Tokyo Electron - AZ 238 (FDH Records / Certified PR Records, 2009)

Oh me, oh my, definitively Tokyo Electron grew up like giants. As most of you enjoyed the two 7" that I posted on the old Down and Roll, you could totally understand what I'm talking about after listening to AZ 238 (2009), the swan song of these Arizona guys—with Ryan Rousseau focused on Earthmen & Strangers and his solo career the project seems to be finished. After they had become a quartet, the songs grew sounding more thickness and complexes, but they still sound in a Tokyo Electron-style. Is just they moved a step forward from their desert garage-punk—in their own words. As former releases, the LP was limited to a very few copies, in this case they were 500 in green-marveled red vinyl.

Chris Isaak - Gone Ridin' (Warner Bros., 1985) (Promo single)

Like this guy. A lot. Because Chris Isaak is a nice guy. Beyond his resemblance to Elvis and the old heroes of Sun Records and the rockabilly golden age, Isaak has showed himself as a skillful songwriter, an emotional performer, and a charismatic frontman. And almost thirty years after his debut LP, the guy is still in business and beatin' us with notable records. Isaak's first solo album was called Silvertone (1985), also the name of his backin'-band. The album had passed almost unnoticed until "Gone Ridin'" and "Livin' for Your Lover" were featured in the Blue Velvet soundtrack in 1986. It's funny, because "Gone Ridin'"—a vibrant rockabilly tune driven by the silky voice of Mr. Lonely Heart—was featured also in American Flyer (1985); even Warner released a promo single—the today's one—with no success. So thank you with all my heart for your contribution to the Isaak's success, Mr. Lynch.

El Aviador Dro y sus Obreros Especializados - La Chica de Plexiglás / La Visión (Movieplay, 1983) (Munster Records reissue, 2005)

Servando Carballar, the man behind El Aviador Dro y sus Obreros Especializados (a.k.a. Aviador Dro), was a clever clairvoyant. He was one of the Spanish synth-pop ground-makers: in 1979, when the punk was barely grounded in Spain, he founded Aviador Dro—a Devo/Kraftwerk-influenced band—having a notorious success in the punk/new wave Spanish scene—known as La Movida. Their debut 7" was "La chica de plexiglás" ("Plexiglas Girl") b/w "Láser" (1980), a masterpiece which have become a classic of the incipient Spanish independent records. One year later appeared "La visión" ("The View") b/w "HAL 9000" (1981), another visionary two-song 7". After that, they founded their own record label—D.R.O., or Discos Radiactivos Organizados, "Organized Radioactive Records"—releasing their third 7", Nuclear, sí ("Nuclear, yes", 1982). Moviplay, their former label, released in 1983 the two first 7" in one 12" including two extra songs ("Vano temporal" and "Gestalt"). And 22 years after that, Munster Records reissued the 12" in a double 7" format, in blue vinyl. Enjoy!

Dex Romweber Duo - The Wind Did Move b/w Last Kind Word Blues (Third Man Records, 2009)

Dex Romweber is one of the big names in the U.S. underground/roots scene. He founded along with Crow Smith the epic Flat Duo Jets, probably one of the most notorious guitar/drum dui in the recent history of psycho-punk-blues —it is well-known that Jack White was heavily-influenced by this band when he founded the White Stripes with his false sister Meg White. We could say that Dex came full circle when he formed Dex Romweber Duo with his sister Sara Romweber —and this time is a real sister. They have released a couple of highly recommended LP's and one 12" from the Live at Third Man Records series. Among other releases, we can found this 7" from Third Man Blue Series: "The Wind Did Move" b/w "Last Kind Word Blues" (2009), the last one featuring Jack White himself. It is kinda odd that the former disciple have become the patron, don't you think? It's a curious thing the success.

Die Rötzz - Tugboat 45 (Die Slaughterhaus Records, 2005)

Die Rötzz is one of these bands with a gift: they are really capable of composing songs which will immediatly grasp in your head. It's a shame that this awesome band has so little references released; just a bunch of 7'' and a home-made compilation tape. Tugboat 45 (2005) is their second EP, released by Die Slaughterhaus Records, a record label which is quality guarantee. The artifact contains four punches right-to-your-nose, really catchy and addictive. And the funny thing is that there are no secrets, the songs are really simple and flourish-free. They are "just" great. Dammit, I need more!