Four more... As I've been delving into all of this personal history (or old CDs), some of which I haven't revisited in ages, it's apparent which albums have held up in my mind versus those that haven't.  This has proven both interesting and disappointing depending on what I've listened to.  In some ways this sort of makes me regret my decision to reexamine these albums, their impact permanent despite my new assessments.  You sort of go, "Huh...  I wonder why this was such a big deal."  Naturally, exposure humbles your opinions with regard to your milestone records.  Age does, too.  At 17, my musical world tiny next to where I am at 37, I definitely interpreted these releases differently.  But, like I said, some have held up.  For that, I'm grateful.   Nine Inch Nails – The Downward Spiral When Trent Reznor released the Broken EP, which was much more of a metallic and guitar-driven affair than Pretty Hate Machine had been, I ...

S.O.A. First Demo 12/29/80 Dischord Records Released: 3.14 *Genuine shock. **Despite my daughter's reservations, First Demo 12/29/80 is completely worth picking up for any fans of D.C. hardcore and, in my opinion, trumps in many ways the performances in the No Policy EP.   Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Liars Mess Mute Released: 3.24.14 No Ripcord review Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

So, Boris and Boredoms dosing Leary style?  Bo Ningen 's new single, "DaDaDa," is a rapid, thick mass of guitar noise and vocal melody that caught me by surprise.  Colorful.  Very colorful.  Very loud.  I think it's pretty cool so, if that means anything , please give "DaDaDa" a listen. Bo Ningen's new album is III and it will be out May 20th on Stolen Recordings.  Tour dates and release info are provided by PIAS.    Bo Ningen Announce New Album Details + US/UK Tour Dates Artist: Bo Ningen Title: III Release Date: May 20th (US) / May 13th (UK/ROW) Cat. No. : SR077 CD / double LP / download Label: Stolen Recordings  Bo Ningen's third album III will be released by Stolen Recordings on May 20th, 2014 (May 13th in UK/ROW). It is a rich and accomplished album that has seen them evolve musically. Collaborations with Jehnny Beth of Savages and Roger Robinson of King Midas Sound feature and they've sung partly in English for th...

Melvins Unplugged...  I, like many of you following the ever-prolific and constancy of the Melvins, have been hearing of this Buzz Osbourne acoustic work.  I hadn't posted anything because I wanted to hear something before fashioning any opinion.  So, Rolling Stone posted this "Dark Brown Teeth" track, which is characteristically aggro.  He maintains a good level of energy, managing to tone it down without betraying his Buzz-ness.  It's pretty cool.  The album is called This Machine Kills Artists and it's out on Ipecac.  It's out June 3rd.  All info comes courtesy of Speakeasy PR & Marketing. Photo credit: Mackie Osborne   THE MELVINS' BUZZ OSBORNE RELEASES FULL-LENGTH SOLO DEBUT, THIS MACHINE KILLS ARTISTS, JUNE 3 VIA IPECAC RECORDINGS  Los Angeles, March 18, 2014 - Buzz Osborne, the legendary grunge progenitor who has helmed the Melvins for thirty plus years, releases his debut solo full-length album, This Machine ...

From Iggy Pop 's Facebook page: My dear friend Scott Asheton passed away last night. Scott was a great artist, I have never heard anyone play the drums with more meaning than Scott Asheton. He was like my brother. He and Ron have left a huge legacy to the world. The Ashetons have always been and continue to be a second family to me. My thoughts are with his sister Kathy, his wife Liz and his daughter Leanna, who was the light of his life. Iggy Pop Scott Asheton, founding member and drummer of The Stooges , has passed away at 64 .  He's followed his brother, Ron , who died in 2009 .    While Iggy Pop remains one of the greatest frontmen in rock 'n roll's history, he had the brothers Asheton powering his every utterance with sonic manna from some perverse nether-heaven, guitar work that could slice through steal and a snare hit that rattled senses.  Scott and Ron both changed the game, nailing the lid shut on the 60s and providing a template for what...

I'm not big on nostalgia.  At least, not normally. It's rare that I bask in the warm glow of fond remembrances or gaze at photos or relics of my youth satisfied with the experiences they depict or the joyous interactions we've shared.  The past for me is empty and I find myself looking ahead most of the time as the unchanging and meaninglessness of yesterday falls deeper and deeper from the grasp of recollection.  Any time I've allowed myself even a second's worth of self-examination via personal history, I wind up irretrievably sunk into a vast network of "what ifs," rethinking my way out of mistakes I've made, pissed off at being young and stupid and incapable of doing things differently.  Truth be told, childhood and adolescence were both obstacles for me, something that had to be negotiated and worked through before being finally rewarded with adulthood.  There wasn't much to enjoy about being young.  I wanted autonomy.  I don't envy the ...