For your Friday's amusement, please check out the gritty Free Jazz and No Wave informed Aperiodic .  Their new album, Future Feedback , was released this week and the band is comprised of members that are currently or have previously performed in Holy Fuck , The Exponential , Enon , A Ten O’ Clock Scholar and Lab Partners .  Future Feedback was recorded by Shane Chaney of the band Swear Jar and mastered by Bob Weston ( Shellac , Mission of Burma ). All info and links were provided by Phratry Records . Future Feedback by APERIODIC Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

I was recently exposed to Coves , a Nugget -flirtation dealing in shoegazy psychedelia and post-punk repetition.  The band recently released an EP called Cast A Shadow , which is out via Cross Keys Records .  The album is available to sample below as is a remix of the band's single, "No Ladder," which was reinterpreted by members of the band, TOY .  All info, links and music were courtesy of Meliz Gokturk from Wasted Youth PR. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

I received this press release from AGGRONAUTIX this morning.  A new book of photographs from the collections of David Markey and Jordan Schwartz called, We Got Power!: Hardcore Punk Scenes From 1980s Southern California , is available for pre-order. Here is the press release from AGGRONAUTIX. WE GOT POWER! Hardcore Punk Scenes From 1980s Southern California , by David Markey and Jordan Schwartz Available for Pre-order Now HERE for October 5, 2012 shipping In 1979, punk was over... but by 1981, hardcore was born. As teenagers in 1981, David Markey and his best friend Jordan Schwartz founded We Got Power, a fanzine dedicated to the first-generation hardcore punk music community in their native Los Angeles. Their text and cameras captured the early punk spirit of Black Flag , the Minutemen , Social Distortion , Red Cross/Redd Kross , Suicidal Tendencies , the Descendents , White Flag , The Last , The Gun Club , Saccharine Trust , Sin 34 , Nip Drivers , Circl...

A video for the Dum Dum Girls ' new single, "Lord Knows," surfaced yesterday.  The song is from the band's new EP, End Of Daze , which is now available as a physical treasure or an unsatisfying download.  All info, links and tour dates are courtesy of Sub Pop. Dum Dum Girls' End of Daze EP out now! Debuts new video for "Lord Knows"! Updated fall tour dates! "Lord Knows" video premiere w/ Rookie! Watch "Lord Knows" here . Download "Lord Knows" MP3 here . The Dum Dum Girls' lovely new EP, End of Daze is available now via Sub Pop on CD, LP and digitally. The 5-song set is led by the single "Lord Knows", along with track highlights "Mine Tonight", "I Got Nothing", and a cover of Strawberry Switchblade ’s “Trees and Flowers”. You can purchase the EP at the following locations: Sub Pop ; iTunes ; Amazon ; or at fine retailers near you. There's a new video for "Lord Kn...

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds  Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus Mute Reissued: 8.14.12 Truly an amazing pair of albums.   Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

On November 20th, MVD Entertainment Group will be releasing Color Me Obsessed , a new documentary about The Replacements .  Directed by author/filmmaker Gorman Bechard , Color Me Obsessed will be the first documentary to detail the history and the lasting importance of the band. All info comes courtesy of MVD Entertainment Group. The Replacements Color Me Obsessed comes to DVD on November 20 One of 'The Seven Best New Music Documentaries of the Year' - David Browne , Rolling Stone COLOR ME OBSESSED, the first documentary about famed 80's indie-rock band The Replacements,will be released in a two-disc DVD set (with 6 hours of extras) on November 20 via MVD Entertainment Group. Told through the eyes of fans, friends, and contemporaries, COLOR ME OBSESSED breaks from the traditional music documentary format of music and performances. Not looking to make a VH1/where-are-they-now style documentary, director Gorman Bechard took a unique approach, "I d...

Well over a month ago, I posted an entry about Zs and the band's then-upcoming retrospective, Score — The Complete Sextet Works: 2002-2007.  I received a press release today that Zs will be marking the occasion of the collection's release with a performance at New York's PAC Gallery.  For me, this was a good excuse to re-post the four song sampler provided to promote the release.  Enjoy the tracks.  All info comes courtesy of Northern Spy Records. Zs Moseys Into PACS Gallery with Nate Young (Wolf Eyes), Sightings, and Drainolith on Saturday, September 29th ZS (Greg Fox, Patrick Higgins, Sam Hillmer) Please join us this Saturday, September 29 at PACS Gallery (70 N 6th Street, Brooklyn - above Public Assembly) ) in heralding a new era of Zs: featuring Greg Fox on drums and Patrick Higgins on guitar. The band is celebrating the recent 4 disc retrospective box set SCORE and finalizing a new EP. The rest of the night’s line-up will be one of the hea...

One of the truly masterful rock albums of the 70s, Black Sabbath 's Vol. 4 is forty years old today.  Proto metal at its finest and quite possibly the last truly flawless, (with the exception of "Changes"), Sabbath record from the Ozzy era, Vol. 4 contains three songs featuring my favorite Tony Iommi riffs ( Master Of Reality 's "Into the Void," notwithstanding): "Tomorrow's Dream," "Snowblind" and "Cornucopia." Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

I received an email a couple weeks ago from Colin Pate of the Philadelphia dream pop band, Ladies Auxiliary .  He sent me this video clip of their version of the Guns N' Roses Use Your Illusion II hit, "Don't Cry," which the band converted into a synth pop lounge ballad.  Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

"Pillars" is a new single from Departures , a retrofitted post-punk band whose upcoming new album, Still and Moving Lines , will be out October 9th.  Mastered by Bob Weston ( Shellac , Mission of Burma ), "Pillars" has a constancy to it that I'm drawn to, a tense "on edge" persistence that mimics to some extent The Feelies ' Crazy Rhythms (think "Loveless Love"), Wire 's Pink Flag and some of the more melodic moments of Sonic Youth 's Murray Street. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Dischord Records will be releasing Six Song Demo by Rites of Spring on October 22nd.  All info comes courtesy of Rarely Unable. Rites of Spring were among the most important and beloved bands to emerge from the DC underground music scene in the mid-80s. Formed by Guy Picciotto (vocals/guitar), Mike Fellows (bass), Brendan Canty (drums), and Eddie Janney (guitar) in 1984, the quartet released a self-titled LP and a 7” single before disbanding in 1986. They were central to what came to be known as 'Revolution Summer', a period of redefinition and creative burst from the DC scene in 1985. Before that – before they even played a show -- the band recorded a six-song demo tape at Inner Ear with Don Zientara and Ian MacKaye . After the dissolution of their previous band, Insurrection , in 1983, Canty, Picciotto, and Fellows joined with Faith guitarist Eddie Janney and began writing new songs. Unfortunately, just as they became ready to play out, Fellows announced plans ...

I haven't heard enough Unknown Mortal Orchestra to really formulate an opinion about them, but "Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)," the A-side to their upcoming 2-song single release, grabbed me when I first listened to it.  It's admittedly an "indie is the new pop" kind of track that's laced with college daze.  It's the type of song someone would be "enchanted with" as opposed to "really dig" or "fucking love."  Still, though, its gentle use of anti-clarity and the R.E.M. -lite melodic touches is engaging. All info comes courtesy of Life or Death PR & Management. UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA SIGNS TO JAGJAGUWAR   SHARES NEW SINGLE "SWIM AND SLEEP (LIKE A SHARK)" VIA FADER   ANNOUNCES TOUR DATES WITH GRIZZLY BEAR + TOUR-ONLY 7" As Unknown Mortal Orchestra, New Zealand by-way-of Portland songwriter and guitarist Ruban Nielson marries psychedelia with sharp soul touchstones. Timeless pop hooks ar...

Ufomammut 's second installment of their Oro series, Opus Alter , released September 18th.  In addition to the albums, Ufomammut also issued videos of tracks from both albums.  All of them are available for perusal courtesy of Earsplit PR. A review of Ufomammut's Opus Primum was posted at Stereokiller .  A review for Opus Alter is pending. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Menomena Moms Barsuk Records Released: (9.18.12) Expect a review soon as Kicking Against The Pricks. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

"Bad."  Christ. Cover pulled from Idolator At ten years old, the spectacle of subway choreography as it collided with street politics and the hilariously suited Michael Jackson , (who'd evidently forsaken zippers five years after breaking up a knife fight in "Beat It"), charmed me to no end.  "Bad" was a very mediocre single, but it was aided by an over-dramatic black n' white concrete jungle storyline that followed a neighborhood kid (Jackson) making good while his hoodlum friends (one of whom was played by Wesley Snipes no less) threatened to drag him back into the urban underbelly where he could mug old men.  Involving Martin Scorsese to helm an episodic video for the song was an obvious attempt to remake the success of Jackson's "Thriller" video, which had been directed by American Werewolf In London 's John Landis .  "Thriller," despite its homage to classic horror and its iconic cast of dancing zombies,...

Locrian & Christoph Heeman s/t Handmade Birds Released: 9.18.12 Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

A new track from The Soft Moon 's upcoming release, Zeros , appeared this week. Typical of Luis Vasquez (Mr. Soft Moon, himself), the song is stark, cold and danceable with a very engaging low end.  I usually love the bass harmonies Vasquez employs.  Inasmuch as The Soft Moon is emulative of an era long gone, the way Vasquez chooses to reinvigorate an old formula sounds fresh to me and I think this has a lot to do with the way he works rhythmically.  There's nothing too remarkable about the guitar effects or even the calculable chill that fills every riff, (even though I enjoy this), but there is something about his bass rhythms.  I'm going to try and review Zeros at some point.  In the meantime, check out "Insides." THE SOFT MOON SHARES NEW TRACK "INSIDES" VIA THE FADER LAUNCHES TOUR NEXT WEEK   ZEROS DUE OCT 30TH FROM CAPTURED TRACKS The Soft Moon photo by Julie Bonato The Soft Moon was never intended for the public's ears, but you fo...

A Place To Bury Strangers released a new video for the single, "Leaving Tomorrow," from their recently released full-length, Worship .  Lots of reverb, immediacy and noise pop tension.  All info comes courtesy of Dead Oceans. A Place To Bury Strangers Release New Video "Leaving Tomorrow" Announce US, Russia, Greece Tour Dates A Place To Bury Strangers have released a new self-produced video today at SPIN for "Leaving Tomorrow," the third single off the recently-released full length Worship . Filmed & performed by the band with the help of close friend Sam Donahue , the video is based on the short story "Katsu Gee" by Momo Fujiwara . Watch the video for "Leaving Tomorrow" The action was filmed in Central Park and APTBS headquarters Death By Audio on the band's day off using the iPhone 8mm app. In it, lead singer & frontman Oliver Ackermann plays the hapless Terry who is stalked and kidnapped by Robi Gonzalez 's...

With less than a week to go, a Kickstarter effort is in play to help fund the reissue of Shatter Your Day , the classic 1986 album from Philadelphia area (my hometown of Ambler, Pennsylvania!) hardcore band, Flag Of Democracy .  This will be a very ambitious and remarkably abundant reissue, brimming with rare tracks and performances.  Much band for your buck. You can find the Kickstarter page here .   Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

"There is no way to sum up nearly 20 years of incredibly important music, experiences, and evolution other than to say a big heart felt 'thank you', and that we hope this closing will provide an opening into other even more positive and rewarding experiences for all of us and all of you who have been a part of our shared experience. For now we bid you all a very fond farewell...."   — Aaron Turner It's likely that those who work to enrich our lives will continue to do so at their own financial peril. Aaron Turner, best known as the frontman for the now defunct post-metal band Isis , had been running Hydra Head Records for almost two decades.  Citing mounting debt, Turner announced yesterday that, as of this December, the label would no longer sell or distribute new music.  Instead, Hydra Head will function purely to sell off its back catalogue.  It can be surmised that label supporters and fans of Turner's dug into their pockets after the announcement a...

The new Mission Of Burma album, Unsound , remains one of 2012's sinful omissions.  Their new video for the song, "Semi-Pseudo-Sort-of Plan," which premiered today through Pitchfork , is enough to convince me that Unsound is something I'll need to have in my life very soon.  I love that this band, especially after they sort of dropped the ball and called it quits in '83 after releasing Vs. , has managed to maintain a winning streak all through this millennium. Cover image picked up from CMJ . If you get a sec, give the song a listen/look. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

MusicFilmWeb's Music Documentary Monday feature, 9.10. Until the Light Takes Us Directed by Aaron Aites and Audrey Ewell Released: 2008   MusicFilmWeb review Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Fergus & Geronimo 's Funky Was the State of Affairs has been gaining some press for its affections for both garage punk and mid-80s guitar pop.  "Roman Tick" is the newest offering from the album. Fergus & Geronimo - Roman Tick from Hardly Art on Vimeo . All info comes courtesy of Hardly Art. WATCH NEW VIDEO FOR "ROMAN TICK"; MIDWEST & EAST COAST TOUR WITH JAILL STARTS TONIGHT VIDEO - " Roman Tick " [dir. Ruben Mendez] MP3 - " No Parties " MP3 - " Roman Tick " VIDEO - Album Teaser Are you tired of feeling like a loser at the game of love? Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Why me?” Do you feel lonely, estranged, and increasingly solipsistic due to prolonged, frequent immersion in a shallow high-tech world of virtual interaction? Did your Summer Love already return to their home planet? Fergus & Geronimo have just the thing for you. This new video for their song “Roman Tick,” off their new LP Funky Wa...

Sunn O))) at the Union Transfer, 9.5.12. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

As reported, Neurosis will be releasing their latest LP, Honor Found In Decay , in late October.  For the purposes of heightening our anticipation, a trailer has surfaced.  Watch below. The band will also be playing a London date with Godflesh in December.   All info comes courtesy of Earsplit PR. NEUROSIS Release Visual Trailer For Tenth Album Honor Found In Decay NEUROSIS today proudly reveals a brand new visual trailer created for their anticipated tenth studio full-length, Honor Found In Decay. Created by video architect Kenneth Thomas , also responsible for producing the mini-documentary for NEUROSIS’ 2007-released Given To The Rising , the intense look into the new opus features intimate details of the album’s layout hand-crafted by the band’s visual specialist by Josh Graham , personal commentary from guitarists/vocalists Scott Kelly and Steve Von Till on the creation of Honor Found In Decay , as well as the first brief moments of audio to be publicly ...

Deerhoof 's new LP, Breakup Song , released 9.4.  In addition to the cassette version that's been developed by Joyful Noise, there's also a Flexi-Book version.  Trust in Joyful Noise to continue adding physical interest to new music. I'll be reviewing the new Deerhoof at some point, likely independent of my go to Web spots.  Breakup Song was quickly tapped by a lot of the reviewers with whom I share my usual outlets, but I really like the album so I'm going to add my two cents.  In the meantime, check out the track, "Fête d'Adieu" and watch the instructional how to video on how to play the Flexi-Book.  Deerhoof // "Breakup Song" Flexi-Book from Joyful Noise on Vimeo . Images are from Joyful Noise. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

"Point Your Pistols to the Sigh" is an unreleased Liars track being added to the Adult Swin Singles Program.  You can listen to the song here . After that, read my review of the Liars' WIXIW , which is featured at No Ripcord . All info comes courtesy of Life Or Death PR & Management. LIARS SHARE NEW TRACK VIA ADULT SWIM SINGLES "POINT YOUR PISTOLS TO THE SIGH" PREMIERED AT PITCHFORK ; CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SUMMER SERIES CLOSES WITH DEATH GRIPS Today, Pitchfork shares a new track from Liars as part of the 2012 Adult Swim Singles Program. "Point Your Pistols To The Sigh" is currently available for download at adultswim.com/singles. MP3: Liars "Point Your Pistols To The Sigh" - http://www.adultswim.com/singles The 2012 Adult Swim Singles Program will be featured at AdultSwim.com/singles through September 10th and will include all-new, never-before-released tracks from these featured artists: Week 1 (June 18)...