The Tiger Lillies - The Devil's Fairground (2018)

 

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Over the years every single person I've ever played this group for has had but a single and common complaint, Martyn's vocals annoy the shit out of them. That's unfortunate. I think his voice fits neatly into every song they've crafted. As those years progressed, I've watched the Tiger Lillies continue to produce amazing, high quality music all the while smiling in face paint. Annoying voice or not, this trio puts on an amazing show. This record deserves a nice glass of wine and a joint. Enjoy the music, it's been a good week.

The Devil's Fairground

Yellow Machinegun - Father's Golden Fish (1996)

 

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I've been really enjoying the thrashy-punk madness this record offers. It's unapologetic and in your face loud, which is what my brain has been demanding of late. I chalk it up to being indoors too long, due to shitty weather and the like. A lack of sunshine can make you an asshole, or at least that's the excuse I'm using. So take this for a walk around the block a few forty times.  

Father's Golden Fish

Black Flag - My War (1984)

 

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Towards the very end of the title track, Rollins screams so fucking hard that his voice almost resembles guitar feedback. Every time I hear that track it reminds me of the end of The Lawmower Man. There's strong evidence  at the end of Damaged [see Damaged I] of the route the group would eventually take on this release. Apparently it caused a bit of a stir amongst the fanbase at the time, but fuck 'em, this record sounds great. Turn it up to full volume and scream along. 

My War

The Cut - Shadow Talks (1981)

 

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I've had a steady diet of New Wave/Post-Punk the last week or more. It's most definitely because lately I've been filling my head with some of the foulest black metal the internet could share with me. Shadow Talks is so refreshing after all of that darkness. All of the pieces fit perfectly together like a deliciously balanced meal but for your ears. Guilt-free calories. It's best enjoyed around midday, right after lunch kicks in and the clock starts dragging it's ass and makes quitting time feel like an eternity away. The stark keys and jangling guitars blow the cobwebs out of my ears and perks me up to make that final stretch for the end. But mostly it's because the rhythm section is fucking killer and I can't help but shake my ass, so there's that. It's a banger of a debut to say the least. Click below for a good time.

Shadow Talks

100 Flowers - 100 Flowers (1983)

 

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I've been on this angsty teenage punk kick, lately. These guys fit that bill perfectly. The band itself has a collection of silly names, with this one being the most timid, although the factual history behind their name isn't so timid. Sprawling 16 tracks and 41 minutes, 100 Flowers has a unique sound that boarders on the familiar, but is definitely their own. Apparently they were a huge influence on the SoCal scene with their jangly guitar, anxious vocals that yell mostly about sex, west coast shit, and sometimes war. What's not to love? 

When life gets too heavy and you're taking things that you can't change way too seriously, take this for a spin and dance around your living room. You'll feel better afterwards, trust me. 

100 Flowers

The Ex - Disturbing Domestic Peace (1980)

 

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It's ridiculously eerie just how familiar this album feels, as if all of the lyrics and subject matter are still relevant here and now in 2021? Anyway, this is the Dutch Punks debut record and it kicks right out of the gates. It's 28 minutes of piss and vinegar, scratchy, bass-heavy truths, spitting them right in your face. The Ex went on to create wild Punk-World-Fusion, that I honestly believe The Police were attempting to channel, before all of the money and love songs kicked in. Do your ears a favor and spin this. Preferably while wearing a torn leather jacket and drinking a beer.

Disturbing Domestic Peace

Virgin Prunes - ...If I Die, I Die (1982)

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My good friend James suggested I go back and 'revisit' the first 4-5 U2 albums, and naturally like any stoner nerd I looked the records up. My insatiable appetite for dumbass music knowledge led me to Dik Evans, and thus Virgin Prunes found their way into my ears. I honestly anticipated this record to be over the top bullshit noise, based on the cover alone, but fortunately these chaps had some chops and I was thoroughly pleased.

...If I Die, I Die