I wanted to create a new category to write about some classic hip hop albums but where to start? The first album I owned was Run DMC’s Raising Hell, I could start there but there is a lot that happenedRead more…
The Antlers – Familiars
I really wanted to like Familiars. To date, The Antlers have a stellar track record of majestic space-rock. 2009’s Hospice was a head-trip of sad-bastard melodrama. A concept record revolving around the trials of spending one’s days around the soonRead more…
Guiltfeeder – Shadow People
I don’t get hardcore bands like Guiltfeeder. I mean, I kind of get them. They are to music what brutal, gory, horror movies are to film. It seems less of an exercise in musicality but rather a display of aggression,Read more…
Phantom – The Powers That Be
Over the past couple years, Toronto has been going through a revival of old-school heavy metal. Metalheads will recognize the term NWOBHM which stands for “New Wave of British Heavy Metal.” This movement started in the early 80’s with theRead more…
Armand Hammer – Race Music
Armand Hammer is a duo consisting of New York rappers Billy Woods and Elucid. I recently saw their video for the song “The Rent Is Too Damn High” and really liked what I heard. Unfortunately their Race Music album isRead more…
Cars & Trains – Moon and The Earth
Cars & Trains has long been involved in the independent hip hop scene without actually making hip hop. His style of music could be described as glitchy acoustic folk. There are some similarities and influences from the likes of FogRead more…
The Baseball Project – 3rd
The Baseball Project is a group I’ve always been interested in, but it took me a couple years to pick up one of their records. After hearing how great 3rd is, I feel pretty late to the party. The groupRead more…
Guitar Vader – From Dusk
In North America, Guitar Vader is best known for the soundtrack to the game Jet Set Radio (or Jet Grind Radio, depending on where you live). In the game, you play as a rollerblading gang of vandals whose goal isRead more…
Rhinosaur – Live
Rhinosaur is the new project from Mick Srivastava who was last seen as the singer/drummer of The Atomic Ravens: a space-rock outfit that is best described as “the best damn band you’ve never heard of.” For the first time, however,Read more…
Jack White – Lazaretto
Mr White exudes kewl. His brand is Dense. Captial D. Fat S. If he was a baked good he’d be artisanal. If he was tech he’d be a wearable. If he was your cousin, well you would – even ifRead more…