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Disappears – Pre Language (Kranky)
Ponderous post-rock. One of the best things I’ve heard so far this year. Their third full length, overflowing with well-timed and spacious drone, the likes of which seem more influenced by punk and kraut rock than anything. An incredible leap forward. Ex-members of a trillion bands, including 90 Day Men, Friend / Enemy, The Crucifucks and Sonic Youth.
Sinead O’Connor – How About I Be Me (MRI)
Upbeat and with a renewed sense of purpose, Sinead tackles making a personal record at a time when very few people have the courage to do so. Sinead has a level of commitment to her lyrics that is rare, she finds ways to be thought provoking and forthright without getting stale or preachy. Ten song LP, still at odds with her fame, still willing to be honest, still has that “smiling-at-you-while-giving-you-the-finger” poise.
Mind Spiders – Meltdown (Dirtnap)
High energy stoner pop, brought to you by ex-members of High Tension Wires, The Bad Sports and Marked Men. Somewhere between garage rock and indie, never quite either of those things. Demands a second and third (perhaps fourth) listen.
Dwarves – Fake I.D. 10” (MVD)
Three song ten inch. Do you need me to explain how amazing The Dwarves are? No. No you don’t.
Consumers – All My Friends Are Dead (In The Red)
Reissue of 1977 LP from the band that became 45 Grave. Features Paul Cutler, Mikey Borens and David Wiley. Loud, obnoxious and awesome. Insanely original guitar work. I feel like this has already been reissued recently, but maybe I’m wrong. Essential for fans of Dangerhouse and KBD punk.
Subway – Empty Head (Sunday Best)
Their first proper full length from 2005. Nothing like their Soul Jazz releases, but kind of an indication of how they got there. Subway are just as inventive as a rock band, which I realize sounds suspect, but they are closer to Can and Eno than to DJ Superstar. So much of electronic music is cold and vapid, sometimes we have to be reminded that it can also NOT be like that.
NY Hoods – Neutral 7” (United Riot)
Originally self-released on cassette in 1986, now available on vinyl as a 5 song EP. A mere footnote in the pantheon of New York Hardcore, NY Hoods released two demo tapes (Mirrors Of Reality and this) plus appeared on WNYU before breaking up. Not quite metal and not quite punk, and that’s what makes this work. But what I like best about this band is their tempo. It’s oddly sludgy and plodding at times, then will degenerate into an even slower part OR will speed up into a total frenzy.
The Yardbirds – Little Games
Yardbirds are one of those bands you always hear great things about, but I don’t think their records deliver. Their 1966 self titled record (AKA Roger The Engineer) is missing something (energy? a producer? a day of sobriety?), perhaps it’s Jimmy Page. Page only appears on this LP from 1967, the band’s last will and testament before everyone went separate ways. It does have it’s good blues dirges (“Smile On Me”, “Drinking Muddy Water”) along with it’s WTF moments (“Glimpses”, the uber hokey “Little Soldier Boy”). Could be a case of too many cooks in the kitchen, could also be their greatest moment on vinyl.
The Ruts – Peel Sessions Album (Strange Fruit)
Essential Radio One broadcasts, nothing unreleased but still worth every penny.
Miles Davis – Black Beauty: Live at The Fillmore East (Sony)
Spontaneous and somewhat confrontational live recording from April 1970.
