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The Feelies – World Cafe Live (Philadelphia) – June 17, 2011
Please see my full review here.
Jack Grisham -An American Demon (ECW Press, 2011)
Please see my full review here.
T.S.O.L. – Live from Long Beach (Cider City)
While I read Jack Grisham’s book (see entry #2 above), I’ve been on a big T.S.O.L. kick. This live album was released in 2007 to commemorate what was then thought to be their last ever show. Since then, they’ve made another record (2009’s excellent Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Free Downloads) and have been playing out since then, too, including a stop here in Philadelphia a few weeks ago). Anyway, this 25 track offering is basically what you get at a modern T.S.O.L. show, featuring lots of early ’80s favorites, some newer material and a lot of funny stage banter from Mr. Grisham.
Nick Lowe – Jesus of Cool (Yep Roc)
One of the better reissues in recent memory, this long overdue 2008 U.S. reissue of the U.K. version of Nick Lowe’s fantastic debut and power-pop classic also includes absolutely essential bonus tracks that are far from mere filler.
Fucked Up – David Comes to Life (Matador)
Fucked Up’s new 18 song, 80-minute double album opus is here and though it’s almost impossible to follow the story, the music is unrelenting and never lets up over the course of the album. This is by far Fucked Up’s slickest album to date and is sure to alienate some of their old basement show fans. This is full-fledged alternative/indie/shoegaze that has more in common with say, Longwave, than any punk band. Marrying this neo-psych assault with lead screamer Damian Abraham’s growl shouldn’t work on paper, but somehow it does. I like this album, but like their previous full-lengths, this will take a lot of time to absorb.
Dum Dum Girls – He Gets Me High (Sub Pop)
Produced by Sune Rose Wagner of The Raveonettes, this is by far the best thing Dum Dum Girls have done to date. Dee Dee’s voice is no longer buried in feedback and is now the center of attention. Moreover, they even manage to somehow not mess up The Smiths classic “There is a Light That Never Goes Out”.
The Feelies – Here Before (Bar/None)
I love The Feelies, but their records always take a long time to grow on me before I fully appreciate them. This one, their first in 20 years, is no exception. Carving out very similar territory in both sound and production to the Peter Buck-produced The Good Earth, the production on this one is definitely superior to their last 2 albums, Only Life and Time for a Witness (both on A&M). However, it’s an even mellower effort than The Good Earth, so for that reason it’s tougher to get into. Those who stick with it will find incredible moments like “Time is Right”, the album’s best track buried almost at the end, and other delights like “Morning Comes”.
Social Distortion – Mainliner: Wreckage from the Past (Time Bomb)
Along with T.S.O.L., I’ve been listening to other early ’80s California punk lately and among that is the earliest material from this long-running OC stalwart.
Best Coast – iTunes session EP (iTunes)
Though I love Best Coast on record, the previous live recordings I’ve heard by them haven’t been all that flattering. Thankfully, this is a huge exception. They sound great here with newly reworked versions of previously released material from their debut Lp Crazy for You (“Boyfriend,” “Our Deal” and the title track) alongside tracks from their many EPs like “When I’m With You” and “Something in the Way” that are honestly superior to the originals. There’s even a cover of Loretta Lynn‘s “Fist City” here. Definitely recommended.
Jack Grisham interview on Radio Like You Want podcast
You have to turn it up a bit to here as it’s a phone interview, but Grisham is interesting as always. They also play some classic T.S.O.L. songs and some other stuff as well. The link is here.
