Vinyl, CD's, tapes, reel to reel or however I manage to get music, If it's a full length release, this is where I review it.  You know the first Record I ever hear was (as in on vinyl)?  Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles. First Album I ever bought? I think it was Sleep by the Fall-Outs (still one of my favorites).  First CD I ever bought?  That would be Sap by Alice in Chains (I've listened to a bunch of styles in my time).  First Reel To Reel?   That would be some Willie Nelson release, my parents used to listen to country when I was a kid.  Why am I bothering to tell you all of these things? I have no idea, but I just felt like doing it! Check out my reviews below, the top are the newest, going down they get older (I think I remembered to date all of them).

The Mars Volta~" Deloused in the Continuum" You have simply no idea how amazing this cd is… I first heard about a couple of members of this band when I started listening to At the Drive-In a few years ago. When they broke up just before I got to see them live, I was heartbroken. Sparta came out the year afterwards and I thought, “At the Drive-In who?” In 2003, however, the Mars Volta came around and kicked the doors off of music. They’re like what MC5 probably would have been if they came around today. Their influences range from hardcore punk to jazz to God knows what, but it’s all good. If you don’t like it the first time you listen to it, hit yourself and try again, it’s worth it! Simply the best album I purchased in 2003…. 2/17/04

AFI~" Sing the Sorrow" For some reason, idiots seem to feel the need to say that AFI sold out with Sing the Sorrow. If you listen back to their first album, Answer that and Stay Fashionable, their evolution has lead directly to the sounds present in Sing the sorrow. I think the first album that touched on the less punk side of AFI was Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes and no one can claim that was an attempt to sell it, it was just Davey becoming more comfortable expressing himself. Whatever, though, think what you want. I’m not a late-comer to AFI, I was one of the few thousand people who picked up the WingNut edition of Answer That and Stay Fashionable. So, what that means is, I don’t have a problem with the direction they’ve gone, so you shouldn’t either! So There! :P 2/17/04

The Special Goodness~" Land Air Sea" Pat Wilson, the drummer from Weezer and Atom, the former Drummer from Rocket from the Crypt teamed up on this album to deliver a good punk / geek rock / power pop treat. Surprisingly, every song on the album is good, too. I won’t say that these guys are the second coming or anything, but I dig the fact that Pat wanted to go out and do something on his own without Weezer. There’s a little bit of a Weezer influence to the music, which probably can’t be avoided, but no complaints. One thing, though, unlike most Weezer songs, The Special Goodness delivers music that’s very current. Some of the words you’ll hear in the songs make me feel that it is 2004 instead of Weezer songs, which make you wonder. I’ve always liked Rivers ability to step out of time when writing songs, but I like Pat’s technique as well!! 2/17/04

The Blood Brothers~" Burn Piano Island, Burn" I saw these guys open for AFI last time they were in San Diego and the crowd hated them with a passion. Two skinny singers with attitudes… Unfortunately, thought, their attitudes came across more bitchy than anything else. This album, however, is really good. Take the aggression of At the Drive-In and mix in some Sonic Youth and there you have it. I appreciate the rawness of the cd and now I’m interested in tracking down more of their stuff. One warning, though, if you don’t like screeching vocals and hardcore styles, you probably won’t like this… I, however, do like that kind of stuff, so this works. 2/17/04

King Sound Quartet~" The Getdown Imperative" Two simple words... Kicks Ass. I feared the worst when I heard BlackTop broke up, but this band's amazing stylings brought forth from the ashes nullified my fears. My only beef is that the second side is just a long song that's good, but not good enough to be like 15 minutes. But I can't feel like I wasted any money on this though I mostly hear the first side. An In the Red Recording. 02/21/98

The Remains~ " A Session With" : I've heard a few stories about this 60's band in the last year, and all of them are good. They used to open for the Beatles... They had a major record deal... They kicked ass... Why haven't you heard of them, you might ask. Probably because they were the right band at the wrong time. These guys are, I feel, the best the sixties had to offer and they got the short end. If you wonder where newer bands got their sound, it's from bands like the Remains, the Standells, the Music Machine, and many others who may have been dubbed one hit wonders, but some of us know better. Don't we? A Sundazed Release. 02/21/98

Madame X ~ "Self Titled": Loung music. Where do you here this stuff normally. Cheesy Expensive hotels and places old people hang out. I never expeted to hear it from Estrus. I would have complained about my purchase, except that the most exceptional thing happened. I loved this 10" piece of Lounge, depressing, beautiful music. We've brought back so many styles of music in the last 20 years, why not this. If you never though you could like a slow tempo band, please do yourself a favor and buy this and prove yourself wrong. Beautiful lead singer, beautiful music, what else do you need. A Sir Estrus Release. 02/21/98

Mondo Topless~ "$50,000 Hand Job" :  This album is a myriad of styles crammed together into one pretty picture. Organs blasting, taking front stage over guitars give this band quite a different sound. "Kick it, Sam!" These guys definitely know how to play together without losing a beat. Half of the songs kick butt in a serious way while the others are good, but not quite as knee slapping, more slow and thoughtful. Ach, the Colors! A 360 Twist Release. 09/17/97

The Element 79~ "Dig Out!" I had a feeling about this one when I saw it in the 360 twist catalog. It called to me like some primal voodoo curse. Stwack! From song one I was pinned to the ground, a needle through my ears, leaving them pointed towards my speakers, Through 8 songs of an outstanding power trio. I was held in check, not allowed to move of fear of breaking the spell. The band combines elements of modern garage with nasal lyrics and mysterious riffs. slight reminders of modern bands like the Makers, the Squares, and the Cynics with a little bit of the Drags thrown in. A 360 Twist Release. 09/17/97

Frigg A-Go-Go~ "The Penetrating Sounds of..." : Something about this band's Album just grabbed me and told me to cough. Not the speed (that's just right). Not the playing (that's a step above average). Not the vocals (they're so bad, they're good). Nope, it's the attitude. From song one, the dripping "I Don't Wanna be Your Man," it sucks you in, and leaves you an empty husk by "Crash Up Derby" the last song. (Of course, you can play it again) A 360 Twist Release. 09/17/97

The Hectics~ "Everything I Need" : I hadn't heard any good "real" punk bands in a while and there's just something about a girl fronted one. Makes me want to put myself up a personal, "Male, 22, looking for Female punk singer for angst and anarchy!" Of course I'd have to explain when they called that I only wanted to date, but oh well. This hefty album reminds me a little of the Muffs (at least in the singing) but this band definitely has a bit more of an edge. One difference about this band is that they have no bass guitar. Just 2 guitars and a drum (and the screaming voices of women). Obviously I can say from this album that "Punk Ain't Dead Yet!" Ska can't infiltrate every good punk band out there. Next drinks on me, Anika and Juli. (I'll buy Dan a drink, too, 'cause I'm a nice guy) A 360 Twist Release. 09/17/97

Hate Bombs~ "Here Comes Treble" : Tony, a friend of mine, saw these guys at the Fuzzfest and thought they were outstanding, so he bought me the album. (I paid him back of course) I love it. Garage with heavy guitars and riffs to kick your head in. Ah, I've already listened to this album at least 10 times and I've only had it a week. If you can find it, it's on 360 Twist, and it's worth the dough. You may have to adjust the treble on it a little because the singing is a little too loud (not obnoxiously though). 09/09/97

Diaboliks~ "Danger!" : Well, this album, on Dionysus, is pretty old as far as things go, but I just bought it. I saw these guys live a while back and the album has been calling me since. The Diaboliks are an authentic 6t's kind of band. They dress the part and play the part. The lead singer, Babz, does the full on go go dancing on stage (heeeeellloo). The album itself is great, though some of the lyrics are a bit screwy. Almost lo fi and some harmony. I'd buy it just because they're one of the few Garage Bands with a female lead singer (who don't suck).09/09/97

Untamed Youth~ "Planet Mace" : No sir, I don't believe Frat Rock is my thing. Of this entire album, I think I enjoyed about two songs. I mean it's a nice album for 50's style rock 'n' roll, but It ain't my cup 'o' tea. Sorry guys, I'd still like to see you live, 'cause I bet you're an extremely fun band. 09/03/97

The Satelliters~ "The Thyme is Now" : I tracked down this PinUp release in Bomb's catalog, and I am so glad I ordered it. This is the best album I'd heard from the Satelliters. If you look below, you'll see how much I love "Hi Karate" by them. Well, I think I like this better. One of the best songs on the album is a cover of "I Can Only Give You Everything". It originally came out in early '96, a few months before Hi Karate, I believe. 09/03/97

Soundtrack of Our Lives~ "Welcome to the Infant Freebase" This is one of the biggest bands in Sweden right now, though you can't find any of their stuff in the US unless you have connections. I got a copy (as in cassette recording of an album) from a friend who thought I might like it. UHHHH, YEAH! This is an outstanding example of Psychedelic brought into the 90's. It kind of reminds me of Oasis, believe it or not... Some of the songs are as harmonic, but if I had to choose a band, I'd choose this one. If you can find it, you definitely have to buy it. 08/27/97

Oasis~ "Be Here Now" Some bands you listen to and you hear their style change from album to album as they shuffle bandmates and influences. Not so with Oasis. Their style hasn't changed much over the last few years, save to become more focused. I love this sucker for its harmonies and the fact that Noel sings a little more. If you liked any of their old albums, you'll love this one. 'Nuff Said! 08/26/97

Sweet 75~ Self Titled Debut Album. This is the first project involving Krist Novoselic since the death of Kurt Cobain. I must say this is far different then I would have expected. Some of the songs on the album sound similar to some old X stuff (save more harmony and better playing). Others are very different. I would ask Krist where his influences are, because I want to hear them. This album was the biggest surprise for me this year...08/26/97

The Creatures of the Golden Dawn~ "Standing at the Gates of Time" : I can't say for sure if this album exists anywhere besides in the homes of the band, but I got a copy of this sucker from Mark Smith (lead singer). It is an album which encompasses the spirituality of 60's psych with the sounds of 60's garage. Never before in a newer band (as in anything made in the '90's) have I heard the grasp for spiritual truth such as this. About every song is about love, god, and religion and they're not preaching in any way, they're just singing how they see it. If you can't find this one, they have an album on Dionysus called "1000 Shadows" and some other materials out. They are a band to look out for. Now if they'd just come to San Diego...0897

The Insomniacs~ "Out of It" :   I will call these guys without a doubt the best garage band I've ever seen live and heard on vinyl. That position until this album was heald by the Cynics (who I still listen to a hell of a lot). I am so impressed with the fealing and originality of this album that I would award the band in some way if I could.They combine a good number of original songs with the best covers of old Garage (most of which I haven't heard the originals) and make an album to remember. Don't ask me my favorite, because they're all outstanding. If you buy this and love it, remember that they have a 10" out and a bunch of singles all worth listening to. Or you can buy the combo of the 10" and singles on a CD called "Wake Up!". Their new album and that CD are on Estrus Records.0897

The Drags~ "Stop Rock and Roll" : The Drags have been a very good band to me in the last few years. Every release I've managed to track down has been fun, fast, and full of agression. This First Full album by them has been no disappointment. I love this album for the shear power of it. They are a toe tapping band and their lyrics are very Teenage boyish (not a bad thing) in the talk of explosives and electricity as well as the mature natures of cummunism, terrorism and satisfaction. One thing I really like about this band is their originality. In most bands, you can (if you listen hard enough) hear their influences. In the Drags, though, I couldn't tell if I tried...0897

Bomb Bassets~"Take a Trip With..." : This band truely impressed my with their limited releases from LOOKOUT a couple of years ago. I had been eagerly awaiting this one and I was barely disappointed. Though a little different in style than their EP and Comp releases, this album is good. Not as amazing as I would have hoped, but good. There are some outstanding songs on there and it will get quite a few listenings on a tape in my truck, but I don't know, I wanted a little more from these guys. I do appreciate the definite destinction between this band an the Hi Fives now though. They sound totally different.0897

Satelliters~"Wyld Knights of Action" : These guys were one of the most outstanding bands I stumbled upon last year with their album "Hi Karate!" It was so different from the other Garage type stuff I listen to that It was on my record player for a long long time, and I still listen to it. This album though, is different. It has It's great songs on there, but overall, it isn't as good as their last. This album is destined to sit in my collection with only about 4 songs or so making it onto a tape.0897

Buck-O-Nine~"Twenty-Eight Teeth": Ah, Ska...It's just one of those styles of music that makes you want to bop around like your British. These guys have a lot of energy, and it really shows in this album. They have the beats, and the sounds to make this one a big winner. Nope, it's not a LOOKOUT! record, though, it's a TVT record. Doesn't mean it's any less satisfactory, though! I saw these guys once, and damn, do they have a sense of humor. They were playing the same venue as Rocket From the Crypt, and as you might know, RFTC has a tendancy to dress in matching outfits, usually mod or some weird skeletons costumes or something. So Buck-O-Nine dress up in matching Mod outfits and all put on wigs to have black hair. I got a kick out of it. (Maybe you had to be there.)0697

April March and the Makers~"April March Sings Along With the Makers": Another Cool Release from Sympathy for the Record Industry. What do you get when you cross a seductress' sweet yet slightly raspy voice with the great Garage sounds of the legendary Makers.....?!? Well, actually, you get this outstanding album. April March lends her voice to classic Makers songs with the band, and makes them sound like she wrote the damn things. You can tell they had fun making this album when you hear Michael Maker ask April March to take her shirt off before the last song. Her reply, "NnnnnnO!" I recorded this album onto a tape and I listen to it way to much as driving music. If you hear it, I bet you won't blame me too much. Not just good, but damn good.0697

The Bomboras~"It Came From Pier 13!": This is another Dionysus release and it's pretty good. It has a bizarre mixture of surf and garage that on some songs it works and others...well, it doesn't. If you only buy albums that you want to be able to enjoy every song, stay clear of this one. If you don't mind a few rotten apples, though, go for this one, because there are some really good tunes. A few of them kind of remind me of the Mummies.0597

The Mummies~"Running on Empty" Vols 1&2...Estrus Records has released 2 volumes chronicling the life of one of the most interesting bands that ever lived (or maybe died)...the Mummies. Both of these Albums are great and you can see why the people loved them besides the fact that they dressed up like mummies on stage...I guess that could have a little to do with it, huh? These guys broke up because they became too popular, and they didn't like the attention that popularity brought. To many poseurs came to shows then. If you haven't heard of these guys, you're missing out, so what the hell are you waiting for, go buy the damn things! 0597

The Hi-Fives~"And a Whole Lotta You!": This is one of those LOOKOUT! things that just can't quit, all you cats and kittens...These guys have mastered what they call BEATPUNK. You can hear the influenes of 60's garage, if a bit lighter hearted, and you can hear the high octane influences of bands like the Buzzcocks. Swirled together and you have the Hi-Fives. These guys are all around my age I believe (21), but they can crank like the veterans. They do an amazing cover of "Tainted Love". The Hi-Fives are a band that I recommend all the time to fellow record collectors, and I haven't heard one dissapointed buyer yet boys and girls. So go buy the damn record and spin it at, I don't know...33 1/3 RPMs perhaps. 0597

Screeching Weasel~"Bark Like a Dog": This Band can just go aheah and retire, 'cause I don't know if it's possible to get any better than this. These guys have been around as long as the Queers and they are just as good too. I would dare call them similar, too, but Screeching Weasel has a harder, less poppy sound than the Queers. Too, Too, cool! I heard a vicious rumor that Billie Joe from Green Day sings on some of their albums, 'cause Ben Weasel is sometimes too out of it. Hmmmm... Also, on a couple of their old albums, the Bassist from Green Day was in the band. I don't know if it was Pre-Green Day or not. 0497

Squirtgun~Self titled debut album: Matt Phuzz, the lead singer of the Phuzz, and now also rythm guitar and backup singer for this band, turned me on to these guys. I would call them nearly atypical LOOKOUT! material except they seem to do it so much better than the other bands in this style. They are currently working on a follow up to this one in which a few songs from the Phuzz will have a new life with this band. Cool Deal! 0497

The Squares~"Squarification": This GetHip Records release is something I bought myself for XMas and I assuredly was not disappointed. I had never heard of the band before I bought the album, but GetHip stuff is about a 50/50 chance that it will be outstanding. These guys combine the trendy, poppy sounds of the Hi-Fives with the power and draw of the Garage Scene, specifically that hard to produce in the US (they're not from here) ToeRag sound.. Primal beats overlay the entire album, giving you a feeling of some perverse ritual taking place. They are certainly worth at least a listen.1196

The Queers~"Don't Back Down": This Album is just plain amazing, what else can I say. What would happen if the Beach Boys had been born in the '70's and just now popped up as a band in the middle of the '90's era of punk. Beach Boys with torque. ARR! This be a mighty achievement for this LOOKOUT! band. 1196

The New Bomb Turks~"Scared Straight": Many people may be put off by the fact that this Ohio drinking band got picked up by a major label (Epitaph). Surprisingly enough, the band hasn't changed much. The only differences I can tell are that, one, Eric Davidson is semi harmonic now, and two, the recordings are much better than their assorted 7"s and albums. 0996

The Satelliters ~"Hi Karate!": This band is...how can I put it. Bad recordings, Bad singing, and a Bad attitude. I LOVE IT! I'm not too sure what else is out by this band, but I want it. The very first song, "All Day and All of the Night," a cover of the now classic tune, is rendered garage intact. Buy me, Buy me, this album cries to all. It's put out by Dionysus. 0896