Black Mountain - In The Future

I only had the chance to listen all the way through this one once, but after that one listen I was pretty impressed. I loved the band's self-titled debut, and this one seems more consistent from start to finish. If you're not familiar with these canucks already, just imagine a large group of really talented musicians that love listening to the first four Black Sabbath records while taking monstrous bong hits. I highly recommend checking this band out, and while you're at it, make sure you give frontman Stephen Mcbean's other band Pink Mountaintops a listen as well.

- Steve

Download In The Future

Sufjan Stevens - Enjoy Your Rabbit

I have not had much time to download or listen to any new releases due to the 25 page paper and two twelve page papers that are due by next Thursday. I suppose I deserve such turture in my last semester of college ever. Anyways, I thought I'd upload what I've been listening to lately. For whatever reason, every year I seem to go a solid 9 or 10 months without listening to Sufjan, but as soon as the snow hits the ground, I find myself listening ot him. Enjoy Your Rabbit is a criminally underatted and underlistened album that doesn't quite fit in with his other releases. Nearly everything the man has created has been pretty solid, although I don't give him much play, but this is the one release that keeps my interest throughout. Contains instrumentals similar to those heard on Illinois, but with additional experimental glitched electronic rhythms added. Good music to accompany the cold weather.

- Dan

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Wu-Tang Clan - 8 Diagrams

(LINK REMOVED 11/28/07)

I can't think of another major release this year that had me more worried. There was all sorts controversy surrounding the involvement of Ghostface, and of course the lack of the group's x-factor, ODB. It's also easy to forget that it's been six years since Wu-Tang released a record (I don't think anyone wants to remember Iron Flag...). Thankfully I can breath easy now because Wu-Tang has delivered a rock solid album. The production is nothing short of fantastic, and several tracks feature some pretty cool cameos from the likes of George Clinton and John Frusciante. This might get taken down pretty quickly, so I'd recommend checking it out ASAP. If you like what you hear, don't forget to pony up the cash and buy a copy when the album drops on December 11th.

- Steve

Japanther - Skuffed Up My Huffy

Japanther is one of those bands that has always intrigued me but never really excited me. Their albums came off as scatter shots of noise and lo-fi pop hooks that occasionally hit their mark, but far too often came off as sounding undeveloped. With Skuffed Up My Huffy, it seems that Japanther has finally recorded the cohesive album that they've been on the verge of making for years. Though occasionally a bit repetitive, the bulk of these tunes will definitely have your feet tapping, and the crazy samples sprinkled throughout the album really give it a sound that is unlike anything else.

- Steve

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Wire - Pink Flag + Chairs Missing + 154

(Request)

(LINKS REMOVED 11/21/07)

Wire emerged from the U.K. punk rock scene in the late 1970's, but quickly figured out that punk rock had already gotten off track and was turning into a giant self-parody. After playing only a dozen or so shows together the band went into the studio and cut their first album, Pink Flag. A year later Wire went back into the studio to record their follow up, Chairs Missing. This record completely ditches the minimalist approach of their debut in favor of heavily layered and far more atmospheric compositions. In 1979 the band decided to reinvent themselves for the second time in two years with the cold and claustrophobic, synth heavy record 154. After that Wire decided that they didn't have any innovative ideas floating around and called it quits for the next five years. (Side Note: Do yourself a favor if you're in a band, especially if you're in a good band. Take Wire's route and don't force yourself into recording bullshit. I don't think anyone needed a Rolling Stones album after 1973). Anyway, these three records are about as important as albums get. Every music lover should have them in their collection.

- Steve

Venetian Snares - 7 Sevens Med EP

Although everything the man has ever created is relatively flawless, I miss the sound of Venetian Snares' older material, and fear that many new fans will never get a chance to hear his early work as it slowly dwindles in the depths of the internet. This four track EP is one of my favorites from Aaron Funk. Carries the same abrasive and snare-heavy breaks heard on almost every Snares release, but there's just something about it that sets it apart from the rest. Blasting this shit as loudly as possible in your vehicle while cruising down the road during the wee hours of the night is a absolute must.

- Dan

Download 7 Sevens Med EP

Wire - Read & Burn 03

(LINK REMOVED 11/21/07)

I won't waste your time by talking endlessly about how goddamn awesome Wire is, how influential they were/are, or how I have a man crush on Colin Newman. I'm sure if you're reading this blog you know all about Wire already. If for some reason you don't, go and check out their first three albums, have your mind completely blown, and then come back to this post. Read & Burn 03 is Wire's first release of all new material since 2003's Send LP. This record really showcases Wire's commitment to continue to evolve and move forward as a group. My only complaint is that it clocks in at under 30 minutes, and we won't get a real full length album until 2008.

- Steve

Radio Birdman - The Essential Radio Birdman (1974 - 1978)

This best of collection from Aussie punk rockers Radio Birdman is actually the group's very first stateside release. Hats off to Sub Pop records for getting these guys more exposure, because they are without a doubt one of the most criminally underrated bands of the last 30 years. Whenever someone discusses punk rock's infancy the two names you'll always hear tossed around are The Sex Pistols and The Ramones. It's too bad that nobody gave two shits about the Australian music scene in the 1970's because Radio Birdman makes both of those groups seem downright juvenile in comparison. Taking their cues from Detroit acts like The Stooges and The MC5, Radio Birdman created some of the smartest and outright catchy music of the decade. Though largely ignored internationally, their songs would go to influence legions of Australian rock bands for years to come. This record is called "essential" for a damn good reason. Download it now.

- Steve

Download The Essential Radio Birdman (1974 - 1978)

Boris VS Stupid Babies Go Mad - Damaged EP

I picked up this limited 10" when I saw Boris a few weeks back. A very good split EP. The Stupd Babies Go Mad cover of Boris' "Ibitsu" is very badass, and Boris' cover of SBGM's material is, of course, also badass. If you get a chance, I suggest tracking down a hard copy of this before they're too difficult to find. The accompanying DVD with about 70 minutes of live footage of both bands makes it a must.

- Dan

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Doormouse - Mama Didn't Raise No Punk, I Made Myself One EP

Doormouse has always been one artist I've hated myself for loving. Reason#1: He's a fucked up invidual who manages to find every fucked up sample known to man. Reason#2: He does ridiculous things live that would ordinarily embarrass any rational human being. Reason#3: Nobody understands what maes this so enjoyable. Despite these reasons, the man is a genius. I decided to upload one of his tamer releases. It's impossible to explain all the amazing experiences I've had with this particular EP. The first track single handedly won me over to electronic music (goddammit), and track 4 pretty much made me hallucinate on marijuana. That, my friend, is reason enough to download this. Doormouse produces relatively violent, fuzzed-out experimental breakcore with occassional gabber tendencies. If you're interested in more of his material, let me know because I have virtually everything the man has created on my hard drive. For fans of Venetian Snares, Squarepusher, Kid606, etc.

- Dan

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HEALTH - HEALTH

(LINK FIXED 11/18/07)

It seems like the last month or so has been pretty dry when it comes to new releases worth posting here. Dan actually tipped me off about this record and it took me a few days to track down a good copy of it. Honestly, you shouldn't even be reading this right now. Just stop and download this record immediately. Not only is this a stellar debut from a very promising band, this is without a doubt one of the best things that will grace your ears in 2007. If I was forced to pigeonhole HEALTH, I'd say that the music they make sounds like a more americanized version of Boredoms. This record is a full out sonic assault. The blasting noise, howling vocals, and amazing drumming will completely blow your balls through your ass one minute and lull you off into a trance the next. I should also mention that these guys routinely play free shows in L.A. So if you're in the area, check them out.

- Steve

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The Angelic Process - Weighing Souls With Sand

I took the advice of a shoutboxer a few weeks back and checked out the latest album from The Angelic Process. Although they are just a male/female duo, they produce some of the most epic-sounding drone/ambient/metal I've ever heard, and the kickass album cover compliments the record nicely. My only complaint of the band is the lack of variety, or my perceived variety, in their sound. Their sound, at its peak, is relatively unchanging, making it impossible to distinguish the middle of one song from another, but this is still a great album, and an essential listen. This album will no doubt make an appearance on quite a few albums-of-the-year lists. Unfortunately the band is on hold indefininately due to the badly broken hand of the male half of the duo.

- Dan

Download Weighing Souls With Sand

Attila- Attila

I had read somewhere earlier this year that Billy Joel used to be in a band that was pretty badass for their time. I pulled out my bullshit card and decided I needed to track the album down and give it a listen. I finally came across is earlier this summer, and was very suprised. I would have never thought Blly Joel was capable of making music that didn't involve a penis, a male asshole, and some sort of penetration. Attila is a heavy organ drum duo that rocks out about as hard as was possible in 1970. I would kill to hear Lightning Bolt do a cover of any one of these songs. According to Wikipedia, the band broke up after Joel ran away with the drummers wife. Very nice.

- Dan

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The Dirtbombs + King Khan & His Shrines - Billiards At Nine Thirty

This split LP (which has become increasingly harder to find) is a great collection of songs from a pair of bands that have really hit their musical stride. You won't find any bands that play a better blend of soul, blues, and throwback rock n' roll. The Dirtbombs are the most recent vehicle for the songs of legendary Detroit garage rock icon, Mick Collins (formerly of The Gories and Blacktop). I must say though, King Khan & His Shrines seem to shine a bit more on this release. The upbeat, horn laced tunes will make anyone who hears them feel the urge to get up and dance.

- Steve

Download Billiards At Nine Thirty