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![]() ACTUAL WATER "She's a Priest" b/w "Latoya" 7" (PIR-042) YouTube: "She's a Priest" & "Latoya" $7.00 ppd. within the USA A few years ago, Ben Cook hipped me to some of the cool sounds lurking in Toronto's east end. One of the names he tossed around was ACTUAL WATER, then just a couple of guys making noise, searching for a sound. Fast forward to fall 2011 and Ben made a pitch for an Actual Water single, which he co-wrote and recorded. "It might be worth your time," he warned. Well, he was right. "She's a Priest," an homage to the glory of a local burger joint, is crisp, sparkly pop that hits the spot. The flipside, previously released on a lathe cut flexi-disc from Scotch Tapes, is in a similar vein: jangly, harmonic, and well worth repeating. Limited to 330 copies. . |
![]() YOUNG GOVERNOR "Firing Squad" b/w "25 With a Bullet" 7" (PIR-039) MP3: "Firing Squad" $6.75 ppd. within the USA In a few short years, Ben Cook has carved out
a sweet little niche for himself under the moniker "YOUNG
GOVERNOR." The Guv's stamp is pretty much everywhere you look
these days: he writes, he records, he slings wax as a
budding record label mogul, and he still finds time to rock the guitar
in FUCKED UP. Last year, he even landed a
part in some teen idol flick, playing drums opposite Nick Jonas, and
lived to write a song about it. Word is, the Guv is
taking it to the stage in 2011 with a full band. No ETA yet, but
we'll all be paying attention for sure. "Firing
Squad" was on its way to a super-indie when we rescued it, while "25
With a Bullet" appears here
in its third--and best, we think--form. Limited to 600 copies,
black vinyl. |
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![]() MARVELOUS DARLINGS "I'll Stand By Her" b/w "Friend of a Friend" 7" (PIR-040) MP3: "I'll Stand By Her" $6.75 ppd. within the USA The latest addition to MARVELOUS DARLINGS' discography is a legitimate double A-side threat. Like their last three singles on Bachelor, P. Trash, and Taken By Surprise, "I'll Stand By Her" and "Friend of a Friend" were destined for a full-length release that never materialized. So, a killer LP became a collection of killer singles, parceled out to different labels, issued one at a time (maybe they'll be reunited someday). Much has been written about these guys' sound and the other bands in which they have/had a stake and it's pretty much all on point--we won't pad the score here. Once again, the Westerbergian vibes permeate through these grooves, a union of snarling rock 'n' roll and strummy goodness. Limited to 600 copies, black vinyl. |
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![]() SUPERIOR UNITS "Take Her in the Classroom" 7" EP (PIR-038) MP3: "Take Her in the Classroom" $6.25 ppd. within the USA East Bay teens from BUZZER and the IMPEDIMENTS join forces in Superior Units to make the kind of music you wish you knew existed at their bright-eyed age. It's not a shocker these kids are so well-informed given their stake in one of the world's best rock 'n' roll scenes, but you might be surprised to learn that a couple of them have been doing it this way for years, dating back to the PHIL SPECTOR SHOTGUN EXPERIENCE at age 14. The first time I heard Superior Units, they were paying tribute to their superior units. The tune was "2 Much 4 Skin," a '70s proto-punk inspired gem (included as a B-side here) that had me waxing nostalgic about the first time I heard the GIZMOS. A similar vibe hangs over this record from start to finish and it's totally boss. The EP's title track, a detention hall soundtrack for the hot-for-teacher set, and "2 Many Dipshitz," a bouncy, bratty sing-along, are ridiculous in the most complimentary way. Well done, lads! Limited to 300 copies, black vinyl. |
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![]() THE MINDS "Knifed!" 7" EP (PIR-008) MP3: "Knifed!" $6.25 ppd. within the USA Three blasts from the past by this Pacific Northwest powerhouse, anchored by members of the FLIP-TOPS, NIX, and DEFECT DEFECT, among others. These guys and gal left behind an LP and a couple EPs worth of excellent garage-punk tuneage, but it was in the live arena where they truly excelled. Their travels took them to Europe and up and down the West Coast a couple times before things fizzled. Like their "We Got The Pop" EP (PIR-005), these songs were documented in the band's basement practice space, resulting in a scrappier recording than their LP. Take the first few bars of "Knifed!," for example—perhaps the toughest the Minds ever sounded on record, even if some of the power is lost in lo-fi translation. "Twist It Off" is the more bile-infused of the B-side bunch, while "Never Wanted It," an unclaimed tune from a rumored split with the ENDS, brings down the curtain in a blaze of synth. And that's all she wrote. Limited to 300 copies on black vinyl, sleeve by Jonas Norway. |
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![]() CRASH NORMAL "Flying to NY" b/w "Hairy Wine 2" 7" (PIR-037) MP3: "Flying to NY" $6.25 ppd. within the USA Paris, France's Crash Normal is poised to rule 2009 with a flurry of vinyl releases, led by this dandy of a single. The showstopping duo of Jerome and Vincent continue to do what they do best: smash the rock 'n' roll "box" and glue its pieces back together however they see fit. "Flying to NY" was originally earmarked for another release, but we loved it so much that we had to stake our claim to it as the A-side (we think you'll approve). "Hairy Wine 2" is Ben Wallers worship in the form of an impeccably rendered COUNTRY TEASERS tune. Kerozen supplied the sleeve art; Weasel Walter supplied the mastering. Pressed in a limited edition of 650 copies. |
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![]() THE MANIKINS "The Start For Me" b/w "Let Me Go" 7" (PIR-026) MP3: "The Start For Me" $6.25 ppd. within the USA On their second 7" for Plastic Idol, these Swedes dish two exclusive hits, both recorded during the sessions that produced "Crocodiles" (Full Breach Kicks/P. Trash), their latest and greatest long-player. When it came time to put the finishing touches on these tunes, the Manikins employed a vintage Telefunken tape recorder to set them off from the LP. The result: two great pop songs that definitely pop. Weasel Walter mastered this single so it sounds like it means business, and the band's longtime art guru, Jonas Norway, dressed up the sleeve nicely as usual. Pressed on Baltic Sea-colored vinyl, limited to 500 copies. |
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MATT K. SHRUGG "I'm Gone" b/w "We're So S.O.L." 7" (PIR-030) MP3: "I'm Gone" $6.25 ppd. within the USA "I'm Gone" b/w "We're So S.O.L" is MATT K. SHRUGG's second single on Plastic Idol and his third solo record overall. More fiercely delivered than anything we've heard from him in 2008, these two tunes find Matt dialed-in to killer-chorus mode. The likes of "I-M G-O-N-E, baby!" and "We're So S-O-L" ain't exactly rocket science, but at least you can slur 'em out when you're wasted! Raw, ragin', and right on time: that's the MO here and it works like a charm. Mastered by Weasel Walter. Pressed on clear vinyl, limited to 400 copies. |
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![]() MATT K. SHRUGG "Phono" b/w "Around In a Circle" 7" (PIR-029) MP3: "Phono" $6.25 ppd. within the USA "Phono" and "Around In a Circle" represent the most far-reaching ideas to emerge from MATT K. SHRUGG's palatial song vault. The trademark ass-kicking we've come to expect from Matt--currently he anchors the PIZZAS and the LOSIN' STREAKS; he's also a veteran of the ZODIAC KILLERS, BLACK DAHLIAS, and a shit-ton more--is all over this record, but this time, the pummeling is supplemented by some nifty twists and turns. Like his debut solo EP released earlier this year, Matt wrote, played, recorded, and designed this record from top to bottom. Mastered by Weasel Walter. Pressed on white vinyl, limited to 400 copies. |
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ANTEENAGERS M.C. "(Illusions of the) Teens" 7" EP (PIR-021) MP3: "(Illusions of the) Teens" $6.25 ppd. within the USA Plastic Idol once again joins forces with ANTEENAGERS M.C. for another round of head-spinning rock 'n' roll, served with a twist (and parentheses in song titles). You may know and love these guys from their roles in FRUSTRATION, OPERATION S, the NO-TALENTS, and others, and although you can hear echoes of the aforementioned bands on this record, one of AMC's greatest strengths is that they always sound like themselves, regardless of their diverse influence pool. Four blasts from the French rock 'n' roll underground are showcased on this EP, including a stellar cover of the KICK's "Let's Get Back Together." Limited to 500 copies on clear vinyl. |
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![]() THE FLIP-TOPS "Dangerous Game" 7" EP (PIR-012) MP3: "Dangerous Game" $6.25 ppd. within the USA Portland's the
FLIP-TOPS are back! Infused with new blood and a profusion of new
tunes, the Flip-Tops have
streamlined the sound first heard on their "All Worked Up" LP, released
on Rip Off Records in 2002. Now, the
inimitable vocals of Joel Jett (the MINDS, JETPACK) and guitar roar of
longtime co-conspirator Rob Felkel (the MINDS, NIX) is augmented with
sparkling guitar leads, a beefier rhythm section, and a more explosive
sound in general. The result here--two originals and a
SIMPLETONES
cover--is powerfully played pop, recorded and mixed exactly like it
should be. Limited to 500 copies on opaque blue vinyl, with
another superb sleeve design from Jonas Norway. |
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IMAGINARY ICONS "Off The Grid" b/w "Fun With Capital" 7" (PIR-022) MP3: "Off The Grid" $6.25 ppd. within the USA Brooklyn, New York's Imaginary Icons feature a cast that includes members of the DISSIMILARS, the SHOP FRONTS, MHz, the TIE REDS, and more. Their debut single, released in 2006, was a snappy affair that channeled the spirit of post-punk, rather than the no-holds-barred garage-isms of their past. "Off The Grid" b/w "Fun With Capital" is another stellar effort in a similar vein, albeit even more far-reaching. The title track is a jangly proto-punker with a zippy groove, accented by helium-inflected vox and skronky sax; "Fun With Capital" makes effective use of barked lines, brittle guitars, and buzzing synths to drive home the point. Pressed in an edition of 500 copies on Coke bottle clear wax.P3: |
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![]() THE FOUR EYES "Rock & Role Playing" CD (PIR-002) MP3: "Jackpot" $5.75 ppd. within the USA Following a string of brilliant 7" and CD-R releases, the debut full-length CD from Sacramento's the Four Eyes is finally upon us! Rejoice! "Rock & Role Playing" is geek-pop at its finest. Think DEAD MILKMEN meets the HI-FIVES, or the BANANAS after a dose of Ritalin (i.e., less spazz, more pop) and some singing lessons. Recorded by CHRIS WOODHOUSE (A-FRAMES, FM KNIVES, DUCHESS OF SAIGON). |
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![]() DUCHESS OF SAIGON "Hootenanny" 7" EP (PIR-001) MP3: "Giddy Up" Sacramento's Duchess of Saigon meld the
swagger of mid-'90s garage bands with the panache of art-punk in a pop
context. Adding to the unique flavor of this boy/girl
guitar/drums
duo is a harmonizing vocal approach that has drawn comparisons to the
likes of the BEACH BOYS and the CARPENTERS. An
exceptional, genre-defying record! Recorded by Chris Woodhouse
(A-FRAMES, FM KNIVES).
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***OTHER LABELS' STUFF*** ![]() ALUMINUM KNOT EYE "Silo Monster" 7" (Big Black Hole) $6.75 ppd. within the USA ![]() JAMES ARTHUR "My Gawd!" 7" (Goodbye Boozy) $6.75 ppd. within the USA ![]() BARE WIRES "Young Love" 7" (Southpaw) $6.00 ppd. within the USA THE BLOWTOPS "64 Teeth" 7" (Certified PR) $6.00 ppd. within the USA ![]() BROKEN JUGS "Sorcerer Full of Secrets" 7" (Goodbye Boozy) $6.75 ppd. within the USA THE CHAINS "Till You Come Back" 7" (Screaming Apple) $6.00 ppd. within the USA CHUCK VIOLENCE "Bandolero Mexicano" 7" (Shit in Can) $6.50 ppd. within the USA ![]() CRASH NORMAL/INTELLIGENCE split 7" (Compost Modern Art Recordings) $7.50 ppd. within the USA DAN PADILLA/GLEAM GARDEN split 7" (Snuffy Smile) $6.00 ppd. within the USA DIGGER & THE PUSSYCATS "Live at World Cup 2006" 7" (P. Trash/Fistful of Recs) $6.50 ppd. within the USA ![]() EEGOS "Hot Face" 7" (Goodbye Boozy) $6.75 ppd. within the USA THE FEELERS "2007 European Tour" 7" (P. Trash) $6.50 ppd. within the USA GHETTO WAYS "Party Bag" 7" (Wicked Singles/P. Trash) $6.00 ppd. within the USA THE GREAT REUNION "S/T" 7" (Yakisakana) $6.50 ppd. within the USA IMAGINARY ICONS "Eye-Cons" 7" (Daggerman) $6.00 ppd. within the USA ![]() THE IMPULSE INT'L "Arm The Girls" 7" (Deranged) $6.00 ppd. within the USA ![]() SKIP JENSEN "Alone and Forsaken" 7" (Goodbye Boozy) $6.75 ppd. within the USA ![]() KAMIKAZE TRIO "Death Party" 7" (Fistful of Records) $6.50 ppd. within the USA THE KRUNCHIES "Cameltoe Patrol" 7" (Certified PR) $6.00 ppd. within the USA LADIES NIGHT "Hell On The Phone" 7" (Perpetrator) $6.50 ppd. within the USA ![]() LAS NURSES "S/T" 7" (Discos Humeantes) $6.50 ppd. within the USA LOOK BACK AND LAUGH "Street Terrorism" 7" (Deranged) $6.00 ppd. within the USA LOT LIZARDS "Leave Me Alone (I've Got a Bomb)" 7" (Perpetrator) $6.50 ppd. within the USA LOT LIZARDS "Nightmare Creep" 7" (Yakisakana) $6.50 ppd. within the USA ![]() LOVER! "Worthless" 7" (P. Trash) $6.50 ppd. within the USA MADE FOR CHICKENS BY ROBOTS "S/T" 7" (Shit in Can) $6.50 ppd. within the USA ![]() THE MANS "High" 7" (Yakisakana) $6.50 ppd. within the USA ![]() THE MANS "War Penis" 7" (Ken Rock) $6.50 ppd. within the USA MARVELOUS DARLINGS "Shoot the Piano Player" 7" (Taken By Surprise) $7.50 ppd. within the USA MURDER BY GUITAR "Rock Bottom" 7" (Alien Snatch) $6.00 ppd. within the USA THE NORMALS AND JEFF CLARK "The Street of Your Heart" 7" (Yakisakana) $6.50 ppd. within the USA THE PARALLELS "Arms To Hold You" 7" (La-Ti-Da) $6.00 ppd. within the USA THE PARKINSONS "Up For Sale" 7" (Wrench) $6.00 ppd. within the USA ![]() THE PRAMBATH "I Will Walk My Way" 7" (Sonic Jett) $6.00 ppd. within the USA ![]() PRIMITIVE HANDS "Burn Your Dreams" 7" (Goodbye Boozy) $6.75 ppd. within the USA PRESS GANG "Your Way" 7" (Shock & Awe/Hardware) $6.50 ppd. within the USA ![]() THE PUMPERS "Let Go!" 7" (Wallride) $6.00 ppd. within the USA THE REACHAROUNDS "Rocks Off" 7" (Certified PR) $6.00 ppd. within the USA RIC RHYTHM AND THE REVENGERS "Free Love, Free Guns" 7" (Shit in Can) $6.50 ppd. within the USA ![]() THE SANDWITCHES "Back to the Sea" 7" (Southpaw) $6.00 ppd. within the USA SMALLTOWN/THE CRUMP split 7" (Snuffy Smile) $6.00 ppd. within the USA STEVE & THE JERKS/THE HECKLERS split 7" (Rockin' Bones) $6.50 ppd. within the USA THIS DAMN TOWN "Love Like Lies" 7" (Perpetrator) $6.50 ppd. within the USA ![]() 3 DELICIAS "Repiten" 7" (Big Black Hole) $6.50 ppd. within the USA ![]() 3 DELICIAS "Way to Gloom" 7" (Big Black Hole) $6.50 ppd. within the USA ![]() YOUNG GOVERNOR "Pizza Face" 7" (SP) $8.00 ppd. within the USA ![]() CRASH NORMAL "Finger Shower" 10" (Rijapov) $15.00 ppd. within the USA THE MIGHTY GO-GO PLAYERS "Play, Lose, and Die" 10" (Alien Snatch) $10.00 ppd. within the USA THE ACKERMANS "No One Knows Us Better Than..." LP (Alien Snatch) $13.00 ppd. within the USA LOCAL OAFS "Too Dumb to Reason..." LP (P. Trash) $13.00 ppd. within the USA THE LOCOMOTIONS "S/T" LP (Alien Snatch) $13.00 ppd. within the USA ![]() THE MOTARDS "Stardom" LP (Gonna Puke) $13.00 ppd. within the USA SMASH UP DERBY "Sounds of Self-Defense" LP (Screaming Apple) $13.00 ppd. within the USA T.V. IDOLS "17, Desperate and All Messed Up" LP (Screaming Apple) $13.00 ppd. within the USA BBQ "S/T" CD (Alien Snatch) MP3: "What It's All About" $10.00 ppd. within the USA BOB BURNS AND THE BREAKUPS "Frustration" CD (Mad Cook) MP3: "Radio Mess" MP3: "All The Same" $5.75 ppd. within the USA THE FEVERS "Love Always Wins" CD (Alien Snatch) MP3: "Dance" MP3: "Photobooth" $10.00 ppd. within the USA ![]() THE FOUR EYES "Sweet Sounds" CD (Plan-It-X) MP3: "Old Milwaukee" $5.75 ppd. within the USA BACK TO TOP |