7 Randoms & 3 Record Store Day Black Friday Purchases
MINKS – By The Hedge (Captured Tracks)
Captured Tracks is building an impressive roster to rival fellow shoegaze enthusiasts Slumberland with artists like MINKS, Wild Nothing, and Blank Dogs. MINKS have a little bit of The Cure and New Order mixed with The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart. The album isn’t officially out until 1/11 and I have only heard 5 of the 12 tracks but I’m excited.
Nine Inch Nails – Pretty Hate Machine (Null Corporation)
What Joy Division may have sounded like if Ian Curtis wouldn’t have killed himself. Strangely enough, it is not hard to believe that NIN’s debut is over 20 years old. The album does sound dated but these songs, when performed live, hold up extremely well. There are four legitimate classics and at least two excellent tracks. This remaster also contains a cover of Queen‘s “Get Down, Make Love,” that was previously only available as a b-side to “Sin,”.
Bad Religion – B-Sides & Rarities (Epitaph/Atlantic)
Though not an official release, this is a very cool collection of rare tracks from The New America’s bonus disc, No Substance b-sides that were better than the album tracks, and selections from their fan club holiday sampler. Find some of it here
Smith Westerns – Smith Westerns (Hozac/Fat Possum)
Out of the trend that every band must sound lo-fi emerges Chicago youngins Smith Westerns. Their debut was just re-released with a promising new album due for the beginning of next year.
Warpaint – The Fool (Rough Trade)
Tribal and wholly original. Four girl quartet adept at weaving intricate arrangements. My favorite debut of the year.
Violens – Amoral (Static Recital)
Indie’s answer to Duran Duran. That’s a good thing, people.
Rogue Wave – Asleep At Heaven’s Gate (Brushfire)
A friend was playing this in my car and I didn’t ask her to turn it off. That is a rarity and pretty high praise.
Slayer – “World Painted Blood,” b/w “Atrocity Vendor,” (American)
7” with the title track and highlight of Slayer’s latest LP backed with a shredding previously unreleased b-side.
Soundgarden – “The Telephantasm,” b/w “Gun,” (A&M)
Here’s to the hope that Chris Cornell recaptures his mojo, as well as his amazing voice.
Metallica – Live At Grimey’s (Warner Bros.)
The stalwart’s intimate pre-Bonnaroo basement performance.
