The Rats - Intermittent Signals

The Rats second album from 1981. When I asked Justin Hunter how it compared to the first album he said, "This one has more of the hits on it." Pre-Dead Moon garage-punk from Portland Oregon. Anti-authority, anti-high fidelity. In this decaying, high-tech ocean of asphalt, something this simple and direct is a revelation.

The Wipers - Over The Edge

Greg Sage and The Wipers don't get a lot of credit. They influenced an entire region and, in fact, formed the nucleus of Portland (Northwest) punk rock in the late '70s and the entire '80s. They put out numerous records that were dread-laden and drenched in intensity. Over the Edge might be the best one. Nothing else sounds like a Wipers record because Greg Sage built his own pedals, was obsessed with tube equipment and produced everything himself. He played some great guitar on Portland wrestler Beauregarde's record from the early '70s when he was basically just a kid. I hope Jackpot keeps reissuing Wipers vinyl because things are about to get even more interesting with Land of the Lost and Greg's solo record Straight Ahead (my favorite record ever perhaps). Over the Edge is the iconic Wipers record you've been waiting for, get it now.

The Zeros - Don't Push Me Around

Who wants some teenage wasteland/Southern California snot-nosed punk rock? Everyone. It's on hot pink vinyl and it sounds as fresh as the ocean air and is as dirty as the polluted beach. "Don't Push Me Around" is the Seeds' "Pushin' Too Hard" a decade later, twice as fast and just as pissed. "Handgrenade Heart" is more teen-street poetry wrapped up in punk noise buzz. The rest is just as good and just as volatile. Get it while it's hot.

Death - ...For The Whole World To See

Death from Detroit create some serious rock and roll menace on this record from 1975. It's got the gritty, urban fierceness and white hot intensity of post-Vietnam era MC5 violence and the street thug punishing simplicity of the first two Stooges records along with a little Dolls-esque swagger and some serious urban ennui creeping in around the edges. Definitely proto-punk rock in every way. Highly recommended.

tip: Get to know yourself before you get to know others.

PJ Harvey/John Parish - A Woman A Man Walked By

...Wherein Ms. Harvey rediscovers her sense of absurdity and fun and Mr. Parish continues to lay down his art-skronk meets blues rock backing to wonderful effect. This is the second album the two have done together, and it seems that they bring out the best in each other every time they work as a duo. Here's hoping there are more songs and albums together in the future.

Tim Hecker - An Imaginary Country

Tim Hecker is a Canadian electronic composer who produces albums that are both gritty and wildly expansive. Most of his pieces don't feature identifiable instruments per se, but sound like giant chordal clouds moving across a landscape. I find his work to be both moving and extremely beautiful.

Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds - Dracula Boots

Kid Congo Powers, late of Congo-Norvell, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, The Gun Club, and The Cramps, seems to have boiled down the essence of many of his former musical forays into a juke-joint meltdown that just wants to make you shake your tail feather, while maybe giving you the creeps just a bit. It sort of comes across like a less over-the-top Screamin' Jay Hawkins fronting a Spencer-less Blues Explosion.

Jonathan Kane - Jet Ear Party

Jonathan Kane was one of the founding members of Swans and has been maximalist guitar composer Rhys Chatham's drummer of choice for years. Kane has also been a longtime blues band drummer, and he somehow manages to forge together a wall-to-wall guitar sound influenced by Chatham and Glen Branca together with a wicked blues feel. Sonic Sludge Blues? I dunno what to call it, but it sure sounds good.

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

I know, I know, everyone and their brother's dog is raving about Grizzly Bear's new album, but you know what? I think it's totally deserved. These guys keep pushing themselves forward, and the songs and the sounds are there to make an album I can't stop listening to. If they get more popular and influence more artists to do their own thing, good for them.

The Horrors - Primary Colours

I remember hearing this band before, and didn't pay much attention to them, thinking them an O.K. throwback garage band who were trading on a black-clad, mascara-and-bad-haircuts image. They have definitely stepped their game up quite a few notches for Primary Colours, taking in many shades of early '80s post-punk and '90s shoegaze. What could have been just a pastiche of influences, the group instead turns the album into something that sounds very much like a band finding themselves sound and song-wise.

Mono - Hymn To The Immortal Wind

I was really into this Japanese instrumental rock band's first two records, but kind of lost track of them after a few years. Their new album, Hymn To The Immortal Wind, combines the majesty of some of those early records with even more beauty, and the addition of using a full orchestra behind them makes their music sound that much more expansive.

Stardeath & White Dwarfs - The Birth

Stardeath is lead by Dennis Coyne, nephew of Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne, and is made up of members who all served time as roadies for The Lips. Yes, this band is psychedelic, and, yes, they do, at times, sound a bit like their big brother band, but really they are, at heart, more of a progressive rock band that can write some really great, memorable songs. Think a more modern take on Yes or King Crimson than The Flaming Lips.

Eels - Hombre Lobo

I admit I am a late comer to the Eels and its leader/sole continuing member Mark Everett, but their later material has really roped me in the last couple of years. His new album is both tender and funny, and rocks like a cranky beast when it wants to. I've really been enjoying it.

Sonic Youth - The Eternal

I don't think this is my favorite Sonic Youth album, (and not even my favorite in the last few years), but it does have some great stuff on it, and, hey, any Sonic Youth album that has at least two Lee Renaldo songs on it is bound to be at least somewhat good. I'm just getting into this album, and I have a sense it might grow on me more.

Numero Group 26 - Local Customs: Downriver Revival

This is hands down my favorite Numero Group compilation. This is a compilation of artists off Felton Williams labels, Revival and Double U Sound from Escorse, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. This compilation spans the '60s and '70s but sounds unlike anything recorded at the time because Felton Williams made his own recording equipment. Williams was an electrical engineer for a GM in Detroit and used his skills to hand wind electrical coils and build other recording equipment from scratch. This record has 24 songs which span gospel, soul, funk, jazz, and there is even a garagey punk song on it called "Running Mod." Numero Group really discovered and saved some great tunes from being lost on this compilation.

Thee Oh Sees - Help

Great garage pop, with some witty lyrics and catchy hooks.

Jonathan Richman - A Que Venimos Sino a Caer

Me encanta Jo Jo. Y esta album es hermosa y romantica. Mi espanol no es tan bueno que Jonathan Richman.

Mika Miko - We Be Xuxa

Any record that has a "I don't want a turkey (SANDWICH!)" call and response is definitely worth buying.

Ty Segall - Ty Segall

Great smart garage rock. If you can catch this guy playing in a backyard or a basement, you're in for a treat. (If you can't find a card for it, check under S miscellaneous in rock)

tip: New Beverly Saturday Midnight Movies Rule!!!! Radical and generally forgotten movies about everything from rival aerobics gyms to obscure horror films and ridiculous action films (Steven Segal, Chuck Norris etc.).  A good time is always had by all and sometimes actors from the films do a Q&A before the show and you can even bring your own beverages.  I find it's a great way to spice up your Saturday evenings.

Thrilla in Manila - Ali vs. Frazier

It was the greatest fight of ALL TIME arguably, but this rivalry was taken to new heights. Finally the truth is revealed in what happened behind the scenes of these two gallant warriors.

Gangland: Complete Seasons 1, 2 & 3

Very entertaining and kinda scary what's going on in our streets. We all should be more aware!

Tyson

A documentary about Mike Tyson, told by Mike Tyson. He is brutally honest about everything that has happened to him throughout his controversial career and life!

Taken

This movie is wild! Having daughters in their early 20s and late teens, I wanted them and their girlfriends to see this and pay attention! Lots of intense action!

Lonely are the Brave

The title speaks for itself.

St. Vincent - Actor

Her sophomore album. And it's a good one! Buy the vinyl and it comes with a free download code for all the MP3s.

Eels - Hombre Lobo

After all these years E's still cranking out the jams. I got it on vinyl, but it's on CD too.

School of Seven Bells - Alpinisms

The '09 limited edition reissue of Alpinisms is pressed on 180 gram vinyl, packaged in a gatefold sleeve, and comes with a CD of the album! It's a steal. Pick it up if you see it, they only made 1000.

Beck - One Foot In the Grave [Expanded Edition]

In print for the first time since '94, Beck's lo-fi masterpiece has been reissued to mark the album's 15th anniversary. If that's not enough for you then check out the 16 bonus tracks (13 of which are previously unreleased) that literally double the length of the album! It's out on vinyl, but it's also available on CD for half the price, if that's more your style.

The Vaselines - Enter The Vaselines

Everything that has ever been released by The Vaselines is on this collection. It's got their two EPs, their full-length, demos, and two live shows. The vinyl comes on three discs and includes a download code for all the songs on the album in MP3 format. Whether you're an old fan or you've only heard of them through the Nirvana covers, this compilation is well worth picking up.

Breaking Bad: Season 1 & 2

Breaking Bad follows protagonist Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a chemistry teacher who lives in New Mexico with his wife (Anna Gunn) and teenage son (RJ Mitte) who has cerebral palsy. After learning he has cancer, Walter starts cooking meth to make money for his family. Knowing just this starts the show. After the first three episodes you should be floored. I love this show. All Hail Heisenberg!

Frisky Dingo Seasons 1 & 2

Damn, this show is funny. Not much more to say, just check it out. You'll see.

Buffalo Soldiers

I really can't think of any reason that this movie should not be in your home. Overlooked by most, not by me. This is one of my little gems. Sometimes I like to show this movie to friends just to see their reaction.

Box of Moon Light

Sam Rockwell is one the most underrated actors out there. This odd buddy movie just makes me feel like there is still time to do anything.

Moon (when it comes out on DVD)

WOW! That all I can say...again Sam Rockwell. David Bowie's son Duncan Jones (yep!) has found his calling. Great job.

The State: The Complete Series

EFF YEAH!!! Finally The State is out on DVD after 15 long years. Tons of Dougie, tons of bacon-aprons, tons of spaghetti with fried bumble bees, tons of porcupine racetrack, tons of bonus skits, and even more commentary! Best summer ever? Yes, yes it is. But wait! Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black make it just that much better with their new show on Comedy Central all summer long, Michael and Michael Have Issues. It really is the best summer EVER! AHHHHHHHH!!!!

Outbreak - Work To Death

When Outbreak makes new music, they get shit done. It's been a while, but it was well worth the wait. Pissed, fast, brutal, catchy guitars, and fist pumping gold. New album will own.

Masshysteri - Var Del Av Stan

From the brilliant minds of The Vicious brings you Masshysteri. Sweden based, on Dennis Lyxzen's label NY Vag, three radical people making radical music, keeping punk alive and keeping you bopping around. A gem.

Chain and the Gang - Down with Liberty... Up with Chains!

Ian Svenonius is at it again. More rants and snappy lines over catchy guitar licks, funky bass lines, and eerie chants. If this is what they call freedom, then lock me up and throw away the key!

Encounters at the End of the World

Werner Herzog's trip to the South Pole, with the expected unusual cast of characters, as well as especially stunning underwater photography. If that is not enough, the otherwordly sounds of the seals are worth seeing the film...Is it a green movie? More than that, and it is guaranteed to change one's worldview some way or other - not surprising really, considering the director's previous output.

Oumou Sangare - Seya

The long-awaited new release by Mali's foremost feminist diva. Seya does not disappoint: Oumou's soaring voice floats above a groovy mix of updated traditional rhythms. Like Rokia Traore, a compatriot, she belongs to the class of very sophisticated singers that improves with every release. This is great driving music!

Culture Musical Club - Shime!

Not in any which way related to Boy George, this is actually a long-standing orchestra from pre-independence days of the island of Zanzibar, off the coast of East Africa. They perform "taarab" ("to be moved") music, a mix of Arab, Indian, and African music unlike any other, totally below the radar of coolness in this country.

Elizete Cardoso - Cancao Do Amor Demais

Limited pressing of the supposed first bossa nova record ever, by Brazilian actress/singer. Though not remastered, it gives a great idea of the time. It was co-ordinated by Jobim, who together with Vinicius de Moraes wrote the songs, which were accompanied by Joao Gilberto - one can hear future classics...She does sings in a more traditional, pre-bossa style, however, which makes the entire recording sound very nostalgic.

Staff Benda Bilili - Tres Tres Fort

A group of handicapped people playing music on self-made instruments, living in the zoo of Kinshasa/Congo?! I thought that hype was too much but then heard the CD, and it is totally soulful! Not to mention the strange sounds that they have come up with. Everybody that hears this loves it...From those wonderful people @ Crammed Records.

Avant Dernières Pensées - Erik Satie

Alexandre Tharaud

Beautifully packaged CD and ideally suited for crossover due to the relaxing nature of these quirky compositions by cool, avant-garde French composer. It took me back to a rainy day in Honfleur, Normandy, visiting the Satie Museum.

Novalima - Coba Coba

Afroperuvian music updated...The first release was a novelty; with this one the group shows that they really bridge the old and the new. Check their amazing video of "Coba Guarango" on the label's website.

Ba Cissoko - Seno

Ba Cissoko (name of band & artist) is what Femi Kuti (who he tours with in Europe) is to the Kuti clan - the heir to a famous father in his country, Guinea, home to many great griots, kora players and singers. He plays the kora, a 21-stringed harp-type instrument in a more 21st century style: electrified, that is. On this CD he works with traditional sounds as well as funk, salsa, and other styles, and it is exciting, whether one likes African music or not!

Rail Band - Belle Epoque Vol 3: Dioba

3rd double CD of the great African '70s band which launched the careers of singers Salif Keita and Mory Kante, and guitarist Djelimady Tounkara - a nostalgic trip to the train station in Bamako, Mali.

Vitus

A small, charming Swiss movie about an overly talented boy, not just at the piano, with a great performance by Bruno Ganz, as the grandfather.

tip: www.mondomix.org = European world website