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
Punk
‘Do You Remember’ 5-part podcast series to trace origins, legacy of Hüsker Dü
From the venerable Slicing Up Eyeballs: “Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current has just launched a five-part documentary podcast series called “Do You Remember?” that promises to trace the formative years and legacy of Hüsker Dü through interviews with those who were there as well as the three band members themselves — Continue Reading
Kassyus Clay – Kassyus Clay EP
Kassyus Clay come to us from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and sound nothing like samba or bossa nova. Instead, they bring a brutal instrumental sound that crosses post-rock with Sonic Youth.
MAiKA – Balkannibalism
In a land of amazing bands and ensembles, MAiKA have managed to forcefully grab my attention. While they call themselves an alternative dance-punk band, there’s so much more to the music. The energy is amazing, the voices cut right through you in a way that most indie music can’t, and the Continue Reading
Les Rencards – Les Rencards
Les Rencards are a band based out of France which produce a garage rock-meets-yé-yé sound, made up of a Frenchman, a Brazilian and two Catalans, released by the erstwhile Groovie Records out of Portugal. Their sound is raw and authentic.
The Boomtown Rats – I Don’t Like Mondays
The Boomtown Rats and I seem to be on the same wavelength. Serbian summers are nasty!
Alan Vega – Jukebox Babe
Jukebox Babe by former Suicide frontman Alan Vega hasn’t been in print since 1981, so this 7-inch slab of new wave synth-pop is a welcome addition to the Suicide pantheon.
Various Artists – Discember: Hear Xmas, See Xmas, Say Xmas
As we observe Christmas Eve and the Nativity today and tomorrow based on the Julian Calendar, we share an avant-garde take on “Christmas” music. The French experimental record label Camembert Électrique have released a 94-track comp of some rather interesting takes of some Yuletide classics, as well as a fair Continue Reading
Black Ink Stain – Incidents
Our friends over at P.O.G.O. Records have released a record which relates very well with acts like Big Black and The Jesus Lizard. Black Ink Stain are from Belgium, and I have to say this album is as brutal as anything labels like Touch & Go Records released at their Continue Reading
Dead Kennedys – Viva Las Vegas
No review today because we had to send my brother packing to his new home, so in honor of his new abode, I present you with the song perhaps best associated with the city, albeit in a slightly surreal form, courtesy of the Dead Kennedys.