Friday, June 29, 2012

Superchunk - This Summer 7" - White Vinyl (/1300)

Merge (2012)

Superchunk loves the summer, and quite frankly, I love Superchunk so this single is a welcome addition to my summer playlist. This Summer is another classic Superchunk fuzz pop composition. It hits all of the right notes and would fit right at home on the band's last album. The B-side, Cruel Summer is a Bananarama cover that I'm not enjoying as much, but I think it's mostly because i don't really dig the original version of the song.

I would love to think this is a precursor to a new Superchunk record that's right around the corner, but I haven't heard anything about that yet...

Superchunk - This Summer:
soundcloud.com/mergerecords/superchunk-this-summer

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Trusty - Kathy's Keen 7"

Trusty - Kathy's Keen 7" by Tim PopKid
Trusty - Kathy's Keen 7", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
DeSoto (1992)

Trusty has been a band that I have enjoyed for quite some time and their 2 full length albums that came out on Dischord are absolutely essential albums. (Side note, I only have The Fourth Wise Man on CD and need to rectify that soon). I have long called Trusty the best band to ever put out a record on Dischord. This is a comment that tends to upset people, so I try to say it as often as possible. Also, I absolutely believe this statement.

Trusty has always had a knack for releasing hooky, hi tempo songs that showed influences of the punk, mod, pop and the DC scene they became part of. The songs on this 7" are no exception. It's probably fair to say they lean a bit more to the punk side than most of the songs on their full lengths, but in no way are the tunes and melody compromised by this. An absolutely fantastic single that I'm extremely happy to add to the collection after all these years.

I can't find full versions of these songs streaming anywhere, but I did find a site where you can listen to a sample of each song and even buy the Mp3s if you're so inclined.

Trusty - Kathy's Keen:

https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Trusty_Kathy_s_Keen_b_w_No_One?id=Beppqwxtn6upqcxpto4mcabayum&hl=en

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Fear Of Lipstick - Seasons LP - Clear Vinyl (/100)

Ptrash (2012)

2nd full length from Fear of Lipstick and now that they're on Ptrash, I also get the limited to 100 copies clear vinyl version. I enjoyed their first record, but I think Seasons is a marked improvement. The song structures are more thought out and the choruses in particular are even catchier than before.

One thing I will say is you've got to be in the right mood for the singer. There are some days where I think this band is the greatest thing, but there are others where The singers battle cry is just a bit much for me. Probably a better afternoon record than a first thing in the morning affair.

Fear Of Lipstick - Season LP:
fearoflipstick.bandcamp.com/album/seasons

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Torino 74 - S/T CD

Torino 74 - S/T CD by Tim PopKid
Torino 74 - S/T CD, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Fixing A Hole (2011)

Torino 74 is the band that rose from the ashes of one of my favorite UK bands, Chopper. They released a 7" on Crackle Records and then appeared on the Coming Soon page of the Crackle Website for about a decade. I had pretty much assumed this would never come out as the band broke up ages ago. Well, I guess last year this was finally released on Fixing A Hole records and I stumbled across its existence looking for songs to post on my Chopper collection post a few weeks back (http://www.ibuywaytoomanyrecords.com/2012/04/collection-chopper-lp-7.html) Then it became a quest to find this elusive disc.

I actually ended up contacting one of the band members and former member of Chopper through Chopper's Facebook page. Dave was kind enough to hook me up with a copy of this wonderful record, and oh is it wonderful. Let's just say if you've ever liked the band Broccoli or the mid 90's UK punk scene at all, this record is absolutely essential. It rivals and sometimes surpasses some of Chopper's greatest moments and has a much more melodic feel to it. While the energy is still there, the songs aren't played a hundred miles an hour and the Sean, the main vocalist, has a voice that is really suited to this music. I can't say enough good things. Buy it. Buy it now.

Torino 74 - S/T CD:
torino74.bandcamp.com/album/torino-74

Monday, June 25, 2012

Various Artists - Rated G.G. 7" (Ted Leo, Ben Gibbard & More)

2011 Best Show On WFMU Fundraising Single (2012)

So there's this show on WFMU called the Best Show on WFMU. It's a show that everyone thinks is a lot funnier than I do. I will admit I've only heard it a few times, but nothing I've ever heard has made me want to keep going back. I think comedy, even more than music, is one of the most subjective things there is. Everyone laughs at different things. Beleive me, I have a 6 DVD set of They Came From Outer Space episodes. Not for everyone...

Anyway, this 7" was the 2011 fundraising single during WFMU's annual pledge drive. You had to pledge $75 to get it and it also came with some shirts a poster and the good feeling that you've helped one of the last truly independent radio stations going. The songs on here are an all ages tribute to GG Allin. You've got songs by Ted Leo, Ben Gibbard, Fucked Up, Ty Segall & Mountain Goats.

It's a cute idea I guess, but there's nothing on here that I think is worth more than a courtesy listen. As a Ted Leo completist, this 7" will probably just sit in a box until, well, forever really. The best song on this record by far is the Ben Gibbard song, but even that is not something I anticipate needing to listen to again. Let me restate, I am happy to have donated and supported a good cause, but after waiting so long to finally receive this 7", I just wish I liked it more. Oh well.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Jaill - Hype 7"

Jaill - Hype 7" by Tim PopKid
Jaill - Hype 7", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Sub Pop (2012)

I forgot to take a picture of this with the Jaill LP earlier this week and then every subsequent day I kept forgetting to take a picture. Today I rectify that. Unfortunately, I don't like this 7" at all. Gone is Jaill's trademark jangle fest, and in its place we have 2 electronic songs. I guess it's OK as a novelty, and at least they kept these songs off the record and it was a free bonus 7", so I'm not that annoyed by it. Plain and simple though, I just don't think it's good. I can't find the songs online anywhere to share. Sorry!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Songs For Snakes - Charcoal Heather CD

Timid Crusher (2012)

Though mentioned a few times in the past on this website, I should give a proper plug to the Wilfully Obscure blog (wilfullyobscure.blogspot.com/). In addition to digging up past relics, they do occasionally feature a new band and while I certainly don't like everything that's posted, I have been introduced to a few great bands from this site. The most recent of these discoveries is Songs For Snakes. I know it probably goes without saying that I would prefer this had come out on vinyl, but at least it's not cassette only.

Charcoal Heather is a CD full of what I'm going to call Old Guy Punk. This is not to be derisive in anyway, in fact it's one of the highest compliments I can pay a band these days, being an old guy myself. This is a band that conjures memories of a prime Jawbreaker or a more streamlined Leatherface. Melodic raspy vocals with powerful guitars and the kind of hooks you just don't hear from the kids anymore. It's a self released album, the band has no delusions of grandeur and you can tell they're making music because they love music, not because they think they're the next big thing. You can buy the album direct from the band via their bandcamp page on the cheap. Heck, the singer Bill put this in the mail for me before I even sent him the money for it via PayPal.  I wouldn't recommend he do that for everyone, there are some bad people on the internet...

Songs For Snakes - Charcoal Heather:
songsforsnakes.bandcamp.com/album/charcoal-heather

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Uranium Comeback - S/T 10" - Screened Sleeve (/100)

Ptrash (2012)

This will be the first in what promises to be a quite a few posts about vinyl that came out on Ptrash Records from Germany. I just got a big box from them that is just packed with hits. My favorite of the bunch is this Uranium Comeback 10". As always, I get extra excited for Ptrash releases as I am part of their Ptrash club so I get wacky, limited to 100 copy variants of all of their records. The Uranium Comeback limited release has screened artwork in different colors than the normal version.

This record was destined for success with me as it features Steve Adamyk and is another record full of fast, awesome & catchy songs. I wouldn't say it sounds just like The Steve Adamyk Band, but I just can't imagine you liking one and not liking the other. I'm not sure if this qualifies as a full album, but if it does, it's easily one of the best 2 or 3 records I've heard this year.

Uranium Comback - S/T 10":
mermanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/uranium-comeback

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Jaill - Traps LP - Green Vinyl

Sub Pop (2012)

Traps is the new album from Jaill, a band that I originally discovered thanks to Ken @ Dirtnap records. This is Jaill's 4th album overall and 2nd for Sub Pop. After the first couple of listens, I can confidently say I think is is better than their last Sub Pop release, but still no where near as good as their self released album There's No Sky.

Here we have a lot of well written mid tempo songs highlighting the great vocals and song structures this band is capable of creating. What it lacks is the energy and hooks of some of the flat out hits they were writing 2 albums ago. Traps is a move in the right direction though, and the green vinyl available from Sub Pop is a nice touch. Oh it came with a bonus 7" too. I forgot to take a picture of that. I'll do that tomorrow.

Jaill - Traps:
vimeo.com/43923182

Monday, June 18, 2012

What-A-Night's - S/T CD

What-A-Night's - S/T CD by Tim PopKid
What-A-Night's - S/T CD, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Self Released (2012)

What-A-Night's are from Japan and they follow in that great Snuffy Smiles tradition of amazing punk rock bands from Japan. Though this CD is self released, they do have a split 7" coming out on Snuffy Smiles & Drunken Sailor, so I'm going to consider them a Snuffy Smiles band. If you've liked bands like Blotto, Three Minute Movie, Blew or The Urchin, you need to get this CD right away.

I would venture to say that What-A-Night's have more melodic vocals and harmonies than any of the bands mentioned above, but they do not sacrifice the super tight energetic fast temp music that these great bands from Japan are known for. One of the best of the year and I'm not even super annoyed that it's a CD and not vinyl since I'm used to that from Japanese bands.

What-A-Night's - S/T CD
http://drunkensailorrecords.bandcamp.com/album/what-a-nights-lp

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Seaweed - Weak LP - Green Vinyl

Sub Pop (1992)

I managed to pick up another Seaweed album at a very good price on eBay ($15) so I'm slowly building up the collection. The only full length I need is Actions & Indications, though the consensus seems to be that that record is their weakest. I guess we'll see once I finally grab it. After that it's time to start tracking down 7"s.

Weak is another fantastic Seaweed record and another total slap in the face since I slept on this band for nearly 20 years. I still can't figure out how I missed them in my youth. While I don't think this record is quite as strong as their album four, don't take that as a slight to this record. Think of it as further validation to how amazing four is.

Seaweed - Squint:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2yqujzUJfQ

Seaweed - Taxing:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEM6UQa0niw

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Budokan - Spin A Little Gold LP - Gold w/ Black Smoke Vinyl (/150)

Northern Electric (2012)

As soon as I found out this album was coming out, I was counting down the days until I could buy it. You see, Budokan is a band that features Andrew Mallow, former half-frontman for one of my favorite bands of all time, Bum. I emailed back and forth with Andrew a few times as the record was about to come out and he even gave me the chance to grab the rarer version of the album with the Black Smoke vinyl. Great times.

As far as the tunes go, you can certainly hear elements of the Malloy fronted Bum songs, though I'd venture to say this album does have more of a glammy flair and certainly leans more towards rock and roll than it does punk rock. But rest assured, if you are looking for hooks, there are hooks and the more I listen to this record, the more the songs get stuck in my head.  And that's always a trusty barometer for how good a song is.

Budokan - Spin A Little Gold LP:
budokanrocks.bandcamp.com/album/spin-a-little-gold

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The Edsel Auctioneer - The Good Time Music Of...

Alias (1995)

While not as immediate as their prior album, Simmer, The Good Time Music Of still finds The Edsel Auctioneer creating some seminal fuzz guitar rock that is the hallmark of the 90s for me. I picked this up along with Simmer in the bargain bin at Flipside Records. I think this one was $5, still sealed. A nice price to pay for sure. 1 other thing that I would like to mention, I sure miss Alias as a label. They had quite a streak of putting out great albums in the mid 90s. I always wondered what happened to them and how it all went wrong.

The Edsel Auctioneer - Haircut:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbpzgiTfNfg

Monday, June 11, 2012

Flop - Whenever You're Ready LP - Picture Disc

Frontier (1993)

While I never liked this record quite as much as Flop's 1st album, & The Fall Of The Mopsqueezer, this is still a mighty fine album. The production is a bit slicker and the band is definitely taking more chances. Some pay off, others don't work quite as well for me, but when they're writing a straight up pop song, not too many bands can keep up.

Flop - Woolworth:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zh8QM-byEo

Friday, June 8, 2012

The Edsel Auctioneer - Simmer LP

Kokopop (1993)

I picked this up for $4.00 from Flipside Records on record store day. While I have a few Edsel Auctioneer 7"s, for some reason I didn't have any of their LPs, and for a price like that, despite the promo hole punched in the cover on the "r" in "Simmer," I felt it was my duty to pick this record up.

If you've never hear of this band, it's tough to compare them to anything currently happening. They're very much a snapshot of the early 90's when fuzzy guitar-driven indie rock was a trade being plied by so many great bands. I've heard Edsel Auctioneer compared to Buffalo Tom and The Lemonheads, but for me the most kindred spirit I can think of is the band Small (Or Small 23, depending on what album of theirs you're looking at). The vocals are calm and melodic and the band manages to to be strangely energetic despite the mostly mid tempo nature of the songs. A great album by a great band.

The Edsel Auctioneer - Starfish:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJGBVDm4ncY

The Edsel Auctioneer - Slouch (This looks like someone recorded a video off their TV, terrible quality, but a good song):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzuhk7dm8v8

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Obits - Let Me Dream If I Want To 7" - Blue Vinyl

Sub Pop (2012)

It's a new 2 song Obits single, but both songs are covers. I wouldn't say there's anything essential on this 7", but it's a decent enough release to tide folks over until the next Obits record. The record looks the business though. I'm such a sucker for the old timey sleeves like this.

I changed where I was taking pictures of my records, and that seems to have made a big difference. The sun is coming through a window behind me instead of to the side of me. While not the perfect solution, at least this picture looks a little better than the last few I've posted.

Obits - Let Me Dream If I Want To:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy9dn5chqOs

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Mrs. Magician - Fools Paradise 7" - Picture Disc

Enjoyment Records (2012)

This 7" is a companion piece to the phenomenal Strange Heaven LP and features 2 non-album tracks on a wacky picture disc. I think the picture disc is supposed to fit in the sleeve giving the zombie looking guy on the cover 2 different mouths. The images don't really match up too well, but who cares as these 2 Mrs. Magician songs are every bit as amazing as everything on their album.

On a side note, this picture and the last couple I've posted on the website haven't looked so great, I'm having some issues with the sun and reflections. I didn't have time this morning to retake the picture, but I'm going to try to get better quality shots going forward,

Mrs. Magician - Fools Paradise:
soundcloud.com/mrs-magician/fools-paradise

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Beck - I Just Started Hating Some People Today 7"

Third Man (2012)

I don't have great luck ordering from Third Man, I never seem to get any of the limited versions, and I would have especially liked to have gotten the Tri Color version of this latest Beck 7", as I am a LONG time fan.

Musically, this record is crazy. The vocals don't sound like a lot that Beck has done in the past, but musically and lyrically this is some of the best work I think he's done in ages. For me this is totally a throwback to his Stereopathetic Soulmanure days and you can here echos of songs like Rowboat and Modesto. Lyrically, this is some of the most interesting and fun material Beck has unleashed in years. Total stream of consciousness Bogusflow-type stuff here and I absolutely love it. What I wouldn't give for a whole album of songs like this.

Beck - I Just Started Hating Some People Today:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgYjZ8Q4HjI&feature=related

Beck - Blue Randy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5tmBBc2KxY

Monday, June 4, 2012

The Golden Boys - Dirty Fingernails LP - Lavender Vinyl (/100)

12XU (2012)

I checked this out on the recommendation of @chris_whitehead and absolutely felt it was worth a purchase. The Golden Boys are playing some up tempo, at times country tinged rock. The singer has great vocals and the songs that lean towards the poppier side of things towards the beginning of the record are particularly strong.

It must be pointed out though, that the song Daddy's Horsewife is absolutely terrible and sticks out like a sore thumb on this record. I promise you, if you are listening to this record, the second that song comes on someone will walk into the room you're in and you'll have to explain the guy on your record shouting about having his dick in his hand. If it's meant to be a joke, it's pretty unnecessary. Other than that, it's very good record with a few great moments.

The Golden Boys - Dirty Fingers:
thegoldenboys.bandcamp.com/

Friday, June 1, 2012

Mrs. Magician - Strange Heaven LP

Swami (2012)

It's so exciting to see the Swami logo on the back of a record again. This is a label that has been away for far too long and hopefully it's a sign that there's a new Night Marchers record right around the corner. But to the matter at hand, this Mrs. Magician record is outstanding. Somehow these fellows managed to take the harmonies and surfy good vibes of the Beach Boys and drag them through some scratchy punk rock.

Just about every song on here is a hit. Yes, there are some that were previously released on 7"s that the band recorded, but they are right at home in the flow of this record. Without question, one of the best albums of the year so far and is the very definition of a summer record. If you're headed to the beach, bring your turntable this year.

Mrs. Magician - Strange Heaven:
mrsmagician1.bandcamp.com/album/strange-heaven