Life in the 1980s and early 1990s was filled with music. My brother and I were enthusiastic listeners of alternative music radio, especially the commercial station KROQ, the biggest indie radio station in the Los Angeles area. However, the college radio stations were, by far, much better, as they offered Continue Reading
Indie
Various Artists – Meticulous Midgets 2025
Our dear friends at Russia’s coolest magazine, Meticulous Midgets, have a brand new compilation out! Artists featured include Assembly Of Honey, Svetly, and Crazy Compass among an assortment of amazing Russian indie artists.
Yann Tiersen – Ker al Loch (Four Ways) EP
Not a single in the traditional sense, Yann Tiersen’s Ker al Loch (Four Ways) is a contemplative solo piano work that fits in well with his back catalog of contemporary classical music and soundtrack work. The gem of the EP for me was the track 11 5 18. 1 12. Continue Reading
Departure Street – Phantom Sightings
Thanks to Allan Kimmel for sending me this incredibly mellow record. Departure Street offers a sound that blends elements of shoegaze with a lo-fi take on post-rock and even shows hints of the legendary German Krautrock band Popol Vuh. It makes for a perfect morning album.
Yelka – In A Rose Hat
From the band’s Bandcamp site: “A strikingly different take on contemporary America—YELKA’s In A Rose Hat offers an artistic perspective far removed from stadium rock or trap trends. It’s an intimate, almost cinematic interpretation that upends expectations. “Crawl into your hibernation, don’t wait for a new sensation…” the opening, ´Colors Continue Reading
Various Artists – For Our Friends: A Disaster Relief Compilation
This compilation put together by Aloha Got Soul Records out of Hawaii was done in response to the terrible fires which happened in Los Angeles. Thank you from an Angelino. From the label’s Bandcamp site: “We believe in strength in numbers, in the potential within our music community, and in Continue Reading
Mexican Slum Rats – Slum Rat
I get to do my avuncular duty with a bit of pride today, as my niece, Abi, insisted I listen to her current favorite band. The Mexican Slum Rats are Los Angelinos who are deeply loyal to the L.A. punk scene, but what struck me most by this early album Continue Reading
Various Artists – Los Angeles Rising
Though California has an utterly repellent governor whose incompetence seems boundless, the citizens, rich or poor, are resilient. In honor of the California spirit which has been bruised thanks to the horrible wildfires that destroyed parts of my former home, some fine artists have contributed tracks for this compilation of Continue Reading
six by seven – The Closer You Get (Reissue)
Nottingham, England’s six by seven are heirs to the post-punk mantle whose sound compares well with The Stooges with a more amped up feel on some tracks, but on others, the sound has a swaying, gentle quality reminiscent of Joy Division’s more tender moments. This will be seen as a Continue Reading
Science Noodles – Soothe Me
From an article in TimeOut Magazine: “Science Noodles is a self-described “Hong Kong-Taiwan mixed baby” that formed in the most 21st century way possible. While on a trip to Taiwan, vocalist/guitarist Yuet matched with vocalist Qing on Tinder, and the two bonded over their mutual love for Taiwanese indie band, Continue Reading