MUCH FUCKING EVERYTHING THEY'VE RECORDED

Sorry I havent posted in awhile, I am deep in the run of a play right now! I'm done December 30th however and all will be back on schedule!
Quick post from work, this is one of my new favorite local Calgary bands. The Grown Up's play summer bummer punk, scummy and fuzzy but still poppy enough to fit on a nineties mix tape. Its brainless in the brainiest possible way.
If Sex Bob Omb was a real band, they would wanna play in basements with these guys. They're all super friendly people, the music is super catchy, and I saw these dudes play Duderanch.... 'nough said. There has been some lineup changes recently but you wouldn't know it to see or hear them! They've posted all there recordings for free download so have at her. Enjoy!


DL Link here!

Blackbird Raum - "Under the Starling Host"

Formed by a nucleus of anarchist squatters and hobo's, Blackbird Raum is what happens when a bunch of folks to poor to afford electricity want to play anarchist punk music. Utilizing bathtub basses, banjos, acoustic guitars and a whole lotta stank, this band somehow defies that label "folk punk" that I so nostalgically apply to many bands. Instead, they sit in a far darker place; refusing the old time memry's of there peers, they play entirely original tunes rather then Woody Guthrie covers. They jump from sea shanty like hyms to fast, gypsy like howling polkas. Witches, poison, malice and politics dominates there lyrical content.
Like the old gypsy lady winking at you from her porch, Blackbird Raum is entirely unsettling... and intriguing as fuck.

01 - Turning away
02 - Catherine's wheel
03 - Lucasville
04 - All turning backs in the meadow and wait while bones are thrown
05 - To the barricades!
06 - William
07 - The helm of ned kelly
08 - Crumbs
09 - Snare
10 - Ensemble suicide
11 - Old one eye
12 - Conquest of bread
13 - A rat in my dream
14 - Path of raven

DL Link here!

Beastie Boys - "Some Old Bullshit"

It's always amazing to see how far a band has come, and changed as musicians! This compilation is a perfect example of that, showing a dramatic shift in styles that nonetheless influenced the band.
Beastie Boys have made so many waves as a frat party rap crew thats its easy to forget about the hardcore punk band they once were. No joke, Beastie Boys used to open for Bad Brains, Dead Kennedys, and Reagan Youth! Back before Adrock was added, Mike D did shouts and MCA did bass for this New York punk ensemble. They loved hardcore so much, they named there band "Beastie Boys" intentionally so that there abbreviation would match Bad Brains. Neat!
Here's the cool thing; they were actually a REALLY solid punk band! Mixing really catchy and FAST riffs with a nice lo fi recording style and a sing style that JUST about mimics the rap they would later pioneer, the Beastie Boys had chops and that musicians ear I so admire. The punk attitude of doing what they want and not giving a shit survived right into there rap careers, emphasized by the very decision they made to shift music styles! I love both Beastie Boys era's, but this is a really cool and nostalgic listen. It hearkens to mind Minor Threat and Bad Brains, both bands I love. It's music to pogo around to, so throw it on and thrash your room up a bit! Enjoy!
(PS, "Egg Raid On Mojo" is still played regularly live by the Beasties, along with a cover of the goddamn Circle Jerks. If you don't hear punks influence on rap and vice versa after listening to this, you must be dead!)

1. "Egg Raid On Mojo"
2. "Beastie Boys"
3. "Transit Cop"
4. "Jimi"
5. "Holy Snappers"
6. "Riot Fight"
7. "Ode To..."
8. "Michelle's Farm"
9. "Egg Raid On Mojo"
10. "Transit Cop"
11. "Cooky Puss"
12. "Bonus Batter"
13. "Beastie Revolution"
14. "Cooky Puss" (Censored Version)

DL Link here!

Cursed - "I"

Its been awhile since I gave Cursed a spin! However, I was at a party tonight where there third album was thrown on the record player and I got inspired to post my favorite album by this amazing, intense band.
Featuring members of various Canadian DIY punk bands, Cursed played a really unique blend of abrasive hardcore punk with the addition of chord bends, metal riffing, and the ability to actually slow down the tempo of there songs. One thing I've always noticed as a musician is that the music I find to be heaviest and most memorable is neither completely fast nor droningly slow; it ably mixes the two, drawing out chord progressions and imbuing them with emotion before bashing you over the head with intense blasts of noise. Almost like a rollercoaster, taking you up and bringing you crashing down. The value of melody can never be forgotten either! Sure, a punk band can go ahead and hit me with a 30 second blast of aggression and noise... but if I can't hum along to it, hard as it may be, its not going to stick around in my head. What I love so much about Cursed is the fact that they value all these elements without compromising one bit of aggression or emotion in there music. Cursed is a weapon, attacking your ears and leaving no room for quarter, but its every bit as musically relevant as it is hard and fast. These guys are real musicians with an ear for the melody of there music, even when it seems like nothing more then a crunching wall of noise. Blending in almost metal-core style break downs, sound clips, ambient vibes, enough blast beats to shake a mountain, and INTENSELY personal lyrics...
Big word-y analysis aside, Cursed fucking RULES!
Aggresive, abrasive, emotional, varied, unique... what more could you want?! Put this on and thrash hard, my friends!

01. Polygraph
02. God And Country
03. Promised Land
04. Bloody Mary
05. How Great THings Happen When You Give
06. 1974
07. Negative Two Point Five
08. Guilt Parade
09. Another Day
10. Opposable Thumbs
11. Pariah

DL Link here!

Bomb The Music Industry! - "Scrambles"

DIY. Making your own chances. Building your own steps and relying no body and no institution to hold your hand, this is the lifestyle that appeals to me the most! Bomb The Music Industry is a perfect example of this, both in there ethics and there sound. Combining emotional and relevant lyrics (varying from rants about monetary systems to day to day problems and troubles) with fast paced ska punk riffs, synth breaks, gang shouts, piano melodies, and an unfailingly honest sound; these guys are true artists. Its a dazzlingly deep sound! The energy and carefree spirit of punk merges perfectly with the studio experimentation, all hinging on the whims of the song writers. Never before have I heard techniques such as backwards looping, lightning fast time signatures, and digital editing used to such an amazing extent. Think of any random instrument and I guerentee its been used by BTMI! at some point, from saxophone to theremin to tub drums.
Alot of thought goes into the song writing here, and the changes in emotion is represented in the crazy varied music. Ever have a burst of creativity where for a night or two you create dozens of works of art? Stories, drawings, music, etc? Imagine that concentrated into entire albums, and your getting close to just what exactly drives BTMI! These guys are unfailingly creative and diverse, mixing an unimaginable amount of influences with the natural creativity that spurns true artists. All of these different elements come togather perfectly and like Dr. Pepper in Froot Loops, it simply should not work; and yet, defiantly, it fucking does, amazingly!
Something deserves to be said of the bands DIY ethics as well, and how it merges with them musically. First of all, the band has no set line up; its self defined as a "music collective," featuring dozens of different song writers and musicians who come and go as they please. I fully believe this is why the sound of BTMI! is so varied, as hundreds of tastes and interests come and go. Its brilliant, truly! When performing live, they encourage fans who have learned the songs and brought instruments to join them onstage and this is often how new musicians and song writers are recruited to the collective. Lets see the Rolling Stones do that! This isn't even mentioning the fact that they refuse to play any gig that isn't all ages and below ten dollars. Just how much more honest can you get?
And then there's the way they live there lives and encourage the DIY ethic amongst the fans. Want a BTMI! shirt? Print a stencil off of there web site and follow the step by step instructions on making it yourself! Want a cd? Download it for free off of there website! These guys live on the road and live for there music. I know I've said alot but truly, these humble folks play the most amazing and real music out there. I hope you love it as much as I do!

1. Cold Chillin' Cold Chillin
2. Stuff That I Like
3. It Shits!!!
4. Fresh Attitude, Young Body
5. Wednesday Night Drinkball
6. 25!!!
7. $2,400,000
8. Gang of Four Meets the Stooges (but Boring)
9. 9/11 Fever!!!
10. (Shut) Up the Punx!!!
11. Can I Pay My Rent in Fun?
12. Saddr Weirdr
13. Sort of Like Being Pumped

BTMI! distributes its music through an amazing donation based distro, called Quote Unquote records. Go there and pay what you want for this CD and whatever other album you'd like, even if its nothing! Just remember; make your own chances, dont float life away!
Quote Unquote

Martyrdod - "Sekt"

Every now and then, I hear an album old or new that reminds me why I love crust punk music. "Sekt" is one of them, coming from the always reliable Sweden to burn a sound of hatred and disgust right into my eardrums. Walls of sound, ominous and fast riffs, d-beats, blastbeats, and lyrics so powerfully delivered, it doesnt matter what language there in... Martyrdod is REALLY good, in case I'm to subtle for you! The neat thing about this album is that despite its raw production and vibe, there is seriously potent song writting and musicianship on this album. The riffs all sound iconic but never recycled, bringing a fresh take on a genre prone to generica. And while none of it is to revolutionary, its all delivered with such intensity that its impossible not to like. Add an obvious black metal influence and the occasional split second solo that riffs on (gasp!) heavy metal, and you have an album so deceptively varied that it recquires multiple listens. Throw this on and smash some states!

1. Livets Strängar Dödsackord
2. Nåd
3. Gloria Runt Iris
4. 6 Grader Till Helvetet
5. Sekt
6. Vanmakt
7. En Demon
8. Kärleksmässan
9. Död Åt Vek Punk
10. Cassiopeia
11. Stormfödd
12. Gast

DL Link here!

G.A.T.E.S - "Total Death"

In between creating crazy comics and encouraging freaky sex fetishes, Japan churns out some seriously solid punk music, music so aggresive it hits you like a bulldozer! From the lo fi hatred of Disclose to the menace and swagger of Gism, its a whole world that oughta be recquired listening for anyone getting into punk music! G.A.T.E.S throws a biker hat into the fray with a rocking sound that brings to mind Discharge, Tank, and Motorhead, all d-beats and solos just long enough to crack open another beer! I cant emphasize the Motorhead influence enough here, and in no way do I mean that as an insult. In fact, the "Overkill" cover on this album could easily be mistaken for the legendary band and pounding bass metal punk assault will make you wanna throw back a shot of whiskey and jump on the nearest bike! I hope you dig it!

1. G.A.T.E.S.
2. Sacrifice
3. Demon Crusade
4. Night Howl
5. Filth
6. Long Live the Evil
7. Overkill (Motörhead Cover)

DL Link here!

Cress - "Propaganda And Lies"

Not to be confused with a certain OTHER similiarly named anarcho band, Cress is straight up anarcho with street punk influences. Nice, fast, to the point, just like this post. Hope you enjoy!

01 Earth
02 TV Screen
03 Prisons
04 Progress
05 Fears
06 Monuments
07 Beast
08 One
09 DIY
10 Sirens
11 Machines
12 Illusions
13 Safe
14 Two Veg
15 Own Eyes
16 Manslaughter
17 Christs
18 Violate
19 Mans Laughter
20 Mentality
21 Consume

DL Link here!

Agent Orange - "Living In Darkness"

All you gotta do is listen to the chorus of "Bloodstains" to know whats up; "I lost my sense I lost control I lost my mind" Agent Orange cried, echoing the discontent that many kids of the 80's felt. It was a time of change, of stupid music scenes, judgemental folks, bright lights, and cheap wine. Agent Orange is a perfect snapshot of this chaos!
Playing a unique brand of surf/punk/skate/metal music, Agent Orange bursted onto the punk scene in 1981 with this underrated gem. Noone paid attention. The fact was Agent Orange consisted of three kids, not really caring for there clothing or who they played for, playing this strange music, covering surf classics like "Miserlou" in punk fashion and just straight up not giving a shit. It was... unique. You gotta realize this was at the dawn of the 80's, the segregation of scenes was commencing and punk fans were becoming more judgemental by the day! Gone was the old pipe dream of art school drop outs and washed out stoners all coexisting in peace; in was the brigade of identical mohawked, boot laced, studded punk kids, shoving there ideals and music tastes on anyone who didn't fit the description. Agent Orange didn't fit the description, they just happened to be amazing.
I love this album and I hope you do to! "Bloodstains" and "El Dorado" remain classics in my ear.

01. Bloodstains
02. Too Young to Die
03. Everything Turns Grey
04. Miserlou
05. The Last Goodbye
06. No such Things
07. Cry for Help
08. Bloodstains.mp3
09. Living in Darkness
10. Pipeline
11. Breakdown
12. Mr. Moto
13. America
14. Bored of You
15. El Dorado
16. Agent Orange Interview

DL Link here!

Wolfpack - "A New Dawn Fades"

Before there was Wolfbrigade, there was Wolfpack! An extremely influential band that played a mix of d-beat, crust, and death metal, Wolfpack paved the way for many bands like Tragedy and Skitsystem, combining the new level of heavy that crust punk was known for with the grinding speed and aggression of d-beat! Wolfpack changed its name to Wolfbrigade to avoid affiliation with a neo nazi group but they ALWAYS kept it heavy, and they continue to gig out today! "A New Dawn Fades" is an insanely powerful album, grabbing you by the throat from the first track and refusing to ever relent. Throw this one on when your in the mood to break shit because seriously, this will make you violent!

1. "Living Hell"
2. "Enter The Gates"
3. "Wave Of Fear"
4. "November's Delirium"
5. "Predator"
6. "Landshark"
7. "No Dreams"
8. "Get Ready To Burn"
9. "Soul On Fire"
10. "Twisted Hunger"
11. "Deep Cuts"
12. "Silencer"
13. "Outlaw Vagabond"

DL Link here!

The Ruts - "The Peel Sessions"

Henry Rollins once did a spoken word piece about how The Rut's affected him as a kid, about how song titles like "In a Rut" appealed to him as a dissaffected youth. I couldn't agree more, and adding on to that, The Ruts were one of the most criminally underrated punk bands of the 70's and 80's! Accused of being a carbon copy Clash, The Ruts found mainstream success to be elusive but I truly do not know why. The lyrics are so relevant, the instruments are so crisp and intricate yet sensible, energetic, and melodic! Yes, there is an obvious Clash influence here, but saying that a punk band is influenced by the Clash is like saying you were influenced by oxygen. Dig this great, great album and stare at the rude boys all night long!
(PS, Henry Rollins performed with The Ruts a few years ago, sitting in for the long deceased vocalist! Look it up on youtube, it looked like such a great show)

1. "Savage Circle"
2. "Babylon's Burning"
3. "Dope For Guns"
4. "Black Man's Pinch"
5. "Criminal Mind"
6. "Sus"
7. "Society"
8. "Your Just a..."
9. "It Was Cold"
10. "Something That I Said"
11. "Staring At The Rudeboys"
12. "Demolition Dancing"
13. "In A Rut"
14. "Secret Soldiers"

DL Link here!

Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day! I decided to upload a few of my favorite canadian records for today! Hope you dig em!

Chad Vangaalen - "Soft Airplane"




Chad makes the most thought provoking music. Based out of Calgary, he makes and distributes most of his art/music from home, and you can feel the heartfelt pressence on this CD! Spacy indie folk with the occasional synthesizer thrown in for good measure, this album is the kind of album you just wanna sit down and listen to; it works as backround music, but you'll wanna just soak in the music, close your eyes and be taken to another place.

DL Link!

Funeral Circle - "Sinister Sacrilege"



Funeral Circle destroys. Formed in Vancouver, they play a REALLY rad for of traditional heavy/doom metal, calling to mind Pentagram, The Sword and Black Sabbath. This album sounds straight outta the 80's! Heavy riffs, dissonant vocals, and an overall crushing feel. Keep it heavy!

DL Link!

Wednesday Night Heroes - "Superiority Complex"



I got no shame in calling myself a HUGE WNH fan! Having seen them three times and owning two of their cd's, I really love the street-punk-with-style music they play. Based outta Edmonton, these guys really kick ass and clearly love what they do. Listen and learn to love!

DL Link!


Stay free friends!

Titus Andronicus - "The Airing Of Grievances"

I talk alot about these guys in my day to day life, but I just can't help it. Every now and again you here an album or a band that just grabs you by the collar and wrings your neck, leaving you breathless and stunned. An album so instantly relevant, it hurts. For me, "The Airing Of Grievances" is an album like that.
Combining Punk rage and self loathing with Indie sensibilities and an odd E Street style rhythm section, Titus Andronicus sounds like the Arcade Fire being attacked by Stiff Little Fingers and My Bloody Valentine while Bruce Springsteen plays in the backround, underscoring the chaos. Its the weirdest, most fucked up combination of shoegaze haze and punk clarity. In other words, its brilliant. No other band in recent memory is able to delve into a 7 minute jam sesh mid song and not be boring as hell, and yet Titus Andronicus does just that. Every solo, a spit in your face. And trust me, you will NOT stop listening.
Not only that, Titus Andronicus really knows there stuff. Referencing everyone from Albert Camus to Seinfeld to the very Shakespearean play they are named for in the lyrics, these are the most smart words of self hatred I've ever heard. And yet, not once do I feel sorry for these guys and thats the key. They dont play up the depressing nature of there lyrics so much as throw it in your face, sneering "No one cares what I have to say anymore" like a declaration of defiance more then anything.
I can't overstate how awesome this album is. It will be ringing in your ears for days regardless of wether you like it or note. It's just that unique, and iconic.
C-C-Check it out!

1. Fear and Loathing in Mahwah, NJ
2. My Time Outside The Womb
3. Joset Of Nazareth's Blues
4. Arms Against Atrophy
5. Upon Viewing Brueghels "Landscape With The Fall Of Icarus"
6. Titus Andronicus
7. No Future
8. No Future Part 2: The Day After No Future
9. Albert Camus

DL Link
http://www.mediafire.com/?zj3ammjluoy