Joy Division - Wilderness

I traveled far and wide through many different times
What did you see there?
I saw the saints with their toys
What did you see there?
I saw all knowledge destroyed
I traveled far and wide through many different times

I mentioned on Friday that I'd been in a deep dive with Joy Division - I just read Peter Hook (the bassist)'s memoir about those years of his career. (Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division, highly recommend.)  I grew up honestly never listening to JD, besides "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and "Ceremony" - if you count that one. Big New Order fan but I was so young, and without internet, I didn't understand their punk roots, or take the time to look at what changed them... Well, fixed that! So, in honor of Hooky's great book, I picked not only a song off their first album, but also the track that has, as he wrote, "a bass line that every bass player dreams of." As a bonus, "Wilderness" is a cheeky, ironic (i.e. very Joy Division) choice for a Sunday morning.

RIYL: Buzzcocks, Echo & The Bunnymen, DIIV, Interpol, The Boxer Rebellion

The Smith Street Band - Death to the Lads

Staying in a hotel full of pilots
I can't believe that they are smoking
If you mastered the art of flight
Why would you spend half your time choking?
Sleeping in a bedroom full of assholes surely means I am one too
And I wake up and I go walking
And I think the wrong thing about you

Melbourne's Will Wagner, the front man for The Smith Street Band reminds me a lot of Frank Turner, who is one of my all-time favorites, so that's saying something. He also reminds me a bit of Georgia "Maq" McDonald of Camp Cope, probably that pronounced accent. It's great. Their latest release, More Scared of You Than You Are of Me, which came out back in April, is a lot of fun. If you're into folksy punk rock (yeah that's a thing) they would be right up your alley.

RIYL: Billy Bragg, Frank Turner, Camp Cope, Gang of Youths

Upcoming Shows

Tacocat - I Hate the Weekend

Paint the rainbow shades of beige
Take down everything we made
The neighborhood walks home afraid
Cause they were made for the working stiff
With a two day fun permit
Let loose like your life depends on it

Keith just reminded me that "we" saw Tacocat perform in some showcase at SXSW in 2016 - I didn't remember, darn it! Anyway, they're a really fun pop-punk all-girl band from Seattle (bonus song), and this one's really fast and funny and well-suited for a Monday. 

RIYL: Bleached, Potty Mouth, Best Coast, Cayetana

Upcoming Shows