Sell Out Records - A Music Review Blog

Artists are often times held under 1 banner and that’s it. Figures of Light cannot be described with just one word, although they are one of the best examples of proto-punk. Even that genre is too small for them, because they bring together elements from across the musical world and create something that is truly unique. With the release of “The Power” they once again push the boundaries of labels and make something that is not only worth listening to, it’s imperative to do so. I hear it all the time, “music all sounds the same”, “the radio sucks”, and the classic “there’s no good new music”, and I always tell people they aren’t listening. Here’s a prime example of something new, mixed with elements of things old, but not in the way that hip hop acts sample records. This is something outside of the world of carbon copied, and sampled elements, and can only be called art. You get ambience, rock guitars, fast pacing, and blends of blistering musical integrity that people should be ...

There’s a ton of bands and artists trying to get back that 1980s glam metal sound, and most of them are awful. But as the old adage goes, cream rises to the top and this time around, Vitne comes charging ahead with one of the coolest records to come out in a while. This is not a glam rock record, it’s an artistic representation of the 1980s metal frenzy with an updated sound and exquisite guitar work that is definitely going to raise a lot of eyebrows. Vitne’s latest release “Neon” is one of the coolest rock records to come out and it’s bound to get more attention, if people just wake up. At first glance, you’ll think that this is a revival act, but by the time you get past “Destroyer” the lead track, you are going to get pummeled with a rock sound that is all new. It’s not rehashed, it’s not a cover act, it’s 100% metal infused rock and roll, the likes that you would find from acts like Motley Crue, Van Halen, and even early Guns N Roses. No pretense here, just a lot of rock music, ...

It’s always refreshing to hear new music, especially alternative artists that work within a framework of creativity that is missing from a lot of modern records. Ian Marquis does just that on his release “Faces From The Static” and it really does take you back a more transformative time in music. The album features a mix of different tones, with a focus on songwriting from the ground up. It has a very moody and interchanging presence, without taking you away from a creative standpoint. The opening track sets you up for a nice trip down to the 1980s alternative acts like The Jesus and Mary Chain, without the fuzz and noise of “Psychocandy”. “Hide and Seek” is a good opener that really sets up a lot more creative turns down the record including “Help Me Make It To The Night”, “Venus Aphasia” and much more. With this album you get a taste of synthetic sounds, keyboards, guitar, guitar work, heavy drumming at times, and a lot of attention to the sound and design of the layers. This is ...

Tommy Homonym is one of those singers that you completely miss because the music business moves so fast sometimes. However, much like Susan Boyle bloomed late and proved to be an incredible voice for music, Tommy has done something incredible. Tommy records music an attic in New Jersey with what some have stated to be an imaginary band, the Solitunes. With the release of his first record, “Uglier Than You”, he showcases a voice of talent that you’re going to absolutely enjoy. At times he harkens back to an older time, with vocal styling that are very much a part of cinema’s long illustrious history. The record came out in October of this year, with 9 original songs, and a cover of “What’s There to Eat” by Christine Cochran. The songs open up a multi-layered song structure with Tommy’s voice at the helm. It carries across so much interesting tones that you will be hard-pressed to not be taken away to another place, and time. Standout tracks include the opening track “What’s there ...

Another day, another round up of records that I played through. I’m having a terrible month, and even though the holiday season should be full of joy and not about anything else, it’s really crappy. I’ve had to deal with a lot of financial troubles, to the point where everything is on hold. At the same time, I’m trying to hire writers to give me more time to work, and I’m trying to establish all sorts of new things to work on for next year. I want it to be the most productive year in terms of writing yet, and at the same time, I’m trying to register for my next set of classes for college. As long as I am enrolled, I can chip away at that coveted master’s degree. They can’t take it away once I get it, so it’s what I am aiming for right now. The following records are a mixed bag, mostly from the 2000s, and do not represent everything I listened to. I took time to listen to a mix tape from an up and coming rapper, listened to the albums reviewed recently, ended the day on a fast note ...

Late every Saturday night, there was a program run on television, public access to be exact and it was called Punk O Rama. I asked several writers whether or not they have heard of this show, and no one really knew about it. If the roles would’ve been reversed, I would have done some research, but that’s me, not them. That’s not to say that they weren’t good, but I feel that I’m in a minority of minorities that seemed to stay up late and watch public access, because I was poor and had no friends. Now a days, I’m still poor and have no friends, but that is beside the point. Today on the Video Corner , we’re featuring a song that really slowed things down for the guys in Pennywise . It may be one of their biggest hits, still being played on Kroq and other stations. The song is called “Alien” and it’s part of their stellar release, “Straight Ahead” . “Straight Ahead” represents my favorite record from Pennywise. They put out incredible music, but this album really drives the nail home...

In our latest feature for you cheap ass music fan, like me, I found one heck of a release. It’s from 2001 and it’s one of my favorite rock records that should’ve gotten way more attention. It’s from the band Rival Schools, and it’s called “United By Fate” . Now, if you were a fan of Anime and video games as a whole, you will remember the short lived series, or at least the fighting game that was on the Sega Saturn. Aside from the reference to obscure video games and anime, the band put out one cohesive album that is more so enjoyable as a whole than it is by just 1 or 2 singles. They call this genre post-hardcore, but I don’t know if I would claim that. The guitar work is far more intricate than just punk or hardcore, and there’s not a ton of yelling or anything like that. The band formed in New York and quickly became a part of the hardcore scene since the members were all from bands that I grew up with, throwing fists in the air. Bands like Gorilla Biscuits, CIV, and Youth of To...

The first thing I noticed about “Time Wounds” by Joseph Gallo Jr. was the cover art that resembles “Out of the Fierce Parade” by The Velvet Teen. The sound is a mix of the talent that they presented in “Elysium” and what many other underground and mainstream artists aspire to. With that in mind, you will hear traditional arrangements, mixed with eclectic soundscapes that push acoustics to a whole new place. It’s too easy to call this one genre, because it’s not really just one. At times you get controlled chaos, and at others, you get introspective piano melodies that are pointed to lyricism and thoughts that rival many other bands in the indie circuit. “Violent Colors” opens up things and is not what you may expect, I certainly didn’t. The piano stands out there, with some interesting introductions, like that of “Checkers vs Chess”, and pairs well with the additional instruments. You’ll hear violin, flute, and cello all map out with interesting components, and lead you through a v...

M.D. Edwards is another singer songwriter that you may want to keep tabs on. As with the previous reviews that I’ve been featuring on the site as of late, this is another interesting and eclectic work. Taking notes from the previous batches of acoustic and folk writers, you’ll find that this release is definitely worth listening to. From the opening track of “Ex-Lover”, you get a feeling that you’re in for another reach towards emotional connection with the listener. Often times with albums of this nature, you end up with some boring drivel, but that’s not the case here. The focus on the recording may be simple, with arrangements that keep things toned down, but it’s the relationship between words and tones that will compel you to listen and perhaps gain a semblance of the same feelings that the writer has. On “Paper Bags (For Breathing In) the sound really starts to settle, and it becomes a labor of love and interest. He definitely does a good job of taking you through different p...

Solo artists always have an uphill climb for attention, if they are trying to play alternative music. Pop artists seem to have an easier path, but sometimes the harder road creates better quality music and releases. That’s what is presented here by Young Coconut. With the release of “I Got A Vibe”, you hear an artist sprouting his musical wings and presenting an eclectic mix of sounds that range from fuzzy garage rock to acoustic ballads and thoughtful pieces that play on a lot of different themes. From the first track, you immediately think of The Rocket Summer, but with a much older sound. Rewind time and you can hear tones right out of the British Invasion. Think early Rolling Stones as you move through the tracks. “Torch Bearer”, for instance, feels like a much older song than it is. It feels like a B-Side for a single that could’ve been easily published for Rock Radio in the 1970s. Mixing elements of rock, jazz, and even a little bit of a country twang, you get an interesting bl...

Another Saturday has come and gone. I’ve managed to stay sane today, even though everything points towards insanity. Ok, that’s a bit much, but this week has really kicked me in the balls. As a freelance writer, the holidays usually mean that no one is hiring writers. Perhaps the Hollywood crowd is getting work, but us lowly content managers, bloggers, and Cretans of the written word are not getting any sort of financial push. It sucks, because that means Christmas is not going to be coming early or even at all for the Sell out Records crew. My cats got a Christmas gift, so perhaps all is not lost. Then again, it’s not all about the presents right? I mean, that’s what we poor tell ourselves about it, but that doesn’t negate the fact that inside, we want presents just like anyone else. Whatever the case is, this week has been hard on me mentally. I’ve tried to curtail it, but it’s just not that simple. Music helps though, and I have managed to maintain a certain level of musical inf...

Less Than Jake plays a brand of ska that has been part of my collection for a long time. Mixing punk and ska elements to create some of my favorite music ever is all part of their day job. My day job is not as cool, but that’s not here nor there. The band released a record on Fat Wreck Chords and I personally love their return to the independent scene after floating around the majors. Wait, that hasn’t been for a while hasn’t it? Whatever the case is, they have a new record and it’s been spinning around the house when no one is around, and apparently puts the cats to sleep as they are slumbering right now. As you will find out from this video, Less Than Jake wanted to include all of their friends in the production of “My Money is On The Long Shot”. I posted a link to it online, and everyone ignored it. So I waited, and now they have released it on youtube, which means that I can feature it. The band sent a message to all their friends asking them to sing the song on camera. What w...

Not since I first heard The Velvet Teen have I admired the approach of an independent rock recording as much as I’ve enjoyed listening to the new Lazu Lie record. This interesting and introspective record has a lot of potency, and while I may say that it’s rock, it may be a detracting point. It’s so much more than just that, as it encompasses so many different layers. Influences from Matt & Kim, American Football, Jets To Brazil, and even a little Joan of Arc can all be felt here. Even if it’s not the intentional fingerprint of the band to draw those things out, it’s still not lost on my ears, and all that makes for great musical contemporaries, if I do say so myself. (which I do in fact say) Lazu Lie presents a virtual kaleidoscope of musical integrity on this record, and something that I had a hard time pinpointing on just one genre. The opening sounds seem light as you go through, but start to pick up quite well in “Dubble Draggin” which brings you through highs and lows tha...

Every now and again I’ll run into cheap music that I absolutely have to tell people about. My goal with Sell Out Records is to talk about music on a regular basis, and recommend albums, songs, videos, and more to those that may want to pick up a record or two. Music has changed my life and will change yours. Today we begin a new segment called Cheap Music, or as the picture says. On this day I found the seminal release from The Sex Pistols, and for 62 cents (used). You can’t beat that, you just can’t. “Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols” by The Sex Pistols is the one record that all punk rockers have to listen to at least once. I even signed a band based on how closely they resembled the sound of these guys. The Sex Pistols may only have put out one album, but their legacy influences so much music it’s ridiculous. Mention the name Johnny Rotten or Sid Vicious and people of any musical taste will know immediately what you're talking about. Even though Steve Jones, Pa...

Recently, I have been navigating the web to look for music on wax. Instead of trying to hit up any given store on the web, I look through search platforms for the word vinyl records amazon . Some people may not like the fact that they are a giant retailer, but they have been able to help independent records stay afloat. If you have ever purchased anything from them and used the “other sellers” link, you have helped individuals like myself, live the dream of making money by selling music through the net. Now, as for me and my hunt for certain key pieces to my collection. I have been able to procure some classics that I then flipped on Ebay or was able to listen to in the comfort of my home. Yes, I don’t always keep the records that I buy, but that’s only because I am not living in a mansion somewhere, I have a limited amount of space. With limits, I have to make sure that I don’t go overboard like I did in the past. At one point I had a wall of records, and physical music. By search...

I’ve been trying to sell an Ipod for 2 weeks now. Previously, I tried to sell a Boost Mobile Android phone, and could not for the life of me sell that either. Apparently no one in the Pomona area needed an mp3 player or a smartphone. I ended up putting it up on Amazon and someone bought hit. Hopefully they enjoy the piece of digital media. It’s odd how craigslist just doesn’t seem to get a lot of views like it used to. In West L.A. I would get a million responses, but here in the San Gabriel Valley, it’s not happening. I don’t know, maybe it’s the season, or maybe less people use the internet for the purpose of purchasing these types of items today? In Koreatown, I didn’t have a problem either, but here I am trying to hock things for the rent, and well, it’s not coming along. Writing has slowed down, but I keep hitting the pavement, trying to make a few bucks. That’s just an aside, the real story today is about The Daily Spin. In this edition of this column, I will be looking at so...

I wrote a quick review over at For The Fan Blog about Brother Ali’s 2007 record “The Undisputed Truth” . On that record came one hell of a track called “Uncle Sam Goddamn” and it’s an intrepid look at our country. I say our country, even though I am Mexican born because I became a citizen in 2001. This video is one of the coolest pieces of protest music and hip hop. Brother Ali goes through a track of content that is so confident and relevant that I wanted to bring a spotlight to it. In this first segment of Sell Out Records’ Video Spotlight, which will get updated every other day or so, I present you with the 2007 single from Brother Ali. Check it out, and please buy the album by clicking here . Support the artists, this blog, and your love of music. Have a suggestion, comment, or want me to feature your band? Drop me a line, visit the links, and join me on facebook. Thank you.

Another antiquated poste from the past is here and that's because I am moving different things around from the backend. I wrote this a couple of years ago, I think. I may have still been living in Idaho and hating life. I then moved this to a number of blogs before finding a home here. It's an interesting record that I liked at the time. I don't know if it's nearly as good as I remember it, but I do recall the record only has 1 track. Anyways, here is the original posting, and well, enjoy it. I was cruising ebay the other day and ran into an interesting auction. It was for Nofx’s 1999 pressing of “The Decline” . Now, the Decline is an interesting record all alone, but this particular vinyl record caught my eye. Let’s talk “The Decline” then talk about the record. Nofx The Decline Nofx released a one track album/ep called The Decline. This album was not one of my favorites when it came out. In fact, I was one of the people that soured on their style upon the rele...

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Before sell out records became a blog, I spent a lot of time writing about the history of music. One of the bands that has been a part of my collection since I first discovered alternative music was this mighty band, Skatalites. Every time they have come around, I have missed them, and I was even made fun of and called gay for liking the genre. Well, that's too bad for all those idiots that didn't like this brand of music, because they are the ones that are missing out. This is one of the best examples of the genre and the band has been around for what seems like forever. They do not play third wave, they play the traditional ska set from the 1960s and it's a jazz fusion in many ways. I wrote this original condensed history a few years ago. However, I found that it fits in this website a lot better than it did on my other website, so I wanted to move it, and make sure it got a little bit more of the sell out records treatment. So here it is, a condensed history of the ban...

Independent music is hit or miss a lot of the times. However, I have come across yet another incredible piece to consider. The band PHD from Northwest Georgia have put together an interesting sound. One that is not only vibrant, but eclectic all in the same breath. You’ll find that their latest release “Christmas in Dixie” is a fine example of musicianship. The group has managed to record the essence and spirit of Christmas into 5 tracks of bliss. There is a great deal of joy found here, and it shows with every strum of the guitar, and sound that you get moving through. In traditional style, but with a twist, the band produces a collaborative effort that is definitely worth a listen. Stand out tracks include “Christmas in Dixie” and “Blue Christmas” but the whole thing is definitely worth a listen. It brings up the standard of Christmas music to another notch, without being too far gone. Many times when country, rock, or even pop acts do this type of music, they change the whole sc...

I’m always fascinated by people that overprice punk rock and hardcore records. I’m guilty of this too, because in 2011 I sold a lot of my Blink 182 original pressings for $150 - $500 each. However, they only pressed 1,500 of those suckers and I was one of the few people that were able to gain several copies of each one. Plus, I was going through some hard times in what I sometimes refer to as Hell, USA. Oh, that’s Moscow, Idaho. Anyways, The Humpers may not be a band that you know or even like but it’s definitely a group of guys that play a brand of rock that you may love. I for one love their punk rock sounds, and they can definitely bring the noise fast. On the “Live Forever or Die Trying” they have one of the best songs ever put out. It’s called “Soul Surgeon” and for that one single I would drop $500 on the vinyl record. It would be absolutely stupid to spend that kind of money on a record. I am not going to, and am not telling you to do so, but I found that it was funny that...

SNFU is one of those bands that you either know about or pretend that you’ve heard about. They are a Canadian punk outfit that has been working on music longer than most people have been born. Just like a lot of the early Epitaph bands, this is another creative project of punk rockers that didn’t know they were blazing a historical trail. The album sounds great for a live record and has all of the sounds you’d expect from punk rock delivered with an edge. “Let’s Get it Right The First Time” is not the tightly produced release that say, “Blink 182” put out in limited release, and that’s why this shines. It hits on the emphatic and chaotic relevance that comes with the medium. On this one, you’re treated to a great deal of SNFU classics . Some of the songs you may know some you may be hearing for the first time. Some of my favorites include “Loser at Life, Loser at Death”, “Bobbitt”, and of course “Don’t Have the Cow”. The band is exactly what you would expect from an early Epitaph...

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Lots of acts are up and coming, many of which you don’t get to hear because it’s usually independent or there’s no major corporation backing them. That’s where you find a lot of good music, for times such as these. One such independent band is The Relevant. Mixing elements of several types of music, but maintaining the ethos of an emotional rock, the band constructs an interesting approach to their sound. Still somewhat new, they have come across this editor’s desk with a passionate display of tracks that you may want to listen to, especially if you’re a fan of independent music. Comparisons are easily drawn to a lot of previous work, including touches of Thursday, Student Rick, and even Taking Back Sunday, although a bit more mellow at times. They aren’t those acts, but they have similar wave lengths through some tracks. Stand out tracks you can listen to include, “Courting Chaos”, “Slideshow Charade” and “Hello, In Real Time”. Passion projects, and independent music will always bec...

I’m not always reviewing hard albums on this site, and it’s starting to be evident with my selection of records to talk about. I can’t really post as much as I’d like, because if I had things my way, I would be updating this page 3 or 4 times a day, and then some. Instead I’m trying to get a review up and a few other posts here and there. The latest record that I can’t get out of my head comes from an unlikely source for me. It is from Mack Wilds’ release “New York: A Love Story” and it is one of the most catchy Rhythm and Blues record I’ve heard in a long time. Mack Wilds appeared live on the Arsenio Hall show the other night and it caught my eye. The dude had swagger and a voice that was very much in tune with something that caught my ear, and mind. The lyrics are evident that there’s something more going on than just the words “Own It” and it’s definitely got the crowd moving. The live performance featured a live backing band, and when you hear it on the record, you hear the i...

I’ve been sleeping later these days. My girlfriend has been coming home late and I have been staying up to write a lot of different things, including things on this page. Well, I was watching some late night program, one that I can’t remember the name of and Switchfoot was the special guest . I was in a dreamy haze and my head fell off my hands, where I usually cradle it to sleep at night. My face hit the floor and Switchfoot took the late night stage to play this latest single from their record “Fading West” which you can download here . The song is reminiscent of new standards in the Christian world, with musicians growing up on Christian pop and alternative, creating sounds that sound very much like this single. Hands raised, hands clapping, lyrics that mean so much more than what you think they mean, and unbroken by the traditional fist raised in defiance. There’s freedom here, there’s a sonic sound that is captured, and could very well be one of the best songs that the band ha...