Back in college, there was a rule that a friend/roommate and I made that stated anytime Kid Dynamite came on in our room, we had to mosh, regardless of the conditions (studying, sleeping, showering, whatever). As silly* as this may sound, can you really blame us? This Philadelphia was one of the most influential in melodic hardcore, and if there were going to be rules, it might as well revolve around Kid Dynamite. And while unfortunate that Kid Dynamite broke up 8 years ago (only releasing 2 albums), they were the pre-cursor to many other amazing bands such as Armalite, None More Black and Paint It Black. One of my favorite bands, I’d highly recommend checking Kid Dynamite out if you like bands such as Strike Anywhere (interestingly enough, before starting Strike Anywhere, the lead singer auditioned to be in Kid Dynamite). Let me also say that I check pretty frequently, praying to see that they have a re-union show (and if Atom opened for them? Pure bliss!)

MP3

Kid Dynamite – Heart A Tact

Kid Dynamite – Shiner

Kid Dynamite – Cheap Shot, Youth Anthem

Buy

*And by silly, I mean I know you wish you were there.

I’m not usually much for compilations- they’re too uneven. But I was poking around emusic looking for something new to listen to and decided on the strength of the artists I knew to download the Magic Markers comp “A House Full of Friends.”

It’s like listening to a mix from a buddy. Each band is different but there seems to be an affable tone that carries through the whole thing. Of course there are a couple tracks I’m not too fond of but altogether it’s one of the most consistent, best compilations I’ve ever heard. With songs from bands like The Thermals, The Crabs, The Decemberists, The Lucksmiths, The Shins and some other non-The bands how could you not check it out?

MP3: Mates of State- Invitation Inn
MP3: Le Project Citron- Eux Autres

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The first time I heard this album it was around 3 in the morning on a weekday and my first thought was “Fuck. Now I’m gonna have to stay up even later listening to this a million times.”

Granted sleep has never been a big priority for me, but even if I had more important things to do I don’t think I could have pulled myself away from these songs.

MP3: Defiance, Ohio- The List
MP3: Defiance, Ohio- The Condition (I love the woo-hoo-hoo at the end of this song so much)

Buy:
No Idea Records

Or get it free:
Defiance, Ohio site

Remember that Better Know A Letter series? Updates to come… really… Anyway if you don’t want to wait for that my buddy just started a GRE vocab blog called Get Me Into Grad School.

Even if you’re not studying for the GREs I recommend checking it out. After all an august comportment never aggrieved anyone.

MP3: Animal Collective- Did You See the Words
MP3: The (International) Noise Conspiracy- A New Language

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Beck, Animal Collective, The (International) Noise Conspiracy

Well, there’s snow everywhere up here, and I’ve been sick with the flu (or Bubonic Plague), so out of boredom of being couped up trying to get better, I’ve been youtubing live Atom and His Package shows (alas, which I never got to see…). Here is Snowshoe BBQ from his final show on August 29th, 2003 at the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia (Man, do I wish I was there!)

Atom, if you are reading this, please, just one more show, for those who are obsessed with your music, but never got to see you live.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDOmO4qXXS4]

MP3:
Atom and His Package – Snowshoe BBQ

BUY

Kant-

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M-cmNdiFuI]

Nietzsche-

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i72vGaB3ABw]

Kierkegaard-

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uYO0vsI6UM]

MP3: Blue Meanies- Vote No

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Story of my life…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PsnxDQvQpw]

MP3: Jon LaJoie- Everyday Normal Guy

His Site

But not enough to get me out of work….

Here’s a Mountain Goats snow trifecta-

MP3: The Mountain Goats- Snow Song
MP3: The Mountain Goats- Third Snow Song
MP3: The Mountain Goats- Snow Crush Killing Song

Buy:
Amazon

You Ain’t No Picasso is my favorite blog. Even on days when I ignore the rest of the Internet I still usually swing by the site to see what new MP3s Matt has up.

Thats why even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the songs he posted, after reading his enthusiastic recommendation; I picked up the Boy Least Likely To album. Every time I read something about the band I try and give it another listen. There are a couple fun songs but for the most part I could never really get into it.

Well a couple days ago I heard this track from their upcoming album and fell in love. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to it. With it’s poppy hooks, beautiful imagery and tra-la-las it’s just delightful. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the new album- out this summer.

MP3: Boy Least Likely To- Balloon on a Broken String
MP3: Boy Least Likely To- Hugging My Grudge (off The Best Party Ever)

Buy
Amazon

To say that The King Blues was a complete dub/reggae assault would be limiting this London band. While there is plenty of amazing dub on their album “Under The Fog”, from the deep percussion almost Capdown influenced “Blood On My Hands” and “Come Fi Di Youth” to the familiar Slightly Stoopid sound of “Mr. Music Man” and “Chimp in A 3 Piece Suit”, The King Blues incorporates so much more on this album.

Take for instance “We Ain’t Never Done”, a folk song laced with snotty punk gang vocals that were reminiscent of The River City Rebels. However, songs such as the acapella doo-wop song “If I Had A Coin…” and the piano based ragtime “Getting Out Of Here” truly shows the diversity of song writing abilities that The King Blues possesses. The lyrics are incredibly socially conscience, and unlike many contemporaries, they focus on the hopefulness of change through mass action. If there ever was a peaceful revolution throughout our world, Under the Fog definitely could be the soundtrack.