Art Brut – Bang Bang Rock and Roll (Fierce Panda)
I’m totally obsessed with this album right now. Their live show at the Tribeca Grand on Saturday night was great, too. Like The Fall or Television Personalities, but much more good-natured and straight-up hooky and rockin’.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings – Naturally (Daptone)
It’s like time stood still in 1973. You can practically here the James Brown and Al Green ooze out of this soulful record!
The Fall – Fall Heads Roll (Narnack)
While this is not as strong as their amazing last record, it’s still a very impressive effort from the new, rejuvenated lineup with more of an emphasis on straightforward and dare I say “pop” songs.
Sons and Daughters -The Repulsion Box(Domino)
Their EP was ok, but their album matches their powerful live show.
Metric – Live It Out(Universal)
An awesome album that reminds me of the glory days of early ‘90s female-fronted alternative rock (think Breeders, Throwing Muses or early PJ Harvey).
Gilmore Girls (Tuesday, WB)
This is the best show on television, complete with great musical and literary references and more importantly, terrific writing and characters.
The OC (Thursday, Fox)
I’m a recent convert to this show and yes it’s a bit of a soap-opera, but how can I diss any show that uses Bob Mould’s “Paralyzed” in an episode?
The Gun Club – The Las Vegas Story(Sympathy for the Record Industry)
I just got this 2004 reissue of this 1984 classic. Jeffrey Lee Pierce was quite simply the man (many of the great ones die young, don’t they) and Kid Congo Powers’ guitar playing on this is sublime as well.
Bob Mould – Body of Song(Yep Roc)
His best solo album, in my opinion, and 15 years into his solo career and about 25 years into his recording career in general. Amazing stuff. A great blend of his rock side and his electronic side.
Echo and the Bunnymen – Siberia (Cooking Vinyl)
Some may scoff and some may have given up on them, but I think this is their best record since Ocean Rain. Les Pattinson and Pete DeFreitas (RIP) are still missed, but this is still a shockingly great return to form from a band that I’d almost given up on.
