If you have been paying attention you would have read Mark Murrmann’s column last month where he raved about the comp Ride To Live. He has great taste so I picked the sucker up quicksmart. To some of you folks the idea of a comp devoted to the “New Wave of British Heavy Metal” would make yer toes curl, but trust me, there are some bangers hidden in there. A lot of it is kinda KBD bluesy pub rock. The opener though? Epic. The track is pretty fantastic…but the video? Holy shit.

Agony Bag – “Rabies Is a Killer”

Skin Like Iron – “Examination Transit III”

Skin Like Iron are probably my favorite local band. I have loved all their stuff but their new LP All Human Failings is next level. I’m not sure if I like them so much because the decimate live … but the record is crushing. Hard to pin them down, one part Integrity, Never Healed, Skitsystem…then they head into weird melodic metal ,…fuck, I’m doing them no justice. If you like your music heavy…check these boys out.

Smalltown – “Turn It Around”

Just got done soaking myself in the new Smalltown record. Ever since their first single I have been all about this band — infectious Stiff Little Fingers jams with a touch of mod revival and dare I say early One Man Army. The last LP was a bit polished, and while this one is definately big, the added instrumentation of horns (sparingly…don’t panic!) is a real bonus. Keep your peepers peeled for these Swedes hitting the US shores soon…

Sedition – “Police Story”

So I thought I’d get the blog rolling and try to work out how to post stuff for you guys… Hopefully there’s a clip of one of my favorite Scottish bands: Sedition doing an absolutely ripping cover of the Partisans “Police Story”. This came out in the early 90’s and I still don’t know why this band aren’t bigger. I have heard they got back together for a benefit show at the end of the month. I was lucky enough to see them in ‘94 and they turned up in kilts with bones through their noses and slayed everyone….. more to come……