Jet- Get Born (2003)
Posted by KB on 6/25/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Everyone knows Jet. Are You Gonna Be My Girl. What everyone doesn't remember is that this is fantastic album even if this song didn't exist. Hard driving rock, banging riffs, sing along choruses and ballads that don't make you want to put cement in your ears. I'll admit, it's not trailblazing, but that is a-ok because once you're spinning it you won't care. Good ol' regular rock can be good ol' fun. Take my advice and listen to this in it's entirety. I'll bet that most of you will agree.
Favorite Songs: Look What You've Done, Cold Hard Bitch, Get What You Need, Are You Gonna Be My Girl, Lazy Gun
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Drakulas- Midnight City (2026)
Posted by KB on 6/2/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
New wave-ish punk that is a mix of B-52's sparseness, Devo weirdness and guitar pounding of The Briefs. "Midnight City" feels retro but modern at the same time with songs about the underbelly of society. Their sum does not sound like their parts with members from Riverboat Gamblers and Rise Against, but that is where the punk and rock, that are combined with synths, are derived. Nice to have a little freakiness in 2026.
Favorite Songs: Head in the Clouds, Is It Enough, Sex, Guys Like Me Girls Like You, F.A.F.O
Basement- Wired (2026)
Posted by KB on 6/2/2026 to
A nod to the 90s indie scene, with a splash of grunge and early 00s pop punk. No flashy gimmicks, just forthright rock about internal unease and emptiness. The strength of this album is that once you think you got them characterized they throw a variation to their sound (i.e. the drumming) which keeps your listen fresh. Twelve songs clocking in at a manageable 37 minutes is worth at least one listen.
Favorite Songs: Deadweight, Pick Up the Pieces, Satisfy, Broken By Design
Blackwater Holylight- Not Here Not Gone (2026)
Posted by KB on 6/2/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Always had a soft spot for droning shoe-gaze (My Bloody Valentine, True Widow). Not monotonous droning, but droning with a purpose. Which is very subjective. "Not Here Not Gone" has a purpose with lush layered vocals and buzz saw guitars that sound like they are going short out the amps at any time. It loses a little steam in the final third but not enough to detract from the entirety of the release. If you like dry ice fog and deep colored lasers, I suggest visiting Blackwater Holylight and "Not Here Not Gone".
Favorite Songs: Bodies, Heavy Why?, Spades, Poppyfields
Social Distortion- Born To Kill (2026)
Posted by KB on 6/2/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Formed in 1978 Social Distortion, by all accounts, probably should not still exist. Drug addiction, deaths and early unkempt living should have extinguished the band. But here we are in 2026 with a damn solid Social D release. Sure it is not as angry, as they have grown up and become adults, but it has their full throttled punk-country riffs, straight up vintage country melodies and gritty Mike Ness vocals. And they know that they are lucky and are gracious to still be around.There is no mailing it in. Here is to perseverance and staying true to yourself.
Favorite Songs: Born To Kill, No Way Out, Tonight, Walk Away (Don't Look Back)
Ramones- S/T (1976)
Posted by KB on 5/21/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
1,2,3,4!!! Not enough can be said about the importance of the Ramones. Formed in 1974 they were THE start of the 70's punk movement. They weren't political, nor great musicians but they had the attitude, attire and the brash, noisy sound that caught the attention of virtually every major punk band of the era. It could easy to dismiss them for the silliness of some their songs, but that was their charm and there was no other sound like them. Those of you who were alive then can attest to their uniqueness. This year is the 50th anniversary of "Ramones". If you are a punk fan, pull this out and let it rip. If you are unaware of this album, shame on you and go and get it.
Favorite Songs: Blitzkrieg Bop, Loudmouth, Beat on the Brat, I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
Grade 2- Talk About It (2026)
Posted by KB on 4/24/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
"Talk About It" gives nod to most of the better, influential punk artist; Clash, Rancid, Bouncing Souls, Against Me! Thrashing drums with a plethora of power chords and hard, meandering bass lines with all songs clocking in at under 3 minutes and pop hooks. Instead of railing against the man it mostly beseeches us to take care of ourselves and others. Punk can at times get monotonous with its unforgiving boom-boom-boom. Grade 2 has the booms, but their slight varying from song to song they keep it fresh.
Favorite Songs: Standing in the Downpour, Better Today, Talk About It, Don't Worry About Me
Brown Horse- Total Dive (2026)
Posted by KB on 4/24/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Brown Horse's sound is an amalgamation of Drive-By Truckers, Turnstile Troubadours and The Jayhawks. Just enough twang, Americana, dustbowl and brooding to appeal to most alt-whatever fans. Grungy guitars, wailing steel pedal and heartbeat drums frame the slacker-like vocals. "Total Drive" plays like a slow burn 70s western. It pays off for those with the patience to see how it blossoms.
Favorite Songs: Sorrow Reigns, Comeback Loading, Total Drive
Courtney Barnett- Creature of Habit (2026)
Posted by KB on 4/24/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Ms. Barnett is one of music's current cleverest song writers. She describes her mental condition, whereabouts and ideologies in simple speak with her talking sing style. While "Creature of Habit" isn't her strongest ( which is "Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit" IMHO) it still deserves attention as it is still a good recording. It has a few toss offs and may require multiple listens for it to resonate, but it should, eventually. Barnett is a modern composer that we all should keep up with.
Favorite Songs: Stay In Your Lane, Wonder, Mantis, Same, Great Advice
Iggy Pop- Brick by Brick (1990)
Posted by KB on 4/23/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
"Brick by Brick" is the founding father of punk and attitude, Iggy Pop's, best solo effort. Hands down. This takes nothing away from the rest of his solid releases. It's just that "Brick By Brick" is killer from the first note of Home to the sincerity of being a champion for the every day man. The array of songs range from crazy in your face rockers to poppy throwbacks. It's unforgivingly brash and rude and also sweet- in an Iggy way. He's not spewing nonsense. He's spewing about homelessness, lost love and the underbelly of the world. His delivery and ad-libs show a range that didn't rear its head prior. He took his Stooges persona and finally honed and defined it to be unabashedly Iggy Pop.
Favorite Songs: Home, Candy, Neon Forest, Main Street Eyes, Butt Town
The Cure- 4-13 Dream (2008)
Posted by KB on 4/23/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Underrated album. 4-13 Dream is better than you remember. There are songs that could have found a home on "Kiss Me.." or "Disintegration" or even "Head on the Door". Which I think is the problem that the critics and fans had. Which Cure was this? Smith mopes, growls and coos over swirling guitars and mood. I played this on Smith's 67th birthday recently without any expectation- I figured why go to the tried and true all the time- and I was very much pleasantly surprised. Cure fans dust this one off. It deserves more goth love.
Favorite Songs: Underneath the Stars, The Only One, Freakshow, Sleep When I'm Dead, It's Over
Bob Dylan- Empire Burlesque (1985)
Posted by KB on 4/23/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Dylan's 80's discography has been panned for years. Yes there are a few clunkers but "Empire Burlesque" isn't one of them. Comprised of many "Infidels" rejects, it is a rough and tumble ride through love, despair and politics. Dylan was in the height of his nasally era where he just seemed to one-off songs here delivers the songs as if they mattered. Production was full with abrasive guitar and strong backing vocal and a good dose of echo. Those who have dismissed the Dylan 80's should pop this one on and relisten.
Favorite Songs: Tight Connection to My Heart (Has Anybody Seen My Love), I'll Remember You, Emotionally Yours, Dark Eyes
Cat Clyde- Mud Blood Bone (2026)
Posted by KB on 4/23/2026 to
Ontario's Cat Clyde sounds like she would fit nicely in a deep south greasy saloon but then could flip a switch to sit in at a coffee house open mic. Part chanteuse her quaver is personal and she's not afraid to let her voice travel to where it wants to go. The album boasts of well constructed songs with good use of highs and lows and moments where you could see her extend a song in the right environment demonstrating her variety.
Favorite Songs: Where is My Love, Hold My Hand, Another Time
Remember Sports- Refrigerator (2026)
Posted by KB on 4/9/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Over the last 13 years Remember Sports has delivered consistent indie power pop-punk. Warbling vocals, thrashing to echo heavy guitars with lyrics that are rife with personal content. Each release gets tighter without losing its rawness. "Refrigerator" leans less into the thrashy and more into cleaner, more pointed execution. If you like "Refrigerator" then I suggest delving into their back catalogue.
Favorite Songs: Across the Line, Bug, Yowie, Soothing/Seething
Sonic Youth- Goo (1990)
Posted by KB on 4/8/2026 to
"Goo" is arguably the best Sonic Youth album with it's meticulous and melodic cacophony. No band has ever created dissonance so perfect with lyrics that are insightful and observant, not just punkish blather. After 26 years "Goo" holds up and should be the syllabus for all bands wishing to bend the constraints of music normalcy. You can do it with thought and -dare I say- structure. I doubt many fans would disagree (maybe they'd pick "Dirty") and I beseech those unfamiliar to rectify that immediately.
Favorite Songs: It must be listened to as a whole.
Langhorne Slim- The Dreamin' Kind (2026)
Posted by kb on 4/8/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Full disclosure. Past Langhorne Slim releases have done little to excite me... until "The Dreamin' Kind". This album truly feels inspired. Feels like a Midwest town. One second it's raucous, foot stomping Americana, the next it's heartfelt, earnest and pure. The pacing keeps the listener's attention and it never wanes to background music. I may return to older releases to see if I missed something the first time around, but I'm quite glad I took a chance on this one.
Favorite Songs: Loyalty, Stealin' Time, Strange Companion, Haunted Man
Hater- Mosquito (2026)
Posted by KB on 3/17/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
I have a true affinity for Norse area bands. Whether it be metal, alternative sounds or indie pop like Hater's "Mosquito". I think that is because of the area's ear for gorgeous melodies. On "Mosquito" those melodies are front and center woven into simple structured songs that slant toward mellow, relaxed shoe gaze. Their songs, based on how they sound, do not give away their sentiments. That's what the lyrics are for obliging you to actually listen. While "Mosquito" has a full, lush sound it could benefit with a couple heavier additions. Still- more than worth the time to give this a try.
Favorite Songs: Landslide, Stung Again, Stinger
Della Mae- Magic Accident (2026)
Posted by KB on 3/4/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Bluegrass can be classified as either back porch mountain or Billy Strings-esque psycho jam. Della Mae is a mix of both. It's traditional with picking you know probably extends itself live. Their harmonies are pristine and their songs honest without sickening tropes. The ladies can sure play and they float between sweet and grumbling attitude. It's no wonder it's so hard to see them live because tickets are gone in a mandolin's triplet.
Favorite Songs: I have a tough time picking just a few
The Lemonheads- Lovey (1990)
Posted by KB on 3/4/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Today was Evan Dando's 58th birthday so I decided to listen to an older Lemonheads release "Lovey". "Lovey" has an identity crisis. One part noisy punk, one part, one part jangle pop with a sprinkle of shoe-gaze. Songs about his virtual surroundings and what his leisure time consisted of would become the cornerstones of Dando's creative inspiration. You can hear the direction that they were going which spawned two of arguably the best releases in the 90's; "It's a Shame About Ray" and "Come On Feel the Lemonheads". Lucky for us the jangle won in the end, but it's worth giving this a listen to see the steps to brilliance.
Favorite Songs: Half the Time, Ride With Me, (The) Door
Pony- Clearly Cursed (2026)
Posted by KB on 3/4/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Pop has so many directions it can go. It can be sugary, repetitive and formulaic or it can be Pony- power-pop with a crunch, hooks and a sweet, sweet voice. Pony continues to grow as a songwriter, not re-inventing the craft but creating songs that are hummable and stick with you. Earworms. But good earworms. On "Clearly Cursed" you can hear dance, metal and bubblegum but its with integrity. It feels real and it's hard not to play on repeat. Besides this great release check out all her stuff at Bandcamp.com.
Favorite Songs: Superglue, Freezer, Sunny Something, Clearly Cursed
