Alex Bleeker & the Freaks 12″

My Rating: 8/10
Genre/ Tags: Blues, Folk, Psychedelic

By now, I feel like most people have come across and heard of the New Jersey band Real Estate. Their music evokes a hot, hazy summer day where you probably spent more of less of that day walking on the beach in the company of good friends, old and new alike. The band I have for you all today, in terms of band members, is practically the same exact thing as Real Estate. Alex Bleeker & the Freaks features three of the original Real Estate members, being Alex Bleeker, Matt Mondanile, and Martin Courtney IV. The fourth member of the band is no less known than the boys of Real Estate though. Although he is not in Real Estate, this talented young man is known more for his solo accomplishments before anything else, and that man is Julian Lynch. If you have yet to hear any of his solo material, please stop reading right now and follow this link HERE. This is the first track on the Underwater Peoples Summertime Showcase that came out this past summer, and what a perfect first track it is.

But as for Alex Bleeker & the Freaks, these guys all left their other musical outfits at the door for this project, and put forth their efforts into one place and worked together. The result was this still fairly new 12″ record that was put out by the Underwater Peoples out of Washington D.C., and the record is kind of like a thesis statement for a band who seems to have much, much more for us up their sleeve. If you haven’t heard any of the music yet, it tends to be folky at times and bluesy at other times, but they never forget to bring forward the psychedelic elements that’s present in most of the band members other projects (Real Estate, Ducktails, Julian Lynch). Songs like the opening tracks “Summer” and “Epilogue”, as well as “Spring Jam”, and even the short but ridiculously sweet “Dead On” all feature this eye-opening psychedelic feel that I think most people would have a hard time denying how sweet it really is. As the description on the Underwater Peoples blog reads, this release was built solely on the love and passion for music, and that is crystal clear when listening to the record. As the description reads, these boys have all “channeled their romantic energies into an electrified musical powerhouse”, and what an electrified musical powerhouse it is. Have I mentioned that I absolutely love electrified musical powerhouses? If you love them too, then you really need to check out this record. You can still buy it from the Underwater Peoples website, but you better do it sooner than later, because they only pressed 1,000 copies of the LP. I myself will also say that it is a “special privilege” and quite an honor to have let these tunes flow into my ears, and to hopefully bring this wonderful bands music to your ears as well. Please do yourself a favor and BUY THIS RECORD! Thx!

Alex Bleeker & the Freaks 12″: Tracklist
1.) Summer
2.) Epilogue
3.) Spring Jam
4.) Animal Tracks (Mountain Man cover)
5.) Prisoner of the Past
6.) Dead On
7.) Common Sense
8.) Part 2

AB & the Freaks 12″ – BUY!!!
AB & the Freaks on TheirSpace
A short list of songs to check out by the band on Pitchfork

Pontiak – Sun on Sun

My Rating: 9/10
Genre/ Tags: Psychedelic, Rock

In the summer of 2008, Pontiak had signed to their then new label Thrill Jockey, and shortly thereafter, they released their first album with them. It was a 12 inch record entitled “Kale” split with a band called Arbouretum. Before signing to Thrill Jockey, the band had put out a few self released CD’s that I had a hard time finding any concrete information on. As far as I know, the band had two releases before signing to Thrill Jockey, one being an EP and another release titled “Valley of Cats”. The best I could find on these releases comes from a record label based out of London – check it out here. Unfortunately you can’t even buy either of these CD’s on that website, but if you’ll settle for mp3’s, somebody kindly uploaded all of “Valley of Cats” onto Last.fm for free download. You can check that out right here. If it wasn’t for that I don’t know where else you would find those tracks.

But moving on. Pontiak, comprised of three brothers named Van, Jennings, and Lain Carney, all put out new material like it’s their job…which technically, I guess you could say it is their job. They’re currently in the making of their latest album “Living”, which should be out sometime in 2010. In 2009 they put out two more releases, one being titled “Sea Voids” and the other titled “Maker”. A year earlier in 2008, they put out their first full length called “Sun on Sun”, which is why I’m here today. This was the first record I had heard from Pontiak, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. The record starts out with the slow and eerie “Shell Skull” which sounds like it could be the soundtrack for a scene in a movie where a bad dude is creeping up on a good dude with intentions to kill! The face melting guitar solos are the scenes where the two dudes are duke-ing it out in efforts to save their lives!! Aw!! The second track “Swell” is an echo-y, ambient track that also brings words like creepy and eerie to mind again. Skipping ahead to the track “White Mice”, this may be the first point on the album that doesn’t potentially creep you out. About half way through they decide to draw back on the creepy (for once!) and put forth the groovy. The steady tap on the cymbal leads them into this slow, dirge-y jam that doesn’t take long until it’s heavy and all up in your face, with lead singer Van Carney howling as if he were a wolf fixated on the moon. The following track, the album titled “Sun on Sun”, is without a doubt the suite of this record, clocking in at just over 9 minutes long. As usual, things start off a bit on the mysterious side, while slowly but surely the hum of the keyboard rises to the top, followed by some laid-back guitar playing that changes the vibe from mysterious to a much more welcoming sound. Within the final two minutes, guitarist Van Carney brings the heat with some intense sliding on the guitar that can originally be heard in the beginning of the song, only to lead into some yet again face-peeling guitar work before bringing the song to a close. The next track “Tell Me About” starts off like many of these Pontiak tracks before leading into an unexpected keyboard solo topped off by screaming vocals and once again some in-yr-face guitar. The final track “The Brush Burned Fast” is a bit different from everything else on the album. It’s only an acoustic guitar and the singer (probably Van Carney) with some ambiance in the background that is strikingly similar to the ambient track “Swell”. I’m almost positive it’s the same thing. But once again, thanks for reading, and check back again real soon!!!

White Mice

Sun on Sun: Tracklist
1.) Shell Skull
2.) Swell
3.) White Hands
4.) White Mice
5.) Sun on Sun
6.) Tell Me About
7.) The Brush Burned Fast

Pontiak’s Official Website
Pontiak on Myspace
Sun on Sun – BUY! from Thrill Jockey

Ganglians – Captured Tracks 7″

My Rating: 9/10
Genre/ Tags: Psychedelic, Pop

California’s Ganglians are a band you may have already heard of. Last year was a good one for the band, seeing that they released two full length albums, one being a self-titled 12″, and the other album “Monster Head Room”, which was a step up from the original self-titled. If you haven’t heard either of those albums yet, you shouldn’t waste any more time. Follow the links and get listening.

If you haven’t heard Ganglians at all up until this point, then today is your lucky day. Basically I just linked you to their entire discography (as far as I know). If you end up listening to everything, you might notice how the band begins to solidify their sound by the time you listen to “Monster Head Room”. When they finally are comfortable with their sound, that is when they can really start to deliver their contagious blend of psychedelic-pop music. This becomes noticeable on their most recent release, which is what I have here for you today. It’s two songs that were released on 7″ vinyl only, and the Captured Tracks website description doesn’t beat around the bush. These are by far the best songs we have heard from Ganglians up til this point. Let’s hope they keep following this pattern in the future.

Captured Tracks 7″: Tracklist
1.) Blood on the Sand
2.) Make It Up

Ganglians on Myspace
Captured Tracks 7″: 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

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

Syd Barrett – Barrett

Perhaps one of the most interesting and reclusive figures in musical history, Syd Barrett (January 6th, 1946 – July 7th, 2006) was the original driving force behind the band we all already know as PINK FLOYD. Syd Barrett was present in Pink Floyd from their very beginnings, but he only lasted in the band for a short time. The band began to form back in England in 1964, which is when Syd Barrett would be considered the leader of the band. After a few line-up changes and a few band name adjustments (Syd gets credit for coming up with the name “Pink Floyd”), the band was ready to release their first album, which was titled “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn”. This album came out back in 1967, and it was the only Pink Floyd album to be made fully under the leadership of Syd Barrett. In the midst of all the commotion surrounding Pink Floyd after their first release, Syd Barrett had been continually experimenting with drugs like LSD. This led to a very unpredictable and frightening Syd Barrett, who would eventually be replaced in the band by the guitarist David Gilmour. Before finally “leaving” the band, Syd also helped out on their second release in 1968, entitled “A Saucerful of Secrets”.

After leaving Pink Floyd, Syd was certainly not finished with his musical career, and he had much more up his sleeve for us. His solo career began in 1968, with his first solo album release being in 1970. This first album was called “The Madcap Laughs”, featuring many wonderful tracks like “Terrapin”, “Octopus”, “Golden Hair”, and “Dark Globe”. The second and final solo studio album we would get from Syd Barrett is the one I have for you today. This album came out originally back in 1970, and sadly was the last studio album we would get. The album starts off with a bluesy guitar intro on the track “Baby Lemonade”, which soon escalates into a delightful song, with Syd begging for some lemonade. Skipping ahead to the extremely drone-y and almost-haunting track titled “Dominoes”, this is certainly one of the tracks worth hearing from the album. The track ends with an all too appropriate keyboard solo from Pink Floyd member Richard Wright (July 28th, 1943 – September 15th, 2008), which is probably why it sounds so familiar. A few other highlights from the album include “Gigolo Aunt” with its funky basslines, “Effervescing Elephant” which is great to sing along with, the somewhat creepy sounding “Maisie”, “Waving My Arms in the Air”, “Rats”, and “Wined and Dined”. Happy belated birthday Syd, and also: Rest in Peace Syd Barrett and Richard Wright!

Barrett: Tracklist
1. “Baby Lemonade” – 4:10
2. “Love Song” – 3:03
3. “Dominoes” – 4:08
4. “It Is Obvious” – 2:59
5. “Rats” – 3:00
6. “Maisie” – 2:51
7. “Gigolo Aunt” – 5:46
8. “Waving My Arms In The Air” – 2:09
9. “I Never Lied To You” – 1:50
10. “Wined And Dined” – 2:58
11. “Wolfpack” – 3:41
12. “Effervescing Elephant” – 1:52

Syd Barrett: Official Website
Barrett: BUY

Top Drawer – Solid Oak

Top Drawer is without a doubt one of those bands that has been long forgotten about. If it wasn’t for this wonderful compilation record, I don’t know if I ever would have stumbled upon these guys. This obscure band hailed from the rural center of the United States, coming right out of Kentucky. There aren’t many facts to be said about the band, considering they were around back in 1969-1970 and they only have one album that I am aware of. Their one and only album, titled “Solid Oak”, was recorded back in 1969 at Fultz Recording Studio over in Kentucky, and if you have one of these original records in mint condition, it could sell for well over a hundred dollars. The album is constantly being sought out due to it’s rarity. According to the record sleeve of the compilation I mentioned above, the album was only repressed one time back in 1980 on Akarma Records from Italy, and has never been pressed since. On top of that, none of the band’s original members have ever surfaced to talk about the music, and it’s not looking like they’re about to show up anytime soon. This song was included on the compilation in hopes that the band members would take notice of the praise that their almost-perfect record “Solid Oak” has continually received over the years. Then perhaps the band members can give us their side of the story on what it was like to be twenty-something years old in the middle of America and release a psychedelic masterpiece, and then vanish back into normal life without a trace. Listen to the first track of their forgotten masterpiece right here on YouTube. This track is the main reason the album is so sought out, with its monumental guitar soloing and the constant loop of the keyboard, this song undeniably flirts with perfection. That’s enough from me, now it’s time to find out for yourself. Check out the amazing “Solid Oak” with the link below…and…oh yeah…

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! I hope it’s the best one yet!

Solid Oak: Tracklist
1. Song of a Sinner
2. What Happened Before They Took the People Away
3. Middle Class America
4. Time Passes Much Too Quickly
5. Messed Up
6. Baker’s Boogie
7. What’s in Store
8. Sweet Memories
9. Lies

Solid Oak: BUY, good luck finding anything else. Try checking eBay.

Spacemen 3 – The Perfect Prescription

Good morning! I hope you’re having a good day so far. For those of you who are not, hopefully the album I have for you today will help you! That’s right! It’s that good! That album would be “The Perfect Prescription” by the band Spacemen 3. Spacemen 3 formed back in 1982 in Warwickshire, England, and they continued to be active until 1991, with the two consistent members being Jason Pierce and Peter Kember. During their existence, the band released a total of four studio albums, a compilation CD of their singles, and a bunch of other unofficial CD’s, live recordings, and demos.
Their album, “The Perfect Prescription” was the second studio album they had, and it was originally released in 1987 on Glass Records. This is one of those albums that you need to start from the beginning, and not interfere with it for the entire length. All of the songs flow together perfectly, and it all starts off with the crashing of “Take Me to the Other Side“. This was a great song to put for the first track. It has a steady beat throughout, and the lyrics and guitar go hand-in-hand as Jason Pierce yells, “Take me for a ride/take me to the other side”. For the last minute and a half of the song, the band continues to crash and smash on their instruments while Pierce goes on about taking him to the other side…hmmm, I wonder what he’s gonna do? Isn’t it obvious? The next track follows up beautifully, and it’s part of a conversation between Pierce and Jesus. Jesus is telling Pierce “you ain’t coming to me no way/you’ve found heaven on Earth/gonna burn for your sin”. Oh man, looks like someone isn’t getting into heaven. Pierce asks Jesus for forgiveness and claims that “I could have done me worse.”, which is probably very true. The third track is almost like Pierce’s review of his time with Jesus, as they talk about the things that are hard to see in life, and giving into temptation. If you continue to listen past that track, you will figure out that every song is solid gold and very original (except for the “Transparent Radiation” cover of the band Red Krayola). It’s a surprisingly difficult decision to pick just ONE personal favorite from this album, but I think I would have to go with the track “Come Down Easy“. But why keep reading my thoughts? Check out the links below and find out what you think for yourself! Please enjoy and check back for more tomorrow!

The Perfect Prescription – Tracklist
1.) Take Me to the Other Side
2.) Walking with Jesus
3.) Ode to Street Hassle
4.) Ecstasy Symphony
5.) Transparent Radiation (Flashback) (Red Krayola cover)
6.) Feel So Good
7.) Things’ll Never Be the Same
8.) Come Down Easy
9.) Call the Doctor
10.) Soul 1 (Bonus track)
11.) That’s Just Fine (Bonus track)

Spacemen 3 on Myspace
The Perfect Prescription: BUY