What a mild Summer we’ve been having in New England, but what a FIERCE Back to School Guide we have in store for you this time. Ho, ho, you didn’t think we’d forget about you, did you? This year’s guide follows a familiar format including products you’re probably familiar with. We work with these companies because our love is deep and true, but we also have some newcomers to the guide that we think will put a sparkle in your...
WHO: Frenzal Rhomb WHAT: The Cup of Pestilence WHY: Frenzal Rhomb seem to make a good album only every other time. It took a while to fully absorb, but for a fan like me, I am relieved that Cup of Pestilence is compiled of just better versions of what this band is known for: harmonies, riffs, and witty lyrics. It’s bizarre how punk rock that’s this fast can also sound so melodic. With 19 songs in just 32 minutes, this...
WHO: Brutal Youth WHAT: Rebuilding Year WHY: Super fast melodic hardcore reminiscent of Kid Dynamite, you say? Sign me up! In these 29 minutes of sing-along fury, Brutal Youth seem to have figured out a formula of what exactly makes this genre work. The hooks, speed, catchy choruses, down-on-your luck lyrics, and barking vocals are all there. Rebuilding Year just sparks joy in its pure craftsmanship. Brutal Youth came out of nowhere for me, and just might have come out...
How Nirvana Killed Rock Music By G. Murray Thomas Let me say right off that this is not an anti-Nirvana rant. Yes, I feel they killed rock music, but it was involuntary manslaughter, not murder. Actually, it was more like the EMT who accidentally kills the critical patient while trying to save him. Rock was on its last legs anyway, they just finished it off. And they did it by being as good as they were. To understand how,...
I have followed Brenda Carsey over the past ten years, first as a solo artist with an acoustic guitar to keyboardist with alt-rock band Feral Kizzy, to leading her own band Brenda Carsey and the Awe and beyond. I have consistently been impressed by both her talent and her dedication. She keeps pushing the boundaries of her music, but always has fun doing it. Her music is hard to pin down; bringing together soul, pop, folk, jazz, and much more,...
WHO: The Paranoyds WHAT: Talk Talk Talk WHY: One look at the cover and it’s clear this isn’t your standard Third Man Records release. Never have I seen a sticker on a record that so perfectly encapsulates why a record matters. It says it’s for fans of Devo, Go-Go’s, Breeders, and X, and I’ll be damned if they’re not completely right. I would also throw Blondie in there. There’s an unmistakable buzz, rawness, and catchiness to these songs which sound...
I am a huge fan of the local music scene. Not any particular local scene, but local scenes as a concept; the local scene that can be found in whichever city you call home, for example, reader. If you look, I guarantee you can find talented and interesting musicians all around you. I consistently discover great guitarists, vocalists, performers, all across the musical spectrum in Rochester, NY. As great a wealth of instrumental talent that I find in my local...
Bam! We’re doing it again, dear readers. Things got off to a scary start this year, because honestly, the good albums weren’t coming. But what a cruel trick this year played on us, as all the good stuff was back-ended in 2022. Too many good albums to absorb too late in the year (I’m looking at YOU, White Lung!). But as always, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better year-end review. All the best albums, movies, and TV shows are...
WHO: Tim Heidecker WHAT: High School WHY: I never thought I’d be so into a Tim Heidecker album, but maybe it’s because I never thought he was worth giving a chance. Boy, was I wrong. High School is an album about just that, and Heidecker’s experiences are pretty relatable even to someone who went to high school in a much different place. The sound can probably be described as easy listening/alternative with influences of classic rock, which again, I never...
WHO: Elvis Costello WHAT: The Boy Named If WHY: How on earth does a man still manage to make compelling and interesting music more than 40 years into his career? Well, if anyone was going to do it, it would be Elvis Costello. Though he is a musical chameleon, The Boy Named If focuses on what he does best: straight up rock and roll. And rock he does, as some of these tracks are downright blistering. Add to that some...