Big Wreck, Blinker the Star, & Music We're Thankful for in 2023
The Week in New Music & Dig Me Out Podcast
Big Wreck - Pages
Big Wreck, a Canadian-American rock band, recently released a six-song EP titled "Pages." This EP begins a new series of releases under the Sonic Unyon Records label, diverging from their previous trilogy of EPs. "Pages" showcases Big Wreck's continuous evolution, blending modern rock essence with experimental and progressive elements. The EP was recorded at Noble Street Studios in Toronto and is a testament to the band's dedication to reinventing and pushing the boundaries of their sound. 🤔 But is it worth your time? Let's take a look at the consensus from critics.
Guided by Voices - Nowhere to Go But Up
Guided by Voices, known for their prolific output, recently released their 39th album, "Nowhere to Go But Up." This album is noteworthy for its high-fidelity production, a departure from the band's typically lo-fi style. The current lineup, active since 2016, is responsible for over a third of the band's discography, and they celebrated their 40th anniversary with significant fanfare. The album showcases Robert Pollard's songwriting skills, blending power-pop, and acoustic numbers, emphasizing a more cohesive and developed musical approach.
Blinker the Star - Animal Math
The new release from Jordon Zadorozny's Blinker the Star, "Animal Math," stands out not only for its innovative sound but also for its impressive collaborations. Among the notable contributions is that of Paul D'Amour, known for his work with Tool and Ministry, who adds spectral layers of guitar, enhancing the album's textured depth. Furthermore, the album features a standout performance from Allen Epley, the frontman of Shiner and The Life and Times, on the lead vocals of "Throwing Dice." This collaboration is a highlight of the album, blending Epley's distinct vocal style with the band's new foray into a darker, post-punk goth sound. "Animal Math" is a significant release, marking Blinker the Star's 12th album and showcasing a creative evolution with its improvisational recording style and 1980s goth influences.
Bernie Marsden - Working Man
"Working Man" is a posthumous release from Bernie Marsden, known for his work as a Whitesnake co-founder. The album, consisting of 12 new songs, was completed just before Marsden's passing in August 2023. He was actively involved in the album's creation, marking it as a culmination of his musical journey. The release includes a mix of rock, blues, and reflective tracks, showcasing Marsden's diverse talents.
The Veldt - Illuminated 1989
The Veldt, formed in the mid-’80s in North Carolina by Daniel and Danny Chavis, is known for its unique blend of early 4AD dreampop, Prince, and hip-hop influences. An intriguing twist marks their journey in the music industry: the original 1989 full-length record, produced by Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie, was intended to be their debut album. However, Capitol Records decided to shelve this recording, leading the band to re-enter the studio with producer Lincoln Fong (Moose), which resulted in the release of their first album titled 'Marigolds.' Decades later, The Veldt is releasing these long-awaited Guthrie-produced recordings as "Illuminated 1989," remastered by Guthrie himself.
Bill Gould and Jared Blum - The Eclipse
The newest collaboration between Faith No More and Talking Book members, ‘The Eclipse’, is a poignant cinematic ode to the scars of Yugoslavia’s tumultuous history. Bill Gould, the bassist of Faith No More, and Jared Blum of Talking Book merge their artistic prowess in this project. Gould, renowned for his versatile bass playing and diverse musical influences, and Blum, known for his experimental and genre-blending music production, create a unique soundscape in 'The Eclipse.' This collaboration delves into a fusion of rock, electronic, and experimental music, reflecting the complex emotions and historical depth associated with Yugoslavia's past.
Chris Alpert Coyle and Scott Sugiuchi - Estrus: Shovelin’ The Shit Since ’87 (Book)
Estrus: Shovelin’ The Shit Since ’87, authored by Chris Alpert Coyle and designed by Scott Sugiuchi, is the comprehensive and as-yet-untold story of the influential US garage rock label Estrus Records. Founded in 1987, Estrus Records emerged as a powerhouse in the garage rock scene, actively releasing music for nearly two decades. The label became known for its expansive catalog of releases from prominent garage, trash, surf, and punk bands worldwide. Notable artists featured on the label include The Makers, The Mummies, Man... or Astroman?, and The Mono Men, the latter led by label head Dave Crider. This book delves into the dynamic history of Estrus Records, exploring its significant impact on the music scene. It presents a detailed narrative filled with interviews, photographs, and artwork, effectively capturing the essence and influence of Estrus Records in shaping the garage rock and punk genres.
New Release Review
Big Wreck - Pages | Critical Consensus
Listen now (2 mins) | Big Wreck, a Canadian-American rock band, recently released a six-song EP titled "Pages." This EP begins a new series of releases under the Sonic Unyon Records label, diverging from their previous trilogy of EPs. "Pages" showcases Big Wreck's continuous evolution, blending modern rock essence with experimental and progressive elements. The EP was record…
New 90s Podcast
Music We’re Thankful For In 2023 | Roundtable
Listen now (86 mins) | It’s our fourth annual "giving thanks" episode on "Dig Me Out." It's been another fantastic year for music in 2023, and we've got a lot to be grateful for – from the classic artists we've loved for decades to the fresh faces shaking up our playlists.
Coming Soon
"Copacetic" by Velocity Girl Wins in the November Album Review Tournament!
🎉 Big news: Velocity Girl's "Copacetic" just clinched the top spot in our November Album Review Tournament, beating out contenders like "Salt Peter" by Ruby, Massive Attack's "Protection," and White Zombie's "Astro-Creep: 2000" with a remarkable 42% of the vote! We're gearing up for a deep dive into "Copacetic" on Dig Me Out. We'll explore every nook and cranny of the album, figuring out the good and the bad and ultimately deciding if it's a "Worthy Album."
Shoutout to Joe Royland and Kyle Bittner from our DMO Union – your support for "Copacetic" really made a difference. And Gavin, we heard you, too – your curiosity and skepticism about the album is precisely the vibe we love to see.
So, what's next? Join the DMO Union if you haven't yet and get in on these discussions. They're a blast, and your voice matters. Your support keeps these deep dives and tournaments going.
Can't wait to see which albums you'll bring to the table next time. Thanks to everyone who voted and joined the conversation. You guys make our community rock!
Keep an eye out for our upcoming "Copacetic" episode. Let's find out together what this album's really got!
Right on! Looking forward to your take on 'Copacetic.' IMO, it's one of the more underrated records of the time.