"Blood Of Cushing" : Cushing vocalists/guitarist Serge Vladimiroff talks about the bands new record

Cushing is made up of three human beings, though in some cases there are four. All 3 or 4 members currently reside in Portland Maine, though none are actually from the city. The band utilizes 805.82 square inches of high quality audio drivers spread across three speaker cabinets positioned strategically on either side of the rather large drum kit (specs are a closely guarded secret). Here Vocalist/Guitarist Serge Vladimiroff gives us a little insight on the making of their new record "Blood Of Cushing" which is available now at from Custom Made Music.

CMM - So your new record "Blood Of Cushing" is out now on CD with vinyl to follow soon. What was the making of the record like and what is different about it compared to the first two releases?

Serge - "On Blood of Cushing we’ve expanded our sound a little but we’re still pulling from the same post-punk and noise rock roots that spawned the first two EPs. Lyrically there’s a lot of free association, sometimes I can’t help but be a little topical but I try not be too specific about anything so hopefully there’s room for people to bring in their own interpretations."

CMM - What was it like working with Todd Hutchisen AGAIN?

SERGE- "We had a great experience recording with Todd Hutchisen at Acadia Recording Company last time so it was a no-brainer to use him again for Bood of Cushing. Todd is great, he gets what we’re trying to do without us having to say much. And he’s always up for trying new things. We tried to give ourselves a little more time in the studio this time but in reality it was probably two and half days as opposed to one and a half days. Plus several nights of mixing."

CMM - Any exciting gear you all got to use during the sessions?

Serge - "We were able to play with a bunch of different amps and guitars. I’m pretty happy with the guitar sound. I split my signal between a Marshall JCM 800 in one room and a Carr Lincoln combo in the bathroom. I also doubled a few parts on a Fender Stat which I generally never play. Evan used a 70’s Orange OR120 and Gallien-Kreuger 800RB with his Kramer 450B aluminum neck for most of the bass parts. We also added some extra textures and sound with some piano, timpani and some vintage synths that Todd had on hand in the studio."

CMM- How about the song writing process. What was that experience like this go round?

Serge - "Evan contributed more to the songwriting here which was refreshing and added a new dimension to our sound. His riffs are the basis for both Super 16 and Little Devil. He also brought in all the found sound stuff you hear at the beginning of Industry. We ran those sounds into an Akai Headrush driving four combo amps, so that each of the four faux tape heads was routed to a different amp, creating a crazy, swirling sound cloud."

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Colic "Up Front" Single (colic.bandcamp.com)

Charlotte North Carolina's Colic return with this delightful new single that fuses lulling vocal harmonies with brain tingling guitar leads and an enticing beat. It's a brief minute and a half of poetic beauty that summons thought provoking energy and leaves you wanting more. Look for a new Colic full length by months end and be sure to explore their back catalog of demos and E.P.'s that can all be found on their bandcamp page.

Dale Crover "Bad Move" Single (Joyful Noise Recordings)

"Bad Move" the lead single off of "The Fickle Finger of Fate" the first official solo album from long time Melvins drummer Dale Crover is absolutely brilliant. It's silky smooth vibe and creepy undertone set the foundation for a truly incredible track that could easily lead to some late Friday night debauchery. It's seductive bass line and blissful fuzzed out guitar tones mesh perfectly well with Crover's whispering vocal delivery. It's soulful and spacey and overall a highly infectious piece. I think you will find this an easy one to "GET INTO".

Kyle Craft "Heartbreak Junky" Single (Sub Pop)

I've been really excited about hearing new music from Kyle Craft as he's quickly become one of my favorite new singer songwriters over the last year. "Heartbreak Junky" showcases Craft's powerful voice alongside brilliant piano playing and a snide flair of raunchy rock n roll that falls some place between classic Elton John and Slider era Bolan but with a dash of Scott Joplin for good measure. The track is from Craft's brand new album "Full Circle Nightmare" available now courtesy of Sub Pop.

Squeeze "Innocence In Paradise" Single

Squeeze return with their 15th studio album "The Knowledge" and it's first single "Innocence In Paradise" is a rich, beautifully crafted pop song full of lush psychedelic layers and atmospheric treatments. It's also full of subtle yet catchy guitar hooks that blend perfectly with Glenn Tilbrook's one of a kind vocal delivery. The track certainly stands up next to anything else in the Squeeze catalogue and showcases why they are one of the best bands to come along since the early 70's.

The Replacements "For Sale : Love At Maxwell's 1986"

What can ya say. One of the best bands of all time blasting through a raging set in as fine of form as four drunken idiots can. The first thing that comes to mind is just how amazing Bob Stinson sounds throughout this record. His playing is truly relentless and gives me chills every time I hear it. Excellent recording quality throughout that captures the raw energy of the performance without taking anything away from the grit. Highlights include classic Mat's standards like "I Will Dare", "Bastards Of Young" and "Takin A Ride" alongside covers of Kiss. T Rex, The Beatles and more. Essential from beginning to end.

Unsane "Sterilize" LP (Southern Lord)

There are tons of bands making heavy music these days but there is only one Unsane. They just have that distinct sound that's like nothing else. The bands brand new album "Sterilize" features Chris Spencer's trademark salty snarl and crushing guitar riffs while the pin point precision of bassist Dave Curran and drummer Vincent Signorelli show why they are one of the most punishing rhythm sections of all time. The intensity never let's up over the coarse of the ten song album as it's chocked full of some of the meanest sounding riffs you will ever come across all of which are backed by a relentless groove that doesn't seem to come out in the world of heavy music all that often. It's sinister, it's menacing and it's down right scary, but then again what else would you expect. Now turn this up to ten and rip out your speakers.

CMM Spotlight : An Interview with Cushing

Cushing are a noise rock band from Portland, Maine made up of guitarist Serge Vladimiroff, bassist Evan Coffey and drummer Ric Loyd. The trio share a mutual love of indie rock, post-punk, slowcore and krautrock and manage to hash everything together into a unique and cohesive sound. CMM checked in with the band to talk about their wide range of influences, what brought them together and the making of their latest E.P. "Curse Of Cushing".

CMM-What are you all's musical backgrounds and what bands/artists made the biggest impact when you all were growing up.

SV-I grew up on a lot of classic rock and metal and started playing guitar in junior high. Cream, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Scorpions, Slayer, D.R.I. and Voi Vod all had a big impact through high school. Later I discovered the Butthole Surfers, Big Black, the Residents, Sonic Youth, Wire, the Birthday Party, Husker Du, Chrome, Can, the Velvet Underground, Leonard Cohen etc. We get compared to a lot of 90's bands but I think it all goes back to some of these earlier influences. I tend to like stuff that's on the darker and more challenging side but at the same time there's got to be a hook and some structure. I studied music theory and composition but not a lot of that directly applies to Cushing. Maybe some orchestration. How to layer things in interesting ways…Devo and the Cars are great examples of bands that can do that in a short pop context.

RL-I have been playing in bands since the 6th grade. Early on my influences were metal/punk bands like (Black Sabbath, Circle Jerks, 7 Seconds, Minor Threat, Sonic Youth, Metallica). I went to college in western Mass in '91 where I really got in to indie/mathy shit like Shellac/Rapeman, Bitch Magnet, Melvins, Slint, Circus Lupus, Polvo...stuff like that. Still really into metal though, especially the stoner shit.

EC-I've been playing in bands since I was 12 or 13 with a few years off to clean toilets in Antarctica and run a hostel in New Zealand. I grew up on bands like Unwound, Fugazi, Sonic Youth, and heavier things like Botch and Converge. In college I was obsessed with a lot of the Midwest touch and go/amrep scene, especially Shellac, Slint, Jesus Lizard, Dazzling Killman, and the Melvins.

CMM-How did Cushing get together and was there a specific mindset or direction you all set out to go in before you started writing your first songs?

RL-Initially Serge and I were just jamming on stuff that he had already started on. Then we got Sean Hadley involved and it just started to head toward a sound that evoked some of those 90's influences with a little bit of kraut rock thrown in. At least that's what i remember.

SV-Right. When Ric and I started playing I think it could have gone in a few different directions depending on who else came on board. Initially, I had no intention of singing…a different singer could have pulled us one way or the other. I think Sean came on board and I started signing around the same time and it just evolved naturally from there. And Evan fit in great after Sean left. We have a lot of common influences and we all get along really well.

CMM-I've read the name of the band is a tribute to actor Peter Cushing as well as an island of the same name off the Portland coast. What drew you all to the word Cushing. Also assuming you guys are big Star Wars fans what did you all think of the CGI recreation of Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarken in Rouge One?

SV-I was drawn to the word because it had different meanings and it links us to Maine. And for me, I always associate Peter Cushing with the old Hammer movies more than Star Wars. His roles as Victor Frankenstein and Van Helsing are fantastic. Curse of Frankenstein, Horror of Dracula, Brides of Dracula etc. There are so many, great stuff.

EC-Total garbage. Rogue One had so much potential but fell flat for me. CGI has never done it for me, not to sound like a pretentious ass, but once you see a movie like Lawrence of Arabia it makes it incredibly difficult to appreciate anything CGI. As with everything, analog is always preferable.

RL-Unlike Evan I thought they did a good job. Peter Cushing is dead. How else can you put him in a movie that starts pre A New Hope?

SV-I enjoyed it but my expectations weren't all that high. I was entertained. But CGI Peter Cushing did make me cringe a bit. A little more restraint with the CGI would have been better. And I'm sure this will open the flood gates for deceased actors making all sorts of appearances. How long before we get some high quality CGI celebrity porn?

CMM-The bands latest E.P. "Curse Of Cushing" was recorded and mixed by Todd Hutchisen at Acadia Recording Company. What was the writing and recording process like and what was it like working with Todd?

EC-I love Todd, he is always ready, willing, and able to capture the results of whatever crazy rabbit hole one might go down. We did the basic tracking live in the same room and then Serge and I went back a couple more times to add the more textural elements.

SV-Yeah, Todd's great and understood our sound and what we were going for. The basic tracks were done in a day, including vocals. I went home and recorded some extra guitar and synth bits and then Evan and I added a few more things in the studio. Evan added an extra guitar on Assholes and I added some sleigh bells and piano plinking.

CMM-Any particular gear you all used during the sessions?

SV-My set-up is fairly straightforward. A Gibson Les Paul XR-1 through a Marshall JCM800. I used a Fender Mustang and Guild S70-D in a couple places. And I use a custom fuzz / distortion combo pedal with oscillation switches that Evan built.

EC-On Assholes we ran a stainless steel egg slicer with a piezoelectric transducer through my bass amps. I run a stereo rig starting with a Kramer Aluminum-neck bass which goes into two separate effects chains which go into their respective GK head and 1x15" cab (see diagram).

CMM-What's the music scene like in Portland Maine? Any stand out bands and venues you all recommend?

EC-Check out An Anderson, they'll blow your mind.

SV-Yeah, they’re great. Crystal Canyon - this is Todd from Acadia and my wife, Lynda Mandolyn so I'm a little biased. They're finishing up their debut record which is going to be amazing. I also like Purse a lot. The scene is pretty small but its alive and everyone has a lot of passion for what they're doing. Like a lot of cities, its a struggle for alternative spaces to thrive and stay open. The number of places that can accommodate a loud rock band are limited. SPACE Gallery is probably our favorite local venue. They get a good number of national acts but they also host a lot of local bands too.

CMM-(For Ric) I hear you have worked in the movie business a bit. How did you get into that line of work and what films have you worked on? Any interesting on set stories you an share?

RL-I went to Hampshire College to study film but it ended up being too art based for me - I wanted to do narrative. So I sort of forgot about it until I moved back to Maine, Portland, and stumbled into the local commercial/industrials market. I was non union doing that when In The Bedroom was being filmed in Maine. I had friends in the union that knew I was a grip and when they needed extra grips they mentioned me. I got on the movie but I had to join the union (which was what I wanted to do anyway). So I worked on that film, Session 9, A Good Day To Die, Mona Lisa Smile, The Departed, Gone Baby Gone, The Fighter, Shutter Island, Evenings, The Proposal, Ted, Noah, RIPD, American Hustle, Zookeeper, there are some more there I know I'm forgetting.

On Shutter Island. We were filming in East Boston/Chelsea area. It was a huge green screen set up on the ferry that takes DiCaprio over. There was a 40' x 80' contraption hanging off of a construction crane over the set to block out the natural light (see pictures). It was spring and all of us local guys were trying to convince our boss, a key grip from LA, that that rag was way too big and dangerous for the wind. He sent it up anyway, and at one point i was headed back down to set and saw this 40’ x 80’ sail fly up, while in the crane cable, twist like a pretzel rod, and then fall on the set. It almost took out several people who were holding guy-line in to the drink, punched a hole in a shipping container (right over someone’s head) slam in to the boat we were using but didn't leave hardly a dent on it. Probably the stupidest thing I have ever been party to. The best was sitting down and having lunch with Betty White on the Proposal.

CMM-(For Evan) Tell us about your pedal company Electro Audio Destructors.How did you get into building effects pedals?

EC-I started building pedals in college because I couldn't afford nice things. I built a couple of devices for some of my friends under the "Buttronix" moniker. I switched to Electro Audio Destructors when strangers started trying to buy pedals from me as I had delusions of grandeur that I might actually make a living building pedals. I'm less active these days and really only build things for myself or my close friends, though I am working on a video distortion box at the moment.

CMM-What's the band got planned for the short and long term? Any touring or out of town shows anytime soon?

EC-We have a bunch of new songs that are in various states of existence, so hopefully we will get back into the studio in the Spring or early Summer.

SV-Yeah, definitely another release for 2017. No tours but hopefully some out of town shows soon. Maybe Boston, Western Mass, Providence.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ballad Of Geraldine "What's The Deal" single/video (balladofgeraldine.bandcamp.com)

I've written about the greatness of this band recently as their self titled E.P. (which this track is from) was one of my favorites of 2015. However the band just released this awesome video clip for "What's The Deal" so I thought why not share it and spread the word again on this rugged indie rock unit based in Halle, Germany. Their dusky vocals, garage rock guitars and galloping drums are nothing short of stellar and it's certainly the kind of track made for kicking off a red hot summer. Looking forward to hearing new music from this crew soon.

Bearstronaut "Black Bells" Single (Bearstronaut.com)

A luscious track that takes us back to classic 80's electro pop bands like Erasure, Alphaville and Duran Duran. Throw this into an 80's Night DJ set and the crowd will assure you they used to "tape this song off the radio". It's catchy, hard hitting beat and liquid like synths flow passionately over a sparse layer of chorus fueled guitar textures. Hands down the closest thing I've heard to a dance floor anthem in years. A remarkable effort indeed.

Beck "Wow" Single (beck.com)

Some may call this a return to "Old School" Beck but honestly Beck is always just being Beck regardless of what particular "style" he might be evoking at the time. Still after watching "Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician" this week I am fondly reminded of Beck's "Bong Load" years when he was making music in a small isolated shack that served as his mad scientist lab. The banging beat that runs franticly through "Wow" is sure to make you want to jump around immediately . Not sure if he's using the infamous white keyboard here but it's certainly full of lively instrumentation that's colorful and bright and of course Beck's laid back lyrical flow is in full effect alongside a rousing chorus full of dreamy backing vocals. A fine addition to the Beck catalog that is sure to put a smile on your face.

Melvins "Bases Loaded" LP (melvinsofficial.bandcamp.com)

So it's finally summer and baseball season is in full swing. I find myself on the edge of my seat almost daily as I watch my Kansas City Royals defend their crown. So how happy was I to discover earlier this week that mlb.com was going out on a limb and hosting this latest Melvins effort for all the world to hear. The album features six different bass players including contributions from Steve McDonald from the legendary Los Angeles glam punk band Redd Kross and their old friend Krist Novoselic from Nirvana plus return appearances by former bassists Jeff Pinkus (Butthole Surfers), Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle/Fantomas), Jared Warren (Big Business) and Dale Crover. According to King Buzzo, “More is more! As hard as it might be to believe, all of these bass players contribute something of their own to Basses Loaded which gives the whole album a good kick right in it’s big fat ass.” Yes many of these songs have been released before on the highly limited "Beer Hippy" and "War Pussy" E.P.'s but pairing them up with the three new tracks and making them readily available to the masses was a great thing to do. Plus who can resist a cover of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame". A thunderous blast of rock n roll sure to melt your speakers and crush your skull.

The Orange Kyte "Inside Out n' Upside Down" Single (theorangekyte.bandcamp.com)

"Inside Out n' Upside Down", the latest installment of The Orange Kyte singles series is a brilliant upbeat psych tinged number that's full of 60's swagger and sway. It's bright and fun and full of life and sits well alongside the bands previous singles. I must say the pounding drumming and garage rock organ tones add a delicious layer of icing to the cake. Another stroke of excellence from this Vancouver based rock n roll project.

VoirVoir "I Wanna" single (fleetingyouthrecords.bandcamp.com)

Damn this is good. This Bethlehem Pennsylvania unit create a whirlwind of sound that is second to none. "I Wanna" is the first single from the bands album "There Are No Good Goodbyes" which is set for a cassette release in mid July on Fleeting Youth Records. Simply put this band pulls out all the stops when it comes to their brand of indie rock madness. Sure you can reference bands like The Pixies, Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev but VoirVoir definitely have their own personality and style. Highly recommended .

"Five For Friday" with Jen Hingley

Hailing from Manchester England Jen Hingley makes pop songs drenched in heavy guitar fuzz and noise. Her debut album "Autonomy" was just released in limited edition cassette format by us here at CMM. Adopting a DIY/punk ethic to create her album Hingley played every instrument and recorded it entirely by herself. Enjoy her picks for this weeks "Five For Friday" feature but first watch the video for her song "It's In Your Eyes" and order the cassette at www.custommademusicva.com

Elliott Smith - Sweet Adeline

I’ve been inspired big time by Elliott’s knack of rich, varied chord progressions - as this song has when it kicks in. He was of course an amazing songwriter and lyricist, but this is weirdly probably one of the most underrated things about his work which I think elevates it more than many realise.

Cloud Nothings - Psychic Trauma

The end of this song is one of the best, most shambolic but brilliant things I’ve ever heard (mainly down to that insane drumming). I’ve followed Cloud Nothings for a few years from Dylan’s one-man-band solo origins to the louder, more energetic sounds of now and thought everything they've ever put out has been pretty solid. I guess it’s also super inspiring to hear that someone has actually recorded every instrument on a song all by themselves (as Dylan did in the early days). If no one had told me that then I suppose I might have been less likely to try it myself. Tom Vek and Speedy Ortiz have also really inspired me in their DIY ways.

Smashing Pumpkins - Quiet

It’s all about the fuzz. There’s something magic about how that guitar sound surrounds your ears, it’s just so rich sounding. Inspired by the album Siamese Dream in general, my friend and I ended up honing our own guitar sound which we like call ‘dreamtone’, which is made it onto my album a bit. Fuzz-wise I also appreciate My Bloody Valentine in a big way.

Reuben - No One Wins The War

I started listening to Reuben when I was 15/16 and something just clicked, changing everything. It’s melodic, it’s dissonant, the time signatures often shift - it just engaged me so much and still does nearly 10 years later. Reuben have long-since disbanded but I’m very thankful for the three albums that they made. They’ve definitely made their mark me in terms of the kinds of chords that I sometimes think I can get away with using. I also love how this song starts and ends with the same riff, clever stuff.

Yourcodenameis:Milo - I am Connecting Flight

Like Reuben, YCNI:M were a band that I saw a lot around Oxford / London in the post-hardcore scene of my youth. The layers of guitar and the drum sound are great to me, but the most important thing is the overall energy. I can’t detach this song from the feeling that you got when you were hit live with all that noise and movement. I also reckon the production on the album does a really good job of representing that chaos and that roughness.

6 Records CMM Wants You To Know

Dungeon Pipes "Skype Dreams" E.P. (dungeonpipes.bandcamp.com)

Hailing from Halifax Nova Scotia ambient drone artist Dungeon Pipes latest E.P. is nothing short of a a sonic mind bender. Broken into three parts "Skype Dreams I" embraces the haunting atmosphere of classic horror films from the 70's and 80's as there's a looming psychotic undertone throughout the piece. "Skype Dreams II" builds on more relaxing tones that offer a lulling comfort as the sounds flow through your ears in an almost liquid like way. "Skype Dreams III" is a cinematic trance inducing drone that could have easily been part of the soundtrack to the film Baraka. It's uplifting feeling certainly sets an optimistic mood. One of the top ambient releases I've heard in sometime.

Exiles "Kill The Lights" Single (exilesband.bandcamp.com)

Excellent new single from Exiles out of New York City. The vocals are strong, powerful and beautiful. Add a touch of shimmering ethereal guitar backed by an on point rhythm section and you have an impressive piece of dream pop magic. This is the type of track you'll have on repeat for days on end as it adds a much needed hint of Spring we could all use on these bitterly cold winter days.

Jen Hingley "Autonomy" LP (jenhingley.bandcamp.com)

Jen Hingley makes some major waves on her debut album "Autonomy". Handling all the vocal, guitar, bass and drum duties as well as production herself, Jen has created 11 pop songs drenched in heavy guitar fuzz and noise. Think Throwing Muses and Liz Phair meets Guided By Voices and Ween with a touch of PJ Harvey type darkness. Tracks like "There's No One Left" and "Solo" have an underlying doomy dirge to go with their upbeat tempos. While "Frozen Again" and Restart" give positive nods to Smashing Pumpkins, you'll also be floored by "Wrong Way" with it's sick Melvins like feel that's unbelievably crushing. "Autonomy" is an excellent collection of no frills rock n roll that puts a modern spin on classic 90's alternative swag.

Odd Limbs "Shadow Drops" Single (oddlimbs.bandcamp.com)

Man!!! This is quite a snarling blast of psychedelic pop mayhem. Surf guitar textures carry the straight forward psych laced verses that give way to furious bursts of Birthday Party'ish chaos. Makes me think what it be like if The Doors collaborated with Syd Barrett for a Sun Ra tribute album. A top notch song indeed and an excellent preview of their upcoming album. I can't wait to hear more!!!

Pauwels "Elina" LP (pauwels.bandcamp.com)

Pauwels create aggressive, gorgeously eerie and truly frightening sounds while maintaining an incredible sense of musicianship that is technical and precise. The foundation is set by a pair of drummers who's astonishing rhythms remind me of experimental legends Crash Worship. The guitars carry a very cagey presence with tons of sustain and distortion that shifts back and forth from mean sounding riffs to more math rock driven jazz type runs. There's also a lot of mysterious sounds throughout many of the songs. "Wig" ends with what can only be described as what sounds like a large robot set for self destruct mode while "Bogey" ends with a psychedelic symphonic feel. "Ouspenski" reminds me of listening to John Zorns Naked City while taking a field trip to a local funhouse. Heavy, well crafted and intense.

Urban Grey "A Line Through The Fall And The Sky" (urban-grey.bandcamp.com)

Debut E.P. from this post punk snyth-rock outfit based in The Netherlands. Four moody tracks in the vein of early Cure, Joy Division and Suicide. "After The Storm" is the most upbeat of the four showing off a catchy guitar line matched with dance inducing drum machine swing. "Risk Taking" is a bit more melancholy, embracing a somber feel while riding out a memorable melody. "Under Your Charm" and "Weathered Statue" have that "10:15 Saturday Night" type vibe that I love. A recommended addition for fans of gloom and doom.

CMM 40 Favorite Songs Of 2014

So 2014 was a great year full of new music. I decided to do a list of my 40 favorite songs of 2014. These are in no particular order and I've included a short bit on what I like so much about each one and a way to listen to each track to discover the music yourselves. Thanks to all the artists I featured here for making these songs that truly inspire me and here's to a great 2015

1.Camcorder "Push You Away"

Dreamy catchy atmospheric track by this new California band. The guitars sound perfect as they carry the song along with the driving beat and hook layered vocals. I see good things in the future for these guys. More please, more.

2. Supertubos! "The Demeter"

Some of the most stellar guitar tones you will hear anywhere. A surf garage rock n roll masterpiece indeed. These guys have been tearing it up all over Spain and I can only hope they will "Venture" to the U.S. sometime soon.

3. Omega Vague "Beyond The Stars"

Most excellent single from the new album "Reveries". Tons of energy and uplifting power paired with heaven like vocals.One o the best efforts of 2014 indeed.

4. Clustersun "Hipgnosis"

Italian shoegaze, psychedelic unit Clustersun take you on a incredible sonic journey on "Hipgnosis" the latest single off their album "Out Of Your Ego". The spectacularly crafted video only enhances the trip even more. Stellar to say the least.

5. Living Ghost "Shadowplae"

Had the pleasure of playing with Living Ghost in Wichita Kansas this past Spring. Such an amazing artist. Great combination of noise, ambient electronics,and psychedelic sounds. "Shadowplae" is my favorite track from the 2014 release "Jack Napier".

6. Bloodhounds on My Trail "She's In My Plans"

Australian band that embraces the classic shoegaze sounds of Ride, Slowdive and the like. "She's In My Plans" is one of my favorites off their debut E.P. Brilliant guitar textures and washed out vocals. Pure shoegaze bliss.

7. Whale Hum "These Old Songs"

Was so happy when I got to hear the songs that make up Whale Hums "Dream Wake" E.P. which I had the pleasure of releasing on cassette through CMM this year. "These Old Songs" is such a well written and beautiful track. "Guess these old songs have finally found a home."

8. Aura Blaze "A Glass Of Tears Half Empty"

Amazing track that blends all the best of The Charlatans, Happy Mondays and The Stone Roses. So catchy and powerful. Certainly a good track to start your morning when you need that extra push. Can't wait to hear more.

9. Joy Machine "X's"

Peaceful synth generated tones will coat your ears here as Joy Machine offer up a mysterious and intoxicating track from their self titled debut E.P.

10. Sullen Ray "Without You"

Dreamy pop tune from L.A. based band Sullen Ray. I like that this has a bit of a dance feel to it and the vocals sold me on it at first listen. Check out their full length "Blue Mirror" which was one of my favorite albums of the year.

11. Alex Donley "Rusty"

Really happy I found out about Alex's music. Such warm and comforting compositions. "Rusty" draws me in with all the layers of beautiful guitars. The perfect song to accompany a walk on a nice Fall day at sunset.

12. J Mascis "Me Again"

After over 27 years of enjoying Dinosaur Jr records J Mascis voice has become a comforting force in my life much like the feeling I get when I think of Star Wars, mid 80's episodes of N.W.A. Worldwide Wrestling and Mr P's frozen pizza. "Me Again" is my favorite track from J's 2014 solo release "Tied To A Star".

13. Soonar "All Made Of Parts"

Based out of The Netherlands Soonar remind me of a cross between late 90's era Sonic Youth and older D.C. bands like Rain Like The Sound Of Trains and Edsel.It's those off notes that I really love and this song capitalizes on that feel. These guys have an E.P. set for an early 2015 release so look out for that. Meanwhile enjoy this well produced and hilarious video.

14. Neatly Knotted "California Gurls"

Can't say enough great things about this one. Dream like swelling noise behind melodic waves of deeply textured guitar beauty. From their highly recommended release "Katheryn's Fever Dream".

15. Hypefactor "市中心中国" (The New Division Remix)

Beautiful remix of Hypefactors latest single released by CMM. The New Division take this track to even further heights. Looking forward to new out put from both artists in 2015

16. Screen Vinyl Image "I'm Not"

Excellent track from their latest release, a split cassette with Austin's Bloody Knives. "I'm Not" starts with a driving rock n roll beat that leads to the beautiful dual guitar attack & spacey vocals SVI are known for. Dreamy, melodic and essential.

17. High Climbers "Little"

This French/Australian duo are making some of the most enjoyable ambient guitar driven music you will hear anywhere. "Little" is a relaxed, passionate feeling piece that will set the pace for an agreeable mood.

18. Static Daydream "Blue Tambourine Girl"

Paul Baker from Skywave & Ceremony's latest project offers up this barn burner of a track that has all the signature sounds I've come to know and love. Can't wait for the album set to be released in 2015.

19. Archie Eversole "We Ready"

Not a new song but the song my favorite baseball team The Kansas City Royals celebrated to after every victory. Congrats to The Royals on their 2014 American League Championship and World Series run.

20. Ttotals "Hearts Always Start Up"

One of my favorite bands of the last few years released an incredible album this year called "Let Everything Come Through". "Hearts Always Start Up" is a floating hypnotic mind bender sure to feed your hunger for new psychedelic rock n roll.

21. Foreign Resort "Alone"

Love these guys. Had a lot of fun playing shows on the road with this band over the last few years. "Alone" is my favorite track of their latest album "New Frontiers" . Fans of The Cure and Echo & The Bunnymen take note. Plus their bass player has great taste in T-Shirts.

22. Melvins "Bride Of Crankenstein"

The Melvins return with a crushing sonic anthem that may be my favorite song of theirs since I first heard "Houdini" way back when. 2015 will mark 30 years of The Melvins and they don't show any signs of slowing down!!!

23. Tom Petty "American Dream Plan B"

Tom Petty is always on semi regular rotation at my house year in and year out but this new one got added to the playlist that's pretty much stayed the same since 1990. Certainly a standout off of his latest record.

24. Kim Deal "Beautiful Moon"

A delicate song that I'm happy I got to enjoy countless times since it's release. Kim's singles of the last few years have been some of my favorites and this one is no exception.

25. Thurston Moore "Speak To The Wild"

I've really enjoyed the latest Thurston Moore album and "Speak To The Wild" might be the moodiest track of the entire record. Beautiful video too.

26. DJ Shadow "Ghost Town"

Incredible sounds from one of the best. Was really excited when I heard this new E.P. was coming out. Truly one of the most inspirational artists out today.

27. We Deserve This "Beta"

We Descerve This make some of the most thought provoking, cinematic music on the planet and "Beta" is the perfect example. This song has a driving menacing feel while being melodic at the same time. Beautiful atmospheric accents only add to it more. Looking forward to more of We Deserve This is 2015.

28 Pain In The Yeas "Hesitation"

Norfolk VA based Pain In The Yeahs deliver big with this infectious dark wave synth pop track. Happy to hear they are hard at work on their next offering. I expect great things from these guys in 2015.

29. Flowers Of Flesh & Blood "Yule Log"

Long running Wichita Kansas based noise artist Flowers Of Flesh And Blood unleashes their own brand of Holiday cheer with this power electronics piece set to the visuals of everyones favorite Holiday image. The Yule Log.

30. Fury Things "Leave Winter Behind"

Excellent combination of 90's shoegaze and Alt-Rock. Chiming helicopter like guitars shine alongside a power rhythm section and on point vocals. The production is ace and this is an amazing showing from a band that's truly on the rise.

31. ATOMBOMB "At The Deep End"

What a huge wall of sound this new shoegaze unit brings to the plate. Powerful vocals and spacey guitar runs make this band one of my new favorites. This is simply crushing.

32. Lee Ranaldo and the Dust "Late Descent #2"

Nice track from Lee Ranaldo and the Dust's "The Last Night On Earth" album. I think what's coolest about this track is how much it makes me think of Donovan. A light dreamy acoustic based gem whith a touch of psychedelia and Lee's all so familiar voice.

33. Nick Raven "Nineteen Fifty Three"

A catchy moody number from Auckland New Zealand's Nick Raven that has a bit of a late 80's New Order vibe to it. Certainly one of the best young song writers going right now and the rest of his new E.P. "Follow Your Bliss" due out in 2015 is sure to please.

34. Yarbs "Tight Rope"

A most excellent blast of punk rock noise from this Charlotte N.C. powerhouse. Distorted vocals, nasty guitars and all wrapped up in 47 seconds. Get into it.

35. The Elsinores "Generation"

I love playing in Kentucky because it usually means I get to see these guys. This track reminds me of Wire, Savage Republic and Boys Don't Cry era Cure. Top Notch indeed.

36. The Bikes "Amana Come On"

Three guys from Boston playing rock n roll inspired by the 90's bands they grew up on. Think Pavement, early Lemonheads, Dinosaur Jr. etc etc. A most excellent up beat number full of fuzzed out guitar and catchy pop hooks.

37. The Exploding Fishbowls "California Smile"

A pure blast of distorted lo-fi garage rock n roll for fans of The Mummies, The Cramps and Link Wray. 38. Soupcans "Crimes Of The Future Part 2"

The dirge like riffs and feedback alongside the rather Birthday Party like vocals make this one for me. Phenomenal video as well. Think Flipper being covered by The Melvins if David Yow came up on stage as guest vocalist.

39. Ceremony "Birds"

Another great song from Ceremony which is now a solo project headed by John Fedowitz. His signature reverb drenched pop hook filled song structure is here in full effect. From this years most excellent E.P. "Birds".

40. Sun Eggs "Dead Dolphins"

On point surf rock n roll out of Olympia Washington. One of my favorite tracks from one of my favorite new bands debut album of the same name.