Raiding the Musical Gum Ball Machine

I know I've taken a brief sabbatical from the blogosphere, but it's been a worthwhile trip musically since my last post. Since then, I've finished one great book issued by Wax Poetics and worn out enough vinyl to shake a needle at.

It's been my experience that one of the greastest musical styles belongs to the affectionately named power-pop genre. A combination of late 60's British and American pop music infused with rock elements can be both toe tapping and super addictive.

One of the great albums I've been playing the shit out of is a collection titled "Top 30" by Alex Chilton. Alex is best known as a member of the Box Tops or Big Star, but this collection takes nothing from those groups. Individually, the disc samples his solo career from the breakup of Big Star to his album "Cliche". Highlights abound and anyone looking for a great place to start learning about his work, this is the place to start.

In addition, I can't say enough about this great little label straight out of the Windy City called Numero Group. Since picking up their homage to the Titan Label titled "Titan: It's All Pop!", I've had the pleasure of reintroducing myself to a lost generation of power-pop artists that have my ears ringing. With the help of this 2 disc collection, Kansas City's Titan Records finally returns to record bins and has helped yours truly get back to his bubble gum roots.

Notable Number Currently In Play:

1. Mayer Hawthorne -"Your Easy Lovin' (Ain't Pleasin Nothing)"
2. Lucero - "The Devil and Maggie Chascarillo"

Click the above links to hear each tune.

Never A Dulli Moment

It's been a while since my last post, but well worth the wait. Between the first and last of the month I've absorbed more music than humanly possible and don't look to slow down anytime soon. Starting things off is lead singer of the Sub Pop wonder Afghan Whigs, Greg Dulli. I recently picked up his solo album "Amber HeadLights" and have been enjoying his tobbaco fueled vocals and whimsical instrumentation. The album kick starts off with great guitar riffs and keeps you entranced till the very last note of the last song. This album is nothing like his Gutter Twins album with Screaming Trees member Mark Lanegan, but in all truthfulness the Gutter Twins album is a great album in itself and highly recommended.

Notable Numbers Currently In Play:

My Jerusalem - My Feathers
Joseph Arthur and the Lonely Astronauts - Temporary People
Jeff Klein -The Hustler

Tunes in June

It's been a rough month so far and I can't imagine a better way to get through the rest of the month with a series of great releases. Starting things off right is that time tested group Sonic Youth with another side winding album called, "The Eternal". After tuning into Pitchfork.com for a little background on the album its good to know Sonic Youth still has the drive and desire to produce some of the most avante gard rock out their. Plan on rocking out, "Sonic Trixster" should do the trick.

Next on the musical agenda is the fifth release from Mars Volta, "Octahedron". After only a year since the last Mars Volta release it seems like Omar and Cedric have seemed to produce another rockus electric filled majesty of tunes. If the cover is any testament of what is in store for fans I have no doubt what we have alot to look (or listen forward) to.

Last and certainly not least is Wilco's, "Wilco (the album)". Personally, I'm kinda torn between what to think or hear. A album full of self absorbed references back to the band in the form of a title and lead song can only leave me a little hesitant. But, after listening to the entire album via the WilcoWorld.net website I'm happy to say that just isn't the case. The album is reminiscent of some of the earlier studio albums like "SummerTeeth" and "Being There". Needless to say, this could possibly be a great sunny day album to kick start listeners to the end of summer.

Enjoy the tunes and here are a list of Notable Numbers currently in play:

Jesse Winchester -Jesse Winchester

Titus Andronicus - The Airing of Grievances

Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies

The Best Album No One Ever Heard...

Some collaborations seem like they should never come to be, but the teaming up of Sparklehorse, Danger Mouse, and David Lynch are a match made in heaven. The album I am alluding to the above collaboration called, "Dark Night of the Soul". I first heard about this album from a friend and listen via the NPR website, but was astounded to hear it would never see the light of day.

Originally, the album was to be released as part of a book of over 100 images from material by David Lynch with a the companion c.d. packaged with the collection. Unfortunately, due to legal issues with the boys from EMI, however a blank recordable CD-R with copies clearly labeled: "For Legal Reasons, enclosed CD-R contains no music. Use it as you will."

Featuring A-list contributors like Iggy Pop, Frank Black, and the Flaming Lips the album moves from harmonic melodies to rock-ous choruses. An album that could have easily been a great release of the season is shelved for the time being, but the year is not quite over.

For those of you wishing to listen to the entire album I highly suggest going to the NPR site, just click on the image above and you'll be whisked away to the album site. Which by the way, I've worn out the NPR site and can only wish this album will be released for many people to enjoy.

In the meantime, here is a list of notable numbers currently in play:

• DADDY - "Live at the Women's Club" , as well as, the new album to be released next week
• Pearl Jam - "Ten" reissue
• Dark Night of the Soul - Self Titled

I'll Be A Monkee's Uncle...

As funny as a title this may be unfortunately this post has nothing to do with the Monkee's, but I am a daydream beleiver if that helps.

After a month and a half of not posting anything for anytime now I've come to the conclusion that my musical tastes have taken full control of me and kept me from these duties.  We now turn to a long day of work the other day ending in one of the most spectacular ways.  I'm finishing up a project, when out of the blue Live Nation sends me one of the most important emails I've received to date.  Towards the middle of the page right sandwiched between the Tori Amos and Jamie Foxx (testament talent is not required to sing, thanks Idol) concert announcements SOCIAL DISTORTION @ the Murat this August.

My punk rock heart skipped a beat.  A mix of Rockabilly/Blues stirred in my veins and immediately, but gingerly began the ticket purchase process.  In a matter of 5 minutes, I had one ticket for the fourth row center for a show that I hope will be one of the most anticipated for yours truly in a long time.  I want rat rods, cafe racers, white tee's with packs of rolled cigarette boxes on the sleeves.  I want to see beutiful betty's and sexy kittens stirring on the side of the building.  I have so many expectations for a show put on by the punk rock legend from Orange County.  

I know have 2 months to prepare and listen to as much Social D/Ness material.  I might even consider growing out a pompadour.  

Notable Numbers Currently in Play:

This Is Where I Belong (the Songs of the KinKs) - Various

Social Distortion - Live at the Roxy  

"Anvil" Turns It Up to 13

As many of you heavy metal lovers may already know, the Canadian metal group "Anvil" are both hitting the road, promoting their new album 13, and supporting a new documentary about their band. As close to a "Spinal Tap" documentary as this may seem the group has already made its impact influencing acts such as Metallica, Motorhead, and other great hair bands of the early 80's.

They may not be Rock "N" Roll Hall of Fame material, but at least they can find relief in the fact that they have die hard fans and still know how to rock with the best. Let's just hope they keep the stonehenge props at home.

Those interested in the movie can click on the image and be directed to the trailer. Enjoy

Let's Do The Time Warp Again...

Titling my blog with a Meatloaf/Rocky Horror Picture Show song might be an odd reference, but trust me I've got a reason or two. First, to set the record straight (musical pun) it has been a long time since I've posted anything to the blog, but do to all my massive listening to a great online radio station called WOXY it's been difficult to focus on much else. This leads to my second point and reasoning for my time warp reference I mentioned above. WOXY SIMPLY ROCKS. As a former terrestrial station that ended up closing its doors in January 2004. They found another life as a strictly online station and have been a model for others across the nation.

With only a handful of disc jockeys and a desire to turn our eardrums inside out they have received rave reviews from such entities as Q Magazine, Wall Street Journal, and Penthouse. As for you non beleivers just give them a listen or test drive one of the many vintage stations. It's a musical meltdown and an opportunity to revisit some gems of yester year.

Musically, it's been an odd month for me and for the notable numbers I'm going to have to go with a mix of art rock and hip hop. Enjoy and if you get a chance give them a whirl.

Notable Numbers Currently in Play:

1. Artist: Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth member), Album: Trees Outside the Academy
2. Artist: Bedouin Soundclash (punkish/rocksteady), Album: Street Gospel
3. Artist: Kero One (San Fran Hip/Hop Man), Album: Easy Believers

With A Little Moderation...

It's come to that time where I lay down the facts all about the tracks that I've been enjoying and as I'm well aware it's been an awfully long time. So to start things off, I'd like to thanks Ben Nichols and the boys from Lucero for announcing an up and coming show here at the local Radio Radio club. If nothing else this is a reason for Indianapolis to celebrate and prepare for the most rock'in-est bands that has been filling these ear drums for some time now. I would suggest this album as the best or another album as a more ambitious of all, but to do that would be just wrong. I'm telling everyone now they just rock the socks off the joint and that's what I'm sticking with. If you don't beleive me just click on the band's photo and get magically whisked away to their home on the web.

On another note, I've thourghly been enjoying the most recent release by Omar Alfredo Rodriguez-Lopez named, "Old Money". A kind of concept album loosely based on (as the Stones Throw label says) exploitative industrialists and, well, their old money, but talks nothing to the fuzzy distorted sounds that gives an excellent modernization of the psychedelic sounds. Regardless, "Old Money" provides experimental listeners with something to rock out to while at the same time testing their musical fortitude.

Folks, it's been a long day and I need to enjoy a little Patrick McGoohan as the one, the only "Secret Agent-Danger Man".

Other Notable Numbers Currently In Play

1. John Spencer Blues Explosion
2. James Brown-Motherlode
3. DJ Format

Josh Rouse and his Wonderful World

Everyone I know it's been a two week hiatus or should I say to that one reader out thier (most likely my mom) I've been neglecting my duties as a musical afficiando. It is truly the start of a new month, many New Years Resolutions have gone down in flames, but I'm lucky to report Mr. Josh Rouse as blessed these ears with another great selection of live tunes and his single of the month.

I will start off by saying the new single of the month is great. I will admit I'd never come across this paticular Cure song, but it's in true Josh Rouse fashion it's soft and sweet as the first as any kiss from that paticular someone in your life.

In addition, Josh has added another group of tunes from July 2002 prior to his recording of the "1972" album. The recording itself is as clear as any store bought copy and the vocals are as sound as any I've come across from pre produced material. I will have to praise Josh for posting this show and it's ability to rock out with the best of them. While a bit more upbeat than previous posts, it's a welcome change to a quieter Josh who can truly prove he's got a handle on how to make all the ladies and gents get up and boogie.

With that I'm putting my mark on this and hitting the road. Please let me know how you feel about the commentary and if you get a chance click on the above picture to get whisked away to wonderful world of Josh Rouse. Everyone take care and keep warm for those readers not in a subtropical climate.

Other Noteable Numbers Currently in Play:

Ben Nichols - The Last Pale Light In the West

Van She - Van She (EP)

Audio Overload

I feel like a auditory junkie coming off a weeklong musical high with all the goodies that I've been listening to lately. It all started Tuesday after I picked up the most recent release by "King Khan". Almost like magic it appeared in my car's player and was instantly transported to a magical world of musical bliss. The tunes pouring out of my speakers were crazy, funky, and full of energy. King Khan and his band reminded me that not all garage rock should not be overlooked, regardless of what some people believe. The only bad part of this story is I was told that King Khan had actually toured the midwest circuit not to long ago with the Detroit Cobras and I yours truly was not in the audience.

After that first find it only got better from their. I ran across a great act from Austin in late 70's early 80's called "The Skunks", as well as, Britian's own "The Jam". The Skunks album was an wonderful mix of Westerberg rhythm and early 80's riffs. So catchy in fact the album found itself on repeat twice over. Following a great showing by that lovely piece of vinyl I placed "The Jam's" In The City album for a turn around the block. I will have to make it known, I am a big fan of Paul Weller and his time in the Jam is second to none. While I could give this early album much praise, it is does lack a certain sound I feel that I wish they could have developed before their final album called "Sound Effects".

Folks, it has been a pleasure, but the night is winding down and I'm needing to take care of some business.

Other Notable Numbers Currently in Play:

Richard "Groove" Holmes -Welcome Home

Donny Hathaway - Donny Hathaway

Alejandro and the way of the True Believers

Saludos Amigos

It's amazing how a few days will turn around your musical tastes and this week has been no exception. I recently dropped a few dead presidents on an album by Mr. Alejandro Escovedo's latino punk collective called "The True Believers". To my surprise the RYKO label was gracious enough to put together a collection of both albums on one phenom of a compact disc. Far be it for me to judge a album by its cover, but even with that in mind this disc is just that, F*CKING AMAZING. Combined with his brother Javier the band brings back a sense of senseless rock and roll. The first part of this album burns with the excitement of being in the front row of the first concert I attended as a young boy in central Florida. By the way, thanks Ma Mettalica was amazing, but no Nirvana, denied. Songs like Rebel Kind, Hard Road, and Home combine beutiful instrumentation and lyrics that will keep any fan entertained. In fact, Whiskeytown frontman Ryan Adams cover "Rain Won't Help You When Its Over" on their album "Strangers Almanac".

This isn't the first time I've got to give props to RYKO for putting out some great music. They are partly responsible for my love of all music by Josh Rouse. Matter of fact, Josh and his Bedroom classics label have been stirring things up online with their label website. Just recently, a very sleepy Josh managed to put together a classic U2 tune with the help of an accoustic and a desire to keep listeners wanting more. Kudos Mr. Rouse, Kudos. I know I could go on more about the musical styles of Josh, but I'll save that for a different time. Listeners intrigiued can check out his myspace page or label site at, http://www.joshrouse.com/ .

The only sad part about this whole story is that I hadn't found the "True Believers" sooner. Hopefully, anyone out their interested won't have to wait as long as I did and am able to pick up this wonderful collection, maybe even some Josh Rouse, or any RYKO album. I promise you won't be disappointed, but if you are my bad.

Folks, with that I'm leaving this little hide-a-way of musical criticism and trust in the faith that some lost souls searching for a good tune or two find my commentary enlightening.

Other Notable Numbers Currently in Play:

1. Eddie Cochran - Never To Be Forgotten
2. KISS - Rock N Roll Over

New Year, New Hear

Old father time has done gone and left us with some musical gems for this past year, but in true fashion I'm sure 2009 has some great artists and reissues ahead. As most of us segway into the new year we must reflect on some of those artists that we may have not mentioned before. One of which is the group "Lovesick" featuring Fred Thomas from "Saturday Looks Good to Me".

Any fan of indie noise or ambient tunes will enjoy their self titled release on vinyl from Makoto Recordings. The album has a calmly passionate sense of creation taking licks from such artists like Sonic Youth and Joy Divison, but the sincerity that is something I have yet to find in some acts now-a-days. The album is pressed on white vinyl with cover art from Ida Pearle from the group named "Ida". In closing, the instrumentation is sublime and is something that hasn't left my players side since I picked it up.

My tastes have not just been restricted to the saucer shaped vinyl, but I have had the opportunity to pick up some notable albums courtesy of some of our finest used shops in town. Some of which are "The Features" and "MF Doom". Both are exciting albums, but complete different genres. The Features are a Nashville based act incorporating catchy early era 60's -tinged rock pop and MF Doom producing some of the most intense hip hop beats that could burn up any turntable.

Sadly as lovely as it has been to share some of what I've been listening to lately I must take care of everyday tasks that weekend's were made for doing.

Other Notable Numbers Currently in Play:
Tommy Boy Records - Greatest Beats (2 x LP)
The Saints - All Fools Day