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.

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!

Nobunny - Live at Third Man Records (Third Man Records, 2010)

What a curious thing is Music. Someone appears in your life coming out of the blue, nothing too original—as evokes a lot of different bands, but at the same time, with a distinct and unique sound. You inevitable get hooked on that sound, the guy becomes one of your favorites and you get crazy looking for his albums. Well, that guy is Nobunny, alias Justin Champlin. The first record I listened to was First Blood (2010); it was put in my hands by a record store owner—one of those guys which musical criteria you can trust blindly, and from the first time I played, I realized that I was in front of something fuckin’ great. Since then I've been looking for every single work he has released. My last acquisition was this Live at Third Man Records (2010), from the Live at Third Man series, recorded at Jack White's studios in Nashville, TN. It will bring to your ears this rock and roll, bubblegum punk, garage and lo-fi mixture which might remind you to millions of bands, but, to me is just Nobunny. And no one else.

Sin City Six - Tonight Tonight b/w Tell It (Screaming Apple, 2000)

The last formation of Pleasure Fuckers—without lead singer Kike Turmix—and Lee Robinson—singer of the Fortunate Sons and former of the A-10—formed the Sin City Six in the last years of the past century. This terrific line-up released three singles and one LP, a killer record I never get tired of listen to—and which I posted in Down and Roll. After the LP Lee Robinson passed away and the Sin City Six released another good record—Home of the Brave (2003)—, but not as good as the first one. "Tonight Tonight" b/w "Tell It" (2000) was their third 7", which contains two songs included in their first LP, but different versions, recorded by Mikel Biffs (from Safety Pins). This record is the first contribution of our new member and collaborator Tony DevilDog. Thanks for the record, mate!

The Mono Men - Burning Bush b/w Rat Fink/Don't Tread on Me (Estrus, 1989) (Estrus Records reissue, 1995)

Let's go today with the (reissue of the) 7" debut of one of the most beloved and important bands of American rock & roll underground scene: the almighty Mono Men! Not exactly a garage band, their music is a crude rock and roll soaked in garage revival love, drenched in punk attitude and seasoned with early-nineties alt-rock rawness. Their debut single "Burning Bush" b/w "Rat Fink" (1989) is a terrific, mythical record; two songs which are the perfect example of what I tried to describe to you. This is the 1995 reissue made by Estrus Records, which also released the original reference. That means we can enjoy one extra track on side B, spliced to the Nomads' "Rat Fink": "Don't Tread on Me".

The Left Banke - Walk away Renee b/w I Haven't Got The Nerve (Smash, 1966)

If you read my old blog, you'll probably remember the awesome records the Misterioso Sr. X shared with us. Now he has his own blog, the highly recommended El chico pasa y pilla, which was a direct inspiration for this new blog, by the way. And to contribute to this new project, he has sent us a psychedelic pop gem. The Left Banke's "Walk away Renee" b/w "I Haven't Got the Nerve" (1966) has all what is wanted in a pop nugget: great vocal harmonies, catchy organ lines, and baroque string arrangements.

Guilt Party - Bassement Church (Bummer Tapes, 2012)

If you remember the Bullshit Compilation I posted a few months ago in the old Down 'n' Roll, you'll probably recall Guilt Party. These guys, along with Secret Prostitutes, were the best of the 7", in my opinion. And to say "were", in past tense, is talking properly, 'cause after two demos these hardcore rats disbanded. Bassement Church (2012) was the first of them, a 4-song tape that will make you feel in the right mood to put your cap on, take your skateboard table, and go to the ramp while listening to Concentration Summer Camps, Minor Threat or the first Suicidal Tendencies' in your old Walkman.

Otis Redding - Hard to Handle b/w Amen (ATCO, 1968)

I have to admit it, "Hard to Handle" is a song the Black Crowes taught me. It's not unusual that the first cover I listen, that'll be my favorite. But sometimes... it's just not in that way. Dear friends and subscribers, Otis Redding was the man. Crap, he IS still the man. Originals or covers, it doesn't matter, this man appropriated every song he put his hands on. Listen to his "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" cover and dare to say me no —by the way, when the cover came up there were a lot of jokes about who was covering who, and we are talkin' about the fuckin' Stones in their most glorious era! So, screw the Crowes, guys, this is the real material! This one was one of the multiple posthumous recordings that appeared after Redding's death in 1967. "Hard to Handle" b/w "Amen" was released in June 1968 and reached the #51 in pop US charts. Don't forget to listen "Amen" too; if you think that sacred music is boring, just look what a real good performer could do with it. Awesome.

Paul Revere & the Raiders feat. Mark Lindsay - Just Like Me b/w Kicks (Columbia, undated)

You guys probably know who are Paul Revere & The Raiders, not in vain they were one of the most successful American garage bands in the mid sixties. It's a pity that their joke costumes and appearances at Dick Clark's Where the Action It's could erode their wildness and rawness. Ok, they weren't the Troggs nor the Sonics, but give 'em a little respect: this band was in the place when the Animals collides with  the Kinks —in fact, the former band rejected "Kicks", and then the song was offered to the Raiders. The both "Just like Me" (November 1965) and "Kicks" (February 1966) hit the US pop charts, reaching #11 and #4, respectively. This 7" is one of those Columbia double A-side reissues that includes two hits by the price of one —by the way, I couldn't date the record, if somebody knows the release date, please talk!

Solomon Burke - Maggie's Farm b/w Tonight's the Night (Atlantic, 1965)

When I start bothering my wife about what Bob Dylan did, what Bob Dylan means... —you know the kind of crap I'm talking about—, she always cut the conversation with this conclusive assertion: "I always like more the covers other musicians do than his originals". Crap, folks, that kind of categorical shit always drive me crazy! I do love Dylan! But regarding the cover I'm presenting you today, I just can say yeah. Because the Solomon Burke's cover of "Maggie's Farm" blew my mind the same instant those horns star blowin'. Back in 1965 Dylan was turning over the electrical sound that would make him a living legend. And "Maggie's Farm" was the first single that came out from Bringing It All Back Home, so, it was kinda the song which started all! And this very same year, the Reverend Burke came out with this catchy cover that will made you jump from your coach and start dancing in front of your stereo. And if you just wanna chill out and start wooing your couple, friend, pet or whatever, turn over onto "Tonight's the Night" and light some candles. It'll work, that's guaranteed.

Black Lips - Party at Rob's House (Rob's House Records, 2006)

Before they signed with the super-terrific-cool-Vice Records label and started to succeed, Black Lips had left us the 7" vinyl Party at Rob's House EP (2.006). One more for the count of live records we can found along the band's discography —their first release on Vice was precisely a live record: Los valientes del mundo nuevo (2.007). The sound is noisy, fuzzy and scrappy, and that's one of the main reasons I love them. It is remarkable that Party at Rob's House contains the first recorded version of their future hit "Oh Katrina!", plus a crazy cover of Link Wray's "Five & Ten" and "Sea of Blasphemy", hit that opened their third (and best) record: Let It Bloom (2.005).