Alcoholic Helltones, Trashed EP & S/T 7"
In addition to having one of the damned coolest names around these days, there's some purty cool lo-fi garage rock here on this 4 song EP from the Alcoholic Helltones. On side 1, "Waiting For Saturday" has a more '76 punk vibe to it and "Blow Up Baby" has a wicked garage riff to it. On side 2, "Porno Queen" has a few moans 'n groans from an unidentified woman, and "The Sages" is a fuzzed out punker. Perfect to get trashed to, man. On side one of their self-titled 7", the 'Tones have created their own classic that deserves to be covered, "Helltone Stomp", that burns it up, and ends the song off with beer bottles being kicked around, which is always a familiar and welcome sound to these ears. The other song on side 1 is a neato cover of "These Boots (Are Made For Walkin')", and it wasn't until the chorus, that I actually recognized the tune! Side 2 has the song "I Want You To Stay", which is good, too. This one is on red vinyl, and I don't know what it is about red vinyl....I just love it, much like the music on this 7" itself.
- Ryan Settee

Listen while you play: Hyper Zone
(Helltunes Records)

The Black Jetts "Bleed Me" CD
Sinful party rock n' roll out of Las Vegas with fierce, snotty vocals. The ultra-cheap, but effective, production sounds gloriously loud and mean. Squealing guitars chug along in perfect time with the satisfying, rhythmic THWACK of the Jetts drumset. At their best (like on the amazing song "Another Night") they sound like a more-polluted version of the Sonics, and at their second best, they play solid, sneering Saturday-night drinking music with great yell-along choruses. They cool it down for a second on "Hangin' Around," and pick it right back up with a raging, farfisa-filled howler called "Rehab Love." They even do an awesome cover of The Who's "Leavin' Here." This is perfect music for spinning shittys in a gravel parking lot or getting bombed. Whatever your mood, give this son of a bitch a pull for some A+ fantastic super-punk rock action.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Dr. Mario
(Dead Beat Records)

The Bobbyteens "Cruisin' For A Bruisin" CD
What's not to love about the Bobbyteens? This all-star bubblegum punk rock band can boast that one or more members have done hard time with the Trashwomen, The Count Backwurds, Phantom Surfers, Mummies, Dukes of Hamburg, Spastics and tons of other great bands, you have no reason not to get on board the Bobbyteen trash express if you have not yet done so. Their roughed-up 60s girl-group sound is some of the most infectious stuff you'll ever hear. Their crazy, catchy reform-school-trash rock and roll racket is played in a lovingly slapdash manner, and the production is good and raw. It's the perfect accompaniment to Tina Lucchesi's awesome bad-girl howl. Don't miss the album that will be playing at all the hot-rod races, sock hops, clam bakes and rumbles in 2004. The Bobbyteens! The Bobbyteens! The Bobbyteens!
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Krazy Bowl
(Estrus)

Compassion in Action "Territories" CD
I liked this disc immediately when I heard what sounded like an Iron Maiden vs. AC/DC guitar intro accompanied by maniacal drums and belching state-of-the-Atari keyboards. Compassion in Action seems like a Gravity Records-inspired, art-damaged noise-punk combo but at times they seem to break into some sort of 80s pop weirdness or some majestic, oddball, NWOBHM melody that makes it even more terrific. They keep the lyrics simple and strange. Stuff like, "Are you having a good time tonight, Trade your friends for something tight," sort of reminds me of godheadSilo in a way. The entire lyrics for the song "Vintage George" are "I've got to pay the mortgage, I've got to pay the rent, This is just a job, a means to an end." There is one song, "Color Farmer," that sounds way too much like a Reggie and the Full Effect song (a terribly guilty pleasure of mine). But overall, these guys are a 100% fucked-up good time.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: After Burner
(No label info. Contact: compassionmail@REMOVETHISyahoo.com)

The Dexateens "S/T" CD
Some delicious, honky-tonk blues meets fire-and-brimstone guitar action from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. These guys start out by hitting the Stones' stash of tricks real hard on "Cardboard Hearts" and "Elrod" -- the two opening tracks. Then they burst out of the gate with some brutal, top-speed, grand-canyon-jumping power riffs on "Cherry." It's the type of song where everyone will immediately sing along in a live setting, because the only important lyric is "DOWN, DOWN, DOWN!" These three tracks give you a good sense of the ride you're in for, with some southern-fried, hip-shakin' mixed properly with the fist-pumping and blaring guitars. They take a nice little Velvets-esque detour with "Air We Breathe" (and its reprise at the end). It might take you a couple of listens to hit you with all of its might, but that's its charm. It just gets better and better. This is some deliriously hard-rockin' shit.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Mario Brothers
(Estrus)

Doughboys, La Majeure 1987 7"
I'm a big Doughboys fan. These three songs were demos for the Doughboys first album, Whatever, and my thick vinyl 7" copy has a nice yellow/ orange two toned color to it. Surprisingly enough, the songs don't really sound like demos, as the production is really good and crunchy. Side 1 has "The Forecast", which is an energetic pop rock n' roll nugget with it's singalong chorus. Also on side 1 is "Stranger From Within", which starts off with some pretty twelve string guitars, and then kicks into the Doughboys trademark high speed pop. Side 2 arguably contains one of the Doughboys finest moments ever, in the longer song "I Remember", with it's heartfelt melodies and memorable chorus. The Doughboys might not have invented the pop rock n' roll punk genre, but they definetely helped bridge the missing link between Cheap Trick and Green Day.
- Ryan Settee

Listen while you play: Ring King
(Scamindy Records/ Boss Tuneage)

Drunk Horse "Bambi b/w Dirty Mind"
If you ever wondered what Prince would sound like if he'd drank a few gallons of booze and smoked a few packs of Tareytons, and if he replaced the revolution with a bunch of hell-raising guitar gods you'd get these two songs. This record features "Bambi" and "Dirty Mind" as interpreted by some of America's greatest white buffalo rockers. Drunk Horse get a lot of Ted Nugent comparisons and it's mostly accurate. They play sweaty, hairy, ball-scratching, meat-eating, hedonistic hardcore rock and roll, but they don't have a right-wing radio show or all of the guns in the closet. So in this respect, they outdo the Nuge. Anyway, I did not see flaming guitars and flashpots in my head when I first gave this baby a spin. Rather, I asked myself: Am I listening to Journey? Because that's kind of what "Dirty Mind" sounds like when it's played by Drunk Horse. (I played side two first due to a labeling snafu that is explained in an accompanying insert). It rocks hard while a bit of keyboard scrubs behind the ears. It's great fun, but the fire-breathing monster that I've come to know as Drunk Horse rears its ugly head completely on "Bambi." It's an all-out, tongue-wagging sleaze assault where they shroud the purple one's rock and funk in some grand guitar magic, encrusted with the mud of the Rio Grande. This thing smokes!
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Journey
(Wantage)

Evaporators "Ripple Rock" CD
I've been a fan of Nardwuar for a long time, and I can remember going to see the Evaporators play live in St. Cloud, Minnesota like it was yesterday. Nardwuar was in fine form. His manic performance had everyone in the room dancing and laughing and passing his hairy body above their heads. If you haven't had the chance to see the Evaporators live, they offer a nearly equivalent entertainment experience on their albums. His last album, "United Empire Loyalists," was full-featured to say the least, with a complete Evaporators album and an accompanying performance by another Nardwuar band, Thee Goblins, and Thee Skablins. Of course, there are always the Nardwuar interview snippets as well. The vinyl included the entire CD with extra bonus tracks not on the record. It's these bizarre bonuses that really make the Evaporators records a huge treat. "Ripple Rock!" is a long-awaited follow-up to "United Empire Loyalists," and it's every bit as fun. Probably more so. At first listen, the Evaporators might come across as a mere joke band. The songs are extremely catchy, however. Almost like a hyperactive, over-caffeinated Smugglers on a major sugar high. Most of the Evaporators songs are a very crazed, but tuneful, nod to '67-era British garage rock with a more standard punk rock influence kicking it along at accelerated speed and increased volume. The song titles alone will get you in a good mood. "Addicted to Cheese," "I Feel Like a Fat Frustrated Fuck" and "(I've got) Icicles on My Testicles" are just a few examples. In the bonus category, Thee Goblins mutate into Thee Dublins, and contribute what I can only determine as one hip-hop song and four additional Irish-ska-themed(?) tracks. Interview snippets include Nardwuar vs. Rahzel and Nardwuar vs. Snoop Doggy Dogg. Pop the CD into your computer and you get a bunch of goodies like MORE interview snippets on video from the Nardwuar.com website (my favorite is the one where Nardwuar asks Faith Healer/Evangalist Ernest Angely if he can cure the summertime blues and later, stupidity), wallpapers for your computer desktop and (This time the vinyl includes a bonus 7" by the Dublins). When you buy an Evaporators record, you're not just buying music, you're buying a full entertainment package. If you only have an 8-track player, never fear! Every Evaporators LP is also available in 8-track format.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Pursuit
(Alternative Tentacles)

The Fall-Outs "Summertime" CD
The Fall-Outs manage to take garage rock to places I wouldn't have thought possible if I weren't hearing this album as I write this. "Summertime" actually sounds like summertime. (Which is much-appreciated at this time in Fargo). The foundation of what makes the Fall-Outs great remains: the bouncy, sidewalk-surfing, trash guitar, great harmonies, the sneering, disparaging attitude and the feet planted firmly on stacks and stacks of late-60s garage guitar no-names that came before. But the Fall-Outs are stretching a little, and managing to take their sound to dizzying altitudes. They drive into moody territory typically not reserved for garage-rock heroes -- sounding damn near wistful at times. Blaring horns accent some of the finest tracks on the album. It sounds pretty ambitious. There is always a point where a band throws you a bit of a curveball, and they start fucking with the formula a bit. Some bands totally douse their past in whiskey and set it aflame. You may piss a few fans off, but I can understand the desire to do something new and different. The Fall-Outs did it the best way I can imagine. They managed to build on the brilliance of their previous albums and make something as fresh and exciting as the first time you ever hear them. If it IS the first time you're hearing them -- it' s all the better. I don't want to say that this is a vast departure for the Fall-Outs, because this is all there in their past releases, but it's just such a finely-tuned step forward to these ears. It should be an inspiration to any band that wants to "grow."
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Pursuit
(Estrus)

Federation X "Nude Disintegrating Parachutist Woman" 7"
Federation X's "X Patriot" was a highlight of last year, and it's a welcome surprise to hear one more number from what looks to be the same recording session. They cover Budgie's "Nude Disintegrating Parachutist Woman" in two parts, so it fades out on side A, and fades back in on side B. You'd think that something like that just wouldn't fly, but it works out great. The plodding, herculean sound and massive riffs of Budgie's original translates exceedingly well to the Federation X repertoire. I would probably say that I like Fed-X's version better than the original. This is another great record from a trio that's becoming one of my favorites. If you're not sold on the full-length from Estrus yet, you should seek this one out and give these boys a test drive.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Krull
(Wantage)

Fitz of Depression "Peel Sessions/ BBC Radio One" 12" EP
In case you didn't know it, FITZ ARE BACK!!! These guys have been quietly playing some shows here and there, and now there is a new release of their BBC Peel Sessions! The recordings were done back in the mid-90s, when Fitz of Depression seemed unstoppable. Most of the songs appear on other releases, but the BBC recordings sound really loose and powerful. The songs are extremely tight, and they sound a bit more confident than the originally released versions. It's a new-wave-punk-rock-hardcore extravaganza with "She Wants To Know" "Gotten Sly" "Young & Free", "Mask" & "See Me, Hear Me." If you want to hear a sample of this record, join the Fitz of Depression Yahoo group and download the phenomenal "Mask" on MP3. It's way too short, but it's a great fucking record from beginning to end. Here's to the future!
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Pac Man
(Very Necessary Records - No address. I found my copy on Ebay)

The Itch 7" EP
This is a grimy, stripped-down, primitive, punk rock (mostly) instrumental band. They do use vocals just a little, but mostly as an accent. They manage to break out some good riffs, and they play them with a ham-fisted ferocity that only gets better as the beers go empty. When they actually try to sing, it's not too bad. The chorus for "Kitty's Scream" sounds like they actually have a decent voice or two in the group. "Jim's Final Ride on the Nighttrain" is a really cool song too. I kind of wish they'd break out the vocals a little more often. There are 5-songs on this bit of wax, and they're all way, way short. Even so, I wouldn't be surprised if your linoleum is all wet, dirty and littered with cigarette butts after you give this a spin.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Jumping Cross
(Wee Rock Records)

Lost Disciples "S/T" CD
This is the first band I've heard that seriously uses a wood block since Rush did "Passage to Bangkok." This sounds like the band in your town that won the "Battle of the Bands" sponsored by your local rock radio station. You might like it if you're idea of *edgy* music is Creed, Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam or Soundgarden. It isn't my idea of edgy (or even good), so for me, this is good for a laugh if nothing else. I look forward to the next time one of my friends come over. I'll start talking about this great new band I've heard and then I'll put this on and wait for the puzzled looks.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Superman 64
(www.lostdisciples.com)

New Bomb Turks "Switchblade Tongues, Butterknife Brains" CD
SHAZAM! The New Bomb Turks throw you a quivering mass of sweaty, stinking, classic punk rock and roll. This one's comprised of a bunch of stray chunks they had festering in the corner. Every song is the full-throttle madness that you've come to expect from the New Bomb Turks. They're a band for all places, all times, all moods. You just can't go wrong with these cats. The whole thing smokes. You get a ton of great covers including Devil Dogs' "Radiobeat" and "Death of Mighty Joe" and "Chip Away the Stone" by Aerosmith and Faron Young's "Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young" among others. They have a cover of Gaunt's "Weekend" that is so good it'll probably make you whimper with joy. You should have this.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Balloon Fight
(Gearhead Records)

Ol' Yeller "Penance" CD
Todd Holdman (of Anchorhead fame) turned me on to Ol' Yeller by describing them as sort of a country version of Firehose. I was immediately interested, and was really impressed by what a great live show they put on at Lee's in Minneapolis that night. Fast forward to about 5 months later, and these dudes (along with Anchorhead) were passing out what seemed like an endless supply of Pabst at my place after a show. It was great fun drinking with these guys, and it was cool to find this CD on my dining room table after bidding the guys farewell. I think these guys get lumped into that whole alt-country scene, but they're solidly on the rock and roll side in my opinion. It's tough to compare them to anyone in particular, but they have a familiar sound that you can't quite put your finger on. Sort of classic rock thing with a minor folk influence. It's A great CD if you're willing to take a chance on it. Great live band too.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Atlantis
(Blue Rose Records)

Poor Luther's Bones "That the World May Sing Far Away Music, Honky" CD
When I first got this thing in the mail, the accompanying one-sheet quoted some review about how this was a great CD for picking mushrooms in the dark. If you ever catch me doing that for any reason other than starvation, you have permission to repeatedly kick me in the head. That statement put me on the defensive, but Poor Luther's Bones weathered the storm. The first song is just a buch of bizarre, freakout sound effects. I don't necessarily dislike weird noise, but this intro didn't really put me in the mood. I was ready to shit-can this little devil. But after that it gets progressively better. The rest of the CD is filled with off-center pop tunes with an upbeat, slightly tuneless, vocals. At times they take on a bit of a country twang. Later on they'll mess with some 60s psych riff, and once in a while they conjure up the spirit of Guided By Voices and make it tapdance for a while. I ended up liking this CD. I just don't think I'll be up for any mushroom-picking any time soon.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Kid Icarus
(http://www.poorluthersbones.com)

Radio Reelers "Shakin' At The Party!" CD
These ex-members of the Fells, Weird Lovemakers, Trust Fund Babies, etc. have already made a bit of a name for themselves. If you haven't heard of them, let me introduce you to "Shakin' At The Party!" This energetic punk rock explosion is just waiting to lube up your speakers with some catchy, amphetamine-powered jukebox madness. Every tune is a little nugget of great, late-70s-style punk rock perfection. Chuck-berry riffs in hyperdrive, get-up-and-holler attitude and a big fat dollop of F-U-N are the primary ingredients in this baby. If only the radio were only half this good.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Scramble
(Dead Beat Records)

Rocket From the Crypt, "On The Prowl" 7"
These two songs are leftovers/ outtakes from the mighty Group Sounds album sessions, which help to solidify the fact that the already godly Group Sounds is nearly unrivalled by any other records ever, in terms of quality. On side A (well, what purports to be side "A"...my vinyl is labelled wrong), "On The Prowl" is an energetic singalong of a song that reminds me of why i've shelled out for tons of releases by San Diego's Finest Sons (should that be trademarked?). On the flipside is "Come On", a tune that rules in the grand tradition of songs entitled "Come On" (like Cheap Trick's song of the same name). Some of Rocket's 7" can be hit and miss, but not this one. Pick it up.
- Ryan Settee

Listen while you play: Devil World
(Sympathy For the Record Industry)

Schizoidal Grove "Bipolar Butterfly" CD
I never asked Roger at Coach and 6 about these guys, but I remember telling him I liked their first CD. Other than that, I know absolutely nothing about them -- kind of like most Coach and 6 bands! "Bipolar Butterfly" is teeming with slow, fuzzed-out, morning after rock that will appeal to fans of Bardo Pond, Sonic Youth and Spaceman 3. You might not warm up to it right away, but give it a couple of spins and it will sink its tentacles in ya. I can't help but think if the Butthole Surfers decided to do a serious album of "ballads" around the time of "Psychic, Powerless" it might sound something like this.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Bazooka
(Coach and 6)

Slick Surface "I'm Slick" 7"
The singer/ guitarist of the Alcoholic Helltones in an ever so likeable drunkabilly style, Slick uhhh.....slips n' slides through three cookin' tracks here, in what very well might be his theme tune, "I'm Slick" on side 1, and a cover of Chuck Berry's "Little Queenie" and Hasil Adkins' "Shake That Thing" on side 2. Killer.....and in a Jerry Lee sorta "killer" way.
- Ryan Settee

Listen while you play: Enduro
(Helltunes)

Elliott Smith, "Pretty (Ugly Before)/ b/w A Distorted Reality Is Now A Necessity To Be Free" 7"
Yes, I know he's not rock n' roll. Shut up. Smith is easily one of the best songwriters of this generation, and it's a shame that he died (note: i'm not bandwagoneering, i've claimed since 2000 that Figure 8 was one of the best written albums of all time). Side 1, "Pretty [Ugly Before]" is classic Smith, with the minor key chordings and beautiful piano. The flipside, "A Distorted Reality Is Now A Necessity To Be Free" takes an almost "Strawberry Fields Forever" sort of choppy mellotron approach to it, before the fuzz guitar lines kick in at the end. Hauntingly, the "A Distorted Reality....." title is eerily prophetic to his mental state before he decided to take his life. This is undoubtedly not his last release, as many fans such as myself would definetely love to hear his unfinished album that he's been working on in the span of three years since Figure 8 came out.
- Ryan Settee

Listen while you play: Baraduke
(Suicide Squeeze Records)

The Soviettes "LP" LP
First off, it's hard not to sound biased as I'm glad to see some ex-Fargoans making good. That aside, the only thing I can say about this album is that it is great. Don't write 'em off as another "chick band," 'cause that would be an insult. Fourteen upbeat, short, rockin' tunes (well, thirteen upbeat ones and one slow one). Every one is a gem. Every one is a treat. They really know how to get your shit shaking. Well thought-out lyrics only add to the package. If you've heard the word "over-rated" being passed along, translate it as this... "jealousy." They are worth their words of praise. Go get 'em kids!
- Justin Seng

Listen while you play: Rush N' Attack
(Adeline)

Early Humans/ Stars of the Dogon Split 7"
Here are two bands that play some good-old horrifying midwestern-style noise rock reminiscent of the sound of Fargo's glory days. (Keep in mind that Fargo used to wish it was Amrep-era Minneapolis.) I don't want to say that these guys purvey anything quite like that, but it's got the feeling. Early Humans give you jagged, stabbing guitar riffs and screaming vocals that will fill the bill for something sensibly harsh. It's great stuff if you're getting a bit tired of that gooey pop shit you've got oozing all over the turntable. Again, I kind of hate to compare these guys to Amrep bands, but I'm gonna do it anyway. Stars of Dogon's "Juice of Gentification" starts out with a loopy, repetitive guitar howl and mutates into what could have been a lost track from Hammerhead's "Duh, the Big City." The singing sounds like some guy that's just about to completely lose it! It's an amazing song. Both are amazing songs, but I think Stars of the Dogon turn in my favorite. Watch out!
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Chuck Norris Superkicks
(Wantage)

Strokes "Room On Fire" CD
Lee summarized how the Strokes are maligned for being born with the proverbial silver spoon, or for being unoriginal, or because Rolling Stone can't stop taking pictures of Drew Barrymore and Fabreezio Morwhatshisname at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Those arguments have nothing to do with whether their songs are any good. And to these ears, the songs are not only good, they're great. I've got to say it: fuck all you Strokes haters. They play simple, understated and really catchy songs. If this or their previous album were released on Sympathy for the Record Industry, for example, I know you'd be singing a different tune. I admit I have my own elitist tendencies to deal with, but when the tunes are this smooth, who cares? It's good music and it's even better than their first album. If you can manage to hear this without greasing the pockets of the slimeball RIAA -- all the better.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Slither
(RCA)

Thee Fine Lines/The Jim-Jim's "Split 7""
Thee Fine Lines turn in some superb Billy Childish-style rock and roll with boy/girl vocal swapping. Overall, Thee Fine Lines are a catchy, swampy, ride all the way, and it's way cool. The Jim-Jims are goofy gravel-throated punk rock and roll. The musical approach is pretty straightforward -- and you can't go wrong with that. The lyrics are pretty funny, with song titles like "Big hits and Monster Lix," and "(We Don't Need) Caller ID." The last song, "Tube Top," sort of sounds like some long lost hit that Greg Lowery squeezed out. A fine release!
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Triple Action

(Wee Rock Records)

Thee Fine Lines "Lose Control"
Thee Fine Lines get a release all to themselves here, and they really go nuts this time around (or, they "lose control" if you prefer). It's still the same rock and roll homage 60s neanderthal-garage-rock ala hee Headcoats/Thee Headcoatees, but you can hear way more confidence this time around. They bludgeon their instruments with wild abandon and it pays off. The playing is better, the vocals are better, overall it's just way, way better (and their split with the Jim-Jim's is no slouch either, so this is some pretty righteous shit). Ms. Trista Winn has a great voice, and it's good and loud on the two tracks where she sings. Justin Kearbey splits his throat on two special editions of his own. I think they might even have British accents.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Zaxxon
(Wee Rock Records)

Tijuana Bibles, Fiesta! Siesta 7"
Yeah, this was released in 2002, but who cares? The Tijuana Bibles are one of my favorite bands now, and everyone should know how great they are. This three song ass shaker of a slab 'o wax is further proof in their track record of excellent releases. Side 1, (or Fiesta!) starts off with a punkish garage burner of a tune in "Not Here To Fight", and "Jet Pack" is an instrumental surf song with some neat organ playing. Side 2 (or the Siesta side), has the song "Sleep Mask", which is another cool surf song. I love this.
- Ryan Settee

Listen while you play: Space Channel 5
(Trophy Records)

The Tuesday Suits "Fork Studio" EP
The promotional copy included with this disc attempts to lump these guys in with the other New York garage rock band -- which is too bad. These guys sort of have their own thing going on with their very catchy, kind of jangly, sorta sappy, pop music. They sort of remind me of a cross between Duotang and the Potatomen. That's probably the most accurate hybrid I've ever used for descriptive value.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Blues Brothers
(http://www.thetuesdaysuits.com)

Various Artists "Greaseball Melodrama" CD
Eric Davidson from New Bomb Turks put together a special little mix for all the like-minded rock and rollers out there. Davidson has great taste, so his choices on this compilation don't disappoint. There isn't a dud on this disc, and it's only $8 from Gearhead, so you get a nice sampler for a pretty decent price. You get choice cuts from the Rock N' Roll Soldiers, Gypsy Witch, Baseball Furies, The Cuts, Lost Kids, Chargers Street Gang, Lost Kids, The High Beams, Scat Rag Boosters, Geraldine, The Diverters, The Hunches, Mystery Girls, Exxon Valdez, Colombian Neckties, The Blowtops, and The Goddamned Gentlemen (who feature ex-Fargoan Jason Fleming for the fans of Bootlick, Pepper Belly Rollers, etc.). Many of the songs are unreleased and each and every band provides a noteworthy contribution -- a rarity for just about any compilation, even the really good ones. It's a good mix of the not-so-famous rock and roll brand names you know and love, and a few surprises that you might not have heard before. You've got no reason to pass this one up.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Gunvalkyrie
(Gearhead Records)

Volumen/No-Fi Soul Rebellion Split 7"
Volumen crashed on my floor one night after they played Ralph's Corner. They took pictures of themselves posing with my Jesus Action Figure. My room mates and I took pictures of them with Piss-Proof the Clown -- a nightmarish stuffed clown toy that was made with this fake satin material. We thought it was designed to be piss proof. Whenever a band stayed at our place, we made them pose with Piss-Proof the Clown. Sounds pretty kinky doesn't it? Well, if it had actually been as salacious an evening as I would lead you to believe, Volumen's "Lady Cop" could have been a great sound track. They lay down a weird, funky new wave groove that makes you want to lick the sweat right off someone. No-Fi Soul Rebellion, on the other hand, have never had their photos taken with Piss Proof the Clown, but their slinky R&B joint "Church" could probably lead to some crazy sex magic of its own. If the hot beats, handclaps, and guitar freakouts and greasy funk don't get you in the mood nothing will. Get this one for your valentine.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: DJ Boy
(Wantage)

The Weathermen "In Deep With" CD EP
I'm not really familiar with electronic music outside of Kraftwerk. Even with Kraftwerk, I'm probably a casual fan at best. The Weathermen, are another electonic group that gained some fame in the 80s with a string of club hits. Surprisingly, they're still making music and they released this 4-song EP in a 3-inch CD format with Fargo's own Coach and 6. I really like how Coach and 6 has embraced the 3-inch CD. It's one of the few music formats that can fit in your front pocket. Like I said earlier, I don't have a great deal of experience with electronic music, but this a good disc. The new tunes are similar to the songs that brought them notoriety in the 80s, but they seem a little darker, seedier. Mid-tempo beats, keyboards, cigarette-seasoned sing-speak vocals, and ominous samples make for an intriguing 20 minutes of music. I don't know if I could listen to a whole LP, but I do enjoy the limited dosage of an EP. This disc is accompanied by the official Coach and 6 zine, "Dying in Style," which includes a really interesting interview with the Weathermen (among other various things). It's a great complement to the disc, and makes you appreciate the music that much more.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Fire Battle
(Coach and 6)

The Whip "Freelance Liaison b/w Sheep & Goat Judgement" 7"
This is one of the best singles I've heard in quite some time. The Whip combines 2/3 of Karp with 100% of Thrones. They combine a healthy dose of each band's respective forte for off-kilter, punishing metal riffs and marry it to the thunderous, rhythmic lashing that made Karp such an event (on record and on stage). The result is a sound that could crumble mountains. It's some of the heaviest rock and roll you'll ever encounter, and fans of Joe Preston AND Karp either have this already, or the sorely need it. Put simply as possible, the Whip packs as much excitement in these two songs as humanly possible. It's an absolute, crushing, triumph. The highs of this record are only matched by an incredibly sad, startling low point. Unfortunately, Scott Jernigan, the drummer for The Whip, died last year in a boating accident. He'll be sorely missed. At the very least his great music remains.
- Phil Hunt

Listen while you play: Rastan
(Wantage)