Sell Out Records - A Music Review Blog

Bernie Journey is set to release one incredible track of music on December 30th 2014. The track entitled “Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking?” is a dance, pop, electronic single that took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting the song to be so catchy, but by the mid-point I was singing along and really enjoying the music. It’s an ethereal mix of pop sensibilities with electronic music precision that is definitely going to get you moving a bit. The single is reminiscent of the 1980s for me, with clear vocals, sung over hypnotic electronic elements, and that classic dance pop sound. It just seems like it fits so well in the past, that you’ll be thinking this is a hit from another generation. However, it’s new, it’s well done, and presents a vibrant end to the year. The track itself is a compelling one, bringing together a collaborative musical process that is often missing with electronic music. If you’re a fan of pop music, this is definitely going to be hard to stop listening to. Be...

Not since I first heard the soundtrack to Mega Man 2 have I been so enthralled with electronic music. This year has been great for digital music, and I have been given a lot of options to listen to, and here is just another example of great music moving through the internet and other arenas. Bombs Dropping “Winter 2014” is a mix of electronic dub, club, or whatever you want to call it and it’s definitely a fine production. It starts heavy with “Fame”, before it starts dropping digital bombs, as it were. There’s a lot of bouncing on the record, but there’s steps that are going to take you out of the old techno raga and put you in touch with a new wave of digital creation. I love the tracking on “Cold Front” which feels like something right out of a video game from the PS3. It feels organic, and it has a strong electronic vibe that is definitely well worth your time. You’re going to be thrown back into the industrial era of rock music that made games like Quake so exciting. Don’t m...

Violent Ground is no joke. They have found a way to tap into a sector of hip hop that is usually seen in major hubs of the United States. These two brothers from Quebec and Labrador present a lyrical giant of a record that blew me away upon first listen. The beats are strong, and the lyrical presentation has a duality that is definitely going to take them far. I was very impressed with the track “Born With Tha Mic”, before the guys championed a set of tracks that absolutely will blow you way. “Reborn”, “Never Fade Away”, “Rap”, “Nuthin’ On Me”, all stand out amidst a solid 13 tracks, but this is a whole record to be consumed and listened to as a whole, not just singles. I appreciated the way that things work so well together, flowing through various themes, topics, and ideas. From love, loss, politics, and so much more, the duo paints a picture so well that it feels so complex and yet they make it seem so simple. The flow goes slow, fast, and through various stages, creating a kaleid...

T.Lee throws out a hard hitting record that starts with one heavy handed mix of beats and lyricism. “Before The Overpower” builds on an empty canvas and gives you a deep look into a versatile rap game that T.Lee is overthrowing. “The Crash Part.2” is a provocative track that speaks volumes with raw power and a beat that drives the point the rapper is trying to make as an opening. It’s like a kick to a locked door before rushing in and taking no prisoners, solid in the approach, and smooth through the ending, a well-placed starting point for a hip hop record that truly goes through several defining lines. It’s not all harsh and heavy handed, T.Lee knows how to flow through various moods, beats, and rap styles. You’ll be surprised how he a story can unfold from introspection to commentary on love, life, and so much more. Just when you think you figured out everything, the record takes a left turn and a new picture is painted for you, which is usually reserved for the best rappers. It...

“Conformity is Over Rated…” the first track ends with a serious note as to what’s to come and it most certainly comes through on this record of great importance. Hip hop has been sewn up with a lot of mediocre rappers, and the mainstream seems to have lost the ethos of the past yet again. Then rappers come out like you hear on this record and you get a whole new hope for the future. It’s with that in mind that “Tears In Your Eyes” opens up, the storytelling that you’ve heard in the past gets a new twist with rhymes and beats that showcase the harsh realities of life, love, and more. A.S.H.E.S The Chosen comes through with rhymes that matter, paint a picture, and beats that are connective tissue to the body of “ID, Ego, Superego”, and it’s expertly done. Every track has been carefully chosen, words presented as more than just rhymes, and something that hits you right in your mind’s eye. At times it’s bouncing, others it’s raw, but overall the words are put together to show you a lar...

Anti-Flag released this EP entitled “A Benefit for Victims of Violent Crime” after tragedy struck their band. It was in 2007 when the bass player’s sister and boyfriend were murdered. That tragedy left the band with heavy hearts, and they took to the studio to record a few songs and give the proceeds to “The Center for Victims of Violence and Crimes”. The release marked 5 new songs from the band, and mixed reviews from critics. The critics should’ve been beaten for giving this less than stellar reviews, considering the intentions of the band, the solidarity of giving the funding away and the tragedy that struck. None the less, people still want to review this record as an absolute Anti-Flag release. The strength of “A Benefit for Victims of Violent Crime EP” really hinges on the back story and the political, social movement that the band has been promoting since they first started. Even today, they push on a heavy political focus and social conscious message that other punk bands ma...

20 seconds into the latest from Mary Keey, and I’m a fan. I was blown away at 40 seconds in, and may very well have found my favorite electronic record for 2014. As a music writer, I listen to all sorts of music, and electronic is definitely one of the most eclectic genres, but this is something altogether new, and emphatic in the electronic world. This record comes off hard up front, then mellows into a variety of tracks that are unique, and flow through a very unique release. “Electricize Me”, is not a one trick pony, it’s a full scale record that has various inclusions from the world of digital music, and it is perhaps one of the finest mixes I’ve heard in a long time. “Apollo” opens things up in such a heavy manner, that you immediately take note of the record’s presence. After the initial introduction, you are taken through both dance elements, electric elements, and singing that fits right into the mold of EDM, with so much ease. There’s something special here, especially whe...

The power of the Deftones, the intensity of Poison the Well, and the precise elements that made Chevelle so good are all filtered into a whole new presentation with the release of “Bye Bipolar” from the band Fey. The Canadian band unleashes 7 tracks of experimental hard rock that is a breath of fresh air in a genre that is somewhat boring at times. There’s a lot to listen to here and it’s going to punch you in the throat if you aren’t paying attention. Things really start to go crazy with “Rent Free” as the ending minute will completely shake your computer and headphones. The promise of a record that sounds like Glassjaw is what you’re going to get here, because that’s what I got at first, but you know what? Fey seems to come into their own element on this one, and perhaps that’s the thing that you’ll takeaway. Comparisons aside, the band has found a voice that is very much welcomed in regards to hard music. It’s not quite hardcore, it’s not quite metal, but it has elements of all ...

J.P. Kallio’s fourth record is one of the most compelling things I’ve heard this year. The opening track alone is enough to hook even the most jaded of music fans, as the guitar work ushers you into a whole new world of music. It’s a good guitar ballad of sorts, and it begins a record that has incredible lyrical elements and emotion that you don’t always find in a lot of releases. There’s a certain honest that comes through from the beginning and flows through to evoke a fine mix of songs that you’ll have a hard time putting down. “Call Off The Angels” is one of the best songs on the record, but the movements forward produce even more for the listener. “On His Way To Hell”, “No Safe Bets”, “Watch The Rain”, and others filter through this record that produces a good sense for what J.P. Kallio has to offer. The acoustic, rock, and blues structure is felt throughout here, and there’s a lot of raw emotion that bleeds through the songs, making it a standard. It’s hard to find any misste...

From the moment that the new Ahtanum Shore album starts, you are taken into a frenetically paced punk rock album that is going to wake up and never let you go. You’re not going to be able to sit still on this one as there are several elements at play here and while there’s definitely a pop punk tinge, there’s also melodic rock, and even tastes of hardcore sprinkled within the tracks. From the opening moments of “This Song’s From You”, to the powerful push forward on the rest of the record, you are taken on a ride of emotion and song writing ability that is not only going to propel the band into more headphones and radio, but could possibly give them a shot at the big time. The production here is good, tightly produced, and brings about a good sense of expertise on every single track. The riffs are solid, the percussion comes in strong, and the vocals are definitely on par with some of the best bands past and present. Fans of bands like Fall Out Boy and New Found Glory will definite...

I previously reviewed a track from Shid Latta here , and was impressed with his delivery and lyricism. This time around he’s got a new record out, and a single that smashes together some incredible beats, in order to create a whole new track of epic proportions. This track, “High” produced by Hippie Sabotage drops serious lyrical elements. Shid Latta bounces through serious emotional heart felt lyrics about loss and the honesty is up front. It hits you hard with reality, and if you’ve ever loved and lost you know exactly what he’s talking about with this track. I’ve heard a lot of remixes and productions, but this is one that is done right. Right when you think you’ve figured out where this is going, Shid Latta comes through with a different take, a new verse, and rolls it into the beats with relative ease. It’s the craft that really works here, and promotes the right elements of hip hop with a far more diverse range of ideas than you would normally expect. By the time you hit th...

“Circle Round” sold me on Rasplyn’s release. “Scenes Through The Magic Eye” filled my office with music that seemed to drive me into a circle of artistry, I had been pining for all day. It hadn’t been a great day here at Sell Out Records HQ, but as soon as I started to pay more attention to Rasplyn’s release, I was drawn into a world of beauty, art, and magic. This compelling first track is an exciting introduction into a world of musical clarity that should not be ignored. On this release of 7 tracks, you get layered musical instrumentation, compelling and artistic vocals, with a “world music” vibe that is hard to narrow down. It’s not really “one” thing, as it is pure art. There’s bits and pieces from all sorts of sounds, instruments, and elements that are very much artistic in nature. From far off lands to symphony inspired notes, to beautiful landscapes of musical creativity, you’re really taken on a journey through time and space. “Priestess of the Goddess” for example, is a t...

Raving Wild releases a track that not only encompasses what I hear on rock radio right now (106.7 KROQ L.A) but the kind of heart felt music that connects with you on a visceral level. With a mix of the 1980s introspective lyricism you’d except from The Cure and touches of folk like guys like Mumford and Sons, to a whole new spin on the genre, you get pushed into an anthem that will have you singing along in no time. In fact, I was very impressed with the way “Raving Wild” pushes you into the song with a good deal of focus on leading you down an adventure. From the first notes, through the chorus and guitar notes, you are given a sound that is eclectic, and very much honest. It’s catch, it’s fun, it has soul and that’s something that you don’t always get with these types of songs. There’s a certain urgency in this song, and you are going to tap your feet, and absolutely fall in love with the chorus. Overall, this is one hell of a single, and really does a lot to put a stamp on wh...

Miriam Crespo got me, right in the heart with this track. This folk, country, rock tune is such a good mix of music. It’s got a real folk sound, but with an indie push that reminds me a bit of Neko Case, but a bit more mature in sound. This is a very heart filled website, and it’s the first track from the artist’s upcoming record. This is a strong song full of emotion. It tells a story, and it paints you a picture. It’s as though someone is there with you, talking to you about the world around them. I found myself having to listen to this track several times as the overall emotion poured through the lyrics. There’s always something unique about folk and country singers, especially when you start to break down the overall flow of their vocals and connect the dots of their backing bands. Miriam Crespo’s vocals flow nicely over the eclectic band that gives you several notes to float on. I love the interludes, the notes, and the vocals which all connect to the soul. I love it. “Thi...

Shane Sebastian complete floored me with the track “LA LA”. I wasn’t really sure what to expect upon first hearing the track, and as soon as it got into gear, I was sold on the song. Within a minute, you’ll find yourself swimming in a world of emotion. It’s a lovely tune with some very introspective and eclectic moments. I loved hearing the balance here, moving through a strong vocal arrangement, and good sound amidst layered music. You will find that the song really comes alive around a minute, as things really come together in such a strong manner. You may find yourself thinking about David Bowie in how the vocals are dynamic on this tune. They elevate the song to another level, and definitely brings forth a great emotional connection. Acoustic guitar work, electronic elements, and powerful vocals lead through “LA LA”, and it’s hard to really put your finger on. So many pieces come together here and the song really shines. Shane Sebastian has a real winner here, and I am comple...

Panda Bear is the brain child of Noah Lennox. Don’t remember that name? Well, he’s the founding member of Animal Collective, and the guy has been pushing music for quite some time. In this release he takes a bottle, smashes it open, and then makes art of the pieces. I mean that in a musical way, as this is an experimental EP that delivers on all the right pieces, and creates an image of the artist that you are not going to find with other albums right now. “Mr. Noah” is an EP that is all over the place in consideration of arranging music. It doesn’t have a set genre, although the electronic vibe is definitely in place here. You get a mosaic of sounds when you listen, and it’s very creative, and personal on many levels. “Faces In The Crowd” stands out as my favorite track, as it goes up and down in terms of sound design and features some very interesting notes. I like the way it flows through the noise and comes together with vocals that are all but poignant, and saturated underneat...

Kava took the idea of recording tracks in 3 cities, each one for each member’s home town and created what very well may be the most creative use of electronic music you’ve heard in a minute. “Transmissions” is set to be released in 11/11, and it’s by far one of the coolest fusions of digital music you’re going to hear this year. It’s presented with a certain passion that really comes through on the record. I found myself not only listening to this at home with my cats, but also streaming it on my phone while I did a quick session at my local skate park. There’s a vibrancy found here that moves your ears , with some robotic elements that rival some of the artists you may already know. I thought “Elevation Repair” was right out of the book of Gandalf’s Beat Machine, but right when I wanted to peg this as a comparison, there’s a balance that shocks the system and creates something new. I like how you can’t predict where the tracks are going, and there’s a fluidity to this that is very...

Sursum Verbo has released a strong contender for my favorite record this year. I know I say that a lot, but seriously, there’s so much good music coming across my desk that I don’t know what to do with myself. This is another shining gem for me, and as soon as I heard “9 Volt” I was sold. The track reminds me of early Tooth and Nail Records releases, when they were still pushing art and music together. This is a classic example of indie rock, but with a twist here and there. With “Fool” Sursum Verbo tap into something that makes indie rock so good. The record uses a steady stream of guitar, percussion, and strong vocals to create a resounding sound that echoes across your home. I turned it up loud, and tried to dance with my kitty. She was having none of it, granted she just got spayed and is mad at me, but still this is a solid recording. On the track “What You Can”, I was sold with the bass line intro. As a bass player myself, I always love strong bass lines coming up front, and ...

John Neal is an artist from Little Rock, Arkansas and upon listening to his latest self-titled release, I can truly say I’m a fan. His new record is out now and fuses together a southern rock gospel that is going to completely blow you away. (Not gospel as in religious, but you know the blues/rock sound) Whatever the case is, this is one hell of a release and it definitely deserves to get cranked up. It’s hard hitting from the opening track “Mexico City” through the last track of “Call on Me”. Diving into the roots of blues music and bring out some stellar rock is hard for even established artists, but John Neal makes it seem easy. Bring together the best parts of several genres, the presentation on the record is quite good. It has a country tinge, but it’s not country, it has a rock feel but it’s not just pure rock, it’s built on solid song structure, good lyrical elements, and just plays through like a crossover record right out of CMT. Don’t misunderstand though, there’s more ...

“Instant Drone” is the latest release from Figures of Light, and it’s a sonic boom of frequency, and audio communication. It’s a vibrant display of musical orchestration done in the most unique manner I’ve heard in a long time. This instrumental track pushes the boundaries of creativity in such a scope, that it becomes difficult to really give it comparison. Think Joy Division, Statistics, or Starflyer 59, or perhaps Sonic Youth on this track. There’s a variety of noise, feedback, and guitar work that is made to come together like a kaleidoscope. The fusion of the different sounds and melodies work very well here, and it is far and away the most unique track I’ve heard in music in a long time. You will not be able to stay away from what Figures of Light is doing here, and upon first listen, you’re going to be blown away. It’s a hypnotic tune that takes you to another landscape, a ride through what Rod Serling would introduce you to before going to a place of not only sight and soun...

There was a time when I would purchase every single record released from Jade Tree Records. When playing the latest War Poets disc, I was brought back to that era in my life. Jade Tree introduced me to this type of song writing. It wasn’t emo, it was indie, but it had more lyrical integrity than the genres, it had a deep sense of communication and emotion that made me a music fan of all genres. It’s with that in mind that War Poets have created an outstanding EP that molds and shapes musical genres into something pure. With the release of “Hot and Cold: American Relationships”, you are driven through several themes, melodies, and songs that will be welcomed by even the hardest of critics. This all starts very well with “Say No More”, and goes through “Perfect One”, “Upside Down”, and an introspective “Know The Way”, before coming through on the last 2 tracks in full circle of musical themes. The lyrical elements are all very well put together, throwing together a mix of emotions th...

Hong Kong Danger Duo is such a cool name, I wish I would’ve thought of it first. The release of their debut EP marks an incredible start to what very well may become a long career for this band that plays a mix of rock fused with lots of genres, and definitely defies the monikers I can think of. The self-titled EP starts strong with “Haymaker’s Son” and drives through layered guitar riffs, percussion, and strong vocals amidst electronic backdrops. There’s so much here, that you’ll have a hard time pinpointing any one given direction, and that’s a powerful thing with this debut. The songs flow together with a strong blues rock feel, but there are moments of metallic glory, and a streamlined fuzz that is going to definitely pique your interests. With “City Smog” you get a southern rock style, and some nice guitar work flowing with lyrical elements that are stronger than what you will hear on the radio today. It’s a strong second song, and leads right into the heavy “Flatline” to fini...

Whole Wheat Bread is a band that doesn’t get enough credit today. I first saw them in 2006 (I think) when they toured with Reel Big Fish and MXPX. They opened the show and it was a spectacular display of punk rock ethos by three individuals that knew how to write a hook and drive through some catchy songs. The trio was able to rap too so it wasn’t all just punk rock elemental displays. I found their work to be quite good and ended picking up their record that day. They’ve been bouncing around the underground scene and even put out a record with my man MURS (I don’t really know MURS), and that was solid. In 2009, they put out “Hearts of Hoodlums” and I still think it should get more spins than it does. In my attempt to shine light on more music within this site, I am going to recommend you look up this record, and pick it up. This record features everything you’d expect from a new school punk rock record, but it has a lot of themes and ideas that would permeate with urban, Africa...

Ok, so I didn’t cry, but wow, what a voice. Thorne’s “The Parade” is one of the most incredible songs I’ve heard in a long time. It’s powerful, and it features incredible lyrical elements, amidst tracking that is nothing short of breath taking. At the chorus point I was completely enthralled with this track, and I could see it play through the moments of my life. I could see moments of happiness, sadness, and introspection come through as I listened to the beauty come through the speakers. I absolutely love the mix here, with passionate singing and percussion that comes through with acoustic guitar work. I am completely impressed by the ease of the musical landscape painted here, as it truly shines with such an easy going attitude. At the second minute, I found myself in a whole new world of music. “I want you to cry”, the lyrics come through and hit me hard. Thorne has a way of singing to me, as if I were the only one in the audience, and that’s the sign of an incredible artist. W...

I know it’s my job to compare musical acts and try to paint a picture as to what they are doing so that you can go and buy the record and check them out, but every now and again artists are beyond just one genre and above any simple terminology. It’s paying disservice for me to call the latest release from 2KX anything other than a masterpiece. Fronted by Lisa LaRue, this is a release of progressive rock and is like nothing I’ve heard in a long time. Yes, there are other prog rock bands out there, but this release is a cataclysmic exemplification of art, and not just music. With the release of “Sussuration”, you get elements of every type of musical genre, but it’s like a work of art, seamless in the integral elements that make this worth picking up. I was floored by the pieces, and really found myself in awe at the precision at which every element comes together. It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle, and once you hear the record, you understand the pieces fit to make sure that this makes...

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Iakopo has just released and the artist took to Okinawa to produce the music video for the title track “One Forever”. When you hear love songs, you may immediately think of one genre, and one of your favorite singers, but every now and again a new artist comes through and shakes things up a bit with poetry, and musical taglines that are just compelling to listen to. Iakopo has painted quite the illustration with this track, giving all you guys out there a song to sing for your girl, or put on as background music to spark a bit of romance. This song has everything you could ask for in an honest look at love and appreciation for someone, as you hear the lyrical notes, and the musical elements. Acoustic guitar tones, simple percussion, and signature vocals put together a nice song that will have you flowing through feelings for that special someone in your life. It’s a good overall song, and the video is definitely in line with the lyrical elements and musical tones that...

During my days, I listen to a lot of fast, hard, and obnoxious music. But every now and again I will slow things down and listen to some slower tunes. DigMarie came on my playlist and completely turned my day upside down. The vocal presentation mixed with the lyrical elements all play so well together. They put my cats at ease (I have 4), and got me daydreaming. There is a sweetness to the vocals that you get when you hear this talented singers voice. There’s a gentle spirit that comes forth on tracks like “Lost In You” and it’s sincerity that tugs at your heart, and whispers in your ear. It’s a seduction that is played with such a compelling elemental design. As you move forward with more tracks from DigMarie, you start to realize that there’s a lot more talent than you may have first realized. There’s depth to the tracks, and as you traverse the different layers of the music, you get that same vibe that you received when you first learned about many other mainstays in the music i...

Joe Con’s latest effort “I Choose You” is an ep that mashes a lot of genres together to form one of the most satisfying records that I’ve heard in a while. It’s hard to fit this one into one area, but it’s definitely going to find fans across several genres. There’s a little bit of country, rock, alternative, hip hop, and other elements moving fast within the songs. It’s based on acoustic guitar entries, but it’s built and layered with more as the lyrics come in and the singing builds a bridge between the listener and the words that Joe Con illustrates. The lyrics are good here, they paint a good story, they are like country music’s finest in many ways. However, it’s not limited to that genre and it really isn’t the same as you would expect, even though you feel it at times, including during some of the parts of “Said and Done”. There’s a more contemporary feel to the tracks so it’s hard to place Joe Con in a box. Just when you think you’ve figured the work out, you get hit with a ...

I was introduced to Sienná through the first musical notes on the upcoming single “I Know Why”, and was completely stunned. There’s something elegant about the musical production at first glance. You’ll hear a very melodic point, before you are lead down a line of singing and other elements that create a lavish picture. It’s this ethereal relationship that comes through with vocals and sound design that is really well done. It’s got a mix of pop, electronic, digital, and organic sounds that work very well here. You really get this compelling sound and design that flows so well together. You are not going to be disappointed upon listening as it starts to become clearer through the track. By minute 2, you are enthralled, you are in love, and you can’t let go. There’s a symbiosis at work here, something that only the best artists can produce, and that’s iconic here. It’s not a noisy track, it’s moody, it’s eclectic, and it is definitely one of the better sounding songs I’ve heard in a...

I was immediately blown away by Vin Deca’s production on “Electro Positive Plus”. Not since Kavinsky have I heard of a unique mix of music that is by far compelling and artsy in so many worlds. This is beyond the genre of dance and electronic music, as it fits into a whole new element of musical creativity. I’m honestly not sure how to really explain the layers that are created here as the positivity shines through and through. On the record you are going to hear the traditional beats you may have grown accustom to in regards to dance or pop music, but right when you think you’ve got Vin Deca figured out, he throws you a curve. When you listen to tracks like “Avec Plaisir” you really denote that. I loved the way the flow turned around and then struck a new element throughout. It is an energy filled track that really needs your attention. The rest of the record is compelling too, and it flows through ambience and rhythm that is very much on par with what you would expect from a ja...

Shid Latta is coming out strong from Baltimore and brings about one of the most compelling tracks that I’ve heard in a long time. It not only hits you hard with the beats and production by EVOLUTION MS, it comes through with a lyricism that hits you like a prized fighter to the face. The delivery of the lyrics is hard, delivered within words and ideas that are filled with dreams. The writing brings about a swagger that comes over the top and brings you to the experience that the rapper is trying to present like a painting. If you close your eyes you will start to bounce a bit as the delivery showcases a lot of different elements moving forward. This is the type of song that you are going to hear playing as loud at a stop light because it’s full of incredible timing and influence. It makes you want to throw a fist up in the air at times, it makes you want to listen carefully to the lyrics, and it’s the sign of a rapper that knows how to divide the beats and inspire within the words, b...

I grew up on Christian music, and with that, I had to hear a lot of terrible rappers try to rhyme. Then something happened, call it a spiritual awakening, but Christian music started getting really good. A.K.A. FiSHEЯ proves that yet again, and you get a super flow that is going to surprise even the staunchest of critics. With the track “It’s A Jesus Thing”, you get the power of secular beats with a flow that is going to push you into thinking twice about what Christian rappers are all about. The lyrical flow here is impressive, A.K.A. FiSHEЯ makes this seem too easy. When you start to dissect the track, you will find that there are a lot of elements that the best rappers in the game have, only this time around you are getting pure food for the soul. Whether you’re a believer or not, this is going to hit you hard. The beat alone is going to make you want to turn up the stereo, and once the flows start, you’re going to be cast down into a world of incredible music. I found it to be ...

When The Shivers first came out with their landmark record, I couldn’t find a friend that liked them. Today, I’m 31 years old, and I can’t find friends that like good music, and I don’t care. When I first caught wind that this record was being pressed and released, I looked for someone to tell, and what better place than this blog, right? The Shivers will release “Charades” remastered, sequenced, and on Vinyl for the first time on October 17, 2014. Mark your calendars, break your piggy bank and make sure that you’re getting this incredible release. If you’re not familiar with The Shivers, then you’re missing out. You need to pay attention, because it is this New York City band that is one of the most influential artists of the past decades. Despite the fact that their release didn’t set the charts on fire or get into your brother’s music collection, they have managed to create a beautiful, and eclectic sound well worth your time. With 13 albums released, and a slew of fans, you’l...

I admit, I have been through the wringer lately. Traveling across the country, my car breaking down, and missing my sister’s wedding all happened in the last few days. I felt terrible, and another thing I forgot was to review Arjun’s latest release sooner. I’m kicking myself hard right now because this is an album that should’ve been up and reviewed a lot sooner. All that aside, Arjun’s latest record “Core” blew me away within 30 seconds. The first song “Rocks” is perhaps one of the most solid instrumental songs I’ve heard in a long time. I love instrumental rock music, but this is on par with some of the best ever played. It’s well conceptualized it’s perfectly played, and brings together a certain jazz quality through every change of sound design. It rocks hard, but it does so with such a precise and exclusively unique manner. It goes from rock, metal, jazz, and even a bit of reggae bass, all without leaving you hanging, and it’s a perfect start to what I call a perfect record. Y...