Dan’s Staff Picks

Scroll down to read an archive of Dan’s staff pick write-ups.

Gun Outfit, Dream All Over

“From the class of early 2000’s Olympia WA heroes including bands like Milk Music, Sex Vid, and Broken Water. I really love Gun Outfit. Deep in the 90’s indie slack rock and the Jingle Jangle that you just love to hear.”

Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band, Dancing On The Edge

“Sincere and welcome full length from Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band. A true contemporary of the best from the “drag city” Alt / Country Indie bag.”

Brian Jonestown Massacre, Thank God for Mental Illness

“Thank God for BJM. A true classic of our time and a must for any head.”

T.V. Star, Hallucinate Me

“Seattle’s TV Star Hallucinate Me is a short but sweet 12″ EP. 6 songs of killer Alt Country Twangy Psych Rock.”

Galaxie 500, On Fire

“Impeccable record. 33 years old and it holds up just as well as the day it was released.”

Coil, The Ape of Naples

“Really glad to see this back in print. This being the last Coil record it throws you into a deep psyche of depressing, emotional and genuine tracks. Lay on your floor, stare at the ceiling and listen to ‘Tattooed Man.’”

Dead Moon, Strange Pray Tell

“American Rock n Roll. Guitars sound like they were recorded on a 4 track inside a tin can, and with a feeling of those really low quality live Neil Young videos where the whole band is just playing freak out style. Its that first Psych record that every punk listens to.”

Bill Orcutt, Jump On It

“Been on a real Orcutt kick lately. Beauty in guitar. Amazing addition to his extensive discography.”

Gene Russell, New Direction

“First record from the legendary imprint Black Jazz. Can’t help but be put in a great mood while listening, the opening track is truly uplifting and fun.”

David Axelrod, Earth Rot

“My favorite of Axelrod’s works. The Warning Talk Pt. 1 starts the record off with a bright opening, it feels like the sun is just waking up. Great reissue a must pickup.”

The Jacks, Vacant World

“The Jacks may have been short lived but their recordings carry reverberations into modern times. Feels like the Japanese contemporary to VU, the newer route in psych paved by the aforementioned digs deeper into the darkness and emotion. Further in the rabbit hole of strung out feeling exhaustive rock.”

Equipment Pointed Ankh, Downtown!

“‘Kentucky Kraut Rock’ If you are not yet familiar with EPA, please make it a point to do. Ft. members of Flanger Magazine, Tropical Trash, Teal Grapefruit, State Champion. This collection of musicians is truly making something special down in Jefferson County KY, with a live show where you feel like if you blink you may miss something and records that excite and compel you to want more. DOWNTOWN! is their newest LP and it does not disappoint. Out of every record that is coming out this year, this is my most anticipated and will undoubtedly be the greatest. Also artwork from Graham Lambkin of The Shadow Ring!”

Wipers, Over the Edge

“Undeniably one of the top 5 punk records ever made, Greg Sage Forever. Stand Out Track for me has always been Doom Town.”

David Axelrod, Heavy Axe

“Can’t get more ‘heady’ of a name then David Axelrod, He’s the king of modern composers. Excited to see this new deluxe reissue of Heavy Axe. FT. Cannonball Adderly, George Duke, and Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson doing covers like Your So Vain. Jazz Funk perfection. So Good.”

Bill Orcutt, Odds Against Tomorrow

“Guitar Virtuoso. Orcutt to me feels like he has tapped into the soul of Fahey. The entire record is filled with emotion and exemplified in one single guitar. Absolutely beautiful.”

Grauzone, S/T

“What’s more appealing than a post punk band who speaks a different language?? A post punk band that speaks a different language and writes songs about a polar bear. Awesome 2xlp with the first LP along with everything else these Swiss greats had recorded.”

The Shapiros, Gone By Fall: The Collected Works Of The Shapiros

“Really fun comp bringing together the small and quick career of The Shapiros. I wasn’t already familiar with The Shapiros but I was really excited this included members from Black Tambourines. Super pretty indie pop songs that flow together like a dream.”

Arbor Labor Union, Yonder

“I love weird tripped out southern rock, this gives me heavy Meat Puppets vibes. I’d say it took me by surprise but everything Sophomore Lounge does is amazing.”

Mystic 100’s, On a Micro Diet

“Mystic 100’s (formally Milk Music) have finally released their long awaited follow up to 2017’s ‘Mystic 100’s’ LP. This one absolutely meets the high standard of this band’s releases. Deeper down the drug hole, tripped out psych punk rock’n roll. This release is the first in the new imprint from Online Ceramics crew Listening House. This LP delivers on all expectations, fav track Drug Man.

Shirese, Rose of Smiling Faces

“If the almighty Grapefruit Records has a hand in it, you know it’s going to be good. Killer psyched out rock very reminiscent of VU.”

Beat Happening, Jamboree

“Indian Summer is one of the best songs to ever come from the PNW. Thank you Calvin Johnson.”

Auntie Pus, “Halfway to Venezuela b/w Marmalade Freak”

“Leave it for General Speech to show you something you’ve never heard of. This time it’s Auntie Pus. Early UK punk, friends and contemporaries of the Damned but feels like it should have been on Rough Trade or playing next to Cleaners From Venus.”

Spike In Vain, Jesus Was Born In A Mobile Home

“Spike in Vain is one of my favorite bands that came out of the 80’s USHC era. True Ohio weirdos that you can only get if you a corn fed midwestern. No sense of ‘east coast my parents are politicians and artists.’ True weirdos. I picked up this on CS when it was first reissued a few years ago. It’s awesome and really excited to see it on vinyl.”

Yo La Tengo, This Stupid World

“Absolutely floored by this, feels like it’s already 20 years old. Everything from the recording to the writing feels genuine for YLT and the amount of time they have been a band one could expect the late era ‘phoning it in album’ but this surely isn’t it. Could easily be my album of the year.  Fav track: Fallout”

Blitz, Voice of a Generation

“Blitz is like the Cheap Trick of 80’s UK Punk but instead of 2 hot guys and 2 ugly guys, it’s 2 punks and 2 skins. Voice Of A Generation stands the test of time, catchy anthems of working class pride mixed with hatred of Maggie Thatcher and authority. Great sounding reissue that’s always a must.”

Roky Erickson & The Explosives, Live at the Whisky 1981

“Roky is the greatest of all time. Live recording rock records are usually a pretty big pass for me, but this one is great and gets the pass. The cover of Heroin really does it for me. Roky Forever.”

Buzzcocks, Singles Going Steady

“Quintessential UK punk of the 70’s. Buzzcocks came with hit after hit, ‘Ever Fallen In Love?’, ‘Orgasm Addict’, ‘What Do I Get?’. It’s just the best. Singles Going Steady sets you up with everything you want and need to experience Pete Shelly.”

Love, Forever Changes

“I think we’ve played this record so many times in the store that it’s on a momentary ban. Andmoreagain gets me every time. Big Love for Love. Fun Fact: They signed to Elektra along with the Doors and are infinitely better.”

Miles Davis, Sketches of Spain

“This is the ‘I’m going to light some candles, make dinner and just relax’ kind of record. Maybe even tell myself I’m going to read that copy of Don Quixote I bought 5 years ago. Absolutely beautiful record and a top five of mine for Miles.”

West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, Part One

“Wonderful, baroque psych music. Weird, but with a lovely pop edge too.”

Chronophage, S/T

“Chronophage is one of those bands that I will forever be interested in their output. This most recent record feels like a small departure from the first two, but does not lack in its intensity. DIY at its roots, this record feels more mature and more purposeful in its sound and songwriting. Fav song has gotta be the Summer to fall.”

Sun Spots, Loosey

“Sun Spots 3rd EP Loosy hits hard with Tracks like Big Stroke and the title track Loosey heavily influenced by bands like SuperChunk and Veruca Salt. Been in constant rotation for the past few weeks bigtime.”

Sorry Eric, The Problem with Fun

“Honestly how does a record this good get made??? Sorry Eric – The Problem with fun is the perfect driving the car record, it’s the perfect laying in your bed and staring at the ceiling record, it’s easy to say that is just a perfect record. Eric checks all the marks for a songwriter driver album, Genuinely honest, fun and not a sense of taking oneself too seriously. I think since release I have listened to this over 20 times. FFO New Zealand Rockers The Clean, The Bats, ETC. Favorite Tracks : Anything’s Possible When You Lie and My Slowly Dying Brain.”

13th Floor Elevators, S/T

“2nd Greatest American Rock record ever made. (1st is VU + Nico) but I digress. The 13th Floor elevators are the champions of American Psych. The Electric JUG? I mean come on. It’d be surprising reading this if you are not aware of the album / band, but for the uninitiated, tracks like You’re Gonna Miss Me or Reverberation take you to a whole new world. It feels like 9 different things are happening all at the same time, but works perfectly in sync. Roky is a God.”

The Nerves, One Way Ticket

“‘Don’t leave me haaaaaaaaaanging on the telephone; everyone knows the track, and for good reason. The Nerves rule.”

Sluggo, Sluggo

“Sluggo was that band, and The Contradiction E.P. that gave me pride of being from the midwest. Amazing reissue with the first EP and unreleased tracks from 84 on the bside. SLUGGO FOREVER.”

Jon Edifice, Jon Edifice

“The mysterious post punk outfit John Edifice. The aesthetic of ‘anonymous members’ always seems to be a bit goofy or overdone, but I really like this. Gives me a sense of early UK post punk, the banks who were directly influenced by hearing Joy Division. Might be my favorite from the Funeral Party Catalogue.”

Heat

“Pacino, De Niro for the first time together and in the largest way possible. Endlessly Quotable, insane action scenes, Val Kilmer ponytail. One of the greatest action movies and without a doubt the best heist movie. Take scores, be prepared to leave anything is 30 seconds. HEAT RULES.”

Einsturzende Neubauten, Haus Der Luge

“The best thing to listen to while preparing a dish of squid ink risotto.”

Daniel Schmidt, In My Arms, Many Flowers

“I’m a huge fan of Gamelan Music, the large arrangements and flowing in a wave of tone reels you in. Long ringing low notes combined with an almost chaotic anthem of notes in a higher key, layers upon layers. Daniel Schmidt uses this instrument beautifully, and introduces it within the school of American minimalism and new music movement. Take a dive into more traditional Gamelan music and check out ‘Golden Rain’ on Nonsuch Records.”

Mikey Young, You Feelin Me?

“The solo endeavor of Mikey Young, who’s resume of bands include Total Control and Eddy Current Suppression Ring just to name a few. You Feelin’ Me is a perfectly orchestrated synthy organism producing flowing tones and prog’y modular tempo. FFO Popul Vuh.”

Nuovo Testamento, New Earth CD

“CD issue of this gem of a cold wave record. Cancel that spotify subscription and pop this into your 95 toyota corolla’s cd player. Turn it up loud, go for a drive.”

Hatred Surge, Human Overdose

“Top tier death metal. Absolutely crushing, FFO being absolutely destroyed. Favorite track ‘Skinjob’”

Bolt-Thrower, Peel Sessions 1988-1990

“War is law, life is short, and death is a reality, Bolt Thrower is the soundtrack. John Peel is the GOAT. FFO of Warhammer 40K”

Shine, Stare Into the Sun

“I love this record. Shine takes you to the UK’s dreamy haze in the 90’s Creation Records, My Bloody Valentine, Chapter House. Shoegaze that does it right and traps you in the sway of the guitars. Highly Recommended.”

Laurie Spiegel, The Expanding Universe

“I remember when this first got reissued on unseen worlds a few years ago. Its blew me away and began a 4 month tear on just jamming Laurie Spiegel and early electronic music. This record does that. Highly recommended.”

David Tholfsen, Walk With Me

“Layered vocal melodies that guide you through a natural world. FFO Avant yodeling.”

The Flex, Chewing Gum for the Ears

“The Flex Returns after keeping low on the radar for years. Chewing Gum For The Ears is a powerhouse in the NWOBHC style. The Leeds lads hit you hard and don’t let up, Fav track ‘Warboy'”

Can, Tago Mago

“Best krautrock band.”

Shiro Kuro (Sugi), Sugi’s Drawings 2004-2006

“Sugi, Is the Titan of HC punk illustrations, widely known as much as the bands he has done work for. Death Side, Forward, Warhead. This book being the 2nd in the series compiling his impressive resume. Comes with Transparency Print and sticker! SUGI”

Pavement, Terror Twilight: Farewell Horizontal

“Terror Twilight the Pavement record that everyone loves to argue over, but fuck ‘Spit On A Stranger’ now thats a GD track. This new Box set comes with 4 LPs and filled with alternate takes/ Bsides, truly a full afternoon of Pavement ahead of you.”

Spike In Vain, Death Drives a Cadillac

“Spike In Vain, my fav Ohio band. The almost forgotten weirdos of midwest US HC in the 80’s, This being their 2nd full length that was never released. Much more in a Post Punk direction. Death Drives A Cadillac follows the progression of Spike in Vain not holding to any molds in the mostly formulaic trend of 80’s USHC IMO.”

Alien Nosejob, Paint It Clear

“Alien Nose Job the Solo project of Jake Robertson (Ausmuteants, Hierophants) does exactly whatever he wants each and every record, fluctuating between different ends of the punk spectrum, From the Fast, Pummeling noise found on the HC45’s that Iron Lung did to the more Pop influenced tacks found on 2020’s ‘Suddenly Everything Is Twice As Loud’ and the most recent ‘Paint It Clear’ with that signature Australian Vibe, this one if def for fans of DEVO. Mastered by the Master Mikey Young (Total Control)”

Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co

“A monolith of a record, Sad, sad songs that cut deep. You feel every ounce of emotion put into it. Fav Track – The Old Black Hen”

Secrets from the Castle Keep: Kate Bush Mega Mix – Radio Topo #14

“This is my Mix, so of course i recommend it. 60 min of my fav KB tracks. Some extended cuts, instrumentals, and screwed up versions, purchase and learn the secrets from the castle keep.”

Modern Primitives: An Investigation Of Contemporary Adornment & Ritual

“Modern Primitives takes a dive into the world of body art and modifications, focusing on early history and up until the publishing of the book (1989), a documentation of people who have adorned their bodies. A significant cultural tradition that has spanned all of human existence. Great articles ft. The likes of Genesis Breyer P-Orridge.”

Event Horizon

“This is one of my top horror movies ever, kept me awake for days after I first saw it. Portal to Hell in space? body mutilation? Sam Neill? Perfectly casted, skin shivering story and amazing jump scares it got everything.”

Deathside, Unreleased Archives 7″ + Live DVD

“Death Side, The Champions of the Japanese HC sound. This 7″ doesn’t sound the best but the fun take of Different members handling vocals on each track makes it fun. Plus the bonus DVD of life footage makes it all worth it.”

Insect Warfare, World Extermination

“INSECT WARFARE, Top tier grindcore, literally a perfect record for anyone who is a fan of extreme  music. Killer Reissue of a record that deserves to be in print for ever.”

Nuovo Testamento, New Earth

“Hard to believe that this is a current band, peak 80’s synth/ Darkwave vibes. Excited for everything this band does.”

Einsturzende Neubauten, Zeichnungen Des Patienten O.T./Drawings Of O.T.

“Neubauten, is just the best band. Industrial music with primal power. Beat Heavy that keeps you in the groove, but pushes your brain to almost the verge of aneurysm. Music for insanity. Killer reissue of a record that set the tone of all industrial records to come after it.”

S.H.I.T., Hidden In Eternity / Eraser III

“Just in stock for S.H.I.T.Mass, fast and snarling hardcore from toronto/london band S.H.I.T. 2 tracks all business, you can really smell it in the air. From the greatest record label ever Iron Lung Records.”

Tom Gabriel Fischer, Only Death is Real

“The most comprehensive book documenting Hellhammer, Early Celtic frost and the legend himself TOM G WARRIOR.”

The Electronic Circus, Direct Lines

“Side Project of Chris Payne the keyboard player for Gary Numan’s Pleasure Principle. The Electronic Circus Direct Lines is killer synthy pop track that carries with a driving drum beat and warbly synth tones in the back ground, Side A really lets you know exactly why Iron Lung decided to reissue this one. Housed in a tip on jacket with die cut IRL logo in the back. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.”

Aaron Dilloway & Lucrecia Dalt, Lucy & Aaron

“Beautiful repress with alternate artwork of possibly the best experimental record of the year, genuinely refreshing to listen to a record so well done by two of the best doing it right now.”

Future Bound Sound: Hauntological Frequencies

“The second installment on radio topo from Brandon Hill (Fantastique Sales Rep, Cloud Rat) Future Bound Sound is a live mix of UK Grime, Bass Heavy club bangers from the depths of hell. Highly Recommend.”

Chubby and the Gang, The Mutts Nuts

“Chubby’s And The Gang is my current favorite band, this record is full of driving punk tracks and singalongable rock tracks, Deluxe Version comes in a slick Gatefold w/ zine and 3d Glasses. I love a gimmick, Who doesn’t love a gimmick. Can’t wait for more Chubby and hopeful for a US tour soon! I’m with Chubby’s Gang.”

An Adventure in Demonology

“c-60 mix tape that sets the mood for a cold fall day. Filled with samples from classic horror movies and background themes from survival horror games. One of my favorite Radio Topos to this point.”

Prospect

“Prospect immediately caught my eye when I saw the trailer. Beautiful set design and clever world building Scifi and feels fresh and also very familiar to films from the 80’s. The heavy use of practical effects puts you in a more relatable scene alongside the characters. Loved this one.“

Carnera, Colpo Di Mano Nella Zona Grigia

“New in from She Lost Kontrol Records, a Berlin based Techno and Industrial label. Colpo Di Mano Nella Zona Grigia immediately caught my attention by the design and aesthetic and after first listening I’m hooked. Italian Industiral / Techno that paints the setting of a 90’s scifi movie. This one will be in my rotation for a while to come.”

Cross, Die Forever

“I obsessed over this record again for about 4 weeks straight this past summer. Tracks like ‘Inhuman Nature’ imbed themselves into your mind and you just hit repeat over and over again. LOVE This one.”

Transmissions From Abroad: The Itallian Connection / Italo 77-90

“Recycled C-60 of Italo Disco and high NRG bangers. All vinyl mix for Radio Topo done by myself! Take a Dive into 80’s Euro clubs!”

Transmissions From Abroad: Soviet Wave 1986-1990

“Soviet Wave Tape. 35 Min mixtape of dark and synth wave tracks virtually unheard and kept behind the Iron Curtain until this amazing curation from Mariana Kreigs.”

Ingrown, Gun

“Fast Tracks & Mosh parts that hit you like the recoil of a 12 gauge. Idaho’s Ingrown hits you with a HC record of the year LP. Don’t sleep when they come through your town.”

P.S.Y.W.A.R., DEMO

“A limited second edition of this hammering cassette. P.S.Y.W.A.R. brings you 6 quick minutes of Lofi HC then leaves you wanting much much more. Very excited for the future of this band. Ft. Members of SPINE, Devil’s Den, Direct Threat.”

Totalitar, Sin Egen Motstandare

“Massive landmark in the world of ‘Discharge Worship’ Sin Egen Motstandare (One’s Own Enemy) Sweden’s Totalitar hits you with fast, pummeling D-Beat on this much needed reissue from PRANK Records.”

Crow, Last Chaos

“Discharge worship through the lens of Japan, Last Chaos the debut album from Crow is everything you want in a fast D-beat harcore record. Prank Records reissue is everything you need a perfect recreation of the original at a price that won’t make you stress about rent.”

Spike In Vain, Disease Is Relative

80’s HC was strange enough for the masses of the time, but of course weirdos from the middle of Ohio found a way to take it a step further. Spike In Vain – Disease is Relative is an unhinged lost artifact of 80’s HC and midwest punk. I spent years looking for this with the only way to listen to it was from a bad Youtube rip. Top Tier LP.”

General Speech No. 10

“Must read Interview from Mune of the legendary Japanese HC band PaintBox. CHELSEA FOREVER!!”

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  October 8, 2021  |  Staff Picks