APACHE

Boomtown Gems LP
Birdman

Growing to like this more and more. Very polished, but coolsounding vocals makes it sound a bit powerpop, the wild guitars make it sound a bit hardrock, but the overall sound is all punkrock. Kinda reminds me of the Time Flys but Apache is better. Think I’m gonna be loving me some Apache soon..this is hard not to like. [TS]

BLACK LIPS

200 Million Thousand CD
Vice Records

Pretty surprising new record as it’s kinda soft and mellow-sounding and almost completely lacking in uptempo songs. Great dirty and raw recordings though and it’s a nice li’l record. And it really does feel like a little record. It fits in nicely in their discography and it might win them more fans as it might be easier to “get” for casual listeners. Think of this as the Black Lips doing a Beach Boys album. The sound and feel of it is that it’s really similar to their first two records except it’s almost only ballads. Very folky. It’s very loose and cool. It’s a good album. Don’t think anyone will be disappointed. [TS]

HUNCHES

Exit Dreams LP
In The Red Records

Like a crossing of their first and second albums. This, their last effort as it seems took a while to come out but it’s certainly worthy of it’s release although the bands not around any more. Weird and powerful, quirky and punky. I’ll always like their first LP and especially the “Dance Alone” 7” but this is good too, just not as good. Buy hey, this is for fans of both their early and later sounds so it’s the perfect parting gift. [TS]

JACUZZI BOYS

I fought a crocodile 7”
Rob’s House Records

How great are these guys anyway!? This is absolutely ripping! The titletrack is amazing. Danceble and with an awesome riff. Kinda like an old soulsong but with that patented Jacuzzi sound. B-side is a slow burner but as always really great. The Jacuzzi Boys are the tits!! [TS]

MARKED MEN

Ghosts LP
Fortune 7”
Dirtnap Records

The farewell onslaught from the Marked Men has started. Be on the lookout for more singles coming this spring. It’s not like I’m gonna complain, I love this shit! The “Fortune” 7” is/was a nice taste of what was to come on the album and I fell for the titlesong immediately. The exclusive b-side is kinda strange for the Marked Men but it’s allgo really good so get the single too while yer at it. On to “Ghosts”, man this is great. I’m gonna be missing these guys a lot. There’s really no other band like them. “Ghosts” sounds and feels like a mix of all their previous stuff. It’s a bit faster and punkier than the latest ones but sounds as good as them. Might be closest to their debut actually and that’s not a bad thing. If you’ve like them before this, you’ll love this album too. Just get it! [TS]