Trumans Water

(Emperor Jones 2001)

Trumans Water was the most played band on KSPC about 10 years ago. On this, their most full-on rocking release, they’ve moved away from their tempo changing tendency while maintaining some of their typical spastic charm. They sound closer to a "hip" Vermiform/Load band than the old Trumans Water.

The Essential Radio Birdman: 1974-1978

(Sub Pop 2001)

An absolutely essential compilation from Australian punk icons Radio Birdman, this disc includes their entire first LP, Radio Appears as well as select songs from More Fun and the Burn Me Eye EP. Heavily influenced by MC5 and the Stooges, Radio Birdman still sounds urgent and vibrant. All of the songs are fantastic!

Say You’re A Scream

(Kindercore 2001)

The second band to emerge from the ashes of Kincaid, The Four Corners play 60’s influenced mod garage rock. They have a great pop sound. For those of you who like Les Sequelles, Cecilia et ses ennuis, etc. Another thing: this album has both mono and stereo tracks. The mono tracks are 1-15, and the album repeats in stereo from 16-30.

From a Window

(Avant 2001)

Seven pieces by John Zorn associate Wayne Horvitz. New York’s downtown avant-jazz guys seem to get more and more tame as time passes, though this is a genuinely beautiful disc. The band sounds pretty great, especially Eyvind Kang’s violin. The pieces range from melancholy ballads to airy electro-acoustic excursions. On the whole, not a bad disc, though not exactly shocking either.

Raya Wrath of Fancan

(Dark Piglet 2001)

Damn great homebaked rock rooted in early Pavement, Sell Maps, and Go Betweens’s first LP. Loose, stripped down songs compliment singer Malcolm Mooney’s (Can) approach. Who are these people? I love this CD! Track nine has really cool girl/boy vocals, and ten really rocks with thundering bass. Damn, all the songs are great!

Getaway

(Merge 2001)

This classic New Zealand group’s 4th full-length and best release in recent memory. Lots of rocking pop gems here, with all 3 members of the band sharing vocal duty. Ira and Georgia of Yo La Tengo play on 2 songs. Few bands can last this long and still sound so good!