winter (hardly) driving out of town concert calender

the out of town concert/show calender. ahh, the shows that pass over our market...they are not to be overlooked. though some of these bands will, indeed, hit buffalo (the Spits, for example, will be playing Soundlab in February), here is the winter show listings for the surrounding areas (4 hours driving, maximum) for you to check out. a printed version is always tacked to the bulletin board in the shop. as always, compiled by Chief Consultant and heavy dude-- Chuck "Filthy Rich" Barrels: editor of terminal-boredom. com.

OUT OF TOWN SHOW CALENDAR

2/4 = THE SADIES @ Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON

2/6 = ICED EARTH w/SYMPHONY X @ The Phoenix – Toronto, ON

2/7 = THE KILLS w/JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD @ Kool Haus – Toronto, ON

2/10 = LADYHAWK w/JULIE DOIRON @ Parts & Labour – Toronto, ON

2/14 = ENGLISH DOGS w/THE CASUALTIES @ Opera House – Toronto, ON

2/14 = VERNOICA FALLS w/BRILLIANT COLORS @ The Garrison – Toronto

2/14 = DIE ANTWOORD @ The Phoenix – Toronto, ON

2/18 = THE QUEERS w/THE ATARIS @ Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON

2/19 = THE QUEERS w/THE ATARIS @ Bugjar – Rochester, NY

2/21 = EVERY TIME I DIE w/TERROR @ Opera House – Toronto, ON

2/21 = SHARON VAN ETTEN @ Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON

2/22 = DROPKICK MURPHYS @ Sound Academy – Toronto, ON

2/22 = HOAX w/SQRM @ Now That’s Class - CleveOH

2/23 = CROCODILES @ Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON

2/23 = HOAX w/SQRM @ Siesta Nouveaux – Toronto, ON

2/24 = LES SEXAREENOS @ Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON

2/25 = VILE INTENT w/GAS CHAMBER @ Siesta Nouveaux – Toronto, ON

2/25 = THE SPITS w/TV GHOST @ Silver Dollar – Toronto, ON

2/27 = JANE’S ADDICTION @ Massey Hall – Toronto, ON

3/2 = THE WALKMEN @ The Phoenix – Toronto, ON

3/3 = NOW THAT’S CLASS 5^th ANNIVERSARY PARTY - CleveOH

3/6 = DEICIDE @ Opera House – Toronto, ON

3/8 = POLAR BEAR CLUB @ Bugjar – Rochester, NY

3/10 = YOUNG PRISMS @ Drake Hotel – Toronto, ON

3/14 = BLACK KEYS w/ARCTIC MONKEYS @ Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON

3/14 = HOUNDS OF HATE @ Siesta Nouveaux – Toronto, ON

3/15 = ODDFUTURE @ Sound Academy – Toronto, ON

3/15 = REV. HORTON HEAT @ Beachland – Cleveland, OH

3/15 = DIRTY BEACHES @ Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON

3/21 = TREBLE CHARGER @ The Phoenix – Toronto, ON

3/22 = ALL PIGS MUST DIE @ Now That’s Class - CleveOH

3/23 = THE MEN w/ RATIONAL ANIMALS @ Bugjar – Rochester, NY

3/25 = THE WEDDING PRESENT @ Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON

3/25 = MAGNETIX w/X-RAY EYEBALLS @ Now That’s Class - CleveOH

3/26 = MAGNETIX w/X-RAY EYEBALLS @ Bugjar – Rochester, NY

3/27 = ANDREW WK @ The Phoenix – Toronto, ON

3/28 = NIGHT BEATS w/TRMRS @ Now That’s Class - CleveOH

3/29 = OF MONTREAL @ Beachland – Cleveland, OH

3/29 = PSYCHEDELIC FURS @ Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON

3/30 = MAGNETIC FIELDS @ Sound Academy – Toronto, ON

3/30 = JUCIFER @ Now That’s Class - CleveOH

3/31 = CURSIVE @ Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON

4/4 = NADA SURF @ Opera House – Toronto, ON

4/7 = RASPUTINA @ Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON

4/8 = THE ENERGY @ Now That’s Class – CleveOH

4/10 = WYMYNS PRYSYN @ Now That’s Class - CleveOH

4/12-13 = YUKON BLONDE @ Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON

4/13 = HOWLIN RAIN @ Beachland – Cleveland, OH

4/14 = LUCERO @ Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON

4/15 = DISAPPEARS @ The Garrison – Toronto, ON

4/17 = THE ACACIA STRAIN @ The Annex – Toronto, ON

4/19 = DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE @ Massey Hall – Toronto, ON

4/21 = RACEBANNON @ Now That’s Class – CleveOH

4/24 = FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE @ Beachland – Cleveland, OH

4/28 = URBAN WASTE @ Now That’s Class – CleveOH

5/10-12 = HORRIBLEFEST VII @ Now That’s Class - CleveOH

7/19 = BEIRUT @ Sound Academy – Toronto, ON

www.bugjar.com

www.leespalace.com

www.horseshoetavern.com

www.nowthatsclass.net

www.collectiveconcerts.com

www.beachlandballroom.com

www.justshows.com

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new instocks/week of 2.7.12

Mark Lanegan Band - Blues Funeral Mark Lanegan's (Screaming Trees) first lp since '04 [Bubblegum] is no let down, or let up. Joined by the likes of Greg Dulli and Josh Homme, this anxiously awaited album does not disappoint.

Fucked Up - Year of the Tiger 12"

Mistreaters - 2xlp Those who recall the initial Rust Belt Revolts, they would recall Milwaukees blistering soul infected garage punk's, the Mistreaters. The Mistreaters called in quits a few years back and Kevin, the bassist started a label--the one who put out this double lp set of singles, non-lp-tracks, comp tracks and unreleased gems. Criminally unknown in the mainstream, anyone into wild garage rock would be doing themselves a disservice to not check out the defunct Mistreaters who also have albums on BigNeck, Estrus and now, Dusty Medical.

Horrid Red - Celestial Joy HORRID RED first appeared in 2010, emerging from the ongoing German / Cali Kraut-Punk institution that is TEENAGE PANZERKORPS (est. 2001). While that band is known for its violently propulsive sound, Horrid Red was established to explore the more elegant and arcane aspects of post-punk & pop.

Head On Electric - Sleep Slaughter Sheep - Already rumblings for album of the year, Milwaukee genre crossers dabble in catchy-garage punk, surfy-psych, dreamy numbers and beyond. Never underestimate the powers of Wisconsin.

Head On Electric - Sleep Slaughter Sheep - Already rumblings for album of the year, Milwaukee genre crossers dabble in catchy-garage punk, surfy-psych, dreamy numbers and beyond. Never underestimate the powers of Wisconsin.

OCS (Oh Sees) Songs About Death & Dying Vol. 3 (early material, reissued 3rd lp in a limited edition of 700 hand numbered copies. Silkscreen covers. Essential for fans of the band.

Poison Idea - Darby Crash Rides Again (2x lp set of early album plus earlier demos, outtakes 7 live. lots of great pictures inside the gatefold.)

OM - Live At Jerusalem (reduced price!)

IRON LUNG - Sexless/No Sex reissued.

Lost Sounds - 7" Their first 7" and some of their strongest tracks, ever. Originally on SolidSex LovieDoll labeland worth 3 figures. Now can be yours for 5 bucks. silkscreened covers, 4 songs.

restock action:

pixies-doolittle

the xx - xx

kurt vile-smoke rings for my halo

king khan & bbq show - s/t

t. rex- the slider, tanx

spits - I, II, V

beirut - the rip tide

thou - summit

used section explosion! crass, grateful dead, jacko, red fang (and lots of stoner), james brown, zeppelin, nebula, pink floyd, the datsuns and tons more. incoming rack packed and tons of leftovers from Clutter III flea market. Also, a load of used 7"/45's including over 20 beatles or beatles related 45's. dig,dig,dig.

anchovies 2.5.12 4:27 p.m.

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More lists, Buffalo '11 and new instock report

So a few more lists came trickling in following the last post.

Pat Shanahan...a man who needs no introduction, but will get one anyway. Lead man of the soon-to-be defunct hardcore punk outfit Everything Falls Apart (bunch of records increasing in quality with each release) and tours...some overseas. Also 1/3 of White Whale, a post-punk juggernaut an arguably the best all around band operating in the Queen City at this time. In addition to this and that, Pat publishes SUBJECT zine and #2 just came out and is available at Spiral Scratch or wherever Pat is at that particular time. It's a quick, good read. Interviews with significant bands and released in a timely manner...welcome back print music zines and screw yer blog Anchovies!!!
Pat Shanahan's Top 11 records of 2011

1. GG King - Esoteric Lore
2. Predator - S/T
3. Plates - S/T
4. Brain F - Sleep Rough
5. Puerto Rico Flowers - 7
6. Brown Sugar - Sings of Birds and Racism
7. Total Control - Henge Beat
8. Mind Spiders - S/T
9. Shitty Limits - Speculate/Accumulate
10. Marked Men - On/The Other Side
11. Video - Leather Leather
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Brian Kedzierski. The brains behind on the long running Gold Soundz Radio Program on 91.3 fm WBNY in Buffalo...a staple of indie and beyond music that is never "mailed in" like the Sabres, who he loves so much. Always informative, always a cool listen. One of WBNY's longest running jocks/radio shows. Back in the days when radio was king, your stinky podcast hadnt been invented yet and the local show covered the significant bands of the local scene, Brian was a huge part of that (until some know-nothing clowns ran him out). One of three jocks who uses the turntables. Also, a really nice guy. anyway, here's his list:

I knew I probably acquired the smallest amount of new rock ever, last year. So I was beginning to think I would be unable to get to eleven, but I found a few. In no particular order:

The Joy Formidable- “The Big Roar” (Atlantic)

Not paying for my television can sound like an insurmountable bump to most people who love wires cramming things into their lives, but I found a gem. Cool TV, which I recently found is now available on cable, comes to me via WNYO’s only digital sub channel. It is all music videos, including live performances now included on DVD from bands from the black and white era to today. I was humming Black & Yellow before most people at the mall, and I also found this Welsh band. “Whirring” was the song I saw a few times, which I u-tubed the band and then saw them in Rochester this past September.

Thee Oh Sees “Castlemania” (In The Red)

By great recommendation from Anchovies, I listened to this band and saw them at the Bug Jar in 2010 (sadly missing them last time around.) Good to know the band didn’t break up, as I originally thought when reading inside this disc John Dwyer recorded all the songs himself (save for two vocals by Brigid Dawson.)

Low “You May Need A Murderer” DVD

This quiet, look into the lives of couple Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker’s lives at home in Duluth, with their two children, Mormon faith, and on tour. There are some unplugged snippets of Low songs as well.

Low “C’Mon” (Sub Pop)

Low’s ninth full length, and third for Sub Pop. A mix of their known slo-core style, along some recent bombast. Haunting and solid as ever.

The Raveonettes “Raven In The Grave” (Vice)

Danish duo of Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo’s fifth full length recording. More of the Raveonettes style that has been heard since Lust Lust Lust: Something that can be performed by two people on stage rather than a full band, less of a stab at charting on Billboard. Lyrical material a bit darker on this one though.

Sloan “The Double Cross” (Yep Roc)

Halifax, Nova Scotia four-piece’s 10^th full length in their 20 year history. The one band I have followed the longest. Most likely because they never gave up! I’m not wishing they would, although their 7^th, Action Pact (a hefty stab by the band at breaking in the US), left me wanting something different. They came back hard with their 30 song Never Hear The End Of It, and now The Double Cross has them remembering some good pieces of past work without entirely re-recording past songs.

Men “Talk About Body” (Red/I Am Sound)

Some electronic dance music from Le Tigre member J.D. Samson and company. Some naughty lyrics effecting themes of sexual compromise and LGBT awareness. Slick sounding but would probably work way better with a few rickety synths and sweaty armpits in a living room.

Dum Dum Girls “He Gets Me High” (Sub Pop)

A four song e.p. follow up to their 2010 debut I Will Be. More of the same style from I Will Be along with a rousing rendition of The Smiths “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.”

The Pixies have not released any new music, but have been on a Doolittle 20^th anniversary tour for a couple years now. Watching them play the whole album plus b-sides in Rochester this past November was a treat.

And the final item, which is actually number one on the list, is getting engaged to my wonderful lady Jessica, this past spring. She has recently started helping out Anchovies with Thee Scratch, which makes her all the more desirable!

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Adam Mayes/ sales guy Cobraside Distro/West Side correspondent

1. William Shatner- Seeking Major Tom

2. Blood Orange- Coastal Grooves

3. Jeff the Brotherhood- We Are the Champions

4. J Mascis- Several Shades of Why

5. Tom Waits- Bad As Me

6. the Oh Sees- Carrion Crawler/the Dream

7. Black Lips- Arabia Mountain

8. Spits- Spits (5th)

9. Wooden Shjips- West

10. Boots Electric- Honkey Kong

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So, let that be the final nail in 2011. A great year for music, indeed--and a bad year for you to stop paying attention. Some folks say they don't follow new music but when did any of us "follow along"? We've always had to dig for the jewels. Before the internet, it was strictly the zines and older generations passing down the knowledge. Get a catalog in the mail and read about some band called Husker Du. Now with the internet some think it's easier...but there's just more shit out there, more poorly written reviews and blogs and just too many bands. So maybe it's harder...but you still have us to help you along. Where'd that Moonhearts record go, anyway?

Overlooked from the initial "Lists Post", on purpose, was the onslaught of Buffalo bred releases of note from last year. here are a few 12" releases that made their way into Spiral Scratch (if they didnt, we probably didn't get to hear them) and were significant enough to be mentioned herein.

Like a Panther-Rockpile lp This band is an island and that makes for desperation, unique sounds. A true indie band with noisy tendencies that is finally getting some notice in various online music sites, Rockpile is the result of more than a few years of a band making a record for themselves. It's a good one at that and hopefully the world starts to notice, though we told you so the day they were brought in. Oh, Bret used to be in Mockba in case you're keeping score. His lady plays drums and has evolved, over time, into a force on the traps.

Brown Sugar - "Sings of Birds and Racism" shit, man...this record was enough to make me hang it up altogether. It's a benchmark kind of record that will be looked back at in years to come. This is hardcore punk the way i've always wanted it to be like around here, but is the exception...and always has been in Buffalo. By the time Brown Sugar made their debut longplayer, they had become more than just a hardcore band...the influences and whatnot had made their way into the songwriting. (For further evidence, seize a copy of the Tropical Disease 7" on Fashionable Idiots (in conjunction with Feral Kid Records) for further weirdness and more-than-by-the-numbers-hardcore. Unreal. A month-long tour shows they mean business. Now just keep it together to make some more records, doo's. This is not just a local band as they are revered nationwide.

Mark Norris & the Backpeddlers - Songs of Guilt & Revenge - Once upon a time, Mark Norris led the local juggernaut Girlpope--a band most noted for killer live sets, cover sets (Slade sticks out) and a key influence on a garage rock scene that would emerge in their wake. Unfortunately, Girlpope disbanded before their time and years later Norris would make, in my opinion, his best set of recorded songs in his musical career. Backed by some respectable hired guns (and facing tragic circumstances in his life) Songs of Guilt & Revenge transcends so much nationally hyped flavor of the month garbage and once again shows Buffalo how it is done. In my opinion, it's the best thing he's ever done-- Norris' finest hour (or however long it is). A key local release of '11.

the Fucking Hotlights - High Society Torture Party Controversial superstars? High Society Torture Partiers? Dirty rock and roll hep cats? You love 'em, you hate 'em--it doesn't matter because Buffalo does need a band (or three) like this. First off, and this is important, this is a great looking record--a fine detail often overlooked by bands laying out their best hand. It sounds good, too. Grimy rock and roll from the AmRep school of noisiness. The live show is certainly a site to behold, but the record puts the songs in a more enjoyable light (unless you've had 12 beers and want the hot-n-handsome Johnny Toohill rolling your ankles while the band calmly delivers the soundtrack to his mental breakdown. I suppose either way, you're getting your moneys worth.

Lieutenant - LP Buffalo Hardcore fans have waited a long time for the release of this bombastic explosion of pure hardcore. They even got together one night and played an overwhelming set to commemorate the occasion. Featuring members of Resist Control (Matto), Gas Chamber (Pat Bolger), Lemuria (Alex Kerns) and local hero/jack of all trades/now ex-pat Eric Ellman–calling this a supergroup would be unfair and corny, yet ultimately true as all of the members are currently in other actively successful bands and 3 out of the 4 run record labels, all of which had a hand in releasing this. Matto’s Peterwalkee label, Bolgers’ Warm Bath Label and Kerns’ Art of the Underground all have their stamp on this slab–limited to 300 copies (100 which are colored). I’d give this one about a month or so to sell out. A snapshot of Buffalo activity right now, though the band is most likely not functioning on a regular basis–this document will be an essential album regardless. Probably sold out at this point, but do yourself a service and keep up on the activities of the labels who released this (all locally based). Peterwalkee, WarmBathLabel and Art of the Underground.
That is all for now as far as local bred LP's that passed through the shop in 2011. We are aware other great lp's came out, too. We'll get to those next post, along with the slew of amazing 7"'s and cassette tapes (Mallwalkers tape-only debut, Utah Jazz) and the hardworking labels that produced them.

One more thing not to be overlooked is Matt Smith's (HiLo Studio) digital only lp that he made, on his own, in his own studio. If there's justice in 2012, it will find a proper release and these songs will be heard live.
Until then, they can be found at : HERE
The name of the album is Immediate Concerns and features 8 killer tracks recorded on the eve of Christmas Eve, 2011. Hopefully physical copies and a backing band (featuring me!) are in the near future. meanwhile, Smith is part of Roger Bryan & the Orphans--who themselves released a critically acclaimed lp in '11 as well.

Rational Animals - Bock Rock Parade Technically not "local", these critters from Rochester have come a long way from the first time i saw them bashing on their instruments in a stinky basements to the weed(ing out)-rock punk they have evolved into, mining later-era Black Flag terrain though not aping it--putting their "upstate ny" stamp all over it. I guess you know what i'm getting at. Don't pass by their 7" singles, either...but this lp is a band growing up and dropping out. Too cool to overlook and we went out of our way to make sure these were in stock. Raised by Feral Kid and "matured" (probably use that term loosely) with their debut lp.

Thanks for reading. Here are some recent in-stocks:

Cheater Slicks - Our Food Is Chaos lp (early works with Alpo from real kids on bass!)
Cheater Slicks - Guttural Live
Florence & the Machine - Ceremonia
Cut Copy - Zonoscope
Electric Wizard - Black Masses
GG King - Esoteric Lore
the Saints - Eternally Yours
James Blake
Beach Boys - Smile Sessions lp (restock)
Yuck s/t
Foster the People - Torches
Culo - Life Is Vile...and So Are We
Intended Play: $1.98 lp featuring Matador?True panther Sounds artists and unreleased tracks from Fucked Up, Stephen Malkmus, Girls, Ceremony, Cold cave and more. 2 bucks!!
Black Keys - El Camino
Nothing People - Smells Like Metal
Mark Lanagen Band - 7" with exclusive b-sides
Guided By Voices - Let's Go Eat The Factory
Howler - America Give Up
Real Estate - s/t
Total Control - Henge Beat (final copies, out of print until further notice)

tons of used stuff, restocks and more in-stocks expected early the week of january 23rd.

also new in store are some beautiful, framed silkscreens and posters of the likes of the Who, MGMT, Hendrix, Kiss, Roky Erickson and more. Large full size and smaller sizes...none over $20. we also have a ton of new buttons made locally by Bit Part Buttons.

Dig Buffalo's indie record shop. Why shop anywhere else? Why?! Oh, because you like wasting money? Well that's not smart. We always order direct and, at the moment, order exclusively from independent distributors. Oddly enough, it's cheaper that way and we don't deal with corporate vermin. And you pay less and that's really all that matters.

anchovies
1.21.12
5:47 pm

2011...these all go to '11

2011. Coulda been a good one for you or a shit one. Either way, you'd have to have had your head buried deeper than a rabbit hole to miss even a handful of the great music that was released last year. It seemed overwhelming at times to even keep up with new stuff that was coming out from all directions. Some would-be classics, perhaps. And what else is there when all is going bad? Music. And regardless of sales graphs and numbers-- '11 was a great year for music. Standout albums, ep's, reissues and even the occasional "fan club release".
Speaking for myself, i could't possibly make a complete list as I didnt hear enough stuff to call that a fair, definitive list. It's a chunk of stuff that, as i spend my days behind a counter at Spiral Scratch, listened to repeatedly and was moved by in some form. But what's my opinion worth over any customer or "helper"? So instead of this post being about me--it's about others whose tastes i value as much as my own. Some even more. Never fool yourself about record store workers who sneer at you...they are merely humanoids who chose to work at a record shop (good move, too) over the local convenience store or cubicle hell. Your opinion is as worthy as anyone's (in most cases...but I still don't get the Black Keys, I'll trust they do something for you.) It's more about how important these releases were to us and that we took the time to express ourselves about them via this sloppy blog. We hope you get satisfaction, information and pleasure from, too.
2011 ended hard for me but I can find good in it. I did, and i too made a list. Lists spark debate sometimes, they can make you take a second look or totally question someones taste. Best case, they introduce you to something you may have missed. So without further ado, let's check out what Spiral Scratch and our friends found good about 2011. In no particular order...

Caitlin Hogan-Lazar
part-time employee, (sub)culture expert, soon to be "worlds greatest mom" and Spiral Scratch interior designer/organizer.

Best Album: Davila 666 - Tan Bajo

tie: Puerto Rico Flowers - s/t

Best 7": Diarrhea Planet - Aloha

Best reissue: John Spencer Blues Explosion - Now I Got Worry

Best song: Brain Flannel - Hand's in the Jar

Best show: New Pornographers @ Town Ballroom

Best new drummer in Plates: Jordan N.

Best cover song: Fatal Figures - Combination Pizza Hut Taco Bell (das racist)

Best Album Cover - Washed Out - Within And Without

Best Flyer- Cages, Sonorous Gale, River of Ichthyosis @ Mohawk

Best New Zine - Subject #1 (pat shanahan)

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Derek Neuland - part-time employee, consultant, CEO of Bit Part Buttons and general 'sweet dude'. Also, one of the Thirsty Dudes* and zinesmith. A crucial asset to our little shop here. Derek responded swiftly with lists aplenty. Enjoy...

Top 11 Albums:
Fucked Up - David Comes To Life Dead Language - s/t Lemuria - Pebble Pains of Being Pure At Heart- "Belong" Joyce Manor - s/t Wild Flag - s/t Jay Z/Kanye West - Watch The Throne Shoppers - Silver Year Oathbreaker - Maelstrom Ke$ha- I Am The Dance Commander + I Command You To Dance:The remix album Big Eyes- Hard Life

11 Best Live Bands
Crystal Castles
Thou
Magrudergrind
Big Eyes
Joyce Manor Ume Procecession Lemuria Off With Their Heads Pleasure Leftists Screaming Females

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Anchovies - owner, Spiral Scratch, big jerk and sloppy looking guy living a dream as long as I can while the rest of the world crumbles around me. I also love music, my mom and old lady, and miss a bunch of folks a lot which makes me crabby sometimes. here are some things that made me very happy, in no order at all, in 2011.

11. Human Eye - They Came From The Sky
Not their first, though most definitely the apex of Timmy Vulgers Human Eye. A bit weird, surrounded by incredible musicians--this may be his crowning achievement so far. Timmys Organism was no slouch either, but TCFTS is a whopper of an album that must be heard.

11. Total Control - Henge Beat - Don't ever let anyone tell you Australia isn't the home of the some of the best rock and roll ever made. You can take the Saints who owned first wave punk and go in all directions. Currently, Eddy Current Suppression Ring have caught the ears of the masses, and with good good reason. Mikey, who plays guitar with the breaking ECSR is also a key cog in this ace aussie outfit. Post-punk, some electronic, some rave up rockers--often herky jerky--Total Control strung it altogether (overshadowing several other great aussie releases) in seemingly effortless, perfection. This is real deal music, folks. Hey, I dug the ICEAGE record but it pales in comparison to this gem. Do not overlook their half of the tour split with thee Oh Sees whom they opened for across the US in 2011. Which leads me to...

11. Thee OhSees/Total Control/Paul Cary @ Bug Jar, Rochester, New York.
Ok, i was turned on to the Oh Sees by my pal Richie right about the time peanut Butter Oven was released. Shortly after, the amazing HELP came out and since then I've been preaching curious customers in their direction as best I can. Yes, Dwyer & Co. release an album every few months and they are not always perfect but considering the body of work to excellent quality, thee Oh Sees deserve every accolade they get. The 2011 lp was no slouch at all (both of them!) notwithstanding. Seeing them twice before, by the time this show happened thee Oh Sees had finally caught on way passed the small garage rock set that was the scene they emerged from. A packed house, half traveling from an hour west (that's here) and a body of new fans. My little secret had gone viral. I could have found a million reasons to say i enjoyed the other shows better, but this was the best show i'd seen all year. Adding the awesome Lars Finberg on second drum kit--this band is in peak form, commanding and just a mindfuck of a great performance. Total Control killing it right before (albiet some sound issues) was nearly as potent, but this was thee Oh Sees show and extending jams showcased how "on" this band is. You will NEVER see a show like this in an arena, not even the Town Ballroom. This is how rock and roll was meant to be viewed--and while thee Oh Sees are confined to small clubs, they will probably destroy it every night. My favorite show of the year. Traveling in a car full of cool was just gravy.

11. Brain F = - Sleep Rough - Punk rock with a girl singer. Not my usual cup of tea, but this lady sings/talks in such a unique and effective way (with male vocals responding) while the music is quite raucous, rough and grating. It takes a few listens, I suppose--but probably one of the more unique and killer punk albums in quite some time. the songs become catchy while maintaining a rowdy edginess. The singles are even more raw, but this album flows and evades comparisons.

11. Dayang q-t 50 scooter - nothing non-musical or human lifted my will to live like the $500 scooter i bought myself towards the end of the summer. Never would i have thought i'd end up on two wheels and speed just ain't my thing, but this scooter (which took some heavy vandalism and bad luck) was my favorite toy/vehicle ( i kinda destroyed the rest anyway). I am a lonley scooter nerd and plan an upgrade in 2012. maybe I'll make a friend who has a scooter and we can start a gang. 800 miles in 3 months. farthest trip: Buffalo to Lewiston and back.

11. Homostupids -Strawberry Orange Peach Banana lp
I almost forgot how this is far and away, my favorite Homostupids release since the first single. It's certainly not for everyone, but it's for me, man. Spinning off was Steves'amazing Pleasure Leftists 12" which is 180 degrees of difference--an outstanding Joy Divison-esque fronted by a killer female vocalist. I'm combining both of these releases into one since I wasted one on a stupid scooter! (ok, yer not stupid...but was it necessary??)

11. Sex Church - Growing Over A band we were fortunate enough to have booked and decided to have play in our own dungeon. The vibe, lighting and sound were all perfect that night, too. Those lucky enough in attendence saw a truly great band deliver the goods. meanwhile, since the early singles and subsequent 12" from last year, Sex Church is on a steady incline of improvement. Growing Over is yet another cerebral, post-punk, dreamy psych-guitar (and hooks) and effects driven piece of beauty. It was a pleasure to continue being sold out of them and knowing people had caught on to Sex Church without any (criminally unfair) online hype or chatter.

11. Psandwich - Northern Psych - Ron House is back (Thomas Jefferson Slave Apartments) and although we never were able to stock this semi-obscurity due to its lack of availability, i'm not sure i listened to a record more than Northern Psych. The man can not only dance, but still belt it out in a love it or hate it cowl. Not every song is great, but the majority are serious winners. Advice: seek this out or i'm going to drive to Columbus Discount headquarters and grab some for stock.

11. Eddy Current Suppression Ring - So Many Things (double lp singles comp)
Spanning the first single, to scarce early versions of early songs to the different side of ECSR (demons demands among other longer, droning jams that are longer and more hypnotic than their typical lp tracks), this comp is really an essential release to one of Planet Earths greatest bands.

11. GG KING - Esoteric Lore - Almost passed me by, one of two shockers that I discovered in the last weeks of 2011. Ex-Carbona, this surpasses my beloved Carbonas (much different) and anything previously heard from GG King (two good singles). But this is just phenomenal. A dark, punk masterwork? Do i speak too soon as I haven't had 12 months to absorb...all I know is I can't stop listening to it and I apologize for not having stocked this. If there are any left, it is on order. Another is Mikal Cronin (Moonhearts) stunner of a solo album (in stock!) which was sent to me from Buffalo ex-pat (and all around nice guy who works for a distro we like) Matt Byrne. Produced by Ty Segall (and crazy flute by John Dwyer) this is more of a killer pop album with garage rock undercurrents than a garage lp. Some real sweets on this album that truly needs to be heard by garage and indie nerds alike--both will appreciate the talents of Cronin.

11. I'm leaving this slot, the final (even though there is no order here) open to those great albums i just didnt spend enough time with--but i know i will and i know i'm digging them already. Kitchens Floor (their second?) "Look Forward To Nothing", the Men "Leave Home", Pheremoans - "It Still Rankles", Tyvek "fast metabolism" ok--this is a top 11 but i simply ran out of room, and the vast number of crucial reissues or unearthed stuff like the Saints "Eternally Yours", Poison Idea "Darby Crash plus" 2x lp. Also absent is the onslaught of Buffalo bred music i have purposely left off so I can go into depth in a future post. I'm rambling...let's hear from the the others.
###

Andy Czuba. Another consultant, part time counter jockey and straightenr up of all things unorganized. A solid dude...but they're all solid, or they wouldn't have keys to the place on their keyrings! Also, a wildman in hardcore band the Strangers.

- Encoffination - O Hell, Shine In Thy Whited Sepulchres-
-Trap Them -Darker Handcraft
- Deafheaven - Roads To Judah
- Zola Jesus - Conatus
- DJing for the first time
- Throwing awesome shows for Trap Them, Gaza,
and Weekend Nachos
- Seeing Thou and Wolves In The Throne Room in the
middle of the woods in Vermont
- Rescuing my 3rd cat, Coach Dad
-Rescuing a several week old kitten from the outdoors where it would
have surely died
- Taking up Photography and having photos appear on
records and in magazines
- New job that I actually don't hate
###
MARISA VIOLET
Large event co-ordinator, spiritual guidance, Record Store Day counter princess and all things indie rock consultant--this post would be incomplete without the input of our better half. Remember...behind every sloppy, poorly dressed, immature and disoriented man, theres a ...wait a minute. thats not the saying! Lets just get to the list. as with most of these, there is no particular order.

Top Albums

-Zola Jesus - Conatus
-Wild Flag - s/t
-Vivian Girls - Share The Joy
-Real Estate - Days
- Atlas Sound - Parallax
-Cut Copy - Zonoscope
-St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
-Bon Iver - s/t
-PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
live shows
-Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings/Charles Bradley @ Town Ballroom
-Mark Kozelek (solo acoustic) The Mansion House, St. Catherines, Ontario
###

Chuck Barrels, CEO Terminal-Boredom.com , co-host of Scratch -n-Sniff Radio, musical mastermind, ultimate Scratch consultant and one of the greatest dudes walking earth. A true man's man (whatever that means). His name is actually Richie. Here is his list.

10 RECORDS FROM 2011 YOU SHOULD BUY FROM SPIRAL SCRATCH

(OR MAKE DAVE ORDER FOR YOU IF THEY ARE OUT OF STOCK)

Disclaimers: listed in no particular order; no local bands included so no one is offended; all products were released in the 2011 calendar year.

1) HUMAN EYE “They Came From The Sky” LP (Sacred Bones)– I never thought a band could be as cool as Hawkwind, but then again I never thought a mutant like Timmy Vulgar could exist on this worl either. Best record of 2011, whether MRR wants to covert them or not.

2) FEEDERZ “Ever Felt Like Killing Your Boss?” LP (Broken) – reissued for the second (third?) time, this is one of the most underrated classic punk LPs from a band that also never really got their due. Sick stuff.

3) POSION IDEA “Darby Crash Rides Again” LP (TKO) – the earliest recording of PI, 1981-82 demos and a live radio set from ’83. Fantastic sound considering the source material, great liner notes from Jerry A, gatefold with photos, etc…Pig Champion’s guitar never sounded so primal.

4) TV GHOST “Mass Dream” LP (In the Red) – if you saw them kill at Soundlab, you know what I’m talking about. The A-Side of this might be my favorite sequence of songs all year. Weird and scary and punk.

5) HOMOSTUPIDS “Strawberry Orange Peach Banana” mini-LP (Fashionable Idiots) – AMERICA’S GREATEST BAND unleash another masterpiece. This one is their ‘Dark Side of the Moon’.

TYVEK “Fast Metabolism” LP (M’Ladys) – the LP they should have released a couple years ago finally sees light as it should have been presented. DIY art-punk of the highest caliber.

7) CHEATER SLICKS “Our Food Is Chaos” LP (Almost Ready) – essential early recordings from the masters of misanthropy.

8) SEX CHURCH “Growing Over” LP (Load) – if you were transported to another dimension during their performance in the basement of the Scratch like I was, you should already own this. If you missed it, you should immediately buy the best guitar-psych record of the year.

9) GG KING “Esoteric Lore” LP (SOD/Rob’s House) – ex-Carbonas frontman puts together a schizophrenic KBD/goth/metal classic.

10) Folded Shirt s/t 12" (Fashionable Idiots) – pure genius. That’s all I can say.

####

Last, but not least is the bearded lothario. The man who defies space and time constraints in the name of rock and roll, screen printing , and just being a great man. He hasn't manned the counter in some time due to his busy schedule, but we hope to have him back as soon as he is able. He also runs the wildy prolific Feral Kid Records with the fruits of his labors, nearly single-handedly giving the Buffalo punk scene a voice on vinyl. Somehow, he found time to make a 2011 retrospective list. Read on...

Top 11 of '11

Any moron who makes blanket statements saying that no good music comes out anymore is CLEARLY not paying attention or listening to the right records. This year was insane!!!! There are far too many good records, and I won't cheapen any of them by attempting to put a numerical order to these. My top 11 records will be listed in alphabetical order and are my favorite 11 records of any format that came out this year.

The Beach Boys - SMiLE LP Capitol Records

I'm not gonna spend too much time bothering to talk about this one. What could some chump like me say that hasn't already been said about this record? The sticker on the shrink wrap of SMiLE refers to it as "The Most Anticipated Record In Rock 'N' Roll History". It's the shelved recordings that were to be the followup to Pet Sounds in 1967. What else really needs to be said? I can understand someone's skepticism, but It's actually quite good and a lot darker at times than people seem to think The Beach Boys are capable of. After hearing this record I can certainly see why the recording of it led to some mental breakdowns for Mr. Wilson, or maybe it was that pesky kid next door….who knows? Either way; dark, goofy, catchy, beautiful record.

Brazilian Nuggets Volume 1; Back From the Jungle LP Groovie Records

I am an absolute sucker for compilations such as these. This is the first of a three volume set which i cannot WAIT for the next two to become available. Every aspect of this LP rules; from the killer artwork, to the full color photos in the gatefold, to (most importantly) the music contained within the grooves! The archaeologists at Groovie Records have exhumed a cavalcade of hits here. It spans a pretty diverse realm of tunes from the '60s and '70s in Brazil. Dingy garage gems are intertwined with weirdo psych influenced jams and bizarre rock 'n' roll type tracks which WOULD be some very anthemic songs if they weren't cursed with their obscurity due to the oppressive regime of Brazil at the time. Anyways, this comp rules. Pick it up if you dig any aspect of garage rock, psychedelia, pre-punk weirdness, or have an interest in world music.

Davila 666 - Tan Bajo LP In The Red Records

I had been hearing good things about this band for a while now and snoozed on them for far too long. The snooze button was intentionally hit once again though even after hearing the praise of this LP. I just couldn't get past the godawful cover art of this one. It's terrible! It truly looks like nothing I would ever want to hear. All of that, however, melts away once you actually hear the record. These songs are incredible and will be stuck in your head like the worst radio pop songs….the difference is that these songs are actually GOOD! Be prepared to possibly seem culturally insensitive as you WILL be singing these songs at high volume in the shower even though they may not be in your native tongue. Hopefully any Puerto Ricans within earshot will understand the sheer power of these poppy garage rock gems and not be offended by your poor spanish; misinterpreted and sung at high decibels.

Dead Language - s/t LP Iron Lung Records

This behemoth record has received a good amount of hype since its release, and with good fucking reason! It's unreal! The angriest hardcore record I've heard in a long fucking time! There is NO reason for anyone reading this to not have this record. I mean, come on, its IRON LUNG with local madman Dave Bailey (Gas Chamber, Solutions, Cages….) on bass with the dude from No Comment singing and also has dudes from Walls and Pig Heart Transplant doing other things (not entirely sure who did what so i don't wanna give the wrong info).

Death Trap - No Hicks EP Feral Kid Records / Warm Bath Label

Alright, I recognize that it may seem a bit screwy that i am putting a record that I released on my Top Records of the Year List. Egomaniacal, huh? Well I don't care! It's THAT GOOD! This record has been in the making since 1984 and only saw the light of day this year (even though the labels on the record say it came out in 2010, it did not). This record deserves ANY sort of excitement that it creates. Death Trap is the missing link between KBD punk and 80's hardcore. How in the world this had gone 27 years without seeing the light of day is the most monumental travesty that I can think of. Having been listening to these songs very regularly for the last number of years while we worked out the specifics of the release, I can honestly say that they do not get old or lose their edge. Truly the best kept secret in punk! Buy this record and bow down to the mighty Death Trap!!

Group Flex - Flexi 7" Compilation Castle Face Records

In 2011 aesthetics cannot be overstated. We live in a time where people don't think they need to buy records because the music is instantly available at their fingertips without spending a cent. Well my friends, this comp is a perfect example of how to break people away from that mindset. It's BEAUTIFUL! This is a steno bound book containing 5 flexi 7"s (and one record pressed on cardboard, yikes) each with a different band on them and cool artwork. You turn to the flexi you want to listen to, put the book on your turntable, and play the whole damn thing! AND it actually sounds really good. This is truly a work of art. Bands include; Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall & Mikal Cronin, The Fresh & Onlys, Barb Wires, and Blasted Canyons and the whole thing is very listenable. Super catchy and memorable tunes by most of the bands.

Human Eye - They Came From The Sky LP Sacred Bones Records

Human Eye is another band that I had seen live before being aware of their recorded output. After seeing them for the first time a few years ago, and taking the time necessary to pick my jaw off the floor, I was eventually able to slowly make my way over to the merch table and somehow formulate the words necessary to explain that I wanted to purchase anything they had for sale, though it was probably just a lot of grunting and pointing. Human Eye's records up till now are good, don't get me wrong, but I've always felt that there was something missing. Whatever the hell it was, they FOUND it on this LP. It's INSANE! I don't even know how to begin to review it, its just plain bonkers! To fully experience Human Eye, I must insist that you go out and see them, but this record is the closest that i think they will ever get to capturing the intensity of their live show.

Lieutenant - s/t LP Art of the Underground / Warm Bath Label / Peterwalkee Records

Roughly seven years ago I was lucky enough to see this bands beginnings at their first Buffalo, NY appearance. It was pretty awesome then, and in 2011 when they played again it was mind-blowing! This LP has been talked about around the area here for a very long time and now that it has finally seen the light of the day I couldn't be happier. Four of the heaviest hitting dudes in the local area really upped the ante with this record. Pissed off fast hardcore punk with killer riffs, heavy drums, and demented vocals. Oh, and that pretty bass outro, FUCK! WELL worth the insanely long wait!

Organized Sports - "i'm So Proud of Him" LP Bulkhead Records / HIV Town Records

This year i was not only lucky enough to get into this band, but was blessed with seeing them in three different cities; Cleveland, Buffalo, and their hometown Portland, OR. From the first night seeing them i was floored! This is my kinda hardcore, pissed off from start to finish, and incredibly sincere. Super entertaining live, and the record does not disappoint. There is no bullshit on this LP whatsoever. If you like old sounding, pissed off hardcore-punk, you HAFTA like this band.

Rational Animals - Bock Rock Parade LP Katorga Works Records

Rochester, NY's unwanted bastard child returns with their third release to date, this time with their debut LP - Bock Rock Parade. I am a very biased man when it comes to this band, having put out all of their releases up to this point, but i had nothing to do with any aspect of this record. I can't help but WISH that i did though. It rules so damn hard! The riffs have gotten a bit more complex from the first two EP's and at times almost seem like they could be the song playing as you ride on a carousel. Even with the circus riffs though, the grit on the solos and the anger and desperation coming through on the vocals make this one downright disturbing record. I challenge you to be in a good mood while listening to this, and i mean all of that in the best possible way.

Shoppers - Silver Year LP Feeble Minds / Dugged Conscience

This has been one incredible year for western and central NY bands putting out killer records. Shoppers "Silver Year" LP is no exception to that statement. I've seen this band a handful of times over the last few years, and watching them progress to this has been awesome. Silver Year is a masterpiece. This record is really dark and disturbing in musical and lyrical content. When i got it on cassette before the LP came out, I couldn't stop listening to it. I just let it play over and over and over again feeling that there was still more to grasp from it. I feel like there should be more said about it, but STILL am not able to adequately put it into words. I love this band, and this record. They're becoming a touring machine, so do yourself a favor and find a way to catch them.

###

Wait, there's more to come...a few customers submitted lists! Without their permission, here they are!


Joshua Cerretti posted:
Good Luck 'Without Hesitation'
Office of Future Plans 's/t'
Pygmy Lush 'Old Friends'
Roll the Tanks 'Broke 'til Midnight'
Hawks and Doves 'Year One'
Bridge and Tunnel 'Rebuilding Year'
Star Fucking Hipsters 'From the Dumpster to the Grave'
Elliot Brood 'Days into Years'
Scorpios 's/t'
Mastodon 'The Hunter'
Samiam 'Trips'.
I think that's 11.

"Uptown" Bobby Ellis, browser and man about town:
Ice Age - 'New Brigade'
Real Estate - 'Days'
Twin Sister - 'In Heaven'
La Sera - 'La Sera'
Total Control - 'Henge Beat'
Destroyer - 'Kaputt'
The Beets - 'Let The Poison Out'
Sea Lions - 'Everything You Always Wanted To Know...'
Thee Oh Sees - 'Carrion Crawler/The Dream'
Pure X - 'Pleasure'
Men - 'Leave Home'

Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to write about the records you loved or the good times had in 2011. If you'd like to contribute a top 11 of '11 list, it's not too late. send us an email at spiral scratch records and we'll post it. In the meantime, we'll do our best to re-stock many of these and keep the best of '12 coming in as we can. remember--you are the shareholders and you keep us alive, no multi-millionaire backing here. but we shall grow in the coming year and keep you supllied with the best music available. you can help letting us know just what that is, too.

part 2 forthcoming.

anchovies

1.10.12

5:39 a.m.

December Report: Car Crash, Holiday Party, Incoming...

I don't hate the holidays...but I sure can't wait until they are over. Everyone above 30 years old has a bad memory (or misty eyed good one) re-ignited during the joyous season of consumption, getting together and eating and/or drinking. I try not to be a winter whiner. Wino, maybe. They don't have to suck (read below about our Holiday Miracle™ Xmas Party at Spiral Scratch '11) and so far, they don't. Quite an accomplishment given the current surroundings. My holiday season received a jolt at he hands of a 100+ year old tree in Kenmore, NY about 5 houses down from Chateau D'Anchovies. (did you know it's an automatic traffic ticket if you strike a tree in kenmore, Ny with your vehicle? well. it is. funfacts!) It was a day like any other...I was running late to open the shop--pre-empting a shower, coffee or splash of water to the face I began the coast to the stop sign in the vehicle I received after my beloved father unexpectedly passed away in 2008. A 2005 Ford Explorer. USMC bumper stickers and various religious items planted inside by my mother which I didn't dare remove.

I never particularly cared for 'the truck'--except when i could engage 4 wheel drive and drive through snowbanks with the greatest of ease. But i felt part of the old man in that vehicle with me, which I shamefully let become my office on wheels. It had a particularly annoying feature: a constant beeping until all seatbelts were engaged. I backed out while lighting a cigarette, slammed it in drive and checked the time as I turned to buckle up for safety. How fast was I going? No idea. I was approaching a stop sign. or so I thought. A surreal jolt and the world had turned on its side. In addition, I felt my head wet (two streams of headblood) and my side pierced with a sudden pain. I drifted off the road and struck a tree, flipping "the truck" on to it's side. no air bag deployment...just the sound of vehicle fluids pouring from a huge open wound on the right front end. I thought it might blow up as I began crawling through broken glass and trying to salvage a box of my favorite records which was riding shotgun.
Fuck it! She's gonna blow while I'm picking up records, trapped inside a vehicle on a quiet Tuesday afternoon. Physical Graffitti! Alladin Sane! Perfect copies! Back into the box. Still, nobody had arrived on the scene. I could see a local baby sitter just looking from the safety of her porch as I tried to open a door. None were cooperating. I turned back to gather more cherished items. Well into shock and "what the hell just happened?" mode, I was somewhat clear thinking (for me, anyway) I hoped nothing "sketchy" or even..."illegal" had been left inside that could make the worst situation worse. I checked the usual spots. Clean as a whistle. (what does that even mean? you'd think a whistle would be filled with old spittle and gross shit. I've never thought about it. Idioms. Maybe it's the sound?) "Unlock the door!" i tried, but it wouldnt work. Put the truck in park, more records seperated from broken glass, more blood. Eventually I'm helped out and dusting myself off it sinks in. I'm not hurt enough to not be "up shit creek" (now there's an idiom i GET). I've destroyed the truck. My dad's truck. Now the last time I was in a serious car accident, I was a tiny child of sorts. I don't even remember it. This, my cherry popper. The ugliest sound, a ton of metal and rubber slamming into an immovable object (or, in some cases, another ton of metal and rubber which is movable--but devastating still.)
The police arrive, the fire department and eventually a meat wagon crawls to the scene on all fours. Think i'll just take my records and go home for the day. Some guy is helping me carry stuff to my porch before they take it away. It's early afternoon and I'm clearly sober, but if you hit a tree 50 feet from your driveway, you get the drills. the light to the eyes. the sobriety tests, the option to get a free ride to kenmore mercy™ or walk home. i go home, aching and the neighbors still aren't speaking to me. Happy Holidays, neighbor. 3 days later i make sure i haven't popped a lung ( 2 cracked ribs which, in case you are not aware, hurt like a motherfucker /HLMF. (sorry folks).
###

Holiday Miracle at Spiral Scratch (beta) December 17th, 2011

An offhanded idea due to lack of holiday party invites blossomed into the first Spiral Scratch Holiday Miracle & Xmas Party! (but...the deals? it said super deals!)

Thank you to all who attended the holiday gala in our newly civilized dungeon/storeage & showspace. We were, again, humbled by all who atteneded and hope your time was as good as ours. Though we remained open until passed 1 a.m., it wasnt about records so much as it was hanging out, listening to music, eating, drinking, sulking with good people. And make no mistake, you're all fine folks for walking through those doors. Pictures forthcoming and will be edited into this post.

Music supplied by Teo (papa t) Lazar and Anchovies.

We hope to do more events like this without a reason in the future, too.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Incoming:

Thee Oh Sees/Total Control split 12" By now, if you read this blog or shop at SS, theres a good chance you are familiar with at least one of these bands. Upstart aussies (featuring Mikey from Eddy Current) Total Control unleashed a whopper of a debut album on an unsupecting public (Henge Beats) while Thee Oh Sees continued to dominate in many ways. remaining consistent at the fever pitch of releases must be a daunting task...but Thee Oh Sees seem to have plenty of gas in the tank. Here are 4 killer tracks from each band who recently toured North America.

CULO - LIFE IS VILE...AND SO ARE WE! (Deranged) Yes you are, Culo...just not Kurt Vile. He has a new 12" out which is the bonus disc of the recently repackaged "Childish Prodigy" LP. Culo have very little in common with the Philly songwriter and I'd imagine not too many people own both albums! This here is a collection of Culo's singles (trendy thing this report). Goddamn. Culo are a spastic, punk-type hardcore band from Chicago. A slew of singles to their credit are gathered here on a fine introductory singles comp. Punk ain't dead, ya big jerks. And if you long for the good ol' days, here's a good band to check out who, while influenced by the past, are just using it as a guide while creating NOW sounding punk rock. Check 'em out HERE (mp3).


EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING- So Many Things (Goner) One of three croooooshial [sic] singles comps that were released in December, So Many Things carries you through the very early days of the band (started on a lark by 4 australian record plant employees at a work christmas party back in 2003). Bare bones rock and roll, ECSR have released a slew of singles (most oop and hard to find) and 3 stellar lp's. While members seem to be taking time off to work on other projects, get acquainted with a chronilogical collection featuring a killer pagans cover, the bands tendency to release longer, hypnotic jammers that showcase their live show and chemistry as a band. Shit, I could talk all day about this band...one of my favourites of the last few years. A must own for all fans of the band.

TY SEGALL - SINGLES 2007-2010 (Goner) - I recall, at the advice of consultant/guru Richie "Chuck Barrels" K. of terminal-boredom fame, ordering Segalls debut 12" in the early days of the shop. "This kid is a wunderkind. He's gonna get big." Well, I may often absorb credit for great music barrels turned me on to (but thats the way its supposed to be, anyway) and spreading it to anyone who would listen to me. Many did and in 2011, Ty Segall is pretty big considering the genre, not to mention he has excelled as songwriter in that time. Here, this double album chronologically lays down Segalls rise in both songwriting and fidelity; the early days were killer, yet pretty lo-fi. He loves covering songs and putting his own stamp on them (if you are lucky, you own a killer lp's worth of T-Rex covers aptly titled "Ty Rex") along with ace b-sides (and a sides). Some of his finest moments came off these 7" records over the last few years.

OFFICE OF FUTURE PLANS - s/t (dischord) Featuring DC figurehead J. Robbins, this band started off as a one-off live show and ended up as a collaborative band who have recently released their debut album. Good looking men with very little hair, but a fine pedigree. They also have a 7" out, and this should make fans of the band and/or its members (drummer darren zentek was also in kerosene 454). Straight from Dischord Records along with a hefty restock from the labels back catalog, and Helmet's "Strap It On" & "Meantime" and Sonic Youth's "Evol" & "Sister" reissues.

MIKAL CRONIN - s/t Cronin fronts a garage rock band (who kick ass, by the way) called the MOONHEARTS and while this album was produced by Ty Segall and features wildman John Dwyer (thee Oh Sees) blowing into a flute--this ain't no garage rock record as much as it is a killer rockin' pop album, well produced by Segall. seemingly coming out of nowhere (and suggested to us by Matt Byrne, a buffalo-to-chicago distro sales guy), Cronin has people talking after rave reviews (including an 8.1 poke from Pitchfork) and a buzz from the internet intelligentsia. And that's a good thing when you know the album is gonna hold up, you can't stop listening to it.
Another bright spot in the very prolific SanFran garage scene, Cronin tends to lean more towards psychedelic pop, catchy harmonies and sometimes rocking out. But it's an accomplishment for such a young man and top notch album released by the thoroughly awesome 0 label, based out of Chiago and big helpers following our shop fire.

SIGUR ROS - INNI Sigur Ros vinyl has been no easy task to stock, except for the "Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust" lp which you will usually find in stock, it's been hard to obtain. Inni is a 3 lp set detailing the Icelandic post-rockers live show in both audio (3xlp or 2x cd) and visual (dvd) form. With an unbeatable price, we proudly have a few of these to go around--though they were first thought to be limited.

other incoming new things of note:

Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire
Mark "BBQ" Sultan - Whenever I Want/Whatever I Want (clear)
Torche/Part Chimp split 12"
the Saints - Eternally Yours (reissue)
Kylesa/Victims 7"
Waste Management 7"
Deafheaven (and a healthy Deathwish™ restock)
M83 - Hurry Up We're Dreaming
Real Estate - Days
Jesus Lizard - Club
Guilty Pleasures lp
Screeching Weasal - Carnival...
Spits - V
Brain F
Brown Sugar lp/7"
White Whale/Mallwalkers split 7"
Drug Party cassette series: Dirt Eyes, Utah Jazz, Mallwalkers, Rat Mask

plus loads of previously enjoyed product, new Melted Record Bowls, lp+7" sleeves, 45 spindles, and GIFT CERTIFICATES good on anything in the store--including special orders.

thanks for reading.

anchovies
12.22.11
5:47 a.m.

and happy birthday to one of the most solid dudes i've been privileged to know since i was 10 days old. J.Zampano turns 41.