THE EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS-“Ameritown”

We’ve talked before here, and more than once, about Eastern Conference Champions, including picking their EP as one of the top 5 of the first half of 2007. So I’m not sure how much more I have to say. They’re a fantastic band who claim to have rejected a major label record deal in favor [...]

RYAN BINGHAM AND THE DEAD HORSES

On occasion, I may like me some Dwight Yoakam or Hank Williams, Jr., but for the most part roadhouse country ain’t my thang. I like alt-country, though, in doses. (Usually doses of Drive-By Truckers or Whiskeytown.) Maybe that’s why I’ve taken a shine to Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses, who fall somewhere between twang [...]

PARTS & LABOR-”Mapmaker”

The other day I read the best description of mainstream rap I’ve heard in a while, from The Washington Post’s J. Freedom du Lac: “It’s become a genre of ringtones.” It’s not just hip hop that’s descended down this road, it’s most popular music. Unable to compete with a perceived lack of sales due to [...]

SONIC YOUTH RARITIES

Some rare SY, and a cover. Dig it. Hallowed Be Thy Name Expressway To Yr. Skull (Both above from 5/19/86 Peel Session) Stereo Sanctity (6/10/87 studio outtake) My New House Psychomafia Victoria (Kinks cover) (all above: 10/19/88 Peel Session) Corporate Ghost Major Label Chicken Feed (above: 3/20/89 Peel Session) Burning Spear Youth Against Fascism (above: [...]

COLD WAR KIDS-ACOUSTIC

I don’t know the date of this short and sweet 4-song set, but I know what I like! Every Valley is Not a Lake God, Make Up Your Mind Golden Gate Bridge Hospital Beds

RADEMACHER

Announcing a few July dates on the West Coast is Rademacher, a band that we’ve enjoyed for a long time but haven’t posted on since we moved from blogger to wordpress. We like the rough and dark sound. The paranoia underneath it all. The gritty cynicism. Gutsy, unpredictable songs that don’t seem to care if [...]