The Afghan Whigs: Soft Control

The Afghan Whigs are back with a wonderful record called Soft Control. It has all the hunk of poppa that is this amazing band that seemingly never gives up on having longevity and relevance.

Opening track...

Weezer: Weezer (The Gold Album)

I love it when Weezer is chillin' and just being Weezer. That's what we get on the latest record, Weezer (aka The Gold Album). It's chock full o'good Weezer fun. And now that I've used the word "Weezer" at least four times, let's get to the opening track. 

Trashcan Sinatras: Ever The Optimist (Album of the Week)

Let's all go back to those halcyon days of very early Brit Pop in the 90s, before Oasis and Blur. The Trashcan Sinatras were one of the earliest progenitors of the genre and bloody fabulous.

They are still thankfully making music. Their latest is called Ever The Optimist and the positive vibe with this one is the panacea that we all need.

The album opens with the title track, a lift for the heart and soul...

Next up is some introspection...

Later we get this pop gem...

A much needed and hearted injection of nostalgia, folks. 

Sublime: Until The Sun Explodes

Sublime is back with wonderful new record called Until The Sun Explodes. The Long Beach outfit is now in their fifth decade of making music and their latest shows they move easily from strength to strength.

Opening track...

The Black Crowes: A Pound of Feathers

Holy mother fucking shit are The Black Crowes back. Their latest record, A Pound of Feathers, took my head clean off and I had to re-attach it at my local Black Crowes fan club building. The power, thunder and fury are all still there!

Opening track (please protect head from removal)...

Jeff Tweedy: Twilight Override (Album of the Week)

Jeff Tweedy is a god. His new record, Twilight Override, proves this to be so. This triple (!) record is full of just fucking incredible songs. What is it about his voice? It's John Lennon and Jerry Garcia all rolled into one.

This track just blew me away...

And always the most interesting subjects...

Folks, this record is just gorgeous, from start to finish...

My heart is warm...

Garbage: Let All That We Imagine Be The Light

Garbage is back with a positively stellar record called Let All That We Imagine Be The Light. In addition to being an optimistic message rooted in love, the album pulses energy. 

Example...

Check this gem out!

Throwing Muses: Moonlight Concessions

So please to see Throwing Muses back on the scene. Their latest is called Moonlight Concessions and, as always, the music is very revealing. Kristin and Co are off their ass good on this one!

Opening track...

Jerry Cantrell: I Want Blood

Jerry Cantrell is back with I Want Blood, an album that, upon first listen, waves of nostalgia washed over me. I loved the grunge era of music...so honest and LOUD! His latest record adds yet another stunner to the genre.

One of my faves...

The Smashing Pumpkins: Aghori Mhori Mei

Holy crap is the new Smashing Pumpkins album amazing. One of the Chicago's finest are back to form with Aghori Mhori Mei. Please go listen with your 90s alternative self!

Opening track...

Pearl Jam: Dark Matter

Pearl Jam is back with yet another fantastic record to add to their lexicon of Americana melancholy and truth. Dark Matter isn't for the feint of heart. The lads from Seattle let us all know that life is indeed a challenge. 

Opening track...

The Smashing Pumpkins: Atum

The Smashing Pumpkins have made a sequel to Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. It's called Atum and it's quite good. Coming in at a voluminous 3 discs (reminds me of those halcyon days of double or even triple albums), this album contains just about every style of music you can imagine. Dream Pop? Yep. Classical? Yep. Dance and Electronica? Yep.

Of course, there is the classic Pumpkins 90s grunge sound...