Minister Faust – From the Notebooks of Dr. Brain (Ballantine, 2007)
A brilliant novel by an author well on his way to being a major literary force. Don’t be fooled by the superficial aspects of the comic book superhero satire that drives the plot – the book is so much more than that.
The Screaming Tribesmen – All Hail the Tribesmen: Anthology 1982-1993 (Raven)
Powerhouse pop rock from Australia. Leader Mick Medew now leads the similar Rumours, who I recently reviewed.
The Warlocks – The Parish (Austin) – August 21, 2009
I missed the Morning After Girls, unfortunately, but the Warlocks were their usual droning, melodic, psychedelic selves, and that more than made up for it.
Nikki Sudden & Phil Shoenfelt – Golden Vanity (Troubadour)
I can’t help but think that, posthumous or not, this is one of the strongest releases in Nikki Sudden’s long, strange career. I hope it shines a light on the little know but very talented Phil Shoenfelt as well.
Astra – The Weirding (Metal Blade/Rise Above)
I love the sound of early prog rock, back when it was evolving out of psychedelia but before musicianly egos took over. Astra, apparently, feels the same way.
Willie Nile – House of a Thousand Guitars (River House)
Why are Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp famous and Willie Nile isn’t? This album is better than anything those guys have released in the past two decades.
The Morning After Girls – Alone (self-released)
I may have missed the show, but I still have the MAGs’ wonderful album to keep my company.
Steve Earle – Austin City Limits (Austin) – August 21, 2009
Earle is currently touring behind his Townes Van Zandt covers album, appropriately titled Townes. It’s a great show, full of funny, poignant stories about Earle’s relationship with his mentor and, of course, great songs given stirring treatment. Earle snuck in some of his own tunes, too, including two of my favorites: “Tom Ames” and “Taneytown.”
Assjack – s/t (Sidewalk)
Hank Williams III’s metal side project. It’s pretty ridiculous, but it rocks like a mother. Perfect for those days when you just want to bang your head and scream.
The Opposite Sex – Live + Burn (self-released)
I can see why Kristin Sollee likes this so much – it’s got strong melody, a cool, dark atmosphere and passion galore. Well worth hearing.
