90 Day Men - Panda Park

'Panda Park' was the final album from 90 Day Men. I'd fill you in on the paticulahs, but the best discoveries are found through uncertainty, mang.

Panda Park
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mind the graves

Alphonse Mouzon - Mind Transplant

Alphonse Mouzon is an incredible drummer who first gained recognition with his prog-rock group The Eleventh House, alongside virtuoso guitar-player Larry Coryell. Mouzon was cited as one of the main influences to Led Zeppelin, played with many of fusion's best (including Miles Davis on the 'Dingo' soundtrack, Herbie Hancock, etc) -- all of whom spoke highly of his talent and demeanor (read: cool mothafucka').

I think one of the highlights in his career is his 1976 solo album, 'Mind Transplant'. His drumming in The Eleventh House is top-form too, but the band often comes off as Mahavishnu-lite (which is still a compliment), whereas 'Mind Transplant' is a great unique mix of his earlier and later sound.

Mind Transplant
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volcano! - Beautiful Seizure

Hailing from Chicago, volcano! caught some buzz with their debut album, 'Beautiful Seizure' -- a spastic and beautiful...well, fuck, like it says -- a beautiful seizure. Expect more jangle than valet-pockets, raw Thom Yorke style vocals, and all-together chaotic beauty.

They have a follow-up release called 'Paperwork', which is worth checking out for some select songs (namely "Africa Just Wants To Have Fun"), but pales in comparison to 'Beautiful Seizure'.

Now eat that slice 'a pie.

Beautiful Seizure
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mind the graves

Thunderbirds Are Now!

Thunderbirds Are Now! are an exciting spin on the new-wave/post-punk sound, making energetic punk dance-anthems coated in colorful keys and youthful yelps.

My favorite album is 'Justamustache', but I'm partial to their often-criticized 'Make History' too...
If you're interested in infectious energy and dancability, these Michigan-ers got your back.

But it's best to watch ya' front.

"From: Skulls"

Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief [2003]
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Justamustache [2005]
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Make History [2006]
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Gravediggaz - 6 Feet Deep

Say it with me now: "G-R-A-V-E-D-I-G-G-A-Z".

"G-R-A-V-E-D-I-G-G-A-Z"

Good.

6 Feet Deep
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mind the graves

Brainiac

Brainiac remain one of the most original and interesting groups of the past decade (+ change) -- a synth/punk/experimental headtrip whose music was stopped short after the death of lead singer/guitarist/keyboard player Tim Taylor.

I never fully "got" Brainiac until listening to 'Bonsai Superstar' during a night's drive with a grandfather clock laying/chiming in my backseat -- long story short, the band has become carved into my mind and appreciated daily.

Brainiac might not be for everyone (or might just take time to grow), but I urge anyone who hasn't heard give them a try -- truly one of the more innovative bands.

Bonsai Superstar [1994]
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Hissing Prigs in Static Couture [1996]
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Electro-Shock For President [1997]
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King Cobb Steelie - Destroy All Codes

Neo-Whoa

King Cobb Steelie formed in Ontario during the early nineties, birthing a hybrid sound of punk, funk, jazz, and dance.

'Destroy All Codes' is the latest full-length from the group (2004), a bass-tunneling groove with tightly-crafted guitar and percussive bombast throughout.

My appreciation of this album grows with each listen -- the production is crisp, the beats are smooth, and the chilled atmospheric vibes often give-way for monumental, dense builds. Great album for relaxing or tearing up your momma's rug.

Destroy All Codes
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mind the graves