Graham Coxon – The Golden D

Graham Coxon – The Golden D

By

Jesse E. Mullen

Probably his best solo album. The instrumental "Lake" is mind melting psychedelia, while "Jamie Thomas," "Fags and Failure," and the two MoB covers show Coxon at his noisy post-punk best. Graham plays all of the instruments, produces and paints the cover artwork with a (messy) focus and passion - not entirely a contradiction in this case. A resounding success all around. Highly recommended.

Transcopic/EMI/2000

Ringo Deathstarr – God’s Dream

Ringo Deathstarr – God’s Dream

By

Jesse E. Mullen

Powerful shoegazing release with a post-punk edge. You can tell from the photo of Alex with the rifle just what you are getting into here. "Flower Power" is almost industrial at the start, but shifts to a much more pastoral bridge section later on. The entire album is this thrilling and beautiful; “Shut Your Eyes” is simply otherworldly, with the gentle vocals of Alex and Elliott melting into the guitars. The title track is equal parts noise and melody with a fuzz section towards the end, and a throbbing bassline. But Alex’s melodic vocals give the tune its emotional resonance.  Highly recommended.

Noyes Records/2013

The Fall – Grotesque (After The Gramme)

The Fall – 

Grotesque (After The Gramme)

By

Jesse E. Mullen

Classic Fall begins here. Northern Rockabilly, American Country-Western, Post-Punk, Krautrock, all of these elements coalesce for the first time here. Add the brilliant interplay of S. Hanley, Marc Riley, and Craig Scanlon, and you have a recipe for a classic album. In addition, Mark E. Smith's lyrical themes have been given a laser sharp focus only previously hinted at. His songs of Hobgoblins and the music industry now fueled by a grueling tour of America, which gave him a broader perspective of the music industry. If you've yet to delve into this wonderful and frightening world, Grotesque is a great place to start.

Rough Trade/1980