Don’t let the name fool you. Monster Movie plays music antonymic to its moniker. Now I won’t spend too much time comparing Monster Movie to their guitarist’s old band, Slowdive, but wow it’s as if someone awoke Slowdive from an extended slumber. But see, they’re still drowsy from their nap. In a sort of been-there-done-that move Monster Movie dropped the wall of guitars from an eleven to a five or six. Fear not shoegazers, you still get a liberal dose of dreamy, lush, blissed-out pop, along with the occasional dance-floor number like “Driving Through the Red Lights.”
Strike Anywhere
Twenty-five years after MTV declared the death of radio by airing The Buggles’ video for “Video Killed the Radio Star” Strike Anywhere reiterate the sorry state of radio and pop culture in general, not because they’re trying to build their own corporation however. Just the opposite. They wail out “anthems for a new world disorder” questioning mainstream media, consumer capitalism, war, and politics as usual. Young, pissed, and/or a Nader-supporter? Then you need Strike Anywhere in your life. Maturing punks longing for the anti-establishment strains of first generation punk bands should likewise take note.
Teddybears
For all intents and purposes summer’s coming to a close real quick. Sweden’s Teddybears drop a late entry for Summer Song of the Year with “Cobrastyle” featuring Mad Cobra on vocals. Mad Cobra flavors the track with highly addictive dancehall rhythms and resurrects Kid Rock’s “Bawitdaba” (who knew that song could be salvaged??) in the process. Other guest vocalists on the album include Iggy Pop and Neneh Cherry (drop by their myspace page for her contribution). Either of those songs make for a perfect soundtrack to this season’s closing credits and should easily get your party started.
RIP: WOXY.com??
Play It As It Lays #250
Squeeze More Lemonheads
Feathers
Raised on bands like The Pixies and The Smiths, Eddie Alonso’s musical boundaries broadened upon hearing Can’s Ege Bamyasi. From that point forward Alonso worried less about using his music to tell a particular story, and instead concentrated on mesmerizing the listener. With his work cut out for him Alonso honed his recording skills and hoarded music gear with his “Canned” inspired musical theory in mind. Writing music with his bandmates, Matt Crum and Eric Rasco, under the moniker Feathers, the trio merges all styles without working towards any sound in particular. What emerges are riveting instrumental tracks suited for a world where Esquivel and Bacharach are worshipped as pop idols.
Early Taste of New Earlimart
TRS-80 New Album + MP3
Lemonheads
(With all the excitement of Steve Martin in The Jerk upon discovering his new phonebooks…) The new Lemonheads is here! The new Lemonheads is here! My goose has been all up in a gander anticipating the new album. Evan Dando recorded it with reigning punk rock producer Bill Stevenson of The Descendents working the boards (and drums). J. Mascis’ guitar geniusly underscores this track. I know Lemonheads fans were hoping for a return to form. Sounds like they got it…