Soul Coughing – Ruby Vroom

My Rating: 7/10
Genre/ Tags: Alternative, Jazz, Rock

Soul Coughing formed in New York City back in 1992, and they remained active until 2000 when they broke up over disputes about songwriting credits and things of that matter. It’s a shame when a band dies off due to arguments, but hey, that’s how the cookie crumbles. Before breaking up in 2000, the band released three different studio albums, and they managed to gain moderate mainstream success. Their first album “Ruby Vroom” was released back in 1994, and it is the album I have here with me today. A lot of the songs found on the album are dominated by heavy, jazzy bass lines and lead singer Mike Doughtys crazy “stream-of-consciousness” poetry, which many times leaves you thinking, “What did he just say?” If you’re listening carefully enough, you will also notice that he is constantly making references to things in his lyrics. The song that first comes to mind would be the opening track “Is Chicago, Is Not Chicago”. It’s almost like it’s his goal to name as many places as he can while he sings, because he mentions Chicago, Saskatoon, Palmyra, New York, Washington, Pyongyang, and Cairo. There is probably even a few I missed, or possibly some I’m not even aware of. Either way, you should make an effort to check out the funky goodness that is Soul Coughing. Be sure to check out songs like “Sugar Free Jazz” with it’s beachy sound effects, “Casiotone Nation” which is chock-full of more references, “Blueeyed Devil”, “Supra Genious” and “Screenwriter’s Blues”. Enjoy!

Ruby Vroom: Tracklist
1.) Is Chicago, Is Not Chicago
2.) Sugar Free Jazz
3.) Casiotone Nation
4.) Blueeyed Devil
5.) Bus to Beelzebub
6.) True Dreams of Wichita
7.) Screenwriter’s Blues
8.) Moonsammy
9.) Supra Genius
10.) City of Motors
11.) Uh, Zoom Zip
12.) Down to This
13.) Mr. Bitterness
14.) Janine

Unofficial Website – Soul Coughing
Ruby Vroom: BUY

13th Floor Elevators – The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators

My Rating: 8/10
Genre/ Tags: Garage Rock, Psychedelic, 60s

Although it is widely disputed, the 13th Floor Elevators were quite possibly the very first band to describe their music as “psychedelic”. These guys were active back from 1965 to 1969, and they only released a few albums in their short existence. Their first album came out in 1966, and it is titled “The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators”. Included on this album was their first and only charting single, “You’re Gonna Miss Me”. This song peaked at #55 on Billboards Pop Singles Chart in 1966, and after that they never had much luck with getting another song on the charts. But this certainly does not mean they’re not a good band, and I have brought the album here with me today to prove it to you. Songs like “Thru the Rhythm”, “Don’t Fall Down”, “You’re Gonna Miss Me”, and “Tried to Hide” all make the album worth listening, but my personal favorite would have to be “Roller Coaster”. This song is intense, with lead singer Roky Erikson continually urging you to trip and “Open up your mind” and to “Let it happen to you”, all the while that crazy “electric” jug never ceases to mystify. Do yourself a favor and listen to the 13th Floor Elevators. You won’t regret it.

13th Floor Elevators – Roller Coaster

The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators: Tracklist
1.) You’re Gonna Miss Me
2.) Roller Coaster
3.) Splash 1 (Now I’m Home)
4.) Reverberation (Doubt)
5.) Don’t Fall Down
6.) Fire Engine
7.) Thru the Rhythm
8.) You Don’t Know (How Young You Are)
9.) Kingdom of Heaven
10.) Monkey Island
11.) Tried to Hide

13th Floor Elevators Official Website
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators: BUY

Last.fm Group – The ball is rolling (slowly!)

So as you may or may not know, I made a group on the website Last.fm with the idea that people could join and discuss any of the happenings here on the blog. Not only can you discuss, but I’m open to any suggestions like features for the blog, or music to post…ANYTHING. Any idea that you think is even half-way decent, let’s hear it. Join the SD Group right here, and start chattin’.

John K. Samson – Live at CBC Studios

My Rating: 9/10
Genre/ Tags: Acoustic, Live, Singer-Songwriter

Hello! How are we all today? Hopefully better than ever. Today I have something that I hope everyone will enjoy. It’s a live session featuring John K. Samson, the lead singer and guitarist from The Weakerthans, and also a former member of the band Propagandhi. He was an active member in Propagandhi from 1991 to 1997, and shortly thereafter, he went on to form The Weakerthans. The Weakerthans then formed in 1997, and have been continuing to rock since, releasing their most recent album entitled “Reunion Tour” in 2007.

Aside from working with The Weakerthans, John has released some material as a solo artist. His first release came back in 1993 when he was still a member of Propagandhi, and it was a cassette tape featuring 15 songs that was called “Slips and Tangles”. Two years later in 1995, six of those songs from the “Slips and Tangles” release were re-released on a new EP, titled “Little Pictures”. This would be Johns last solo release until recently in October 2009, when he put out his second EP “City Route 85”. According to the info on the Anti- Records page, “Samson’s solo record entitled City Route 85 will be the first in a series of recordings exploring the atmospheric streets and highways surrounding the musician’s home in Winnipeg, Canada.” Interesting! Music that explores the streets and highways of Canada? I am beyond interested. But if this City Route 85 wasn’t good enough for you, you’re in luck, because they plan to release at least three of these new singles. I have yet to hear this new single, but I will, very, very soon. In the meantime, check out this awesome live session from John at CBC Studios, and be sure to check back regularly, because I love John K. Samson and the Weakerthans way too much (just check my Last.fm charts) to not post anymore of their material. I promise. The man just has such a way with words; it’s amazing. If you don’t believe me, maybe you’ll believe this quote from The Hold Steady frontman Craig Finn, who straight up admitted that John K. Samson “is the lyricist that I can say, without hesitation, is better than I am.” I rest my case. Enjoy your day.

John K. Samson Live @ CBC Studios: Tracklist
1.) Psalm for the Elks Lodge Last Call
2.) One Great City
3.) Reconstruction Site
4.) Utilities

The Weakerthans on Myspace
John K. Samson Live @ CBC Studios: TRY
John K. Samson Stuff: BUY

Last.fm Group – Come chat!

I recently made a group over at the wonderful website Last.fm. This way we can chat and discuss any music that comes up here on the Styrofoam Drone, or talk about anything for that matter. Just click the link below, and then join the group! If you already have a Last.fm account, it’s very simple. So join up, and get chatting. Check back for more real soon!

The Styrofoam Drone group at Last.fm

Pavement – Perfect Sound Forever

My Rating: 8/10
Genre/ Tags: Indie Rock, Noise Rock

Since I love Pavement so much, and so do you (you do love Pavement, right?), I have decided to post MORE Pavement today! How exciting! Today I have an EP for you that comes from the very early Pavement days, dating back to April 15th, 1991. This EP was the third release from Pavement, and it was put out by the label Drag City. Good luck finding this EP though, because it has been out of print for years. Your best bet would be eBay…or Philadelphia’s Punk Rock Flea Market (when in season), where I happily scored my very own copy. I already posted a bit of information on this release for the “Band of the Week” feature today. Basically, because this an early Pavement release, it’s not going to sound exactly like the Pavement you and I love and cherish so much. Most of the songs from Pavement’s early days can easily be considered nosiy, rackety, strange, and possibly even mysterious.

The best (and most ridiculous) example of one of these songs would be “Drive-By Fader”. Seriously? Come on. What is that? It’s just a 28 second song that sounds like a distorted piano/ keyboard that if you listened to long enough would eventually become a headache inducer. Seriously. Listen for yourself on YouTube. Not all of these noisy tracks are so bad though. The opening track “Heckler Spray” is a much more accessible noise track than any of the others, with its heavy guitars and steady drum beat. I actually wish this song was much longer, because it would probably turn out to be quite a bad ass track. Check it out on YouTube right here. See what I mean? They could have kept that going, man! Aside from these noisy tracks, there are a few more traditional songs found on the EP, like the track “Angel Carver Blues/Mellow Jazz Docent”. This is a great song with a sick introduction, but the best part comes within the last 3 seconds when Malkmus utters the word “Fuck.” No other word could have been more appropriate here. Other tracks surely worth checking out are “Home”, and my personal favorite, “Debris Slide”, with it’s silly chants that are fun to sing along with. Check those two songs out right below, or here. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check-in again tomorrow.

Pavement – Debris Slide

Pavement – Home

Perfect Sound Forever: Tracklist
1. “Heckler Spray” – 1:06
2. “From Now On” – 2:03
3. “Angel Carver Blues/Mellow Jazz Docent” – 2:30
4. “Drive by Fader” – 0:28
5. “Debris Slide” – 1:56
6. “Home” – 2:23
7. “Krell Vid-User” – 1:26

Pavement: Official Website
Perfect Sound Forever: You definitely can’t buy this record anywhere but eBay. You could just buy the “Westing (by Musket & Sextant)” compilation which includes all the tracks from the EP and more! – BUY!

Joe Jackson – Look Sharp!

My Rating: 8/10
Genre/ Tags: New Wave, Punk Rock/Ska, Singer-Songwriter

Okay, so if you don’t think you know who Joe Jackson is before reading this post, then go to YouTube and listen to THIS song for a second. Yeah, that’s Joe Jackson, and personally, I hate that song. You may even know another Joe Jackson song thanks to the folks over at Taco Bell, because I’ve recently seen a Taco Bell commercial featuring THIS song. I know what you’re thinking. A Joe Jackson song is being used for a Taco Bell commercial? Yeah, very weird. At least that’s what I thought. But moving on…

These two songs I have already mentioned above come from Joe Jackson’s debut album, titled “Look Sharp!”. This album came out back in 1979, and it features one of Joe Jackson’s best known tracks, called “Is She Really Going Out With Him?”. As I already mentioned, I don’t really like this song, but the rest of the album is surely worth your time. Most of the albums lyrics are about love, break-ups, and women, but I assure you, it’s still a good album. For example, the 2nd track “Sunday Papers” is undeniably catchy, with it’s ever-changing bassline. “Happy Loving Couples” is another solid track, and I like how Jackson continues to say “You ain’t no friends of mine” at the end until he is cut off by some dude that says, “Alright that’s enough!”. Moving onto the titled track “Look Sharp!”, this track switches back and forth from a punk rock song to a reggae song, and then it takes another unexpected turn around 1:40 when the piano comes in to break things down. The next track “Fool’s in Love” is definitely a reggae/ ska song in itself, while the guitar in the next track “(Do the) Instant Mash” makes it a rock song before anything else. If any song from the album is going to get stuck in your head, it’s the next track called “Pretty Girls”. Thanks to the spastic bass line and Jackson’s “doo doo wopa doo doo wopa” chant, I can guarantee you this song will get stuck in your head. Find out for yourself right now, the track is just below. Be sure to also listen to the albums closing track “Got the Time” with its fast paced, upbeat action and the funky bass solo. Don’t forget to give the bonus tracks some lovin’ too. Hey, that’s all for today! Thanks for reading, and check back yet again tomorrow!

Joe Jackson – “Pretty Girls”

Look Sharp! – Tracklist
1. “One More Time” – 3:15
2. “Sunday Papers” – 4:22
3. “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” – 3:33
4. “Happy Loving Couples” – 3:08
5. “Throw it Away” – 2:49
6. “Baby Stick Around” – 2:36
7. “Look Sharp!” – 3:23
8. “Fools in Love” – 4:23
9. “(Do the) Instant Mash” – 3:12
10. “Pretty Girls” – 2:55
11. “Got the Time” – 2:55
12. “Don’t Ask Me” – 2:44 (bonus)
13. “You Got the Fever” – 3:37 (bonus)

Joe Jackson – Official Website
Look Sharp! – BUY

Oneida – Preteen Weaponry

My Rating: 8/10
Genre/ Tags: Krautrock, Experimental, Psychedelic

Here today I have something that is a bit different for you than anything I’ve posted so far. The name of the band is Oneida, and they are from Brooklyn, New York. Unlike most bands, Oneida definitely has an obsession with the idea of repetition, which is quite obvious if you just listen to the music. Luckily for you, you CAN listen to the music, because I have the album “Preteen Weaponry” here for you today. This is a 3 track album that clocks in at just under 40 minutes, with each song passing the 10 minute mark. The first track begins with some mysterious feedback sounds and drum rolls, which slowly escalates into a steady drum beat. If I had to put myself in a situation where this music was the soundtrack, this would be my scenario: you’re walking towards the entrance of a giant colosseum as the momentum builds up, and right near the 3 minute mark of the song when things kick up, is when the colosseum doors are locked behind you, and all you have now is a fight to the death. People are cheering like crazy in the audience surrounding you, and they just let a tiger loose that only wants YOUR blood. Yeah. It’s the intense.

The second track of the album starts off with some heavy sound effects, along with a slow, tribal-like drum beat. This track also brings up another scenario, this time being much more horrifying. Picture this: you’re walking through a dark, deserted town with old, run-down shacks and an old church that nobody uses. The haunting vibes are unbearable as the game “Resident Evil” comes to mind. Occasionally, you run into a blood sucking zombie who tries to attack you, but you always escape by the skin of your teeth. The lyrics that start around the 6 minute mark would represent these zombies.

Moving onto the final track of the album, this is probably my personal favorite from the album. I think that would be due to the sprawling and continuous drumming that never ceases throughout the entire 14 minute track. I also like the sound effect towards the end of the track; it brings to mind the sound that a submarines sonar would make underwater. It’s just a steady beep that fits perfectly into the mix. That’s enough of what I think. Now it’s time for you to check out the album. Thanks for reading, and check back tomorrow!

Preteen Weaponry: Tracklist
1. “Preteen Weaponry, Pt. I” – 14:30
2. “Preteen Weaponry, Pt. II” – 11:26
3. “Preteen Weaponry, Pt. III” – 13:53

Oneida’s Official Website
Oneida on Myspace
Preteen Weaponry: BUY

Pavement – Stray Slack

Back in September, some very exciting news was announced that many people had been waiting to hear for nearly 10 years. This exciting news was the confirmation that the band PAVEMENT would reunite in 2010 to play their first shows together in over 10 years. Woo! Since the big announcement, they have booked shows all across the globe, in places like Australia and Japan, they are headlining a few (1, 2) different festivals in 2010, and now they have even announced a new “Best-Of” compilation that will simultaneously be released with some of the first shows on the Pavement world tour (March 9th to be exact). Along with the “Best-Of” compilation, which is cleverly titled “Quarantine the Past: The Best of Pavement”, the record label Matador is holding a contest to see if anybody can correctly guess the track listing for the new compilation. More details on that contest and the compilation right here.

So 2010 is definitely looking to be the year of Pavement…but putting all of this reunion stuff aside for a second…

Today I have an album for you that could be considered a bootleg before anything else. It’s a mostly-live album from Pavement that probably came out sometime back in 1993 before “Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain” was ever released. This bootleg rules, and the best part is I found it for a $1.00 at the Punk Rock Flea Market in Philadelphia. The album contains 22 songs, with most of them being from the “Slanted and Enchanted” days of Pavement, but songs from other earlier releases are found on this bootleg as well. Don’t waste any more time…check it out right here!

While you wait for the album to download, please take a minute to view the new “Band of the Week” feature here at the Styrofoam Drone. Each day of the week, I will add a new song from the said band, so be sure to check back daily!

Stray Slack: Tracklist
1.) Conduit For Sale
2.) Fame Throwa
3.) Home
4.) Perfume – V
5.) Summer Babe
6.) Frontwards
7.) Angel Carver Blues / Mellow Jazz Docent
8.) Two States
9.) No Life Singed Her
10.) So Stark, You’re A Skyscraper
11.) Box Elder
12.) Baby, Yeah
13.) In the Mouth A Desert
14.) Greenlander
15.) Here
16.) Trigger Cut
17.) Black Walls
18.) Texas Never Whispers
19.) Teenage Piss Party
20.) Zurich Is Stained
21.) Kentucky Cocktail
22.) Feed Them to the Lions

Pavement: Official Website
Stray Slack: TRY
Stray Slack: Can’t really find a place to buy this one. Here is an auction for the album on vinyl > BUY

Vermillion Sands – Mary 7″

It’s always a great feeling when a band catches you off guard and you’re thinking, “Wow, I didn’t think these guys were going to sound like this.”. That’s exactly what I was thinking when I first heard these songs here. The band I have for you today is called Vermillion Sands, and they’re quite good. The band is currently made up of 4 members, and they all come from Treviso, Italy. Up to this point, there are only a few 7″ records and a 12″ EP that the band has put out. You can check out their latest 12″ EP over at Insound. If you’re interested in the 7″ records, you can probably find more information about those here, here, and here. As far as the music goes, these guys make an infectious blend of garage rock and folk rock that’s just great. The opening track “Mary” has more of the garage rock feel and also some crazy sound effects, while songs like “Wake Me When I Die” and “Would You Kindly Direct Me to Hell” are a bit more on the folk side of the fence. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention they have a female singer. Her name is Anna.