The Dandy Warhols – Rockmaker (Sunset Blvd.), Live at Levitation 2014 (Reverberation Appreciation Society)

Some may have an impression of The Dandy Warhols’ music that remains most closely associated with 2000’s Stonesy slacker-alt-rock anthem “Bohemian Like You,” but the veteran indie rockers are rarely guilty of repeating themselves. The Dandys have explored garage rock, synthpop, psych-rock, expansive instrumental moods, krautrock, and more. Rockmaker’s opening track “The Dooms Day Bells” is grinding gothic pop featuring Peter Holmström’s distressed guitar riff, Brent DeBoer’s booming club beat, and Zia McCabe’s spooky synthesizer line. Frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor’s wry sensibilities remain evident on spacefaring surf-rocker “Danzig with Myself,” with appropriately weird guitar from Pixies frontman Frank Black. Taylor-Taylor claims to have no questions, let alone answers. “What the truth is now is anyone’s best guess,” he drolly recites. “I’d Like To Help You With Your Problem” features an even more surprising guest in the shape of Guns ‘n’ Roses and Velvet Revolver veteran Slash, whose wah-wah guitar slots neatly alongside Holmström’s acid rock riff. Riding DeBoer’s groovy shuffle, Taylor-Taylor delivers greasy banger “Summer of Hate” a la Iggy Pop. Those pining for the Dandys of yore can get the Record Store Day release Live at LEVITATION. The seven-song set from 2014 reaches back to debut album Dandys Rule OK for “Ride” and pulls three favorites including “Boys Better” from 1997’s Come Down.