The spectacularly odd Mr. Gnome are releasing a digital 7” (not sure I get this concept, either) on March 20th. In circulation now through MTV Hive is the song, “The Way,” which is a drifting Casio-powered ballad that's sort dreamy next to the oft-loud guitar rock that comprised a greater portion of their last album, Madness In Miniature . One very glaring instance of me dropping the ball in 2011 was never getting around to reviewing Mr. Gnome’s Madness In Miniature , which I did enjoy. So, in an effort to redeem myself, here are some tracks to check out and some info to absorb.  There's also a link to stream the LP and a new video for the single, "House Of Circles." All information is courtesy of Terrorbird Media. Mr. Gnome Premieres New Track "The Way" on MTV Hive, New 7" Softly Mad out March 20th on El Marko Records Trailer for Live-Action, Comic Book Style "House of Circles" Video Starring Madness In Miniature Cover Art Characters Un...

My Valentine's Day gift from my wife this year was $50 to use as record store money, so on the Saturday that followed, I invited my brother out and we took a drive to Doylestown to one of my favorite spots, Siren Records.  Here's the haul: Goatsnake 1 + Dog Days EP (2 LP compilation/reissue) Southern Lord Recordings Released: 2004 Something I'd meant to pick up.  My brother turned me onto Goatsnake a few years ago and gave me a disc full of the band's MP3's.  Later, when Southern Lord reissued it a couple years ago, I got to hear Goatsnake's second full-length, Flower Of Disease .  180 gram/gatefold sleeve.  $23 seemed fair. Bazan/Deerhoof DeerBazan split 7" (Clear blue vinyl) Polyvinyl Recording Co Released: 1.17.12 I picked this up mostly because I'd entered the cover contest for this release . Even though I didn't win, I'd still like to do that again if the opportunity arises.   A Fucking Elephant/Aborgast Split 7...

As with last year , SXSW is approaching and the poster art is rolling in. I'm not normally supplied accreditation for the art I receive via email, normally the point of sending such things being for purposes of promoting the featured performers, but if any designer or artist responsible for this art wishes to send me their information, I'll be more than happy to apply credit.  Being a graphic designer/artist myself, I more than understand the importance of ownership in terms of artwork. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

A couple weeks ago, I touched upon the upcoming fIREHOSE reunion and their supporting tour.  A few days ago, I received word of a new compilation of fIREHOSE material being released called, "lowFLOWs:" The Columbia Anthology ('91 - '93) . All info and tour dates come courtesy of Howlin' Wuelf Media. Once again, Philadelphia is out of the running.   Influential three-piece band fIREHOSE will reunite in April for their first tour dates together since 1994, an historic rock event that will be celebrated with the release of their first major collection ever, "lowFLOWs": the Columbia anthology ('91 - '93) . Chronicling the final three-year arc of bassist mike watt , singer/guitarist Ed Crawford , and drummer George Hurley , this 2-CD, 45-track package weighs in with the two original fIREHOSE albums on Columbia Records (1991's Flyin' the Flannel and 1993's Mr. Machinery Operator ) plus 44 minutes (15 tracks) of out-of-print a...

Black Breath Sentenced To Life Southern Lord Recordings Released: 3.27.12 Stereokiller review Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Imagine me in third grade, a rare cancellation of a Cub Scouts meeting resulting in extra nighttime TV viewing. I think it was 1986 when MTV began airing reruns of The Monkees , a television comedy series of which I’d never heard or known. My parents, though, had very amused looks about their faces, the types of warm smiles you’d see on people as they greeted familiar friends. It was the episode where The Monkees inexplicably wound up in a ghost town, which, (if I remember correctly), was being used as a hideout by some crooks. The humor was slapstick, perfectly suited for a 9 year old. I thought the show was funny and that was pretty much the extent of it. My record collection began with this tape. As time went on, I wound up really getting into the show, which developed into an obsession with the music. Once I discovered my father had some Monkees records stacked in his hard rock treasure trove of 60s/70s vinyl on our third floor, I camped out in front of the turntable...

Ed Schrader's Music Beat is one standing floor tom and one bass, pushing and experimenting with post-punk minimalism.  Effective?  Check out the video clips below. Ed Schrader's Music Beat will be releasing a new album, Jazz Mind , at the end of March. All info comes courtesy of Us/Them Group. Minimalist fury: Ed Schrader's Music Beat premiere track from debut album, launch U.S. tour Baltimore duo tied to Dan Deacon's Wham City, Future Islands, No Age "Schrader's voice alternates between a low, Ian Curtis -esque bellow and a frenetic bark that recalls Andy Falkous of McClusky and Future of the Left . In other words, this is aggressive music, even in its quieter moments." -- Pop Matters " Jazz Mind alternates between two distinct styles: harsh, thrashing punk, where Schrader screeches and howls, and minimalist beat poetry, where he chants in a sometimes sleepy monotone." -- Chicago Reader Baltimore minimalist duo Ed Schrader...