Bad Religion – Stranger Than Fiction (Atlantic)
When I was 15, and got into this thing called “punk rock”, I noticed all the bands I liked were long broken up. I was turned onto Bad Religion by a friend and, though there are other albums of theirs I like better, I pay homage to the one I heard first. It still is great that their sound hasn’t changed in over 20 years either. Each album sounds fresh.
The Kids In The Hall Death Comes To Town (CBC-TV)
I am a huge fan of Kids In The Hall and I found out (much too late) that I do not have the Independent Film Channel with my new cable provider, rendering me unable to watch this on TV. However, having “procured” the episodes, I am thouroughly enjoying them.
Vic Chesnutt – Skitter On Take-Off (Vapor)
For a man filled with such sadness, I am not sure that it ever emanated so much through his music as on his last album. “My New Life,” should have been a hint of what was to come.
Rapeman – Two Nuns And A Pack Mule (Touch & Go)
A short-lived supergroup of sorts with Steve Albini (Big Black), David Wm. Sims (Scratch Acid/Jesus Lizard), and Rey Washam (Scratch Acid/Ministry). This was a great first record and I wish there would have been a second. It may be my favorite Albini-sung album.
Deerhunter – Revival b/w Primitive 3D 7” (4AD)
Even though I already downloaded the tracks for free. The b-side was too great to not own on physical wax. My pre-order is in.
Mike Patton – Mondo Cane (Ipecac)
80 year old Italian classic pop songs never sounded like this. Good thing. People in those days would have crapped themselves.
Jay Ryan – Animals And Objects In And Out Of Water (Akashic Books)
Chicago’s resident screen-printing master releases his second collection of posters, art, and interesting sidebars. Funny foreword by Andrew Bird, as well.
Joan Jett – S/T (Self-released)
Saw The Runaways recently. Movie sucked. The album was re-released by Boardwalk with the same songs and running order as Bad Reputation. “Don’t Abuse Me,” rocks hard with Steve Jones and Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols.
Jello Biafra And The Guantanamo School Of Medicine – The Audacity Of Hype (Alternative Tentacles)
As annoying as Jello’s voice gets, I always come back for more. When is the new Lard record, hmm?
Built To Spill – Keep It Like A Secret (Warner Bros.)
I think that I am the only person that likes this album better than Perfect From Now On . “You Were Right,” may be their best song.
