Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Arlen "Mistakes" (arlenband.bandcamp.com)

Hailing from Lowell Massachusetts, Arlen are one of the best bands I've seen live in quite sometime. Their new single "Mistakes" is an upbeat track full of angular guitars and indie rock hooks that bring to mind the likes of Naked Raygun, Sunny Day Real Estate and Cheap Trick. Vocalist Paul Kenny shows off a pretty expansive range and guitarist Breton Lefebvre provides an array of melodic leads while bassist Justin Shariat and drummer Andy Bechtol keep things on point as a precise and powerful rhythm section. It's moody it's melodic and like their live show it's charming and fun. Overall an impressive offering recommended for fans of passionate rock n roll.

Edward Jakenssen "Toronto" Single (soundcloud.com/edwardjakenssen)

Another top notch track from the the self-proclaimed love child of Brit-Rock and Scandinavian Guitar-Pop, Edward Jakenssen. With a twangy presence accompanied by a bit of grit and fuzz "Toronto" mixes the songwriting of XTC, and Billy Bragg with Guided By Voices style lo-fi charm. The backing vocals add a bit of a rustic feel that makes for a really nice dynamic and the blistering guitar lead that closes out the track is nothing short of stellar. Jakenssen continues to impress as one of the best young songwriters out of the U.K.

Fashion Party "Mooky Island" E.P. (fashionparty.bandcamp.com)

Long Beach California's Fashion Party deliver nicely on their second E.P. "Mooky Island". From the chiming guitar sounds of opening track "Dreaming" I knew I was in for a fun, energetic release. Vocalist/guitarist Marcos Mena has a tremendous voice that really shines throughout these four sharp, hook filled indie pop tracks. "Eternal" features an infectious blend of intricate jangling guitars and shimmering tones that comes off like a cross between a classic Smiths single and "Fourth Of July" by X. "Garden" add's a hint of darkness and mystery to the mix as the song has a more ominous feel that's backed by some incredible effects fueled guitar leads, while the soothing sounds of "Sunrise" once again highlight Mena's incredible vocals and includes several blasts of drving power by the band. A promising collection of songs that show Fashion Party are a band that's truly on the rise.

Hot Glew "May I Come In" LP (hotglew.bandcamp.com)

"May I Come In" the debut album from Nashville's Hot Glew is an enticing conglomeration of songs that show a wide variety of sounds and textures. Headed by singer songwriter Brett Keller the album takes you on a beautiful journey through sonic landscapes that are coated with psychedelic traces and a dream like atmosphere. The trance inducing experimental opener "Take Em' Back" quickly gives way to the relaxing feel of"If I Let You Inside My Mind". There seems to be an underlying 70's singer songwriter element to it that meshes well with the coldness of the vocals and lush phaser laced guitar sounds. "Thinking Smell" has a cinematic shuffle to it that draws images of an enigmatic figure looming the streets of a grimy, dusky town while "Walking" is a delightful piece of experimental pop. The surf guitar driven "Lucid" serves as a nice interlude that leads to the breezy tone of "Moving So Long" and the pulsating drum machine rhythms on "Sad News" add a refreshing element of coolness. Everything comes to a fitting end with the neo-psych inspired "The World Outside". It's vivid full bodied guitar tones and story telling vocals paint a picture like a breathtaking sunset at the end of a hot summer day. A unique and original album that is a brilliant expression of sounds and songwriting.

Moonside "Klavier Danser" Single (moonsidemusic.bandcamp.com)

A very orchestral like offering from California's Moonside. It reminds me of what it be like to attend an evening of entertainment in a haunted psychedelic cabaret. There's such a sinister element to it that's intoxicating, moving and mind bending all at once. The back end of the song features a galloping beat laced with a heavy dose of power chords that adds a nice dash of rock n roll to the theatrics of the piece. The vocals are beautiful, frantic and compelling. A brilliantly original work of sound.

Wages "L'oeil" E.P. (wages.bandcamp.com)

What an incredible release from this L.A. based experimental, indie rock unit . Opening track "Uncomfortable Sex" is a vibrant piece that draws you in with it's enticing layers of psychedelic guitars. It sets a cinematic mood that flows well into the beautiful swirling feedback and ambient noise of "L'oeil". The record begins to build as the hypnotic groove of "Holding" has a liquid like movement with it's tight knit beat, rolling bass line and fuzz driven guitar attack. The lush dual vocal harmonies and highly textured atmospheres make it one of the releases stand out tracks. "Never Ever" is a piano based composition that is both beautiful and intense while "Blusher Era" is a crushing Zeppelin meets Portishead like rocker. Both of these songs highlight the diversity of the bands ever evolving sound. The e.p. ends with the soulful sounds of "Spiritesque" which has a colorful soothing presence that's uplifting delightful and warm.

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.