Review: Matt Pond PA - The Freeep

In late 2008, Matt Pond PA released The Freeep. A free digital download from their website, the Freeep felt like a new page for the band. With three instrumental tracks/ nine tracks total, it's some of the best stuff they've put out in years. Some of these jams borrow from the post-rock annals, while others could have been released on any one of their last three pitchfork-hated albums. BTW, what's up with all the hate over there? What a bunch of dorks. Dude's need to step down and shelve their St. Vincent records indefinitely.

Get it here!

Did you hear? Bunny Wailer - Roots, Radics, Rockers, Reggae

So it's summertime and you're laying out by the pool, the burgers are on the grill, cold ones are in the cooler, the wirly girlies are taking a dip, the ice cream man is coming, and everything is just perfect...except you got no tunes. Instead of reaching for your copy of Legend, you know, the one your mom scratched to hell, why not give Bunny Wailer a try? He jammed with the Wailers on their best records, and Roots, Radics, Rockers, Reggae is one hell of a solo effort. Think mid-80s synth/production mixed with classic 70s reggae, and bingo. Go out there and conquer, bitches.

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Did you hear? Bastard - Wind of Pain

I don't have a lot of knowledge of Japanese hardcore, but I know that Bastard's Wind of Pain is one of the best examples of it. Wind of Pain rages for its full duration (just under 17 minutes). My favorite parts include the first riff in "Never Change," the opening riff in "To the Stumped Underdogs," and the final minute of "Truth." Thanks to John from Weekend Nachos for turning me onto this awesome band. The first two songs posted from WN's new LP are on a total Bastard tip, so check those out. Hopefully, they play some Bastard covers in the future.

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30 Minute Weekend Playlist (5/1/2009)

Whoa! It's May! My thesis is almost done, summer's almost here, and I'm feeling okay. Bookending this week's playlist are two new Camera Obscura songs, the latter being total Beach Boys worship. I threw in a Dino Jr. song to get you psyched on their new record, coming out soon. If you're into all things heavy, check out that Eyehategod song from Dopesick. If you're into the spiritually heavy, there's "Giant Steps" by Coltrane. Learn the changes, and then revel in the simplicity of Guided By Voices's Tobin Sprout performing "Little Whirl" live.