Baroness - Live at Roadburn (2009)

Well, July is going to kick ass. Baroness will have a new album coming out, and I will be chilling out on the Isle of Bute in Scotland, working on my second novel. Honestly, I don't see how life could be better. In the meantime, here is Baroness killing it from the 2009 Roadburn festival!

What else can I say except smoke up take some galantamine and choline and get yourself out of your body!

Paul Westerberg - Suicaine Gratification (1996)

All Paul Westerberg seems to do besides being elusive is pen some amazing songs. Suiciane Gratification is no exception. Although it got mixed reviews on its release, it has aged like a fine wine. Some decade later, it offers up some gems for all us losers, underachievers and misfits out there. In particular, "Fugitive Kind" stands out as one of the greatest songs Westerberg has ever written. I would dare to say it is right up there with "Answering Machine." Anyway, if that doesn't get you, there is the anthemic "Best Thing That Never Happened," which sums up my whole life.

What the hell are you waiting for? Grab this witty collection of lyrics and song, drink a few beers, a shot of bourbon and ruminate about your existence.

Rory Gallagher - Deuce (1971)

When Jimi Hendrix was asked what it feels like to be the greatest guitar player in the world, he say that he didn't know, go ask Rory Gallagher. Deuce, Gallagher's second solo album, is a tour de force in heavy rock based blues. Simply put, this album is quite possibly Rory Gallagher's best studio album. Highlights include "Used to Be," "Crest of a Wave," "In Your Town" and "Whole Lot of People." Grab this stellar album, smoke some nice weed and let Rory Gallagher and company blow your mind with some dazzling musicianship!

Epic Soundtracks - Everything is Temporary (1999)

Culled together by his brother, Nikki Sudden, Everything is Temporary is a collection of odds and ends that were found after Epic Soundtrack's untimely death. In particular, the solo piano version of "Fallen Down" the live version of "Emily May" and a cover of Alex Chilton's "Night Time" stand out. Grab this and raise a nice glass of wine in honour of one of rock' most unsung heroes!

Mahogany Brain - Smooth Sick Lights (1977)

Mahogany Brain's second album pretty much picks up the Velvet Underground/ Captain Beefheart feel of their first album while speeding up the energy. On it, we have a very heavy sounding rhythm section with Michel Bulteau's vocals sounding somewhat like a cross between Lou Reed and Jad Fair. While, the guitars drone and rumble a cacophony. Highlights include "Green Winter of Revolvers" and "Purple Overdose."

Grab this avant-rock improvised gem, smoke some quality weed, maybe a drink a beer or two and find your space in the ether.

Burundi Musiques Traditionnelles (1988)

Recorded from 1967 to 1970 in Ngozi, Bujumbura, Bukirasazi & Kayanza, Burundi, this album presents a varied range of traditional music from Burundi. It pretty much has it all from satanic sounding half whispered/half exhaled songs to drum ensembles, zithers and shimmering vocal duets. If you dig traditional music from central Africa then grab this record, smoke some nice weed and drift away.

Boston Spaceships - Brown Submarine (2008)

All Robert Pollard does is write amazing pop songs, and he has been doing it since the mid 1980's. I don't think I really need to say much about this album or Robert Pollard, except that "You Satisfy Me" is possibly the purest pop gem that he has ever penned. Grab the debut album from the Boston Spaceships, drink some cheap beer and sing along to Mr. Pollard.

God Bullies - Dog Show (1990)

During the early 90's one of my favorite bands to see live were the God Bullies. They just simply rocked live, and lead singer Mike Hard put on a great quasi-evangelical theatrical act, which involved doing the two step with various members of the audience.  If you don't believe me, then check out this live video of them from 1990, playing "Join Satan's Army."



If that doesn't convince you of how good these guys were, then grab Dog Show here!

Noah Howard - At Judson Hall (1966)

Noah Howard leads his six piece band through two long compositions on this live recording from 1966. On it, we have him attacking the music with his alto saxophone, while Dave Burrell's piano work matches every blow of Howard's saxophone, asserting some great free rhythms, which provides just enough space for the stunning drum work of Robert Kapp. Simply put, this is a full power/ full energy performance with a surprising amount of cohesiveness from the very beginning of the recording to the explosive end.

Grab this stellar live performance, smoke some high quality weed and let your mind drift out in the cosmos.