Jimmy Jazz by The Clash (1979)

Ah, the Clash, one of the seminal punk bands. They certainly had the punk attitude, but was their music really punk rock? Their music almost seemed too diverse to just be labeled punk, not that there would be anything wrong with that. Here is one of their underrated tracks that always makes me feel good. Well, feel good and be safe as we say goodbye to 2018...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShCSuFSauzU

He-He-Ho by The Giants (1971)

Now here is a German band with nice little bluesy garage number from their only single...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAnf_BKZdU8

King And Country by Television Personalities (1982)

When London-based post-punk band Television Personalities released their third single in 1980 for Smashing Time!, they included as the B side a rather forgettable three minute song called King And Country that kind of ripped off the opening riff of the Byrds Eight Miles High. Fast forward two years, and the band included this six minute version of the same song with some significant changes on their They Could Have Been Bigger Than The Beatles LP. This version is much more interesting. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60RWmTtzulY

Istemem by Erkin Koray (1971)

In this space, I've featured a few Turkish psych/folk/rock artists over the years, such as Barış Manço, Edip Akbayram, and Selda Bağcan. However, the Turkish (or Anatolian) rock scene would not be what it was if not for the pioneering work of guitarist Erkin Koray. He was making psych/rock music in the mid sixties before the genre was very popular in his home country. Here he is from 1971.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tuD4agnxEE

Zulu Stomp by The Brand (1964)

From Birmingham, England, The Brand's B side of their only single would most likely be labeled as cultural appropriation today as it was unlikely there was any direct connection between the band and this African ethnic group. But, it was 1964, so we'll just enjoy this hoppin', mostly instrumental, number.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1Dp_47n6mI

Guilt Parade by The Birthday Party (1982)

And now for some Australian post punk...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYb4pUGBGww

Israelites by Desmond Dekker & The Aces (1969)

What better day for a song with pseudo-religious overtones...Merry Merry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxtfdH3-TQ4

Nobody But You by Lou Reed and John Cale (1990)

When Andy Warhol died in 1987, it was a sad day for the art world and the world in general. A silver lining to Andy's passing was that his death prompted the architects of the Velvet Underground(Lou Reed and John Cale) to start talking for the first time in years. These conversations led to the creation of a masterful joint effort dedicated to their former manager/spiritual leader that would be titled Songs for Drella. I remember hearing this album when it came out and being moved to tears.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-a5UKVoZpY

Time to Tell by Cosey Fanni Tutti (1983)

Imagine that it is the early 1980's and you've been kidnapped and tied up in a basement somewhere it Italy. Today's song could very well be the soundtrack to that terrifying experience. At least, that is how I enjoy this long spooky electronic piece from the onetime member of Throbbing Gristle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7R0pBPWXeg&feature=youtu.be

Crazy 'Bout You Baby by Jerry Williams (1972)

Not to be confused with the Swedish singer with the same stage name, this Jerry Williams was from Dallas and played guitar. Here is a bit of a scorcher in the rock vein from his self-titled debut LP release(which could have used some better artwork).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-dXsi2AgM

Love Me Like A Man by Bonnie Raitt (1972)

A couple of years ago, my wife and I happened to go see James Taylor on the 4th of July at Tanglewood in beautiful western Massachusetts. On this particular occasion, he welcomed a special guest, Bonnie Raitt, to sing a couple of songs. A word of advice to James; when singing a song with Bonnie, all eyes and ears are tuned to Bonnie. Her voice is/was always so distinct and powerful. Over the years, I found myself wishing that she recorded less produced material, like today's featured song from her sophomore effort. On those occasions, when it was just her and a guitar, the results were often magical.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reaGKcwp1nI

Murder, Tonight, In The Trailer Park by Cowboy Junkies (1991)

I can't imagine how many times I played the Cowboy Junkies' Trinity Session CD during my freshman year at college. That year, I seemed to have Lou Reed's New York, Trinity Session, and Zeppelin bootlegs on constant rotation. An odd mix. Strangely, though, I lost touch with the Cowboy Junkies future releases. There must not have been enough radio friendly material to keep them in the airwaves. That's too bad, as they produced some good music in the 90's. Here they are off of their Black Eyed Man LP from 1991.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFLawgf718I&feature=youtu.be

Smoko by The Chats (2017)

Now, for an early Christmas gift, you now have an anthem for taking a break at work. From the Sunshine Coast in Australia, I give you some young punks playing perhaps the best song released in the last two years in this deliciously cheesy video. Sure, they are ripping off Led Zeppelin with the Communication Breakdown riff, but when did Led Zeppelin ever worry about ripping off anyone else. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j58V2vC9EPc

Bad Hearts by The Tights (1978)

From Worcester(England, that is), The Tights were a punk band that managed to release a couple of singles before calling it quits. Here they are from their second one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IXeu-Hk0M0

Lady of Fortune by Rhinoceros (1970)

Like the Monkees, but with greater musical chops, Rhinoceros was a band that was formed by a record company. Elektra Records had a casting call of sorts in 1967 for different musicians for form a new rock band. They ended up pulling together a group that included former members of Iron Butterfly and The Electric Flag. The resulting group released three albums, concluding with 1970's Better Times Are Coming. Here is a track off of that release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6USnEJvv7U

Romantic Me by Polyrock (1980)

Recently, at a hipster record show in Allston, Massachusetts, I was combing through some bins and came upon a sealed copy of a 1980 release by post-punk artists, Polyrock. I had heard of them and had some song of theirs downloaded on my computer, but had no vinyl. So, I picked it up(for $10) and brought it home. As with any sealed vintage record, though, I have to go through the process of determining if I should open it up to enjoy(reducing its value) or just re-sell later on. I'm still deciding! It did prompt me to download the rest of the album and to write this post. Here is side 1, song 1 from their self-titled release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EgvNzWqcRo

Garden of My Mind by The Mickey Finn (1967)

Now for an English garage band that at one point featured a young Jimmy Page for a few months. After he left the band, the Mickey Finn recorded and released three singles between 1965 and 1967. Here is the last single, and their biggest hit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I6OMKmUTNQ

Maschinenland by Abwärts (1980)

And now for something completely different. Jumping ahead to some German post-punk done well...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dgBCVVtP0M&t=4s

Theme from S.W.A.T. by Rhythm Heritage (1975)

Now this funky track really brings me back to one of my favorite TV shows as a young boy in the 1970's, S.W.A.T.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHDg96-ZN_U

Sangandongo by Niagara (1970)

I understand that I am begging your indulgence by posting a near-20 minute track from a German group playing Afro-Cuban style drum-centric music from a half century ago. That said, it's really good. When I discovered this track on the commute home the other day, I had to play it twice! It's that good. I've attached this post to a random Youtube link as it was the only one not to have the album cover displayed. That self-titled release's album art would not be very Facebook friendly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkgb5nbO18g

Pocket Change by Lettuce (2015)

Modern day funk fusion masters Lettuce have churned out ten albums of funky goodness over the last sixteen years or so. Here is a track off of their 2015 release, Crush. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MibUUSzOeQ

野良猫 by Girls (1977)

And now for a 70's Japanese all-girl teenage rock group, heavily inspired by the Runaways. So much so, that the B Side of this single is a pretty good version of their idol's big hit Cherry Bomb.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAouk4bs9Ag

Black Cauldron by Devil's Witches (2017)

Okay, these guys are really trying too hard with the whole badass witch/devil thing. Still, I do enjoy this heavy rock/doom music, especially for having been released just last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4vaRrJrzSs&feature=youtu.be

The Arrow and the Song by Made in Germany (1971)

Originally a beat/garage band in the 60's called Take Five, once Krautrock started to take shape in the early 70's, this Berlin-based band changed their name and their style. Here is a track off of their only full-length release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf3hPSa3Euw

Down to the Bone by Avenger (1985)

German heavy metal band, Avenger, released a full length album in 1984 and then a follow up EP a year later. Usually, the EP comes first. But no matter, here is some speed metal with a tinge of old fashioned heavy metal from a few years prior.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrE2Y7eMMiE&feature=youtu.be

Every Channel by Elevator to Hell (1997)

Staying in the 90's for the third straight day, here is rock band(with psychedelic leanings) from New Brunswick. Not sure if I've ever featured another band from this relatively small Canadian province. In any case, here is a short number from their 1997 release, Eerieconsiliation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL6vmxSyUxE&feature=youtu.be

Fist Through Glass by The Flying Luttenbachers (1994)

I only recently discovered this 90's avant jazz/experimental band. They created some wonderful music that demands your attention. Do not just play this in the background while you do something else. Something else will lose. But if you give it your full attention you just might marvel at what they do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2bODiWY7ks

New Rock by Buffalo Daughter (1998)

[Original YouTube video removed. Link below is active]

Buffalo Daughter is one of those bands that I had completely forgotten about. Somewhere in the bottom of a box of old CDs in my basement sits a cope of their 1998 release, New Rock. I played the death of of this trippy indie rock back when it first came out. This LP by this Japanese band sounds like a harder edge Stereolab. It's definitely worth the listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKfVNdvAv6U

Nothing Special by Trees (1970)

Trees was a British acid folk/folk rock band that was around for about three years. They produced some wonderful music in that time as is evidenced from today's musical selection. It's funny to think that bass player/vocalist Bias Boshell would write Kiki Dee's big 70's hit, I Got The Music In Me. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvEKZghDsDw

Down Brownie by ZZ Top (1972)

ZZ Top sure got cheesy in the 80's, but they made some really good grungy Texas-style rock n roll in the 70's. Here they are from 1972 with their salute to Brownsville.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPEm9_B-9U8

Done by Stark Naked (1971)

Here is the short mono version of some early 70's heavy psych that seems to borrow a bit from Smokey Robinson's Get Ready. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nda7PbFpWjc&feature=youtu.be

Fido by The Byrds (1969)

The Byrds shot to worldwide popularity in the mid-60's, largely based on their pristine covers of Bob Dylan material. While they had some great vocals, I've always just preferred to hear Dylan perform his own music. To me, the Byrds recordings later in the 60's had much more interesting music. Specifically, I really like the four albums released in 1968 and 1969. The last of these, The Ballad of Easy Rider, contained a few gems. I like the country rock stylings of Fido, which was written by then-bassist John York. Here it is...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYOTL_A3sVE

Arkeologi Santaa Kaivaa by Yellow (1975)

And now for some mid-70's heavy prog from Finland...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHdRy81RE-w

The Sinking by Crystal Stilts (2005)

Described as post punk for the 2000's, Crystal Stilts sound more lo-fi garage to me. In any case, the band has put out some interesting music over the years. Here are the Brooklyn-based band from their second EP, a self-titled effort from 2005.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjWWNA_5Toc

Lord Knows I've Won by Charlee (1972)

Charlee was a Canadian power trio formed by future guitar virtuoso Walter Rossi back in 1971. While the band would only survive one album, Walter went on to have an extensive career as a solo artist and studio musician. Here is a track from that self-titled album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tLa0GXgdqM

Tear It Loose by Twisted Sister (1982)

Recently, while vacationing in Las Vegas, I happened to see Dee Snider's (former) chopper up for sale. The bike was beautiful, but I don't ride and don't have $50K to spend on it anyway. It did make me wonder if there were any Twisted Sister songs that I liked. So, once I returned home to the Northeast, I began sampling some tracks from the band. Not unusually, I did find a few rockers from early in the band's career(pre-We're Not Gonna Take It). Here is one of them off of their debut LP, Under the Blade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv4jtyH3cFc

The Bushes Scream While My Daddy Prunes by The Very Things (1984)

Forgive the long video intro for today's song, the truly weird audio and video to follow is worth the wait, if you're into that sort of thing. In any case, the Very Things would release four albums in their decade of existence, but this is likely the best of their work, IMHO.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpgyVxP8OG8

Neat Neat Neat by The Damned (1977)

Alright, so today's track by The Damned isn't exactly the deepest cut from the band's discography, but I see it as an underrated track for the whole punk genre. So, without further adieu, here is two minutes and thirty seconds of punk rock joy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3x5G9UmJOM

Love is Dead by Strap (1973)

I don't know much about today's band except that they released one single in Belgium. So, I'm going to assume that they were Belgian! Other than that, I don't know. I do love this single though. It really swings. The youtube link also features the other side, Are You Ready Lazy People?. So, two for the price of one today. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fG_YbKL2Qw

Such A Night by Dr. John(with the Band) (1976)

My favorite concert documentary(and one of my favorite movies), The Last Waltz, chronicles the Band's final days and last concert. It also served to introduce me to Dr. John in the best possible setting. I was familiar with the big hit Right Place, Wrong Time and a nice duet with Harry Connick, Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans, but Dr. John's contribution to The Last Waltz was just about perfect. Recorded on Thanksgiving Day, 1976, here is the good doctor in all his glory 42 years later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCRrXZP8b0I

Ants by Bram Stoker (1972)

It's been a while since there has been any prog music featured in this space. Well, that changes today. Here is a British prog outfit that was around for three years and released only one album, Heavy Rock Spectacular. Well, I love the artwork and I really like the music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UQ61GI2xfQ&feature=youtu.be

Train by Flash Beverage (1980)

After much searching on the internet(well, about ten minutes worth, anyway), I could not find out any information about today's song of the day with the exception of it being originally released as a single in 1980. It sure has an enticing grungy southern sound. Fortunately, the good people over at Riding Easy Records included this track in volume 3 of their Brown Acid Series. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PxO1bzS7pw&feature=youtu.be

Frustration by The Mystic Tide (1967)

Now here is some forgotten fuzzy garage/psych from Long Island. This was the last of five singles released by this New York area band. It's too bad, as it seems like they were really onto something good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu0EszFPoLo

Hitch-Hike U.F.O. by The Strangemen (1997)

Not to be confused with the Strangemen of Berlin, today's featured group is from Boston. I actually saw this gimmicky band in the late 90's at the Middle East in Cambridge. At the time, I wasn't really into all the pomp and circumstance that came with their live show. However, I just couldn't resist the garage/surf stylings of their big hit, Hitch-Hike U.F.O.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuomX4Jlg7Y

British Refugee by Spitfire Boys (1977)

Spitfire Boys were widely considered to be the first Liverpudlian punk band. Can't say for sure if that's true, but their longevity was typical of most punks, a couple of singles before burning out. Here is the A side of their first single back in 1977.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrpn1KgpAd8

Liz Pineapple Wonderful by Don "Sugarcane" Harris (1972)

Having played with the likes of Frank Zappam, John Mayall, and a number of fusion outfits, electric violinist Don "Sugarcane" Harris certainly developed some chops. He also released eight solo albums between 1970 and 1976. Here he is with fusion-y number from his 1972 release, Sugar Cane's Got The Blues. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAjBNViBFgE

Out of Limits by The Marketts (1963)

Now here is a riff that you've almost certainly heard before, but unlikely to have heard the whole song. This is one of those instrumental classics that has been used over and over again for intros, commericals and as bumper music on radio stations. Here is the original, in all its glory, from the Hollywood surf band, the Marketts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xj-RrY_8pk

Chicago Calling by The Artwood Combo (1966)

The good folks over at RPM Records rescued the garage rock stylings of the Artwood Combo by releasing a three disc compilation in 2014 from their original 1964-1967 existence. These Brits really had some swing...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHWCFKLXOWE

Screwed Up by Mick Farren & The Deviants (1977)

Featured in this space when they were just known as the Deviants, the band progressed over the years and by 1977 were known as Mick Farren & The Deviants. Here, they might be better than ever, rocking that proto-punk sound.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNfjBUSc3PM

To Fix The Gash In Your Head by A Place to Bury Strangers (2006)

I don't play too much shoegaze here on Deep Rock Mining, as it isn't my favorite genre. I find myself getting pulled in, though, when the material is on the fringe of the genre. Here, New York City's A Place to Bury Strangers combine that shoegaze sound with some post-punk and a hint of industrial. This is a track from their debut self-titled LP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNxQEgs79pk

Dan No Ura by Takeshi Terauchi And The Blue Jeans (1966)

Takeshi Terauchi And The Blue Jeans opened for the Beatles in 1966 in Japan. By that time, this instrumental beat/surf band were seemingly more into the Ventures than the Fab Four. You can tell from this track which mercifully wound up on a compilation a few years ago. Outside of that, it is really hard to find this group's stuff despite releasing a multitude of albums in Japan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny8tMa3EpC8

Third Side by Geyda (1970)

And now for a band, I know little about. This is Detroit's Geyda with some heavy rock. It appears that they only released one single, with today's song being the B side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5USpcgIJfM

I Betcha Gonna Like It by Jeb Stuart (1962)

And now for some swingin' Memphis soul from Jeb Stuart. Love the call and response with the back-up singers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhSN3gMdKzs

Got Love If You Want It by The Dee Tees (1966)

The Dee Tees were 5 Royal Navy members serving on the HMS Eagle back in the mid-60's. In that time, they managed to make many stops in Singapore, where they played live and ultimately released their first and only EP. Finding a good copy of that now will likely cost you over $100. That may be worth it, though, to hear this scorching guitar band cover Slim Harpo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krjNreMFrIg

California Son by Lucifer (2018)

After hearing Johanna Sadonis old school heavy metal stylings with her short-lived previous band, The Oath, I was looking forward to hearing her new band, Lucifer. And through two albums, the new band does not disappoint. Here they are off of their latest release, Lucifer II. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7JCQRHROCk

Take the Power Back by Rage Against the Machine (1992)

On this important day, I felt like busting out a powerful song from one of my favorite bands of the 90's. They are sorely missed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcKfNkgbnaQ&feature=youtu.be

(Nothing is Everything) Let's See Action by Pete Townshend (1972)

The slower interlude within this Townshend track may go on for a bit too long, but I love the hook and the message in this track from Pete's first solo album, Who Came First.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP_1FJRnHHw

Chains by The Cookies (1962)

I don't feature a lot of doo wop here on Deep Rock Mining, so I will attempt to make up for the lack of that genre with a classic that doesn't get its due. Like many people, the first time I heard the song "Chains" was the Beatles version. I liked it enough to seek out other versions. The first released version of this Goffin/King song was by Little Eva's back-up singers, The Cookies. This version is just about perfect in my mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKwWb47hDzg

Oh Yeah by Can (1971)

This German psych rock/avant garde/Krautrock band is at the top of its class. Between 1969 and 1978, the band released at least one, sometimes two, LPs each year. Here is a track from one of their masterworks, 1971's Tago Mago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49PvnYCKZkM

Pool Hall Richard by Faces (1973)

Faces were strange in that they were a supergroup of sorts with members of the band being culled from the Small Faces(Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, and Kenney Jones) and from the Jeff Beck Group(Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood), but many of the band members(Stewart, Wood, and Jones) would go on to greater commercial(if not artistic) success later on. As it stands, Faces were great party band. I don't know that any of the band members had a better time than when they were in this band. At least it sound that way. Usually, the only Faces song that got any airplay was Stay With Me. There is a lot more to listen to than that track. Check out this track from 1973.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stjWb6rHcYA

Over the Edge by Predator (1985)

Hermosa Beach's Predator seem a little out of tune to start this track, but they soon find their speed metal groove with a song off of their only LP release, Easy Prey. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2A2cZuNir0&feature=youtu.be

Soulful Feeling by The Floating Opera (1971)

The Floating Opera was a short-lived psych/prog/pop/rock band from Ann Arbor, Michigan who managed to release one self-titled LP. The musical quality is a bit uneven, but the album closer(here) smokes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSVEZkWBtc8

(Some of Us Have) Adrenalized Hearts by Livids (2013)

Sometimes, you just need a shot of good old fashioned punk, even if it was recorded a mere five years ago. Here are Brooklyn's own Livids off of their 2013 EP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZbDhWT6Y4w

Wasted Union Blues by It's a Beautiful Day (1969)

It's a Beautiful Day's debut album can be found pretty easily in the wild. I see one at least once a weekend when I'm searching for vinyl. As a result, it is also not very valuable. It took a while for me to grab a copy and put it on the turntable. While it's not all my cup of tea, there are a few really good tracks. Here is one of them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EIYL7yzUFE

Gáz (szöveg) by GÁBOR AND THE GÁBOR GÁBORS (2017)

And now for some modern day Hungarian punk!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd94Jrt7x-Y&feature=youtu.be

Earthquake by 13th Floor Elevators (1967)

One of the very desirable rock records in vinyl collecting circles is the debut LP of 13th Floor Elevators, 1966's The Pyschedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators. It is something to talk about whenever anyone lands a copy of that album. Me, I think the album is slightly overrated, although still very good. So, this leads me to feature a track from their follow-up, Easter Everywhere, from a year later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpUJ6yCURzM

Old Songs, New Songs by Big Wheel (1969)

And now for some hard rock from the Netherlands that sounds a bit like proto-glam rock, should such a sub-genre ever exist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFz1P9kiBoU

Assassin by Pinnacle (1974)

Pinnacle, to me, sounds like a hard rock band with a punk singer. Not sure I love the combination, but I really love the music on this 1974 release by a short-lived British band. By the way, If you ever find their only album's original pressing, you'll likely have to pay big money due to its rarity. In any case, here is the title track from that album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJbtEp9xOgI

Came Without Warning by Scream (1983)

Dischord D.C. hardcore punk rockers Scream lasted a relatively long time, nine years. The produced a lot of fast and furious tunes over that time. Later in their existence, a young Dave Grohl would play drums. Here is a track from a few years before Dave joined the band.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qXaKadDFns

What? by Jukka Hauru (1972)

For what could be finer that some Finnish fusion on this fine Fall day....My apologies for the attempt at alliteration. Truth be told, I don't know much about Jukka Hauru, but I sure like the music that appeared on his 1972 debut, Information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtL5Nwp_WsQ

Waiting, Hesitating by Kingdom (1970)

And now for some California psych/hard rock from a short-lived band that was actually discovered by Dr. Demento. Good stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz6RrVpBTVA

No Reason to Complain by The Lyres (1986)

And now for some 80's Boston garage rock from a band that was born out of the dissolution of DMZ, the Lyres. This is from their 1986 release, Lyres Lyres.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CdAEnkRFJQ

Explosion by Chico Magnetic Band (1971)

The Chico Magnetic Band was a French psych rock band that lasted just a short time. Fortunately, they produced an excellent self-titled album in 1971. Check out this track that kicked off the album along with the amazing latin backbeat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oskTP4qhU7I

Like That by Mr. Airplane Man (2002)

In the late 90's/early 00's, I was listening to a lot of minimalist Detroit garage rock led by the White Stripes. At the time, I was unaware of a similar sounding Boston duo of garage blues rockers, Mr. Airplane Man. Thanks to a recommendation on a friend's Facebook page(thanks John!), I checked out their music online and am now a fan. Here is a track from their fourth LP, 2002's Moanin'. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWCUaWyYWog

Tousaw by Blind Ravage (1971)

Writing this post, it occurred to me that I haven't featured much music from Montreal over the years. A quick search of this space only found one post from The Haunted, a Montreal-based garage band from the 60's. Well, it's time to add another. Here is a blues rock band that formed in the late 60's and would call it quits by 1973. In that time, they put out one self-titled LP in 1971. Here is a swinging number from that album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FrA8_7e_NA&feature=youtu.be

Rocks In My Head by 8th Day (1972)

8th Day was a Detroit funk band with an ever changing line up. This band featured lots of the same members as 100 Proof Aged in Soul. Here they are from one of their early singles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4UHid0nglg

1975 No Taboos by The New Order (1975)

No, not that New Order. This is The New Order, a band formed by Ron Asheton after the Stooges fizzled out. It also featured one Dennis "Machine Gun" Thompson from the MC5 on drums. The band would release one LP in 1977 before Asheton would go on to form The New Race. It wouldn't be until 1989, when some more rehearsal material from early in the band's existence would be released(then under the band name Ron Asheton's New Order). I'm not quite the sure the music works on this release, probably due to the manic vocals, but I appreciate the energy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQm0DfdVaus

Nothing in the World by Blue Planet (1970)

After writing this blog for a few years, I've come to the conclusion that 1970 is probably my favorite year for music. I keep coming across great music from this era. I find myself thinking that it must have been a great time to be alive and listening to music. Then I wonder, without the internet, it may have been impossible to even know about all of these bands as they were happening. I fear I may have been stuck listening to the Carpenters and Blood, Sweat, and Tears as that was what was playing on the radio. I'm glad I can look back now. In any case, here is a short-lived hard rock outfit from the Netherlands with another great tune from my favorite year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNv5sMnXmB0

Persecution Smith by Bob Seger & The Last Heard (1966)

Long before churning out hit after 1970's/80's hit molded for the masses, Bob Seger was just a garage rocker out of Detroit. Here he is with one of his first bands, The Last Heard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boWq3kvbi4g&feature=youtu.be

Go, I'm Never Gonna Let You by Skid Row (1971)

No, not that Skid Row! This was the original Irish Skid Row featuring none other than legendary guitarist Gary Moore. In Googling around for this post, I found out that once the 80's hair band Skid Row got signed, they had to pay $35,000 to Moore to buy the name. Funny. In any case, check out the original band's handiwork and Moore's prowess on this track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFMgVY7OCag

Mucky Pup by Puncture (1977)

Puncture was a short-lived London-based punk band who managed to only release one single. But what a single it was. Nowadays, if you came across that 45 record at a show, it might cost you $50. Don't know if I'd pay that, but I'd listen to the downloaded track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A38G0H1YqyQ

Bike Boys by Fàshiön Music (1979)

Fàshiön was one of a number of post-punk bands to come out of Birmingham(England) in the late 70's. As there were so many, it was hard to get recognized. Still, the band managed to put out three albums between 1979 and 1984. Here they are off of there debut with their own twist on the post punk genre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luF9Re52ToQ

Kerosene by Big Black (1986)

Before becoming a very successful audio engineer working with the likes of Nirvana, Jon Spencer, the Jesus Lizard, and the Pixies(to name just a few), Steve Albini was in a band. Big Black released a couple of albums of industrial noisy punk in the late 80's. Here is a track off of their debut release, Atomizer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuO3wwLuF0w

When Will I Be Loved by The Everly Brothers (1958)

When I was a kid in the late 70's/early 80's, my mother often would play records and tapes of music that was popular when she was a teenager. I heard a lot of music from Fabian, Dion & The Belmonts, and Freddie Cannon. But my favorite was the Everly Brothers. There is something about Phil and Don's harmonies that get me right in the feels. This is no more evident in any other song as it is in this 1958 hit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmJg7PpAqxg

Hold Tight by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich (1966)

Today, I'm featuring another song introduced to me by a Quentin Tarantino movie. In this case, the movie was Death Proof, part of the 2007 double feature Grindhouse(along with Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror). As you might expect, this peppy bubblegum 60's tune was the lead in to a terrible car accident. In any case, the original tune was from way back in 1966 by a British band with a lousy name(Dave Dee, Dozy, ....).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBGBnJhkaQA

So, You Have Chosen Death by Saturn (2014)

Now for some old-fashioned style heavy metal from a Swedish band. Here is Saturn with a track off of their first album, Live in Space.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKxCZyYfG8s&feature=youtu.be

Love and a Molotov Cocktail by The Flys (1977)

Sounding a lot more like post-punk in the age of punk, Coventry's The Flys released a couple of EPs and an album in the late 70's before calling it quits. Here they are from their first EP, Bunch of Five.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdooKC_vyDM

Archive From 1959 by The Buff Medways (2002)

Alright, time to simplify things a bit. And what better way to simplify than with garage legend Billy Childish and one of his bands. The Buff Medways were an incarnation that was around for about seven years, starting in the early 2000's. Here they are off of their second LP, Steady The Buffs. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kfd52OVD6k

Surprise Truck by Camper Van Beethoven (1986)

Having recently posted a couple of entries from 1986, I was curious how much other interesting music was released in that year that I had previously maligned as a wasteland of hair bands and terrible pop music. I quick internet search reminded me of Camper Van Beethoven's third album, a self-titled release. I remember hearing this quite a bit a few years later when I was at college. One track that stands out for me is today's musical selection. I can't say that it is representative of the rest of Camper Van Beethoven's work, but I really like this track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbRT_7z8RWc

In Between (Reprise) by The Feelies (2017)

It's rare for me to gravitate towards more recent music of a band that's been around for over thirty years but, truth be told, I was never much a fan of the Feelies' early material. I guess have still haven't been pulled too far into the Indie pool. This recent work, however, has a drone-like appeal mixed in to their indie sound that draws me in. See if you agree.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4bgjpGEsW4

Love is the Slug by Fuzzbox (1986)

Staying in 1986 for another day, here is Fuzzbox(which is the shortened name of We've Got a Fuzzbox, and We're Gonna Use It). This English foursome seemed to arrive about five years too late. Their look at sound would have fit well in 1981. As it stands, the group recorded a couple of albums of pop/alt rock material before breaking up in 1990. Thankfully, they left us with this hi-res 80's video that demands watching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXWqfxj-mlU

Cotton Top by High Rise (1986)

How have I never heard of High Rise until now! These Japanese heavy psych guitar maestros are something to audibly behold. It seems like their music was a precursor to bands such as Earthless and Heavy Blanket. I can't believe that this was 1986, a year I couldn't find good music on the radio. In any case, enjoy this smokin track from their High Rise II LP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXCGeO6YRrY

Weisse Wände by Nichts (1982)

This Dusseldorf post-punk band put out three long players between 1981 and 1983 before calling it quits shortly thereafter. Here they are with a track off of their sophomore release, Tango 2000.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDrD8XPRdPc

I'm Five Years Ahead of my Time by The Third Bardo (1967)

What a great song for 1967, bridging the gap between garage and psych. I loved Monster Magnet's version which I featured here a year ago, but there is something about this early version. New York's Third Bardo only lasted for one single, but would end up getting a lot of mileage out of their semi-hit once it was included in the Nuggets compilation, released years later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16_9mBUCf_c

Love Song by The Au Pairs (1980)

The Au Pairs were a post-punk band out of Birmingham(England). They were together for about five years and released a couple of albums of quality music. Here they are from a John Peel session in the year before their first LP was released.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfSvR6CDCa4

Advice by Sandy Coast (1969)

Sandy Coast was a Dutch rock band that managed to release four albums and a number of singles between 1968 and 1974 before calling it quits. The band would reform periodically, starting in the 80's, but the magic of this band was it's first incarnation. Here they are off of their second LP, Shipwreck. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qd_hE-EpZM

Too Much Rock n Roll by Rabbit (1976)

I don't know if it gets much more arena rock than this, but here is Australian hard rockers Rabbit sounding a lot more like Kiss than their down under compatriots AC/DC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l81xKYCjpQ

Cookbook by Damnation of Adam Blessing (1969)

Damnation, as you can probably imagine, was quite a popular name for a rock band. There has been the 90's Polish death metal Damnation, California punk rock Damnation, and an Argentinian power metal Damnation, just to name a few. Today, I'm featuring a song from, perhaps, the original Damnation, a Cleveland hard rock outfit from the late 60's/early 70's. Actually for their first album, they were known as the Damnation of Adam Blessing, but later shortened it. In any case, here is the opening track from their debut album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmxDRnkdtpQ

Mother Fuyer by Dirty Red (1947)

Today, I'm really dialing back the wayback machine to 1947 for a nice, wholesome blues song from Red Nelson's alternate persona, Dirty Red.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_m6FfoV-gA

Endangered Species by Pat Metheny/Ornette Coleman (1986)

This is probably not the music you want to use to initiate a friend into jazz music. This is hard and heavy and demands active listening. Aside from the two legendary headliners for this 1986 release, this collection of free jazz improvisations also includes Jack DeJohnette and Charlie Haden. There is no shortage of fire power here. Like it or not, it is easy to appreciate that these musicians are working on another level. See if you agree.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no4nepUkn94

So Boot If At All by Soft Machine (1968)

Originally from Australia, Daevid Allen, moved to England as a young man in the early 1960's. Eventually, he formed Soft Machine with Canterbury native, Robert Wyatt, and a psych/prog legendary band was formed. The band would go on to records dozens of albums over the years, along with many line up changes. The music was always interesting. Here is a nascent prog number off of their first album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1ddtL2Y6Kc

Freedom of Information by Ausmuteants (2014)

These Australians really have the neo-post punk vibe down pat. Sounds like they were influenced by Devo in only the best ways. Here are Ausmuteants from their 2014 LP. Order of Operation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdbiWzaoZv4

Turn Around Baby by Question Mark & The Mysterians (1969)

While 96 Tears is the unequivocal big hit by Question Mark & The Mysterians, the Saginaw, Michigan band released dozens of singles and many compilation albums. Here they are from 1969 with a still very garage feel to their music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7v-Yeouz04

I'm Crazy by Headstone Circus (1968)

I don't know much about this band except that I think they were from the New York area and recorded a bunch of material(some heavier stuff, some lighter), but it never was released until 2004. Here a  brooding heavy track with some nice lead guitar work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rE46_a__lQ

Funny Funk by George Duke (1974)

George Duke, keyboard maestro, first learned to play piano at age four. He went on to have a storied career playing with Jean Luc Ponty, Cannonball Adderley, and spent a few years playing with Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention before releasing a bunch of fusion releases in the mid to late 70's. The second half of his career producing music for a number of R&B bands. He died in 2013, but left quite a catalog of music to explore. Here he is from his 1974 LP, Feel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyj7NV6imms

Mr. Midnight by The Huntington Cads (1995)

And now from the neo-surf wave of the mid-90's, here are the Huntington Cads with an instrumental track that sounds like it should be on the soundtrack to Pulp Fiction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcabF-FCoHc

Do That Thing by The Halo Benders (1998)

The Halo Benders started out as a side project for Calvin Johnson of Beat Happening and Beat to Spill's Doug Martsch. They ended up releasing three albums. Here is swinging little track from their third and final LP, The Rebels Not In.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMW1lPzqXUA

The Hardest Part by Blondie (1979)

Blondie's albums often show up in Punk bins when I'm shopping local used record stores. This is probably due to being associated with other punk acts in their early days playing the likes of the CBGB. However, their music is decidedly different than punk. They were probably closer to post punk that any other genre, but also featured some reggae, rap, disco, and pop influences. In any case, they were always interesting to listen to. And to look at. Here is a video that I didn't know existed until recently. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEjCDriXwnI

Cellophane Symphony by Tommy James & The Shondells (1969)

I feel bad for those poor tweeners back in 1969, who rushed out to buy Tommy James & The Shondells' newest effort, Cellophane Symphony, expecting the next Hanky Panky, I Think We're Alone Now, or Crimson & Clover to fulfill their bubblegum dreams. Instead, the first track(the title track) was a nine-plus minute instrumental psychedelic journey. They must have been so confused. But I must, these many years later, be thankful for Tommy James and the gang taking a risk to create some super interesting music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qNQXb18l8g

Metal Melts the Ice by Jag Panzer (1983)

Jag Panzer, hailing from Colorado Springs, was another U.S. heavy metal band that was inspired by the NWOBHM, but with a slightly darker feel. Here on their first EP the production value may not be the highest, but you get a sense of the band's power.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfTmVq_LLbI

We Are Rolling by Medeski Martin & Wood (2000)

This is not your grandfather's jazz! Medeski Martin & Wood cranked out some weird, wonderful avant-garde jazz(with a beat) from 1992 to 2014. These guys are musician's musicians. Hopefully, they'll get back to releasing some more stuff soon. Here they are from the turn of the century with a track off of their LP, The Dropper. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6Og0txQdrw

Out of Uranus by Killing Floor (1970)

British blues rockers, Killing Floor, managed two release a couple of rockin' albums before calling it quits in 1972. Here they are off of their second release with the title track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-LZUqmkHWQ

Ne Me Laisse Pas L'aimer by Brigitte Bardot (1963)

Brigitte Bardot was a supermodel before the term was coined. She was also an actress who appeared in dozens of movies in the 60's and 70's. Many people under the age of 50, though, don't know that she was also a singer with numerous albums and singles to her credit. Here is one of her earlier tracks, a chanson number called Ne Me Laisse Pas L'aimer, translated at "Don't Let Me Love It". BTW, I linked to a lyrics Youtube video of the song as most of the fan compilation videos were a bit creepy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zkdips1Fceg

Get It Together by The Jackson 5 (1974)

The late Joe Jackson sure kept his kids working. The Jackson 5 released twelve studio albums between 1969 and 1976. Their first two albums have a lot of soulful gems, but my favorite would be their 1973 LP, Get It Together. It was definitely their funkiest output. Here is the title track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoGmudmpmDs

Lookalikes by The Drones (1977)

Originally a glam rock band called Rockslide when this Manchester group formed in 1974, the band members astutely changed their sound to punk by 1976 and changed their name to the Drones. A year later, they recorded their debut EP, Temptations of a White Collar Worker. Here is a track off of that release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8mTNKPz6p0

The Comb by The Waitresses (1978)

Known either for their big hit, "I Know What Boys Like" or their holiday classic "Christmas Wrapping", The Waitresses were more than just a two-hit wonder. These Akron, Ohio natives made a lot of interesting music in the late 70's/early 80's. Here they are with an interesting, funky number from a Stiff Records 1978 LP featuring the music of the Rubber City.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZStD7uI37k

Hearts & Flowers by Groundshaker (1971)

Groundshaker was an early 70's L.A. hard rock outfit that actually started out in San Francisco. They recorded an album's worth of material, but it never got released. Not until 2007 anyway. Here they are with one of the powerful tracks from that album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-ZALMIBGTc

High Tension Wire by Dead Boys (1977)

Dead Boys were one of those punk bands that I just assumed were from England for several years after I first bought the CD. You can't really blame me, though. Their debut album includes the word "Snotty" and the lead singer was Stiv Bators. It all sounds very British. Only years later did I realize that the band was from Cleveland. Another interesting fact, their debut album that I referred to, Young Loud and Snotty, was produced by Genya Ravan. In any case, here is one of the lesser known songs from that LP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmV6mdsCHN0

Night Rider by Pagan Altar (1982)

Pagan Altar was an interesting band. They were a NWOBHM band that included a father and son(Terry and Alan Jones). The band formed in 1978, but would only get around to record their debut LP, Volume 1, as an unofficial non-label release. This wouldn't get a proper release until 1998! The band re-formed at that point with a decidedly more doom sound. Here they are from that first LP. As it wasn't an official release, the vocals are a bit muddy, but the power of the music is not lacking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sWorrUe8n8

Unionize by Redskins (1984)

Sometime in the mid-90's, I picked up Agitprop The Politics of Punk. This CD set got a lot of airplay in my car. For me, the standout track is today's featured song. And what better day to play it than on Labor Day...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsNvH9dBYUY&feature=youtu.be

Changes Coming by Gypsy (1971)

Not to be confused with the American prog rock outfit that was also around in the early 70's, this Gypsy was a British band that played some proto-arena rock. Not sure I love the harmonies, but I like the sound of this band. The band would record two albums before calling it quits. Here they are from their 1971 self-titled debut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBfZJrLCFGw

Mental Astronaut by The Liverpool Scene (1970)

Today's track is not for everyone...It is a fusion-y psych music and that descends into noise. It's definitely not background music! These free rock/art rock musicians managed to release a few albums in the late 60's/early 70's. Here is a track off of their 1970 long player, Heirloon. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIWHunwM_KI&feature=youtu.be

Allegedly, Dancefloor Tragedy by Suspiria (1993)

When I first heard today's featured track, I was sure that it must have been released in the early 80's. I was strangely pleased when I found out that this was actually a decade later. I suppose I was encouraged that this kind of darkwave music was still being made, and made well, in the era of grunge. Here is a track from their first EP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nJEqTj_Sp8&feature=youtu.be

Jan Brady by Lunachicks (1989)

This blog has been around too long for me not to have featured Lunachicks. So I am rectifying that now with a track off of the N.Y. punk legends first EP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fW2mv8rHj8&feature=youtu.be

Hands and Feet by My Sister's Machine (1992)

In the mid-80's Seattle hard rock/metal scene, guitarist Nick Pollack ended up in a band called Sleze with a lead singer named Layne Staley. A few years later, Layne would go on to join Alice in Chains. Nick formed his own band, My Sister's Machine and managed to release three albums in the early 90's. It is clear in listening to their 1992 LP, Diva, that Nick was influenced by his days with Layne or vice versa or both! The music on this album could definitely pass for Alice in Chains. You decide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arhvSe9gY5A

Marchides by Matching Mole (1972)

When flipping through albums, here is one that you stop on just to take in the cover. There is a lot going on. If you decided to put this record on your turntable, you would find some really proggy stuff. Some people will love it and many will turn away. If you are in the mood for prog, though, this LP has got a lot to offer. Matching Mole was around for a little over a year, consisting of former members of Soft Machine, Quiet Sun, and Caravan. Here is my favorite track from their first of two albums, Matching Mole's Little Red Record. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJdKFqc0m3U