LISTEN: Gaphals - "Regimen" LP

Whoa. Been a while, huh? Did you even notice I haven't posted since July? I'm still alive. I moved to a new state. I got a new job. I moved to an area where I don't really know anyone, so maybe this will mean getting back to regular posting? Ah, who knows.

Anyways, I'm sitting here at work trying to power through this mental block, and I'd have to say my main motivator are these Swedes Gaphals playing their invigorating, electric, unrelenting punk rock into my eardrums. Screw coffee or an energy drink, just put on Gaphals' 2013 LP Regimen and feel the adrenaline rise. Give it a spin below.

LISTEN: Rock Candy Funk Party - "Spaztastic"

The title says it best, as this wild, fast-paced track moves from blasts of guitar chords to racing guitar leads to mellow breaks. Blending a mastery of funk's magnetic grooves, the pounding rhythm and energy of rock 'n' roll, and the soulful riffs of the blues, this supergroup sounds like they were born to play together. The quintet consists of guitarist Joe Bonamassa, guitarist Ron DeJesus (Tito Puente, Hugh Masakela), bassist Mike Merritt (Conan O'Brien's Basic Cable Band, Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble Band), keyboardist Renato Neto (Sheila E., Prince & the New Generation), and drummer Tal Bergman (Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Rod Stewart). Buckle up and hold onto something.

LISTEN: Redd Kross

What do the Go-Go's, Black Flag, Tenacious D, and Bad Religion all have in common? California power pop band Redd Kross. Honestly, they're a few clicks shy of being the musical equivalent of "The Seven Degrees of Kevin Bacon." Ok, maybe not quite, but seriously.

If you want to talk about an under appreciated, underrated band, look no further than Redd Kross. If you've never heard of them, it's a shame, especially seeing as how they've been around since 1980 -- or 1978 if you include an early incarnation of the band called The Tourists. The band released six studio albums before slipping into the unfortunate "indefinite hiatus" zone following a tour behind their 1997 album, Show World.

LISTEN: Shocking Blue - "Send Me A Postcard"

Dutch rock band Shocking Blue is probably better remembered in America for their big 1969 hit "Venus," because Americans are often all about one song with great bands. It became particularly big after English pop group Bananarama covered the track, a cover which happened to accompany a Gillette Venus razor commercial (clever). And if you happened to own a Korg keyboard in the early '90s like me, then you probably remember it serving as the demo song that played when you pressed a little yellow button -- granted it was more of a midi file. I'm hoping this isn't the legacy of Shocking Blue in America, because, like most bands with one big song, they actually have other great songs -- songs that are even better than the big hit.

LISTEN: Me & This Army - "You"

Full disclosure, I've known 2/3rds of Me & This Army for around eight years or so through the local music scene. I used to play shows with singer/guitarist Courtney Hargrove and drummer Jonathan "Finn" Burrier's various bands, so it's fair to say I've truly seen their progression, or evolution, as musicians. Along with bassist Nicholas Pollione, Hargrove's once solo, acoustic-based project has gradually blossomed into a powerhouse of a rock trio -- as evidenced by their latest single "You."

LISTEN: My Goodness - "Blackout Baby"

My Goodness - "Blackout Baby"


The first time I heard this song, I thought it was some lost MC5 b-side. But the MC5 were never this bluesy, and they never did sound this Southern fried. "Blackout Baby" has that raw, sort of guttural punch that sounds big and hits even harder -- like the MC5 meets Led Zeppelin. It only takes one electric guitar, a drum kit, and a howling set of pipes to stir up this storm of bluesy rock 'n' roll, and that certainly says a lot about the conviction and talent of this Seattle band. My Goodness, rock 'n' roll is alive and doing quite well (sorry, I couldn't resist).

LISTEN: The Experimental Tropic Blues Band - "The Best Burger"

MP3: The Experimental Tropic Blues Band - "The Best Burger"

When you've got Jon Spencer manning the boards for your record and you're recording to tape in the studio run by Heavy Trash's Matt Verta Ray, chances are high the end result will be real, invigorating, and loud rock 'n' roll -- the kind that's raw and full of attitude. A perfect example of this formula can be found on Liquid Love, the new album from Belgium's The Experimental Tropic Blues Band.

LISTEN: Kowloon Walled City - "Diabetic Feet"

For those of you who dug Quicksand, but always felt that they could have been a bit heavier (or something), then you should probably give Kowloon Walled City a spin. If you happen to name your band after an enclosed city in Hong Kong that was once a military fort during the 19th century, you're probably both a genius and also a metal band -- at least logic would lead me to believe so. I can't sit inside this fort (aka my house) and tell you that I know too much about metal and sludge rock (I love Slayer and Iron Maiden...at least Powerslave and Number of the Beast), but I'd like to think that it's hard not to appreciate a good riff that practically makes you feel as though it's illegal to not headbang in its presence. So, I give you Kowloon Walled City's "Diabetic Feet," via my buddy Asa. Better stretch your neck first.

LISTEN: Dibiase

Illinois instrumental outfit Dibiase are a perfect strand of rock 'n' roll DNA. They mix the dynamics of math rock, the precision and proficiency of metal, the thrill of straight up rock 'n' roll, as well as the atmospherics of drone music. They span generations of rock, as well, exhibiting elements from '70s hard rock all the way to post-rock. And while that all sounds rather serious, Dibiase isn't weighted down with a strictly serious attitude. Even without lyrics, there are moments where you can almost hear the big smiles crossing over their faces. You can catch it all on their latest release, Here Comes Forever EP.

LISTEN: Ovlov - 'What's So Great About the City?'

Ovlov - "What Comes Next?"


Ovlov - "The City"


The years of our lives can often seem rather monotonous if we never bother to stop and reflect on them. It's important to maintain awareness of the passing days, weeks, months... if only to prevent ourselves from getting sucked up in the tornado, landing far away from where we'd hoped to be. Going with the flow of the days is just fine, but it's more rewarding, and memorable, if we take the time to acknowledge all that happens. Don't dwell; remember and recognize what has brought you here, to this moment, to this day, to this moment in time. Don't lose yourself -- and by extension time -- always looking for something bigger and better without first learning to appreciate the here and now.

YOU MUST HEAR THIS: The Brothers of Chico Dusty - The Black Keys vs. Big Boi

The Black Keys have already proved to be a great backing band for rappers with Blakroc, and this mash-up album is no different. I came across The Brothers of Chico Dusty a number of weeks ago, but didn't give it a solid listen through until last night -- and shame on me. Nashville's Wick-it the Instigator brilliantly crosses music from The Black Keys' latest album Brothers with Big Boi's overlooked 2010 album Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. All of Big Boi's rhymes sound even sharper and more cunning; The Black Keys' bluesy garage rock 'n' roll serves as an absolutely perfect complement with a strong focus and emphasis on groove. Stream and download the magic below for FREE.



Wick-it the Instigator
Facebook
MySpace
SoundCloud

LISTEN: Yellow Ostrich - "Hate Me Soon"

Honestly, today I wasn't going to update the site with any new posts, not a single one. There are some posts I'm currently working on, but I had nothing prepared for today. I was going through my inbox and looking at some favorited sites around the web in hopes of finding something to post about, but nothing I was listening to was really hitting me. I went through a bunch of stuff, and even though I liked some of it, I just couldn't find that one thing to inspire me. I'm talking about the kind of thing that you listen to and words just start flowing out of your head, down through your arms, into your hands, and out onto the computer keyboard. Then, I remembered Yellow Ostrich.

Yellow Ostrich is the brainchild of Alex Schaaf. The first time I heard The Mistress, his debut album as Yellow Ostrich, I, naturally, was curious as to how old he was (I tend to wonder such things about bands and musicians). As a musician, I felt slightly defeated and insanely humbled when I discovered he was about the same age as me. Schaaf runs a fine balance between simplicity and intricacy, creating music that is both pleasant and catchy as well as highly textured and active. He's one of those songwriters that is attentive to space, rhythm, and the interactivity between all instruments, displaying an impressive understanding of the power of arrangement. With Yellow Ostrich, Schaaf is especially adept with vocal harmonization, using layered harmonies as hooks, especially on songs like "Hold On" and "Libraries." Check out album standout "Hate Me Soon" below.

LISTEN: Secret Colours Offer Up 2 New Songs for Free Download

Chicago psych rockers Secret Colours just released a new two song single/EP entitled In The Absence for free download. I'm particularly fond of the title track for its perfect balance between psych and pop. Some psych bands can really lose their heads inside the kaleidoscopic sounds of their music, making the songs lose their cohesion and direction. But on "In The Absence," Secret Colours pair psychedelic guitars -- and what sounds like a sitar -- with a strong pop hook. The melody is relaxed and understatedly confident, working a Britpop influence into the band's psych blood. It's a brooding tune that takes flight on its waves of psych. Hear and download "In The Absence and the acoustic, more upbeat second track "Carry My Soul" below.

Secret Colours
Official Site
Bandcamp
Blog
Facebook
MySpace
Twitter

What I Like About The Romantics: "Talking In Your Sleep"

Most people are probably familiar with Detroit power pop/new wave band The Romantics through their hit "What I Like About You." Maybe you had no idea that was The Romantics. Maybe you thought "The Romantics" was just a movie starring everyone and their mother. Whatever the case may be, the band wasn't just a one hit wonder. Sure, "What I Like About You" is some pop rock perfection and all, but I recently came across another great single they had back in 1983 called "Talking In Your Sleep."

Following basic television's transition from an analog transmission to a digital transmission, we non-cable folks were more than overjoyed to receive a few extra channels in addition to the eight or so channels we already had. One of these extra channels is "TheCoolTV" where music videos from all different eras are played 24/7 (what MTV used to be, I suppose). Anyways, so there I was a few evenings ago chowing down when I flipped on the channel and "Talking In Your Sleep" was playing. I tuned in just after the video had started, but managed to use my detective skills (thank God for bass drum covers) to find out what band I was watching.

LISTEN: Paper or Plastic

By Pedro Ramos

MP3: Paper or Plastic - "Death + Debt"

Well, they certainly make debt and dying sound rather fun. A Rhodes hammers along throughout the verses, making you want to, more than anything else, get up and pogo around. The guitar riff that colors the intro is one of those short-but-sweet leads that can carve a smile out of that expression of indifference some tend to wear. The drums change up on a straightforward beat in the verses, serving as a nice counterbalance to the pounding rhythm of the keys. Guitars play a game of Pong in the choruses as vocalist David Pollock emphatically convinces us to beat the sadness and move on. "Death + Debt" carries dark themes, but shines with the positive energy stirred up by the excited instrumentation.

MP3: Paper or Plastic - "Glass"

Listen, Ben Folds Five isn't a band anymore. Sure they played that one-off or whatever not too long ago, but I'd dare to say that Paper or Plastic is the next best thing to Ben Folds Five, piano rock charms and all. Ben Folds Five was memorable for using elements of jazz in their signature brand of piano rock. They topped it all off with smart lyrics that were either funny or deep. Paper or Plastic works a similar dynamic, with a saxophone to boot.

COOL FACT: Paper or Plastic recorded their new EP, Ron Save the King, live in a New York studio, direct to 2" analog tape. That's the way to do it.

BUY: "Death + Debt" and "Glass" are from the band's Ron Save the King EP (Sex Pistols play on words?) which is available now for...FREE. Download it here.

Paper or Plastic
Official Site
Bandcamp
Facebook
MySpace
Twitter

J Roddy Walston & The Business on World Cafe Today

Today, Baltimore rock 'n' roll band J Roddy Walston & The Business will be on the syndicated WXPN radio show "World Cafe with David Dye." They'll be sitting down for an interview with Mr. Dye and will also be rocking the airwaves with an in-studio performance. I'm not sure radio can handle this. Tune in at 2pm/EST time to listen.

LISTEN: Head here to tune in (online) and get more information about the show. For you local folks, "World Cafe" is broadcast from 2 - 4pm/EST on 89.7 WTMD-FM.

EDIT: Podcast of the show is up now. You can listen to the band's interview/performance from the show right here at your convenience.

See the band's upcoming tour dates after the jump.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO PREMIERE: The Lions Rampant - "Crazy or Liar"

Ah, hell yeah, rock 'n' roll! The Lions Rampant is a pure rock 'n' roll band with a bit of boogie that's based out of Kentucky. Mixtape Muse is lucky enough to help premiere the video for the band's latest single "Crazy or Liar." In the video, the band blows out the windows of some old house as exotically sexy women make their way through the forest, towards where the band is jamming. The dudes better be careful though. Find out why below.

Yeah, it turns out those beautiful girls are cannibals. Huh. Metaphor?

BUY: The Lions Rampant's latest release, It's Fun To Do Bad Things, is out now. Pick it up here on Amazon MP3 or on iTunes.

The Lions Rampant Official Site
The Lions Rampant @ MySpace

SEE & HEAR: Archie Powell & The Exports - "Enough About Me"

"Enough About Me" is one of those songs that just jumps right in and doesn't mess around -- just a straightforward rocker. It's the kind of song that you throw on and instantly has you energized. With vocals that recall They Might Be Giants, Archie Powell weaves fun, witty lyrics over excited guitar riffs, distorted bass, and drums that call for a pair of air drumsticks. It's a delicious slice of garage rock-meets-powerpop that sounds like The Replacements, Elvis Costello, and They Might Be Giants decided to form a band.

It's hard to deny infectious rock 'n' roll with enough pop sensibility and wit to keep you returning for more. Meet your new weekend soundtrack. Go from Friday to early Monday morning with a band that'll be with you every step of the way, through the good and the bad times. 

"Enough About Me" is rather indicative of Archie Powell & The Exports' overall sound. So, if you're digging this track, you're bound to enjoy the rest of the band's music. The song comes from the band's new album, Skip Work, which is out October 5th. You can preorder the album right here.

Archie Powell & The Exports
Official Site
Bandcamp
Facebook
MySpace
Twitter

LISTEN: Dead Confederate - "Run From the Gun"

MP3: Dead Confederate - "Run From the Gun"

It's got a hint of the band's Southern roots, but has a bit more of a britpop influence running through it. It starts off on a back porch, overlooking an empty field and works its way towards a flourish of moving strings and quiet slide guitar that evoke imagery of a sky lit up by the moon. It's a laid back, contemplative number that sounds perfect for looking out a window during a rainstorm or driving off, eyes set on the horizon. The muffled acoustics and addition of strings/keys make it the type of song that would be a great soundtrack for riding the train, watching the countryside fly by the window.

"Run From the Gun" is from Dead Confederate's new album Sugar which is out this Tuesday, August 24.

After the jump, see the band's upcoming tour dates and watch the band get instruments pulled out of their bodies in the video for Sugar's "Giving It All Away".

LISTEN: Heavy Young Heathens

MP3: Heavy Young Heathens - "Shine"
MP3: Heavy Young Heathens - "Jackie Come Lately"

Heavy Young Heathens make California rock 'n 'roll run through a fuzz pedal, made over a ton of cigarettes and a bunch of alcohol. But that's not the end of it, no it certainly isn't. Then they expose the music to the attitude and snarl of '70s psychedelic rock which turns that fuzzed out California-style into something awesomely nasty. The drum and bass duo of brothers Aron and Robert Mardo is a crisp distorted crunch of finely-tuned rock that's equal parts alternative and psychedelic. The combo of distorted bass chug and rapid fire drums come together to produce one serious sonic assault.

"Shine" is from the Heavy Young Heathen's latest release Make Room For the Youth. You can download it for free (no, really) right here. "Jackie Come Lately" is from the band's self-titled debut LP. You can download it for free (they're so generous!) right here.

Watch the video for "Jackie Come Lately" after the jump. It's a good one.