New Music For Summer

Wow, the new music has been kinda quiet recently. I’d like to change that, so I’m going to review some of the new music that I’ve listened to. Just a note: I picked stuff that seemed relevant to my interests, so it might not be incredibly diverse.

Off! - Off!

Formed in 2009, Off! is a punk rock supergroup, featuring Keith Morris (Black Flag, Circle Jerks), Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), Steven Shane McDonald (Redd Kross), and Mario Rubalcaba (Rocket From The Crypt, Hot Snakes). While techincally their second album, it’s their second album, in the way Repeater is Fugazi’s second album (each band’s first album was a collection of EPs.) And it’s pretty much what you would expect from a Keith Morris band. The whole album is 16 songs long, but doesn’t even last 15 minutes. Speed, energy, and Keith’s vocals are the true highlights of this album. The band writes short powerful songs, that don’t stay around long enough to wear out their welcome. The best way I can describe this album is Circle Jerks or Angry Samoans with modern, cleaner production. Definitely give this album a listen if you have an old-school punk craving. This album went for adds on May 8th.

The Late Show - Portable Pop

Originally released in 1980, Portable Pop has been out of print since the early 80’s; now, though, it’s getting a release on CD. When I saw that it was late 70’s/early 80’s power pop, I knew it would be right up my alley. And it is; while not absolutely brilliant, it still wonderfully fits right in that power pop niche also occupied by Big Star, The Knack, and Cheap Trick. Strong songwriting is given a dirty, garage sound due to the band recording the album live on a loading dock. If you like the bands I already mentioned, you might like Portable Pop. It went for adds May 22nd.

Public Image Ltd. - This Is PiL

Let one thing be clear: I am not a fan of the Sex Pistols. Neither is John Lydon, singer/songwriter for Public Image Ltd. (he’s also known as Johnny Rotten, lead singer of the Sex Pistols.) The Sex Pistols originally were started as a marketing ploy for their manager, Malcolm McLaren, to sell merchandise from his punk clothing store. What John Lydon really had a passion for was reggae, dub, krautrock, Frank Zappa, disco, and much more. Public Image Ltd. was the band Lydon was proud of, and the music he wanted to make. Metal Box is one of the best post-punk albums of all time. I’m glad to say that Lydon can still write songs; very good songs, with plenty of variety and experimentation. Ironically, the number one creative force behind the band is also the worst aspect of the music. Lydon/Rotten never could sing, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to sing, or trying to snarl, both of which sound forced and embarrassing, due to his age. Vocals aside, This Is PiL is full of creative songs and tight musicianship from the band. If you’re already a fan of Public Image Ltd., or if you want to hear Johnny Rotten in a completely different style of music, I heartily recommend This Is PiL. It goes for adds on the 28th of May.

-Lebowski