Reviews

ADMIN

• November 30 2007
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Reviews

ADMIN

• June 25 2007
• 15 views
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Chasing the Lotus: The Lost Reels of Weaver and Wills
Director Greg Schell paid homage to surf travel pioneers Craig Peterson and Kevin Naughton in his 2002 documentary The Far Shore. In his latest cinematic endeavor, Chasing the Lotus, he salutes another set of the Golden Age of wave discovery’s founding figures. From the 1960’s onward, indie filmmaker/ photographer duo Greg Weaver and Spyder Wills teamed up for decades to capture the essence of wave exploration. Their work appeared in classic flicks like Santosha, Pacific Vibrations, Uluwatu, and many others. But like every movie, a lot of quality footage was left behind on the cutting room floor. And that’s where Chasing the Lotus picks up, highlighting the lost reels and stills of Weaver and Wills-while telling a captivating story through interviews and narration (narrated by famed actor Jeff Bridges). Check it out for a rich slice of waveriding history, and a feverish case of the travel bug. -Mike Fish


Modest Mouse
We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank
Some say that Modest Mouse is selling out by making music that’s slightly more produced and mainstream than their previous material. But the band’s chaotic, unique and infectious sound-present or past-will always harness a devout following that grows exponentially. Plus, anyone who’s ever tried to earn a dollar by making rock music can appreciate the band’s current fortune, especially after they slogged in the indie trenches for more than a decade. You can’t blame them for exploring the vast resources at their fingertips, with the help of top producer Dennis Herring, and embracing blasting horn sections, buttery synths, and organic tones. We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank fits well into the band’s discography by striving to find new sounds while staying rooted in their musical identity by doing so. Not to mention, there’s the addition of former Smith’s guitarist Johnny Marr. So even though the ship has sank, Modest Mouse is still floating on. -Mike Fish

The Decemberists
The Crane Wife
Do you like songs about seafaring tragedies, devious crimes, and ancient loves lost? If so, than you’ll dig The Decemberist’s latest release The Crane Wife. Frontman Colin Meloy’s writes songs more like a college professor than a rocks star. But the poetic and wordy lyrics seamlessly mix with the group’s lush soundscape of guitar, bass, percussion, cello, organ, banjo, glockenspiel, strings, and horns. The layered first track, “The Crane Wife,” is a standout, building with grace and intensity. And it’s cool to see the band branch out with seventies style jam “The Island,” as well as the zealous and energetic “The Perfect Crime.” The production is also tack sharp, without being over-glossy, with the help of studio standout Tucker Martine (Laura Veirs, Mount Analog) as well as Death Cab for Cutie’s Christopher Walla. So give it as listen, just as Meloy beckons: “A foretold rumbling sounds below the deep, Come and see.” -M.F.

Sufjan Stevens
The Avalanche
If you were impressed by the depth and diversity of Sufjan Steven’s 2005 album Illinoise-his second in what he proclaimed to be a series of albums for each of the fifty states-then The Avalanche will only further your admiration. This collection of 21 songs didn’t make the final cut onto Illinoise, which was initially intended to release as a 50-song double-disc, according to Stevens. But the songs on the The Avalanche are perfect counterparts to the Illinoise material-and they’re written in the same vain of historical reference, amazing composition, musicianship and production (the majority done by Stevens himself). Favorites are “The Henny Buggy Band,” “The Mistress Witch From McClure,” “Inaugural Pop Music for Jane Margaret Byrne,” and the three alternate versions of “Chicago” (acoustic, adult contemporary, and multiple personality disorder). Pick up the disc for another glimpse into the vast material of one of today’s most original,, prolific, and talented singer songwriters. -M.F.

Reviews

ADMIN

• July 10 2006
• 18 views
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Derek Dunfee’s iPod Hit List

Metallica … And Justice For All

Bad Religion 80-85

Minor Threat The Complete Discography

Daredevil Jane Daredevil Jane

Diego Roots Good Times

Slayer Reign In Blood

Guns N’ Roses Appetite For Destruction

Pantera Vulgar Display Of Power

Johnny Cash Live From Folsom Prison

Social Distortion 1945

Studio One Reissues

The Best Of Studio One

Full Up: More Hits From Studio One

Bob Marley And The Wailers: One Love At Studio One, 1964-1966

Downbeat The Ruler: Killer Instrumentals From Studio One

Heartbeat Records

When most people think of reggae, they think of Bob Marley. And that’s fine. But if you dig a little deeper in the heart and soul of reggae, you’ll find a name that not many of us know, though we should. Clement Dodd was one of reggae’s most prolific and respected producers in Jamaica and the founder of the world famous Studio One in Kingston, Jamaica. After two decades, Heartbeat Records is reissuing some of Dodd’s and Studio One’s greatest collections. The first four are all must-haves! The Best Of Studio One is filled with classic reggae tracks from the early 60s that all summon good feelings. Full Up goes into the late-60s ska era and is sure to get you skanking. One Love At Studio One is an amazing two-disc set of more than 40 Bob Marley tracks recorded at Studio One-many of which are unreleased. Nothing is better for lounging around to than Downbeat The Ruler, all-instrumental irie from Studio One.

Ghostface Killah

Fishscale

Def Jam

Ghostface Killah is one of the few original Wu-Tang members who has consistently come out with great records. His first release, 1990’s Ironman, was an instant classic, and then The Pretty Toney Album was pretty ill. But stop the presses-Fishscale is amazing! It’s hard to imagine that Ghostface would ever come out with something that could even come close to Ironman, but trust me, get this new joint and you’ll see. Guests include Raekwon, The Wu-Tang Clan (yep, all of them!), Ne Yo, and more. All in all, Fishscale is the freshest hip-hop release of 2006 so far.

Aloha

Some Voices

Polyvinyl

Aloha is an Ohio pop-post-punk four-piece that, in the last six years, has built an impressive catalog of bubbly, intricate, and complex songs that have captured the minds of critics and audiences alike. On its latest release, Some Voices, Aloha winds and bounces through ten tracks of indie gold. Standout tracks include “Brace Your Face,” and the rocking little ditty “Your Eyes.” The vocals are soft and pretty, while the tricky drum tracks and multi-instrumental backing tracks make for a wild and fun sound. Fans of Joan Of Arc, Built To Spill, or Quasi will be pleased.

Melvins

A Live History Of Gluttony And Lust

Ipecac

When a band makes an album as loud and twistedly rocking as Houdini, it’s a shame when the band breaks up and none of us younger bucks will ever get to hear it played live ever again. Don’t worry, friends, the Melvins were recently invited to play the whole album live and record it for the All Tomorrow’s Parties “Don’t Look Back” series. The band absolutely smashes each song on this album, and your ears will be bleeding because of it. Such brutal and grungy hits as “Night Goat,” “Joan Of Arc,” and my personal fave, “Going Blind,” are all here. Put this in your stereo, crank the volume, and wear some earplugs for your own protection.

Lansing-Dreiden

The Dividing Island

Kemado

The illusive and mysterious Lansing-Drieden is back and trippier than ever. Its latest release is less frantic and more spacey than last year’s epic offering The Incomplete Triangle. You’ll get a lot of similar background sounds, the same soothing singing, and an extra dose of the trademark Lansing-Dreiden reverb-drenched waves of dreamy ooze. For a better look into the weird and wonderful world of Lansing-Drieden, check out lansing-dreiden.com-although, you’ll still be confused after that. Friends oDepeche Mode, Ride, or Primal Scream will be friends with L.D.

AWOL One & Daddy Kev

Souldoubt

c.r.a.s.

AWOL One is as close to a white Kool Keith as I’ve heard. This L.A. madman hit me off well on the first track of Souldoubt-then I became addicted to his rhymes and the tracks he rhymes over. I’m not claiming to know much about hip-hop, but I love DMX, I love Ghostface, I love The Geto Boys, I love GZA, I love Kool Keith, and right now, I’m loving AWOL One.

Classic Pick Of The Month

Gary Numan

The Pleasure Principle

Beggars Banquet

Yes, you have heard the song “Cars.” No, you probably haven’t heard any of the other songs on this amazing album. As the godfather of electro-pop, Gary Numan took a Bowie-esque attitude, fused it with Kraftwerk sensibilities, and popped it up a little bit to create a perfect album for the computer age. Beauty can be found in songs like “Tracks,” while jagged electro-rock leaps from songs like “M.E.” and “Observer.”

EP Of The Month

Timmy Curran

Citsuca

Foe

This is not EP Of The Month because Timmy Curran is a great surfer. This is EP Of The Month because it’s a damn good EP. Timmy’s voice has a charming tone, while his simple song structure is both endearing and calming. Comparisons to Jack Johnson will no doubt arise, but I’d say comparing Timmy’s sound to Iron And Wine or early Paul Simon would be more accurate.

Four Quick Hits

Espers II

This quietly beautiful record filled with dreamy chamber music and moving vocals will have you swaying back and forth like a weeping willow. Sounding like a modern/female version of Gordon Lightfoot or a dreamier version of Cat Power, II will have you in a trance in no time.

Whirlwind Heat Types Of Wood

Whacked out friends of Jack White (The White Stripes) put together another eclectic mix of spazzy frantic rock that twists the genre up like a bass-line-driven electro-funk factory. Think Ween meets Devo meets The Liars meets Brainiac.

Push To Talk Push To Talk

This is a nice blend of Tears For Fears and Phoenix-good indie-pop with a danceable backbeat, nice music for a small, hip party. I bet this band would be cool to see in a small club somewhere.

Men, Women, And Children Men, Women, And Children

Electro-disco funk rock that will have you and yours shaking off those winter pounds-fans of The Faint, Fisherspooner, or !!! will be feeling this one.

Games

Kingdom Hearts II/PS2

Disney/Square Enix

I’m not sure what this game’s all about, but I do know that it’s really popular with young people and it’s a big adventure game. I played it super late-night and its beautiful graphics pulled me in, as well as the cool characters you run into along your adventure. Overall, this is a great game for kids or people who like to look at trippy worlds, like me.

Sonic Riders/PS2

Sega

Dude! Sonic is surfing, bro! Well actually, Sonic The Hedgehog and his friends are doing some kind of hoverboard races around these crazy tracks at high speeds. Multi-player action makes this game a nice break from the standard car-racing games and sports games that you and your friends all battle on right now.

DVD

Coachella

Goldenvoice/Anti

Concert DVDs usually bum me out because while I’m watching, I just get jealous of all the people who were actually at the show. The Coachella DVD is no different (except I was at one of the shows). Filmed in bright vivid colors and focusing on the crowd just as much as the bands, this DVD will give you an accurate Coachella experience, only you’ll have to set your thermostat to 110 degrees to feel the actual desert heat. It’s worth the price solely for the live performances of The Arcade Fire, The Flaming Lips, Oasis, The Polyphonic Spree (look for me in front of the stage), The White Stripes, and many more.

Sacre Bleu

O’Neill/Sky Rondent

Rochelle Ballard and Melanie Bartels star in this travel film that follows the twosome around the globe and back. Beautifully filmed and tastefully scored, Sacre Bleu offers a nice insight into the world of traveling female surfers. Melanie is great as the funny cohost with Rochelle adding great commentary as well. Bottom line, these chicks are surfing really well in small waves and grinding barrels. Blue Crush who? Sacre Bleu is the real deal.

David Bowie: Serious Moonlight

EMI

Filmed in 1983 on David Bowie’s Serious Moonlight tour, this concert film shows David during one of his coolest phases as The Thin White Duke. The set list is fantastic and takes you through the years with songs like “Heroes,” “Golden Years,” “Let’s Dance,” “Life On Mars,” and many more. The concert looks so fun and any fan of Bowie will be wishing upon wishes that they were in the audience. Also included is a documentary about the Far East segment of the tour. Another Bowie must have!

Exotic Nucleotic

Starbird productions

Something’s fishy on the East Coast, and I like it. In a valiant D.I.Y. effort, Jason D. Page has put together quite the cast of “characters and f-king weirdoes” in order to fill over an hour’s worth of surfing, partying, puking, reckless driving, and barroom antics. People like Furry Murray, Smut Bucket, Boner, and Horski Jammer fill scenes between shredders like Shea Lopez, the Hobgoods, and Peter Mendia. Some great East Coast action and even some nudity make Exotic Nucleotic a good warm-up for the Florida summer.

Creepy Fingers

Veeco

What’s creepier than a snail on your face? I’ll tell you-pollution. Okay, now that that P.S.A. is out of the way, open up your DVD players and insert your Creepy Fingers DVD for the latest look into the warped minds of Veeco productions and R.T. Thomas. Artsy fades, trashy-rock music, and a grip of ripping from Veeco’s army of young wave slayers, including Jay Quinn, Mike Morrissey, Bol, Nate Tyler, Killian Garland, Andrew Doheny, and friends. Of course you also get Dean Morrison, some crazy Gavin Beschen footy (Gavin also scores his own soundtrack with an amazing guitar jam), and Bruce going wild. Creepy Fingers is an artistic look at surfing with a good message-be good to nature and nature may be good to you, as will this film. DVD also comes with a killer soundtrack CD.

Netflix Pick Of The Month

Wet Hot American Summer

With summertime peaking its little head around the corner, it’s time to get in the mood. And there’s no better movie to get you ready for summertime fun than Wet Hot American Summer. Rated R for awkward sex, drug use, cursing, and camping, this hilarious romp through summer camp is guaranteed to pop your funny fuse.

und the globe and back. Beautifully filmed and tastefully scored, Sacre Bleu offers a nice insight into the world of traveling female surfers. Melanie is great as the funny cohost with Rochelle adding great commentary as well. Bottom line, these chicks are surfing really well in small waves and grinding barrels. Blue Crush who? Sacre Bleu is the real deal.

David Bowie: Serious Moonlight

EMI

Filmed in 1983 on David Bowie’s Serious Moonlight tour, this concert film shows David during one of his coolest phases as The Thin White Duke. The set list is fantastic and takes you through the years with songs like “Heroes,” “Golden Years,” “Let’s Dance,” “Life On Mars,” and many more. The concert looks so fun and any fan of Bowie will be wishing upon wishes that they were in the audience. Also included is a documentary about the Far East segment of the tour. Another Bowie must have!

Exotic Nucleotic

Starbird productions

Something’s fishy on the East Coast, and I like it. In a valiant D.I.Y. effort, Jason D. Page has put together quite the cast of “characters and f-king weirdoes” in order to fill over an hour’s worth of surfing, partying, puking, reckless driving, and barroom antics. People like Furry Murray, Smut Bucket, Boner, and Horski Jammer fill scenes between shredders like Shea Lopez, the Hobgoods, and Peter Mendia. Some great East Coast action and even some nudity make Exotic Nucleotic a good warm-up for the Florida summer.

Creepy Fingers

Veeco

What’s creepier than a snail on your face? I’ll tell you-pollution. Okay, now that that P.S.A. is out of the way, open up your DVD players and insert your Creepy Fingers DVD for the latest look into the warped minds of Veeco productions and R.T. Thomas. Artsy fades, trashy-rock music, and a grip of ripping from Veeco’s army of young wave slayers, including Jay Quinn, Mike Morrissey, Bol, Nate Tyler, Killian Garland, Andrew Doheny, and friends. Of course you also get Dean Morrison, some crazy Gavin Beschen footy (Gavin also scores his own soundtrack with an amazing guitar jam), and Bruce going wild. Creepy Fingers is an artistic look at surfing with a good message-be good to nature and nature may be good to you, as will this film. DVD also comes with a killer soundtrack CD.

Netflix Pick Of The Month

Wet Hot American Summer

With summertime peaking its little head around the corner, it’s time to get in the mood. And there’s no better movie to get you ready for summertime fun than Wet Hot American Summer. Rated R for awkward sex, drug use, cursing, and camping, this hilarious romp through summer camp is guaranteed to pop your funny fuse.

Reviews

ADMIN

• March 27 2006
• 10 views
• add a comment

Danzig Danzig II Lucifuge

Neil Young Greatest Hits

The Melvins Stoner Witch

Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magic

Tom Petty Wildflowers

“My iPod is pretty much always on shuffle, so I usually just put the good songs from the album on it.”-Nate Tyler

CD

Earthless

Sonic Prayer

Gravity

Two songs over twenty minutes each, three monsters of San Diego rock, one CD that will leave you breathless and slurring. No words are needed here, just epic guitar playing by Isaiah Mitchell, freight-train bass riffage from Mike Eginton, and cosmic fire drumming from Mario Rubalcaba. If you like Sleep, High On Fire, or Drunkhorse, enter the world of Earthless-or else.

Ladytron

Witching Hour

Ryko

Ladytron plays sexy nighttime synth music for dark places. I’ll bet a lot of supermodels listen to Ladytron when they’re in their bras and panties getting ready to go clubbing in New York City. Led by two hot fashionista females and backed by a driving guitar/synth beat, Ladytron is like sexed up Stereolab with traces of My Bloody Valentine, and even a touch of Kraftwerk.

Part Chimp

I Am Come

Monitor

Recorded high in the red (meaning that this shit is loud), Part Chimp has some very cool and famous fans in another ultra-loud band Mogwai. Recorded with Mogwai’s John Cummings in Mogwai’s hometown, Part Chimp will rip your head off. More punk than the soft-to-heavy sound of Mogwai, Part Chimp sounds more like Jesus Lizard or Shellac. I promise I won’t say Mogwai any more in this review-Part Chimp rips.

Goblin Cock

Bagged And Boarded

Absolutely Kosher

Droning metal from hell? Bastard son of Satan reborn with a guitar and a four track? Evil twin of Pinback? Who are Goblin Cock, and why do they rock so hard? This CD is full of grungy, dark, hypnotic, sludge metal, and maybe even some subliminal verses that will make you eat your own face. Are you a fan of Kyuss or Goatsnake? If so, try out Goblin Cock-you may be morbidly surprised.

Ric Ocasek

Nexterday

Inverse

Ric Ocasek is cool for so many reasons. One, he was the frontman for The Cars. Two, he married supermodel Paullina Porizkova. And three, to this day he still makes great albums! Nexterday bounces back and forth between bubble-gum pop, light synth, and to Ocasek’s rock roots. If you’re a fan of The Cars or enjoyed Ric’s previous solo efforts (including hits like “Emotion In Motion”), then you’re going to really enjoy Nexterday-it’s a great disc for chilling out to and will no doubt make you happy and content with your ears.

DVD

The Work Of Directors: Anton Corbijn, Jonathan Glazer, Mark Romanek, and Stà‡phane Sednaoui

Director’s Label

Palm Pictures

Unplug your cable box, and wipe MTV out of your memory. These Director’s Label DVDs show what true art is in the realm of music-video direction and short subject matter. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a fan of film, or just a person who enjoys art, you’ll love these DVDs. Just a few of the videos you will lust for on these DVDs, which are obese with extras include Depeche Mode’s

“Enjoy The Silence” (Corbijn), Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” (Romanek), Radiohead “Karma Police” (Glazer), Bjà®rk “Big Time Sensuality” (Sednaoui). Basically, almost all the amazing videos you may or may have not seen on the last few years are here. These will impress any eyes looking at your DVD collection.

Tempo

Justin Gane

From the makers of Wanderjahr and the Pulse series, comes Tempo. This is a high-action, no-frills look at the hot Aussie scene. This flick has the best young kangaroo-heads, including Parko, Margo, Cansdell, Taj, Dingo, and finally a whole section of Rasta on a normal shortboard! All the other top dogs are here as well (Slater, Irons, etc. … ) Looking for something to get you amped to hack into some wedges? Try Tempo-it’ll get your ass off the couch.

All Aboard The Crazy Train

Bam Man Films

I love Sonny Millerr, and I think everybody who knows him loves him as well. Sonny teamed up with the legendary Don King to direct a documentary about Laird, Dave Kalama, and Darrick Doerner as they ride foil boards that look like hoverboards, challenge Jaws, tow behind helicopters, stand up with oars, and paddle longboards-basically do a bunch of shit none of us would ever do. It’s fun to watch, especially the hoverboard thing-it looks like they’re flying, man-extraordinarily irie.

Blackwater: The Story Of A Place Called Teahupo’o

Tim Bonython

Teahupo’o is a place that grabbed us all by the nuts over a decade ago and is still making grown men whinge whenever its beastly mountains awake and mutate onto the reef. For a cohesive history of the wave, the riders, and the wipeouts, check out Blackwater-I peed my pants when I saw it, it was that scary.

Games

Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland

Activision

The hype surrounding this game is enough to make you vomit. But to be honest, it’s so fun that all those obnoxious commercials and e-mail blasts will exit your mind as you enter L.A. and skate ’til your fingers bleed. Yes, this game lives up to the hype, and yes, you’ll love it.

Call Of Duty 2: The Big Red One Collector’s Edition

Activision

I used to play war when I was kid. We’d get into crazy arguments when a disputed kill came about. I’d be yelling that I got a clear shot at my friend’s head, and he’d be yelling that there’s no way because he was behind a bush. Anyway, there’s no disputing when you get shot in Call Of Duty 2-you’ll know it. This realistic game isn’t as good as playing war with your friends, but it’s so addictive. You may want to put a pot of coffee on-you’re about to stay up all night fighting for freedom!

Reviews

ADMIN

• March 22 2006
• 29 views
• add a comment

TransWorld SURF

8#1

Damien Hobgood’s Hit List …

TSOL Hell And Back Together

Pete Murray, Pete Murray

Pivit Pressure

Trevor Davis Trevor Davis

Switchfoot Nothing Is Sound

Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magic

Metallica … And Justice For All

Good Riddance For God And Country

Alan Jackson Alan Jackson

2Pac Greatest Hits

Gang Of Four

Return The Gift

V2

Gang Of Four is one of the bastard stepfathers of all the new-pop/post-punk that has flooded the radio in the past few years. Most of these songs originally came out about twenty years ago. The band recently got back together after a long hiatus and rerecorded the whole album (they’re currently touring, as well). If you like bands like Bloc Party, The Futureheads, or The Rapture, you must bow down to Gang Of Four. Think of this album as a tribute to the band’s own genius or a rerecorded greatest-hits collection of brilliant new-wave rock. Buy this one, or better yet, buy the band’s whole catalog.

Supergrass

Road To Rouen

Capital

Supergrass has always been a band on the brink of mainstream explosion. On its latest effort, Road To Rouen, Supergrass is teetering on the edge and will most likely fall over. This album will make you a fan of Supergrass with its textured pop landscapes and dreamy mind-trip ballads. Listen for winks to latter efforts of The Beatles, some Oasis-like jams, and plenty of blissful moments that will make you smile. This disc is the perfect soundtrack for hanging out with friends or the soundtrack to a raucous road trip. Supergrass’ Road To Rouen-glam perfection in an era of indie-rock coldness.

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Arts And Crafts

Canada’s reigning supergroup’s follow-up to the 2003’s, You Forgot It In People starts off where the previous album left off-a room full of friends (up to 21, at times) making inspired, grandiose, and celebratory music that dances from the speakers to your ears. Their rock n’ roll-revival style of music forces your toe to tap and your mouth to smile. If you don’t have You Forgot It In People, you need it. If you don’t have the latest self-titled release from Broken Social Scene, you need it. If you need some joy in your life, grab a CD by this band. The only band that gets close to B.S.S. is the slightly similar sounding The Polyphonic Spree, but with a more varied style of songs, B.S.S. could even be compared to The Velvet Underground, The Secret Machines, or Dinosaur Jr.-I know, that’s pretty broad, but just listen, you’ll see.

The Jade Shader

Curse Of The Tuatara

Sonic Boom

The Jade Shader is a San Diego supergroup. They’d laugh if you said that, but the fact remains that when ex-members of seminal indie-rock bands including Boilermaker, No Knife, and Tanner get together to rock out, you get super music from a supergroup. With only seven songs, you could be tempted to hold your breath until you hear more. Go ahead, there will be more to come very soon. Until then, go get this EP, then do yourself the pleasure of seeing this band live-you’ll never forget the experience.

DVD

Campaign 2

Poor Specimen

The much-anticipated and highly hyped Campaign 2 is now available in stores! As always, Taylor Steele has packed this new release with the best surfers in the world surfing at their very best. Of course, you get Kelly, Bruce, Andy, Parko, Benji, Dorian, etc. Some new faces to Taylor’s crew include Dane Reynolds, Mike Losness, Rye Craike, Jaime O’Brien, and Shaun Cansdell. The music is top-notch as always, and the skits (usually regarded as filler) are genuinely funny (especially Damien Hobgood). If you live anywhere along any coast, you’ve probably already seen this movie at a premiere near you. If you haven’t, please come out from under that rock. The bonus stuff on the DVD is plentiful as well-great extra soundtracks, director commentary, bonus footage, and much more. Congrats, Taylor, Campaign 2 is the most ampinng surf flick of the year, and another must-have gem to add to your collection.

Burn

Metalstorm

Burn is a look into the lives of a half dozen of the best surfers in the world. Strong sections from Kelly, Bruce, and Andy are here, as well as some crazy footage of Bobby Martinez and Dane Reynolds surfing some of the best California in years. Fred Patacchia Jr. sheds some light on his amazing year with some great interviews, and, of course, ripping surfing from around the globe. The youngest surfer in the video, Clay Marzo shines brightly as he whips his board and body into incredible situations. Other surfers that have starring roles are Dustin Barca, Mark Healey, Roy Powers, Jaime O’Brien, Cheyne Magnusson, and Jesse Mearle Jones, just to name a few. Burn is a video that will no doubt slap you with the surf bug, causing you to run to your nearest break and shred.

Games

Ultimate Spider-Man PS2

Marvel/Activision

This one-player adventure game puts the webs of Spider-Man himself at your command, or, if you’re feeling evil, you can command Spider-Man’s evil twin, Venom. Wreak havoc or save lives, the choice is yours. Great graphics, fast action, and fun gameplay make Ultimate Spider-Man a valued part of your video-game collection.

Reviews

ADMIN

• October 17 2005
• 19 views
• add a comment

Brian Bielmann’s Top Ten

Johnny Cash The Man Comes Around

Neil Young Tonight’s The Night

Bruce Springsteen Devils And Dust

Jack Johnson In Between Dreams

Captain Beefheart Trout Mask Replica

TRex Electric Warrior

The Rolling Stones Exile On Main Street

Band Of Gypsys Band Of Gypsys

Ben Harper With The Blind Boys Of Alabama There Will Be A Light

David Bowie Station To Station

Weird War

Illuminated By The Light

Drag City

Illuminated By The Light offers a tongueful of sexy funk from a band that was once called the Scene Creamers. This third and possibly best effort by Weird War features the high-toned vocals of ex-Make Up front man Ian Svenious. And to make your ass shake that much more, Weird War has added Trans Am’s à…ber-drummer, Sebastian Thompson. Danceable and sexable, listening to Weird War can and will help you become a little bit more cool than you already are-even if you’re really cool. Sex up your sounds-get Illuminated By The Light. Fans of Make Up and Prince will funk out to this shit.

Common

Be

Geffen

As a rule, I used to hate on rappers who smiled. I would only rock such frowning gentlemen as DMX, Geto Boys, and N.W.A. I had a soft spot in my heart for De La Soul in their Three Feet High And Rising stage, and of course Biz Markie. But for the most part, it was all guns, drugs, and money rhymes for me. Well, Common smiles, and I have to say-he’s got a reason to. He’s just released a great new album, especially for summertime. Smile away and listen to the new Common. It’s just simple, sophisticated, easy listening hip-hop with not much talk of dealing drugs or shooting people. Fans of Kanye West and Mos Def will be feeling Be.

Lab Partners

Wicked Branches

Reverb

It’s great to get a CD from a band like the Lab Partners out of nowhere (actually, they’re out of Dayton, Ohio). This band has shared stages with such notable acts as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Warlocks-meaning that yes, they probably are a pretty cool band. They have the same type of droning and smooth indie-rock sound as the previously mentioned acts, but they also have a subtle undertone of sultry brooding to their sound. Fans of BRMC, The Doves, and My Bloody Valentine will be very pleased with Lab Partners Wicked Branches.

Tristan Prettyman

Twentythree

Virgin

Not to brag, but I was one of the lucky people to be at the first little house party Tristan played at-she amazed me then, and she continues to do so. Her voice is beautiful, and her guitar playing has become very sophisticated. She’s been lumped into the “surf” scene with platinum artists like Jack Johnson and Donavon Frankenreiter (she really does surf well), but I don’t think that’s her best selling point. Her best selling point is that she makes really good music and she’s hot. Look for any one of these songs to be the next big hit by the end of this summer.

Windsor For The Derby

Giving Up The Ghost

Secretly Canadian

Another band that came to me from out of nowhere is called Windsor For The Derby. This is one of those bands composed of two great musicians communicating across country and somehow making it work-like Lansing-Drieden does. This band lies somewhere along the lines of American Analog Set and Frausdots-with subtle electronics, calming harmonies, and a few rocking moments interlaced.

Various Artists

Bonnaroo Music Festival 2004

Sanctuary

The Bonnaroo Music Festival is a huge party attended by thousands of weekend-warrior hippie types, Deadheads, rockers, trippers, college kids, and weirdos. Last year’s festival featured an eclectic mix of bands that rocked to a crowd of tens of thousands. David Byrne, Bob Dylan, The Dead (remaining members of The Grateful Dead), Steve Winwood, Kings Of Leon, Trey Anastasio, Primus, and Ween are just a few of the acts that had the crowd undulating in a patchouli heaven-like a modern-day Woodstock with good music and no Fred Durst being an asshole–look for the DVD, too! It rips.

Three More Bands To Buy …

DareDevil Jane, DareDevil Jane-Sunset Strip-style rock and roll! Just what you need if you miss G N’ R or Buckcherry-like I know we all do.

Continental, What Was Gained From What Was Lost-Beautiful, cinematic, instrumental music. Fans of Mogwai and The Album Leaf will love.

Lords Of Dogtown, Music From The Motion Picture-wicked tunes from the 70s, Hendrix, Foghat, Bowie, Sabbath, Sweet, and more!

E/P Of The Month

Cut City, GSL106-Four choppy, indie-rocking, new wave (without sounding 80s) songs on a clear disc. Good stuff, try to find it.

DVD

First Love

John Holland and Jason Hernandez

TransWorld SKATEboarding

Another banger from two of skateboarding’s best filmmakers, First Love features full sections from five different and all equally amazing skaters. Shiloh Greathouse comes correct with some crazy combos, Omar Salazar is my new favorite, Richard Angelidas is full of flow and style, Leo Romero has a banger part, Ryan Gallant skates brilliantly, and of cours, you get the best 16mm skate montages. Attention all surfers, get First Love now.

Double Down

Red Bull

Red Bull took nine of the world’s best surfers out to an unexplored island chain in Fiji and let the hell gates open. They surfed, they partied, they splashed paint on each other, and they judged each other’s shredding. All these guys and girls ripped hard, and you’ll see it. Go to rb5x.com and check it out.

Reviews

ADMIN

• October 17 2005
• 0 views
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7#11

What’s Erica Hosseini listening to?

Black Eyed Peas-Elephunk

Green Day-American Idiot

The Killers-Hot Fuss

Gwen Stefani-Love Angel Music Baby

The Rolling Stones-everything …

“I don’t really listen to CDs that much-I usually just download my favorite songs from artists. But I guess I would have to say I like most of the music from these bands.”-Erica

Early Man

Closing In

Matador

Good heavy metal that doesn’t sound like it was recorded for the “Hot Topic” mall audience is hard to find. Thank the dark lords below that Early Man has found its way to my iPod. This band will kick your ass off in the vein of Three Inches Of Blood, early Ozzy, and of course Iron Maiden. If you like good, clean, heavy metal that doesn’t sound campy like The Darkness or growly, listen to Early Man-the best metal band you’re likely to hear this year.

Mt. Egypt

Perspectives

Record Collection

Mellow and moody without being pouty and emo like some other acoustic acts, Mt. Egypt utilizes a smooth simple voice along with slide guitars, subtle keys, rolling bass lines, and simple drum additions to create a smoky, beautiful, and pleasant atmosphere. Fans of My Morning Jacket, Songs: Ohia, and Bonnie Prince Billy will appreciate Mt. Egypt.

Eisley

Room Noises

Reprise

This band is comprised of three sisters, a brother, and a cousin from a small town in Texas. The sheer beauty that Stacy and Sherri DuPree (two of the sisters) emanate when they put their voices together is like a siren song that will hypnotize you. The music behind these two amazing voices is ambient, and yet it pulls you in and wraps you up like a baby in a blanket. This up-and-coming band demands to be heard, and once you hear them, you’ll be hooked and in love. Fans of The Sundays, Coldplay, or Radiohead, you’ll be loving Eisley’s Room Noises.

Rocco Deluca

I Trust You To Kill Me

Ironworks

A Dobro is one of those guitars that has a steel top with holes in it. A Rocca Deluca is a guy who rips on said Dobro. Rocco’s full-length debut, I Trust You To Kill Me, is all over the map, yet all on the same page. Excellent singing (a little Jeff Buckley-esque) and some ripping Dobro work make this a disc you will like. Fans of Magnolia Electric Co. or Jeff Buckley will be feeling this.

Diamond Nights

Popsicle

Kemado

Glam for glam’s sake is great. Diamond Nights plays a sexual brand of glam-rock that you may find yourself dancing to if you’re not careful. Think of a modern Thin Lizzy mixed with a “Blinded By The Light”-era Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. Fans of The Makers will also be stoked on Diamond Nights. This band will probably be super popular soon, so get hip early.

Calexico and Iron And Wine

In The Reins

Overcoat Recordings

Two amazing and unique bands come together on a CD that will satisfy fans of either band. Featuring the earnest and emotional sounds of both bands (at once), In The Reins is like an indie-western, folk-rock, heartfelt ride through America. Be ready for soothing vocals, slide guitars, some nice reverby twang, and just plain beautiful music from America’s Southwest.

The Goons Of Doom

Bikey Zombie (EP)

Volcom Entertainment

I’m usually skeptical of a band fronted by someone who was famous outside music first, but Ozzie Wright’s Goons Of Doom is an exception to that rule. A collection of Australian surf personalities including Adam Blakey and Dashenka Wright, the Goons’ first release, Bikey Zombie, is at the same instant fast, trashy, dreamy, and funny. I have a feeling that unlike Bruce Willis’ band The Accelerators, this isn’t the last we’ll see of the Goons.

EP Of The Month

Simon Dawes, EP-Crazy weird timing, wild structures, a bitchin’ variety of instruments, and drawn-out epic vocals make Simon Dawes’ EP the TransWorld SURF EP of the month. Go buy it.

DVD

The Bruce Movie

Veeco Productions

Are you a fan of Bruce Irons? I know we all aree. Well, The Bruce Movie is finally here, and it rips. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re blowing it. If you have seen it, you’ll already know it’s rad. Great soundtrack, crazy barrels, cool interviews, airs, hacks, and of course, the whole story behind Bruce’s first year on the WCT. A must-own, a must must-own.

Burn To Shine 2: Chicago IL 09.13.2004

Trixie

Conceived by Brendan Canty (Fugazi), curated and recorded by Bob Weston (Shellac), Burn To Shine 2 is basically nine bands beautifully filmed playing one song each in a small house in Chicago that happens to be slated for demolition the following day. The performances are amazing and feature Tortoise, Shellac, Wilco, The Ponys, and Pit Er Pat, just to name a few. This audiovisual experience is an unforgettable and intimate look into the workings of some of today’s best bands-a must-see for any fan of any one these bands.

My Eyes Won’t Dry

By Brian Conley

Hop inside the Hurricane Hunter, and take a ride all the way from San Diego to mainland Mexico and beyond! Hoot and holler as Brian Conley straps on a helmet cam, a board, and a backpack cam and shows you the insides of a bunch of big tubes from all angles. Interior and exterior images include mainland Mexico, Teahupo’o, and more. Killer original soundtrack by Michael Eaton included!

Drawing Lines

Webber Bolton Incorporated

One of the more soothing surf videos around, Drawing Lines sheds light on the East Coast rite of passage of chasing hurricane swells up and down the East Coast. Two “average Joes,” Ryan Hammers and Paul Garrety, make it their mission to surf every state on the East Coast from Florida to Maine. With good waves, cinematography, music, and narration, this flick is a must to make your surf-video collection as diverse as possible, if that’s what you want.

Reviews

ADMIN

• July 07 2005
• 74 views
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Jon Robertson’s Top Five

Billy Idol Rebel Yell

The Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers

Bob Dylan Blood On The Tracks

The Misfits Question One

The Rolling Stones Let It Bleed

Mogwai

Government Commissions: BBC Sessions 1996-2003

Matador

The loudest band in the land (Scotland, that is) brings forth the best in quiet-to-ear-piercing music with a ten-song disc featuring some of their best songs, including “Hunted By A Freak,” “Kappa,” “Cody,” and “R U Still In It.” These are live recordings from the BBC, and the album is dedicated to the late, great John Peel. If you’re a fan of Mogwai, this is a must-have; if you’re a fan of Slint, Godspeed You Black Emperor, or Radiohead and you don’t have a Mogwai album, something is wrong with you.

Goodbye Blue Monday

Help Is On The Way

Loud And Clear

San Diego’s latest and greatest indie-rockers return with a seven-song banger reminiscent of Drive Like Jehu, while still holding true to the G.B.M.’s guitar-bending riffage and stop-start dynamics. The drumming is yet again mathematical, the dueling “Thin Lizzy” guitars are back with a vengeance, and the singing is top-notch. Fans of No Knife, Blonde Redhead, and Fugazi will be rocking hard to this disc.

Nouvelle Vague

Nouvelle Vague

V2/Luaka Bop

Described as the marriage of new wave and bossa nova, Nouvelle Vague is basically a covers album of new-wave songs played in the bossa-nova style, with beautiful female vocalists handling the singing duties. Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” Depeche Mode’s “I Just Can’t Get Enough,” The Clash’s “Guns Of Brixton,” and XTC’s “Making Plans For Nigel” are just a few of the tracks sexed up and bossa nova’d out. Nouvelle Vague is the most original and beautiful “cover album” you’ll hear this year.

Opera 1X

Anphisbena

Magick

Opera 1X is an Italian band that plays black-metal opera/symphonies translated from ancient documents. These songs will probably conjure up demons from hell if you blast the CD too loud in your bedroom. The singer’s name is M The Bard, and the bass player’s name is Vlad-those two names speak volumes. Any band with a Vlad in it must be awesome. Bam Margera would love this band, and you might, too, if you like to raise the dead, sacrifice virgins, or drink blood-all things that are pretty fun.

Red Sparowes

At The Soundless Dawn

Neurot Recordings

Featuring members of weighty droners Neurosis and Isis, Red Sparowes might be expected to be in the same vein as those two bands-heavy, brooding, dark, pounding masses of sound. Well, you can expect heavy music on this disc, but it’s a different kind of heavy. Think Godspeed You Black Emperor and jammy, instrumental rock-outs with layer upon layer of technical musicianship.

Kitteridge Records Presents:

Homemade Hits Vol. 2

Kitteridge Records

Think of this as the little compilation that could. But the thing is, it’s not a little compilation-there’re 26 songs, all recorded at the home studios of some of Los Angeles’ finest unknown indie-rock bands. Check out http://homemadehits.kittnet.com to find out about some new bands you may just love.

Six More Quick Hits

Archer Prewitt Wilderness One of Thrill Jockey’s finest returns with a beautiful full-length album.

Judas Priest Angel Of Retribution Yes, Judas Priest still rules your ass.

The Nein Wrath Of Circuits Cool, weird, rocking, indie-tech rock.

Doves Some Cities Great Brit-rock that you’ll love.

Morning Recordings Music For Places Mellow music for chilling out.

Nic Armstrong & The Thieves The Greatest White Liar Well-produced garage rock in the vein of The White Stripes.

DVD

Back To The Front

Stubtown/Pat Stublen

Back To The Front is an East Coast-based indie-rock surf video that takes a big step up from Stublen’s first effort and great overall surf flick, Destined For Second. Featuring all the top dogs like Ben Bourgeois, Asher Nolan, The Hobgoods, Dean Morrison, Aaron Cormicaan, Gabe Kling, Noah Snyder, Jesse Hines, Sam Hammer, Matt Beacham, and more surfing all over the world in conditions ranging from epic to mediocre, B.T.T.F has something for everyone and will get you amped.

The Kill Seven

Josh Pomer

The dark horse of surf cinema returns with the seventh installment of The Kill series. This time, epic California is the star with great footage of crazy swells, sandbar wedge love, and point-break perfection. TK7 jumps around a lot and is full of quick clips of all your favorites shredding-it’s like a video scrapbook of all the latest in ripping the waves, man.

Book Nook

Wave Hunters

Chris Lacy

Read this out loud with a pirate’s accent: “If you’re looking for a tale of surf adventure, look no further. This hear is a tale of a young man whose run-in with an eye-patched sea dog leads him to the treasure of a lifetime, the real Treasure Island, where perfect waves and epic adventure await all ye who dare to find it.”

This book is a good, fun read, and all the proceeds from its sales go to Surf Aid International.

Waves

Steve Hawk/Chronicle Books

This beautiful coffee-table book will both mystify and terrify you with the imagery that fills its pages. Yes, it’s full of waves shot by some of the world’s best surf photographers, including Jeff Divine, Art Brewer, and Sean Davey. Printed on heavy paper and hardbound, Waves is a nice addition to any surfer’s home.

Reviews

ADMIN

• May 16 2005
• 22 views
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Outkast-The Love Below/Speakerboxxx

Bob Marley-”Everything and anything by Bob”

Black Eyed Peas-Elephunk

Steely Dan-Aja

Alicia Keyes-The Diary Of Alicia Keyes

“When I’m traveling, I watch all the HBO shows on DVD-like Sex In The City and The Sopranos.”

Pit Er Pat

Shakey

Thrill Jockey

Pit Er Pat is a weird, wonderful art-rock three-piece with some seriously warped ideas of melodies and song structures. Fusing tech drumbeats with winding organ lines and punchy bass, Shakey is an album full of awkward beauty that’s similar to Pinback (but with mostly female vocals) and an upbeat Black Heart Procession.

Ian Brown

Solarized

Koch

You can’t read about Ian Brown without seeing the statement “ex-Stone Roses frontman.” This isn’t a bad thing, as the Stone Roses were one of the best bands of the early 90s. Now with his fifth solo album, Ian Brown continues to give fans what they want-great music. Solarized is an album filled with big songs that emanate some of the same emotional values as Oasis’ huge album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? Check out this new Ian Brown release and prepare to be an instant fan.

LCD Soundsystem

LCD Soundsystem

Emi/DFA

Yet another (and one of the first) cool electro-dance New York City bands have come to funk your face. LCD Soundsystem has released a few EPs that were, in a word, sketchy. This new double-disc release is, on the other hand, awesome. Songs like “Daft Punk Is Playing At My House” and “Movement” will make your ass shake. If you like The Rapture, !!!, Radio 4, or Electric Six, you’ll appreciate LCD. Also, if you’re in New York, drop their name and people will think you know what’s up with the scene.

Fanny Pack

See You Next Tuesday

Tommy Boy

Do you like to dance? I do. Do you like sexy female rappers from Brooklyn? Oh my gosh, I do, too. Wow, we have a lot in common. What would make us even better friends is if you went out and got the new Fanny Pack album and danced your fanny off to it like I do every night. These three hot, young, rapping sex kittens will entice you with sass, ass, and tight rhymes. Think Salt ‘N Pepa or TLC, but sexier, skinnier, younger, and way more fun.

Necro

The Pre-fix For Death

Psycho Logical

He’s satanic, he’s psychotic, he raps about a lot of blood and death, and he’s pure street grit-he’s Necro. This DIY rap impresario slings quick lyrics with a slight lisp and spits some of the goriest, nastiest rhymes since The Geto Boys’ We Can’t Be Stopped. Look for guest rapper like Ill Bill, Mr. Hyde, and even Charles Manson. Here’s a rhyme sample to make you cringe: “Dead /you look like a droid/ I see through the void in your skull/ so we can’t leave the casket open/you’re too destroyed.” That’s good shit.

Low

The Great Destroyer

Sub Pop

How does a band from Minnesota become the opening act for Radiohead? It’s easy-Thom York hears your CD and falls in loves with you, that’s how. Low’s new CD, The Great Destroyer, has thirteen tracks. Each track is its own beautiful story. Each is a wonderful example of a how a trio of artistic, minimalist musicians can pull your heart into what you’re hearing. They have been dubbed a fuzzed-out Velvet Underground, and in my opinion their sound fits into the vein of Yo La Tengo. This is some dreamy stuff.

DVD

The Taylor Steele Collection

Special Edition Collectors DVD Box Set Vol. 1

Poor Specimen

In the past, I have been accused of kissing Taylor Steele’s ass. I have never physically placed my mouth on Taylor’s buttocks; I have given his flicks good reviews, though. His videos get great reviews because they are great, and now you can have almost all of them in one fell swoop. The Special Edition Collectors DVD Box Set Vol. 1 is limited to 5,000 units (I have number 647) and includes Momentum, Momentum 2, Focus, Good Times, The Show, and Loose Change. All these titles come in a sharp silver box, and they are all re-mastered and better tthan ever. So there-another deserving Taylor Steele ass-kiss.

Next In Line

Marley Time Productions

Do-it-yourself surf videos are cool. They may not always have the biggest names or the best music, but they always have a certain charm that is undeniable. Next In Line is a great example of a DIY video that works. The footage is current, all the names are present (Andy, Bruce, Kelly, etc … ), and the surfing will get you amped-simple and effective. Check out good stuff from Brett Simpson, Ryan Carlson, Micah Byrne, Jay Larson, and Ryan Turner.

Games

Alien Hominid

The Behemoth/03 Entertainment

This game is insane! Your UFO has crash-landed, and the FBI is out to get you-time to take them out! With fantastic graphics, lots of violence, and a fun story, Alien Hominid is the little game that will blow your mind. Support independent studios-play this game. You’ll love it.

ATV Offroad Fury

Sony

Things have changed since the first ATV Offroad Fury game came out a few years back. The graphics got better, the gameplay got more realistic, and the fun level rose to a new high. ATV Offroad Fury 3 is the best off-road racing game out there-period. Get this game and you’ll be battling up to four players at a time on some of the most ripping tracks and terrains you’ve ever seen in a game. ATV O.R.F.3 is a must-have for fans of any brand of racing game.

Reviews

ADMIN

• October 05 2004
• 27 views
• add a comment

John Cruz Acoustic Soul

Joni Mitchell Hits

Keb’ Mo’ Keb’ Mo’

Norah Jones Feels Like Home

Pearl Jam Live Shows From Australia

The Police Greatest Hits

Rolling Stones Forty Licks 1 & 2

Sade Lovers Rock

Sarah McLachlan Afterglow

Temple Of The Dog Temple Of The Dog

Tom Curren Tom Curren

Van Morrison Astral Weeks

Van Morrison The Healing Game

Swami records has rereleased what is possibly the best record to ever come out of San Diego. That’s a pretty hefty claim, but when talking about San Diego’s favorite sons–Rocket From The Crypt–no one can argue. Circa Now was originally released in 1993 and immediately sent RFTC into the limelight with videos on MTV and loads of radio play. Tracks like “Ditchdigger,” “Sturdy Wrist,” and my personal favorite, “Glazed,” cemented Rocket’s reputation as one of the greatest bands to shred the stages of the world. An added treat to this new disc is four new bonus tracks! If you don’t already own Circa Now!, buy it. If you do own it–buy it again.

Karate fuses post-rock with jazz elements to create a sound new to most people. Music lovers will fawn over the genius instrumentation and spoken-word poetic vocals. Putting your finger on Karate’s influences is difficult. I hear jazzed-up hints of Sea And Cake, subtle vibes of Five Style, and even traces of Codeine. Pockets is definitely an album you could listen to at your next cocktail party–your friends would be very impressed and no doubt ask, “who is this?”

I remember Helmet for two reasons: One was they were one of the first really heavy bands to have short hair, the other was 1992’s Meantime, which spawned the hit song “Unsung” (my favorite song at the time). That was over a decade ago, and they have since released a few albums–but none that reached the success of Meantime. That’s about to change with Size Matters. This album will tear you in half. While I can’t pick out a hit, all the songs are animals. If you like Pantera, Corrosion Of Conformity, or The Melvins, you’ll love this new Helmet record.

My Morning Jacket plays soaring and beautiful blends of alt-country and dreamy pop. Vocalist Jim James has the voice of an American angel, and when you put slide guitar behind it, the effect is beautiful. This disc is a live set performed in a small theater for a friend of the band’s birthday. Any fan of Bonnie Prince Billy, Tim Buckley, or Neil Young, will love this album. This is a really soothing and pretty record that is perfect for Sunday mornings or nighttime chilling out on the porch.

Kool Keith will always bring you the freaky shit. This new disc is a horror-core adventure into Kool Keith’s tweaked brain, and you will love the trip. The second song, “Party In The Morgue,” is an instant Keith classic that will have your ass shaking ’till you die and get buried by Thee Undatakerz. Keep your ears peeled for spaced-out rhymes, movie-style interludes, crazy characters, and all the Keith-isms you can stand. If you liked Gravediggaz, you’ll love Thee Undatakerz.

Sure, this CD is out of place on this page. Maybe I’m just a sucker for rap from the Dirty South, maybe I just like to get crunked–either way, from now on, when I feel like getting crunked, I’ll be getting there with Crunk Classics. All the dirty’s are here: Petey Pablo, Trick Daddy, Youngbloodz, Lil Jon, and more. You think I’m kidding? I’m not, this shit right hur is the best. Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up” is on constant rotation on the iPod.

What do you get when you mix Survivor, Lord Of The Flies, and some of the best barrel riding ever seen? You get Second Thoughts. The people I watched this movie with were literally screaming and jumping up and down during some of the water sequences from inside the barrel. Other people started walking into the room because of the ruckus and immediately joined in, yelling with every wave. Tim Turner, Brett Shwartz, and Travis Potter are a crazy group of ferals who came through with one of the best surf movies of the year. Calling this movie a must-see is an understatement–it’s more like a must-see-or-miss-something-amazing.

Reviews.

ADMIN

• February 27 2004
• 9 views
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What’s In Jay Phillips’ iPod?

Metallica Kill ‘Em All

The Clash London Calling

Sex Pistols Nevermind The Bollocks

The Sunny Boys Tunnel Of My Love

Kyuss Welcome To Sky Valley

Björk Human Behaviour

Tool Aenima

Tool Undertow

Kut U Up Pulled Over

The Mars Volta De-loused In The Comatorium

Helmet Meantime

Monster Magnet Monster Magnet

Midnight Oil Diesel And Dust

Rollerball Spaceballs

Sprung Monkey Sprung Monkey

T.S.O.L. Dance With Me

The Who You Better You Bet

50 Cent Get Rich Or Die Tryin’

Bob Marley Legend

This New York space-jam band must live on the other side of town from Interpol and The Strokes because this band sounds way different. Sea Ray plays a nice blend of Brit-pop à la Coldplay or Travis, while meshing the shoegazer style of American Analog Set and even Radiohead. Stars At Noon is their second album and judging by their obvious talent, they’ll be around for a long time. You should own this disc.

Math-metal-instrumental-electro-dreamy-skechty-weird-keyboard-crazy-riffy-radical–this is The Kickass. Don Caballero meets The F–king Champs. The songs on this album are impossibly technical and long. This is some serious mathed-out, drum solo, guitar-wizard shit.

Electro-thrash-goth-rock is here in the form of the new Sunshine album. If Bauhaus were still around and had access to modern keyboards, they’d sound like this album. Sunshine is rocking hard with Necromance, and you’ll be rocking with them as soon as you go get this record. Fans of The Rapture and The Faint will be feeling this.

The After Party is a solid rocking band from San Diego, California. Their sound is akin to Built To Spill with less emo-core, and more pop-rock. All the songs on this disc are rippers. I’ve heard people say The After Party is a mix between Modest Mouse and Tom Petty–sounds strange, but it’s true. Check this band out, I know you’ll love them.

Green Day’s first album has been remastered and rereleased with a ton of extra features. If you already have it, buy it again. If you don’t have it, buy it now. Anyone who’s ever heard this album will instantly be taken back to 1990 and down memory lane. This record is one of our generation’s classics so show it the respect it deserves and buy the rerelease. If not for the love of Green Day, buy it for the bonus features like 20 minutes of live performances, interviews, and more!

As the lead singer of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant got a lot of action from thousands of female fans. After Led Zeppelin split, Robert went back to the studio numerous times and created some amazing albums as a solo artist. Sixty Six To Timbuktu is a greatest hits compilation of some of his best solo stuff. The first disc is all his best including “Big Log,” “Heaven Knows,” and “Sea Of Love.” The second disc features cover songs and bonnus live songs. In my opinion, “Big Log” is one of the greatest songs ever, if you haven’t heard it, hear it.

From the second I pushed play on the DVD ’till the end (over an hour later) I was baffled, entertained, excited, and in awe of the skating shown. TWS filmers Jon Holland and Jason Hernandez rented an RV and went to all the best parks in the Pacific Northwest and wrecked them all. The crew is legendary featuring Pat Duffy, Clint Peterson, Hairball, Danny Way, Donny Barley, Jake Brown, Danger, and more. To see the best parks in the world being utterly dominated, get this DVD. Bonus awesome photography by Ped Urtz.

Girl Films released the much-anticipated Yeah Right a few months back, and it was one of the best videos ever. Now available on DVD with bonus features and new footage–it’s even better.

To see one of the most amazing rock spectacles ever created you need to go to Las Vegas and buy a 100-dollar ticket to see The Blue Man Group live, or buy this new DVD and watch it over and over like I’ve been doing for the past week. The show put on by The Blue Man Group is nothing less than amazing. Backed by a band a dozen strong, the three blue men bring the noise and their custom-made instruments. I can’t explain how awesome this show is, just trust me–you will be in awe.

I like U2, but I’m not one of those U2 freaks. I did however, get chills at the beginning of every song played on this live DVD. U2’s live set is amazing and very politically charged. All the hits are here, and Bono is at his all-time high-energy best, proving yet again, he’s one of rock’s best frontmen. This concert was U2’s triumphant return home, and they rocked harder than ever.

This book is a “complete guide to the players, music, and scene” of the Jamband scene. The scene consists of bands that jam, like Phish, Widespread Panic, Gov’t Mule, and of course, The Grateful Dead. Author Dean Budnick has really done his homework here and fills over 270 pages with everything you’ll ever need to know about jam bands. The only thing not included is an acid tab and some weed.

Reviews

ADMIN

• February 18 2004
• 19 views
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By Chris Cote

Taly The Taly Show

Jack Johnson On And On

James Taylor Greatest Hits

The Red West In Stores Now Go Buy It

blink-182 Enema Of The State

Coldplay A Rush Of Blood To The Head

U2 All That You Can’t Leave Behind

Johnny Cash The Essential Johnny Cash

Michael Jackson Thriller

Lauryn Hill The Miseducation Of Lauren Hill

2Pac Me Against The World

Dr. Dre Chronic 2000

The Notorious B.I.G. Life After Death

Outkast Speakerboxx/The Love Below

Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP

50 Cent Get Rich Or Die Tryin’

Dave Matthews Live At Luther College

Ben Harper Live From Mars

Fleetwood Mac Rumours

Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon

I wanted to hate The Strokes. They sleep with models, they’re a bunch of rich New York prep-school kids, they have cool clothes, and they’ve already had a super-hit album. Even when I first got this new disc, I was like, “I hate The Strokes. I’m too indie and cool to like this shit.” Unfortunately the album started growing on me like a fungus. The first single off the album “12:51″ was an immediate favorite. Then came “Reptilia,” then the rest of the album. Sure all the songs sound alike, sure the drummer dates Drew Barrymore, sure we should all hate these kids with the Midas touch, but we don’t. Sorry, I like the new Strokes album–don’t hate me. It’s a really good album (but I’ll probably be sick of it next week).

Here’s some wild indie-thrash for At The Drive-In and Jesus Lizard fans. This disc is on the edge of punk, but its indie sensibilities break the punk mold and smash you. Do you like loud crazy guitars clashing with tech drums and stomping bass? Let’s all rock out for a minute.

You can’t read anything about this instrumental band without seeing a mention of Godspeed You Black Emperor! or Mogwai trailing close behind. In my world, this is not a bad thing. To be compared to either of these bands is a huge compliment. So if you like those two bands, you’ll like Explosions In The Sky. This band got screwed a while back because its album had a picture of a plane crash on it and was released a week before 9/11. Now they have a forest on fire on the cover, but don’t take it the wrong way– Explosions had no part in the California fires. Buy this album and travel to a beautiful place. I have to go buy it now because Pete Taras lost my copy.

The singer for this band sounds like a mix between Ian Curtis (Joy Division) and Ric Ocasek (The Cars), and that is a good mix. The Movies’ singer Timothy James’ deep bellowing voice may catch you off-guard at first, but give it a few songs. This band from Boston will grow on you. If you like bands like Beat Happening, The National, or Interpol, you’ll like this album. I’m starting to like it more and more with each spin.

When Vice releases a record, I listen to it. Vice seems to be able to tell the future, because this ba is sure to fall into the “next big thing” category. I thought for sure this Canadian band was from New York, just because they sound really cool. allmusic.com says they sound kind of like Echo And The Bunnymen, and I agree. This is a really solid album, and any fan of Interpol, Ash, or Death Cab For Cutie will be feeling it.

Double drums and a vast array of weird instruments make this Central California band something different. Like a rogue wave in a sea of flat indie rock, The Rum Diary comes correct on every song on this album. When I say come correct, I mean there’re no duds on this disc. Their sound is a nice mix of Three Mile Pilot, Mogwai, and Elliott. This album should be in your CD player if you’re reading, driving, studying, drawing, or just listening to The Rum Diary. Go get this one now.

This beautifully packaged double-set compilation is filled with Pittsburgh’s best indie-rock bands. I’ve never heard of any of the bands listed on the back, but after listening to the album, I became quite intrigued with Pittsburgh’s rock scene. The bands all have a math-rock, indie, city sound. If you like Dianogah, Seam, or Don Caballero–you’ll like the bands on this comp. Just go buy this thing and discover some great sounds.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the best compilation of the year–Gimme Skelter. Hosted by the one-and-only Iggy Pop, this comp features music from such ruling bands as Mudhoney, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Burning Brides, Dead Meadow, Beehive And The Barracudas, Weezer, Wire, The Icarus Line, and more. The lineup alone should tell you how ripping this disc is. If you don’t like at least two of the bands on this comp, you should put plugs in your cauliflower ears for the rest of your life.

Josh Pomer has been on the video scene for long enough to know the ingredients for a good surf video–action, action, action. In his latest effort titled Punk And Disorderly, Josh brings you California’s best rippers shredding all over the place. Barney and his alter-ego Roid open the movie, and then the screen is covered in constant awesome surfing. This DVD is a must-see if you want proof that California (and Ireland) have amazing waves.

Evan Valeire’s barrel at the beginning of this movie is all-time. What the hell, it’s the craziest barrel ever. This is another great film from Quiksilver and our pal Josh Williams. The Kelly footage is fascinating–Strider is a psycho. The soundtrack rules, and the editing is top-notch. Please go buy this movie–you’ll be really happy when you watch it, and afterward you will be surf-crazed!

David Cross is a genius, so you should watch this behind-the-scenes documentary of his tour. It’s proof that Middle America is full of interesting characters. Buy David Cross’ comedy CD along with this new DVD.

The next Directors Label release for you to go buy is the Michael Gondry collection. Just like the previous Spike Jonze collection, Michael Gondry has a laundry list of awesome music videos that he’s directed. Remember The White Stripes video made from Legos or the Foo Fighters’ video for “Everlong,” where Dave Grohl’s hands get all big, and he’s in a dream and he, like, fights with nunchuks made of logs and shit? Anyway, go buy this DVD.

Reviews

ADMIN

• February 11 2004
• 22 views
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What’s In Brian Conley’s Beat Box?

Barrington Levy–Under Me Sensi

Groove Corporation–Dub Plates From Elephant House Vol. 1

Black Uhuru–Collection

Pete Rock–PeteStrumentals

Humble Soul–Humble Soul

Division Of Laura Lee is yet another ripping rock band to come from the music-rich land of Sweden. File this album in the hot rock ’n’ roll section of your iPod–right next to Fugazi, The Refused, The International Noise Conspiracy, and …Trail Of The Dead. I think the reason all these guys in Sweden start bands is to impress the six-foot blondes who infest the place. Either that, or their quest to rock, and this band rocks.–C.C.

The Warlocks will cast a spell on you that prevents you from changing CDs. The spell holds you tight in its clutches, while your eyes roll into the back of your head, and you become a zombie with a bloody thirst for human brains. You become inept and non-functional. Your arms start to resemble wet pasta dripping down the side of your torso. Fuzzed-out swamp rock and spaced-out instrumental jams linger in your cerebrum like a stuffy fart lingers around your nostrils after a hearty meal. This CD has an extraordinary indie-rock feel to it while incorporating a different sound that’s quite refreshing to the ear.–Aaron Schmidt

Minor Threat

Soon after a group of musicians joined together as Minor Threat, they went into the studio and recorded a demo. This recording was scrapped and almost lost forever in the Dischord vaults, until the record label cleaned up its archives (while preparing its recent twenty-year box-set compilation). This newfound album has been issued as Dischord release number 140 and represents a candid snapshot of time. The simplicity of the recording is pure genius, even though back then it was simply considered living within the label’s means.

Minor Threat probably didn’t realize it at the time, but the band totally changed punk forever.–Eric Sentianin

Reviews

ADMIN

• January 14 2004
• 18 views
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What’s In Conan Hayes’ Beatbox?

Elliott Smith Live In Detroit

Matt Costa Six New Songs

Guns N’ Roses Appetite For Destruction

Jack Johnson All albums

50 Cent (if it weren’t so played out) so Arena Mash instead …

When music is played from the heart, you’ll feel it–especially if it’s rock ’n’ roll. The members of the Constantines wear their hearts on their guitar straps and pull you in with every note. If the Born To Run-era Bruce Springsteen were in an indie band–it’d be called the Constantines. Think of a brighter version of Fugazi with Joe Strummer or Frank Black on vocals. Bottom line–Shine A Light is one of the best indie-rock albums of the year.–C.C.

Out of the garage and into post-punk stardom–Yeah Yeah Yeahs come out rockin’ with in-your-face vocals (like Pat Benatar), catchy guitar riffs (like Television), and relentless drum beats (like the White Stripes). After a few Valium, however, Karen O gets all sweet on us, drifting into more sentimental, quiet rock territory on “Modern Romance.” If you like The Liars, Gang Of Four, and all that is post-punk, then check out Fever To Tell. (Just ignore the impulse to dye your hair black.)–David Small

Are you ready for an organ solo? I said, “Yes, I am,” and got more than a few on this obscure, freaked-out, organ-festival that is Quintron. The cover of the album is what made me grab it (well-placed organ keys and fingertips). When I set the headphones on my ears, I heard some craziness. A man and his organ with some friends adding wild vocals. Think of the B52’s having a crazy orgy with Har Mar Superstar, and Deee-Lite.–C.C.

The Jealous Sound

This band must’ve sold its collective soul to the devil, because somehow they have twelve super-hits on one album. You can be sure that MTV and the mainstream monsters will be feasting on this band’s guts any day now. All the Foo Fighters wish they could sound like Jealous Sound. Think of Jimmy Eat World eating some Superchunk with a dash of Jawbreaker.–C.C.

Necro

Reviews

ADMIN

• January 09 2004
• 11 views
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What (and why) is in Shane Dorian’s beatbox?

Jay-Z The Blueprint

“All-time classic. The best at his best.”

Bob Marley Kaya

“Gotta have Bob in Hawai‘i, Tahiti, and boat trips–anywhere mellow.”

50 Cent Get Rich Or Die Tryin’

“The best if you want to get pumped to surf or for a night on the town.”

Eminem The Eminem Show

“Another favorite. This white boy has skills.”

Braddah IZ Facing Future

“Always reminds me of home.”

This two-CD set is a must-have for any Bowie fan. The songs are remastered and glowing with newfound energy. With such Bowie classics as “Cracked Actor,” “The Jean Genie,” “Panic In Detroit,” and “Aladdin Sane,” there’s no way you should be without this album. If you already own Aladdin Sane, the second disc has previously unreleased versions of “Life On Mars” and “Drive-In Saturday.” Also included are live recordings of “Changes,” “The Supermen,” and “John, I’m Only Dancing.” These songs will show you why David Bowie is Earth’s greatest living musician.–Chris Cote

The Bronx

Reviews

ADMIN

• January 07 2004
• 38 views
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Rancid

Indestructible

Hellcat

Get ready to be slapped in the face by some true punk rock on Rancid’s new release, Indestructible. From song one to song nineteen, you’ll be rocking hard. This record shows why Rancid has been one of the world’s most respected punk bands for the last decade. The first song and title track “Indestructible” is hands down one of the best rock anthems of the 2000s. This album is an instant classic.—C.C.

My Morning Jacket

It Still Moves

ATO/ RCA

Alt-country is a genre that crept onto the airwaves with the help of Whiskeytown, Wilco, and now My Morning Jacket. Its sound is best described as haunting and sultry with a bit of country twang. It Still Moves is a beautifully crafted album with enough variation between songs to remain on repeat throughout your day, or better yet, your late-night driving through the high plains of America.—C.C.

fluf

Canary Training Record

Redroom Recordings

O and the boys come through with yet another grunge-rock six-songer to blast on your way to the ramp, beach, ice-hockey rink, or whatever other action shit you do on your weekend. Canary Training Record is one of fluf’s heavier albums, with some deep-ass guitar and bass work. Expect the usual ripping leads from O’s Fender and some added crunch. This disc comes with a bonus video directed and filmed by Peter King that is ass-widdling fun.—C.C.

Skid Row

Thickskin

Skid Row Records

Skid Row’s got a new singer, man! Who needed Sebastian Bach? The new guy sounds just like Bach’s skinny ass anyway. The new Skid Row album could be useful if you want to get laid by some 80s hesh-chick, or just get wasted on MGD.—C.C.

Take Action! Volume 3

Sub City Records

Here’re over 40 bands trying to make a difference by simply putting a song on a compilation. Sub City Records has raised over 300,000 dollars for various nonprofit organizations since its inception in 1999. Take Action! Volume 3 is dedicating a sum of the profits to a suicide-prevention program called The National Hope Hotline. Go buy this double-set, support a good cause, and get some hot rock in the deal. Look for songs from Thursday, Thrice, Shadows Fall, Cursive, Elliott, Division Of Laura Lee, The Bronx, Avenged Sevenfold, and many more.—C.C.

Her Space Holiday

The Young Machines

Wichita Recordings

Help, I’m lonely and needy! As if HSF’s last album Home Is Where You Hang Yourself wasn’t sad enough, Marc Bianchi’s lyrics break your heart once again. This techno-pop-rock album is full of past lovers’ tales, cheap one-night stands, jealousy, drugs, insecurity, manic-depression, and all the good stuff that finds you when your relationship goes bust. If you love the heartbreaking and brutally honest sounds of The Postal Service, The Album Leaf, or The Good Life, then this is a must-have. Grab your pillow and let the sob-fest begin, you emotional mess!—P.T.

The Russian Futurists

Let’s Get Ready To Rumble

Upper Class

This CD comes out of nowhere to blow your mind. Prepare to have a warm blanket of sound thrown over your head. Fans of The Shins and The Postal Service will be feeling this disc. The Russian Futurists seamlessly blend electro-pop with indie sensibilities and deliver ten songs filled with walls of keyboards, choir choruses, and layers of sound. Let’s Get Ready To Rumble will fit well in your record collection next to Polyphonic Spree’s The Beginning Stages Of … and The Postal Service’s Give Up.—C.C.

The Cars

Complete Greatest Hits

Elektra/Rhino

Take a ride back to the late 70s when new wave was introduced to the masses. The Cars was a new band from Boston that blew doors on everyone. Shortly after ccoming out, The Cars’ hit song “Just What I Needed” grabbed heavy airplay on every radio station in the country. Now some sixteen years after The Cars broke up, you can finally get every single hit from the band’s early days, like “Bye Bye Love” and “Good Times Roll” and early 80s video classics like, “Shake It Up” and “Drive.” Head on down to the music store and pick up this compilation of classics by a legendary band.—A.S.

DVD

The Modus Mix

Billygoat Productions

The Modus Mix is hands down the best female surf movie ever. This film should be required viewing for any young female surfer and for any chauvinistic male surfer who thinks that chicks can’t rip. You will be amazed at the talents of every girl in this video, especially Rochelle Ballard, Keala K., Megan Abubo, Sofia, Layne, Holly Beck, Serena Brooke, Jody Nelson, Chelsea Georgeson, and of course—Lisa Andersen. Women’s surfing has come a long way, and the evidence is all right here.—C.C.

Endless Summer II

Bruce Brown

The destined-to-be classic Endless Summer II is now available on DVD! Added bonus features like Bruce Brown’s commentary and a SurfSpeak section, and more, make this new DVD a must-have. If you’re a kid who hasn’t seen this movie—prepare to get hyped. Endless Summer II will be something to show your kids twenty years from now.—C.C.

Crossing The Line

Joel Guy

Crossing The Line gives you something you thought you’d never see—footage of Bruce and Andy surfing at home on Kaua’i. The opening section is wild with Bruce and Kamalei Alexander ripping a standing wave to bits. The movie goes on to spotlight some of the world’s best ripping unseen waves. Dustin Barca, Kamalei and Kala Alexander, Braden, Reef Macintosh, Chava, and the all the Kaua’i Boyz show you why they’re not a crew to be messed with in any size waves.—C.C.

Out Of Order

An Aquarium Film

The first-ever surf video from Osiris shoes, aptly titled Out Of Order, is more than just your ordinary surf flick—it’s an experience. Follow the Osiris surf team, including Danny Fuller, Cheyne Magnusson, Mikala and Daniel Jones, Matt Archbold, Tory and T.J. Barron, Ted Navarro, John Robertson, Jay Adams, Ola Eleogram, and Kala Alexander, among others to Indonesia, Japan, Costa Rica, Mainland Mexico, Tahiti, Australia, and the heavy waters of the North Shore.

A cool highlight in Out Of Order is Goose’s cutback to boardslide on the floatilla rail he had custom-built on Maui. The soundtrack features all original music scored specifically for the movie, which in turn, truly encompasses the entire surf experience, just be prepared to sit on the couch for about two hours.

In this day and age of fast-paced surf vids, this new DVD is quite a refreshing change of pace. Young and old alike will enjoy Out Of Order.—A.S.

Reviews

• November 20 2003
• 16 views
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What’s in Dane Reynolds’ Beat Box?

Sunny Day Real Estate–The Rising Tide

Nas–Illmatic

Interpol–Turn On The Bright Lights

Black Cat Music–Hands In The Estuary Torso In The Lake

Transplants–Transplants

And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead …

The Secret Of Elena’s Tomb

Interscope

Like heroin, sex, The Simpsons, and cigarettes–this album is highly addictive. It only has five tracks, which is kind of like giving a crackhead half a rock. The crackhead will always try to smoke this small piece of crack over and over, which is what you’ll do when you hear this album (but you’ll be listening to it instead of smoking it). This most recent release is, simply put, a masterpiece. There’re traces of Love As Laughter, Sonic Youth, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on this album, but the band’s originality shines through on all tracks. Look for bonus videos and Web site stuff on this disc.–C.C.

Elliot

Reviews

• October 09 2003
• 11 views
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What’s In Danny Fuller’s Beat Box?

Darren Crawford–2002/03 80s Party Mix

Bob Marley–Uprising

50 Cent–Get Rich Or Die Trying

Peter Tosh– Legalize It

Barrington Levy–Greatest Hits

 

The Prids

Love Zero

Luminal

It’s not that often that an album comes onto my desk and goes directly into the current rotation of my CD collection. The Prids debut will be an instant hit with fans of Interpol, Yo La Tengo, or Joy Division. This disc is a rare mix of 80s-style guitars, subtle synth-waves, and calming vocals. Love Zero is definitely an album that you can play from beginning to end without skipping a song.–C.C.

Rating: 8

Spiritualized

The Complete Works, Volume One

Arista

Spiritualized is one of the best jam/psychedelic bands ever. Since we already know that, it’s time to talk about its latest release–The Complete Works, Volume One. This is a double-disc set that includes rarities, B-sides, and unreleased tracks. If you’re a Spiritualized fan, this disc must be immediately obtained and placed in your collection. There’re a few unnecessary songs like “100 Bars,” and repeating versions of “Feel So Sad,” but most other songs are worth the price of admission. If you’re not currently a fan of the band, you should go get this disc and become one, dipshit.–C.C.

Rating: 7

Watchers

To The Rooftops

Gern Blandsten

Here’s a band you have’nt heard of that will rock your funky little ass to Mars. During the first song you may realize that this group is on its own trip. Funky bass lines, sporadic drums, eerie organs, cow bells, obscure unknown sounds, and vocals that remind the listener of the Talking Heads. You could say that Watchers sounds a little bit like “!!!” mixed in with some Ugly Casanova and a tiny dash of Hot Hot Heat. This band must be heard to be comprehended. Truly experimental funky-ass indie-rock ’n’ roll.–C.C.

Rating: 7.5

Cursive

The Ugly Organ

Saddle Creek

Watch out, indie-rock head-bobbers. This is a new release that might actually cause you to throw a little bit more angst into your head-bobs. You may even feel the urge to take your hands out of your pockets and dance a little. Cursive bangs out some powerful and wild songs on this disc. The heart-bending singing and lyrics will no doubt plunge this rocking band into the pool of emo, but don’t be fooled–this is rocking shit. This album goes well with Bright Eyes, Modest Mouse, and The Beatles song “I Am The Walrus.” This band will become underground cult heroes any second, so get a seat on the emotional rock train now.–C.C.

Rating: 7

There’s some heavy music on this disc. I think White Buffalo is called that because he has this deep booming voice that’s like a buffalo standing on your chest. The songs on Hogtied Like A Rodeo range from dark to light, with simple guitar work that fits well under the vocals. He sounds like Jack Johnson’s evil brother, or Tom Waits’ stepchild. Expect big things from this big voice.–C.C.

Rating: 6.5