always listening
Initially starting as a solo project for singer/guitarist Darius Byrne, The Smoking Bells have returned with their new EP “The Civil Service”. This time around Byrne has recruited Matt Barr and Andrew Eyles (better known as the rhythm section forRead more…
“Diploid Love” is the latest record from ex-Distillers frontwoman Brody Dalle and the first released under her own name. In 2009 she released a self-titled record with her band Spinnerette and her latest album has a similar sonic palette. ForRead more…
In what can only considered an extremely literal approach to songwriting, a group of artists assembled tracks for Record Store Day compilation record “The Space Project” by utilizing recordings from the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 space probes. Using theRead more…
Today is Lorde’s 18th birthday. She was born on November 7, 1996. Here’s a list of some great albums that were released that year: Beck – Odelay Cake – Fashion Nugget Eels – Beautiful Freak Tool – Ænima All fourRead more…
It feels like I’ve been writing about a lot of cover discs this week. (I covered the Doomriders/Sweet Cobra Devo split last week and Life of Agony’s version of “Don’t You Forget About Me” just yesterday. In the case ofRead more…
From the first time I heard the Blacklicious track Attica Black 20 years ago I fell in love with their music. Gift Of Gab is clearly one of the most talented MCs out there. His versatility allows how to layRead more…
I stumbled upon Icelandic metal act Sólstafir earlier this year at the Hard Luck Bar. I was there to see a friend who was in the opening act. I was told before the show that Sólstafir had been a blackRead more…
Mogwai has earned a reputation over the years for being one of the loudest bands around. Their first few records displayed a mastery over the quiet/loud dynamic as well as the use of repetition around a theme. (refer to classicRead more…
The Vines have been staying fairly productive since exploding seemingly out of nowhere with hit song, “Get Free” and being tagged with The Strokes, The Hives and The White Stripes as the saviours of rock for the early 2000s. YetRead more…
I don’t usually listen to folk singer-songwriters. But when I do, I listen to Jesca Hoop. In 2010 Jesca Hoop released “Hunting My Dress”. For her U.S. tour, in an opening slot for Eels, she performed as a solo acousticRead more…