Technical Difficulties
So much good music last week, and so much to cover. Well, we tried to get up as much as we could, plus Brian got some great photos of Good Morning and Packs. Here’s our weekly musical recap, with lots of awesome news, like new releases from Tan Cologne, Field Guides…and Voxtrot! I think the news of their Early Music compilation definitely made my week, even as I was held hostage in my classroom by state testing. Enjoy some jams from last week.
Long Beach based band Tijuana Panthers have been a staple here on ATH for almost 10 years and I still think they may be one of the last remaining guitar rock bands out there. Proof of their continued rocking ways comes today in the form of this new single “False Equivalent” which features a sort of surf inspired, gnarly guitar piece reminiscent of late 50s/early 60s rock n roll. I am sure you’ll find this to be a refreshing piece of vintage inspired surfy, jangle rock.
This track will appear on new album, Halfway to Eighty, which will be released on June 24th via Innovative Leisure. Pre-orders are up now.
It’s been a few years since we’ve heard from Tijuana Panthers, but they’re looking to making a triumphant return with Carpe Denim, their brand new LP. The band claim to have gone through some growth and maturity, but that doesn’t mean the sound has done the same. In fact, it sounds like they haven’t really skipped a beat, only adding layers that will flex the band’s songwriting muscles. In the video, you can tell the band’s having a bunch of fun, which actually correlates to the song’s vibe; it almost sounds like the group harnessed their live energy and threw it all inside the recording…plus you know I’m a sucker for “whoo-hoos.” You’ll be able to get your hands on the new LP on July 12th via Innovative Leisure.
Two things I love on a Monday night: friends and great music. Luckily for me, and for you, I hope, The Sidewinder will have both on Monday night. Tijuana Panthers, one of my favorite acts are blowing into town tonight, fresh off a continued run of great releases with their latest, Poster. But, also, our own ATH Records act Mean Jolene will be bringing in a blast of summery pop, which you should stop in and preview before you pick up their debut Salty in November. Plus, all four members of said band are really nice, and you should make friends with them. If you do, you’ll get friends and great music, all for a cheap price when doors open at 9 PM. Sample great tunes below:
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Year-end lists are everywhere…and I can see why they’re important to people. But, seeing as we generally walk off the beaten path more often than not, our list of the Top 50 Albums of 2015 is in no particular order, save alphabetically. It seems pointless to rank one piece of art higher than another, especially when the four of us at ATH all have varying tastes. We just put this list together of the albums we loved the most this year. Are we saying they’re better than records by Grimes or Kendrick Lamar? No, we’re just saying that these are the records we loved more than others. So, you can read on for what we thought was hot.
Also…put links to individual stores where you can buy the albums from the bands…as that’s how we all survive in this music world.
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Dan Michicoff is having a killer year thus far, having just released Poster with his band, Tijuana Panthers. But, never one to rest, Dan enlisted a few friends (namely Matt Maust of Cold War Kids) to help with his new project, Coromandelles. The result is pretty excellent, offering up a handful of new tracks with a differing glimpse into his ideas of rock n’ roll. The title track for Late Bloomer’s Bloomers is definitely one of the track’s that listener’s will sink their teeth into right away; it’s got an infectious hook, but I love the quirky way the song’s set on its edge in the closing moments after the 1.5 minute mark. If you’re looking for songs that have redeeming qualities time and time again, then be sure to pick up the record on October 20th via Porch Party Records.
It’s probably pretty clear that I’m obsessed with all things Tijuana Panthers, so when I realized that Coromandelles was a supergroup of sorts, fronted by Dan from TP, I of course got in on the party. However, there’s definitely a distinct difference, both stylistically and in the recording process. For me, it seems like the natural evolution of pop music in the last five or so years…taking on the garage/surf aesthetic and applying it to the swelling combination of harmonies and melody. It’s sort of like your favorite Cali garage bands doing their take on the Polyphonic Spree…minus the whole cult thing. The group release Late Bloomer’s Bloomers on October 20th via Porch Party Records.
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In case you weren’t aware already, I’m getting pretty excited by this upcoming Tijuana Panthers album. On this new single, there’s definitely a little fuzz on the recording, but I love the swagger that comes with the song; it’s reminiscent of call-and-response moments from some of my favorite punk bands. It’s dangerous, yet there’s hooks, and isn’t that what we all want from our rock n’ roll? Their album, Poster, will be out on August 28th via Innovative Leisure.
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The last time out for Tijuana Panthers I was totally in love. I kept talking to friends about Wayne Interest, yet no one seemed to listen, sadly. But, if you listen to this song, I hope it encourages you to go back and check out the band’s work; it’s perhaps some of my secret favorite tunes. There’s something about this song, be it the line “feel like a cowboy” or just the Western jangle rock approach of the guitars, but it has its hooks in me. I hear there’s more great news about more music coming our way soon, so we’ll get you that once it’s in our hands. For now…just enjoy.
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The word out of California is that Tijuana Panthers have perfected their sound; they’ve moved on from garage-rock roots to a more polished sound, thanks to Richard Swift who handled production duties on their latest record, Wayne Interest. There’s this great warmth to this single, moving along with a pretty chilled out guitar vibe. Vocals come in, almost drifting, which is yet another reason I dig what’s being presented. You’ll be able to get the whole vibe from the band next week when their album hits the stores, courtesy of Innovative Leisure.
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