Yes! Wolf Parade is back! The band that proves you can be nervy and unnerving at the same time. For myself, their previous release, At Mount Zoomer was a severe let down, it was not the Wolf Parade I held so dear, the frazzled vocals, erratic noises and quick hooks gave way to something more ominous, something of a concept album without a concept. BUT NOW! But now this parade is back on the boulevard with a vengence. And if any of you are as confused about the breakdown of this band as I was, you may be asking, what? isn't this just the same as Frog Eyes? As Sunset Rubdown? Not a chance! Let me interpret... So, Wolf Parade is Dan Boeckner and Spencer Krug (mainly) and Boeckner and his wifey are Handsome Furs. Krug is in Sunset Rubdown and Frog Eyes (part time). Carey Mercer is also in Frog Eyes. and Swan Lake with Krug and Dan Bejar who is Destroyer and in The New Pornographers. Pheeewf, GOT IT? What was my point? They are all slightly different and ranging on the wonderlove bar and if you like any of these guys, for me, Wolf Parade is at the peak of this mountain!

fcc: clean

play:2, 1, 4, 6, 11, 5

The Black Pacific- "The Black Pacific"

released September 14, 2010 on SideOneDummy

This is a solo album from Jim Lindberg, former vocalist of Pennywise. Described as an experimental type of album, it features Lindberg on vocals, Alan Vega on drums and Shaun Lopez (Deftones) on guitar. "The System" starts off with a sound that evokes Pennywise but in more of a darker vein and also takes on a hint of Bad Religion as well.  "When It's Over" combines fast drums with a bit of droning guitar and it feels almost as if Lindberg wants to channel the Dead Kennedys. It's certainly stripped down enough to suggest such a thing. Some of the best tracks in my opinion include "Living With Ghosts" (reminiscent of s), "Time Is Not The Reason" (similar in structure to the previous track), "Kill Your Idols", "Defamer", "Ruinator" (certainly different from Lindberg's previous work and has a nice, grungy feel) and "Put Down Your Weapons". Overall, it's different from Lindberg's work in Pennywise but it does not stray too far. I believe that this move was overdue for Lindberg and where he could not grow with Pennywise, he will be able to grow with The Black Pacific. Certainly one of the better punk albums of the year.

FCC: 1, 5

Try: *2*,3,4,6,7,*8*, *9*

Street Dogs- "Street Dogs"

released August 31st, 2010 on Hellcat Records

This is the newest album from the Street Dogs, fronted by former Dropkick Murphys vocalist, Mike McColgan. One way to describe their music is that it's simply Boston-style street punk.  "Rattle And Roll" get things off to a raucous start with fast, melodic punk rock that is similar to McColgan's former band, as well as bands like Rancid, U.S Bombs and even the long-defunct Plan A Project. As noted, it has that distinct Boston flair to it. Some of my favorite picks include "Up The Union", "Punk Rock And Roll", "Yesterday" and "In Stereo". Honestly, I would play the whole album, though there are some tracks with profanities. It's short, sweet and definitely the type of punk rock that I want to see more of. Check out this album if you're a fan of the Dropkick Murphys and any other band with a similar political and musical leaning.

FCC: 5,7,12,18

Try: All but especially, 2,3,4,9

Electronic dream-pop trio is back with their second album.  More refined—if less experimental—than Alpinsims, the sound is softer and has rounder edges.

RIYL: Secret Machines.  FCC Clean

Buff Roshi (Michael Muhlfriedel, with guitarist and soundsmith G.E Stinson, singer-songwriter Rene Wilson, and trumpeter John Fumo) play a mix of downbeat and avant-garde/experimental.  Airy vocals, spoken-word samples, synthesizers, drum machines, and  guitar heavy on the effects.

RIYL: Massive Attack, Meat Beat Manifesto.  FCC Clean

Combination of dark, atmospheric electronica and synth-driven industrial-pop reminiscent of Devo.

RIYL: Joy Division, Devo.  FCC Clean

The Body - All The Waters Of The Earth Turn To Blood

Release Date: 2010Jul27 (US)

Label: At A Loss Recordings

Rating: 3.5/5

The following is how I imagine a conversation between members of The Body and their producers/friends/label people while recording All The Waters Of The Earth Turn To Blood:

TB: So we want to start off our new album of experimental doom with the Assembly of Light vocal choir. How long is too long?

P/F/LP: Well that’s hard to say; we’ve all heard things both interesting and trying from the avant-garde world over the years. You probably shouldn’t do more than two to three minutes, just for establishment.

TB: Well screw the establishment… double—no TRIPLE––that! We won’t get heavy for seven minutes!

P/F/LP: Um, that’s not really how we meant… eh, do what you want.

Honestly, we need artists to feel unconfined. This Providence, RI duo has a couple of sweet beards, an artillery stockpile, and true rebel spirit. With these weapons at their disposal, The Body takes aim at familiar norms and systematically blasts them away.

The women’s choir does have the greatest initial presence on “A Body”, but return more integrated throughout. One learns to appreciate their balance against the otherwise agonized yowls that sound conjured up from Mike Williams’ roughest EyeHateGod performances, crying out in desperate defeatism. They are particularly lovely on “Even Saints Knew Their Hour Of Failure And Loss”.

The head-nodding dirges are few and far between; try “A Curse” or “Ruiner” if that is the direction you want. I took the greatest pleasure in “Lathspell I Name You”––the near-fourteen minute conclusion. With multi-layered passages, a wider variety of instruments, and a breadth of additional musicians (including eight percussionists), it best brings The Body closer to sunn 0))).

The real challenge throughout All The Waters Of The Earth Turn To Blood is where to anchor; one finds rare opportunities. Everything else is present for either ambience and/or confusion, and you may get lost in the fog. Mind you, The Body is a difficult discovery; don’t let anything stand in your way, even Ace Merrill.

FCC OK

Try 2, 4, 6, 7

01. A Body

02. A Curse

03. Empty Hearth

04. Even Saints Knew Their Hour Of Failure And Loss

05. Song Of Sarin The Brave

06. Ruiner

07. Lathspell I Name You