I’ve been listening to some great music lately, out of the new releases the album by our French cousins in “Frustration” is really great. Sort of a tense, dark, post punk sound but missing the world weary Bowie damage so many of those bands had the first time around. This band knows how to rock. I recently picked up the “Heartbreakers” L.A.M.F. alternate mixes album that was released back in ’94 or so and have been ass-kickingly reminded of how great that band was. The original album was great of course, and this version is a bit more uptempo rocked out. I can really hear the link to current bands like the “Reigning Sound” and “King Khan’s” various incarnations in this mix, just great rock and roll. Another recent fave is “Lynched”, a couple of brothers from Ireland who make some of the coolest heartfelt political crust anarcho music I’ve ever heard. Think of the Poison Girls at their most introspective but transported to a clearly 21st century point of view. Love It!
Now I don’t mean to always be griping, but I had a chance to listen to the Little Steven’s Garage satellite radio station for a few days last week. All I can say is they should call it Little Steven’s Beatles station. I swear, every hour I heard another Beatles song, and not just the early raw tracks (which might make sense), this was from every DJ too. I guess they really don’t get to choose their own playlists.
Anyway, the state of music is great today, even though consumer’s, collectors, and retailers seem to be confused about their future in relation to vinyl. It seems clear that the available old collectible vinyl is getting harder and harder to find, even though ebay sales are sluggish. There just isn’t much out there that isn’t already in the hands of someone who values it. That’s why at Georgetown Records we always say listen to the best from every genre, don’t limit yourself, educate yourself! Great music didn’t start in 1996 and it didn’t end in 1971; every era has its treasures. Vinyl is the treasure, digital versions are the replication. If you want something to last, something to hold on to, get the vinyl. And when you are shopping in a record store keep your eyes open, sometimes you need to take a chance when you are undecided, nowadays you may not get another opportunity to buy that record again.
Later!
