Tacocat, “Lost Time” (Hardly Hart, 2016)Second album from these feminist garage-punk-pop jokesters isn’t quite as winsomely tuneful as its predecessors, but there are some smart, memorable tunes here, and the harder edge is often quite effective.Try 1, 3, 411/10/16
Talk Normal, “Sunshine” (Joyful Noise, 2012)Two-girl post-punk/noisy rock outfit, with one foot in early-Sonic-Youth-like multi-guitar scree and another in dancy/dissonant stuff à la Gang of Four, ESG, etc. The best of it builds to a nice tribal/haunted groove.Try 1, 5, 6, 8.1/13/13
Sleeper, “The It Girl” (Arista, 1995). Second album by this punk-inflected Britpop group finds their songwriting flourishing into a distinctively English romanticism that recalls the Jam at their most lyrical, as well as Heavenly’s then-contemporary work; and they rock harder than ever. Try 6, 7.11/12/12/
Sleigh Bells, “Jessica Rabbit” (Torn Clean, 2016)Four albums in, on a smaller label, their hip cachet fading fast and their prospects for indie-breakout stardom in ruins, these two come with . . . arguably their best album yet. A genuine departure and an experiment that actually works. The triumphal keyboard heraldry, processed-to-hiss spray-cheez-metal guitars and […]
Sleigh Bells, “Reign of Terror” (Mom & Pop, 2012)The hype machine is really cranking re: these guys, and this is slicker than the debut, but it also rocks harder and has better songs (though nothing as perfect as “Rill Rill”). Processed sheets of candy-colored guitar scree that burst in mid-air like fireworks, driven by rolling […]
Smegma, “Mirage” (Important, 2010)Approaching their 40th (!) year of bandhood, L.A.’s multiple-members-play-whatever’s-around rock/improv weirdos (actually in Portland for a while) send another sonic missive to the world.1 and 3 are chaotic and rocking, excellent as you might expect.4/4/11
Smegma, “Nattering Naybobs of Negativity” (Harbinger Sound [undated]; originally released 1987, 1988)Unclassifiable LA-to-Portland noise/improv collective, active since the early 70’s. These recordings feature some excellent examples of their tape-manipulations, along with queasy sonic-bad-trip spew in a variety of textures.Try 1, 6, 7, 8, 11.2/14/13
Kendra Smith, “Five Ways of Disappearing” (4AD, 2012)Ms. Smith was the bassist in the legendary, explosive first Dream Syndicate lineup, then formed Opal, which turned into Mazzy Star when Hope Sandoval replaced her. Leaving before excess visibility is her magic trick, and the clue to her enduring mystery and allure (hence the album title). Recorded […]
Sneaks, “Gymnastics” (Merge, 2016)One of the pleasures of long-run rock-watching is happening upon the return of lost but worthy sounds, just when you least expect it. The ghost in the house here is Oh-OK early ‘80s Athens GA postpunkers featuring Mike Stipe of REM’s sister and playing sharp/spooky/twee guitarless minimal funk. Sneaks (one person) is […]
Sniff ‘n’ the Tears, “Fickle Heart” (Chiswick, 1978)UK pub-rockers with a spiky, spooky grasp of nocturnal rock-and-roll melodrama that fit nicely with the burgeoning new wave.Try 1/ 111/10/16