Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ben McElroy ".​.​.​to warm their hearts, if not their hands." E.P. (benmcelroy.bandcamp.com)

Another remarkable release from this Nottingham based ambient/drone/folk musician Ben McElroy. Opening piece "To Warm Their Hearts" captures a beautiful drone alongside a sea of inspiring strings and acoustic guitar that reminds me of the legendary Mike Oldfield. "Autumn Later" has a great balance between dark wandering sounds and uplifting mystical like tones while "The Cloud Council's Quarterly Meeting" is a collage of all types of moods and instruments making it atmospheric, cinematic and warm. Overall an incredible release from beginning to end.

David Byrne "Everybody's Coming To My House" Single (Todomundo/Nonesuch Records)

A fun, upbeat yet demented track from the former Talking Heads founder that is sure to delight long time fans. The song was co-written with Brian Eno and is from Byrne's upcoming album "American Utopia", his first since 2004. The song also features contributions from TTY, Happa Isaiah Barr, and Sampha. Byrne says that the world tour he's doing in March will be “the most ambitious show I’ve done since the shows that were filmed for Stop Making Sense.” "American Utopia" will be out March 8th courtesy of Todomundo/Nonesuch Records.

Kyle Craft "Exhile Rag" Single (Sub Pop)

Another top notch track from the upcoming Kyle Craft album "Full Circle Nightmare". His country swing meets ragtime feel is truly amazing and there are some really nice sounding horns that give it even more energy. This track along with "Heartbreak Junky" which was previewed a few weeks back give all signs that this new album is going to be pretty spectacular and I must say I can't wait for it.

Soccer Mommy "Your Dog" Single (Fat Possum)

"Your Dog" the first single from Soccer Mommy's debut album "Clean" is pretty damn impressive. The chiming guitars and walking bass line blend perfectly with Sophie Allison's captivating vocal delivery. There's some really great changes and dynamics that flow throughout the track and get you humming along in seconds. After a series of successfully self released E.P.'s which were later released as a "collection" album on Fat Possum, Allison has said to consider "Clean" her first proper full length album. Reflecting on "Your Dog" Allison said "The song comes from a feeling of being paralyzed in a relationship to the point where you feel like you are a pawn in someone else's world,". "The song and the video are meant to show someone breaking away and taking action, but at the same time, it's only a quick burst of motivation. It's a moment of strength amidst a long period of weakness.". "Clean" will be available March 2.

Superchunk "Erasure" Single (Merge)

So after a week totally stuck in the house through a dreary snow storm this gift from the rock n roll gods came out to brighter our moods. This song has it all. A driving beat, mean yet melodic guitars and guest vocals from Stephin Merritt and Katie Crutchfield. I think I've played this 237 times this week and I'm sure even my neighbors know all the words by now. Get into it.

Ty Segall "Every 1's A Winner" Single (tysegall.bandcamp.com)

It's no secret Ty Segall is one of the most prolific musicians going today and later this month he will release a new album called "Freedom's Goblin" which includes this incredible cover of "Everyone's A Winner" originally by Hot Chocolate. Ty's take on the soul classic is led by a sputtering fuzzed out guitar sound and an infectious drum beat that is sure to make you move and shows off that there's really not much this guy can't pull off. "Freedom's Goblin" comes out January 28th and should certainly be a ripper.

CMM's 17 Favorite Albums of 2017

1. Sweet Apple "Sing The Night In Sorrow"

The new offering from indie rock super group Sweet Apple is unreal good. All the songwriting is top notch and full of rocking riffs that never let up. I've probably listened to "Summers Gone" and "World I'm Gonna Leave You" a thousand times. What more could you expect from members of Cobra Verde and Dinosaur JR alongside guest appearances from Mark Lanegan and Robert Pollard.

2. The Psychotic Monks "Silence Slowly and Madly Shines"

"Silence Slowly and Madly Shines" is one of the most menacing albums you will hear anywhere. It's dark, mysterious, psychedelic vibe draws you in and never lets you go. This Paris based unit are absolutely crushing and this album is full of non stop mayhem.

3. Washed Out "Mr. Mellow"

Subliminal, hypnotic and totally inspiring. Washed Out literally out did themselves on this release. It's infectious beats and highly textured layers of sound radiate with beauty and the accompanying visuals are nothing short of stellar.

4. Joan Of Arc "He's Got The Whole This Land is Your Land in His Hands"

Always evolving, always innovating Joan Of Arc continue to impress after 20 years of making albums and relentless touring. "This Must Be The Placenta" is nothing short of a modern day anthem. Their show at The Satellite in LA this past February was also one of my favorites of the year.

5. Meatbodies "Alice"

Amazing songs, great vocals and frantic guitar tones fill this album from beginning to end. It's got such a "Cosmic" feel to it that brings to mind the likes of T Rex and Donovan mixed with a slight nod to Mercury Rev and early Flaming Lips. After countless listens this just gets better and better to me and certainly helps stimulate a good mood.

6. Ty Segall "Ty Segall"

One of the most proficient musicians in the game hits a home run here. "Break A Guitar" was pretty much the anthem of 2017 and I see no signs of this guy letting up any time soon.

7. Lee Ranaldo "Electric Trim"

Former Sonic Youth guitarist/vocalist channels his inner Beatles and Beach Boys spirit with this astonishingly beautiful album. It shows off a different side of Ranaldo and you also get the feeling he had an amazing time writing and recording these songs alongside a host of so many other amazing musicians.

8. Animal Youth "Animal"

An incredible blast of post punk bliss. Noise driven guitars and infectious melodies that drive you to dance. Simply put I've got nothing but LOVE for this record.

9. Thurston Moore "Rock N Roll Consciousness"

Thurston Moore delves into stories of his time in New York and draws you into his world of "Rock N Roll Consciousness". His signature guitar tones and lulling vocals have a very comforting feel throughout the album. Theirs a brilliant balance of tension and ambiance that really brings everything together and of coarse the drumming of Moore's longtime Sonic Youth bandmate Steve Shelly is always great to hear.

10. Palehound "A Place I'll Always Go"

Ellen Kempner is an amazing songwriter and her raspy voice and the catchy hooks that fill this album get me every single time. If you have not checkd out Palehound yet do yourself a favor and pick this album up.

11. CITE S/T

OK so this is an E.P. and not a full album but damn it's so good I had to include it on here. There's big, dangerous sounding guitars here and a thriving energy that's abrasive and mean. All the tracks are total barn burners. Can't wait to hear what's next from this Oakland based rock n roll machine.

12. Jesus And Mary Chain "Damage And Joy"

The bands first album in ages and it stands up well next to the bands previous releases. Some of the songs are retakes on tracks that had been released by Sister Vanilla or as lo-key solo tracks. All the trademark JAMC moments are here and I hope this record is the first of many more to come.

13. The Replacements "Replacements For Sale : Live At Maxwells".

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.

14. Boss Hog "Brood X"

A no frills rock n roll record that's packed with bad ass song after bad ass song. There's some real ass shakers on here and tons of sick sounding guitar tones. Can't get enough.

15. Matthew Sweet "Tomorrow Forever"

Matthew Sweet is back with this brand new album "Tomorrow Forever" and it's full of all the key ingredients that make up an amazing Matthew Sweet record. Catchy hooks, melodic guitars and Sweet's signature vocal delivery. So fun to sing along to.

16. Guided By Voices "August By Cake"

Few musicians actually make it to their 5th album much less their 10th but there is a very minuscule group who can say they have made 100 albums. Off the top of my head I can think of maybe James Brown, Hawkwind and Merzbow. "August By Cake" is GBV founder Robert Pollard's 100th album and is also the bands first double album. Packed with amazing anthems like "Dr. Feelgood Falls Off The Ocean" and "5° Degrees On The Inside" the album marks the return of longtime guitarist Doug Gillard and first appearance by new acquisition Bobby Bare Jr. both of whom make their presence felt in full effect.

17. Unsane "Sterilize"

Unsane's latest album "Sterilize" counldn't have come at a better time. Chris Spencer's trademark salty snarl and crushing guitar riffs ring out in FULL EAR BLEEDING FASHION 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.

CMM's 17 Favorite Videos of 2017

The year was full of amazing songs and some equally amazing videos. It was tough to narrow it down to just a few but here are my 17 favorite video clips from 2017.

1. The Psychotic Monks "It's Gone"

The band name says it all as "It's Gone" is truly one of the most intense tracks and videos you will come across anywhere. The Paris based dark psych unit are a relentless force to be reckoned with and this lead single from their album "Silence Slowly and Madly Shines" is sure to melt faces with each and every listen.

2. Palehound "Flowing Over"

Damn this is a good song from an amazing album and who couldn't love a video made up of footage from "The Boston League Of Women's Wrestlers". Brilliant in every sense of the word.

3. Death Valley Rally "Until It Melts Away"

Fresh off a west coast tour with Citrus Clouds Virginia's Death Valley Rally have been impressing audiences new and old with their latest album "Northern Lights". Lead single "Until It Melts Away" creates the perfect combination of indie pop and shoegaze while the captivating video draws you in and gives you even more of a sense of what this band is all about.

4. Citrus Clouds "Life Happens"

Delightful from beginning to end Phoenix Arizona's Citrus Clouds impress again with this devastatingly beautiful video clip for "Life Happens" directed by Anthony Sziklay.

5. Ty Segall "Break A Guitar"

A most impressive riff and a relentless rock n roll stance throughout are what makes me come back to this clip time and time again.

6. Washed Out "The Mister Mellow Show"

Incredible record and unbelievable visuals/art/animation that is just mind melting. I've watched this countless times and am happy I got to see this performed in a live setting as well.

7. TIMO ELLIS "SCANNERD"

Timo Ellis is one of the most talented and most proficient musicians going today and I love everything he makes be it the dirge driven "atomic punk"/metal with The Netherlands or this amazing solo track and frantic video that literally never lets up till the very end.

8. Elora "Carlo"

I couldn't be more proud of these guys. "Carlo" from their latest album "Dembitsky" is one of my favorites from the record and this video makes me miss my days being out on the road all over the USA with these guys.

9. The Morelings "Before"

Beautiful thought provoking track with visuals that accompany things perfectly. Come dive into their world of mysterious shoegaze bliss.

10. Klute "Far From You"

I can't get enough of this bands 3 chord, catchy punk rock madness and I love the grit and grain of this video. Taken from their new album "No Youth" these guys show no signs of slowing down when it comes to making some of the most inspiring rock n roll on the planet.

11. Potential Red "Broken"

A delightful track that merges indie pop and shoegaze in fine form. The stunning visuals and chiming guitars blend together so well.

12. Benjamin Gibbard "The Concept"

A great take on the classic Teenage Fanclub song by Deathcab For Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard. I love the simplicity of this animated video and all the little nuances and details it puts out.

13. Lee Ranaldo ""Circular (Right As Rain)"

I read a lot of interviews where Lee talked about how much of an enjoyable experience making this record was and besides this being an incredible song I also love the video because it captures so much of that recording experience in it and all of the fun the people who made it were having in the studio.

14. This Blinding Light "Star"

Taken from their latest E.P. "Mountains", "Star" is an infectious blast of no frills rock n roll that's backed by an undeniable groove and laced with traces of dark psych and shoegaze sensibilities. This colorful and hypnotic video enhances the performance even more.

15. La Terminal - Besando El Suelo (con letra)

A crushing blast of no frills post punk rock n roll backed by a simple yet enticing video that stirs up plenty of mystical vibes.

16. Waxahatchee "Silver"

Clearly one of the best songs of 2017. Amazing lyrics and big dynamic guitar sounds throughout. I love the lulling effect that the video gives off as it captures the band performing but also adds a sense of peacefulness to the presentation that works really well.

17. faUSt "Lights Flickr"

From their latest album "Fresh Air", "Lights Flickr" features the lyrics "Lights Flickr as I blink my eyes to the beat to the beat to the beat" as a frantic saxophone and sea of feedback blast over top of a thunderous beat. Simply put the video is equally as INSANE. What more could you ask for???

"Five For Friday" with musician Jack Hardy

New Orleans based musician Jack Hardy makes lo-fi, psychedelic songs that are undeniably charming. His latest release "Slipped" will be available this Fall as a limited edition cassette on CMM. Jack shares some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" But first enjoy one of his finest tracks "Or Anyone".

Adult Acid - Thee Oh Sees

I love Thee Oh Sees. I knew I was going to include them on this list - this song happens to be the one I listened to most recently - it’s just a proxy.

Swag - Ty Segall

I’ve put this song on every time I’ve gotten in the car for 2+ years. I listen to it when I’m walking somewhere, too. If I’m moving, Ty Segall is playing. It makes me feel cool.

Disciples - Tame Impala

This song is just so darn good, and it’s so darn short, and I like it so darn much. Kevin Parker is the closest thing I have to a God. Praise be.

Everybody Wants To Rule The World - Tears For Fears

There is no other song to which I have a more inexplicable attachment than this. Maybe it’s the music, maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s their hair. Either way - it gets me.

Hungry Like The Wolf - Duran Duran

I don’t feel I even need to explain this one.