Built on a Weak Spot

I guess this a bit of an early write up, but hell…I couldn’t wait until the end of March to do so. I’d been waiting to hear recorded output from Red X Red M for probably two years now and right around Christmas time Australian Cattle God graciously ended that wait by passing along the bands upcoming full-length Between Your Prayers and My Curses Our Kind May Triumph Yet due out March 23rd I believe. I consider it one of the better presents I got this past year.

For anyone wondering who Red X Red M is, it happens to be the band that David Uskovich of Distorted Pony, Sweet Pea, and SWITCHhiTTER fame has been playing in with fellow SWITCHhiTTER member Yuri and drummer Adam Hatley. What you get here on their debut is something that is actually not to far from SWITCHhiTTER, but Red X Red M seem to be a bit of a tighter outfit while opting for a bit less of the hefty bass lines and feedback that some of Uskovich’s previous bands have so successfully utilized in the past. I’d say the late 70’s/early 80’s post-punk vibe is even more prevalent in these songs, obviously mixed in with a bit of the rough around the edges tinny sounding guitar work by Uskovich that gives it the sort of feel fans would expect. It’s been a bit of a wait, but it has most certainly proved to be worth it.

Red X Red M – Step Now Nagurskey (stream)

Keep an eye out for this one towards the end of March; it will be available on vinyl through Australian Cattle God.

I’m not really sure if Mudlark is supposed to bum me out or not. I mean, yeah…the songs are definitely somewhere in the vicinity of stirring up a roots rock/grungy sort of vibe, just kind of being lazy while dealing with shitty weather and money problems. However, one look at the cover is enough for me, as I could step out of my house and walk down the street a ways and snap a picture of something that would probably be quite similar to that of what appears here. Then I realize, damn…I’m still living here. And that folks is Mudlark.

As the description from the label says, it does touch upon some early Dino Jr. and Meat Puppets, which is definitely not a bad thing. However, they don’t really stick to either and that’s probably a plus too in the end. Has a nice warm sort of muddy production that in a lot of ways kind of fits what they are doing, which I suppose is being down and out…so why not just drink? The singer occasionally sounds as if he might have been doing just that, but that comes tied along nicely to the bit of plodding rock that they’ve latched on to here. Good stuff.

Mudlark – Mountain [MP3]

For those interested in picking this up, hit up Fun With Smack. If you like the tune above, certainly get this.

I was a bit less productive this week than I had planned. More snow here in KCMO, a rather long week of work, and the Royals continue to sign shitty worthless players like Scott Podsednik and Jason Kendall. Enough of that though, you’re not here to listen to me whine.

Got this split cassette awhile back, featuring two bands from the east coast in Michael Jordan (Brooklyn, NY) and Rainbow Party (Allentown, PA). Not hearing either of these prior to this release, I was initially intrigued by some samples I’d heard of Michael Jordan and led me to pick this up I’d say on start up tape label Nervous Attack. Michael Jordan contributes three songs to their side of the tape, and all have a satisfying unhinged emo/hardcore sort of sound and feel to them that I find myself liking more and more upon each listen. They have another cassette out as well, which I am beginning to think I should hear.

I kind of don’t know what to make of Rainbow Party. They make for a bit of an odd pairing here with their minimalist indie/post-punk that doesn’t take itself too seriously it would appear. I mean they do have a CD called Butt Jamz after all. Rainbow Party has four songs on their side, three of which are from a radio session live set. I suppose this isn’t my cup of tea, but if you’re looking for something a bit fun then you could probably do a whole lot worse.

Michael Jordan – I Don’t Want to Write This Song (stream)
Rainbow Party – F.P.S. (stream)

This is still available it appears through Nervous Attack, so if you’re enjoying it then definitely throw down the five dollars for it.

I came as surprise to me a month or so ago to learn that Mike Hard was fronting a new band called They Never Sleep comprised of fellow former God Bullies David Livingston and Adam Berg along with Karen Neal (aka: Queen Bee) whom played with Hard in Thrall and The Brain Saw. Although I can’t say I was too big on Thrall, I can certainly get behind many of those God Bullies records and that alone warrants checking the bands debut record Mother Nature Sings Her Lullaby out.

To no ones surprise the album is high on the sleaze factor, that’s a good thing. Although I wouldn’t say it touches the sort of terrifying levels that the Bullies’ Mamawombwomb achieved. If you’re reading this and haven’t heard that record then stop what you’re doing, find it, and listen to it. Mother Nature Sings Her Lullaby sounds every bit as inspired as one could hope however, and Hard certainly sounds like he is having as good of a time as ever trying to make anyone listening or near him uncomfortable. Along with the songs being pretty rockin’, it definitely makes me want to see them live as I guessing that’s where the real treat is. However, for a band that probably relies heavily on their stage so, the album definitely succeeds on its own merits in terms of songwriting and drudging up a nice filthy rock n’ roll affair.

They Never Sleep – Never Enough (stream)

For those interested in picking this up, it’s currently available from the band on CD in a limited run of 1000. Definitely put down the cash for it if you like what you hear or just have big craving for nostalgia.

The Internet used to seem like a really endless source of things to do and check out, but these days as I’ve gotten progressively more spoiled by its abundant amount of information and entertainment, it’s become a bit more difficult. However, if there is still one go to activity of choice to do, it’s read peoples reactions to an album like Heaven on Speed Dial by The Chinese Stars from someone who has probably only ever been asked to say nice things about Nickelback. It’s pretty good entertainment really and I am thankful for the fact that this does indeed happen.

Anyway, if you haven’t already gathered, Heaven on Speed Dial is the new album from The Chinese Stars and has recently been released on Anchor Brain Records. If you didn’t care for Arab on Radar at all, then this probably isn’t going to float your boat either. However, if you did then this may be well worth checking out. Consisting of former Arab on Radar members Eric Paul and Craig Kureck, they’ve continued on with The Chinese Stars to make their brand of completely freaked out bright lighted post-punk and Heaven on Speed Dial is the third installment from the band. While I don’t know if this is “danceable” or not as described elsewhere, it certainly would make dance clubs an ounce more tolerable. Although, I am hard pressed to believe that anyone would ever come back if this came on. And in hindsight, that would likely be for the better as well. In short, The Chinese Stars deliver again in radical fashion.

The Chinese Stars – Rabbit Face [MP3]

Those interested in picking up Heaven on Speed Dial, can do so through Anchor Brain. The LP comes with a download code as well.

Not quite sure, but I think this is the third single from Pittsburgh’s Kim Phuc. I wrote a small bit about their last one awhile back after it completely steamrolled right over me when listening to it. This here single pretty much does the same exact thing by instilling the same tense and fear inducing rhythms that have made them one of my absolute favorite active bands right now. Released on Dear Skull Records just a short while ago, I think many have probably already heard the A-side “Weird Skies” a few times now, however it sounds real good finally getting to hear it getting pumped out of some actual stereo speakers off of a 45. The song does so well in creating a threatening atmosphere while not forcibly making it apparent…it just sort of creeps along until you begin to look over your shoulder a bit. Great stuff. “Suicide Circle” rolls along in the same fashion while featuring some guest female vox from their past drummer adding to the overall vibe and dreariness a bit. Really can’t get enough of what these guys are doing right now and am extremely looking forward to hearing a future full-length.

Kim Phuc – Weird Skies [MP3]

For anyone wishing to pick this up I would suggest hitting up Dear Skull Records or be on the look out in various distros for it.

I was streaming some online radio when the song “The Man” came on from the Brooklyn based The Men and it sent me into a lengthy search to get their album. Eventually I ran across the bands blogspot and quickly snatched a copy of this fine four song 12’’ EP that they’ve self-released. Fans of fuzzed/blown out post-punk probably want to take notice, as this stuff is very good. The Men push the volume to the limit on these four songs that anchor themselves in thick dirty distorted bass lines but however aren’t afraid to kick out some riffs here and there too. It’s strikingly catchy at times while maintaining a very raw and in your face sort of vibe that for me kind of meets in the middle of where my tastes lie. All I know is that I keep going in listening to this EP thinking that “The Man” is my favorite track, but each one makes a very strong case for itself and I believe that line of thinking is becoming a bit blurred. I can’t wait to hear more from these guys. Speaking of which, they’ve recently completed recording a handful of songs for an upcoming LP hopefully due early sometime next year. Excited I am.

The Men – The Man [MP3]

For those interested in picking this up, it is available from the band directly on their blog or you can choose to pick one up through Insound. Either way, definitely throw down the cash for this as it’s well worth it and may not be available that much longer. The band is also offering a free download of it on their blog as well if you’re still on the fence.

So the response for the top albums of the decade tour deal has been fairly nice and I am glad I got to be a part of it. The tour itself isn’t finished yet, as there still are five more blogs that will be posting their lists this week. Be sure to check out http://10blogs1decade.tumblr.com/ to continue following.

I however am back to regular updating and for those of you visiting I have a pretty fantastic new single to check out by Pop. 1280. The two songs “Bedbugs” and “Times Square” featured here are both re-recordings of tunes that appeared on a CD-R demo that the band released previously, but I however have not heard so this should be considered my introduction to these New York based post-punk/scuzz rockers. According to them these two songs sound fairly different than the versions that appeared on the demo, so I’ll just take their word for it. What I am hearing though I definitely like, the A-side “Bedbugs” is a slower number that almost sounds as if I am playing it at the wrong speed, but I assure you I am not. As the song plods along it paints a pretty believable picture of too many sleepless nights in the city of which they call home. The B-side of “Times Square” picks up the pace a bit with a sort of bouncy bass line with some no-wave influenced guitar skronk lingering in the background. The content itself again dives into the less than attractive side of the city while venturing into the world of prostitution and manages to successfully recreate the images and feel of such a world onto record. This is some very solid material here that should absolutely be given a listen.

Pop. 1280 – Bedbugs [MP3]

Copies of the single I think are still available from the band, just shoot them an e-mail on their MySpace page. They have been going fast however, as Academy Annex has sold out of these twice already I believe. So if you like what you hear, definitely grab one of these while you can!

I think I’ve listened to this debut single from the Olympia, Washington trio Broken Water a dozen or so times now and I am still not quite sure what to say about it other than it’s pretty damn good. Yeah, it kind of sounds like MBV if they were slowed even further down to a molasses like pace, in fact I thought I was playing it at the wrong speed to begin with. However, that’s not the best way to put it really, as there are elements of that cold dingy 80’s gothic post-punk mixed in here and there and the singer sounds so exhausted on these two tracks that I can almost feel the energy being sucked right out of me. Which really isn’t surprising I guess when taking into account that two thirds of the band is made up of members from Sisters, the other member being from Congratulations. Anyone who listened to the Sisters album on Parts Unknown already has an idea as to the type of after hour’s activities that they are channeling. Not too dissimilar from early Sonic Youth records I suppose, which really probably works just as well for Broken Water. Judging by the other tracks they have up on their page, they seem to venture more down that path than the two feature on this single. No matter, take a listen and decide for yourself. I know I’m hooked.

Broken Water – Boyfriend Hole [MP3]

I believe there is a demo CD they are selling that has these two tracks on it along with four others; however don’t hold me to that. Anyone wishing to pick up either the 7-inch or the demo CD can do so over at the Parts Unknown webstore where they still have both available it appears. Enjoy!

I made it a point to pick up this debut single from the Cleveland based Sun God after taking a listen to the title track up on the bands MySpace page which pretty much had me from the first hook and the muddied fuzzed out production. And no, there isn’t some sort of Sun God living in Cleveland (I realized my phrasing was poor in the previous sentence), rather Sun God is a band and a pretty rocking one at that. The single contains two other tracks found on the b-side that absolutely kill it in that late 80’s indie-rock/post-punk sort of a way with riffs and guitar solos flying at you left and right, which in turn makes this whole single well worth the minor hassle of clicking on a button and sending a few bucks their way. If you dig the tune below, you won’t be disappointed with what the rest of this 7-inch has to offer. Look forward to hearing where they go from here. Check it.

Sun God – (S)pain [MP3]

For anyone that wishes to pick up this single, then just head on over to the bands MySpace page. I would highly recommend it.