Monday, December 27, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 76


Manic Attracts "Animals" s/t 7" (Perpetrator) 2010
Big Black Cloud "Fancy Fux" Dark Age LP (Stankhouse) 2010
Subtle Turnhips "Rosace" Terd LP (Hozac) 2010
Pluton "Cutting Edge" s/t 12" (Plastic Spoon) 2010
Pop. 1280 "Data Dump" The Grid 12" (Sacred Bones) 2010
Druid Perfume "Lizard Skin Tee-Pee" Tin Boat To Tuna Town LP (self released) 2010
The Rebel "Tyme" The Race Against Time Hots Up LP (Junior Aspirin) 2010
Condominium "Gag" Gag 7" (Deer Healer) 2010
Red Mass "Kinda Funny" Too Many Parties 7" (Wallride) 2010
John Wesley Coleman "Christians Drive Like Shit" Bad Lady Goes To Jail LP (Goner) 2010
Outer Spacist "Frequency Of Souls" s/t CS (Dub Ditch Picnic) 2010
Weekend "Age Class" Sports 2x12" (Slumberland) 2010
Whirl "Blue" Distressor 12" (self released) 2010
No Joy "Heedless" Ghost Blonde LP (Mexican Summer) 2010
Jefre Cantu-Ledesma "Where You End I Begin" Love Is A Stream LP (Type) 2010
The Deeep "Dream" Life Light CS (Not Not Fun) 2010
Angel Eyes "Do Away With" Dire Dish CS (Not Not Fun) 2010
Sex Worker "Rhythm Of The Night" Waving Goodbye LP (Not Not Fun) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 76 here (right click link, then Save As)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 75


Dirty Beaches "True Blue" s/t 7" (Zoo Music) 2010
Kurt Vile "Sad Ghost" In My Time 7" (Matador) 2010
Purling Hiss "Beautiful Earth Creature" Public Service Announcement LP (Woodsist) 2010
Edgar Wappenhalter "Missing Heights" On The Beach LP (Morc) 2010
The Young "Captive Chains" Voyagers Of Legend LP (Mexican Summer) 2010
Fist City "Debbie Get YR Boa" Hunting You LP (Deadbeat) 2010
Big Black Cloud "Blow Up France" Dark Age LP (Stankhouse) 2010
Subtle Turnhips "Bog" Terd LP (Hozac) 2010
Dads "Banana Twinz" Hats Creek 7" (Katorga Works) 2010
Peaking Lights "Birds Of Paradise" split w/Wet Hair 7" (Not Not Fun) 2010
LA Vampires/Matrix Metals "Berlin Baby" So Unreal LP (Not Not Fun) 2010
Rangers "Bride Of Marin" split w/Ducktails 7" (Not Not Fun) 2010
Sex Worker "Telephone" split w/Psychic Reality 7" (Not Not Fun) 2010
Hype Williams "Rescue Dawn II" Find Out What Happens When People Stop Being Polite, And Start Getting Real LP (De Stijl) 2010
Tassels "The Invisible College Of Autodiactics" The Rosicrucians CS (Digitalis) 2010
No UFOs "MC 1 (excerpt)" Mind Control (Dub Ditch Picnic) 2010
Blank Realm "Crystal Ball" Deja What? LP (Bedroom Suck) 2010
aTelecine "A Cassette Played" A Cassette Tape Culture LP (Pendu Sound Recordings) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPSIODE 75 here
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 74


The Fresh & Onlys "Nothing Ever Happens" s/t 7" (Hozac Hookup Klub) 2010
Broken Water "Faux King Vogue" s/t 7" (Fan Death) 2010
Purling Hiss "Run From The City" Public Service Announcement LP (Woodsist) 2010
Autre Ne Veut "Loveline" s/t LP (Olde English Spelling Bee) 2010
White Hills "Don't Touch Me, I'm Bleeding" Stolen Stars Left For No One LP (Thrill Jockey) 2010
Magic Lantern "Long Way Down" split w/Ben Nash LP (Blackest Rainbow) 2010
Garden Sound "Beast Of Burden" Black Summit LP (Digitalis) 2010
Barn Owl "Nights Shrouds" Ancestral Star LP (Thrill Jockey) 2010
Brother Raven "Symbols" VSS-30 LP (Digitalis) 2010
Ducktails "Screen Scene" split w/Dracula Lewis LP (No Fun) 2010
Pas Chic Chic "Allez Vous Faire Influencer" s/t 12" (Semprini) 2010
Brian McBride "Girl Nap" The Effective Disconnect LP (Kranky) 2010


DOWNLOAD EPISODE 74 here (right click link, then Save As)

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 73

Here's a show dedicated to my favorite Canadian (outside of Vancouver) tracks of 2010. The show was not recorded properly, so you'll have to follow the links to hear the music.

Tonetta "Still A Slave" 777 LP (Black Tent Press) 2010
Tonstartssbandht "I'm A Welsh Souper" Midnite Cobras 7" (Psychic Handshake) 2010
Wicked Awesomes "Turbo Future" Punk Holograms LP (Psychic Handshake) 2010
Mess Folk "Modern Man" s/t 7" (Plastic Spoon) 2010
Grown Ups "The Mess" s/t 7" (self released) 2010
Holy Cobras "Feed Yr Head" s/t 7" (Telephone Explosion) 2010
Sharp Ends "Crack Trap" s/t (Mammoth Cave Recording Co.) 2010
Myelin Sheaths "Do The Mental Shake" Get On Your Nerves LP (Southpaw) 2010
The Ether "I Need You" Folly CDr (Patente) 2010
Meat Curtains "Dead Dog" split w/Pompoir CS (Isolated Now Waves) 2010
Dead Wife "Gentleman Rapist" s/t (Psychic Handshake) 2010
Vomit Squad "Rapture Gun" Amon Ra Bless America 12" (Psychic Handshake) 2010
Jesuslesfilles "Tes Yeux" Une Belle Table CDr (self released) 2010
Black Feelings "Magic Feeling" split w/Grand Trine 7" (Blue Skies Turn Black) 2010
Brazilian Money "Doing What I Want" Doing What I Want EP 7" (Totally Disconnected) 2010
CFCF "The River" The River LP (RVNG Intl) 2010
Dirty Beaches "16 Coaches Long Akai Tape" split w/US Girls (Sibling Sex) 2010
Church Of The Very Bright Lights "Captains" s/t CDr (self released) 2010
The Famines "Got Lies If You Want 'Em" s/t 7" (Mammoth Cave Recording Co.) 2010

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 72, Fundrive Edition


Mode Moderne "Real Goths" split w/Dizzy Eyes CS (Lust Nuevo) 2010
Cosmetics "Soft Skin" s/t 7" (Captured Tracks) 2010
Reflektionss "Untitled 1" split w/N.213 LP (Needs More RAM) 2010
Dead Ghosts "Girl Across The Street" Live one-sided LP (CMR TYZ) 2010
Sex Church "Old Enough" 6 Songs LP (Convulsive) 2010
Cowards "In The Mouths Of 13 Year Olds" s/t CS (self released) 2010
Defektors "Bottom Of The City" Bottom Of The City LP (Nominal) 2010
Nu Sensae "Disappearing Act" TV, Death And The Devil LP (Nominal) 2010
Shearing Pinx "Magnolia's Tomb" Void/White LP (Isolated Now Waves) 2010
AHNA "Handle" s/t LP (Soldier Pumps/Broadway To Boundary) 2010
Flash Palace "Slow Beams" Some Misinterpreted Sunsets CS (Mayan Chorus) 2010
Babe Rainbow "Care" Shaved 12" (Warp) 2010
(80) Sun "Noam (excerpt)" s/t CS (Mayan Chorus) 2010
Mongst "Or Does It Explode?" Kamira CDr (Isolated Now Waves) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 72 here (right click link, then Save As)

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 71


Consignment "Captain" s/t 7" (Sweet Rot) 2010
Pheromoans "Midnight Watchdog" Midnight Watchdog EP 7" (Sweet Rot) 2010
Radar Eyes "Not You Again" s/t 7" (Hozac) 2010
Outer Minds "Until You're Dead" s/t 7" (Hozac) 2010
Super Wild Horses "(Enigma) You Say Go)" s/t 7" (Hozac) 2010
Idle Times "This Month Is A Mission" V/A-Hook Klub Round 1 LP (Hozac) 2010
TEEPEE "Martians" V/A-Hook Klub Round 1 LP (Hozac) 2010
Meercaz "Brainscanning" s/t 7" (Sweet Rot) 2010
Vomit Squad "Felony Murder" Amon Ra Bless America 12" (Psychic Handshake) 2010
Night Control "Glow" Life Control CD (Kill Shaman) 2010
Nerve City "Canaries" Sleepwalker 12" (Sacred Bones) 2010
Pissed Jeans "Sam Kinison Woman" s/t 7" (Sub Pop) 2010
Robedoor "Exploited" Pacific Drift 7" (Not Not Fun) 2010
Scorpion Violente "13 Ans Presque 17" Uberschleiss LP (Avant!) 2010
Seefeel "Crowded" Faults 10" (Warp) 2010
Simon Frank "Nonentity" Unheated Neighbours CS (Goaty) 2010
Death Light "Next Sickness" In The Chamber CS (Goaty) 2010
Baronic Wall "Router" Traditional Appearance CS (Goaty) 2010
Silk Ears "Tonight" Bed Room Water CS (Goaty) 2010
Ian Wyatt "777 E Union" Slowriffs mp3, self released

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 71 here (right click link, then Save As)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 70


The Flips "1 And 1" s/t 7" (Hozac) 2010
Super Wild Horses "Mess Around" Fifteen LP (Hozac) 2010
Radar Eyes "Shakes" s/t 7" (Hozac) 2010
Outer Minds "Ordinary" s/t 7" (Hozac) 2010
Conspiracy Of Owls "Tower Of Diamonds" s/t LP (Burger) 2010
Black Math "Part Of Me" Phantom Power LP (Permanent) 2010
Minks "Ophelia" s/t 7" (Captured Tracks) 2010
Mess Folk "Damaged Babe" s/t 7" (Plastic Spoon) 2010
Timmy's Organism "Oaefus Clod" Rise Of The Green Gorilla LP (Sacred Bones) 2010
Tyvek "4312" Nothing Fits LP (In The Red) 2010
Constant Mongrel "Billy" s/t CS (Hidiotic) 2010
Pheromoans "Robotic Son" s/t 7" (Sweet Rot) 2010
Meercaz "Never Too Late To Learn" s/t 7" (Sweet Rot) 2010
Idle Times "Do You Hear Those Bells?" s/t LP (Hozac) 2010
Vomit Squad "Rapture Gun" Amon Ra Bless America 12" (Psychic Handshake) 2010
Clockcleaner "Midnight Beach" Auf Wiedersehen LP (Load) 2010
Cowards "Human Smear" s/t CS (self released) 2010
The Confomists "Jesus Was A Shitty Carpenter" None Hundred LP (Sick Room) 2010
Bertha Cool "Die Of Thirst" unreleased mp3, 2010
Mark McGuire "Brain Storm (For Erin)" Living With Yourself LP (Editions Mego) 2010
Raglani "Heart Of Glass" split w/Outer Space LP (Nihilist) 2010
CFCF "Upon The Hill" The River LP (RVNG) 2010
Hobo Cubes "Onde Astrali" Hypnotic Infinitum CDr (Patente) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 70 here (right click link, then Save As)

Monday, October 25, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))jes: Episode 69


Shockingly great record from the boys that used to be known as The Go. Detroit mainstays who once had the infamous Jack White in their ranks, and also had their still-unreleased second LP, Free Electricity, denied by Sub Pop, prompting the band to leave the record shelved to this day, never to look back. They spent the next few years cultivating a cult audience, issuing LPs and seven inches on small labels run by friends and fans. With this recent release, they've changed their name to Conspiracy Of Owls and have quietly dropped one of 2010's great rock records. With lead singer and guitarist Bobby Harlow once again helming production, the band have delved even further into the lite-psych and 70s AM pop that was only dabbled in with their last LP, 2007's Howl On The Haunted Beat You Ride. Harlow and co. have managed to peel back several decades of easy-going rock, from Brian Wilson-esque odes to childhood to McDonald and Giles prog-folk, and twist it up into their own unique take, one that can be instantly recognized by long-time fans as The Go (errr, Conspiracy Of Owls). Fans of any permutation of what is known simply as rock and roll will have a hard time not finding something great on this record. An initial run of 500 has sold out, including a special edition glow-in-the-dark cover, though Burger Records has graciously pressed another 200. Absolute highest recommendation is bestowed upon this amazing record. Seek out immediately.

Dum Dum Girls "Dream Away Life" s/t 7" (Hell Yes!) 2010
Veronica Falls "Staying Here" s/t 7" (Captured Tracks) 2010
Grass Widow "Shadow" Past Time LP (Kill Rock Stars) 2010
Juan Wauters "Without You" Wandering Wondering CS (Captured Tracks) 2010
The Fresh & Onlys "Impending Doom" s/t 7" (Agitated) 2010
Conspiracy Of Owls "Raving Mad" s/t LP (Burger) 2010
Wheels On Fire "Black Wave" Cherry Bomb 7" (Kind Turkey) 2010
Cumstain "Just A Kid/Vicdumb" s/t CS (Burger) 2010
No Balls "Prove Everything Everyday" Less LP (Who Can You Trust?/Streaks) 2010
Running "Little Fucker" s/t CS (Permanent) 2010
Heater "Dead Bird/Fire Peacock" God And Hair LP (Permanent) 2010
Sun Araw "Midnight Locker" Off Duty 12" (Woodsist) 2010
N.213 "Untitled 7" split w/Reflektionss LP (Needs More RAM) 2010
Colored Mushroom and the Medicine Rocks "Last Chapter (Make Up An Ending)" s/t LP (Wagon) 2010
Raglani "Nothing Is Inevitable" split w/Outer Space LP (Nihilist) 2010
Pete Swanson "Believers" Feelings In America LP (Root Strata) 2010
Roger Mexico "Hallowmas Sabbat" Poisson CS (Vacant) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 69 here (right click link, then Save As) 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 68


Veronica Falls "Beachy Head" s/t 7" (Captured Tracks) 2010
Dum Dum Girls "Stiff Little Fingers" s/t 7" (Hell Yes!) 2010
The Fresh & Onlys "Troubling Vision" s/t 7" (Agitated) 2010
The Doozer "Up And Down" Great Explorers LP (Siltbreeze) 2010
Juan Wuaters "Outta Dust" This Is Uruguay Radio CS (Captured Tracks) 2010
Circle Pit "Beginning And The End" Bruise Constellation LP (Siltbreeze) 2010
Black Math "Storefront" Phantom Power LP (Permanent) 2010
Kitchen's Floor "Downed It" Loneliness Is A Dirty Mattress LP (RIP Society) 2010
Running "Garbage Truck" s/t CS (Permanent) 2010
Zond "Blue Haze" s/t LP (RIP Society) 2010
No Balls "Less" Less LP (Who Can You Trust?/Streaks) 2010
No Balls "Undeveloped" Problems That Will Solve Themselves 7" (self released) 2010
Reflektionss "Untitled 3" split w/N.213 LP (Needs More RAM) 2010
No UFOs "side B" Soft Coast CS (Nice Up Intl.) 2010
N.213 "Untitled 7" split w/Reflektionss LP (Needs More RAM) 2010
High Wolf "Prius" Shangri L.A. CD (MOAMOO) 2010
L'Amazon Arkestra "Equilibrium" A.R.A. CS (Winged Sun) 2010
Blue Sabbath Black Cheer "We Hate You" split w/Griefer LP (self released) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 68 here (Right click link, then Save As)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 67


The Girls At Dawn "The Evil One" Call The Doctor LP (Norton) 2010
The Fresh & Onlys "Be My Hooker" Play It Strange LP (In The Red) 2010
Circle Pit "Hurricane" Bruise Constellation LP (Siltbreeze) 2010
Brain Idea "Plates" Survival Scrolls LP (Permanent) 2010
Cacaw "Ratt Killer" s/t LP (Permanent) 2010
AHNA "Confederation" s/t LP (soldier pumps/Broadway To Boundary) 2010
The Samps "Hyperbolic" s/t 12" (Mexican Summer) 2010
Walsh "Sweet Draemz" Smoke Weed About It EP (self released download) 2010
Ducktails "Sitting" s/t 7" (Shdwply) 2010
Ducktails "Apple Walk" Mirror Walk 7" (Olde English Spelling Bee) 2010
Radio People "The Leap Home Pt II" s/t LP (Digitalis Vinyl) 2010
Colored Mushroom and the Medicine Rocks "Blood Puddle/Sore Subject" s/t LP (Wagon) 2010
Outer Space "Memory Bomb" s/t LP (Arbor) 2010
Emeralds "Summerdata" s/t 7" (Wagon/Gneiss Things) 2010
Mark McGuire "Brothers (For Matt)" Living With Yourself LP (Editions Mego) 2010
Sam Goldberg "Some Time To Burn" split w/Mark McGuire CS (Pizza Wagon) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 67 here
(right click link, then Save As)

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 66


After reading about it on Still Single, Weird Canada, 20 Jazz Funk Greats, Wire Magazine and a rave review on Mimaroglu (he apparently bought up a 1/3 of the 100 available cassettes for his site), I finally managed to grip this debut tape by local unknown No UFOs. The name seems to be gripped from a Model 500 song, an early alias of techno legend Juan Atkins (touchstones of the electro-funk track can be heard on the tape). Soft Coast is one of those rare releases that defies easy categorization. Songs switch course just as soon as the get under yr skin, from bouncy Cluster-style kraut riddims to Analord-era Aphex Twin acid to Faust IV sheets of guitar and then drifting into lulling ambience. All of it seamlessly patched together on a 30 minute cassette that'll have a tough time leaving the deck. There's certainly a reason that many cassettes will remain on that format, but Soft Coast is one of those rare tapes that demands a vinyl release. The cassette is long sold out from the source, but looks like the fine folks over at Tomentosa have the last copies. Highest recommendation is bestowed upon this release along with a plea that someone get this to vinyl asap. New releases by Prairie Fire and some possible recordings to be issued by unnamed US labels are being worked on for later this year/early next year. You'll definitely be hearing about those here. Nice Up International, run by Konrad of No UFOs, also have some releases in the works. Keep an eye on the label's website for more.

The Fresh & Onlys "Red Light Green Light" Play It Strange LP (In The Red) 2010
Broken Water "Nothing Ever Happened" s/t 7" (Fan Death) 2010
Brain Idea "Days Blown Away" Survival Scrolls LP (Permanent) 2010
Purling Hiss "Passenger Queen" Hissteria LP (Permanent) 2010
The Ether "Siamese" Folly CDR (Patente) 2010
Bitches "Sleepwalk" s/t 7" (self released) 2010
Prince Rama "Thunderdrums" Shadow Temple LP (Paw Tracks) 2010
Wet Hair "Blessed" split w/Peaking Lights 7" (Not Not Fun) 2010
Iibiis Rooge "Coro-Coro" s/t LP (Dekorder) 2010
No UFOs "side A" Soft Coast CS (Nice Up Intl.) 2010
Tassels "The Brethren Of Purity" The Rosicrucians CS (Digitalis) 2010
Evan Caminiti "Glowing Sky" West Winds LP (Three Lobed) 2010
Ossining "Go For Pinks" I Will Be Missed LP (Digitalis) 2010
Xela "Of The Light And Of The Stars" Of The Divine LP (Dekorder) 2010, *reissue of 2009 CS on Digitalis Limited


DOWNLOAD EPISODE 66 here (right click link, the Save As)

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 65


Dizzy Eyes "Break Up The Band" split w/Mode Moderne CS (Lust Nuevo) 2010
Myelin Sheaths "Gloves/Mutations" Get On Your Nerves LP (South-Paw) 2010
Reading Rainbow "Wasting Time" Prism Eyes LP (Hozac) *due Nov 23 2010
Pearl Harbor "I've Got Some Happiness" Puro Instinct 12" (Gloriette) 2010
Altar Eagle "Six Foot Arms" Mechanical Gardens LP (Type) 2010
Black Math "Commando Of Love" Phantom Power LP (Permanent) 2010
Constant Mongrel "Goofy" s/t CS (Hidiotic) 2010
Cacaw "Earth Doesn't Deserve You" s/t LP (Permanent) 2010
Moon Duo "Run Around" V/A-Menagerie #5 LP (Blackest Rainbow) 2010
Mugstar "Ouroboros" Sun, Broken CD (Important) 2010
Games "Everything Is Working" s/t 7" (Hippos In Tanks) 2010
The Samps "Yellowjacket" s/t 12" (Mexican Summer) 2010
Grouper "Sick" Hold/Sick 7" (Room 40) 2010
Outer Space "Scanlon" s/t LP (Arbor) 2010
Roger Mexico "Dragged By A Horse" Poisson CS (Vacant Tapes) 2010
Totally Ripped "Osmosis" Osmosis 7" (Isolated Now Waves) 2010


DOWNLOAD EPISODE 65 (right click link, then Save As)

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 64


Siltbreeze continues along their winning path this year with a re-issue of The Doozer's "Great Explorers". Issued last year on CD via the Pickled Egg label, Great Explorers might have been overlooked if it wasn't for the ear of Tom Lax. Based in Cambridge, England, the Doozer shares more than a striking vocal resemblance to his hometown hero, Syd Barrett. The direction is slightly more folk oriented than Syd's better known work with Pink Floyd, so it resides nicely alongside the bent psych-folk output of his solo career. This is, however, much more than a homage. I'm actually at a loss of words to describe how great this is, so here's a much more in depth look at this amazing LP.

Pearl Harbor "Slivers Of You" Puro Instinct 12" (Gloriette) 2010
Frankie Rose & The Outs "That's What People Told Me" s/t LP (Slumberland) 2010
Altar Eagle "Battlegrounds" Mechanical Gardens LP (Type) 2010
The Doozer "God Does Not Need Light" Great Explorers LP (Siltbreeze) 2010
The Intelligence "Like Like Like Like Like Like Like" Males LP (In The Red) 2010
Manual Zombie "Sledgehammer" Fresh Milk CS (self released) 2010
No Balls "Countdown To Kill" Problems That Will Solve Themselves 7" (Diskad) 2010
Blessure Grave "Dragonaut" s/t 7" (Mishka NYC) 2010
Outer Limits Recordings "L.A. Skyline" Foxy Baby LP (Not Not Fun) 2010
Tomutonttu "Likaiset Pilvet" split w/Oneohtrix Point Never 7" (Alter) 2010
Hype Williams "Untitled 5" Untitled LP (Carnivals) 2010
Twinsistermoon "The Big Sand" Then Fell The Ashes LP (Blackest Rainbow) 2010
Isengrind "Where The Morning Dawns" Modelitewnik LP (Blackest Rainbow) 2010
Natural Snow Buildings "Case, Resurrected" v/a-Menagerie #2 (Blackest Rainbow) 2010
Bitchin Bajas "Zone 4" Tones/Zones LP (Important) 2010
Caboladies "untitled" Live Anywhere (Aguirre) 2010
Rene Hell "Room 7" Club Speed CS (Ekhein) 2010
Bill Orcutt "Way Down South (excerpt)" Way Down South one-sided LP (Palalia)

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 64 here (right click link, then Save As)

Friday, September 10, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 63


Haven't been this pleasantly miffed by an album like this in some time. Hype Williams, a duo based out of the UK (not the guy responsible for this) who have recent seven inches on De Stijl and Second Layer, plus a cassette on the Pop Drones regular, Goaty Tapes (issued under their Paradise Sisters moniker), have released their thus far defining statement with this new LP on Carnivals Records. Blending samples of exotic instruments with blunted beatwork, warbled keyboards, and the occasional vocal appearance, then smothered in a thick and hazy lo-fi production, Hype Williams have concocted a new strain of hypnagogic pop that, well, pretty much drops the pop out of the equation and ups the hypnagognic end. This looks to be sold out at the source, but Fusetron have a few copies left. If you miss out on this, you certainly won't have to wait long for the next release: a 12" is due on De Stijl in November, followed by another on HIT.

Unnatural Helpers "Useful Things" Cracked Love & Other Drugs LP (Hardly Art) 2010
Kitchen's Floor "Dead Shits" Loneliness Is A Dirty Mattress LP (Bedroom Suck) 2010 *reissue of 2009 CD issued by RIP Society
Big Troubles "Desire For A Certain Thing" s/t LP (Olde English Spelling Bee) 2010
Hype Williams "Untitled 7" Untitled LP (Carnivals) 2010
Holy Strays "The Waves" Hyperion CS (Not Not Fun) 2010
Topaz Rags "Crown Center" Crown Center 7" (Not Not Fun) 2010
Swanox "Dawnrunner" Dawnrunner CS (Not Not Fun) 2010
Bitchin Bajas "Zone 3" Tones/Zones Lp (Important) 2010
Guilty Ghosts "Renee" Enigma Variations CS (Words+Dreams) 2010
80 (Sun) "Naom (excerpt)" s/t CS (Mayan Chorus) 2010
Josh Burke "Omni Bay" Prana LP (Aguirre) 2010
Pale Blue Sky "Someday" split w/Cloaked Light 12" (Arbor) 2010
Eleh "Repose" Repose one-sided LP (Important) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 63 here (right click link, then Save As)

**update** there is no sound for episode 63 or 62 right now, though the issue is being worked on. Check back here later this week.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 62


It seems like every week we have a new band to play from that island Australia. Cassettes and LPs by the likes of the Twerps, Zond, Circle Pit, Fabulous Diamonds, Dead Farmers, Royal Headache, Blank Realm, Deaf Wish, UV Race, and many more have been taking up plenty of shelf space and radio time over the past year or so. Last year RIP Society, which is pretty much the go-to label down there right now, issued a CD by Brisbane band Kitchen's Floor, garnering acclaim in their own region but not much elsewhere. Now, with the LP re-issue on Bedroom Suck, looks like Kitchen's Floor might be getting some much deserved attention. Anyways, lets get to the meat here--these three young fellas make the kind of DIY depressed pop that we just don't get to here often enough around the offices of ETMS/Pop Drones. Gently guided buzzsaw guitars, primitive drums and vocals that sound as if they were recorded immediately after rolling out of bed. Though No Wave keeps popping up in reviews, it's really only part of the equation, as the band use that abrasiveness and apply it to these brash yet catchy songs. 11 tracks in around 20 minutes. Unless you want to cough up a ridiculous amount of cash to have this shipped from Australia, you'll want to head to Permanent Records right now if you live North America. They just got some copies of this and a few others from RIP Society, though I'm sure they won't last. Absolute highest recommendation. Snatch it asap!

Moonhearts "Death Star Pt. II" s/t LP (Tic Tac Totally) 2010
Woven Bones "I've Gotta Get" s/t 7" (Hardly Art) 2010
Pregnant "Safe & Sound" s/t LP (Burn Books) 2010
The Ether "I Need You" Folly CDR (Patente) 2010
Kitchen's Floor "Left" Loneliness Is A Dirty Mattress LP (Bedroom Suck) 2010 *reissue of 2009 CD on RIP Society
Kitchen's Floor "Regrets" s/t 7" (RIP Society) 2010
Rene Hell "Walking In Tune" split w/Pete Swanson LP (self released) 2010
Oneohtrix Point Never "Wayland Lincoln Border" split w/Tomutonttu (Alter) 2010
Josh Burke "Gliding" Prana LP (Aguirre) 2010
Caboladies "untitled 2" Live Anywhere LP (Aguirre) 2010
Ossining "Moons" I Will Be Missed LP (Digitalis) 2010
Mark McGuire "Off In The Distance Pt. 1" Off In The Distance LP (Cylindrical Habitat Modules) 2010
Radio People "Now Where" s/t LP (Digitalis) 2010
Pete Swanson "U.O.B." Where I Was (self released) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 62 here (right click link, then Save As)

Friday, August 27, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 61

Vancouver's Flash Palace have been kickin' it around the city for close to two years now but have only just issued their debut release, Misinterpreted Sunsets, released on their own Mayan Chorus cassette label. Considering the fact that most of these guys wouldn't have even been in high school at the time, they manage to weld together some of the more innovative sounds that sprung up from the independent underground during the mid-late 90s, namely, post rock, IDM and math rock. Well, at least that's what these ears hear. Skittery electronics, sweeping guitar lines and watery vocals all come rolling out with a mathematical precision that hasn't been heard this side of the border since those early Constellation Records releases. Misinterpreted Sunsets can be purchased at Red Cat here in Vancouver or grabbed from the band via their myspace. The group have been garnering some attention outside of the city and are actually about to start building their own studio. Excited to see where these guys will take things next.


Second release for Chicago natives Brain Idea, but this one is a prelude to their upcoming vinyl debut later this year on Permanent Records. The Clean keep getting thrown their way, but these guys definitely have something a little darker and more cryptic going on. Clanging guitars, anthemic and shout-along vocals, and damn groovy basslines are the foundation of their sound. One of my favorite new bands right now. Get juiced for that vinyl release!

Dead Ghosts "Girl Across The Street" Live Songs one-sided LP (CMR TYZ) 2010
Indian Wars "Pick You Up" split w/Fungi Girls 7" (CMR TYZ) 2010
Paul Cary "On The Rise" Ghost Of A Man LP (Stankhouse) 2010
Here Comes A Big Black Cloud "Black Out" split w/Tiny Knives (Stankhouse) 2010
Frankie Rose & The Outs "Candy" s/t LP (Slumberland) *due Sept 21, 2010
Big Troubles "Drastic & Difficult" Drastic & Difficult 7" (Olde English Spelling Bee) 2010
Terrorbird "Who's Sorry Now?" split w/Certain Breeds 7" (Global Symphonic) 2010
Blessure Grave "Stranger In The House" s/t 7" (MishkaNYC) 2010
Brain Idea "One More Time" The Survival Scrolls CS (Permanent) 2010
Running "#1 Dad" s/t CS (Permanent) 2010
Heater "Black & Gold" God & Hair LP (Permanent) 2010
Puffy Areolas "$200 Jeans" s/t 7" (Die Stasi) 2010
Holy Cobras "May You Be Free To Roam" s/t 7" (Telephone Explosion) 2010
Unnatural Helpers "Earwax" s/t 7" (Dirty Knobby) 2010
San Francisco Water Cooler "August Receipt" II LP (self released) 2010
Prince Rama "Om Mane Padme Hum" Shadow Temple LP (Paw Tracks) 2010
aTelecine "Puget" ...And Six Dark Hours Pass LP (Dais) 2010
Flash Palace "moveice=blueair" Some Misinterpreted Sunsets CS (Mayan Chorus) 2010
I Just Died "Chalk Hearts" Chalk Hearts 8" square lathe (Smoke Filled Casket) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 61 here (right click link, then Save As)

Friday, August 20, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 60

Seattle's CMR TYZ art/clothing/record label duo have a coupla new releases, and they both revolve around Vancouver bands. Dead Ghosts have a live LP (playing it next week) and Indian Wars have a new split 7" with ETMS faves Fungi Girls. The first batch of the seven inches have hand drawn art on the cover and silkscreened backs. A nice handmade touch! For those that don't know, CMR TYZ have done the artwork for singles by The Radians, Myelin Sheaths, Amber Alerts, and a ton of others. Check out their work here. If you're looking to grab some of CMR TYZ's records then you'll have to hit up some of these bands up directly for copies, as they don't have a proper webstore up yet.


After the excellent seven inch on Trouble In Mind, a split 12" with Teenanger, and a handful of other seven inches and cassettes, The Moonhearts (formerly Charlie and the Moonhearts) deliver a helluva debut LP on Tic Tac Totally. Recorded by best bro Ty Segall, this LP is a total shredder from beginning and almost right up to the end. The boys get a little tender on the final and best track, I Can Go On, which conjures up the spooky garage of their neighbours, The Fresh & Onlys. The rest of the LP is a driving garage-punk affair, with plenty of hooks to spare. Highest recommendation!


NYC's Prince Rama (formerly Prince Rama of Ayodhya) are only a few weeks from unleashing their newest long player, which should prove to be the game changer for them after several lower profile releases. Heavy mantra psych here that would have fit in perfectly on Not Not Fun, though Paw Tracks have stepped up and will release this on Sept 14th (go here to pre-order the special "bejeweled" edition). Think of the extraterrestrial gospel of France's Magma, toss in some thunderous tribal drums and a light touch of majestic synths and you've got one of the best psych records of the year. Make sure to catch Prince Rama live in Vancouver on September 22nd at the Cobalt. Should prove to be an unmissable show. Check this interview with them here.

Electric Bunnies "I Swear I'll Never Let You Go" s/t 7" (Sacred Bones) 2010
Sex Church "Paralyze" s/t 7" (Hozac) 2010
Ty Segall "Girlfriend" Melted LP (Goner) 2010
Fungi Girls "Sun Blues" split w/ Indian Wars 7" (CMR TYZ) 2010
Moonhearts "Can't Find My Way" s/t LP (Tic Tac Totally) 2010
Red Mass "Weird Mess" s/t CD (Semprini) 2010
Tiny Knives "Nothing Was Meant To Last" split w/Here Comes A Big Black Cloud 7" (Stankhouse) 2010
Broken Water "Dead Light" Whet LP (Night People) 2010
Nu Sensae "New Lies" split w/Okie Dokie 7" (Swill Children) 2010
White Drugs "Untitled" Gold Magic LP (Amphetamine Reptile) 2010
Pygmy Shrews "Gimme Hidden" The Egyptian LP (Wantage) 2009
Unnatural Helpers "Brave Dumb Face" Cracked Love & Other Drugs LP (Hardly Art) 2010
Hot Guts "Did You Not Go To The Dance Alone?" s/t 7" (Badmaster) 2010
San Francisco Water Cooler "Reverie" II LP (self released) 2010
Puffy Areolas "Rock N Roll Express" s/t 7" (Die Stasi) 2010
Cosmetics "Sleepwalking" s/t 7" (Captured Tracks) 2010
Dirty Beaches "Sweet 17" True Blue 7" (Zoo Music) 2010
King Kong Ding Dong "Jample" Youth Culture Index LP (Dekorder) 2010
Prince Rama "Lightening Fossil" Shadow Temple LP (Paw Tracks) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 60 here
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Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 59


Amphetamine Reptile has resurfaced after over a decade of inactivity, and they've picked one doozy of a record to come swingin' back with. Gold Magic, the second full length from Denton, Texas' White Drugs, would've fit in perfectly alongside records by The Cows, Hammerhead and The Melvins back in AmRep's heyday. It's also the type of record that's gonna fit in snugly between contemporary records by the likes of Puffy Areolas, Twin Stumps or Pfisters. Only 350 records pressed, but you can still grab this one here. Highly recommended.



Excellent compilation of Neil Young covers was recently released to help raise money for a member of Sudden Oak who injured himself after falling three stories from the top of a building in San Francisco. Contributions from bigger names like Ducktails, Julian Lynch, Sun Araw, Metal Rouge, and Sam Goldberg sit alongside up and comers like Swanox and Avocet. These are not yr typical Neil covers, either. Metal Rouge split 'Helpless' wide open and reveal a version so blown out and hazy you'd never suspect it was Neil Young in the first place. Great song selections here as well, including a track taken from the underrated Transformer LP. Limited to 300 copies, silkscreen covers, all exclusive material, and all proceeds go to a good cause. Grab it here asap.

Timmy's Organism "Cold Pizza" s/t 7" (Cass) 2010
Cloud Nothings "Turning On" Turning On LP (Speakertree) 2010
Tim Cohen "A Mind Of Their Own" Laugh Tracks LP (Captured Tracks) 2010
The Bitters "Dark Wide Holes" Have A Nap Hotel EP 12" (Sacred Bones) 2010
Sex Church "209" s/t 7" (Hozac) 2010
Manic Attracts "Animals" unreleased mp3, 2010
Timecopz "In The Morning" unreleased mp3, 2010
Broken Water "Coming True" s/t CS (Night People) 2010
White Drugs "DMT" Gold Magic LP (Amphetamine Reptile) 2010
Hot Guts "Ballad Of Jon Simon" s/t 7" (Badmaster) 2010
The Chickens "Shit City" Chicken Shit 7" (Siltbreeze) 2010
Drunkdriver "Haunting" s/t LP (self released) 2010
Common Eider, King Eider "They Want To Dig For Gold But All They'll Find Is Blood" Worn LP (Root Strata) 2010
Topaz Rags "You Go On" s/t 7" (Not Not Fun) 2010
Sun Araw "Barstool Blues" A Fundamental Experiment comp. (A Fundamental Experiment) 2010
La Revelateur "Costiera Amalfitana" Motion Flares CS (Root Strata) 2010
Shit & Shine "Fuck You Folk Singers" Bass Puppy 12" (Badmaster) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 59 here (right click link, then Save As)

Monday, August 9, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 58


Amen Dunes "Diane" Murder Dull Mind 12" (Sacred Bones) 2010
Dizzy Eyes "Sugar Cain" split w/Mode Moderne CS (Lust Nuevo) 2010
Electric Bunnies "Pretty Joanna" s/t 7" (Sacred Bones) 2010
Mac Blackout "Don't Let Your Love Die" s/t 7" (Sacred Bones) 2010
Tonetta 777 "Toronto Is Starting To Stink" s/t LP (Black Tent Press) 2010
Timmy's Organism "I'm A Nice Guy Now" s/t 7" (Cass) 2010
Chickens "Drug Life" s/t 7" (Siltbreeze) 2010
Pfisters "Kavachi" Narcicity LP (Fan Death) 2010
Metal Rouge "Helpless" A Fundamental Experiment LP (Semina Tapes) 2010
Common Eider, King Eider "When We Sewed Skins" Worn LP (Root Strata) 2010
Mike Cooper "World Slide" s/t 12" (Ethbo) 2010
Sean McCann "The World He Left Behind" Chances Are Staying LP (DNT) 2010
Western Standards "untitled" Energy Centre LP (Western Standards) 2010
Shit & Shine "Bass Puppy" Bass Puppy 12" (Badmaster) 2010
Billy Bao "side A, excerpt" Urban Disease LP (Pan) 2010
International Hello "8 Seconds" s/t LP (Holy Mountain) 2010

Sorry for the lack of reviews. Been busy. To anyone who sent out records or tapes, reviews will be posted soon. Promise.

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 58 here
(Right click link, then Save As) 2010

Friday, August 6, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 57


The Native Cats "The Image Of Annie and Ivan" s/t LP (Ride The Snake) 2010
Amen Dunes "Murder Dull Mind" Murder Dull Mind 12" (Sacred Bones) 2010
Mac Blackout "Sometimes" Don't Let Your Love Die" 7" (Sacred Bones) 2010
Male Bonding "Before It's Gone" Daytrotter CS (Sub Pop) 2010
Holy Cobras "Feed Yr Head" s/t 7" (Telephone Explosion) 2010
Pompoir "side B (excerpt)" split w/Meat Curtains CS (Isolated Now Waves) 2010
Mongst "Or Does It Explode" Kamira CDR (Isolated Now Waves) 2010
Fabulous Diamonds "Untitled 5" II LP (Siltbreeze) 2010
Outer Limits Recordings "Secret Track" Foxy Baby LP (Not Not Fun) 2010
The Savage Young Taterbug "Slumber Lordy" Syrupy Evenings CS (Night People) 2010
Raglani "untitled" split w/Outer Space LP (Nihilist) 2010
Expo 70 "Metensomatosis" Death Voyage CDR (Sonic Meditations) 2010
Secret Pyramid "Milk And Honey" Ghosts CDR (self released) 2010

Due to studio malfunctions, Episode 57 cannot be heard. Tune in live every Wednesday at 10:00am until 11:30am (PST) to hear Pop Drones live. www.citr.ca

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Pop Dr(((O)))nes: Episode 56


The Native Cats "Once and Never Again" Always LP (Ride The Snake) 2010
Moonhearts "I Can Go On" s/t LP (Tic Tac Totally) 2010
Tonetta 777 "Red, White and Blue" s/t LP (Black Tent Press) 2010
Jeans Wilder "Pretty Bird" Relics 2xCS (Bathetic) 2010
The Sandwitches "Stardust" Duck, Duck, Goose 12" (Empty Cellar) 2010
Fabulous Diamonds "Untitled 4" II LP (Siltbreeze) 2010
LA Vampires/Zola Jesus "Searching" LA Vampires Meets Zola Jesus 12" (Not Not Fun) 2010
Holy Strays "Black Journey" Hyperion CS (Not Not Fun) 2010
Pop. 1280 "Bedbugs" s/t 7" (self released) 2010
Anita Fix & Bam Bam "Run For Joy" s/t 7" (Ride The Snake) 2010
The Men "Problems/Burning Up" Immaculada LP (self released) 2010
Zond "Stupid Gods" s/t LP (RIP Society) 2010
High Wolf "Meeting of the Three Seas" Ascension LP (Not Not Fun) 2010
Evan Caminiti "Thunder Breaks the Dawn" West Winds LP (Three Lobed) 2010
Metal Rouge "May 1971" Trails LP (Emerald Cocoon) 2010
Isengrind "Strigele Tanze" Modelitewnik LP (Blackest Rainbow) 2010

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 56 here (right click link, then Save As)