Big Star – Radio City (Ardent)
A 1974 classic I never get tired of. RIP now three quarters of the band, though. Like the Ramones, only the drummer remains…
Posies – Blood/Candy (Ryko) out Sept. 23!
This Seattle institution can do no wrong, as seen on this new 7th LP and first in five years.
Idlewild – Post Electric Blues (Nice Music Group)
Last year’s killer import finally released here, and prompting a rare U.S. tour to come!
Newtown Neurotics – Beggars Can Be Choosers (Vivid Japan)
Last decade’s reissue of 1983’s stunning debut from Harlow, Essex, U.K. wonders, one of the greatest punk rock albums ever made. No kidding. What a treat to finally see Steve Drewett make his U.S. debut at the recent Big Takeover 30th Anniversary Festival, and what an honor to drum for him for six or seven songs!
The Misfits – Static Age (Caroline)
If this had come out in 1978 when it was recorded, it would have blown apart the face of U.S. punk rock forever. It’s about 100 times better than 1982’s “debut” “Walk Among Us,” as good as that was. Much better lineup, caught in the heat of punk rock’s fading dawn. It would have been our “Inflammable Material,” know what I mean? One years earlier than that Irish classic, too!
Young Rival – Young Rival (Sonic Unyon)
My favorite band from Hamilton, Ontario since Teenage Head!
Wild Nothing – Gemini (Captured Tracks)
The best band from greater DC since Terry Banks’ last band (or maybe his new one!)
Pernice Brothers – Goodbye Killer (Ashmont)
Joe Pernice is a genius, volume 10 or so!
Teenage Fanclub – Shadows (Merge)
These people write songs like McCartney did in his Beatles era. Just effortless magic.
The Joy Formidable – A Balloon Called Moaning (Pure Groove U.K.)
Still the best LP I have heard in the last 12 months.
