Thursday, December 31, 2009

Caïna

As far as I know, Caïna is the work of one lone Englishman. It doesn't sound like he's all that happy. Perhaps it the eel pies and blood sausages. This is his most recent e.p. And while I enjoy his entire catalog, I'm more interested in the experimentation he's been incorporating on his most recent releases. There's more of a post-rock (yeah, I know the term sucks) sound and more melody or something. Really pretty at moments. And you gotta like a guy whose claims "I don't want more people to listen to my music, just better people."

Here

Angelic Process-Weighing Souls with Sand

Here's another duo, but unlike Defuntos' thin minimalism, Angelic Process pumps bliss into your ears at a maximalist rate. The super distortion of My Blood Valentine and Jesus & Mary Chain mixed with Tim Hecker's droney buzz is the foundation for the songs. Add in some pummeling drums and some vocals, and you've got a pretty great disc. Please don't call it metalgaze.

Here

Defuntos-Sangue Morto

Sweden, Norway, Brazil, Japan, Germany, France-these are the countries I typically think of when daydreaming about non-u.s. metal. Portugal, sorry but I rarely think of you at all, and especially not for metal. Fado maybe, but nothing grim and lurching like this album. I think I read somewhere that this 2 piece has a Beefheart-like sound and I was intrigued. But I guess my ears are fucked since I'm not hearing it. Maybe you will. Instead, there's some really nice repetitive lo-fism whipped up by this guitar/drum combo that always relaxes me.

Here

Hypothermia-Kaffe & Blod

Well, let's try to get a little more metal in before the month's end. If you heard the Lifelover album posted last month, then this might be of interest as Hypothermia share band members. There's still the element of gloomy gothiness, but there's an added sense of improvisation that gives these 2 lengthy tracks an unexpected sound. Hmm...maybe like the Cure if they decided to become metal hippies with a 90s indie infatuation. Dunno if that makes sense.

Here

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Nuit Noire-Fantomic Plenitude

Done praising Jesus yet? Want to punch your dad in the face? Gain 10 pounds eating bland holiday foods? Then it's probably a good time to return to some metal. In this instance, you're getting some pretty out there French weirdos. Describing their sound as "Faerical Blasting Punk" these people clearly shun the typical gloom & doom sourpussisms that can make black metal a drag. Yeah, they really sing about fairies. Is it okay for black metal to be fun?

Here

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

They Were Tight Bros. Way Back When

People are starting to sound pretty ridiculous. I'm no language purist, and I certainly concede that languages must evolve, however, that doesn't mean I'm going to participate in these stupid language trends that are often just products of commercial speak. So here's a list of words/saying that shall never appear here: chill, extreme, actually, apps. (applications or appetizers), 3g, paradigm, outside the box, absolutely, 24/7, all about, ginormous (or anything that would sound appropriate coming out of Rachel Ray's putrid mouth),whatever, random, seriously, angsty, really, anything my students would say in their daily conversations, fair enough, kudos, it's all good, upgrade. Shit, that took me 10 seconds and I'm barely even getting to the core of the list. So, let's put that aside for now. Instead, here's a tape of some people who really know how to talk. Yeah, it's just talking the whole time. They do talk about metal for a little bit, so I think it fits the month's theme. But really it's so much more than just talking. I'm not sure if this whole thing is a hoax or what, but it's definitely funny.

Here

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Drudkh-Anti-Urban

Well, the posts have slowed down a little since returning home, but tell me, would you rather dick around on a blog or eat some foie gras hot dogs? Right, I thought so. While I take personal offense to the title of this e.p. I still am blown away by this Ukrainian group. Sometimes thye have some odd, wanky solos, sometimes there's some Sonic Youth-like riffing, and then there's the Ukrainian folk strum. They even have some tunes that sound like fucking Zamfir's pan flute shit.

Here

Friday, December 18, 2009

Quest for Blood

Ah, flute alors. Normally, the basic drums, guitar, bass, vocals set up works perfectly fine for metal. I typically wouldn't suggest fucking with it or else you could end up with a whole string section wanking away and burying what everyone really wants to hear. And use those keyboards tastefully too. Now flutes are even more deadly. Rarely, is there ever a time where I want to hear some flute. Jean Cohen-Solal- yes. Early Jethro Tull-sure, okay. And I'm sure there's a few more. But flutes & metal, not ever. Except for this anomaly. I'm not saying it works the whole time, but it is interesting. Give it a listen.

Here

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Amesoeurs

This is the complementary post to Alcest. It's another French band that takes more cues from Loveless than De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas. I guess there's always been some overlap between the genres since both rely so heavily on layers of droney buzz, so this whole hybrid shouldn't be all that unexpected. It's just that I'm a little surprised by how much attention it's receiving. Yeah, these are both good albums, but really I'm posting them since I think these albums might be enjoyed by my metal hating friends. Why are we friends again?

Here

Hanoi Rocks-Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks

Ugh...Nothing raises the ire like lame ass irony. So please believe, this post isn't some kinda "wink, wink, look how funny this album is." No, this album is just fun 80s rock and there tain't nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately, this band is more well known for losing their drummer (Nicholas 'Razzle' Dingley) to Vince Neil's drunken antics, but this band should be recognized as more than just a Motley Crue footnote. Self Destruction Blues might be their best album, but this one works just as well, methinks. So to all of you fuckheads out there posturing in your new "vintage" wildlife shirts and rapist glasses, shut the fuck up, you're no O Henry.

Here

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Pussygutt-She Hid Behind Her Veil

Metal name-check. Metal looking cover-check. One 45 minute instrumental doom dirge-check mate. I guess this could almost be consider more classical than metal, but that's the problems with any taxonomic system; there's always far too many exceptions that make rigid categorization impossible. So give the classifications a rest would ya, classification master and just enjoy the beauty herein. Extra points go to the band for being from Boise.

Here

Ulver- Kveldssanger

Phew, that was a long time off. My stolen internet was acting up and I had to deal with a massive stack of student portfolios (and all the crying and whatnot that comes along with that whole process). Then there was the long drive back home to Chicago. But no blizzards this year, so I guess I should just shut my maw. Anyways, this was the prefect soundtrack to that long, grey drive. I think one of the complaints people typically have with metal (especially those unfamiliar with the genre) is that they think it all sounds the same. Hopefully, the releases I've posted this month will make a few people see just how diverse it truly can be. And this is a great example of a metal band that continuously sounds un-metal. Currently, Ulver is exploring the electronic black hole that Coil fell into. But this is their Nordic folk maelstrom. It's completely acoustic and features some pretty/dark arrangements that I'm sure threw off fans expecting that black metal buzz. Time to set sail for Valhalla.

Here

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Mercyful Fate-Melissa

This was a tough call. Don't Break the Oath is equally as essential as this release. Find it elsewhere. I thought I go with a true classic today. If your in the mood for some 80s metal then look no further. Here, King Diamond's vocal histrionics really reach their pinnacle. Soaring falsetto never sounded better.

Here

Monday, December 7, 2009

Mütiilation-Vampires Of Black Imperial Blood

Look how domestic black metal can be. Rather than opt for the standard, corpse painted dude alone in the woods, Mutiilation choose to show off their antiques collection. It really looks like they might start doing their taxes or something. Utterly ridiculous. Well, musically there's nothing tame here. Dark, buzzy black metal of the French persuasion. These dudes seem to resist happiness like lovers of hot and fresh pizza avoid the Noid. Matt, I know you love the Noid, but you're not going to like this. Just a heads up.

Here

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Burzum-Dauði Baldrs (Balder's Død)

Can't say this is my favorite Burzum album. The early buzzy drone is a bit more appealing, but this dark, keyboard ambiance is prefect for the first snowy day this year. So this was released while Varg was in prison for proving just how kvlt he trooly is. It can sound a little new-agey at times, but that's not necessarily bad. I think Varg got released somewhat recently. Who knows what new evil acts he's plotting now.

Here

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Darkthrone-Transylvanian Hunger


Here's the test. Download this album. Play it. If you like it, you pass. If not, you do not like music. Soon, there will be a knock on your door. Whereupon a man shall remove your testicles. This will be well deserved.

Here

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Don Rickles-Hello Dummy

One more before the night's through. Anyone who knows me will certainly testify that I love talking about dummies. And living in Morgantown I'm fortunate since there is such an abundance of such people. People who will almost drive off the road because they're busy with scratch off lottery tickets. People who wear white baseball caps. People who love calling my friends and I faggots every time we walk to school. Oh, and the trash heap of human refuse that hangs out in front of the church near Alex's--I can't forget those winners (your super huge jeans might benefit from the addition of more zippers). I can name fifty or so local varieties, and that might be selling the diversity short. Rickles also knows a thing or two about dummies. While his jokes are more racist, homophobic, and misogynistic, than what I'm talking about, his bitterness still makes me laugh. This isn't for prudes even though it's like 40 something years old. But if you don't get the humor then go suck a lemon you sour fuck. So anyways, metal, the theme of the month. Obviously, Donny isn't going to burn a church down or anything, but his hate is strong. Therefore, I proffer that he be included in metal month simply because his disdain for stupidity far exceeds that of any dour Norwegian. This guy's as old as Abe Lincoln's dildoes, and he's still funny.

Here

Om-Variations on a Theme

I'd hate to admit it, but as much as I have a hard time getting into what all the kids listen to, there still is a lot of new music that is actually pretty good. But one thing I'm a bit concerned about is how the internet has made people's record collection and list of influences are now more important than the actual music. Since so many kids now have never even held a zine, I think there's a move currently afoot to just use the internet to collect a bunch of albums without really putting much leg work into it. I think this convenience has led to bands with great tastes but albums that can never transcend their current musical infatuation. Maybe I'm just old and out of touch, but it's rare for me to find much joy in new music. There's so few new records that within the first track you can't name the five records they listened to while recording. And that makes this band so much more important. Both Al Cisneros and Chris Haikus have been around since I was wearing zubas, and yet, they're more vital now than ever. Their previous band, Sleep, along with High on Fire's Matt Pike, was super awesome. Their nearly an hour song Dopesmoker/Jerusalem) or whatever you want to call it) cleans my head out at least once a month. And while Sleep delivered the goods when it came to super stoned heaviness, Om is an entirely different affair. Drums, Bass, and vocal combine here for some really enlightening and elevating sounds. At times, it almost reminds me more of when Don Cherry was getting all Middle-Eastern. It's heavy for sure, but also melodic and trance inducing. It figures that the best music now isn't some dumb, over-hyped 20 year old. I say fuck the kids and their typical hats.

Here

Bad News

Pre-Spinal Tap Spinal Tapisms, but probably funnier. If you're like me, you'll agree that the Young Ones was one of the best tv shows of all time. If you're not then you probably think Drop Dead Fred was the best thing Rik Mayall ever did. Okay, okay, it gets better with age. Well anyways, Bottom might actually be better, but that never had Motorhead on it, so who knows. Well, this is three of the Young Ones pre-empting the Tap (by one year). Yes, it's a joke, but it still rocks. C'mon, you can't deny that "Masturbike" is one hell of a song title. I figured after all the grimness a light humor would cleanse the palette. I think Brian May might have even produced this gem. Just don't call it a spoof, it deserves more than that implies.

Here

Ved Buens Ende-Written in Waters

Keeping it going. Here's an odd one. It definitely gets metal at times, but it's so much more than that. There's a strand of jazziness present, but don't work, the rooftop sax is kept in check. Hmm...what else is here. Prog? Yep, there's a bit of prog in there I believe. I'm guessing they've listen to the Cure as well. Might as well say folk too just for good measure. Ah, who cares. It's a weird, good album.

Here

Light Shall Prevail-Defeat The Reign Of The Horned One Through The Light Of Christ

Whaaaaa? How did Jesus get in my metal? Yeah, I guess you can probably tell that this isn't some grim, kvlt, blackness. No, no...This is White Metal. Hilarious. Using metal for God is like poking Satan in the ass with a pitchfork. And this is from Lockport. I always knew there was something weird about that town.

Here

Furze-UTD

I guess coming up with a child's name can be pretty difficult for expecting parents. You don't want to project to much, yet you want to ensure a sense of individuality within the child. There's also social conventions and expectations to consider. And anyone who's ever driven through Indiana is, I'm sure, aware of how horrendous a name can truly be once they are confronted by the massive Tom Raper billboards. What a strange coincide that Woe J. Reaper's (sole member of Furze) parents happened to hit on such a perfect name. I guess sometimes a name can truly determine one's path in life. Okay, now Tristram Shandy is starting to make sense.

Here

Harvey Milk-My Love is Higher Than Your Assessment of What My Love Could Be


Great, Great, Great album title. It's a situation I'm sure we've all felt before. Taking in the song title and the album cover probably won't clue you in on the sound to be found here. Then, if I told you that they have been know to do spot on covers of entire R.E.M. and Hank Williams records, and that the singer sometimes busts out solo Leonard Cohen covers concerts, you'd probably be even more confused. But the theme of this month, if you haven't already noticed, is metal that those who do not like metal might like. This record, kinda qualifies as metal in that it can be heavy as fuck sometimes. But there's plenty of beauty to be found here as well. The lumbering pace of many of the tracks might test your patience, but I find this to be one of the best records to play when on long walks by oneself in the freezing cold.

Here

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Varghkoghargasmal- Drowned in Lakes & S/T 7"

For Rich. Germans have been great providers of true weirdness. Just give that Amon Duul record a spin and you'll agree. In some odd way, this disc seems related. It's definitely not some hippies playing skulls as bongos and while it's lumped in with metal (I wonder what sub category this could possibly fall into) this is really a one of a kind record. Parts cheesy keyboard, surf guitar, primitive bedroomisms, drunken drums, and god knows what else. Really impossible to describe. Maybe the Jandek of metal. Who knows?

Here

Urfaust- Urvaterlich Sagen

Sorry about the tiny picture, but that's all I could find. But don't let what you can see of it mislead you. These Dutch ones may associate with the darkness of black metal, and this demo certainly has the right cover for it, but this is really quite pretty. This three track demon consists of a long, droney piece of bliss. The second track would be perfect if you wanted to recreate the mask scene from Eyes Wide Shut. And it all concludes with another spacey piece of darkness. Lesson of the day: don't judge a metal dude by his corpse paint.

Here

Undor

Ever wonder what a mummy fronted black metal band would sound like? Look no further. These German dudes sound like they raided some ancient tomb, removed the corpse, revived it weekend at bernie's style, and made it sing. This guy sounds as upset as I recently was when an entire jumbo box of nerds proved to have only one oversized nerd. What a gyp. Crazy ineptitude.

Here

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Mayo Thompson-Corky's Debt to his Father

A quick post before I return to my dissertation. As leader of the Red Krayola, and later member of Pere Ubu, Mayo Thompson has always been, and continues to be, a pioneer of weirdness. The free form freakouts of R.K. influenced so many, from Spacemen 3, to Galaxie 500, to basically anybody nowadays who explores the edges of the cosmos. Their clanky clatter transmuted into fractured pop songs challenged traditional notions of structure and form. Here, Thompson composes in the traditional pop medium yet produces some truly strange sounds. Like a cousin to Skip Spence's Oar, there's certainly identifiable pop songs, but all are tempered with an edge of madness. A true, one of a kind classic.

Here

Friday, November 27, 2009

Electric Wizard-Dopethrone

I normally go on about how I like this or that album cover, but fucking christ, look at this thing. Satan smoking a bong. I don't think an album cover could possibly explain a band's sound more clearly than this. The whole stoner rock genre can be real tired and repetitive, but this one stands out to me. The Sabbath worship is present, but unlike other bands, these Brits add plenty of their own vision, creating a heavy as shit psychedelic morass. You almost feel high just listening to this. Smoke It.

Here

Catholic Discipline-Babylon Underground

After watching Decline of the Western Civilization, I'm sure there were many others who tried to track down this band to find virtually nothing. It wasn't until many years later that this compilation surfaced and made my year. Fronted by Kickboy Face (Claude Bessy), mostly known as the editor of Slash Magazine, Catholic Discipline deserves the accolades so many of their L.A. peers unfairly receive. Songs like "Culture Sluts" (originally the tentative name of this blog), "Whip Them Lord," and nearly all the rest here have an unusually buzzy synth sound paired with Face's broken English stutter for a unique take on punk. There's even a Modern Lovers cover (though not a very good one, unfortunately).

Here

Fraser & DeBolt-With Ian Guenther

Canada, you so rarely disappoint. While your gypsy, psych, folk scene might not have been your greatest export in the early '70s, you still offered us this beautiful gem. No joke, this is one of my all time favorites too. Despite it's major label release, this never received much attention, which is really unfortunate. They had a second (less interesting, but not bad) album and then called it a day. I think the lack of Guenther's violin stripped them of that edge that made the first so vital. Anyways, they'll always have this album. And now you can too.

Here

George Coleman-Bongo Joe


If ZZ Top loves this guy, I see no reason why you shouldn't. They're definitely cooler than you. You didn't record Rio Grande Mud. Now, Bongo Joe doesn't have a weird beard, never shot himself with a Derringer he had hidden in his boot, never extolled the virtues of a nice set of gams, but he did write songs about dead dogs and that's always cool. This is mostly odd vocal chants accompanied by oil drum percussion. Dead for almost ten years now, I'd guess his nightly street performances are still missed by the folks of San Antonio. Definitely a weird one.

Here

Jimmy Page-Lucifer Rising OST


The third Kenneth Anger soundtrack I've posted so far. This was the original soundtrack, but it was later replaced by Bobby Beausoleil's (of Manson family fame) work. It has nothing to do with the Led Zeppelin sound. There really isn't anything rock here at all. Instead, this keeps with the ritualistic tone of the film. Inspired by the Aleister Crowley, both film and soundtrack explore the mysteries of magick and ritual. While I've read some Crowley, most of it is lost on me, but the soundtrack is a trancey pleasure even if it wasn't completed.

Here

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Stick Men With Ray Guns-Some People Deserve to Suffer



I live in a horizontally split duplex. Previous tenants have prided themselves on their discreetness to the point that it was difficult to tell when they were home. Not so with this current clan of sub-mongoloid, big foreheaded chuds. So this year's thank you goes out to them. Firstly, to the mom: thank you for keeping your loose flaps open long enough to pump out six future gas station attendants. I'm so glad that they never let me sleep for more than 4 hours a day. The constant, synchronized cry sessions are always a joy. This weekend the normal three miscreants are away, so the b team (seen only once a year, mind you) is in town. One of these kids (hope someone breaks your face soon) was playing a god damn saxophone. A fucking saxophone, at like 8 in the morning. Don't get me wrong. I know kids are kids and they need to do kid things. It's just that these kids are actually lousy kids. Genuinely stupid cry babies. Kids who think throwing a rock at my window (didn't break (nice arm pussy)) is a form of entertainment (again, while I'm sleeping) make me wish a mating license was required. And more thanks goes to their stupid hick dad. Everyday, you remind me of just how stupid a goatee looks. Why not have your slut take a dump and then sit on your mouth? Really, it'll look about the same.

So here's some Stick Men With Ray Guns. Slow, hate filled punk of the Texas persuasion. It makes sense that these guys were familiars with Butthole Surfers. Bobby Soxx always ruled.

Here

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Flesh Eaters-A Minute to Pray, A Second to Die

One more all time favorites before the day is done. Punk in a liberal sense, if you're idea of punk includes marimbas, voodoo imagery, and sax skronk. Kinda comparable to the first Gun Club record, this dark, bluesy punk mix goes beyond categorization. Singer, Chris D. might best be known for his production work (The Misfits, Dream Syndicate, Gun Club, Germs) and fictional works, here dials in a performance of anguish and horror. Also, includes members of X and the Blasters. I think I read that this is Byron Coley's favorite album of all time, and I can see why.

Here

Philemon Arthur & The Dung- Musikens Historia del 1 och 2


Oh boy. Definitely in my top 5 records of all time. Again, there probably isn't much out there that sounds like this. So fucking weird, yet still nominated for a Swedish grammy. I have no idea how that happened. It's a odd, acoustic, folk mess. A Clanking, chanting, strumming pile of fun. This mysterious duo's identity still remains unknown. But look at the art and tell me that that alone doesn't make you want to give it a listen. What's that baby doing with the telephone? It's my favorite album art ever. Shame it made it onto the back.

Here

Psi Com

Keeping in tone with the last post, I thought I'd put up another album by a band mostly known for a member who later became famous. In this case it prime idiot Perry Farrell (nee Bernstein) of such clasic bands like The Satellite Party and Porno for Pyros. You can say what you will about Jane's Addiction and I won't hold it against you, but don't expect that sound here. Instead, this is more of the L.A. death rock scene sound. Influenced by Bauhaus, Joy Division, and other pasty Brits, this an enjoyable piece of gloom.

Here

Fecal Matter - Illiteracy Will Prevail

I'm posting this in light of the recent Nirvana reissue and the fact that now I'm really starting to feel old. I can't believe Bleach is older than some of my students. Nirvana has been a band that I liked, then hated, then liked again, and being so nostalgic recently I thought I'd post this demo, which documents some of Cobain's earliest work. I think the set up is basically him & drum god, Dale Crover (Melvins). Some of these tracks later found their way into Nirvana's repertoire. Not the best sound quality, but an interesting piece of the puzzle.

Here

Departmentstore Santas – At The Medieval Castle Nineteen 100-Year Lifetimes Since, D.S.

This has always been a hard one to find. It took me forever to track it down, but I think, once again, Mutant Sounds came through with the goods. Well, this is a pop album I suppose, but it's so much weirder than what you'd probably expect from such a bland genre label. Songs about babies taking acid, and other odd topics abound. There's definitely a great sense of humor and play here, but it's certainly not a joke record. Get hip.

Here

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Axemen-Big Cheap Motel

Just saw these guys last night, and thought some of you who went with might want the album. I have to say, seeing a band where every member looks older than my dad and yet they can still rock is always impressive. I never did think I'd catch a kiwi band while living in West Virginia.

Link Removed

Monday, November 23, 2009

Dobri Isak-Mi Placemo Iza Tamnih Naocara


One last bummer before I wrap it up today. So, I know very little about this Yugoslavian group aside from the fact that they made this tape some time in 1984. The few things I've read about them claim they are the Yugo Joy Division, and I'll agree with that. That's it.

Here

Spires that in the Sunset Rise


More gloominess from Illinois, but it's not metal at all. This is more like Comus or other weird pagan folk strum making for the perfect soundtrack to stir your witch cauldron. These ladies really create a racket that could have been recorded at any time. Certainly, there's a reference to the odd, British acid folk of the late '60s, but this could have fit in the 1460s as well. And the cover is really cool too.

Here

Trouble-Psalm 9

Dooooooooooooooooooooooom. A stone classic. Coming out of fucking Aurora, these dudes drew from Sabbath & Priest to create a solid, doomy monster. Unfairly hyped as a Christian metal band, Trouble garnered respect but not too many fans. Yes, there are Christian elements, but it's not overwhelming. And Eric Wagner's vocals might turn people off, in that they're a kinda '80s, but don't let that scare you off from this work of brilliance.

Here

Dead Raven Choir-My Firstborn Will Surely Be Blind


It's a grey, dull day around here. Thankfully, most of the students are out of town and you can actually drive now. But it's overcast and grim. Lots of leafless trees and barrenness. And this is the perfect soundtrack for such a day. Dead Raven Choir is basically one Polish dude (Smolken) who I think now lives in Texas (why?). There's a lot of droney cello, which perfectly fits the noisy grimness herein. And the song choices are fairly atypical. Fairport Convention, Townes Van Zandt, and I think even Neko Case (though I don't know that much about her). Definitely not your grandma's black metal.

Here

Solger-Codex 1980

An utter classic. This slab of lo-fi noise punk came and went with little acknowledgement. I guess Seattle wasn't all that hip to this type of punk at the time. But years latter, and hype from people like Thurston Moore, this reissue demonstrates just how awesome Solger truly were. Look, songs like "Raping Dead Nuns," will certainly be classics just by the title alone. So prick up your ears.

Here

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Thai Elephant Orchestra- S/T

Fuck Yes! Elephants are definitely the best. So imagine how awesome it would be if they decided to jam. Playing custom made instruments, these two elephants get odd and spacey. Funny how humans make music that sucks so much more than this. Maybe their huge ears help. Who knows. But there's little doubt that this destroys.

Here

The Misfats-Misfits Tribute E.P.

Get a load of these beauts. America's fattest Misfits cover band comes on strong with parodies that would make Weird Al cry. C'mon who doesn't want to here "Mommy, Can I go out and Grill Tonight?" This e.p. crushes that Pajo covers album like these dudes' asses crush toilet seats.

Here

Rema-Rema-Wheel in the Roses


Although this was released on 4AD, don't expect anything ethereal. Instead, this e.p. has swelling dissonance mixed with simple tribal drums. Featuring a pre-Adam & the Ants Marco Pirroni on guitar, this album (all they released) proved influential with both goths & punks though sounding like neither (well, maybe a little punk). Big Black even went on to cover "Rema-Rema." See, post punk even had it's Bad Company moments of bands singing about their name.

Here

Deep Purple-Machine Head

For Tress. You'll always be my Highway Star. Maybe this will cheer you up as the Bears prepare for another loss.

Here

Rolling Stones-We Love You 7" (plus bonuses)

People not in the know tend to shit on the Stones doom psych masterpiece "Their Satanic Majesty's Request," claiming it was simply a bad Beatles imitation. However, these people forget that the Stones outdid the Beatles with that release. They brought a dark creepiness that the Beatles could never attain. This single (from '67) shows just how wigged out they could get. Some of this sounds like it could be recorded tomorrow. It's that relevant.

Here