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Stephen HaagFeaturesI Went to Ozzfest So You Don’t Have ToFollow our own Stephen Haag inside the leather clad suburban subculture for a day of dehydration, S&M whippings, hatemongering tee shirts, topless women, violent physical confrontations, and, oh yes, music. [8 November 2004] Reviews
Brimstone Howl: Big Deal. What’s He Done Lately?This garage foursome deliver an album that truly lives up to their up-from-the-bowels-of-hell name. [3 February 2010] 
Anders Parker: Skyscraper CrowEx-Varnaline frontman Parker masterfully explores 21st-century isolation, loneliness, and freedom on an ambitious two-disc set. [20 January 2010] 
Oregon Donor: A Pageant’s EndOregon Donor keeps the Northwest U.S. indie rock torch burning bright. [6 January 2010] 
The Fugitives: Find Me EPIs it too obvious to say that this charming Canadian indie folk album is worth finding? [4 January 2010] 
Exene Cervenka: Somewhere GoneX's distaff firebrand continues her tradition of getting all folky and introspective on her solo records. [2 December 2009] 
Thomas Function: In the Valley of SicknessAlabama power poppers take their album titles a little too seriously, end up ailing, on their sophomore disc. [30 November 2009] 
Heavy Trash: Midnight Soul SerenadeThe rockabilly/trash rock titans keep it goofy on album number three. [25 November 2009] 
Fast ‘n’ Bulbous: Waxed OopBeefheart without Beefheart? Yes, with excellent results. [27 October 2009] 
The Ettes: Do You Want PowerCo-ed garage trio expand their sound with some help from Greg Cartwright. 
Lee Harvey Osmond: A Quiet EvilAmericana vet Tom Wilson's latest, A Quiet Evil, is more the former than the latter but is still plenty spooky. [14 October 2009] 
Working Title: Bone IslandThe Working Title wants to provide the soundtrack for your next breakup. [22 September 2009] 
Nebula: Heavy Psych"Heavy Psych", indeed. These Los Angelenos wanna party like it's 1972. [3 September 2009] 
Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs: Under the Covers, Volume 2Sweet and Hoffs tackle the Me Decade, with charming, if lightweight, results [27 August 2009] 
Blank Dogs: Under and UnderBlank Dogs are in the right place at the right time: riding the revival waves of lo-fi skronk and '80s post-punk. [30 July 2009] 
Go West Young Man: Go West Young ManSunny, brainy Cali pop abounds on this confident debut. [26 July 2009] 
J.B. Beverley and the Wayward Drifters: Watch America Roll ByHonky-tonk fiends hit the road, have a blast. [23 July 2009] 
Ian Hunter: Man OverboardThe one-time Young Dude trades snark and wit for peace and contentment in his sunset years. 
Cocktail Slippers: Saint Valentine’s Day MassacreNorwegian female fivesome enlists garage guru Little Steven for album number three. [25 June 2009] 
Hard Lessons: Arms ForestGarage-bound Detroiters hit the reset button for their sophomore disc, with solid results. [23 June 2009] 
Dexateens: SinglewideCountry punks turn down the amps, haven't decided who they want to be yet. [27 May 2009] 
The Ergs: Hindsight Is 20/20, My Friend, Volume 1Recently defunct Jersey pop-punks begin rounding up all the singles and compilation tracks, with strong results. [19 May 2009] 
Outrageous Cherry: Universal MalcontentsLong-running psych-pop outfit sticks to the middle of the interstellar highway for their latest. [13 April 2009] 
The Vines: MelodiaAussie garage rockers pick up where they left off... for the fourth time in a row. [7 April 2009] 
Dex Romweber Duo: Ruins of BerlinThe rockabilly/jazz/country/surf guitar king adds German cabaret to the repetoire. [24 March 2009] 
Living Things: Habeas CorpusMemo to Living Things: You shall have the body, but please keep the songs. [19 March 2009] 
Riverboat Gamblers: Underneath the OwlTexas pop-punkers add some studio tricks to their raucous mix [17 March 2009] 
Tommy Keene: In the Late BrightPower pop mainstay keeps the 25-year hot streak going. [9 March 2009] 
Burning Hearts: Aboa SleepingA warm hearts pumps beneath these Finnish indie poppers' chilly soundscapes. [4 March 2009] 
The Von Bondies: Love. Hate and Then There’s YouThat band that sorta sounded like the White Stripes now sorta sounds like the Killers. Catchy, though. [11 February 2009] 
Volcano Suns: The Bright Orange Years / All-Night Lotus Party"Hardcore meets heartland" on these reissues from Mission of Burma's drummer's mid-'80s band. [5 February 2009] 
The Bloody Beetroots: Rombo EPHot-stuff Italian DJ mixes house music and classical, packs dance floors. [21 January 2009] 
The Parties: Can’t Come DownBay Area guitar-pop revivalists coast by on their charm. [8 January 2009] 
The Giraffes: Prime MotivatorHard rockin' Brooklynites wanna take you down to the infirmary [7 January 2009] 
House of the Rising PunkA top-notch intro to CBGB's... from a German TV documentary? Gabba Gabba Hey! [5 January 2009] 
The Fleshtones: Stocking StufferThe kings of Super Rock spread the holiday cheer. [14 December 2008] 
The Safes: Sight of All Light EPThe odds are good that three brothers will rock you over five songs and 11 minutes. 
The Supersuckers: Get It TogetherThe self-proclaimed "Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World" tries to work through a midlife crisis, with mixed results. [25 November 2008] 
Jesus H. Christ and the Four Hornsmen of the Apocalypse: Happier Than YouRisa Mickenberg and Joel Shelton still have a short story writer's knack for pith and detail. [12 November 2008] 
Jesse Malin: On Your SleeveRoots rocker Jesse Malin has the record collection you think he has and wants to share it with you. [11 November 2008] 
Blanche: What This Town NeedsAlt-country weirdoes Blanche seem to have lost access to their time machine. [21 March 2007] 
The Exploding Hearts: ShatteredA necessary, bittersweet compilation from the gone-too-soon power pop/punk kings of Portland. [22 February 2007] 
The Silos: Come on Like the Fast LaneTwenty years into their career, the alt-country legends keep on keepin' on. [15 February 2007] 
Various Artists: 7’ Up!Intrigued by "Rip It Up and Start Again"? Here's some obscure post-punk to whet your appetite. [31 January 2007] 
Steve Turner: New Wave Punk AssholeFor his third solo album, Mudhoney guitarist Turner cranks the amps and parties like it's 1986. [15 January 2007] 
IV Thieves: If We Cant Escape My PrettyIsn't it a little late for bands to start aping Oasis? [16 November 2006] 
Marah: Sooner Or Later in SpainMarah has long been one of America's best rock bands, and now they've got the pictures to prove it. [14 November 2006] 
Rainy Day Saints: Diamond Star HighwayThe Rainy Day Saints know their garage rock, but they don't know themselves. [3 November 2006] 
Various Artists: Tiny Idols, Volume 2Who knew decade-old, long-gone indie pop could sound so fresh? [31 October 2006] 
Various Artists: The Aaargh! Annual Year OneCanadian indie rock celebrates the DIY aesthetic, both visually and aurally. [30 October 2006] 
Lucero: Rebels, Rogues & Sworn BrothersRoots rockers Lucero add a keyboard to their already awesome attack, and get even better. [13 October 2006] 
Captain Beefheart: Astralwerks ReissuesThese final two records in Beefheart's amazing recording career find an artist at his peak; [12 October 2006] 
Jay Bennett: The Magnificent DefeatThe Magificent Defeat approaches the former more often than it does the latter. [25 September 2006] 
The Finches: Six Songs EPSimple but assured, this EP sets the stage for a promising career from the Finches. [20 September 2006] 
Pants Yell!: Recent DramaSweet pop angst-turned-apathy with just enough tongue in cheek to charm. [19 September 2006] 
The Finals: Plan Your GetawayIf there's room for a straight-up rock band in this genrefied age, the Finals are a good choice for taking on that role. [15 September 2006] 
The Tyde: Three’s Co.For Darren Rademaker, life may be a beach, but it's not always sunny there. [14 September 2006] 
The Husbands: Theres Nothing Id Like More Than To See You DeadYOU try telling these primal r'n'r gals that women can't be Husbands. [12 September 2006] 
Towers of London: Blood Sweat and TowersHyped snotty Britpunks lose some of their 'tude by picking on easy targets. [24 August 2006] 
The Kahoots: Fourteen GhostsThe Kahoots clearly know their indie pop, but are still searching for an identity. 
John Doe: For The Best Of UsDoe splits the difference between punk and roots on this 1998 EP re-issue. [27 July 2006] 
Billy Talent: Billy Talent IIYeah, but how will it play outside of the Vans Warped Tour and the malls of America? [10 July 2006] 
Beatnik Filmstars: In Great ShapeThe world has changed in the seven years since the Filmstars' last record, but their knack for turning out lo-fi pop gems remains unerring. Plus: a hip-hop influence! [23 June 2006] 
The Wilders: Throw DownA fine substitute for a live concert from Kansas City's finest hillbilly string band. [22 June 2006] 
The Bottle Rockets: ZoysiaEven after 13 years, these alt-country lifers show no signs of slowing down. [8 June 2006] 
Graham Coxon: Love Travels At Illegal SpeedsHis profile may be lower, but these days Coxon is easily matching the best work he did with Blur [15 May 2006] 
Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands: Snake in the RadioOn his solo debut, Pickerel proves there is life after grunge -- and it's Americana! [11 May 2006] 
Mike Johnson: Gone Out of Your MindEver find yourself wishing it was 1996 and you were in a bad mood? Mike Johnson can help. [8 May 2006] 
Pinetop Seven: Beneath Confederate LakeWinter may be ending where you are, but sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner autumn. Let the Pinetop Seven help you. [10 April 2006] 
Shooter Jennings: Electric RodeoWaylon's son ups the country quotient on Album #2, maintains the high quality and sense of humor [5 April 2006] 
The Stems: Terminal Cool: Anthology 1983-1986In three short years, these Aussies left an indelible mark on the garage revival scene. [3 April 2006] 
Lords of Altamont: Lords Have MercyBy-the-numbers LA garage punks are far from deification. [14 March 2006] Jon Langford: Gold BrickJon Langford, the last angry Welsh-American, turns in his finest solo record [9 March 2006] Drywall: Barbeque BabylonThe ghost of Frank Zappa looms large over the latest project from ex-Wall of Voodoo frontman Stan Ridgway [14 February 2006] 
The Beatings: Holding on to Hand GrenadesBoston's art punks conjure up the ghost of that city's '80s college rock heyday [13 February 2006] 
Th’ Legendary Shack*Shakers: PandeliriumOn album number three, the Shakers show no signs of slowing down, but some kudzu is starting to grow on their cartoony Southern goth shtick [10 February 2006] 
The Minus 5: The Minus 5Nobody celebrates life as a screw-up better than the Minus 5’s Scott McCaughey. [7 February 2006] 
John Dufilho: John DufilhoIt's best to think of John Dufilho's first solo record as a safety release valve for his main band, the Deathray Davies [25 January 2006] 
Various Artists: God Save the Queen: A Punk Rock Anthology [DVD]With a little more care, this '70s punk video anthology could've been great, instead of merely good. [20 January 2006] 
The Invisible Eyes: Laugh in the DarkDebut from Seattle-based garage quartet shows promise, but also a lack of identity. 
The Gentlemen: Brass City BandMeat-and-potatoes rock and roll may not win many awards, but the Gentlemen should win lots of friends with their solid third record. 
The Hypstrz: Live at the LonghornBomp! reissue finds early '80s garage rockers to be the missing link between Nuggets and today's garage revival scene. [12 January 2006] 
Bloody Hollies: If Footmen Tire You…They plug in their guitars, take a handful of time-tested garage, surf, and blues riffs and proceed to blow out the speakers for 30 glorious minutes. [1 December 2005] 
Eddie Spaghetti: Old No. 2On his second solo offering, the Supersuckers frontman dishes up another batch of great tunes, but he could've stood to use a splash of The Sauce. [31 October 2005] 
American Princes: Little SpacesContradictions be damned, the American Princes could be on their way to becoming modern classic rock royalty. [28 October 2005] 
Paranoid Social Club: Paranoid Social ClubPortland, Maine's pop/ rock/ funk/ jam/ etc. leading lights introduce themselves to the rest of the world. [27 October 2005] 
Various Artists: For a Decade of Sin: 11 Years of Bloodshot RecordsReports of the death of alt-country have been greatly exaggerated, as Bloodshot Records celebrates 10 years in business with 42 new, vital songs. [24 October 2005] 
The Hard Lessons: GasolineSolid Motor City garage debut elevated by boy-girl vox... and is that a country twang I hear?" [10 October 2005] 
The Cherry Valence: TCV3On Album Number Three, the Cherry Valence blur the line between being in a groove and being in a rut. [7 October 2005] 
Ike Reilly Assassination: Junkie FaithfulMidwestern roots rock with a healthy dose of smart-ass-itude. Could it be the second coming of Paul Westerberg?" [28 September 2005] 
Dreadful Yawns: Dreadful YawnsThis Americana-drone rock from Cleveland isn't dreadful, but it may inspire more than a few yawns. [27 September 2005] 
The Mutts: Life in DirtThe Mutts' take on British rock, circa 1973, could use a little bit of British rock, circa 2005. [26 September 2005] 
The Kingsbury Manx: The Fast Rise and Fall of the SouthPastoral North Carolinians take a field trip to the Kinks' Village Green, with so-so results. [23 September 2005] 
The Knitters: The Modern Sounds of the KnittersLegendary punk band X's alt-country-lovin' alter egos take 20 years to release their sophomore disc; memo to band: keep your day jobs. [21 September 2005] 
The Warlocks: SurgeryThese Los Angeles psych-rockers are so far out there, they've created their own genre: Space-age doo-wop. And it's good, too. [23 August 2005] 
Salim Nourallah: Beautiful NoiseGrown-up pop that tackles the Big Issues, Beautiful Noise is more the former than the latter. [17 August 2005] 
Waco Brothers: Freedom and WeepFreedom and Weep is, in the best sense of the phrase, more of the same from the alt-country's elder statesmen. [15 August 2005] 
Forty5south: We’re Country So We CanI don't say this very often, but: Turn around and run the other way. [5 August 2005] 
High School Sweethearts: Heels ‘n’ WheelsCo-ed garage poppers deliver too much of a good thing on their sophomore album. [1 August 2005] 
The Penetrators: Basement Anthology: 1976-84Syracuse, NY's 'Kings of Basement Rock' finally get their day in the sun... 20 years late, but better late than never. [29 July 2005] 
The Mainliners: Bring on the SweetlifeYet another deserving Swedish rock band is forced to beg for attention from indifferent American listeners. [28 July 2005] 
The Capes: Taste EPWith New New Wave peaking, these Brits picked the right time to show up to the party. [1 July 2005] 
The Coral: The Invisible InvasionAlready on their fourth album, this British septet trades in sea chanties and craziness for consistency. [14 June 2005] 
Supagroup: RulesCock-rockers extraordinaire, Supagroup is decadent, over-the-top and deadly serious all at once. And, oh -- Rules is the best party record of the year, too. [2 June 2005] 
Black Label Society: MafiaThere's a thin line between seriousness and self-parody in heavy metal. Zakk Wylde knows exactly where that line is. [1 June 2005] 
Jarvis Humby: Assume the Position… It’s Jarvis HumbyThis British foursome proves your calendar doesn't need to go past 1969 to record a kick-ass garage album. [27 May 2005] 
Son Volt: Live From Austin, TX [DVD]Jay Farrar and co's lack of visual flair sinks an otherwise-strong set of alt-country tunes. [25 May 2005] 
Stiv Bators: L.A. Confidential'What's that? You only know Stiv Bators from his work with the Dead Boys? Are you ever in for a power pop treat!'" [18 May 2005] 
The Deathray Davies: The Kick and the SnareAfter a dark pop detour with his last album, Deathray Davies frontman John Dufilho returns with 11 bright, shiny, intelligent pop songs. [16 May 2005] 
Caesars: Paper TigersIf you've heard the iPod commercial featuring "Jerk It Out", then you've already heard the best Caesars has to offer. [2 May 2005] 
Lagwagon: Live in a DivePop-punk lifers thank their fans with a live disc. Everyone else can sit this one out. [22 April 2005] 
Backyard Babies: TinnitusFirst socialized medicine, now hard rock bands - Sweden continues to put America to shame. [21 April 2005] 
Goldfinger: Disconnection NoticeTry as they might, Goldfinger can't escape the shadow of their decade-old debut. [19 April 2005] 
The Sharp Ease: Going ModernLos Angeles female foursome may have the West Coast Hype Factory in their corner, but they're still searching for their sound on their scattershot debut. [15 April 2005] 
Cast Iron Filter: Falls of RoughThis ambitious Americana concept album -- call it a musical 'Winesburg, Ohio' -- is sunk by too-slick production. [31 March 2005] 
Cheap SeatsCheap Seats repackages ESPN's lame programming, as if to say, 'We've got you watching nevertheless!' Good thing the show is funny. [21 March 2005] 
Old 97’s: Old 97’s Live [DVD]In their first (but hopefully not last) concert DVD, these alt-country stalwarts damn near blow the roof off Hollywood's Troubadour. [24 February 2005] 
The Color Guard: Dark PopWith Evanescence on hiatus, NYC's the Color Guard fills a niche you that didn't know needed filling -- gothpopmetal flagwaver. [21 February 2005] 
Kings of Leon: Aha Shake HeartbreakEven if their lyrics are sometimes unintelligible, these swampy Southern rockers haven't run out of things to say on their rollicking sophomore offering. [18 February 2005] 
Sick of It All: Outtakes for the OutcastLong-running NY hardcore quartet empties the vault of b-sides, covers, preaches dual gospel of self-empowerment and making an unholy racket. [2 February 2005] 
Various Artists: Future Soundtrack for AmericaWho's Who of indie rock scene boost progressive agenda. Good bands, good songs, good cause!" [1 February 2005] 
Street Dogs: Back to the WorldWell-meaning Boston punks try to knock some sense into the world's thick head -- and succeed!" [25 January 2005] 
The Cribs: self-titledA trio of young Brits think they're the Strokes and have an apropos band name. Neither of these facts make their debut any less forgettable. [24 January 2005] 
Paparazzi (2004)Bo stalks the paparazzi with an obsessiveness that trumps their stalking of him -- but it's okay, because he's defending his family. [17 January 2005] 
Mekons: So Good It Hurts [reissue]This late '80s album of politically-charged folk/pop/punk from one of rock's most enduring acts finally gets re-issued. Hooray!" [13 January 2005] 
The Methadones: Not Economically ViableLike Green Day's sound, but hate Billie Joe's whining? Check out the latest from this squad of hard-working pop-punkers, who know that life is hard. [15 November 2004] 
Jimmy Eat World: FuturesNot that they've ever owned up to or renounced their emo status, but with Futures, Jimmy Eat World sound committed to establishing themselves as a great band, not just a great emo band. 
The Sadies: Favourite ColoursWith Favourite Colours, the Sadies have crafted the finest alt-country/folk record since Uncle Tupelo's March 16-20, 1992. [9 November 2004] 
The Simpsons Gone WildIt's all harmless, but wince-inducing, like an embarrassing baby photo. [5 October 2004] |
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