By Alex Brenner

Although I must say 2012 has been pretty good musically so far, I always find myself digging up some older records. When I say older I’m talking about late 90′s and up, not the classics. Talking with fellow A-Lister Rube, the other night we did a little reminiscing and it got me thinking about some great records of the past. The ones where you say “Oh man, I have not heard that in forever!” I do listen to tons of new music too, however, these are some you may have forgotten about or never really checked out. This is my first installment of what I hope may be a new column highlighting some of what I consider to be the new classics.

The Rentals – Return of the Rentals

When bassist Matt Sharp left Weezer in the mid-90′s I was curious as to what his next move would be. In 1995, he really topped Weezer in my opinion with this record. Talk about one of the most ripped off records: poppy melodies, girl boy vocals, fuzzed out bass and Moog driven melodies. If you want to know where the indie synth bands of today are getting most of their material check this record out. Stand out tracks “Friends of P” (which I’m sure you’ll all remember) and the pummeling opener “The Love I’m Searching For”. You can hear his influence on Tegan and Sara’s So Jealous and The Con (and he played on both). File under hidden treasure.

Refused – The Shape of Punk to Come: A Chimerical Bombation In 12 Bursts

Refused made an announcement they would be reforming to play several shows this year. The press release read as such:

We never did The Shape of Punk To Come justice back when it came out, too tangled up in petty internal bickering to really focus on the job. And suddenly there’s this possibility to do it like it was intended. We wanna do it over, do it right. For the people who’ve kept the music alive through the years, but also for our own sakes… See you in the pit.

For those of you not familiar with this Swedish hardcore outfit, this band has been influential to many of today’s punk acts. In 1998 they released The Shape and sadly it would be their last. Nothing sums up this record better than the song “New Noise”; a song that challenged existing punk sounds with new ideas and aesthetics. Punk could no longer be just about the revolution. They experimented with drum and bass and added elements of jazz and math-rock. This was miles away from the current bands of the time, like Blink 182 and Green Day. Bottom line, this record kicks really hard. I have dents in my steering wheel from drumming to this record in my car.

Pedro the Lion – Control

Some of you may be fans of David Bazan but never really got into his previous project Pedro the Lion. I’ve been a super fan of this band since 1998′s It’s Hard to Find a Friend, but 2002′s Control really hit me. I’m not usually a fan of concept albums, and honestly you can’t really tell it is unless you listen to it closely, but this record is such a strong commentary on “The American Dream”. Bazan has such as talent for writing about tragedy which is possibly why he is one of my favorites. Control is basically the story of a successful business man who cheats on his wife and in the end she stabs him to death. It’s also a fantastic look into the American values such as greed, vengeance, death and how we raise our children. Only Bazan could sing brilliant lines like “The experts say you ought to start them young. That way they’ll naturally love the taste of corporate cum.” This probably my favorite Pedro record, it’s nothing short of amazing. The indie rock equivalent of Radiohead’s OK Computer.

HUM – You’d Prefer An Astronaut

Where do I even start on this record? In 1995 HUM really came out of nowhere (even though this was their third release) and delivered this hard driving album. It was the first time I really noticed the heavily detuned guitars which would later be a huge trend amongst post-hardcore and metal bands. This is really one of those classic records I remember having on cassette – great songs mixed with sludgy Sabbath-like riffs and soaring melodies. Check out the pounding drums in “The Pod” or the killer riffage in the middle break of “Stars”. This record is spectacular.

The Menzingers – Chamberlain Waits

This record just came out in 2010 but it reminds me of everything that was good about real punk rock. I listen to this record just about everyday in its entirety which is rare for any record. There is screaming, gang choruses and enough chunky chords and thrashing to give you a black eye. What I think sets this band apart is that they are such great songwriters as well. Sort of that mix between Fugazi and Jawbreaker. If you like your music sung from the heart, this one will certainly do the trick.

[just as I was dozing off, Alex woke me up to bug me about this review he needed to write so here it is. back to sleep for me -Rube]

By Alex Brenner

I’m a big fan of bedroom bands. A year or so ago I started reading about this boy wonder, 18-year-old Dylan Baldi who had just released a collection of lo-fi pop that bloggers could not get enough of. As you know, I’m never buying into the big indie hype machine but I could not resist checking this stuff out. It was pretty decent. Not amazing, but it showed a lot of promise. Earlier this month the first single from Attack on Memory premiered – a catchy pummeling rock number called “Stay Useless”. It blew my mind.

Now a full band, Baldi and Co. have made probably one of the best rock records I’ve heard in a long time. I’m not sure when rock music became so unpopular and all this indie folk garbage came in but thank god for this record. The production (recorded at Steve Albini’s studio) is raw and everything is loud. Not only are the songs great but the band itself is downright amazing. Sonically this totally reminds me of 90′s early indie/emo such as Silkworm, Seam, Braid and Promise Ring. My only complaint is that this record is short, only about 8 or so songs. This is another one already slated to hit my best of 2012 list. A must listen for those of you who want to rock.

By Alex Brenner

I must admit when I first heard Kathleen Edwards’ new record was being produced by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon I was a bit worried. That’s me, the indie snob, but then I heard his work on Land of Talk’s stellar Some Are Lakes and my worrying subsided.

What you get with Voyageur is much more adventurous and focused sound that is bound to break her out of the Americana mold. It’s not so out of left field, it’s just not so singer songwriter and more akin to David Bazan or Feist. Believe me, I love all her records but Americana (in my opinion) can be limiting and I always thought she had that extra something; Voyageur is that something. She still is one hell of a songwriter with a great sense for melody, and sometimes humor and wit, as found in “Cheapest Key” from her last album: “A is for all the times I bit my tongue, B is for bullshit and you fed me some. That preceded by “F is my favorite letter as you know”. Edwards also knows how to pick some great guests on her records. Last time it was members of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and this time it’s Norah Jones and the Long Winter’s John Roderick.

So the songs are still fairly acoustic driven but it’s the bubbling synths and the broken cable noise in the album’s strongest track, “Side Car”, that add so much. The production is done very well, not too polished and not too indie to make her sound like something totally different. It’s not like she is trying to go out of her way to be different. It’s just good solid songwriting and her voice is downright amazing. What really makes Kathleen Edwards such a great artist is that she is always consistent. All her records are great all the way through; this record probably the most.

I don’t want to focus on the fact that this is supposed to be her “divorce record.” Honestly, it does not add anything to the record to think of it that way. It’s an amazing record. I’ve had it heavy rotation in the car for a week or two and it will be on my top of 2012 for sure. Maybe you are not too familiar with her previous work or maybe like me you’ve been a fan since Failer broke your heart. If anything Voyageur should get Kathleen Edwards the mainstream (not top 40 Katy Perry Mainstream) success she deserves.

So I already gave you one, two lists of 2011 records worth checking out. I also gave you lists from some of Atlanta’s finest musicians and music listeners – Alex, Matt, Richard and Erik. The bowl season is in full swing, the playoffs are almost set and it’s that last day of the year, so what do I have left for 2011? Just one more list.

These are the records that we discovered, or rediscovered, in 2011 that did not come out in 2011 but found their way onto our turntable more than once or thrice this year. (Yes, most of these came our way by way of the vinyl pressing process).

You might like. You might not. But we’d like to suggest that new and shiny isn’t the only place to find great new sounds. These are our old favorites of 2011.

Wings – Wings At The Speed Of Sound. After the break-up, Paul McCartney’s efforts always stood in the shadow of the band that made him a legend. I’m not sure if that was fair. I really don’t know what’s wrong with a few silly little love songs.

The Cavedogs – Rock Takes a Holiday. One of the best finds of the year for me. This Capital Records promo, that I found in a $1 bin, uncovered this truly obscure and legitimately under-appreciated band. Record stores are such fun.

Genesis – The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. I don’t really know what sent me on my Genesis kick earlier this year, maybe fond memories of Sid Barrett or more recent thoughts of the next Drink Up Buttercup record, but I was in full-on Genesis mode in the first half of the year and this album led the way. If all you can think of is “Land of Confusion” when you hear somebody mention Genesis then do yourself a favor and pick up this record. Prog Rock at its best? Maybe.

Meet John Doe. I first heard John Doe’s first solo effort this year. It’s regrettably “out of print” but not that hard to find. This is the moment when he started to chart his life outside of X but still retained much of that aesthetic. Well worth the time it might to take to find one for yourself.

Ten Years After – Ssssh. Alvin Lee’s original band also snuck back into my life in 2011. This record doesn’t feature the famous “I’d Love to Change the World” (though that album got some spins too) but I found it in the $1 bins at Criminal Records and took it home only to recall how good the first wave of blues rock psychedelia sounds against my eardrums.

David Stephens – A Year And Some Change. David is a friend and an incredibly talented artist outside of his musical endeavors but it wasn’t until this year that I got to hear the record he made in back in 2009. The instantly accessible and easily hummable setlist only suffers from sequencing (yes if I were ordering the songs, the dangerously cute 2nd song should have been swapped for the beautifully poignant 12th song). David plays the banjo and sings a song as if life were a porch, you were the summer night and he was its entertainer.

The Wedding Present – Mini (plus). The Wedding Present ranks among the most enduring bands in my portfolio of personal favorites and this record is their stand out effort – at least it was this past year. This 9 song “import” version of the original 6 track EP was in heavy rotation. Give it a spin.

The Godfathers – Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It was this “off-label” live record that reminded me of this band from my youth. Sure I tracked down a copy of Birth School Work Death (at considerably less than the big stores want for it) to complete the loop, but this is a record that got me there. Another under appreciated effort.

Thee Michelle Gun Elephant – Gear Blues. A pal brought over a nearly all black gatefold lp filled with deliciously multi-colored vinyl this Thanksgiving. These Japanese garage punks were found on the grooves in between. I found several more recordings shortly thereafter.

Eleven was a good year for old music. Hope it was a good year for you too. Here’s to older in 2012.

By Alex Brenner

After several months of drought, fall record releases have been looking up. Because there are so many I thought I give you a quick look at what’s out there.

Wilco – The Whole Love

Well what can you say, yet another great record. I like to think of Wilco as Radiohead with a purpose. Even at their weirdest moments Tweedy and Co. seem to make memorable songs while still pushing the limits. Released on their own label you have to respect a band that has really done it their own way from day one. Maybe that’s what makes them one of the most enjoyable live acts as well. [The four song EP that accompanies the deluxe edition and includes the 7" cover of Nick Lowe's "I Love My Label" is worth the couple extra ducats. - Rube]

We Were Promised Jetpacks – In the Pit of the Stomach

Not as gut wrenching as 2009′s These Four Walls this new one is still pretty decent. I have not found many great “rock” bands as of recent but WWPJ are great at making sweeping anthemic jams. You can’t help but be a sucker for singer Adam Thompson’s thick Scottish accent and jagged hooks. It’s worth checking out.

Ryan Adams – Ashes and Fire

Some have already called it Heartbreaker II; well let’s just say it’s a little more consistent than his recent efforts. It’s back to the roots rock for sure; backed by Tom Petty sideman Benmont Tench and Norah Jones sitting in as well Ashes and Fire is a pretty solid effort. While I don’t find it as lyrically hefty as Heartbreaker it’s better than I expected it to be so if Adams lost you on the last few you may want to check this out.

Feist – Metals

If you are looking for another “1234″ forget it. You have to respect that though, still actually a more even record than The Reminder this record graciously floats through your speakers effortlessly. Her voice sounds amazing and sonically it sounds very peaceful and serene. This is not an instantly catchy record however; sometimes it’s the “growers” that are worth the time.

Reissues

If you are around my age or about my age (65) than you probably think all new music sucks too. That’s why reissues are so great; they are made for people like me who just can’t seem to move forward.

Superchunk – Foolish

This is probably one of Superchunk’s best efforts in my opinion. This is where Superchunk transitions from a frantic punk rock act to indie rock tunesmiths. I would liken their transformation to The Replacements going from Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash to Let it Be or Tim. In later releases Superchunk figured out that slowing down the tempo can also work in their favor; and it really started with this record. One of the best breakup records to boot. Songs like “Like a Fool” and “Driveway to Driveway” just pull at every heartstring. A must have.

Archers of Loaf – Icky Mettle

I’ve already written about this one but I must say it has to be one of the best records of all time. Another great breakup record with plenty of punch and hooks. This reissue comes with V.S. the Greatest Hits of All Time which is worth the price of admission alone. One of the best indie acts from the 90′s, super underrated but again a must have record.

Megadeth – Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?

Yes, I said it. If you think politics are messed up now you should have been around in 1986. No one snarled about it better or faster than Dave Mustaine. You have to realize in 1986 you had Metallica’s Master of Puppets, Slayer’s Reign of Blood and Poison’s Look What the Cat Dragged In. Never one to give in to the mainstream (I’m talking about the Poison record now) Megadeth would forever stay in the cult act status and become thrash legends. Even 25 years later this record does not sound dated to me; loaded with pummeling hits like “Peace Sells” and Good Mourning/Black Friday” this is one of the best thrash metal records ever. I give it 5 devil horns.

Ride – Nowhere

This record is what I like to call the shoegazer bible. While some would argue its My Bloody Valentine; Ride actually focused more on song craft to go along with their swirling guitars and floating harmonies. Even 20 years later it’s still a sonic masterpiece full of reverberating hooks and squealing feedback. If you want to hear where today’s bands are getting all their sound from check out this record first. Above all “Vaportail” is one of the most classic songs I’ve ever heard. I remember it was on every high school mix tape I ever made. I actually went full geek on this release and got it on vinyl. A must.

By Alex Brenner

I can’t think of any band more deserving of the reissue treatment than 90′s indie rock kings the Archers of Loaf. Icky Mettle was the soundtrack of my life and still is today; with lines like “You’ve got it all wrong. You can’t get it right. Why don’t you come down from off my back. And won’t you get yourself a job somewhere away from me?” this record is amazing. The Archers never made it to the level of success as some of their peers such as Pavement, Superchunk or even like today’s indie darlings Arcade Fire, but then again maybe that’s part of their charm. The little band that never could reminiscent of the mighty Replacements. “Clearly this is your loss” shows singer Eric Bachman as earnest yet full of self doubt and that’s probably the most endearing part about this band. If you caught their reunion show a few weeks back you could not help but notice here are four honest guys just playing music that means something, not posing or just cashing in.

What better way to start off of the greatest records of all time with “Web in Front”? From the first few snare hits you know you are about to hear one of the best alt-rock songs ever. “All I ever wanted was to be your spine”. Again, honest lyrics and jagged guitar hooks; the Archers had a gift for mixing pop sensibility and Sonic Youth at the same time. Not to sound like an old man but they really don’t make them like they used to. Icky Mettle is an album that must be played in it’s entirety from start to finish. Though heavily front loaded starting with “Web in Front” it crashes into “Last Word”, “Wrong”, “You and Me”, “Might”, “Hate Paste” and “Fat” and then you are only half way through and most likely out of breath from screaming at the top of your lungs. “I’ve been so down lately. You’ve been so low lately. Nothing seems to work out for you and me.” These words matched with Eric Bachman’s gruff delivery and you’ve got the recipe for greatness.

The bonus disc is worth the price of admission alone; the first half is the Vs. the Greatest of All Time E.P., in my opinion probably their best work. Going with a more muscular sound they blaze through another three instant classics “Audiowhore”, “Lowest Part is Free” and “Freezing Point” without taking a single breath; each song bleeding into another with the shrill of constant feedback. There are also some singles from “Speed of Cattle” and several other 7″ releases worth checking out as well.

Rumored to only cost $5,000 to make, Icky Mettle still holds up as one of the best indie rock records of all time. You have to realize this was made in 1993 and yet even today no one sounds or ever sounded like this. Maybe Chavez or even Shudder to Think could be put in the same category but again we are talking about a handful that have ever made such a masterpiece. Merge will be reissuing the Archer’s other albums as well. Again, classic after classic Vee Vee, All the Nation’s Airports and White Trash Heroes. Maybe you never got into this band or maybe it’s just something new. Either way this is a must have record, I’d still put it in my top three any day. Sure, everyone has done the loud-quiet-loud but not like they did in 1993.

Archers of Loaf – Wrong