Ewan Dobson - Ewan Dobson ll (2010)

Instrumental, Guitar, Fingerstyle

     I hope you're not too turned off by the album cover, cause this CD is great.  I'm  actually listening to it for the first time right now, and was so impressed I had to write a quick post.  As mentioned above this is an instrumental CD, so know that going in.  I don't listen to instrumental music as much as I did when I was in school (great for writing papers) but there have been a few instrumental albums on my radar lately and this one just made the top of the list.  I know nothing about Ewan Dobson, so hold on while I pull up his wiki page...Ok so this is his 5th CD and he lives in Ontario.  Apparently he also was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome, so maybe that's why no lyrics... Anyway, I really like this one. Sounds like showing off.

Ewan Dobson - Marli

Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine (1989)

Industrial Pop

     The album that started it all.  Pretty Hate Machine was the chart topping debut of the now legendary (and disbanded) industrial pop giant, Nine Inch Nails.  The album is now 20 years old and Trent Reznor has released a 2010 remastered version, which contains a bonus cover of Queen's Get Down, Make Love.  NIN is one of those bands that has been labeled 'goth' or whatever, but the truth is that over their massive 20+ year career, they have consistently blended many genres, from electronic to pop.  If your one of the few people still unfamiliar with Nine Inch Nails, this album is the perfect place to start. Sounds like dirt & sex.

Nine Inch Nails - The Only Time



Nine Inch Nails - Head Like A Hole

Black Moth Super Rainbow - Eating Us (2009)

Underground, Synth, Chill

     "Who listens to this shit?" That's what I said to myself the first time I heard BMSR. With the exception of one or two songs, their first few albums are almost unlistenable.  Eating Us however, is a step in the right direction.  Many many steps in the right direction.  BMSR has created one of the most distinct & original sounds since Primus (that's probably the only comparison I can make) and is definitely an acquired taste.  Not for everyone, but give it a chance.  Listen to this song at least twice, and you'll be humming it all day. Sounds like syrup.

Black Moth Super Rainbow - Born On A Day The Sun Didn't Rise

Polaris - Music From The Adventures Of Pete & Pete (1999)

Indie Rock, Nostalgic 

     Remember The Adventures Of Pete & Pete? Of course you do.  Well the band Polaris was pretty much formed with the sole purpose of making music for the show.  You'll probably immediately recognize the song 'Hey Sandy' which served as the shows theme, but there are plenty of other gems on this album.  It was released in '99, a couple years after the show itself ended, and all the music featured on the album was used in the show at some point.  Why they waited until '99 to put it out I don't know. Maybe they just wanted to release something before the 90s were over. Sounds like nostalgia.

On a related note. Check out Michelle Trachtenberg's new MAXIM photos. Holyshit!

Polaris - Hey Sandy

Broken Bells (2010)

Indie, Soft Alt. Rock

     Broken Bells covered major ground last summer with their single 'The High Road', which got a lot of air play, impressive since this is their debut album. To be honest I was kind of disappointed when I heard their song on the radio, when I thought I had been listening to an unknown indie band. But whatever, that doesn't make the album any less catchy.  One of the better indie albums I've found so far. Sounds like Fall.

Broken Bells - October

David Cross - Bigger & Blackerer (2010)

Comedy, Stand Up

     If your not following David Cross you should be.  He's co-creator of the ground breaking HBO sketch comedy series Mr.Show, and recently premiered a brand new miniseries on IFC called The Increasingly Poor Decisions Of Todd Margret, but most people probably know him as Tobias from Arrested Development.  Anyway, as impressive as his TV resume may be, he's a stand up comedian at heart.  Bigger & Blackerer came out in 2010, and like most of his CDs, I've listened to it multiple times.  Hilarious and thought provoking comedy. I posted a clip from the DVD below.

David also has a book out called I Drink For A Reason.

Black Mountain - Wilderness Heart (2010)

Indie, Alternative, Rock

     This is Black Mountain's third album, and served as my introduction to the band. Wilderness Heart made a lot of 'best of 2010' lists, and is definitely worth a listen.  Great indie rock from Vancouver.

Black Mountain - The Way To Gone

Peeping Tom (2006)

Trip Hop?

     Vocal and experimental legend Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Tomahawk) finally releases a record for the masses. Patton spent years sending tracks to potential collaborators, which ultimately included artists such as Dub Trio, Massive Attack, Rahzel, Kool Keith and many more.  Released on Patton's own record label Ipecac, the album fuses rap, rock, jazz, pop & soul, to create a sound that defies the term 'genre'.

Peeping Tom - Mojo (feat. Rahzel & Dan The Automator)

Dopefight - Buds (2010)

Stoner, Groove Metal

     Thank fucking god for this album.  I grew out of that screaming shit years ago, and I'm pretty picky when it comes to metal these days, so when an album like this comes along I have a hard time containing myself.  Buds is mostly instrumental, and the vocals that are there are very tolerable. Personally I just love the riffs.  I posted one of my favorite tracks below. I'm gonna try and keep posting samples from YouTube. Anyway, this is good hard shit.

Dopefight - Jock Witch

Black Dub (2010)

Dub, Soul, Female Vocalist

     Black Dub is the eponymous debut album by the Daniel Lanois instigated collaboration Black Dub, an amalgam of dub, blues, soul & rock. They caught my attention immediately with their first single 'I Believe In You'. The video is posted below.

Ghosts & Bones (2011)

Rock, Bluesy

     This one is short but sweet. Ghosts & Bones is a New York based duo who have only been together 3 months, and have somehow managed to put out this surprisingly strong 4 track EP. For fans of The Black Keys & The Heavy. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, it's completely free! Preview & download all 4 tracks in your choice of format at Bandcamp. Enjoy.

Black Space Riders (2010)

Psychedelic Rock

     Really cool stuff.  Psychedelic rock from Germany with some seriously groovy riffs.  It's one of those albums where all the tracks seem to melt into each other. For fans of Kyuss and stoner jam rock. One of my favorites right now. Last.FM

Black Space Riders - Black Book Of Cosmic Salvation (Part 2)

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - Fruit (2009)

Pop, Female Vocalist

     It is very rare that I will recommend a pop record, because for the most part I can't stand pop music, but this debut album is too good to ignore.  Extremely catchy vocals and instrumentals.  Pretty much every song is a single, and chances are you've heard some of their tunes already. Several songs on the album have been used in commercials and TV promos (Apple, MadMen) which is how I discovered them. Check 'em out at LastFM

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - Around The Bend

The Toyes (1983)

Classic Reggae

     Unfortunately The Toyes only released this one album, but it was a huge hit, so big it kicked both Michael Jackson & Journey out of the #1 slot for most requested song.  The opening track 'Smoke Two Joints' is instantly recognizable, however since Sublime's cover, people seem to forget that it was The Toyes who originally wrote the song. The album also includes a very interesting reggae cover of 'Freebird'. This album is a must have for reggae fans & pot heads. You can get it on Amazon for really cheap.

The Toyes - Freebird

Atmosphere - To All My Friends (2010)

Hip-Hop, Independent 

     This is hands down the best hip-hop I heard in 2010.  It was released by Ant & Slug to hold Atmosphere fans over until the next full length album comes out. To All My Friends is about half the length of an average Atmosphere EP (12 tracks), but it's an album you can listen to all the way through. Extremely satisfying. 

Atmosphere - The Major Leagues

Pulp - This Is Hardcore (1998)

Alt. Rock

     Despite the album title Pulp is not hardcore, but rather an English indie band, which is apparently pretty big in the UK.  Overall the album has a soft sound, and to be honest, I didn't like it at first, but after a few listens I was hooked.  I checked out a handful of other Pulp albums and this seems to be the best one.

Pulp - I'm A Man

The Optimist - GZA & Friends vs. Tom Waits (2008)

Hip-Hop, Experimental, Collaboration

     I'm not sure if this is an official release or not  & I couldn't find much information on this album in general, but that doesn't make it any less interesting.  An unexpected collaboration to say the least. Amasa suggested that GZA & Tom Waits may have met on the set of Coffe & Cigarettes which makes sense. To be honest I don't think there is much new or original Tom Waits on this album, but rather remixes of Tom Waits' songs, with hip-hop veterans such as Atmosphere, Aesop Rock, GZA, Kool Keith and many more. Again, I have no idea if this is a legit album, but it definitely exists. Hard to find, good luck.

The Optimist - GZA vs. Tom Waits (Rounds 1, 2 & 3)

Louis C.K. - Hilarious (2011)

Comedy, Stand Up

     If you follow stand up comedy even remotely, then you already know about Louie CK.  He's quickly becoming a legend in the stand up community.  This is his newest CD, only 10$ on iTunes and worth every penny. It's downloading as I type this.

Louis C.K. - Technical High School 

K-OS - The Anchorman Mixtape (2010)

Underground, Hip-Hop, Collaboration

     I haven't listened to the whole album yet but what I've heard is pretty cool.  Each track features one or more different guest MC's.  It's a little gangsta rappish, but it's pretty toned down.  A lot of Anchorman sound clips, and remixing clips from the movie. If you loved Anchorman like I did, it's definitely worth checking out. Hard to find though.

K-OS - The Lonely Ones

Monster Magnet - Mastermind (2010)

Space Rock

     Every song is gold. If your familiar with MM you won't be disappointed.  Gigantic vocals and a classic sludge sound. Few pioneer bands last as long as MM has and still maintain that slap in the face attitude. And Dave Wyndorf's lyrics are the best...

"I wanna start a fire. Fly a jet, save a dog, get paid for being right"

Genius.  Stayed in my car for months.

Monster Magnet - Dig That Hole

7L & Esoteric - 1212 (2010)

Hip-Hop, Underground

I know very little about 7L & Esoteric, but I know that this album is the fuckin' shit. Extremely catchy beats and guest appearences by Evidence, Reef The Lost Cauze & Inspectah Deck of Wu-Tang fame. Grade A Hip-Hop.

7L & Esoteric - 12th Chamber (feat. Inspectah Deck)

Deftones - Diamond Eyes (2010)

Alternative Metal

     Apparently the Deftones were working on an album entitled Eros when their bassist, Chang was injured in a serious car accident, and as far as I know still remains in a coma like state. The album was put on hold and the remaining members produced Diamond Eyes, which has become one of my top albums of 2010. It may take a few listens, but there are some incredibly infectious tunes on this album, including the title track and You've Seen The Butcher which is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite Deftone jams. 

Deftones - You've Seen The Butcher