Sick Sick Birds - All the Fins In The Sea 7" - Insub fest Version (/40)

Sick Sick Birds - All the Fins In The Sea 7" - Insub fest Version (/40), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Ghostbot Records (2013)

The folks at Sick Sick Birds were kind enough to allow me to purchase a copy of this 7", even though I was not able to get down to Insub Fest in Baltimore. Between this and the exclusive Dead Mechanical variant that was being sold at the fest, I could have ended up a very bummed record collector if not for the kindness of some friends.

The Sick Sick Birds 7" is actually the test pressing of the upcoming 7" on Ghostbot Records. I expected the official 7" to be out at this point, but I haven't seen any info out of the record label in a little bit. The sleeve is a one sided square, all stenciled out and it looks really sharp. The tracklist and some other information is stamped on the other side of the cover.

Now musically, I couldn't be happier with this record. I was a little hard on the last Sick Sick Birds full length. Not because the songs weren't great (they were), but because the way the vocals were recorded just didn't work for me. They were blown out and distorted. Well, the 4 songs on this 7" sound fantastic, much more reminiscent of the recording quality of the 1st SSB record, Heavy Manners. The songs themselves are all great. Well written, catchy pop with heavy leanings towards 90's indie rock. This 7" is really stellar and I cannot wait to hear what the band does next.

Sick Sick Birds - Burns In The Middle:
sicksickbirds.bandcamp.com/track/burns-in-the-middle-2

Record Store Visit: Logan Hardware - Chicago, IL - 09/16/13

Record Store Visit: Logan Hardware - Chicago, IL - 09/16/13, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

The very last stop for the day on my record shopping tour of Chicago was at a place called Logan Hardware. While I won't say this was the best record store I went to while I was in Chicago, it was absolutely the coolest one I was at.

Logan Hardware is a big store. The room just feels like it goes on for days and they have a great mix of stock. New & used underground rock 7"s, piles and pile of oldies 45s, CDs, LPs, DVDs, VHS tapes, blind box action figures, wacky candy and more. Musically, I wouldn't say they focus on any one specific genre, but it's very much an independent record store so the selection is as it should be.

I really enjoyed the dynamic vibe of the store as there was just so much to look at, but the crowning achievement of Logan Hardware is the secret vintage arcade museum hidden at the back of the store. Maybe it's not really a secret as they do talk about it on the store's website, but being in the actual store itself, I would have had no idea it was there had we not been there with a local.

After you purchase something at the store, you get back a receipt with a secret code on it. You then punch that code into a locked door at the back of the store and enter into a hidden arcade full of vintage video games. Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac Man, Moon Patrol, TMNT, about 8 pinball machines and many more favorites. Simply amazing. Musically, I'd probably be happiest if there was a Reckless Records in New Jersey, but as far as just a flat out cool, fun store; I sure wish there was a Logan Hardware around here somewhere.

That wrapped up my record shopping in Chicago. I had a great time going around and wanted to once again thank the great @swamipat for showing my wife and I the shops to hit and for taking us out for one hell of a good burger.

Record Store Visit: Laurie's Planet Of Sound - Chicago, IL - 09/16/13

Record Store Visit: Laurie's Planet Of Sound - Chicago, IL - 09/16/13, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Stop #4 of the record store tour of Chicago was Laurie's Planet Of Sound. Incidently, this store was right across the street from a vintage toy store called Quake. Quake looked like it was probably pretty cool, but they were closed (despite the fact that it wasn't closing time according to the sign on their door), so I didn't get to stop in. Laurie's, on the other hand, was open and I got to peruse their stash of records.

I have to say that overall I was very impressed with Chicago's record stores by this point. There's a level of consistency in these shops and each of them has something worth while. Laurie's selection of new records was solid, if unspectacular, but they had a better than usual used selection.

Additionally they were the one store in Chicao I went to that had the coveted "rare records" 7" box behind the counter. I nabbed a pretty old out of print Hex Dispensers 7"s from here, so that makes this visit a success as far as I'm concerned. Also, one of the clerks was originally from a nearby town in New Jersey, so I got a taste of that "it's a small world" thing as well.

Record Store Visit: Reckless Records - Chicago, IL - 09/16/13

Record Store Visit: Reckless Records - Chicago, IL - 09/16/13, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

I don't know if Reckless Records is the best record store I went to in Chicago, but it is certainly the most broadly stocked store that I was at during my visit. While most of the other stores I went to seemed to to be a bit more focused in their approach, Reckless feels like a great one stop shop for all things underground. In fact, it reminded me a great deal of the glory days of Kim's Underground in New York City.

I guess Reckless leans more indie rock than anything, but this is a pretty big store with a good cross section of different genres. Their used section was great, with tons of old 7"s from the 90's hanging around. Any store that I can go in and pick up a Walker 7" on colored vinyl is a store that's going to get a pretty positive review from me. As New York City record stores die or move to Brooklyn, it's crazy to see the epitome of 1990s NYC record shopping living on in a store in Chicago. I'm jealous I don't have a Reckless Records here in New Jersey.

Record Store Visit: Dusty Groove - Chicago, IL - 09/16/13

Record Store Visit: Dusty Groove - Chicago, IL - 09/16/13, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

The 2nd record store hit up on my Chicago adventure was also the one store I didn't actually buy anything at. Dusty Groove specializes in Jazz, Soul and Funk, though they also had a pretty solid Hip Hop section as well. I wasn't really in the market for anything that Dusty Grooves was selling during this trip as I had decided I didn't want to bring any LPs on the plane ride home with me, but it was certainly a fun store to browse.

I can definitely see a specific type of record collector flipping their wig for the kind of stuff this store carries, though I can't say they had much in the way of used 7"s, which was pretty much my main goal on this trip. It's a neat store though, and one that I'd like to dig through again some other time.

Record Store Visit: Permanent Records - Chicago, IL - 09/16/13

Record Store Visit: Permanent Records - Chicago, IL - 09/16/13, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

I'm back from my Chicago vacation. Let me start off by saying that I was very lucky to see Rocket From The Crypt twice in Chicago. Once at a club show that took place at a venue called the Double Door and once standing in the pouring rain at Riot Fest. Both shows were outstanding. I had a great time in Chicago, it's really a cool city. I'm hopeful to have an excuse to go back again really soon.

While in the windy city @swamipat was kind enough to take me record shopping. I'll be spending this week going over the various record stores that we hit up. All brand new stores for me that I'd never been in before. While I tried to limit my actual purchases to 7"s due to having to travel home with the records, I did check out pretty much everything and I can say that if I lived in Chicago, I would have no problem getting by with the stores they have.

The first stop was a place called Permanent Records. I would call it one of the more specialized stores that we visited. While they had a little bit of everything, you could tell that they specialized in the sort of garage/pop/psych revival rock that's been brewing over the past few years. They had a pretty good selection of new LPs and 7"s plus an easily accessible public rest room, which I thought was a nice feature.

They also had a really strong and affordable used section. I spend a great deal of time digging though their 7"s and found quite a few gems. I was mostly on the hunt for old forgotten 90's stuff and found a few records worth taking home. But the record I was most excited to find was the colored vinyl version of The Paperhead 7" Pictures of Her Demise. This was the only Trouble In Mind 7" on colored vinyl that I didn't have, so it was great to be able to add that to the collection.

All in all a great store. I wish I had the opportunity to shop there on a regular basis.

Vacation is approaching...

So this week I'm heading out to Chicago in order to see Rocket From The Crypt play twice, see some Blues Brothers landmarks and go record shopping in some new stores.  My wife & I have a decent amount of errands to prepare for this, so I'm just going to take the first few days of this off from this website as well. 

There won't be any record reviews for the next 2 weeks, but I will be back posting on Monday September 23rd.  Additionally, if you care, you can follow me on Twitter if the thought of 2 weeks without reading something I write is particularly terrifying for some reason.  @TimPopKid.

I'm quite excited about this trip.  I've never been to Chicago before and I'm going to get to hang out with some people that I've met through the RFTC/Swami message boards over the years.  Should be neat.  Plus I couldn't be happier about seeing Rocket From The Crypt for the 26th and 27th time.  Long live the dead!

Abolitionist - The Growing Disconnect LP

Abolitionist - The Growing Disconnect LP, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Hahaha cool! / Different Kitchen / 1859 / Lost Cat / Sex Sheets / Tour Van (2013)

This is the first time anyone has sent me an actual full length album to review for this website. I've had a few 7"s come in and even a 12" single once, but it was pretty cool to get this in the mailbox. I had never heard of Abolitionist prior to the band getting in touch with me. These things can go either way. I've gotten a few cool records sent to me and I've gotten some that aren't so hot. The Growing Disconnect turned out to be a pretty nice surprise.

The band is working within the catchy punk rock arena that was really established by bands like Jawbreaker back in the 90's. Gruff vocals, dark lyrics but with razor sharp hooks and an obvious passion for what they do. The Growing Disconnect paints a pretty bleak landscape lyrically, but does it with Dillinger Four like precision and energy that makes the album just fly by. The songs that stand out to me tend to be the ones that lean to the catchier side of things like "Thank Them" and "Blight Blood Red Letters." I just can't imagine someone who likes the sort of fare No Idea typically releases not being into this record.

There are a couple tracks that have a bit more of a straight up Bad Religion inspired sound to them and even though that's not really my thing, the songs whip by at such a fast pace they actually add some variety to the dynamic of the album which can be helpful. Even though this website is really just here for me to document my record buying addiction, it's a pretty cool thing that like minded souls will take the time to send you something of theirs to listen to. The fact that this is a really good record is just a bonus.

Abolitionist - The Growing Disconnect LP
abolitionist.bandcamp.com/album/the-growing-disconnect-lp-cd

Royal Headache - Stand And Stare 7"

Royal Headache - Stand And Stare 7", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Matador (2013)

This 7" is part of the Matador 2013 singles club and has absolutely been the highlight of the series so far. Royal Headache's full length from a couple of years ago was one of those records that just immediately clicked for me and it instantly went in heavy rotation. This 7" proves that album was no fluke. Both songs here are just as good as anything on the full length and they've left me chomping at the bit for a new LP.

The first, "Stand And Stare," is a slower paced song, but still has the bright treble heavy guitar and soulful vocals I've come to know and love from this band. But on the b side, "Give It All To Me," Royal Headache kick up the tempo and blaze through an under 2 minute long blast of a song. I can't think of any band that's currently putting out any records as unique and distinctive as Royal Headache is. This 7" is worth subscribing to the entire series for (plus you'll get a Superchunk 7" too, so that's pretty great) and with any luck it's the first of many new releases on the way from this great, great band.

Royal Headache - Stand And Stare 7":
royalheadache.bandcamp.com/album/stand-and-stare-give-it-...

Superchunk - I Hate Music LP - Orange Vinyl w/ Bonus 7"

Superchunk - I Hate Music LP - Orange Vinyl w/ Bonus 7", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Merge (2013)

Let me start off by saying this is a great record. One of the most fun records you are likely to listen to this year. Superchunk is one of my all time favorite bands, heck I have more Superchunk 7"s than a lot of people have total 7"s. That being said, I am going to nit pick 3 small things in this review, but I do not want those things interpreted as me not liking this album because that simply would not be true. Having listened to this band for nearly 20 years now, I just wanted to mention a few things.

Number one, though this record is great, I feel like it's not quite as punchy as Majesty Shredding and in turn doesn't come across as energetic and exciting as the last Superchunk record. While the album has exceptional moments, as a whole it's a lower key affair. Number 2, even though musically Me and You and Jackie Mittoo is one of the highlights of the record, I just can't reconcile the fact that I think the lyrics of the chorus are kind of stupid. It sounds like an idea Ted Leo thought of, but then decided not to use it.

Lastly, number 3. And this ties in to the limited vinyl version that I picked up. I think this package is incredible. The art work is spectacular, I love all of the die cut packaging and the colored vinyl and the fact that it comes with a bonus 7". This brings us to number 3, the songs on the bonus 7" are a waste. Just noise for the most part, I'd be hard pressed to call them actual songs. I'll likely not listen to it again, but I need it for completist reasons.

So those are my gripes with I Hate Music. 3 small things, 1 of which really has no bearing at all on how much I enjoy the record. I cannot stress enough that I really do think this is a great record. It's just when I am so familiar with a band I tend to over analyze a bit. My neurosis certainly shouldn't stop anyone from picking this up right away.

Superchunk - I Hate Music (NPR Stream):
www.npr.org/2013/08/11/.../first-listen-superchunk-i-hate...

Southport - Southern Soul LP

Southport - Southern Soul LP, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Yo Yo (2013)

Simon Wells is the main man responsible for Southport and if his name sounds familiar to you it is likely because this man is responsible for helping to create some of the greatest records of all time during his days playing guitar for the band Snuff. The Snuff records that came out when Simon was in the band are true classics.

Southport has been kicking around off and on for well over a decade at this point. I was actually lucky enough to see one of their early shows when they played with Wat Tyler, Leatherface and Snuff at the Andy Crichton memorial show that I flew to London to see back in the 90's. I ended up with one of their demo tapes that pretty much became their debut album Nothing Is Easy. They vanished for a while, but came back with Armchair Supporters a few years ago. It was pretty good, though maybe not as strong as the first.

Now Southport are back for the third and, from the sound of things, final time with Southern Soul. It's an album that is very easy to listen to, with catchy songs played at a mid tempo pace. There aren't any punked-out burners here, nor are there really any very slow ballad-esque songs to speak of, but what the band has churned out is a very strong swan song.

Southern Soul is a very appropriate name for the record, and it's reflected in the vocals more so than anywhere else. Every song has a laid back vibe and I will admit to wishing there was a bit more urgency like they display on tracks from the band's first album like "Pilot" or "Drive By." But aside from the bizarre "Bob Marlow," which is essentially just a cover of "I Shot The Sheriff," this is an album with a lot of replay value. More than anything, it sounds like music made by old punks for old punks, and that's something I can relate to.

Southport - Last Time:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIxFzyexDtc

Ken South Rock / Giant Battle Monster - Split 7" - Coke Bottle ClearVinyl (/200)

Ken South Rock / Giant Battle Monster - Split 7" - Coke Bottle Clear Vinyl (/200), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Artificial Head (2013)

I must admit, it's been pretty neat to see some record labels and bands have been mailing me copies of records to listen to and review lately. It's certainly not like mail mailbox is swamped, but I think 4 people have sent me a record this summer. Say what you will, but the chance to try out some new tunes is always a fun time for me. Even if the record is terrible.

Speaking of terrible, there's this split 7". While I appreciate the fact that the record was sent to me to review, these bands are both pretty bad. Certainly not my thing. The first band, Ken South Rock, are playing a loud, borderline grungy rock. Their singer is shouting and wailing like a cross between a raspy Jello Biafra and some bad hair metal guy that I likely don't know the name of. Ken South Rock is OK during their quieter moments, but as soon as the singer really starts going for it, I just can take no more.

Ken South Rock is a walk in the park compared to Giant Battle Monster. They come from that scene of experimental noise rock that, to me, sounds like someone took all of a band's instruments, hit record on a tape deck and then threw all of the instruments down a flight of stairs. There's no structure and my brain cannot process stuff like this.

On the upside, the packaging on this record is great. It's got an elaborate fold over cover with a tuck-in flap on the back and I find the black and white artwork very eye catching. But once you take the record out of the packaging, bad things are coming your way.

Ken South Rock / Giant Battle Monster - Split 7"
artinstitute.bandcamp.com/album/ken-south-rock-vs-giant-b...

Heavy Times - Fix It Alone LP - Gold Vinyl (/200)

Heavy Times - Fix It Alone LP - Gold Vinyl (/200), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

HoZac (2013)

I think I made mention of it last time I reviewed a Heavy Times record, but I could only ever listen to 1 band like Heavy Times. The way they combine their lead guitar heavy songs with howling in a cave vocals is a recipe that so many other bands could really screw up. Heavy Times, on the other hand, is fully capable of holding my attention with short burst songs running over with energy.

Strewn throughout this mayhem are a couple instances where the band slows things down a little bit and for me it's in these brief moments where Fix It Alone absolutely shines. Songs like "Might Not," "American Love" and "Trouble Walker" bring things down to upper-mid tempo and these are the songs where the hooks stand out and you can really appreciate the songwriting that goes into this record.

Fix It Alone is every bit as strong as the band's last album Jacker. Jacker may have the slight edge as an entire record, but the highs on Fix It Alone are higher.

Heavy Times - In My Sleep (this is one of the fast loud ones):
soundcloud.com/hozac-records/heavy-times-in-my-sleep

The Dirtbombs - Ooey Gooey Chewy Ka-blooey - Pink Vinyl (/200)

The Dirtbombs - Ooey Gooey Chewy Ka-blooey - Pink Vinyl (/200), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

In The Red (2013)

I can't say that I've ever been all that into The Dirtbombs. Admittededly, I've only heard a few songs here and there and whenever I read about them, it seems like their doing some weirdo concept album. Well, Ooey Gooey Chewy Ka-blooey is one of their weirdo concept albums, and if every Dirtbombs record sounded like this, I'd probably own all of the other Dirtbombs records.

This is The Dirtbombs take on late 60's / early 70's bubblegum pop rock. You know, songs like "Yummy Yummy Yummy" and "Sugar Sugar?" The Dirtbombs serve up an entire album of tracks inspired by that genre. The result is just pure summertime bliss. Every song is upbeat and catchy. The hooks are simple in execution but are extremely well written. The band is not mocking this genre at all, they're lovingly embracing its sound and building on top of it.

There are so many standouts on this record, right from the opening track "Sugar On Top," with it's cowbell heavy drum beat and alternating vocal/guitar verse. There's the driving guitar riffs and sweet vocals of "Jump And Shout" and the pop perfection of "Sunshine Girl," the song with hands down the best chorus on this album. You'll here bits of inspiration peppered through. A piece of "Mony Mony" here, a taste of "Good Vibrations" there, but The Dirtbombs always tweak the formula just a bit to keep it their own.

If you can't tell, I really love this album. I hope that the band doesn't release this record into the world as a one off. They're way too good at this style of music to never go back to it. Plus, I really need to go back and check out some of the band's other albums. Any recommendations?

The Dirtbombs - Sugar On Top:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBqDDRDMz1s

The Dirtbombs - Crazy For You:
soundcloud.com/enablerpr/crazy-for-you

Soul Control - Get Out Now 7" (Freebie)

Soul Control - Get Out Now 7" (Freebie), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Bridge Nine (2011)

As you can hopefully read from the little sheet of paper I've included in the picture, this 7" was sent to me along with the latest Iron Chic 7" I ordered from Bridge Nine. That 7" was delayed for a bit, so they sent along a freebie as a make good. That's really nice of them, as I'm no stranger to pre-orders that go on for far longer than originally anticipated. Sadly, I just don't like this 7"

First off, it doesn't actually say Soul Control anywhere on this record. The only reason I was able to figure it out was by looking for the artwork on the Bridge Nine Bandcamp page. Why wouldn't you put your band name anywhere on your record? I don't understand that. Well the music is too hardcore for me. Bass heavy, muddy guitar. Guy shouting at me. I certainly won't claim to really understand much about the nuances of hardcore, but it sounds like most other bands like this sound to me: Loud and angry.

It was a nice effort on the part of Bridge Nine to send over an extra treat, if just doesn't belong in my collection.

Soul Control - Get Out Now:
bridge9.bandcamp.com/album/get-out-now

Legendary Wings / Buck Biloxi - Split 7"

Legendary Wings / Buck Biloxi - Split 7", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Pelican Wow Wow (2013)

Picked up this split 7" for Legendary Wings as I just loved their last full length on Dirtnap. This 7" contains two more songs of cranked up to 10, dynamic punky garage-pop. The songs are both pretty short, but while they're economical on time, there's no shortage of hooks. My only complaint about this band has been their need to stick little sound bites around all of their songs. It was all over their full length, and they've put more on this 7". The songs are great, they don't need any embellishment.

Buck Biloxi and the Fucks are new to me. When I put on this side of the 7", I immediately thought of bands like Hunx & His Punx and Nobunny. Lower fi, simplistic garage. Like those other bands, it doesn't really do anything for me, but if that's your cup of tea I would imagine you'd enjoy.

Legendary Wings - Best Friend:
soundcloud.com/sarah-no-mas/b1-best-friend

Buck Biloxi and the Fucks - I'm A Genius:
soundcloud.com/sarah-no-mas/a1-buck-biloxi-and-the-fucks

The Ceiling Stares / The Super Vacations Split 7" - Green Vinyl

The Ceiling Stares / The Super vacations Split 7" - Green Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Sweaters & Pearls / Velocity Of Sound (2011)

This is another 7" sent over to me by the nice folks at Sweaters & Pearls records for me to write a bit about. I take it very seriously when someone actually sends over a record to get my opinion on and I find myself spending much more time analyzing the record as I write than I do on records I buy for myself (which constitute 99% of what I write about on this website).

So, here we have 2 bands and 1 record on green vinyl. Of the 2 I prefer The Super Vacations. They play a laid back surf tinged rock formula that reminds me of Mrs. Magician in places. While I don't think they have vocal chops quite as grand as Mrs. Magician, they are very successful in laying down a relaxing day at the beach vibe with their back and forth, reverb guitar and slightly monotone vocals.

Next up is The Ceiling Stares, who fall victim to not-knowing-when-to-give-up-on-the-intro syndrome. We go well past a minute before the meat of the song really kicks in. Once it does, you're greeted with almost churchy, chanting vocal harmonies over slightly psychadelic guitars. I can't say I'm a big fan of this band to be honest, but I will be hanging on to the 7" for the Super Vacations songs. I may even look into the recent full length that the band released last year.

Super Vacations - Controller:
soundcloud.com/velocity-of-sound/controller-the-super-vac...

The Ceiling Stares - A Tunnel Through The Air:
soundcloud.com/velocity-of-sound/a-tunnel-through-the-air...

Steve Adamyk Band - Monterrey 7" - Record Release Show Covers (/50)

Steve Adamyk Band - Monterrey 7" - Record Release Show Covers (/50), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Hosehead (2013)

Due to the undying kindness of the folks over at Hosehead records, I was able to secure the record release show version of the new Steve Adamyk Band 7". If that wasn't good enough, they actually saved me both versions of this variant as well. The covers are hand made. There were 25 blue covers made and 25 yellow covers. I love it when labels do fun things like this, especially when I'm actually able to get copies. I guess I don't love it as much if I have to search for the variants, but there is something to be said for the thrill of the hunt.

As stated in yesterday's write up, the tunes on this guy are top notch. I'm pretty sure I'm on record saying that if you read my website, you really should be buying every Steve Adamyk Band release. They're simply one of the best bands out there.

Steve Adamyk Band - Monterrey 7"
hoseheadrecords.bandcamp.com/album/monterrey-7

Steve Adamyk Band - Monterrey 7"

Steve Adamyk Band - Monterrey 7", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Hosehead Records (2013)

It is certainly not a secret that the Steve Adamyk Band is one of my absolute favorite bands currently putting out records. They're nothing if not consistently incredible, putting out great song after great song and the 4 on this 7" are no exception. For the most part, they represent the faster, punkier side of the bands catalog, but Adamyk & Co. have an uncanny ability to cram the kind of hook into a song that just gets lodged in your head for days.

While all 4 songs are great, for me it's the closing track "Front To Back" that steals the show. With a back and forth guitar riff and low key vocals, the verse almost seems like it's trying to sneak something by you, only to have the chorus just smack you upside the head with its catchiness.

I'm always happy to add new Steve Adamyk Band records to the collection, and in addition to the record pictured above, there were some release show variants that I'll write about tomorrow.

Steve Adamyk Band - Monterrey 7":
hoseheadrecords.bandcamp.com/album/monterrey-7

Leatherface - More Mush LP - Bootleg

Leatherface - More Mush LP - Bootleg, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Bootleg (2013)

I'm not sure if this was released by the same bootleggers that did yesterday's Mush LP, but it would be an awful weird coincidence for both of them to show up at the same time as they have. This LP compiles most of the B-sides & singles that Leatherface recorded around the Mush era. It has the pre-Mush Smokey Joe EP, The Mush 7" single for I Want The Moon, the 12" single for Not Superstitions and the post-Mush 10", Compact and Bijou.

It's an incredible array of songs as the band was really firing on all cylinders during this time frame. It also shows how quickly the band was evolving during this period as the difference between what they were doing on Smokey Joe and Compact and Bijou is truly striking. You can't really come across a better batch of songs, though my personal opinion is that the version of Dreaming from the Dreaming/Eagle 7" is superior to the version on this bootleg from the I Want the Moon 7".

Now as far as the quality of this bootleg goes, I was eager to see how it held up to the good-but-not-great Mush bootleg. More Mush (which let's be honest is a pretty dumb name for this) is no where near the same level of quality as the Mush bootleg. The overall volume of this record is quite low and the volumes between the songs are wildly inconsistent. The I Want the Moon songs in particular sound very muddled and swampy. Once the Compact and Bijou tracks come up, be prepared for the loudness to increase dramatically (likely since they were sourced from a CD instead of from vinyl).

Additionally, they've removed the Smokey Joe version of the song Trenchfoot for some reason. I get that the song is also on the Not Superstitious 12", but it's a different version. I don't see why you'd cut the Smokey Joe one on a record clearly aimed at fans of the band.

I was really into the idea of being able to put this record on and just sit back and enjoy. But if you really want to enjoy these songs, picking up the originals is essential. I can't even begin to paint a picture of how much better my first pressings of the individual records sound. If you just care about hearing the songs, or if you just need a copy of everything like me, I suppose this is an OK purchase. But the money you'd spend to pick up the originals would be worth it.

Leatherface - You Wanted Everything:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1HaflHEBY8

Leatherface - Dreaming:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Y9rZWjzwU

Leatherface - Games:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiN1fujCWro

Leatherface - Mush LP - Bootleg

Leatherface - Mush LP - Bootleg, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Bootleg (2013)

I'm certainly not a big proponent of bootlegs. I don't like seeing other people profiting when the band gets nothing. It's pretty unfair really. That being said, I have been known to pick up the occasional bootleg for bands that I am a gigantic collector of, for completist purposes. Leatherface is a band that fits this bill.

I'd like to start off talking about the album itself because in my mind it is simply a work of art. It is one of my top 3 albums of all time. It's a record that I just can't live without. Mush starts off with the absolute best side 1, track 1 in history "I Want The Moon." Frankie Stubbs pairs gravely vocals with incredibly dynamic guitar interplay with co-conspirator Dickie Hammond. It's the stuff of legend. This continues over the course of the record with classic songs after classic song.

From the fast paced juggernaut "How Lonely" to the slightly more somber "Not Superstitious" to the reflective "Springtime" to the song that I feel lyrically encapsulates the feeling of love better than any I've ever heard "Not A Day Goes By." There is simply not a bad song on this record. Honestly, there's not even a good song on this record, every track is just perfection. I can't even begin to put into words how important this record is to me. If you read this website and you have not heard Mush, you really owe it to yourself to check it out. I'm not saying buy this bootleg, but you need to hear this album.

Now let's talk about this specific pressing. If you are ever concerned that someone is trying to pass this off as an original, there are 2 tell tale signs that will easily distinguish it from an original. First is there is no Roughneck Records logo on the back. 2nd is the lyric sheet. On the original pressing the lyrics are printed on the inner sleeve that holds the vinyl. This bootleg has them as a separate insert. But kudos to the bootleggers for even bothering to include them.

Sound wise, I put this record on the turntable and was very impressed. Everything sounded pretty good to me. Good tone, not too muddy and the vocals were nice and clear. However, when I was finished I put on my original pressing for a comparison and the difference was very noticeable. The original pressing is louder, sharper and just brighter in general. It's clear as day which is an original and which is a copy. This bootleg may suffice if you just really want to listen to the record on vinyl, but if you truly care about the sound and the experience of listening to this the way it was meant to be heard, it's really worth tracking down an original.

Still, I'm sure I'll throw this bootleg on from time to time. It saves me wear and tear on my original, which remains very expensive to replace. If you need this record on the cheap, the bootleg is a good placeholder.

Leatherface - I Want The Moon:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eXS1NI6Q6Y

Leatherface - Springtime:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQOwepObvg4

Leatherface - Not Superstitious:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wvm674i-YU

The Dagger Eyes - The Dagger Eyes LP - White Vinyl (/100)

The Dagger Eyes - The Dagger Eyes LP - White Vinyl (/100), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Ptrash (2013)

I picked this up earlier in the year as part of my most recent Ptrash order. A punk band from Canada, putting out a record on Ptrash sounded like a can't miss proposition to me. Unfortunately, I can't see myself listening to it all that much. The band is great at what they do. '77 style punk rock with fast guitars and snarling vocals and they do it better than most bands throwing back to that era.

For me though, I'm just more of a pop kid and have always had a hard time getting into vocals like this. I like more melody in my tunes. But if you like a little snotty swagger to your punk rock, check them out.

The Dagger Eyes - The Dagger Eyes LP:
thedaggereyes.bandcamp.com/album/the-dagger-eyes

Your Pest Band / Nato Coles & The Blue Diamond Band - Split 7" - MaroonVinyl

Your Pest Band / Nato Coles & The Blue Diamond Band - Split 7" - Maroon Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Snuffy Smiles (2013)

Sure this 7" is available domestically from ADD records, but it has different artwork and won't allow me to keep my Snuffy Smiles 7" collection complete. So of course I imported the Japanese version (though I actually imported it from the UK). It's the best label in the world and I will always buy everything they release. Interesting is that I believe this is only the 3rd record on Snuffy Smile that's come out on colored vinyl.

So as far as the 2 bands go, Your Pest Band is one of my favorite current Japanese band and they hit with "I Know Why," a bouncy upbeat entry into their catalog that has a late 70's American rock vibe to it, but filtered through YPB's incredible Japanese punk viewpoint. Their 2nd contribution, "We Just Want It," was also was on their recent 10" In My Doom. It was one of the highlights of that release as well.

Nato Coles & The Blue Diamond Band is a band I'm not totally able to wrap my head around. Nato's 1st band, Modern Machines, put out records that I just loved. After that he was in The Used Kids, whoI also like, but not as much as Modern Machines. At this point he's just gone into full bore Bruce Springsteen worship and it's just not doing anything for me. I guess I just need things punked up a bit more.

Your Pest Band / Nato Coles & The Blue Diamond Band - Split 7" :
addrecords.bandcamp.com/album/nato-coles-ypb-split-7

Get Dead - Bad News LP - Green Vinyl

Get Dead - Bad News LP - Green Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Fat Wreck (2013)

I was looking forward to this Get Dead record as I waited for it to show up in the mail. I pre-ordered it early on to lock in the colored vinyl version that typically disappear so quickly from the Fat Wreck store. I was anticipating an early Against Me vibe with their mix of acoustic and electric folk punk.

I was definitely feeling it during the first 2 tracks of the album. "Kerouacs Teeth" and "The Process" both show a great deal of potential. The songs are earnest and well conceived; putting you in that sitting-around-the-campfire state of mind. Unfortunately those songs are the absolute peak of the record and the albums other 10 tracks just kind of meander around, repeating the same themes.

Nothing really stands out over the course of this record. It's by no means bad and the first two songs are actually quite good, but these songs quickly just fade into background noise. There's never that sit up and pay attention moment. I'd give Get Dead another chance in the future, but Bad News just isn't there yet.

Get Dead - Kerouac's Teeth:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrkOHj_dg0U

Get Dead - The Process:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQj5e0zX6S8

The Ballantynes - Faith/Velvet 7"

The Ballantynes - Faith/Velvet 7", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

La Ti Da (2013)

From a singles series that I didn't buy yesterday to one today that I purchased the day it went on sale. La Ti Da records out of Canada has a series that while a bit delayed, is just packed with stellar records. The first one to show up at my door is the latest 7" from The Ballantynes. You can buy these records individually, but if you want the limited to 150 copies colored vinyl (white in this case) you need to be a subscriber.

Thus far The Ballantynes have only released 7"s, and I've bought them all. The first 2 were fantastic and this 3rd one raises the bar even higher. The Ballantynes play a throwback, but extremely authentic 60's Stax soul sound. The sultry vocals, the driving bass and even little nuances like the recording they've managed to get out of the guitars just takes me back to when I was younger and was first discovering the bands that inspired one of my earliest musical memories; the Blues Brothers.

As good as these 7"s have been, I think The Ballantynes will truly shine when they have a chance to put out a full album. There's something about the way they approach their music that assures me the best is yet to come and I simply can't wait for that to happen.

The Ballantynes - Faith/Velvet 7":
latidarecords.bandcamp.com/album/faith-velvet-7-ltdr016

Helvetia & Built To Spill - Spooky Action At The Sufferbus 7" - FlexiDisc (/1000)

Helvetia & Built To Spill - Spooky Action At The Sufferbus 7" - Flexi Disc (/1000), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Joyful Noise (2013)

Despite my deep, undying love of the 7" singles series, I couldn't bring myself to plunk down for Joyful Noise's 2013 Flexi Disc series. A, because there were really only 2 bands announced that I liked and B, I can't get all that excited about flexis. In Joyful Noise's defense, this is just about the best sounding flexi I've ever played and they obviously have put a great deal of care and work into the artwork, packaging and the like. But I honestly couldn't tell you why they just don't up the price of the series a bit and put out real 7"s. Seems wacky to me.

Anyway, since I wasn't going to buy the series but I had to maintain my complete Built To Spill 7" collection, I went to eBay. Picked this up for $18. Probably too much to pay for 1 song, but far from a rip off and certainly cheaper than buying a whole series of records I didn't want. The song is pretty good. You can certainly hear the Built To Spill in there, but I think the song is more driven by the Helvetia folks. It's upbeat pop that just screams of the 90's. It reminds me quite a bit of bands like Some Velvet Sidewalk or other K records pop shenanigans.

This record was essential to add to my Built To Spill collection, but unless you're a completist, this isn't a record that should at the top of your overpay on eBay list. Can't find the song streaming anywhere unfortunately.

Iron Chic - Spooky Action 7" - US Version, Red Vinyl (/350)

Iron Chic - Spooky Action 7" - US Version, Red Vinyl (/350), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Bridge Nine (2013)

This is the US version of the Iron Chic 7" I wrote about yesterday. Though I missed out on the most limited version of the US version (gray vinyl /150), I do like the red vinyl as it matches the art work. Musically you can apply the same review I wrote yesterday other the 3rd song on this 7" is different from the UK version.

On the UK version there was a Butthole Surfers cover that didn't do anything for me. On Bridge Nine's variant that is replaced with a Ramones cover, which also doesn't really do anything for me. Now I like the Ramones way more than I like Butthole Surfers, so I enjoy this song more. But, I have to say, I would have just preferred another Iron Chic original as the 2 songs of theirs on this 7" are just fantastic.

Iron Chic - Spooky Action:
bridge9.bandcamp.com/album/spooky-action

Iron Chic - Spooky Action 7" - European Tour Version, White Vinyl (/140)

Iron Chis - Spooky Action 7" - European Tour Version, White Vinyl (/140), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Drunken Sailor / Yo Yo (2013)

Finally some new Iron Chic songs. These guys put out a hell of a record called Not Like This back in 2010 and I've been anxiously awaiting the follow up. It seems like this 7" (and the companion American version that we'll talk about tomorrow) is the warning that their new record is finally on the horizon.

There's 2 new songs as well as a Butthole Surfers cover. The 2 new tracks are both great, employing passionate vocals and soaring, urgent choruses. They are a bit slower than the bulk of the songs on Iron Chic's last full length, but are some of the best the band has written. The Butthole Surfers cover is kind of a throwaway for me. I'm not familiar with the original and Iron Chic's version doesn't speak to me like their original tracks do.

Drunken Sailor/Yo Yo put out 3 versions of this record: red vinyl (/400), clear vinyl (/400) and the white vinyl version that I picked up which was limited to only 140 copies. Iron Chic is one of those bands that while I don't buy every variant, I do want to have the rarest, or at least the earliest pressing of their records. I'm quite eager to hear more.

Iron Chic - Spooky Action 7":
drunkensailorrecords.bandcamp.com/album/spooky-action-7

Sweet Faces - S/T 7" - Blue Vinyl (/100)

Sweet Faces - S/T 7" - Blue Vinyl (/100), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Douchemaster (2008)

Another entry in my low key quest to pick up the colored vinyl versions of the entire Douchemaster records catalog. I'm honestly not sure why I didn't pick this up when it originally came out in 2008. I was buying records from the label at that point, but for one reason or another, just never ordered this particular 7".

I've been missing out as this little 7" is an excellent four song slice of pop music. It's a little fuzzy, but definitely owes more to the early 60's pop rock scene than it does to any garage underground. Simple catchy songs with very memorable choruses. The highlight for me is actually "Here Come The Nice Boys," a song with a minimal guitar riff endlessly repeated. For some bands this could be a total throwaway, but for Sweet Faces, they really turn it into something special.

Sadly it looks like this 7" is the only record Sweet faces ever put out, which is a real shame as I would have loved to hear more from these guys. Well, at least I have the limited to 100 blue vinyl mailorder version of the record. There's some solace in that.

Sweet Faces - ST 7":
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U2-6MCcIg8

The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds LP

The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds LP, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Capitol (2008)

There's not much to say about this record. One of the best pop albums ever released. Capitol put out this reissue a few years ago. This version is in mono and truly sounds great. The artwork was faithfully reproduced right down to the inner sleeve advertising the Capitol '66 line up. Pet Sounds is one of those records that just has to be in the collection. I can't imagine I need to describe anything else for you, it's just one of those records that you grow up with,

Superchunk - Me & You & Jackie Mittoo 7" - Blue Vinyl

Superchunk - Me & You & Jackie Mittoo 7" - Blue Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Merge (2013)

I've been listening to Superchunk for a long time. A really, really long time. They were actually one of the very first shows I ever went to. So the fact that all of these years later Superchunk is still cranking out 7"s just makes me feel good inside. This is a teaser for their new album that's coming out soon and it has 1 album track and an unreleased B-side.

I would classify these as upper-mid tempo Superchunk songs. While they don't have quite the punch of some of the stand out tracks on Majesty Shredding, they certainly have more oomph than Come Pick Me Up era songs. Really, it's just a taste of some new music and maybe I won't be spinning this 1000 times a day, but it certainly has me geared up to hear the new full length.

Superchunk - Me & You & Jackie Mittoo:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmL9T2pRjvU

Rumspringer - Stay Afloat - Yellow Vinyl (/111)

Rumspringer - Stay Afloat - Yellow Vinyl (/111), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Dirtcult / Drunken Sailor (2013)

Please, just remember all of the good things I said about this album yesterday, because they all still apply. Rumspringer is one of the best current bands out there and this is the best album they have released to date. Go get it.

The yellow vinyl variant was pressed up to be sold through Drunken Sailor records out in the UK. There's only 111 copies floating around, plus Drunken Sailor is another label that you just cannot go wrong with. If you're going to grab this Rumspringer record from them, you're a fool if you don't also pick up the Exit Condition reissues at a minimum. Dirtcult did sell a handful of this version on their website, but they sold out very quickly. If you want it now, off to Europe you go...

Rumspringer - Stay Afloat:
dirtcultrecords.bandcamp.com/album/stay-afloat

Rumspringer - Stay Afloat LP - Red Vinyl (/113)

Rumspringer - Stay Afloat LP - Red Vinyl (/113), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Dirtcult (2013)

Yes, I'm going to say it again. And again. And probably again. What a year 2013 is for amazing records. Case in point is the latest from Rumspringer, a band that I have been following since they first started putting out 10"s & 7"S on Traffic Street records a few years ago. I've watched them grow from a really promising new band to one of my current, most reliable favorites. Seldom have they let me down and Stay Afloat is no exception.

The band manages to to hit all of those calling cards from the 90's that made me love punk rock to begin with. I hear a little Crimpshrine here, a guitar trick that reminds me of bands like Walker there, but it never sounds dated or ripped off. Multiple vocalists help to keep things dynamic; but it's the energy and the sing along choruses that keep me coming back over and over. Of all the bands that I try to get my friends to check out, Rumspringer is the one that has been the biggest hit with them and Stay Afloat is their best release yet. My top 10 is getting awful crowded already and it's not even August yet.

The first 113 copies sold through the Dirtcult website were available on red vinyl. There was also an exclusive color for Drunken Sailor records out of England, but that's tomorrow's picture.

Rumspringer - Stay Afloat:
dirtcultrecords.bandcamp.com/album/stay-afloat

Canadian Rifle / Zapiain - Split 7" - Blue Vinyl (/100)

Canadian Rifle / Zapiain - Split 7" - Blue Vinyl (/100), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

All In Vinyl (2013)

I'm not only a huge fan of singles series, but in particular I love All In Vinyl's version. It's rivaled only by the Art Of The Underground series (which I can't even remember the last time I got a record from that) and I've been a subscriber to every year so far.

That being said, I'm a little perplexed by this record. Canadian Rifle was a band I've heard of, but am now hearing their music for the first time. Over a swampy, sludgy storm of feedback & guitar the band wails out some of the most intense vocals I've ever heard, to the point where it's almost silly. The singer reminds me of the noises that the Balrog makes in Lord Of The Rings. It's definitely not for me.

But then there's the Zapiain side, which features crystal clear pop music. This band has a very mid 90's rock feel to them and the songs here remind me of the album Betty Pickup by Muzzle. I realize that's likely only a reference old people that once trolled around the CD used bins in the 90's will get, but it's pretty darn accurate. I really like this side of the 7" and for the life of me, I can't think of a more bizarre pairing.

Regardless, this record has provided me two great new songs and another band to keep track of, so as far as I'm concerned it's another success for All In Vinyl and for singles series in general. Keep them coming.

Canadian Rifle - Fire & Born:
soundcloud.com/allinvinyl/fire-born

Zapiain - Tou Always Said It Was:
soundcloud.com/allinvinyl/you-always-said-it-was

Warm Soda - Tell Me In A Whisper 7"

Warm Soda - Tell Me In A Whisper 7", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Goodbye Boozy (2013)

The Warm Soda LP that came out on Castle Face records earlier in the year is top notch, and this follow-up 7" for the band's European tour follows in those same footsteps. 2 more songs of jangle guitar, breathy vocals and simple, but insanely catchy, melodies. The 2 songs here are akin the the more mid tempo moments of that band's full length, but they are just the perfect companion piece to that album.

There were 2 versions of the 7" available, the cover I have with the band blowing bubbles in the supermarket as well as another illustrated cover. Each variant was limited to 150 copies and according to the label, both versions are already sold out. Hopefully the band still has some copies and they roll through your town as this is worth grabbing.

Warm Soda - Tell Me In A Whisper 7":
warmsoda.bandcamp.com/album/tell-me-in-a-whisper

Jawbox - For Your Own Special Sweetheart LP

Jawbox - For Your Own Special Sweetheart LP, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

DeSoto (1994)

I missed out on Jawbox the first time around. I can't say that I ever heard much by them, but what I did hear didn't captivate me. I always considered them a bit too noisy and dissonant for my liking. Well, much like my experience with the band Seaweed, I've really come around now that I'm older.

It actually started off with the Burning Airlines reissues that came out a little bit ago. I enjoyed them enough that I decided I should probably give Jawbox another try. My wife is actually a big Jawbox fan and she recommended I start off with For Your Own Special Sweetheart, her first Jawbox record. This album was reissued on vinyl recently with new artwork, but I decided I needed to hunt down the original pressing and came across a copy for a totally reasonable price.

From the opening moments of "FF=66" I was a little worried as it starts off with an awful lot of shouting. But that quickly morphs into an unexpectedly memorable chorus. That's what strikes me most about this record, it's loud, the guitars are crunchy and there's a real undercurrent of angst and doom, but every song has this nugget of a hook embedded into it. It's one of the most deceptively catchy records I've heard.

I am very eager to explore more of the Jawbox catalog, though all of their LP's seem to be out of print right now. I'll just have to keep my eyes open and hope I get another good deal like this one.

Jawbox - FF=66:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAVH4dNG4oA

Jawbox - Breathe:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=daqLfl4OByU

Dead Mechanical - OK Night LP - Screened Cover (/40)

Dead Mechanical - OK Night LP - Screened Cover (/40), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Toxic Pop (2013)

This Dead Mechanical record is coming out in the next month on Toxic Pop records. There's a pre-order for it on the label's website right now, and I put in my order the very day it went up. However, since Dead Mechanical was playing Insub Fest in late June, Toxic Pop had a some test pressings of the record rushed and they made special screened covers for the occasion. They only sold 40 copies of this record at Insub Fest, but I was very luckily that a quick email to Toxic Pop had them put aside a copy for me. I guess being a loyal customer that buys almost every single thing the label puts out the day it goes on sale earned me some karma points.

I love the screened cover and as cool as it looks in the picture, it really pops in person. Now, as for the music, I could not possibly say enough good things about this record. Over and over I've stated what a great year for music 2013 has been, but it's just getting downright insane at this point. This is an album of the year most years. It's a surefire top 5, it's probably a top 3. In all seriousness, just stop reading this review as you are wasting time that could be better spent buying this record.

The band weaves together some of the best influences in punk. You've got your early Jawbreaker vocals, there's Leatherface inspired guitar play, Dillinger Four-esque catchiness in parts and it's all presented though a filter of incredible energy and passion. I always say that to me, the most important thing about a band is that I want to believe in them. I want to feel the conviction they have in their music. Dead Mechanical has this in spades. I believe every word, every note that comes out of this band. It's a soundtrack for life kicking you low, and your quest to crawl back.

OK Night is essential, just absolutely essential. After 3 perfect records, I do not understand how this band is not one of the biggest in the US. Dead Mechanical should be huge. They should be the first thing anyone mentions when talking about today's great punk bands. Go buy this record, you deserve it.

Dead Mechanical - OK Night:
firestartertoxicpop.bandcamp.com/album/ok-night

Rocket From The Crypt - Live From Camp X-Ray LP - Bootleg

Rocket From The Crypt - Live From Camp X-Ray LP - Bootleg, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Bootleg (2013)

A couple of months ago I started seeing this record show up online claiming to be a promo LP pressing of the last Rocket From The Crypt record, Live From Camp X-Ray. Had I only seen 1 pop up, I may have been inclined to believe that it was a promo, but dozens and dozens of them showed up at the same time. Since it wasn't particularly expensive and since I will not allow any holes in my Rocket From The Crypt collection, I picked it up for about $30 shipped from Europe.

It's a very good quality bootleg. The artwork is lifted from the advance CD that Vagrant sent out to radio & press prior to the album originally coming out. The quality of the sleeve is solid and the quality of the record itself is also completely fine. Maybe the slightest bit heavy on the bass, but honestly I can tell no real difference between this and the 2 official Vagrant pressings.

I'm not completely sure why this was the Rocket album that was picked to bootleg. It was just re-released and I don't even think the original is THAT hard to find, but as far as bootlegs go, at least it's a nice one. Oh and it should go without saying that the album is just outstanding, but you probably know that already.

Rocket From The Crypt - Bring Us Bullets:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=02Yrl4nfEAo

Rocket From The Crypt - I'm Not Invisible (Live of Craig Killborn):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=02Yrl4nfEAo

Steve Adamyk Band - Desecrate 7" - Stamped Cover (/17)

Steve Adamyk Band - Desecrate 7" - Stamped Cover (/17), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Taken by Surprise (2013)

A reader of this very website actually alerted me that this variant was coming out, so for that I am most thankful. Taken By Surprise found a handful of Desecrate 7"s with no covers. So they did the only thing any self respecting record label would do; they made an instant collectible. The 7"s are hand stamped, limited to just 17 copies in total and allows me to continue to keep my Steve Adamyk Band collection up to snuff.

The 3 songs on this record are some of my favorites as well. Especially the b-side "Unglued." This is the kind of record that really helps cement a band as one of the best out there. Steve Adamyk Band has 3 new 7"s coming out this summer (Well, one is actually out already), so expect to see more of them on this website really soon. Also...play the US East Coast already!!

The Steve Adamyk Band - Desecrate:
takenbysurpriserecords.bandcamp.com/album/desecrate-7

Paper Dragons - Die To Please LP - Red Vinyl (/110)

Paper Dragons - Die To Please LP - Red Vinyl (/110), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Toxic Pop / Wallride / Southpaw (2013)

I've been sitting on this Paper Dragons LP for a few months now, not exactly sure what to write about it. I picked it up based on Hot Snakes/Wipers comparisons and I see that in the music for sure. The band just attacks their instruments with a fury that's something to hear. Lot's of downstrokes, interesting chord progressions and the kind of believable energy that I value so highly in a band.

I think where Paper Dragons loses me is in the vocals. They lean more towards the snotty 80's punk sound than is my cup of tea. This is very much a punk album and I think I need just a bit more melody in a band to really speak to me. By no means is this a bad record and I actually recommend it quite highly if you're looking for a band that can incorporate this vocal style with some truly stellar music. It's just not 100% what I'm looking for.

Paper Dragons - Die To Please:
paperdragons.bandcamp.com/album/die-to-please

Buzzer - Disco Kiddz 7" - White Vinyl (/100)

Buzzer - Disco Kiddz 7" - White Vinyl (/100), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Douchemaster (2008)

This Buzzer 7" is a bit older, but I recently came across it used. I have it in my head that I would like to be able to get the entire Douchemaster catalog on colored vinyl. I'm going to keep my eye out, but I'm not planning on going crazy tracking everything down. This also brings me to where the hell has Douchemaster records been? It's over a year since their last release. I hope they start cranking out the hits again soon.

This Buzzer 7" is fun. Short bursts of garage rock guitars mixed with slightly distorted yelping Cars-esque vocals. The 3 songs are catchy and enjoyable. It's not the sort of record that will blow your mind, but it's a good way to spend a few minutes in front of your turntable. "Heavy Weather" in particular would be great mixtape fodder if you're inclined to make those. Couldn't find the songs streaming anywhere, sorry.

RVIVR - The Beauty Between LP

RVIVR - The Beauty Between LP, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Rumbletowne (2013)

Many times over the past 6 months I've taken to this website and proclaimed that 2013 has been a hell of a year for music so far. Please reuse that statement for today's record as well. Another top shelf punk rock record has come down the pipes in 2013, courtesy of RVIVR. I've actually been following RVIVR since their first 7". I had read a review of it that compared it to some other band that I liked. Though I couldn't tell you what band that was anymore, what I can tell you is that I knew right from the start this was a band I would be keeping tabs on.

Fast forward a few years later and we have RVIVR's 2nd full length, The Beauty Between, easily their crowning achievement to date. It's an incredibly dynamic blend of male/female dueling and harmonizing vocals combined with more complicated and nuanced guitar interplay than you'll find on a lot of punk rock records. While that could keep some bands from latching on to catchy hooks and choruses; RVIVR combines all of these elements into one hell of a record that's so easy to listen to but never feels saccharine or hollow.

In a year that's been full of hit after hit it's going to be hard for an above average record to make an impact in 2013. Luckily for RVIVR, what they've turned in is probably their masterpiece. No pressure on the next record...

RVIVR - The Beauty Between:
rvivr.bandcamp.com/album/the-beauty-between

Goodbye Maxwell's - Hoboken, NJ - 07/14/13

Goodbye Maxwell's - Hoboken, NJ - 07/14/13, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Though what I am writing about today isn't a record or even a record store; this place had so much to do with building the foundation of my taste in music, I had to write a little about it to say goodbye.  On July 31st, 2013 Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ will close its doors for the very last time. I have been going to Maxwell's for shows for almost 20 years. I've seen so many incredible bands play here and it was such an institution that the impact this little building has had on my life is difficult to measure.

The entrance to Maxwell's

I've seen almost every band that has ever meant anything to me play at Maxwell's. The very first show I ever went to was a Rocket From The Crypt/Pee Chees show. It was the sort of experience I'll never forget. It was only the 2nd time I had seen Rocket play live and it was one of the most influential shows I've ever seen. I can trace my undying love of Rocket From The Crypt to this show; it was when I truly saw the light.

Another incredible show I was at was when Beck played solo acoustic here in 1996. I didn't have tickets to the show, but I arrived at about 3 in the afternoon and just did everything I could do to get in. I ended up talking to one of the sound guys for a while and he put me on the guest list. It was a perfect show. Only about 200 people can fit in the venue and it was packed. Beck played for almost 2 hours with no setlist, taking requests and talking to the crowd. It was just another magical night in Hoboken.

Front of Maxwell's

I could never list all of the bands I saw there over the years, but from Archers of Loaf to Doo Rag to The Supersuckers to Ted Leo to the Mr. T Experience to Gentleman Jesse to Hot Snakes to Night Marchers I was simply there all the time. Now, it's been a while since I've been to Maxwell's recently, having less to do with the venue or the bands and more to do with the fact that I'm not as into going to shows as much as I used to be. But I wanted to go back one more time before it shut down.

I couldn't begin to tell you how many times I walked this
hallway into the back room where the bands played

I'm not going to be able to go to Maxwell's for one last show.  Nearly everything between now and July 31st is sold out; certainly all of the band's I would like to see have one last hurrah.  So, last night my wife and I went to Maxwell's to have dinner (they were also a full service sit-down restaurant in addition to a music venue), take some pictures and to give me the chance to lament about old times and the end of an era. The food was fine, but seeing that room for what I knew would be the last time was tough. We ate, we talked and I tried to soak in as much of the atmosphere as I could for the last time. I picked up a T-shirt, complained about the closing to the waiter and paid my check for the last time.

There was also a bar and restaurant that I didn't go to as
much as a kid, but really appreciated as I got older

I've lost a lot of cool places around here over the years. Coney Island High, Tramps, Brownies and a myriad of record stores. Most of those were in NYC. Maxwell's was always the place that was ours in New Jersey. It just seems wrong that it's being taken away, that other young kids won't have a chance to discover a band that will change their life. I'm so sad that Maxwell's is going to be gone and I will truly, truly miss the hell out of this place.

A T-shirt to remember the good times