Best of 2016

One can say a lot of bad things about 2016. But "no good new rock" is not one of them.

Here is the Spunk Rock Official top 50 best records of 2016.

Notice several debut records from new bands or projects. I count 17 out of 50.. a strong vital sign for the future of Rock'N'Roll.

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/fluid3sally/playlist/78gV6NVe3I9WaiSzW8aZKW

YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWm4729w0mteBqeipyy_KE88nMQadQGVt




... drum roll ...
... hint ...








1.  Cilver - Not the End of the World
April. From New York City. debut full-length (1)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A1LLxG0tQo
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ7-4JQzJyg








2.  Bad Seed Rising - Awake In Color
September. From Baltimore/DC USA area. debut full-length (2) (several previous shorter recordings)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27WUNp76CPE
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5rMJtfKQ0o

3.  Nina Diaz - The Beat Is Dead
October. From San Antonio Texas USA. debut full-length (3) (see also Girl In A Coma)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xL_nTij-5A
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1XILjxN7W0























4.  Fit For Rivals - Freak Machine
September. From Jacksonville Florida USA. second full-length
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8Q2YLJupNM
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkicULGOGKE

























5.  Hands Off Gretel - Burn the Beauty Queen
September. From South Yorkshire UK. debut full-length (4)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz0xxjUgqiA
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIJb64JI4BQ























6.  Against the Current - In Our Bones
May. From Poughkeepsie New York USA. debut full-length (5)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcvuYNhfj-c
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya-SzODPFVc

























7.  Tonight Alive - Limitless
March. From Sydney Australia. 3rd full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZFBM2vTnI4
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXnzd4-D29A

























8.  Icon for Hire - You Can't Kill Us
November. From Nashville Tennessee (formerly Decatur Illinois) USA. Third full-length
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke43WgVC6N8
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO9qTXrXoe8









9.  The Pretty Reckless - Who You Selling For
October. From New York City. Third full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQpZv2r8fb4
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrJoU0Cr-wE

























10. The Struts - Everybody Wants
March. From Central England.  debut full-length (6)

video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abOhx2YtPyM
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T1kwQz6ExE








11. Stitched Up Heart - Never Alone
June. From Los Angeles. debut full-length (7)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz8VjXMRiw4









12. Larkin Poe - Reskinned
May. From Atlanta Georgia USA, third full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE8s3wbb1_0
























13. Band of Skulls - By Default
May. From Southampton UK. fourth full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mMbra94tIo

























14. White Lung - Paradise
May. From Vancouver Canada, fourth full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eri7Y9zrVaM

























15. Against Me! - Shape Shift With Me
September. From Gainesville Florida USA. 5 or more previous recordings
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUWi8lVaGcE

16. Jeff Beck and Bones - Loud Hailer
July. From the UK. I'm calling this a debut full-length (8) for the combination of Jeff Beck and Bones
Beck himself, of course, has many more
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujz-c_nDWHA

























17. Magic Wands - Jupiter
February. From Los Angeles by way of Nashville. Second full-length
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xaj3niKzq_I
























18. Roipnol Witch - Starlight
March. From Carpi Italy. Second full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP-NCQYBxRA








19. Ladyhawke - Wild Things
June. From New Zealand (lately LA). third full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUwAnVX2ylc
























20. Fea - Fea
July. From San Antonio Texas USA. debut full-length (9) (see also Girl In A Coma)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv4yHCASirU








21. Deap Vally - Femejism
September. From Los Angeles. Second full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIreuaDVJdA

























22. The Amorettes - White Hot Heat
May/June. from Scotland. third full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0zMQSGjvO4









23. Dorothy - RockIsDead
June. From Los Angeles, debut full-length (10)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW4vejDcVe8








24. Thrice - To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere
May. From Irvine, Southern California. 5 or more previous recordings
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c27kBVSfDl0

























25. Letters From The Fire - Worth The Pain
September. From San Francisco Bay Area USA. debut full-length (11)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFIOyNN5ZfQ

























26. Joanne Shaw Taylor - Wild
September. From Central England. 5 or more previous recordings
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93dvPh33EnE

























27. Lacey Sturm - Life Screams
February. From Texas, I think. debut full-length (12) (see also Flyleaf)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk1JSpzwufg
























28. The Joy Formidable - Hitch
March. from Wales, currently in London. 4th full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt40_u9pUh4
























29. Red Hot Chili Peppers - The  Getaway
June. From Los Angeles. 5 or more previous recordings
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0oIoR9mLwc

























30. Sixx:A.M. - Prayers for the Damned and Prayers for the Blessed
November. From Los Angeles. 5 or more previous recordings (see also Motley Crue and Guns N' Roses)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAX5zB6Rsj4









31. Summer Cannibals - Full Of It
May. From Portland Oregon USA. third full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11-mXYVZWh8

























32. Tegan and Sara - Love You to Death
June. From Calgary Canada. 5 or more previous recordings
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJOHoiPGpac








33. Savoy Motel - Savoy Motel
October. From Nashville, Tennessee USA. debut full-length (13)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntxaaDci6Lo 










34. September Mourning - Volume II
July. not sure where from (sounds like LA) debut full-length (14)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGhVoUapFXU

























35. Barb Wire Dolls - Desperate
July. From Los Angeles by way of Greece. Third full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLlQV8D0OVA








36. The Dead Deads - For Your Obliteration
August. From Nashville Tennessee USA. second full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nisQhYqP5i4
live recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz3wZ1SRLF0








37. Kidneythieves - The Mend
September. From Los Angeles. Fourth full-length
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-8KQFj0NUA
























38. Sleep Machine - Animal High
September. From Los Angeles. debut full-length (15)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhBRatkx_-k









39. Lita Ford - Time Capsule
April. From Los Angeles. 5 or more previous recordings. (see also The Runaways)
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIz19XCDBLs

























40. Pierce the Veil - Misadventures
May. from San Diego California. fourth full length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcsnCq-azSs









41. A Tribe Called Quest - We Got It From Here... Thank You 4 Your Service
November. from New York City (Queens). 5 or more previous recordings
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO2Su3erRIA

42. Asylums - Killer Brain Waves
July. from southern England. debut full-length (16)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0zSQ9ePEa0

43. School Of Seven Bells - SVIIB
February. from New York City. 5 or more previous recordings
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPWJ0MreHeg

44. Sleigh Bells - Jessica Rabbit
November. from Los Angeles. 5 or more previous recordings
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnuMMkDGjmE

45. Garbage - Strange Little Birds
June. from Wisconsin USA. 5 or more previous recordings
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSa_hbutFt0

46. Panic! At The Disco - Death of a Bachelor
January. from Las Vegas Nevada USA. 5 or more previous recordings
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUChk0lxF44








47. Kristen Kontrol - X-Communicate
May. from New York City. debut full-length (17) see also Dum Dum Girls

audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrAfGtpLiQ4









48. Feeder - All Bright Electric
October. From Wales. 5 or more previous recordings
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddCs4LKCLIY
 







49. Two Door Cinema Club - Gameshow
October. From Ireland. Third full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Wn0GbTkts







50. Purple - Bodacious
April. From Texas gulf coast. Second full-length
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVjT_mGcB8s























that's my list. there were quite a few close runners up, which can be found in my monthly posts. looking forward to another great year in 2017.




*************************************************************************

Featured Artist: Roipnol Witch

Roipnol Witch: Starlight






This, my friends, is an exciting find.

Roipnol Witch is an Italian rock band with a sound somewhere near the intersection of Magneta Lane and Uh Huh Her.

Their second full-length (3rd recording, if I've found it all) appeared like a bright planet in the sky, back on March 25 of this year. Apparently, I wasn't looking at the Italian night sky, and I missed this one on the first pass. Now that I have found it, I am grateful.

Roipnol Witch has the ability to make a sound that is beautiful, lovely, even "pretty", without ceasing to kick ass. Vocals are eloquently sung with a hint of the smoky feel of Courtney Love, set against sparkling, clever guitar sounds.

Instrumentals have a complexity and artfulness that brings to mind the most profound explorations of Sonic Youth and Blondie. Melodies are memorable and charming. Lyrics mostly in Italian.

Check this one out, for sure.

videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px55EqVQeV4&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP-NCQYBxRA

November Picks

November sucked. But at least there were some good new tunes.

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/fluid3sally/playlist/1c4zdtXYFuYfHaIxvdDQ8g

YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWm4729w0mtd_ejOBsK3KqV5a9wMsVHDb


Top Picks:
 
Icon For Hire - You Can't Kill Us
I've highlighted Icon several times already, as this one was released in stages. I'm counting it as new in November because it is all out now. A big step forward for a true spunk classic. Now counting them with the Nashville crowd.
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke43WgVC6N8
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO9qTXrXoe8


Sixx:A.M. - Prayers for the Blessed
ok weird. I did not expect a project with members of Motley Crue and Guns N' Roses to produce one, let a lone two, of the most interesting records of 2016. But this is some fresh, quality rock'n'roll. The first disc was back in April, "Prayers for the Damned". This one followed in November. Both worth a listen. score +1 for LA
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAX5zB6Rsj4


Sleigh Bells - Jessica Rabbit
electro-pop-punk duo from Brooklyn NYC since 2008. A lot of cool songs on this one.
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnuMMkDGjmE



A Tribe Called Quest - We Got It From Here... Thank You 4 Your Service
an old-school hip-hop sound refreshed for today. where else but Queens NYC?
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO2Su3erRIA


Laura Mvula - The Dreaming Room
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7---iGdDIBQ


Dragonette - Royal Blues
Toronto-based pop-rock.
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmvxkadTyA0


Shit Present - Misery + Disaster
somewhere near the intersection of Rainer Maria and Bratmobile.  South-Western UK.
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Dwn7y-tcmc


Justice - Woman
French electro-rock duo. Thumpin bass and a rave look. more to this album than the average club-ub record. I think they need to work harder at coming up with English names, but the tunes are pure.
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAJzF8QIlQQ



Thee Oh Sees - An Odd Entrances
This is the second disc from this group this year. The first - A Weird Exists - appeared back in August. Between the two discs, I'd say they have a solid record here. Some psychedelic shoe gaze from San Fran. Not on Spotify, so I added an older one.
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go-67rqU1nU





Singles

• The xx

• Zara Larsson

• Green Day - No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist USA!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSZ0KzA9e1s

• Menstrual Cramps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e_wrvryIxU&feature=youtu.be

Oops, I missed it
I'll have to up my game, several nuggets slipped through the cracks.. until now

Forever Still - Tied Down (October)
This one was kicked out by my "sreamo" filter. But after a closer listen, I realize it is a great heavy record.. if only you can tolerate some abrasive vocals at times.

Fit For Rivals - Freak Machine (September)
Not sure how I missed this, except that September was such a busy month musically. This is a definitive spunk band from Jacksonville FL, with one of the year's top records.

Letters From The Fire - Worth the Pain (September)
San Fran Bay area, big voice, heavy edge. another miss in the busy month of September

The Dead Deads - For Your Obliteration (August)
Nashville scene on the rise!

Foxx Bodies (August)

Vodun - Possession (March)
UK based power trio. 

Deep Sea Diver (February)



close but nope:
Metalllica - review here: http://joelspunkrock.blogspot.com/2016/11/new-metallica.html

Call to All Electoral Voters

Whereas Secretary Clinton has won the majority of the general election by a significant margin (approximately 2 million votes by current count)...

And whereas her opponent has no governing experience relevant to the position...

And whereas the international politics of planet earth are a delicate, nuanced balance of diplomacy. And Clinton has successfully served as Secretary of State handling this precious balance...

And whereas Mr. Trump has shown conduct unbecoming a chief diplomat...

And whereas the fundamental purpose of the Electoral College is to serve as a check and balance against the rise of an unqualified candidate...

Therefore, we, the American People demand that our voices be heard, and that our votes count. We implore the members of the electoral college to exercise their rights under the Constitution, to perform their duty, and affirm the popular vote by electing Secretary Clinton, on December 19, 2016.

Sign the Petition: [Change.org]
https://www.change.org/p/electoral-college-electors-electoral-college-make-hillary-clinton-president-on-december-19

Sources and References:
http://joelspunkrock.blogspot.com/2016/11/slow-down-election-in-not-over-quite.html

"that the office of President will never fall to the lot of any man
who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications"
~Alexander Hamilton The Federalist Papers



           

New Metallica

Metallica - Hardwired... To Self Destruct























Overall.. a good record, but nothing to write home about.

This new record combines the heavier edge of 80's era Metallica, with the vocal stylings of their post-grunge sound. The riffs are solid and heavy, the songs are long, with a lot to chew on. That said, there is really nothing new here. The tone of the riffs and rhythms picks up some where near the Justice era. I don't hear any stand-out radio smashes like The Black album.

This is a solid record and a good listen. It would pair well with a day of house work, or a work-out at the gym. If you have played out all your old Metallica records and are just hungry for more, this one will meet that need. But if you are interested in hearing guitars make sounds unlike what you have heard before.. you won't find much new ground broken here.

The vocals come across as after-thoughts.. like "we're a band, we sing songs, so here are some more songs" -- not really inspired or passionate. I haven't fully unpacked the lyrics, but I have a similar observation so far lyrically. It has the dark doom I would expect, but ok, what else?

On the plus side, if one is not yet familiar with Metallica, this would be as good a place as any to start. It has the musical themes from their previous records woven together into a new collection of polished songs that play as a microcosm of the band's sound.

If you only listen to 50 new records this year, I wouldn't put this one on the list. If you want something fresh and upbeat, give it a spin.

Slow Down!! The Election Is Not Over .. Quite

Are you wondering what is going on with the electoral college? I was, and I did some time studying and considering. I share below what I found.

Warning: the first few sections are wordy. Feel free to skip to end for "what can I do about it?".


Q: What is the Electoral College?

 A: a group of elected representatives. They are elected by the people of each state, in numbers based on how many House and Senate people each state has (bigger state population - more representatives.)

These representatives - I'll call them super-voters, were elected when you voted. If you voted for Hillary, you actually voted for dem's. If you voted for Trump, you voted for republican super-voters.

They will vote on December 19, in the formal election. What happened in November was the general election.. the pre-game show. Historically, the December election has been a formality. The party who wins the general election will have a majority in the college, and every member will vote for their own party's candidate.  So, in the past, whoever won the general election was effectively guaranteed a win in the college.

So the formal event would not be big television show.. CSPAN at most.. and most people would pay it no mind. Some might not even realize that step in the process existed.


Q: WHY is the electoral College?

A: It was set up to be a safeguard against tyranny of the masses against minorities, to protect smaller states from the big ones.

America has never been a democracy. (shrly you jest sir!) No, and don't call me shrly. It's true, America is a democratic republic. It is NOT majority rule. There are checks and balances and certain right are protected.. even against majority vote.

Historically, one of those checks was the electoral college. It is a nuanced concept, so to better understand it, we need to look at the context of "The Federalist Papers" number 68: the mode of electing the President. Herein Alexander Hamilton explains the reason for the electoral college.

"It was desirable that the sense of the people should operate in the choice of the person to whom so important a trust was to be confided. This end will be answered by committing the right of making it, ... to men chosen by the people for the special purpose..."
 
"A small number of persons, selected by their fellow-citizens from the general mass, will be most likely to possess the information and discernment requisite to such complicated investigations..."

[This will ensure] "that the office of President will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications. Talents for low intrigue, and the little arts of popularity, may alone suffice to elevate a man to the first honors in a single State; but it will require other talents, and a different kind of merit, to establish him in the esteem and confidence of the whole Union."

So the idea is, that a con artist might be able to persuade one city, or a populated region. But it would not be practical to fool the entire nation without a legitimate set of governing credentials. Hamilton is arguing for a distributed approach to voting, that he believed to be more robust against the rise of a charlatan in a concentrated region. It is debatable whether or not this filter is effective in today's information age. Nonetheless, the point is clear: the electoral college exists to serve as a check and balance against the rise of an unqualified candidate. It was put in place to prevent an unqualified person with charisma from pulling a con on the electorate.



So why talk about it now?

Who cares about this facade that will go on in December? .. Well, two things..

First of all, Hillary won the most votes in the general election.. by a good margin, by about 2 million votes at current count.

Secondly, some members of the republican party have not always been on good terms with their nominee. So it is possible to think that some of them might vote across party lines. I'm not saying it is likely by any stretch of the imagination. But the constitution does allow it. The rules of the electoral college (that is, the process) would allow for that. There are subtleties in the law from state to state on how a super-voter can go rogue, but basically, it could be done. (see references for details by state)


What would have to happen?

At least 21 republican representatives would have to go rogue. I say 21 because you need 270 to have a majority, and he is at about 290 by latest count. So of those 290, 21 would need to defect. And that number could go up because a few states have not been called as I write this. That is not a small number. It's not like 2 or 3 RePubs with a conscience could do it alone. It would need to be a big group. And these representatives are appointed by the party. They are "good ole boys" -- meaning, loyal to the republican party.

But Trump is a wild-card here.

Consider this hypothetical.. suppose Jeb Bush had won the republican nomination (bear with me, just suppose). Then suppose that Jeb won the electoral map by 290:250 spread. Well, the republican party brought Jeb as their best foot forward, and, in this dream world, you can be sure Jeb would have courted them as a proper, traditional republican would, and he would have a good repore with republicans. Because Jeb knows how to play the game on "the man's" terms.

In this scenario, at the general election, 290 republican super-voters are elected, and 250 democrat super-voters. Obviously, all 290 republicans would vote for Jeb. There is no reason to think otherwise. The republicans would support another Bush, just as democrats would support another Clinton. no questions asked.

But the real situation is different. Trump is not a "real" republican.. meaning, he has no historical loyalty to the party and they have not always shown him support. So, what could, theoretically, happen - 21+ of them could go rogue, and vote against their party's nominee, and save the world.  To be clear, this would be a republican representative, a beloved child of the party, a loyal republican.. going off script, and putting HRC.. Hillary The Villiary.. into the White House. And another thing.. ever hear the expression "dance with the one who brung ya"? That's a southern thing, so if you don't get it, let me translate.. it means, if someone hooks you up with a good deal.. be loyal.  Trump got turn-out. Many, many, people came out for him who don't ordinarily vote, and, while they were in the booth, a lot of them went "red". So he "brung them". Now they owe him a debt. They owe him a dance.. an elector super-vote.

And why would they go off script? Would they rather deal with Hillary? I know some have their reservations with this guy, but for people who are anti-Hillary, the sentiment often runs strong. I think we can say for sure that in the case of Jeb Bush they would all have lined up and followed party protocol. ...BUT... in this election... it seems, not out of the realm of possibility, that there would be a grand finale surprise.

The meaning of "irony"

I do not use the word "irony" often.

I don't often use this word because it does not often apply, if used properly. But the quintessential example of irony would be for the electoral college to select - against the general vote of the people - the very candidate it was designed to prevent.


What about the fact that Hillary has already conceded?

This does not appear to matter. I see no indication that the constitution has a clause like "void if conceded."


Can they change the rules after the election?

No. Hillary cannot bend the rules after the game is over. But the rules do allow for this possibility.


What are the odds?

I don't know. I can't know. To me it seems more likely that the actors will follow the script and we will be left with the outcome everyone expects. Perhaps, after that, we may reassess the electoral college process considering the current century, but I would not expect a shake-up that like at this point in the process. But then, I didn't expect this shake-up either.


What can I do?

Raise your voice.

there is a petition you can sign at change.org:
https://www.change.org/p/electoral-college-electors-electoral-college-make-hillary-clinton-president-on-december-19

you can re-post this article

here is my brief letter to all electoral votes. Boost this signal. Feel free to recopy into other media. 
http://joelspunkrock.blogspot.com/2016/11/call-to-all-electoral-voters.html

Raise your voice and insist that the electors do their job. If they just rubber-stamp the RePub nominee, they are not doing their job. They must assess credentials. One of the most important functions of POTUS is the handling of sensitive diplomatic affairs with foreign powers. The electors must consider Clinton's successful service in the State Department, and the numerous instances in which Trump has demonstrated conduct unbecoming a chief diplomat. They must consider his lack of relevant governing experience. They must consider the well-being of the Nation, of its allies world-wide, and of the planet's political eco-system.



So should I get my hopes up?

I don't recommend it. Consider this analogy (warning, it's grim). Think of the families of people on a plane that disappears at sea. At some point, everyone realizes those people are lost. But, until the plane is found, there is still this slim ray of hope. It actually helps to find the plane, because then people can have closure. It is possible that what I have described above is just this phantom ray of hope, that will vanish on December 19. I write this, not to get anyone's hopes up only to dash them later, but because we, as a country, should be aware of how our process works. And this is a teachable moment. And because the chance, however slim, is worth the effort to sign a petition and boost a signal.



Sources and References

petition:
https://www.change.org/p/electoral-college-electors-electoral-college-make-hillary-clinton-president-on-december-19

Federalist Papers:
https://www.congress.gov/resources/display/content/The+Federalist+Papers#TheFederalistPapers-68

Fact Check:
http://www.factcheck.org/2016/11/could-electoral-college-elect-clinton/

More about the Electoral College:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/electors.html#restrictions
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/about.html

October Picks

I called September as the best music month of 2016. So far, I'm standing by that, but October finished not far behind. There were several strong developments in canonical spunk rock, some chill, some funk, some heavy, several political protests, and (although not appearing here) lots of xmas music.

start with the playlists:


YouTube Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWm4729w0mtclajLoYDn0DNSaqRI5icfF


Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/user/fluid3sally/playlist/4fRW2GgMillxcm2XjLwfHL




Nina Diaz - The Beat Is Dead
A very strong debut from the already accomplished Girl In A Coma singer/guitar player.
separate review here:  http://joelspunkrock.blogspot.com/2016/10/new-nina.html
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xL_nTij-5A
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1XILjxN7W0


The Pretty Reckless - Who You Selling For
3rd big hitter from a spunk classic
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQpZv2r8fb4


Savoy Motel - Savoy Motel
psychedelic funk'n'spunk with a thow-back vibe.. pairs nicely with Jefferson Airplane and maybe a slice of Velvet Underground.
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntxaaDci6Lo


Feeder - All Bright Electric
score another one for UK region (Wales). Deep and introspective song compositions. well worth the listen
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddCs4LKCLIY


Two Door Cinema Club - Gameshow
In the theme of funk
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Wn0GbTkts


Honeyblood - Babes Never Die
UK at it again.. this time Scotland. some high-energy modern-grrrl jams
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBbnGqthX1Y


Phish - Big Boat
we all need some fresh Phish from time to time.
separate review here: http://joelspunkrock.blogspot.com/2016/10/fresh-phish.html
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxWa3vdnPS8


Cheap Perfume - Nailed It
this needs to be heard
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYHcGq52hd4



Phantogram - Three
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jryzEU7WAlg


 Jones - Melt 
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx7pbLLhYoc


Placebo - Life's What You Make It


Rebecca Ferguson - SuperWoman


The Naked and Famous - Simple Forms


Crying - Wool In The Wash


BrookZill - Throwback to the Future



mid-playlist funk

• Smoove and Turrell
• Kaiser Chiefs
• Muddy Magnolias 
• Fantastic Negrito

Singles

Corin Tucker and the Filthy Friends

Pussy Riot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-bKFo30o2o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp-KeVBNz0A


Le Tigre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLGFyxAP0QE

Shea Diamond 
Die So Fluid 
Girli



Gruff and Heavy
If you like the gruff stuff, this was a pretty good month for that

• Korn
• Darke Complex 
• Amaranthe - a good record, but, unfortunately, it is brought down by growling vocals 
• I Prevail

Oops I missed it
better Late than never

• The Ones You Forgot (September)
• Sneaks (September)
• That Poppy (June)
• Giant Kitty (January)
• Beki Bondage (not sure)
• Mirror Eyes (not sure)

close, but nope

• Jimmy Eat World
• Avenged Sevenfold
• NOFX
• Nathaniel Ratcliff 
• Belle and Sebastian
• Watchtower
• Crocodiles
• Lady Gaga
• The Pretenders 
• Sum 41

New NINA DIAZ!

New Record: Nina Diaz, The Beat Is Dead 28 Oct 16.


 




Nina Diaz -  you may remember her from such spunk classics as Girl In A Coma - is back with a "solo" record The Beat is Dead.

Nina Diaz is one of the great geniuses of modern music. She has a vocal range of soft and smooth to soaring and thunderous. Watch her transform on stage into a rock'n'roll monster.

These songs make great use of that range, and showcase her unique, ground-breaking song writing style. All of these sounds make perfect sense together.. yet I've never heard anyone put songs together quite like this before. She crafts complex sonic landscapes all her own. If I squint real hard, I think I can hear a hear the Sonic Youth influence.  I know that Nina is a big fan of Sonic Youth because she told me so at a GIAC show in Atlanta (if not, I might have guessed it from her frequently wearing the shirt). You won't find SY's indulgent noise or dissonance here (except at times, like Star).. but their ability to explore sonic territory beyond the horizon of their peers.. this depth of song-writing plays out with passion and heart only Nina.

I was expecting something danceable due, in part to the lead single Trick Candle, which is a funky dance tune. If you follow this blog enough, you will find that I really like it when punk bands play a danceable beat. So I'm happy to find songs like that one. But overall, this record is more to the pace of playing a chess game in a trance, than to go club-ub-in'. 

There is something about these songs that is deeply profound.  An age-less soul in a young person's body..  something that demands close attention.

The record clocks in at 50 minutes.. solid, especially for a debut.. and there is no filler. Every song here has its own story to tell and ground to break.

Well done Nina, well done.

fresh Phish

 




Phish is back with a new studio full-length, Big Boat. Recommended for those who prefer the melodic side of their catalog.

For those of us who enjoy Phish, it is always nice to find some fresh ones. I had a live Phish experience in Saratoga Spings NY recently, and they are still on top of their game.

This record gets off to a strong start, with the opening track, Friends. I must say there are some sing-song-y chorus parts on this record that are a bit too tame for my taste - it seemed like the "song" parts of their songs were edgier back in the 90's.. maybe that is just a symptom of growing on.

Nonetheless, the instrumentals are solid throughout, in the way I had hoped for. No Men is a stand-out track. Has all the elements of a good phish. Open space in your head. funky bass grooves. psychedelic ramblings.

see it live here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxWa3vdnPS8

Miss You starts off slowly, maybe a bit dull, but really picks up mid-way through and turns into a free space anthem.

Things People Do and Running Out of Time are total skippers.. not sure what happened there.

Phish has always had a special ability to bend and blur our sense of time.. stretching out our attention in a single song to fill 30 minutes by the clock, or to indulge a theme throughout multiple movements. This record is more concise, with songs that begin and end almost.. predictably. Only one song over 7 minutes long and the whole thing finishing in just under an hour. There is more song craftsmanship here, and less indulgent improv. For example, Home plays out a bit sing-song-y until the 3:30 mark, then it digresses into a classic phish rant, and still wraps up before 6:30.

Although I should note that many of these songs play out over longer time scales live.

Phish is a band that continues to remain creative to put on great shows with a mix of fresh material and classics.. simple when you've got bebops and skyscrapers in the band.

Featured Artist: Salvation Jayne

Salvation Jayne is a rising star emerging from the musical hot spot of Southern England, Kent area. Theirs is a soulful, bluzy sound with lots of deep feeling. A bit of grit and grunge coupled, complete with a  moving stage presence and a big voice to fill a big space. This group captures the essence of bluzy rock that is timeless, and fills in a critical gap in the modern rock landscape.

A few comparisons come to mind.. vocals near Joplin and Aretha, riffs near Chuck Berry and Hendrix. But those are old, and this is new. That was then, and Salvation Jayne is now. Sign me up for now!


Debut EP "I'll Be Damned" back in December 2014.. full-length on the way, stay tuned.

First official video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ArzMXBWlc0

A behind-the-scenes look at the song "Black Coffee"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reUAxcbyPlw

If you are in the UK region, look for them all over through the end of the year.

September Picks

WOW!
So much good music this month.
September was another ass-kicking month for lovers of Rock'N'Roll!
..and a lot of work for bloggers of Rock'N'Roll.

playlists up front:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/fluid3sally/playlist/7mjPDAE3sjz7NWyin4ZjK3

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWm4729w0mteFqp1nqEM-OrYaCwAPOBZ2

 Canonical Spunk
These first bands typify the spunk sound. more than one contender here for best of 2016..


Bad Seed Rising - Awake in Color
These Kids ROCK! and I say that with a sense of reverence for the youthful spirit that has always been the bad seed of Rock'N'Roll. A debut record, but they already have several hard-hitting, ass-kicking EP's and a Warped Tour under their belt.

video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27WUNp76CPE
 
separate review here: http://joelspunkrock.blogspot.com/2016/10/new-record-bad-seed-rising.html


Hands Off Gretel - Burn the Beauty Queen
Long-awaited debut from UK spunk queen
separate review here: http://joelspunkrock.blogspot.com/2016/09/new-record-hands-off-gretel-burn-beauty.html
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIJb64JI4BQ


Fit For Rivals - Freak Machine
quintessential Spunk from Jacksonville, Florida. I missed this one in September and came back to edit the post later -- great record!!
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFlIXYjVS0Y


Deap Valley - Femejism
some spunky grudge LA style. This is one of those bands that could really work for me.. if only they would add another player. This is basically a single guitar with drums (maybe some sounds added in production.) With bands like this, I usually feel like something is missing.. not really a full sound. I'm not saying it has to be a base guitar, but some other instrument to fill in the call and response. Still a good record though. Femejism: get some.

video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIreuaDVJdA



Ruts D.C. - Music Must Destroy
cameo by Henry Rollins
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXWtgfvDehA



Against Me! - Shape Shift With Me
you go grrrl
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUWi8lVaGcE



Sleep Machine - Animal High
another one for LA
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhBRatkx_-k



Kidneythieves - the Mend
Another long-awaited new record from a major star in the spunk rock universe. Unfortunately, that standing left very high expectations.. and.. with the exception of a few stand-out tracks, this one falls short. Still a solid record, but you won't find another "Glitter Girl" or "Taxi Cab Messiah" on this new one. "Fist Up" is the stand-out track for me. Audio of that one below.
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-8KQFj0NUA
 

Joanne Shaw Taylor - Wild
That's some fine soul rock. Nashville has nothing on the UK. This was my first meeting Joanne Shaw Taylor, so I looked around online. My fellow music journalists are making a big deal of the fact that a woman is playing a guitar. and not in a you-go-grrl way.
Really? HTFDYF? (How The F--k Do You Figure?)
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93dvPh33EnE





Spunk Rock: after hours
Take a walk on the lighter side with these records in the key of chill:

Izzy Bizu - A Monument of Madness
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52aMOV4Rbpc
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM1_8PJVBto



Skye and Ross - Skye and Ross

video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFs5V9fKiEA
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8hAnGoDsoA


Dagny - Ultraviolet EP
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K0y1RT6M68


Still Corners - Dead Blue
softer side of Sub Pop. flavor of dream-gaze. Recommended for fans of Magic Wands and Uh Huh Her


The Tuts - Update Your Brain

The Shondes - Brighton

Pixies - Head Carrier

Baby Baby - Semifamous



Heavy and Classic
there were several good heavy records from..

• Of Mice and Men
• Ghost BC
• Epica

classic rock flashbacks for lovers of the old sound, Guns and Roses, AC/DC, etc.

• Airbourne
• Crobot
• RavenEye

Singles

Nina Diaz:
Debut solo album coming soon from the legendary rock'n'roll monster also known for guitar and vocals from Girl In A Coma.
watch! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xL_nTij-5A

Lizzo: new record coming soon from the heir-apparent to the Grrrl crown. This isn't my favorite by her (see also Good as Hell), but any new Lizzo is a big deal around here.
watch! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zZzn-KxeRI
Good As Hell (May) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmbmeOgWsqE

Lauren Strange
Zombie cover this month, debut full-length coming soon. more here:
http://joelspunkrock.blogspot.com/2016/09/featured-single-lauren-strange-covers.html

Louise Distras
Up-and-coming spunk star from the UK (also touring in the area, so don't miss out if you are local). I enjoyed this video, and so should you..
http://www.kerrang.com/45350/louise-distras-premieres-new-single-aileen/

The Menstrual Cramps
https://vimeo.com/184982068

Hey Violet 

The Pretty Reckless


The Ramona Flowers

Blue Ruin - debut single (August)





Oops I missed it
better late than never...

Skarlett Riot - Sentience (May)

Bleached - Welcome the Worms (April)

Barb Wire Dolls - Desperate (July)




Close, but Nope
There were several strong candidates this month that did not quite make the cut for the playlist (a very busy month, musically.)


Sex Stains
Riot Grrl pioneer Allison Wolfe, of Bratmobile fame, is back with next generation Grrrl band Sex Stains. I must confess I could never really get into Bratmobile, although they hold a position in punk history that I respect. Sex Stains has not changed my mind, but I think this album is worth highlighting.
audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEI8NzaOMTQ



Suicidal Tendencies a classic band in punk/rock/metal. not really my cup of tea.

Regina Spektor
a lot of people I know with good music taste really dig this stuff, so I say this with respect, but I could never really connect.


Angel Olsen
I saw a lot of good buzz around this one, so I'm including it here.. too soft for my taste though


A Day to Remember

Rachael Yamagata

Circa Survive

The Wytches

KT Tunstall

Taking Back Sunday

Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Pansy Division

New Record: Bad Seed Rising

Awake in Color - 30Sep16

















I had high expectations for this record.
consider them exceeded.


There is some very hard, hard rock, and plenty of delightful soaring softer moments. This record is high energy throughout, and every song packs its own punch. There is a slight break at track 8 of 10 "I believe", where they tame the tempo for some starry sparkling riffs and a beautiful song. This track adds a nice dimensionality to the collection, and the softer themes work their way through the rest of the record to end on a sweet note.

There are points where the vocals border on screaming.. and, as you know, I don't ordinarily dig the screamo stuff.. ordinarily.  But when these waves start to beak and go heavy, it is voiced and played so masterfully, that it never quite trips over that line. Instead, it  pushes the envelope of hard-ass, hard rock'n'roll. nailed it. The heavy edge just hovers atop the cloud of awesomeness. They are so in command of their sound, that they can totally pull it off.

Bad Seed Rising is a group of 4 from the Baltimore area. My fellow music journalist make a big deal of the fact that they are young.. to which I say  - yea, but they used to be younger.

It is true that they were the youngest artist to sign to Roadrunner records. And it is great to see so much musical ability for so young a band. I agree. I only wish there were more old folx with so much spunk. Rock'N'Roll has always begun with the kids.

hear and see more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27WUNp76CPE

Featured Single: Lauren Strange covers Zombie

A new single was released this month that I thought deserved special attention -- 
Lauren Strange & The Pretty Killers



Lauren Strange has the unique ability to blend Nashville soul with the gritty smoky vocals of grunge to produce a sound that is pure Rock'N'Roll at its finest. This month she released a cover of the 90's classic Zombie by the Cranberries. Not an easy vocal track to cover, but Strange nails it flawlessly. Her previous EP "Say Yes" features 3 emotionally charged tracks that were only a preview of what is bound to come. Be on the lookout for a full-length debut later this year.

You can find the Zombie audio here (may need to click a link or two):
 https://laurenstrange.bandcamp.com/

and a brief sample of LS & The Pretty Killers here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ0QTv92_Uw


and generally more here:
http://www.laurenstrange.com/

New EP: Weekend Recovery

 


Weekend Recovery is an up-and-coming band from the UK, near the Spunk mecca of London. They released their debut 4-song EP "Rumors" back in July. This is a new band coming into their own and finding their sound, and I like what I hear! These are great songs with distinct personality and feeling. Driving, energetic rhythm section, a mix of pop-punk and more classical guitar work, and delightful vocals floating over the top. This is a promising new-comer to the UK scene, good sound, good songs, good voice.

One of the exciting bands of our time, check them out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIUbJudH6to

New Record: Hands Off Gretel: Burn the Beauty Queen

This has been one of the most eagerly awaited new records of 2016 in the Spunk Rock Universe. It has been clear since the first listen that the force is strong and the spunk is great with this one. Hands Off Gretel has a sound that is instantly recognizable as ass-kicking grrrl grunge.

It feels like they are channeling, or maybe reviving, the spirit of so many grunge bands before. Many names come to mind. Babes in Toyland and Mudhoney are the two that sum it up best for me, but one could easily throw Hole, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr., and L7 into the list, to name a few.

This is not to say that Hands Off Gretel sounds like those bands. No, I don't think so. Rather, they sound fresh, and intense, and exciting, in a way those bands did when they were new. They have the sound of a young band taking their space in the world -- not so much asking.

This record is the whole deal.. Big Boomin' Bass to fill the space. Sharp, jagged power riffs and driving beats, expertly lead by Lauren's firey, rapsy vocals. 

The quality of the record is also strong.. good song writing, every song is a keeper.. no filler. A fine debut from one of the bands that keeps me excited about the possibility of new music, proving that the best is yet to come in the world of rock'n'roll.

But don't take my word for it.. see for yourself:

Oh Shit! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz0xxjUgqiA

One-Eyed Girl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIJb64JI4BQ
..