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BHP Best of 2017

17 December, 2017 Brian Mc 1 Comment

It’s crazy that 2017 is coming to an end already. I feel like I always seem to say that around this time of the year, but it’s true.

It feels like it was just yesterday that I turned into a 40 year old. Let me tell you, that was kind of a big change for me and I might have sulked about it for 7-8 months.

More importantly, my wife and I welcomed our amazing, chill little daughter to the world in July. She is the coolest, but don’t tell my son I said that.

Clearly dadage life takes up most of my time these days and this blog is not what it used to be, but I still try to crank out reviews and whatnot when I can because I love it.

I may be busy with life, but I am always listening to music and have checked out tons of albums by amazing bands and artists. Where I wish I could review everything that I have come across, I simply have to pick and choose when I can.

It’s been a tradition of sorts for me to do a Best Of post, and there is nothing I would rather do that share with you some of my favorite releases of 2017. So, without further delay…[well maybe some as I am trying to narrow this down to just 20, but who am I kidding??? Edit: I might have added to this best of list a few times now…]

I ‘m super proud to say that four of my favorite releases in 2017 are all Cleveland bands so they obviously need to be mentioned first:

Heart & Lung – You Wanna Know the Truth?
This is the album that caught me by complete surprise. My pal told me to check them out and I did and I loved this entire pop punk jam of an album to the point that I still listen to it almost daily. If I was able to sign them and put out a record, I would have already. This band has so much potential to be huge.

Heart Attack Man – The Manson Family
Words can really not express how great this album is. It’s punk, it’s grunge, it’s good, and it’s comprised of great folk. Do not sleep on this one.

Two Hand Fools – Falling In / Falling Out
I was lucky enough to hear this album over the summer and was beyond blown away by how amazing it was. It is seriously the best thing the band has done so far and I adore it from start to finish. This is one of Cleveland’s best bands if you ask me.

Warbrides – Regrets
Oh man this album rips…

Of course there were others too…

Iron Chic – You Can’t Stay Here
Do I really need to even say anything? This album is damn near perfect.

Smith Street Band – More Scared of You Than You Are of Me
These Aussies have put out one of my favorite albums of the year. I loved how catchy, fun, and overly personal it was. I still have intentions on getting one of the lyrics off this album tattooed on me. I also need to buy the damn record already for my collection.

Propagandhi – Victory Lap
It should say a lot how politically charged this album was from a Canadian band about the US mess we are in. I really adore this album from start to finish. It’s damn perfect.

Hot Water Music – Never Going Back
The more I listened to this album, the more I appreciated it. It is a wiser, more mature release by this iconic punk band.

Scorpios – Scorpios Vol. 2
When Joey Cape told me in an interview that Scorpios might just return and someone with the initials C.C. would take over where Sly left off, I was beyond stoked and instantly knew it was Chris Cresswell. This is one of the albums this year that everyone needs to just give a chance.

Demons – Embrace Wolf
I just found out about these guys from a good friend recently and I have listened to their debut release almost daily since. This band packs a severe punch with their post-hardcore greatness.

Ho99o9 – United States of Horror
Hardcore punk mixed with hip hop? Yes please. This album was beyond insane. Death Grips ain’t got nothing on these dudes.

Frank Carter and the Rattle Snakes – Modern Ruin
I miss Gallows so much, but what Frank Carter and crew released has me happy that he still puts himself out there for everyone to hear. This is more of a rock album but it’s so rad.

Sweet Apple – Sing the Night in Sorrow
I was not sold on my first listen, but after a few more I realized I should have paid more attention the first time. Remarkable release by some amazing musicians.

Anti-Flag – American Fall
I do not really care with anyone thinks here, Anti-Flag released a political, poignant album that everyone who has a clue needs to check out. They have perfected their sound so much on this album.

The Flatliners – Inviting Light
Upon first listen I was not totally sold on the band tapping their brakes compared to previous releases, but the more and more listened to it, the more and more I appreciated what they had to offer. This really is a hell of an album.

Fred Thomas – Changer
This man can do no wrong. I love his style and uniqueness and the fact he gets excited about my Instagram posts every once in a while. His latest release just hit me as it encompassed change.

Body Count – Bloodlust
Back in ’93, I was a huge Body Count fan. I am sure I can still recite most of the lyrics off their debut. After that first album, I just never got into them the same. Then Bloodlust came out and once again they have grabbed my attention. Ice T, Ernie C, and crew really delivered a heavy ass album with plenty of special guests.

Menzingers – After the Party
I feel like every album they release I am putting it on my best of list, but hey, it rules and deserves to be noted.

Ride – Weather Diaries
This album is incredible from start to finish. I honestly was not expecting this seeing how the band hadn’t released material in over 20 years. Clearly I am dumb for thinking that.

A Giant Dog – Toy
This band is straight up insane and I love the hell out of them for that.

Lil Peep – Come Over When You’re Sober (Part One)
I was strangely fascinated with this kid and his emo rap to the point that I was listening to this album almost daily. I could not stand some of the topics he was singing about and just felt like I was too old to even admit I was listening, but I loved the music and his overall singing style. Sadly he OD’d last month so the world will never know how big he could have gotten. I really felt this kid had so much talent.

Tim Barry – High On 95
Once again this man has taken his honest music and beat up all the emotions inside of me. Working class hero musician with storytelling abilities like none other.

Quicksand – Interiors
I honestly was not anticipating this release to be as good as it is. I hate to be that guy, but I was not impressed with the couple of tracks the band released prior to the album. Little did I know they were just puzzle pieces to a killer album.

Iron Reagan – Crossover Ministry
So much thrash goodness here. Also, best album cover too.

Needles // Pins – Good Night, Tomorrow
I am thinking that a lot of people might not have hear of these guys here in the states, but you can change that. This punk rock group released a great album. Note to self: Buy the LP already!

The Electric Grandmother – Cancelled.
There is no way I was going to overlook this concept album by two very close friends of mine. Even if they are too good to play a Cleveland show, I love them dearly and am amazed with Cancelled. It’s the best thing they have done to date in my opinion.

Honorary Mentions:

Choke Up – Stormy Blue
Bad Cop/Bad Cop – Warriors
Shedders – Dangerous Jumps
Rancid – Trouble Maker
Gorillaz – Humanz
The Afghan Whigs – In Spades
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes – Rake It In: The Greatestest Hits
Ethan Danial Davidson – Crows
No Use For A Name – Rarities Vol. 1: The Covers
Stutter Steps – Floored
Western Addiction – Tremulous
Cloud Nothings – Life Without Sound
Japandroids – Near To the Wild Heart of Life
Swingin’ Utters – Drowning in the Sea, Rising with the Sun: Best of Swingin’ Utters
TSOL – The Trigger Complex
Greg Graffin – Millport
Powerflo – Powerflo
Quicksand – Interiors
Beck – Colors

As always, this was fun to take some time and think about all the great releases that came out over the past year. I probably could have put even more up here, but the ones listed (along with the honorable mentions) are the ones that impacted me the most.

I’m glad I did not sunset this site as I actually thought about over the summer. I’m going on 10 years now and after careful thought have no intentions of closing shop anytime soon.

A big you to all the bands and the great PRs who have even thought of asking me to check something new out. I am sorry I can not always get the review out, but I promise you, I listen to just about everything that is sent my way.

Thank you to you if you are reading this for checking out my site. Whether you are new or visit often, I appreciate you for checking me out. Without you, this site would be meaningless.

Happy Holidays to you and yours and all that jazz.

Acoustic, Folk, Music, Music Video, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: Tim Barry – High On 95

11 September, 2017 Brian Mc Leave a comment

There is really not much more I can say about Tim Barry these days except that the man is exceptional.

The former Avail frontman has made aging as a punk rocker just so appealing. Taking each day in stride and being the best father he can be, you might just find inspiration in him just as I have.

His solo material is more of a storytelling process with the soul purpose of letting people hear him out. Still containing his punk rock roots as well as life-long experiences, Barry just dropped an all new release on Chunksaah Records titled High On 95.

High On 95 is a mixture of acoustic tracks and collective jams with Barry’s family and friends. Just as he has always done in the past, Barry has no problem combining folk, rock, and punk and with his own personal touch making for an incredible listen.

The album was recorded once again by Lance Koehler at Minimum Wage Studios in Richmond Virginia. According to Barry, “it’s just one take” and continued with, “Lance knows the more I do it, the worse it’s gonna get. You lose something when you play it more and more. So get it right.”

One take is all it took to make one hell of an album.

The personal “Slow Down” had Barry and his guitar recollecting life in a busy city and his transition to a small town. The backing violin playing was so fitting on this track that seemingly aged from the beginning to the end.

The detail in the lyrics on “High On 95” almost seemed like personal memories of my own. This track was built up with some guitar playing and simple piano playing. What made this track even better for me was the video that his 4-1/2 year old daughter filmed all on a VHS camcorder. Life goal right there folks, especially since I have my own little versions of me these days. Check out the video below.

“O & Dp” was more of a song a close knit of friends would sign around a campfire. I especially related to this track with lyrics that were personable with life events and self-expectation.

“Riverbank” was a memorable jam that might be one of the more produced songs I have heard by Barry in a while and I loved every second of it. Friendly and real thoughts put into song while letting dogs run around the river just doesn’t get much more sincere.

The toe-tapping “Gumshoe Andy” brought back train-hopping memories of Barry. You almost wonder who this gumshoe was and what his intentions were or if it was just an inner-conscious voice taming someone’s wild tendencies.

The observations in “Porter St.” are all to familiar. This industrialization realization of a small town track has immediately become one of my favorite Barry tracks. Just listening to it had me thinking and agreeing with what day to day life has turned into.

“Chelsea” was almost a Dear John letter of a track with Barry showing pleasantries followed by dismissal for being deceitful. Friendly-sounding but stern, this tune was quick to take out the trash.

It was great to hear Barry’s sister Caitlin play violin on “Running Never Tamed Me” along with Barry. Christina Marie Gleixner provided haunting backing vocals on this track about the highs and lows of life and love as told to what I would only assume was Barry’s daughters. This was one bummer of a track, but beautiful.

At 30 minutes total, High On 95 was an amazing listen that seemed to just fly by. I have actually listened to it a few times now and some of the tracks became even more poignant once the lyrics were absorbed in my mind. It’s the kind of album you think with, relate to, and just absorb.

People, including myself, have asked Barry for years if he would ever reunite Avail. He always responds that he is not interested in doing that. For a while there, I could not understand, but as the years have progressed with the releases by Barry, I am glad he didn’t. This man has his priorities set to align with his future on his own accord. Godspeed sir.

Tour Dates:
9/23 Richmond, Virginia @ Carpenter Theatre
10/05 Washington, DC @ DC9 Nightclub
10/06 Pittsburgh, PA @ Cattivo
10/07 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
10/8 Detroit, MI @ Smalls
10/10 Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe
10/11 St Louis, Mo @ Blueberry Hill
10/12 Chicago, Il @ Cobra Lounge
10/13 Indianapolis @ White Rabbit
10/14 Louisville, KY @ Haymarket
10/26 Ybor City, FL @ Pre-FEST
10/27 Gainesville, FL @ FEST
11/09 Garwood, NJ @ Crossroads
11/10 Philadelphia @ Underground Arts
11/11 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs.
11/12 Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade
12/07 San Diego, CA @ Casbah
12/08 Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
12/09 Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
12/10 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill.

Country, Folk, Music, New Release, Outlaw Country, Review

Album Review: Ethan Daniel Davidson – Crows

31 July, 2017 Brian Mc Leave a comment

I’ll openly admit that I had never heard of Ethan Daniel Davidson until Pete at Blue Arrow Records asked me to check out his latest release Crows.

I am so stoked he did.

All I was told about Davidson was that he was from Detroit and played folk music. Furthermore, I had no idea that this Americana folk album bordered outlaw country.

Crows is Davidson’s latest full-length and has been released on Blue Arrow Records. He has been playing music for years now and has released quite a few indie/folk albums previous to Crows. I learned that he is married to Gretchen from Slumber Party and once moved out to Alaska to record. He toured for years until he had a family and is known for offering up his music (downloads) for free. He’s also the adopted son of the late Pistons owner, Bill Davidson.

Just by looking at the album cover of Crows, I instantly thought of Billy The Kid as the photo of Davidson looked rustic and almost criminal. I was instantly intrigued before even hearing one song.

“My Crows” opened up the album with an almost warped sound to it. Davidson’s singing was welcoming and just caught my attention. Having expecting more of a folk style, I really dug this country style. The collective singing midway about love just made it that much more inviting.

“My Own Bad” was one track I really enjoyed. This song was more of a cowboy memoir full of twang that was fueled by evil tendencies. This is a track I wish I could have listened to when I lived out in the desert, it would have complimented my evenings so well.

“And The Never Saw Him Coming” was more of a 40s country telltale tune that I easily got sucked into. I adored the banjo with the slow drumming that carried me along for the ride. Davidson slowly sung about a mysterious natural born killer ending right at the climax leaving for plenty of interpretation.

“I Might’ve Been Wrong” was an eerie gospel-like track about a punished man with a conscience. Davidson did not hold back with his descriptive lyricism on this track.

“Close To The Gallows” kept on the with the demeanor and easily could be put in a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack – seriously, this track ruled.

“Love can go to hell” started off the twangy, tender song “Fade”. This little jam was not necessarily a romantic story, but more of a strung out, timely appreciation.

As someone who has an appreciation for real country music and not that pop crap, I loved every moment of Crows. It was a complete shocker of an album to hear and as I previously mentioned, I’m thrilled Pete told me to check it out. This is going to be one of those albums I play for the rest of my life. With that said, I think I should probably check out Davidson’s catalog, something tells me I am going to enjoy it as well.

This album is perfect if you like alt-country but are looking for something a little slower and more on the dark side. Check it out for yourself:

<a href="http://ethandanieldavidson.bandcamp.com/album/crows">Crows by Ethan Daniel Davidson</a>

Folk, Music, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: Everymen – May Your Ashes Have Stories To Tell

10 July, 2017 Brian Mc Leave a comment

I could be quick to say Lake Worth, Florida’s Everymen is just a folk punk band and move on with life, but that would be incredibly lazy on my part.

This band may carry some of the punk and folk qualities attributed to that genre, but they are so much more than that.

I cannot say I’d heard of this band before, but they just dropped a new release on Say-10 Records called May Your Ashes Have Stores To Tell, and I found myself really digging what they had to offer.

Everymen is like what a young Against Me! might have sounded like if a hyped Tim Barry took over some of the singing duties while the dudes from Gogol Bordello jumped onboard. I could not help but also think of Tin Horn Prayer when listening to this album as well as Old Man Markley and even Larry and His Flask.

The more I listened to this album though, the more I kept thinking that lead singer of Everymen sounded like the lead singer of one of my favorite unheard of 90s bands, Stompbox. Once I made that observation, I could not get it out of my head.

Sure that is a lot of comparisons to be throwing out there, but the band stands out with their own style and energy which made it much more interesting to get into.

The moment “Shake Your Bones” started off the album, I knew I was in for something good. This toe-tapping jam really caught me off guard, especially with the horns and crazy guitar playing.

“Dead Friends”, an ode to lost pals, kept an upbeat feel while paying tribute to those who were taken too soon. Sadly this was not the only track on the album to sing about loved ones who were no longer as “M.B.” paid tribute to Erik Petersen, the lead singer of Mischief Brew and great friend to the band, who took his own life.

“How To Live” was more of a basement sing along track over the rest. Listening to this song brought back lots of memories of me being smashed in tiny, dark basements screaming lyrics at the top of my lungs along with some of my favorite bands.

The sing along opportunities continued with he fun “Don’t Rain On My Parade”, a track that easily could have fueled an all night rager in a small, remote bar. Ironically, “Waking Up Hurts” seemed to be the morning after song compared to the previous jam.

“Don’t Stay” was dark as hell with a certain gypsy-polka sound that was all too inviting. I loved the female vocals tossed into this track as well as the fiddle playing.

It’s nice to hear such a unique album that does not necessarily rip off anyone else’s sound. I can only imagine what this band sounds like live. I am sure it is a hell of a drunken good ol time.

If you are looking for something a little different from the norm, check out what Everymen has to offer. This is one of those bands I am glad someone reached out to me asking to check out because now I can tell you to do the same. Totally worth it.

Acoustic, Folk, Hip Hop, Indie, Listing It Up, Music, Pop, Punk, Rock, Solo

BHP Best of 2015

17 December, 2015 Brian Mc 1 Comment

2015 is wrapping up quickly so I felt it was best I get this out of the way before I become too involved with the holiday festivities.

As much as I wish I was more active on this blog, I will admit I am still listening to as much music as possible whenever time admits. I am not giving up just yet folks.

With that said, here are my choice releases for 2015:

BHP Best of 2015

Beach Slang – The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us
-This album was one of my favorite releases of 2015 before it was even released. I knew I was going to adore it before I heard it and I did. This is one of those bands that has really reached back into the 90s with their style and I love everything about it.

Yotam Ben-Horin – Distant Lover
-Yotam blew me away with his latest solo album. This dude rules and is one of my favorite songwriters out there.

Lucero – All A Man Should Do
-I love Lucero. With that said, when I first listened to this album, I was not digging it much. In fact, it was not until my third listen that I realized how solid the album is. I can not stop listening to it. Yeah, it is not like their older material but it still owns.

Baroness – Purple
-This album was literally just released (12/18/2015 for those of you who are wondering). Luckily there is that edit option on there here ol’ blog because this needs to be on my list. This album is perfect, absolutely perfect. After all this band has been through, it is nice to see them return with such force.

John Moreland – High On Tulsa Heat
-John Moreland is incredible. Words can not express my appreciation for this album. Seriously, I can not write anything about this, you will need to listen to it for yourself.

Frank Turner – Positive Songs For Negative People
-I do not think it is possible for Frank Turner to release an album that I do not like. This guy is a modern-day musical hero to me.

Nathanial Rateliff & The Night Sweats – Self-Titled
-This album was a blast to listen to.

Teenage Bottlerocket – Tales From Wyoming
-Spite losing Brandon recently, Teenage Bottlerocket gained a lot of attention with their power pop punk release. This catchy as hell album guarantees for a good time.

Annabel – Having It All
-This album seriously made me want to be a better person. I find myself listening to this album on the days where I feel like I need a boost in the feelings department.

The Sidekicks – Runners In The Nerved World
-I swear this band matures more and more with every release.

Joey Cape – Stitch Puppy
-This album was so beautiful yet gloomy. Cape has proved himself to me once again that he is one of the best songwriters on the face of this planet.

Purple – (409)
-Purple are fun and encompass rock n roll to the max. I do not even know what that means. This band is all about the fun and released an amazing album full of catchy tracks.

toyGuitar – In This Mess
-If this album happened to fall under your radar, you are totally missing out. Happy-go-lucky-punk-rock-beach-jams should sum up this album.

Success – Radio Recovery
-Success dropped one of the most catchy punk albums of the year. I love these dudes and think everyone needs to check them out. I also love the fact that their album cover pays tribute in a sense to Fifteen.

Refused – Freedom
-The last time these guys released something, it was the late 90s. I never thought they would put something out again, but they mostly regrouped after some touring and dropped this killer album. A lot of people said it was over-produced and forced, but I still like it.

Sam Russo – Greyhound Dreams
-This was an excellent album that I am glad I was able to check out. Sam Russo takes storytelling and songwriting to the best level.

Dr. Dre – Compton
-This was the album I listened to the most this year easily. For over two months, I listened to this album in full every single day. I had a slight obsession with it. The best part about about this is the first time I heard it, I thought to myself that it was not even that good. By the time the album ended, I was hooked. I even listened to it this morning.

Patrick Sweany – Daytime Turned To Nighttime
-This album just makes me want to drink whisky on a porch at night with my close pals. Nice to see Pat continue on with his passion. I sure do miss the days whenI could hit up the Zephyr and see him play.

Johnathan Richman – “O Sun” & “Keith” (7″ Releases)
-I had the privilege to review both of these singles thanks to Blue Arrow Records and all I have to say is that I can not wait for Richman to release his next full-length…

Well folks, that is all I have at this time. I am sure I am missing something and will probably edit this post 7 more times. For any of you paying attention, this blog has been updated just a few times…

Until then, happy holidays to you and yours. I appreciate anyone who has ever taken a moment to check out what I have to share on this site. If it was not for you, I would probably have thrown the towel in a long time ago.