Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

The Breeders "Nervous Mary" Single (4 Ad)

Loving this new track from the upcoming Breeders album "All Nerve". "Nervous Mary" is full of all the amazing things that make this band so good. From the infectious vocal harmonies, to the driving beat and hypnotic guitar melodies this track is pure gold and I think it's safe to say they have never sounded better. I can't wait to take in the full album which will be released on March 2nd courtesy of 4AD.

Daniel Ruiz "Meet the Crimson Woman at the Dawn Café" Single (danielruiz.bandcamp.com)

Daniel Ruiz has accomplished quite a bit over the last few years both as Weinf and now under his own name. His latest track "Meet the Crimson Woman at the Dawn Café" is highly dynamic and highly intricate as the level of musicianship he displays is off the charts. It's a mysterious number that has a bit of a sinister element to it that recalls the likes of Morphine, The Birthday Party and classic Jazz. Can't get enough of this one.

High Climbers Presents..."Maine - Air Traffic" (highclimbers.bandcamp.com)

"Maine - Air Traffic" is the first solo effort from High Climbers member Mike Robertson which he recorded to celebrate his temporary departure from Bristol. The albums nine songs are gentle yet haunting, simple yet complex and overall pretty intense at times. The intricate yet laid back guitar sounds fill out most of the music while Robertson's voice does a tremendous job at telling his stories. "Can You See It" comes off like post Barrett era Pink Floyd if it were produced by GBV's Robert Pollard while "Good Go Up" and "Preoccupations" are two of my other favorite songs from the record as their heartfelt presence and cathartic stance really get me with each and every listen. A remarkable effort overall that I hope is the first of many.

Katie Caulfield "Wedding" Single (katiecaulfield.bandcamp.com)

The slow dirge driven feel of this track draws you into a musical black hole that's fueled with relentless passion and menace while still keeping a sense of structure around all the chaos. Katie Caulfield are actually a 3 piece band from Poland made up of Michał Piech [Okide]on Drums, Katie Hurdles on Guitar and Vocals and Paweł Tasak on Bass and together the group put a mean spin on the noise rock genre with intricate rhythms and pounding percussion. The track is taken from their latest album "Mutual Dreaming" which is an amazing seven track release that's sure to delight fans of bands like The Dazzling Killman, Zeni Geva and Glazed Baby to name a few. Do yourself a favor and blast this one loudly.

Lucius “Eventually” (Tame Impala Cover)

Lucius are one of my favorite bands and this cover of Tame Impala's "Eventually" is astonishingly good. Taken from their latest acoustic E.P. "Nudes", Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig's dynamic voices sound as stellar as always while the music is soothing, atmospheric and warm. "Nudes" will be available March first from Mom + Pop Records.

Sick Shit "Demonstration" Cassette (sickshit.bandcamp.com)

New Jersey based hardcore/punk unit Sick Shit are the best hardcore band I've heard in years. The tracks on this cassette clock in at less than 2 minutes but they get a lot done in that little bit of time as the crushing spastic beats, bulldozer guitar riffs and manic sounding vocals never let up. They bring a refreshing take on the hardcore punk genre and hold absolutely nothing back in the process. Get into it.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Akkah "Wash Me Alive / Rage of Daylight" E.P. (akkah.bandcamp.com)

Stockholm, Sweden's Akkah create an intriguing and ethereal mood on their debut two song E.P. "Wash Me Alive" stirs things up with it's cinematic tones and gorgeous vocals. The dynamic guitar work and big open production work really well together and give you a feeling like you are right there in the room with this duo while they are making the song. "Rage of Daylight" is more primal and ominous and surrounds you like a warm blanket on a cold winter night while you are sitting in the dark watching footage of the first moon landing. It's menacing and mysterious and truly one of the most captivating songs I've heard in some time. An incredible debut sure to turn heads and open ears around the globe.

Bledi Boraku "Tha" LP (bledarboraku.bandcamp.com)

Albanian multi-instrumentalist Bledi Boraku hits a home run on his breathtakingly beautiful and highly innovative debut album. The hypnotic beat of "koha​.​1" draws you in right from the start and offers an array of tones, soundscapes and colorful textures that are as thought provoking as they are irresistible. It's a sonic journey that never let's up and keeps you guessing at what will come next. "Ndalese_1" has an orchestral vibe to it that echoes the spirit of Philip Glass. It's constant manipulation showcases what experimental music is all about while the rich guitar playing and sturdy backbone of "koha​.​2" shows off a completely different side of the album. The 14 plus minute "koha​.​3" is like a 3 dimensional sound collage or the soundtrack to a lost Alejandro Jodorowsky film. It's subliminal tones and ever evolving movements are inspiring from beginning to end. "Tha" is a truly remarkable achievement that should be enjoyed in it's entirety to guarantee the best listening experience possible. Highly recommended.

CITE S/T E.P. (citemeout.bandcamp.com)

Who's ready for some punishing psych driven rock n roll? That's exactly what you get on this debut E.P. from Oakland's CITE. Opening number "Clipping" is a crushing blast of guitar mayhem mixed with well planned hooks and a brilliant sense of arrangement. This is soon followed up by the speedy paced "I'll Let Go" which keeps the energy level on high with it's pounding drums and frantic mood while "Tangle" blends angular guitar work with a relentless attitude that never lets up. The record is rounded out with two more heavy hitters in "Captured And Vibed" and "No Fun". CITI perfectly blend the ruthlessness of punk with a late 80's early 90's post punk slant and plenty of psychedelic undertones to form a sound that's absolutely incredible. Do yourself a favor and GET INTO IT!!!

Cold Cold Nights "(The) Last Summer" E.P. (coldcoldnights.bandcamp.com)

I sense a very welcoming spirit and mood when listening to this latest offering from Czech Republic based outfit Cold Cold Nights. Opening piece "Prologue" sets the pace as it's breezy, wash of light guitars and soothing atmospherics create a blissful and warm setting that I really love. The charming almost droney style of "Football part 1 & 11" and "Football Part 111" makes me think of Pavement covering Dinosaur Jr. but with guest vocals from Wlico's Jeff Tweedy. The harmonies and way the track builds is both beautiful and inspiring while the looming bass line and stoic stance of "Never" gets more and more enjoyable with each listen. It's the type of track that grows with you in time. The vocal performance on "Joie" is truly impressive and is sure to draw you in and make you an instant fan of this band. Overall "(The) Last Summer" is a highly impressive collection of unbelievably well put together songs that leave me longing for more.

Last Hyena S/T E.P. (lasthyena.bandcamp.com)

There's more happening in the first minute of this new E.P. from U.K. based instrumental math rock outfit Last Hyena than what happens on entire albums by so many of today's new bands. After a quick flash of pulsating noise, soothing layers of gliding guitars quickly give way to a greatest hits like flourish of odd time changes, sporadic rhythms and general music geekery that features a sturdy rhythm section and pristine musicianship all around.What more could you ask for from a song titled "Panzerschreck". Jazzy chords and frantic bursts of sonic energy run throughout "Savannah". It's a really colorful number that grows with intensity by the second while closing piece "Viceroy" drives everything home with it's infectious beats, unpredictable cadences and at times orchestral guitar work. A fabulous E.P. that harnesses the spirit of Mahavishnu Orchestra, King Crimson and Gentle Giant but expands on the genre and has the capability of inspiring future generations of musicians with their uncompromising chops and brilliant execution.

The Jesus And Mary Chain "Always Sad" Single (thejesusandmarychain.uk.com)

"Always Sad" is the 2nd single from the new Jesus And Mary Chain album "Damage And Joy", their first in 19 years. It's full of the bands familiar hooks and has a fun uptempo beat that is sure to make long time fans smile. Jim Reid shares vocals with an unconfirmed female vocalist which reminds me of the amazing Reid family side project Sister Vanilla from several years back. I'm certainly excited about this new album as there can never be too many JAMC songs in my world. "Damage And Joy" is available today in fine record stores throughout the world.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ethan Gruska "Reoccurring Dream" Single (www.ethangruska.com)

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Ethan Gruska is set to release his debut album "Slowmotionary" on March 3rd via Sire Records. The passion and honesty expressed on lead single "Reoccurring Dream" is as real as it gets. Gruska's bare bones acoustic guitar and clever hooks move beautifully next to the dark, haunting like vibe that looms underneath it all. It's the kind of song that leaves everything on the line right out of the gate and never looks back. “What I hope is that people can sense the vulnerability in the writing," Gruska says while reflecting on the album. “I didn’t want perfect. I wanted true. I wanted honest. I didn’t want to hide behind anything. That’s why it’s produced and arranged the way it is. It’s very barren at certain moments. These songs slow down time for me, which is why I called it Slowmotionary. I needed to put myself out there musically and lyrically.” What I enjoy most about "Reocurring Dream" is that it creates a realm and presence that is all it's own but one that anyone who has experienced love and heartbreak can easily relate to. It's like a love letter sent from the battleground of life and is a song sure to cement Gruska as one of the top new artists of 2017.

Guided By Voices "Hiking Skin" (Advance Track) (GBV Inc)

Guided By Voices are set to release a brand new album called "August By Cake" this coming Spring. The 32 track release will be the bands first double LP and it will also mark the 100th album from the bands founder/guru Robert Pollard. "Hiking Skin" is the albums fist single and it's as classic GBV as you can get all the way from the big bodied guitars and signature swing to Pollards trademark vocal delivery and the tracks no punches pulled 2 minutes or less time frame. Essential listening as always.

Meatbodies "Creature Feature" Single (intheredrecords.com)

"Creature Feature" the latest single from Meatbodies brand new album "Alice" is a whirlwind of rock n roll chaos and deep psychedelia that brings to mind T Rex, Donovan and early Mercury Rev. It's got an intensely odd slant to it all that's backed by a swaggering groove that reeks with undeniable appeal. It also includes some of the best guitar manipulation and fuzz driven leads you will hear anywhere that are equally matched by the deranged vocal cadence that sends the track into psychedelic overdrive. "Alice" is available today courtesy of garage rock heavyweights In The Red Records.

Potential Red S/T E.P. (potentialred.bandcamp.com)

Canadian post punk/new wave outfit Potenial Red strike big on this brand new 4 song E.P. Lead off track "Broken" is an energetic piece full of swirling soundscapes and chiming guitars that fans of The Smiths and The Cure are sure to enjoy as it gets things started in grand fashion. The gliding mood of "Day Dreaming" features a colorful blast of intricate instrumentation that sits well with it's lush angular stance while "Passive Wav." carries a striking presence that radiates with strength and beauty. All of the songs stick with a simple to the point time frame as the band keep things intriguing with each song, allowing just the right amount of room for experimentation. It's a style that chooses mystery and mood over flamboyance and flash. Overall a brilliant collection of songs from one of my favorite new bands.

The Red Shift "No One Else" Single (redshiftcin.bandcamp.com)

There's a lot to love about The Red Shift from West Chester Ohio. Their blistering power pop/punk rock sound has been blasting through my speakers here at CMM headquarters for the last couple years and "No One Else', the first single from the bands upcoming debut album harnesses all the energy and spirit that I'm such a big fan of. It's driving guitars and relentless rhythm section are as crushing as ever and there is no shortage of melodic hooks throughout this blistering number either as the track references classic bands like Jawbreaker and Smoking Popes with a heavy dose of Buddy Holly for good measure. Play this loud, play this often and stay tuned for news on the upcoming album.

Trip Hill "Saucers" E.P. (triphill.bandcamp.com)

Italian psychedelic rock unit Trip Hill take you on a cosmic journey on their latest E.P. "Saucers". Things kick off with the lush, free spirited feel of "Try To Elevate Your Mind" which creates a cinematic world full of spaced outguitars and primal garage rock intensity. The more experimental dimension of "Redeemer" flows steadily alongside the deep introspective stance of "Saucers" while the organic sounds of "Electro-Domestico" makes for another flavorful offering. Everything seems to build to the epic masterpiece known as "Rollercoaster". It's mechanical rhythm and futuristic stance really shows just how incredible Trip Hill are and why they are one of the most impressive and prolific projects to come out of Italy in recent years.A must for fans of mind bending, innovative psychedelic rock n roll.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Beach Towels "Palm Trees" E.P. (thebeachtowels.bandcamp.com)

Beach Towels deliver once again with an incredible display of surf rock magic that radiates from beginning to end. Opening number "Tidal" is an intricate and high energy piece that starts things off in fine fashion. The laid back psychedelic beauty of "Sun Soaked" brings to mind the likes of The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Tommy James while the frantic sounds of "Triptide" sound like the soundtrack for a mind bending carnival ride. The uplifting hook of "Washed Away" has a bit of a 70's singer songwriter stance, as it's soothing melodies quickly give way to an explosion of barn burning noise mayhem. Overall "Palm Tree" is a well executed E.P. full of songs that are fun to listen. Highly recommended.

Candy Maps "Falling Down" Single (candymaps.bandcamp.com)

Impressive offering from this Glasgow based garage-psych unit. The "Psycho Candy" like feel of "Falling Down" makes for a comforting blast of familiarity as it's wave of catchy guitar hooks and straight forward drumming meshes well with it's matter of fact style vocal attack. It's got a grey cinematic glow that moves throughout and is sure to please fans of mid 80's gloom and doom. The B-Side "Fly Trap" has a distant and minimal structure that showcases more of an ambient tone. Looking forward to more from these emerging rockers soon.

Deutsche Ashram "Deeper And Deeper" LP (deutscheashram.bandcamp.com)

A brilliant debut from this electronic/shoegaze duo made up of Ajay Saggar and Merinde Verbeek. The record starts off with the powerful and hypnotic sounds of "Little Matter" which draws you in with it's thunderous bass line and infectious rhythm. "Ocean Of You" is a glistening, cinematic number full of lush experimental sounds and Verbeeks's beautiful vocals. "Masai" has a darker feel that looms throughout the track and adds a sinister element to the mix while "HAHA Hid It" is more upbeat and warm. Other highlights include the rich shoegaze feel of "Blue And All Of (Carbon Monoxide)" the mysterious tone of "The Place That We Miss" and the ethereal presence of "Draze'n'Cuss". A phenomenal release recommended for fans of Cocteau Twins, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Curve.

Shelf "Red/Green" LP (shelfbandcamp.bandcamp.com)

Shelf creates it's own distinct vibe throughout the tracks that make up "Red/Green". Sure there are traditional elements like guitars and familiar song structures but there's much more to it than that. The album has a quality that comes off like it's own language or way of life. "Roaming" is a wash of experimental instrumentation that surrounds you like a comforting blanket on a cold winters night. It's swinging beat and 70's soul style bass line matched with it's left of center vocal delivery make for one of the best songs I've heard all year. The lo-fi spirit of "Hide Within Time" is passionate and inspiring as waves of psychedelic tones flourish throughout while the pulsating synths of "Across" bring you into another dimension of inspiring sounds. "Soft" further cements just how amazing this record is as everything culminates together to paint an image of musical beauty. "Red/Green" is rugged and raw and hits you in all the right places. It's a remarkable accomplishment and one of the purest albums I've had the pleasure of coming across in a long time. Bravo!!!

Snows "Solid State" LP (snowstoronto.bandcamp.com)

Led by the delicate and charming tone of vocalist Martha Bouchier, Toronto jangle pop unit Snows offer up an energetic mix of songs on their debut release "Solid State". From the booming garage rock beat of "In My Kingdom" to the hook filled sounds of "Oh My" Snows showcases their knack for writing full bodied guitar driven indie pop songs full of passion and grace with a bit of grit and grime for good measure. "Down On My Love" is my favorite of all the tracks as it's over driven guitars and up beat tempo give a good hint at what the band must be like live. Most of all it sounds like everyone are having a great time playing together which in he end is what it's all about.

Sun Starer "Yeah I'm Alright" LP (sunstarer.bandcamp.com)

From the opening riff of "TV Calls" you know you are in for something great. Glasgow's Sun Starter bang out 11 well crafted power pop tracks on their latest effort "Yeah I'm Alright" which is full of monster riffs and clever vocals from head honcho Philip Ivers. The feel good flow of songs like "Bubblegum" and "Flaky" work great next to the high energy attack of "Until Apocalypse" and "(You Don't Wanna Do This) Anymore". The somber tone of "Innate" mixes things up a bit with it's moody melancholy style that eventually gives way to the crushing blast of power pop known as "Convivium". The last few tracks of the record show off Ivers diversity as a songwriter as "Twice A Day" and "Unprepared" delve into elements of folk and singer songwriter territories. Overall "Yeah I'm Alright" is an amazing balance of inspiring songs, passionate lyrics and impressive musicianship. A top notch record across the board.

"Five For Friday" with John Dufilho of Clifffs

Clifffs are a new indie rock/garage pop unit based in Dallas Texas featuring longtime drummer of The Apples In Stereo, John Dufilho on Vocals and Guitar. The bands debut album "Bill, Your Only Human" features 13 tracks that echo the spirits of 60's garage rock and 70's punk with a focus on catchy hooks and relentless energy. John shares some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first check out the video for their new single "Volcano". "Bill, Your Only Human" will be released on CD and Cassette on June 10th courtesy of CMM.

Ramones - Swallow My Pride

"Leave Home" was my introduction to the Ramones when i was in 4th grade. my life has never been the same.

Jay Retard - Let It All Go

I'm inspired by his constant songwriting and home recording. a complete workaholic- unbelievable how much he created in his short life. he was a force of nature.

Broncho - Try Me Out Sometime

Broncho gets my vote.

The Zombies "Tell Her No"

One of the best songs of all time. i love The Zombies

The Troggs - With A Girl Like You

Reg Presley's voice is weird and great. if i had it in me, I'd probably just scream all the time like King Khan (easily one of the best singers around) or Gerry Roslie from the Sonics, but my voice just doesn't do that. instead i get inspired by people with odd voices.

The Sonics - Strychnine

speaking of… who can resist.

"Diamond Dogs" - We Miss You David Bowie

I am deeply saddened about the passing of David Bowie. He was one of the most innovative musicians and artists of all time and his influence and music will live on in our hearts and minds forever. It's hard to put into words how much his music means to me so I have put together a small collection of some of my favorite artists covering classic Bowie songs. I hope you enjoy them as much as i do. "Look up here, I’m in heaven. I’ve got scars that can’t be seen”.... Rest In Peace David Robert Jones.

Beck "Diamond Dogs"

Beck puts his one of a kind stamp on one of the most infectious and flamboyant tracks of Bowie's career. The pulsating beats, experimental electronics and underlying atmospherics are simply incredible and make it one of the best salutes to the "Thin White Duke" ever made.

Dinosaur JR "Quicksand"

From the "Whatever's Cool With Me" E.P. I always feel like J Mascis unique voice adds a haunting element to this classic tune from "Hunky Dory". The song is said to be heavily influenced by both Buddhism and occultism. It also references the magical society Golden Dawn. I revisit this version regularly and it never fails to charm me.

Nico "Heroes"

Backed with a swinging beat and more driving bass presence Nico's version of this song from Bowie's legendary "Berlin" period is incredibly comforting and fun. "Hero's" is said to be the most covered song of Bowie's catalog after "Rebel Rebel".

Candy Snatchers "Suffragette City"

Virginia punk rock n roll maniacs The Candy Snatchers blazed through one of Bowie's most raw and raunchy songs, led by the in your face attack of vocalist Larry May and the buzzsaw flair of guitarist Matthew Odietus. The B-Side to their "Survival Of The Fittest" 7" single released in 2000.

M Ward "Let's Dance"

A captivating rendition of the title track from Bowie's 1983 smash album. M Ward brings his gruff yet welcoming stoic stance to this timeless song in fine form.

"Five For Friday" with CJ Ramone

CJ Ramone really needs no introduction. It's been nearly 26 years since he joined The Ramones and worked as the bands bassist (and sometimes vocalist) until their retirement in 1996. His latest solo album "Last Chance To Dance" is a collection of three chord anthems packed with classic punk rock power. CJ shares some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first check out the video for his song "Won't Stop Swinging".

THE SHIRELLES - WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW

THE FIRST SONG I CAN REMEMBER HEARING AND WANTING TO HEAR IT AGAIN AND AGAIN. EVEN THOUGH I WAS TOO YOUNG TO UNDERSTAND THE LYRICS, I LOVED THE SWEET SOUND OF SHIRLEY ALSTON'S VOCALS AND THE HARMONIES WERE BEAUTIFUL. THE STRINGS GAVE THE SONG A SEAMLESS ANGELIC FLOW. STILL ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS TO THIS DAY.

JOHNNY CASH - RING OF FIRE

BESIDES THE FACT THAT IT'S JOHNNY CASH, THE MEXICAN STYLE BRASS OPENING THE SONG IS AS CLASSIC AS IT GETS AND JOHNNY'S VOICE AND LYRICS ARE, IN MY OPINION, PEERLESS.

BLACK SABBATH - SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH

THE WORLD CHANGED FOR ME FROM THE FIRST TIME I HEARD THIS IN 1975, 2 YEARS AFTER IT'S RELEASE. THE OPENING GUITAR RIFF AND THE POWER THAT THE DRUMS AND BASS COME IN WITH HOOKED ME RIGHT AWAY, AND OZZY'S HIGH DRONING VOCALS INSTANTLY MADE THEM MY FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME. SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH IS THE SONG THAT KICKED OFF THE REST OF MY LIFE.

THE RAMONES - JUDY IS A PUNK

ALTHOUGH BLITZKRIEG BOP AND I WANNA BE SEDATED ARE THE MORE WELL KNOWN SONGS, JUDY TO ME IS THE GREATEST PUNK ROCK SONG EVER WRITTEN. PERFECT IN EVERY WAY, IT IS A FREIGHT TRAIN OF A SONG WITH A GREAT POP MELODY THAT NEVER LOSES IT'S MOMENTUM.

THE CLASH - WHITE RIOT

THE CLASH TOOK PUNK ROCK TO A PLACE IT HAD NEVER BEEN. THEIR TOUGH STREET SOUND BLENDED WITH REGGAE RYTHM SECTIONS AND SMART LYRICS, SET THEM APART FROM EVERYONE ELSE. WHITE RIOT IS A STRAIGHT UP ROCKER OF A SONG ABOUT STREET PROTESTS AND REBELLION IN 1970'S ENGLAND, WITH LYRICS THAT PUT YOU IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHAOS WITH BRICK IN HAND AND A FURIOUS ANTHEM DRIVING YOU ON.

"Five For Friday" with Neal Bricker and Brenden Black of Dead Scouts

Lancaster Pennsylvania's Dead Scouts combine elements of punk, surf, psych and hardcore to make an energetic sound that's truly their own. The bands latest release "Natural Sound" is available from their band camp page at deadscouts.bandcamp.com Bassist/Vocalist Neal Bricker and Guitarist/Vocalist Brenden Black share some of their favorite albums in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday", but first listen to Dead Scouts song "Worthless".

Saetia "a retrospective" (Brenden)

This album really got me playing and more interested in music. It taught me to stop being so miserable and to take that energy and turn it into music. I remember getting waves of pins and needles down my back listening to it and emotionally getting tied into it. That set a precedent that the music should be more than cool beats and badass words. You should feel it and be able to tie your inner-self in with it.

Magrudergrind S/T (Brenden)

My favorite album I can listen to it over and over. Always gets me moving and keeps me going. Always gets you anticipated and worked up for the climax. They can do it even with just a couple seconds of build up time. Album keeps pushing forward till the end.

Les Savy Fav "Let's Stay Friends" (Neal)

This band is everything I want to be. I only can listen to albums from start to finish and when I started straying away from 3 chord punk rock and hardcore this album completely took over everything I was listening to. This album has some of my favorite and what I think is the best guitar work on it. Also the lyrics are so deep and real some songs almost bring you to tears reciting the words. The sound is so unique. This band rules hands down.

the Ravonettes "Lust Lust Lust." (Neal)

I don't know where to start with this one. The moment I heard this album everything changed. This band is one of the reasons I wanted to get together with Brenden and wrtie. I really like bands where its one main person doing everything. Ravonettes has Sune Rose Wagner and Sharon Foo. Those two make some amazing albums. Although they are a recent band they are definitely more influential than The Jesus and Mary Chain. Listen for yourself.

Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers "LAMF" (Neal)

Like a mother fucker. I've been listening to punk rock for the last 10 years and this album will always stick as one of the best albums. This album taught me that simplicity is key. I'll always be influenced by punk rock. I don't listen to this album much anymore but its definitely something I could throw on and it'd take me back. And even forward. Albums should be timeless and every song should be as good as the last. No fillers.

Dinosaur Jr. - Peoples Blues Of Richmond -The National - 7/22/15

Dinosaur Jr. blasted through a no frills 18 track set at The National in Richmond Virginia with songs spanning from all eras of their 30 year career. It's been 10 years since the reformation of the bands original lineup consisting of vocalist/guitarist J Mascis, bassist/vocalist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph. Opening number "Bulbs Of Passion" from their self titled debut was certainly a nice surprise and rousing renditions of early barn burners "In A Jar", "Tarpit", "Budge" and "Raisans" followed to much delight of the capacity crowd. The very animated Barlow took over on vocals for the passionate yet pounding sounds of "Back To Your Heart" followed by the primal power of "Little Fury Things". The set then shifted into newer territory with high energy versions of "Watch The Corners" and "Pierce The Morning Rain" from 2012's "I Bet On Sky" and "Pieces" from 2009's "Farm".

The crowd screamed out in delight during the signature riffs of alt-rock anthems "Out There", "Feel The Pain" and "Start Choppin". Mascis was on fire as he ran through his brand of ear bleeding fuzzed out leads. Barlow then led the band through a crushing version of "Training Ground", a cover of a song originally done by he and Mascis high school hardcore band Deep Wound, while the audience blissfully sang along to the college radio classic "Freak Scene" and underlying menace of "Forget The Swan". The set culminated with a chaotic cover of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" and the distorted mayhem of "Sludgefeast" that surely served as the most intense track of the night. It was a steamroller of a set and one that shows exactly why Dinosaur Jr. are hands down one of the best rock n roll bands on the planet.

On a side note opening band The Peoples Blues of Richmond offered up a brief batch of songs to start off the evenings festivities. Although it seemed odd to many that PBR where on the bill they got an enthusiastic response from their home town fans. Drawing heavy influence from the likes of The Black Keys, The White Stripes, Zeppelin and Sabbath the band brought a soulful presence and colorful energy to their performance that was backed with impressive musicianship and remarkable tone. The power trio’s new single “Gone Gone Gone” b/w “Outta My Mind” was produced & engineered by the highly sought-after Mark Neill, the man behind The Black Key’s platinum-selling, Grammy-winning Brothers record.

"Five For Friday" with Chicago fuzz rock trio She Rides Tigers

SHE RIDES TIGERS is a raucous three-piece rock band from Chicago that is crafting dangerous rock&roll music, both raw and visceral, on the verge of crumbling beneath its sonic weight. Consisting of Joe O’Leary (guitar, vocals), James Scott (bass, vocals) and Matt McGuire (drums), The band delivers their own brand of fuzzed-out psychedelic rock and Americana with the devil-may-care attitude and melodic tendencies of Britpop. Their debut E.P. "Standing On The Edge" comes out June 20th. The band shares some of their favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first check out the video for their latest single "Roll With It"

The Smiths "How Soon Is Now"

Joe-I begrudgingly accept nowadays that I love this song and always have, though I wouldn't have admitted it when I was 16 and way into the punk rock scene. The song is both saddening and sexy at the same time, with some of the most brilliantly expressive guitar playing I've ever heard. Johnny Marr will always be one of my very top guitar heroes because he knows exactly how to balance pure artistic expression with absolute service to the song. It's his voice. Morrissey kills it on vocals of course, but Johnny does an amazing version of this song all on his own these days with his current band.

Funkadelic "Super Stupid"

Joe-This sounds like a party. The huge, fuzzed-out funky guitar riff leads the charge and kind of sets the mood for this freak show of a song. The beat is super groovy yet huge. I can never get enough of this song and put it on anytime I get the chance to play DJ at a party. The singing is soulful and wild, and everything is kind of delightfully sloppy throughout. There's just something untamed and slightly dangerous to this sweaty unapologetic song that embodies everything rock&roll is about.

Barkmarket "Visible Cow"

James-This is the first Barkmarket song that I was exposed to. Upon a friend's recommendation, I found a copy of the album L Ron and put it on in the car. From the first chord sliding around the twangy acoustic guitar and Dave Sardy's scratchy, pitch imperfect delivery, I was hooked and cranked the stereo. When the rest of the band kicked - in way too loud, it should be noted - I'm quite sure a speaker blew. My mind blew. All of the right buttons were being pushed and my teenage rage took over again. "Visible Cow" opened my eyes to embracing the slop, scratch, click, and bang in music, and I've never quite recovered from that first listen.

Burning Airlines "Outside The Aviary"

J. Robbins has been my musical compass for about 25 years now. This song perfectly balances the elements what I think make him such an important musician and songwriter. Punk rock roots, pop melodies, aggressive deliveries, a ridiculously tight rhythm section, and that bass tone. Oh, that bass tone. I'll be chasing that tone for the rest of my life. I'll buy anything that J. Robbins touches.

Pink Floyd "Waiting For The Worms"

Matt-This is probably the single song I can point to that made me want to be in a band. Its also cool we get to put up a video link because the visuals for this song are just as important to me as the song itself. I remember going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with my parents on summer vacation as a kid and seeing this portion of The Wall in an exhibit. The image of the marching hammers was so earth shattering to me at the time. The song itself is bizarre and dark and unlike anything I'd heard before. I come back to this song a lot.