Quick Glance: ScotDrakula - O'Clock

Sounds like: Royal Headache energy (complete with screaming Aussie vocals) meets the tempo of King Tuff at his most garage rock (complete with a face-melting solo). <PM>

Push It Up To Me - The Troggs

We'll not soon forget "Wild Thing", the song that launched the careers of The Troggs, and for better or for worse, forever fused itself with our collective pop culture consciousness. But there's more to remember, some notable and some flat out eccentric, like lead vocalist Reg Presley's use of royalty money to fund publication of his research on extraterrestrials and paranormal activity.

What's often overlooked is that The Troggs' music inspired more than Charlie Sheen's fastball from Major League. Their grip it and rip it style is seen by many as the precursor to garage rock and a major influence on the punk sound revolutionized by Iggy Pop. The band has a litany of devotees, influential and groundbreaking in their own right, which runs from The Buzzcocks to Spiritualized.

"Push It Up To Me" is British 1960's psychedelia in full bloom. Presley is purposefully puzzling and distant and coy. One guitar chugs, another frolics, and the drums are hardly heard performing their minimal duties. None of it is all that technical or grand, but it doesn't have to be. The simplicity is what's memorable. <TM>

Revisited: The Felice Brothers

As any urban dweller can attest to, there inevitably comes an urge to skip town and head for literal greener pastures. After a particularly defeating day the cityscape loses its luster and escape from everything familiar seems like the only option. In truth, the goal is a simpler time as much as it is a different location, which ultimately leaves a true exodus impossible. Despite these setbacks, a vehicle exists that travels to this unreachable place. Crafted in the 21^st century but walking, talking, and sounding like 1960’s folk-rock, the Felice Brother’s 2007 self-titled effort takes listeners away, and it takes them back.

Quick Glance: Walter TV - Surf Metal

Sounds like: Punky DeMarco sung by Avey Tare. With a sunburn and sand in your shorts. <EC>

EarthEE - THEESatisfaction

Riding the success of their 2012 album, awE naturalE, the astro hip-hop duo of Stasia Irons and Catherine Harris-White have returned with another round of bold, adventurous music. Conflict is the source of their sound: the contrast between two, even, delicate, harmonious voices laid against choppy and discontinuous instrument samplings.

"EarthEE" is a pulsing interstellar ode to the space between thoughts and reality, and the peace of mind you can receive from recreational drugs. On the track they sing, "Loosen up my mind. Lengthen and unwind. Release, one time." It's an intoxicating combination of song and melody that hits you like a meditation.

EarthEE, the record, is out March 6th on Sub Pop. <TM>

Listen Up: Saloon Tunes

A collection of songs for taking a seat and staying awhile. <TM>

Trinidad - Michael Hurley

Snock, the Snock, Snockman, Elwood Snock, Doc Snock. These are the many names of Michael Hurley. Born just north of Philadelphia in 1941, Hurley began to write and play music at the age of thirteen. He moved to New York City and lived there through the '60s and '70s leaving his impression on the Greenwich folk scene. At the age of twenty-two, his earliest album, First Songs, was recorded on the same reel-to-reel tape player that Lead Belly used to lay down his Last Sessions collection. His blues are warm and highly eccentric, and his off-kilter sound is more than endearing. If you listen closely to his songs, you'll find sweetness and humor within the sadness.

"Trinidad" is the final song from "Hi Fi Snock Uptown", which when finished in 1971 was his third full recording. Hand drums play steadily in the back drop while Hurley whistles and strums bits and ends on the guitar. Odd tips from our outsider tour guide anchor the verse and chorus as we get a glimpse into one man's playful vision of tropic island lifestyles. Who are we to question the advice? Have you ever been down to Trinidad? <TM>