Dean Wareham with Crystal Stilts – Trocadero (Philadelphia) – August 20, 2010
Please see my full review here.
Galaxie 500 – Today (Rough Trade)
Galaxie 500 – On Fire (Rough Trade)
Galaxie 500 – This is Our Music (Rough Trade)
The Subhumans Canada – Same Thoughts, Different Day (Alternative Tentacles)
I was skeptical as most albums of re-recordings fail to even come close to matching the originals, but this one is the exception that proves the rule. These songs are absolutely scorching, just as intense as they must have been in 1980 and lyrically just as relevant, if not even more so. The vinyl version contains 6 bonus tracks and the songs are in a different order than either the original 1980 Lp or the mid ’90s CD version of Incorrect Thoughts, but either way this is a must.
Best Coast – Crazy for You (Mexican Summer)
When I first got this, I played the first side 3 times in a row. I almost never do this, but this is a testament to how incredibly catchy and addictive this album and particularly the track “Boyfriend” (a future classic) is. Think a tighter and poppier VIVIAN GIRLS and you’re sort of there. For all of the BEACH BOYS comparisons, the sound of this record is much closer to BETHANY COSENTINO‘s childhood influence JENNY LEWIS‘ band RILO KILEY or even Live Through This-era HOLE or THAT DOG.
The Beach Boys – Holland (Brother)
The Undertones – Hypnotised (Sire)
Double Negative – The Wonderful and Frightening World of Double Negative (No Way)
This is absolutely crushing hardcore punk from Raleigh, NC. They sound alternately like a lost band from the genre’s early to mid ’80s heyday, but not completely retro, either. It grows on you with every listen, too, as it’s the rare hardcore record that doesn’t give itself away completely after a few spins. Recommended. They also have a new one out called daydreamnation and while I don’t know why they title their albums after seminal records by THE FALL and SONIC YOUTH (two of the best bands ever), I can’t say that I’m opposed to it, either.
Government Issue – You (Giant)
