Devo – Something for Everybody (Warner Brothers)
Devo’s first album since 1990’s Smooth Noodle Maps is also their best since 1982’s Oh No! It’s Devo or perhaps even 1981’s New Traditionalists, their last great album. As such, it’s not nearly as mind-melting and terrific as their ’70s material, but it’s much better than I expected it to be and quite a return to (early ’80s) form.
The Nuns – The Nuns (Get Back)
Although, along with CRIME, THE NUNS had been one of San Francisco’s earliest punk bands, they didn’t put out a full-length until their sole 1980 Lp. The Italian label Get Back reissued this in 2003 and it’s a beauty. If you’ve never heard this, imagine a more punk rock and street-wise version of early BLONDIE and you’re in the right ballpark.
Drive Like Jehu – Yank Crime (Swami)
DRIVE LIKE JEHU‘s first, self-titled 1991 album is great, but this is their masterpiece. A barely controllable prog-punk squall with songs reaching over nine minutes in length, this combines FUGAZI-esque post-hardcore with the repetitive thrust of early ’70s CAN in a thrilling fashion. The 2002 reissue on JON REIS‘ label Swami includes the poppier but just as explosive “Hand Over Fist” single that they released on Merge before the album came out in addition to an earlier version of the album’s show-stopper “Sinews”.
Fugazi – The Argument (Dischord)
The last FUGAZI album before their 2002 hiatus is wonderful and perhaps their best. At the very least, it’s by far my favorite of theirs post- Steady Diet of Nothing.
LCD Soundsystem – This is Happening (DFA)
This NPR interview made me listen to LCD SOUNDSYSTEM‘s new one with fresh ears.
Pernice Brothers – Goodbye Killer (Ashmont)
Yes, this one took a while to grow on me and yes PEYTON PINKERTON is missed, but the quality JOE PERNICE‘s consistently excellent songwriting makes up for it.
Nine Inch Nails with Peter Murphy – When Darkness Doubles, When Lights Pours In (Georgama Bin Bush Records)
Please see my full review here.
She and Him with Jolie Holland – Penn’s Landing (Philadelphia) – July 2, 2010
I liked SHE AND HIM‘s Volume One a lot and while I’ve yet to really absorb Volume Two, I find the show to be a bit disappointing. ZOOEY DESCHANEL‘s stage presence and the exuberance in the songs is simply all sunshine and light and well, I like a little balance in my music. Still, the setting was gorgeous, as was the weather for this outdoor show, so I can’t complain too much!
The Dils – Dils Dils Dils (Bacchus Archives)
This 2001 collection includes most, albeit not all, of their studio tracks and is thus truly essential for any fan of late ’70s punk rock. You’ll need to get the Class War Lp for the “I Hate the Rich”/“You’re Not Blank” single, but otherwise all of the studio stuff is here in addition to some interesting live material, too.
Rank and File – The Slash Years (Rhino Handmade)
Long out-of-print, this includes 1982’s great Sundown, 1984’s lesser but still great Long Gone Dead and several studio tracks from the Sundown sessions along with a live version of the GEORGE JONES classic “White Lightin’” (also covered by THE FALL). Competely essential.
