Look At My Records!: Recent Episodes
Thomas Gallo
Look At My Records! is a b-weekly podcast where host Tom Gallo interviews bands and artists about their music and then asks them to curate a special playlist based on his personal record collection. What typically results is an in-depth conversation that unveils influences, past experiences, plenty of nostalgia, and even the occasional mutual fawning. You can also catch the occasional live-in-studio performance and hear specially recorded performances from “The McKenzie Tapes” vault, which contains a plethora of live performances at various NYC venues over the course of the last 40 years.
pisode 240 of Look At My Records features an interview with Pittsburgh-based songwriter Zack Keim. Keim just released his long-awaited second full-length, Battery Lane, earlier this month. The record represents a big step forward in sound for the 27-year-old musician, as the 11 songs build off of the solid foundation that Keim established on his stripped-down 2017 debut, First Step. Drawing heavy influence from Dion’s 1975 album Born To Be With You, Keim leaned into Phil Spector’s wall-of-sound production style to create an immersive listening experience on Battery Lane. During the interview, Zack and Tom chatted all about the album, including some of the stories behind its standout tracks, the piecemeal recording process, and how decades-old songs like “Alice” evolved over time. Plus, Keim shared some pandemic-era stories and dove into his history with the garage rock band The Nox Boys. He selected some awesome records from Tijuana Panthers, The Velvet Underground, The Rain Parade, and more! You can follow along with the official playlist for Episode 240.
You can purchase Battery Lane on vinyl via Bandcamp. The record is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Keim by following him on Instagram.
Keim kicks off a tour in support of Battery Lane tonight at Comet Ping Pong in Washington D.C. Tomorrow night, he’ll be playing at Alphaville in Brooklyn. A full list of dates is below! Get your tickets here.
Episode 239 features an interview with author Bennett Kelly! Known across New Jersey for his excellent journalistic contributions to publications like New Brunswick Today and the Look At My Records! music blog, Kelly recently shared his first-ever work of non-fiction, a novel titled Sensation Blues. The book, which is set deep in the Mississippi Delta, tells the story of a young, aspiring musician named McKinley as he navigates his journey through the world of the blues. Along the way, McKinley is mentored by his uncle Ira and encounters some exciting rock and roll antics, which are playfully detailed across Sensation Blues’ almost 300 pages. During the interview, Ben and Tom chatted about the process behind writing a work of fiction, the influence of New Jersey legend Paul Robeson on the book, the type of research he performed, and much more. Plus, Ben picked some awesome records from Blur, The Beatles, and the Jam. You can follow along with Ben’s picks via the official playlist for Episode 239.
You can purchase a copy of Sensation Blues via Ben’s website. Keep up with Ben by following him on Instagram!
Episode 238 of Look At My Records! Features an interview with Jersey City-based songwriter Sean Kiely. Last month, Kiely released his long-awaited new record, Postcards of the Reckoning, an 8-song collection of folk-inspired tunes that features some of his most personal songwriting to date. His songs expound on experiences spanning both love and loss, and feature a wide range of collaborators, including Minnie Jordan, Bobby Hawk, Jean Rohe, and more. During the interview, Tom and Sean dive into the nooks and crannies of the album, touching on the meaning and inspirations behind its stand-out tracks, the writing and recording process, and much more. Sean also picked some awesome records from Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, and Angel Olsen. Follow along with Sean’s picks via the official playlist for Episode 238.
You can purchase Postcards of the Reckoning on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp.
Sean will be performing at White Eagle Hall on Friday, February 21st in support of Richard Thompson. Tickets are available now via See Tickets.
Episode 237 of Look At My Records! Features an interview with Bay Area songwriter Ainsley Wagoner, who performs as Silverware. In August, Silverware released their second full-length album, One True Light. It’s a record characterized by change, specifically, in Wagoner’s process, and in turn, her sound. In contrast to her 2021 album, No Plans, which was recorded quickly, Wagoner spent considerable time pouring over details and refining the end product for this go around. Though she made some alterations, Wagoner continued her fruitful collaboration with Omar Akrouche, a partnership that continues to pay dividends in terms of creative output. During the interview, Tom and Ainsley chatted about making One True Light, including the inspiration behind some of its standout tracks like “No Expectations” and the piecemeal recording process. They also touched on her background in music, which started in Kentucky, and her artistic growth while living in the Bay Area. Ainsley also picked some awesome records from Tom’s collection, including choice cuts from Le Tigre, Liz Phair, and Broken Social Scene. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 237.
One True Light is out now via Ghost Mountain Records. You can order it on vinyl or cassette via Bandcamp. You can also pre-save the record on your platform of choice. Keep up with Silverware via Instagram.
Episode 236 of Look At My Records! features an interview with New York-based artist and musician, Shonali Bhowmik. Late last month, Shonali released her second-ever solo record, One Machine At A Time, the follow up to 2011’s 100 Oaks Revival. On One Machine At A Time, Shonali takes listeners on a personal journey across multiple genres, touching on themes of love, loss, and life. During the interview, Tom and Shonali talked about her past, including her Nashville roots, her time spent on the road with her bands Ultra Babyfat and Tigers & Monkeys, and how she got involved in the world of comedy. Plus, we dove deep into the writing and recording process of the new record and the inspiration behind some of its key tracks. And of course, Shonali picked some awesome records from the Modern Lovers, Big Star, and the Beatles. Follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 246.
One Machine At A Times is available to purchase on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. You can also stream it on your platform of choice. Keep up with Shonali by following her on Instagram.
The One Machine At A Time tour kicks off tomorrow night (8/16) at the Bowery Electric in New York City! Shonali will be performing alongside comedians Shalewa Sharpe and Clare O’Kane. Kissed By An ANimal is also performing. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are available to purchase via Ticketweb. For a full list of tour dates and tickets, check out Sonali’s website.
Episode 235 features an interview with Sophie Negrini of Los Angeles’ Janelane. Back in April, Janelane released their long-awaited debut full-length, Love Letters. The record was over a decade in the making, collecting songs that have origins in the mid-2010s, and showcasing Negrini’s expert ability at crafting love songs that are equal parts cutting, dreamy, and poppy. During the interview, Sophie and Tom chatted about the project’s teenage origins, its hiatus and eventual reemergence in 2020, and the evolution of its sound over the last decade. Plus, Sophie picked some awesome records from Bob Dylan, Big Star, and Guided By Voices! Check them out via the official playlist for Episode 235.
Love Letters is out now via Kingfisher Bluez! You can purchase a copy on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. Keep up with Janelane via Instagram.
Janelane will be performing live on Friday, August 16th at Genghis Cohen in Los Angeles. Mirrorball and Fleur Bleu•e are also on the bill. Tickets are available via Dice.FM.
Episode 234 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Sun Kin. The Los Angeles-based project of Kabir Kumar just released a new record titled Sunset World, which has been years in the making. The record features songs written as far back as November 2020 and thematically, explores the dichotomy between the beauty and terror of the natural world and the convenience of the virtual. The album also features a litany of collaborators, including Kabir’s partner Nicole Levin, his bandmates in Guppy, Julian Fader of Ava Luna, Dawson Timpany of Plum, and Mark “Echo” Edwards of Cheekface. We chatted about all of this and more, including how the previously mentioned collaborations informed the record and how Khalid partially inspired the song “Water Turns Black At Night.” Plus, Kabir picked some awesome records, including choice cuts from Depeche Mode, Tele Novella, and Twin Sister. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 234.
Sun Kin will be celebrating the release of Sunset World this Saturday, April 27th at the Scribble Community Center in Los Angeles. Pacing and Preformer are also on the bill.
You can purchase Sunset World on Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the project via Instagram.
Episode 233 of the Look At My Records! podcast features an interview with Marc Masters, author of High Bias: The Distorted History of the Cassette Tape. The cassette has a long, storied, and complex history, and in High Bias, Masters takes readers through some of its most notable moments. From the birth of magnetized sound to the proliferation of the game-changing Sony Walkman, and much of what happened in between and after, Masters dives into key technological advancements, tape subcultures, mixtapes, tape traders, and more. During the interview, Tom and Marc spoke about some of the book’s highlights, including the massive popularity of the cassette in Eastern cultures and Africa, and the format’s recent resurgence in underground circles. Marc also picked some awesome records from Times New Viking, Silver Jews, and more. You can follow along with Marc’s picks via the official playlist for Episode 233.
This episode also features music from the cassette accompaniment to High Bias. You can purchase the book and the cassette via Bandcamp.
Episode 232 features an interview with Eliza Vera, who performs under the moniker Hot Moms Club. The San Diego-based project just released their second EP, Welcome To The Club, which features three songs that soothingly reflect on finding joy in simple pleasures, like the calming effects of wading through Trader Joe’s and the memory-triggering scent of fried pork. But before Eliza and Tom dove into the here and now, they spoke at length about her background in music, including how winning a guitar at a raffle sparked her interest in pursuing the instrument, her first time performing in front of an audience at summer camp, and her free-wheeling college years at the University of San Diego. Plus, Eliza shared how her friendship and collaboration with acclaimed songwriterBartees Strange blossomed, the development of her creative relationship with producer Mallory Hauser, and what’s in store for Hot Moms Club in 2024. Eliza also picked some great records from Tom’s collection, including some choice cuts from Lomelda, Barrie, Katy Kirby, and more. Check out the official playlist for Episode 232 to peep her selections.
Welcome To The Club is out now! You can purchase a copy of the EP on Bandcamp (along with other cool merch) or stream it on your platform of choice. Keep up with Hot Moms Club on Instagram.
Episode 231 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Matt Allan of the Brooklyn-based band Star 80. We last chatted with Allen prior to the pandemic on the Look At My Records! radio program. Back then, he was releasing his first singles as Star 80, and in the intervening years, he’s accumulated a bevy of solid material. Much of it appears on his brand new, debut full-length, New View. The record is a cohesive, yet eclectic mix of stories and sonics, with Springsteen, British post-punk, and more playing an influential role. During the interview, Matt and Tom chatted at length about New View, including how Atlantic City inspired the second track on the album, “Atlantic City,” how a well-known Sopranos quote worked its way into the sixth track, “Autumnal Baby,” and much more. Plus, Matt picked some excellent records from Tom’s collection, including choice cuts from Tommy Keene, Purple Mountains, and Pulp. You can follow along with his selections via the official playlist for Episode 231.
New View is available to purchase via Bandcamp. You can also stream it on Spotify.
Our friend Kip Berman, who performs as The Natvral returns to the Look At My Records! podcast for Episode 230! Since he last appeared on the podcast in 2021 the former Pains of Being Pure at Heart frotman has released a few singles as The Natvral, and last week, he shared the project’s second full-length, Summer of No Light. The title, which was inspired by the climate crisis of 1816, draws parallels to two “lost summers” in Berman’s own life, specifically, his first summer post-grad in 2002 and the shut-in pandemic summer of 2020. It was during the latter that Berman penned the songs that appear on the record, escaping nightly to the basement of his Princeton home after putting his kids to sleep. During the interview, Berman and Tom chatted about this period of deep reflection, including what it was like sifting through past memories and relationships during a time of isolation, how the writer Mary Shelley inspired the record’s themes, the more full band sound of “Summer of No Light,” recording with producer Andy Savors for the fourth time, and more. Kip also picked some awesome records from Tom’s collection, including some great cuts from the Kinks, Girls, Billy Bragg, and more. You can follow along with the official playlist for Episode 230.
Summer of No Light is out now via Dirty Bingo Records. You can order a copy on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. You can also listen to The Natvral on your streaming platform of choice. Keep up with the project by following them on Instagram.
The Natvral will be performing at Pet Shop in Jersey City next Thursday, September 14th. He’ll be performing alongside Desir Decir and Joy Cleaner. Doors are at 7 pm and admission is free. For more information, check out the event listing here on the site.
Episode 229 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Brooklyn artist Oropendola. The project of songwriter Joanna Schubert recently shared their debut album as Oropendola, an eclectic and vibrant 11-song collection titled Waiting For The Sky To Speak. The record, which is described as a “celebration of choosing life even in the face of its ephemerality, and of finding motion even in the midst of stillness,” shimmers with bursts of energy and emotion, swinging from playfulness to earnestness with deft, technicolor brushstrokes. During the interview, Shubert and Tom spoke at length about the record, including its themes, her “morning pages” writing strategy for certain tracks, and how playing a supporting role in projects like Barrie helped shape her songwriting. They also touched on Schubert’s formative years in New Jersey, her experiences attending LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, and more. Schubert also picked some excellent records from my collection, including choice cuts from Joni Mitchell, TLC, Beach House, and more. You can follow along via the official playlist for Episode 229.
Waiting For The Sky To Speak is out now via Spirit House Records. You can purchase it on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. It’s also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the project via Instagram.
Well, it’s that time of year again. Actually, it’s a little past that time of year, but, what the hell. It’s time for Tom and Look At My Records! contributor Zach Romano’s favorite records of the year. Better late than never, right? 2022 was another stellar year for music. From New York City, New Jersey, and beyond, bands and artists of all ilks released some killer full-lengths. In Episode 228 of Look At My Records, Tom and Zach highlight some of their favorites, including great LPs from Sooner, The Beths, Smooch, Blushing, Winter, Alvvays, MJ Lenderman, and more. Listen to the end to hear our NUMBER ONE FAVORITE RECORDS OF THE YEAR!
Zach’s Top Ten:
Greet Death - New Low (Featured Track: "New Low")
ANORAK! - S/T (Featured Track: "Shinjuku")
MJ Lenderman - Boat Songs (Featured Track: "You Are Every Girl to Me")
Viagra Boys - Cave World (Featured Track: "Baby Criminal")
Sooner - Days and Nights (Featured Track: "Thursday")
Launder - Happening (Featured Track: "Become")
Knifeplay - Animal Drowning - (Featured Track: "Lonely Sun")
The Reds, Pinks, and Purples - Summer at Lands End (Featured Track: "New Light"
Horse Jumper of Love - Natural Part (Featured Track: "I Poured Sugar in Your Shoes")
Blushing - Possessions (Featured Track: "Bed")
Tom’s Top Ten:
Ribbon Stage - Hit With The Most (Featured Track: Playing Possum”)
Papercuts - Past Life Regression (Featured Track: “Sinister Smile”)
Alvvays - Blue Rev (Featured Track: “Easy On Your Own?”)
Steph Green - Thanks for That (Featured Track: “Devotion”)
GIFT - Momentary Presence (Featured Track: “Share The Present)
Winter - What Kind of Blue Are You? (Featured Track: “mr. on-my-mind”)
Van Chamberlain - In The Sun (Featured Track: “87”)
Smooch - Watermelon (Featured Track: “Agnes Lynagh”)
The Beths - Expert In A Dying Field (Featured Track: “Expert In A Dying Field”)
Sooner - Days and Nights (Featured Track: “Boscobel”)
Episode 227 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Dawn Moraga and Tim Lusk of North Carolina post-punk band Cor de Lux. Recently, the band shared their second full-length, Media, a towering, eclectic-sounding record that melds elements of shoegaze, multiple eras of punk rock, dream pop, and more, while tackling themes and feelings of uncertainty, division, and human connection. During the interview, Tom spoke with Dawn and Tim about the process behind writing and recording the album, early musical inspirations, Tim’s surprising familial connection to a country music legend, and much more. Dawn and Tim also picked some awesome records from Tom’s collection, including choice cuts from the Minutemen, Blonde Redhead, Corridor, and the Appleseed Cast. You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 227.
You can purchase Media on cassette and compact disc via Bandcamp. The album is also available to stream on all platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.
Cor de Lux is on tour this month. They’ll be performing in Jersey City on Friday, May 5th alongside Tom Barrett and the Cuts, CR and the Nones, and Sean Kiely. For more information and tickets, head to the event listing here on the site. Cor de Lux is also appearing at Our Wicked Lady on Saturday, May 6th for the Rites of Spring Fest.
Logan Farmer is Tom’s guest for Episode 226 of Look At My Records! In late 2022, Farmer released his stunning sophomore effort, A Mold For The Bell. Inspired by the films of Andrei Tarkovsky and the literature of Olga Tokarczuk, the intimate and tranquil-sounding record was born out of a two-day session with Grammy-nominated producer Andrew Berlin. The rest of the album’s creation occurred remotely, over texts, phone calls, and emails with a series of collaborators, including saxophonist Joseph Shabason (who also mixed the album) and renowned harpist Mary Lattimore. During the interview, Tom and Logan talked about the progression in his songwriting from his 2020 album Still No Mother to A Mold For The Bell, the record’s lone harsh moment on “Crooked Wires,” and much more. Logan also picked some excellent records from The Blue Nile, Bruce Springsteen, and others. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 226.
A Mold For The Bell is out now via Western Vinyl. You can purchase a copy on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. You can also stream it on Spotify. Keep up with Farmer by following him on Instagram.
Episode 225 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Zach Ellis of Brooklyn post-punk phenoms Dead Tooth. After an eventful 2022 that saw Dead Tooth release a well-received EP called Pig Pile, take home the top prize at the annual Our Wicked Lady Winter Madness tournament, and make an indelible impression at South By Southwest, Ellis is keeping the momentum going in 2023. Dead Tooth hits the road later this month for their biggest gigs yet in support of Bass Drum of Death and has plans to release more new music in the coming months. But it took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears for Ellis to get to this point. After coming to New York at 19 years old, Ellis cut his teeth as the drummer of notable 2010s Brooklyn indie rockers Haybaby, before branching out on his own with his first solo project, The Adventures of the Silver Spaceman. It was then that Ellis developed a creative relationship with DIIV guitarist Andrew, and the folk-inspired sounds of Silver Spacemen slowly evolved into the fierce, frenetic post-punk of Dead Tooth. Zach and Tom chatted about all of this and more, including his 2022 experience at SXSW and memorable moments from years past, including a chance encounter with Daniel Johnston, how he’s fully embraced the performance aspects of being a frontman, and much more. Ellis also picked some excellent records, including great cuts from Neil Young, ESG, Liz Phair, and more. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 225.
Dead Tooth is about to hit the road for a string of dates with Bass Drum of Death, including on March 31st at Music Hall of Williamsburg and April 1st at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City. Check out the Dead Tooth Bandsintown page for a full list of dates.
You can purchase Pig Pile on limited edition cassette via Bandcamp. Their music is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the project by following them on Instagram.
For Episode 224 of Look At My Records!, Tom spoke with songwriter Katy Rea. Rea just released her debut full-length, The Urge That Saves You, late last year. The record is a long time coming for Rea, who got her start in music in the mid-2010s on New York City’s open mic circuit, honing her craft at venues like the Sidewalk Cafe. After catching the songwriting bug during the pandemic, Rea began work on The Urge That Saves, eventually tracking the entire record live at Figure 8 Studios by Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The songs on the album chronicle her life’s journey through personal anecdotes and character-driven narratives that live in symmetry with ebbs and flows of intense instrumentation. During the interview, Rea and Tom talked about how The Urge That Saves came to be, including how learning how to mix and engineer helped guide her creative process, the importance of recording the record live, and the meaning behind some of its stand-out tracks like “Flood of Houston.” Rea also picked some awesome records, including classics from Sly Stone, Sam Evian, and more. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 224.
The Urge That Saves You is out now. You can purchase a copy via Bandcamp. Catch Rea on tour in March. A list of dates is below. For more information and tickets, check out her Instagram.
Episode 223 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Michael Grace, Jr. of Long Island indie pop legends My Favorite. After a long stretch of years since their last release, the project returned in the fall with the first in a trio of EPs, “Tender Is The Nightshift: Part 1.” The five-song collection is the first My Favorite extended play in nearly two decades and features more beat-driven tracks that draw on nostalgia while contemplating love and loss. During the interview, Tom and Michael chatted about My Favorite’s history, including what it was like recording early singles with Mark Kramer, the band’s rabid fan base in Sweden, how this current revival came to be, and much more. Plus, Michael picked some great records from my collection, including some sick tracks from Lou Reed, Sade, and Prefab Sprout. You can follow along via the official playlist for Episode 223.
You can purchase Tender Is The Nightshift: Part 1 via Bandcamp. The EP is also available on all streaming platforms. A vinyl edition is available for purchase via Where It’s At Is Where You Are and HHBTM Records.
Episode 222 of Look At My Records! Features an interview with Gabbi Coenen, the Los Angeles-based musician who performs under the moniker RVBY MY DEAR. The Perth, Australia native recently released a new self-titled EP, which arrives on the heels of some changes for Coenen. It’s the project’s first release since Coenen relocated from New York to Los Angeles and also follows the dissolution of the backing band that appeared on her 2019 debut full-length, Waiting. The EP also marks her first collaboration with producer Andrew Lappin and also sees Coenen drawing influence from pop and ambient source material. During the interview, Gabbi and Tom chatted about growing up in Perth, her experiences studying jazz in music school, the process behind crafting the EP, and much more. She also picked some excellent records from Tom’s collection, including choice cuts from Aimee Mann, Aaliyah, and Dirty Projectors. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 222.
You can purchase a copy of the EP via Bandcamp. It’s also available to stream on all platforms. Keep up with the project by following them on Instagram.
RVBY MY DEAR will be celebrating the release of the EP with a special performance on January 18th at Gold-Diggers in Los Angeles. The show is presented by The Witching Hours. Sonoda and Rainee Blake are also performing. Tickets are available now!
For Episode 221 of Look At My Records!, Harry the Nightgown returns for their second appearance on the podcast. Since the release of their excellent, analog-centric self-titled debut in 2020, the songwriting duo of Spencer Hartling and Sami Perez have leaned further into the electronic elements of their sound, which blossomed on their 2021 singles “The Painter” and “If You Were Wrong.” Last month, the duo released the follow-up to their first full-length, an EP titled Airy the Light Cloud, which sees them further exploring more digital proclivities while still staying true to the pop sensibilities they developed in the analog recording realm. During the interview, Spencer and Sami share a song-by-song breakdown of the EP, including their thought process behind certain unique sonic choices on tracks like “Swing Song.” Plus, they chatted about current happening at their LA-based studio Wiggle World, their experiences touring in 2022, and much more. The two also picked some awesome records, including classics from Wire, Stereolab, and New Order. You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 221.
You can purchase Airy The Light Cloud via Bandcamp. The EP is also available on all streaming services. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.
Scout Gillett returns to the Look At My Records! podcast for Episode 220. 2022 has been an eventful year for the Brooklyn songwriter, as she recently shared her highly anticipated debut full-length, no roof no floor, on Captured Tracks. The release is a long time coming for Gillett, as principal tracking for the album began two years ago at The Chicken Shack in Stanfordville, NY. There, Gillett worked with Nick Kinsey, Kevin Copeland (of The Big Net, who appeared on the podcast back in 2020), and El Kempner (of Palehound). The intensely personal record delves deeply into Gillett’s own stark observations and unfeigned experiences, shedding light on addiction and coming of age, while artfully blending a fluid set of genre influences that includes country, folk, and Americana. During the interview, Scout and Tom discussed the making of no roof no floor inside a barn in upstate New York, how she connected with the folks at Captured Tracks, and what’s in store for 2023. She curated an excellent playlist of tunes from Tom’s collection, including choice cuts from The Stranglers, Flamin’ Groovies, Julia Jacklin, and more. You can follow along with her selections via the official playlist for Episode 220.
no roof no floor is out now via Captured Tracks. You can purchase the album on limited edition red vinyl via Bandcamp. It’s also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Gillett by following her on Instagram.
Don’t miss Gillett on tour this December! For a full list of dates, check out her Bandsintown page.
Episode 219 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Winnipeg-based songwriter Dylan MacDonald, who performs as Field Guide. In late October, Field Guide released their self-titled second full-length, which expands on the flush and warm folk textures heard on his previous works, and further, builds off of his deeply personal lyrical themes. In addition to diving into the process of recording the record, which included intimate sessions in a cabin in rural Manitoba, Tom and Dylan also discussed the inspiration behind Field Guide’s decision to cover Coldplay’s Parachutes in its entirety, the current state of the Winnipeg music scene, the project’s plans for 2023, and more. Plus, Dylan picked some awesome records from my collection, including choice cuts from Andy Shauf, Michael Rault, The War on Drugs, and more. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 219.
Field Guide is out now via Birthday Cake Records. You can purchase a copy of the recordon limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the project by following Field Guide on Instagram.
Field Guide also just announced a bunch of North American tour dates for 2023. For more information and to catch them in a city near you, head to the band’s website.
For Episode 218 of the Look At My Records! podcast, Tom chatted with Jackson Phillips of the Los Angeles-based Day Wave. Back in the mid-2010s, Phillips made a splash in indie rock circles with his dreamy and expansive shoegaze-influenced songs. Fast forward to 2022 and Phillips is older, wiser, and digging into his roots to plot a new direction forward. His new record, Pastlife, reflects those innate changes that come with the passage of time, as Phillips peers into the past lyrically while continuing to evolve as a songwriter. During their conversation, Tom and Jackson spoke about the evolution of Day Wave’s sound on Pastlife, how his friendship and working relationship with Pete Yorn influenced his songwriter, and what the future looks like for Day Wave. Phillips also picked some excellent records, including choice cuts from the Replacements, Liz Phair, and Brian Eno. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 218.
You can purchase Pastlife on limited edition vinyl via Day Wave’s website. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Follow Day Wave on Instagram and like them on Facebook to stay in the know.
Episode 217 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Dennis Diken, drummer of the legendary New Jersey band The Smithereens. The Carteret, New Jersey natives (and New Jersey Hall of Famers) have been at it for over 40 years. Along the way, they’ve sold millions of records, played on Saturday Night Live, toured the globe, and done just about everything you can do as a band. Following the tragic and untimely passing of frontman Pat Dinizio in late 2017, the Smithereens have continued playing live to critical acclaim, with a rotating cast of singers that include power pop icon Marshall Crenshaw and Gin Blossoms’ frontman Robin Wilson. Last month, the band unveiled their Lost Album, a record that was recorded at Crystal Sound Studios in New York City in early 1993, only to be shelved for three decades. During their interview, Tom and Dennis talked all about the Lost Album, including the circumstances surrounding the mid-90s recording sessions, why the album is now seeing the light of day, and more. They also chatted about the band’s heyday, where Dennis shared fond memories of a particular New Jersey concert supporting Squeeze at Brendan Byrne Arena in 1987, playing a gig in Iceland when the band’s debut album, Especially For You, was number 1 on that country’s charts, and more. Plus, Dennis picked some awesome records from Tom’s collection, including choice cuts from The Zombies, The Impressions, and more. You can follow along with his selections via the official playlist for Episode 217.
The Lost Album is out now via Sunset Boulevard Records. You can purchase a copy of the record via the band’s website. You can also stream it on your platform of choice. Keep up with The Smithereens by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
Episode 216 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Pascal Stevenson of Los Angeles’ Fashion Club. Despite an extensive background playing in various bands, including Sub Pop recording artists Moaning, Fashion Club is Stevenson’s first vessel for her own songwriting. Dark, brooding, and driven by Stevenson’s distinctively haunting voice, her debut record as Fashion Club, Scrutiny, thrives off of a unique approach to production and songwriting that places an equal emphasis on pop structures and lush, but biting, electronic soundscapes. During the interview, Stevenson and Tom discuss what it was like piecing together demos for the songs on Scrutiny while touring Europe with Moaning, the lyrical inspiration behind stand-out tracks like “Pantomime,” how the song “Reaction” almost didn’t make it on the album, and much more. Plus, Stevenson picked some awesome records from Tom’s collection, including choice cuts from Wire, Sade, and Kate Bush. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 216.
Scrutiny is out now via Felte Records. You can order a copy on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. Keep up with Fashion Club by following them on Instagram.
Episode 215 of Look At My Records! features an interview with New Jersey’s Sweaty Lamar. The new-ish project of songwriter Tara Giancaspro started at the onset of the pandemic when she began formulating the songs that will appear on her forthcoming EP, A Little Bit Cuntry, A Little Bit Rock & Roll. So far, Giancaspro has shared three excellent singles, “I Have Always Been In Love With You,” “Mysteries,” and most recently, “Abbey, I’m Sorry I Stole Your Man,” a sequel to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” During the interview, Tom and Tara spoke at length about how she fell into songwriting, the inspiration behind her unique stage name, and some of the deeper meanings behind her music. She also picked some awesome records from my collection and had some great associated stories to tell, including two from Jersey legends Titus Andronicus and Bruce Springsteen. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 215.
You can purchase Sweaty Lamarr’s music on Bandcamp or stream it on your platform of choice. Keep up with the project by following them on Instagram.
Episode 214 of Look At My Records! features an interview with indie pop veteran Phil Sutton of Love, Burns. You may be familiar with Sutton from his contributions to various bands of the guitar-pop ilk over the last few decades, including the New York City-based Pale Lights and U.K. jangle-pop legends Comet Gain, but with the onset of the pandemic, Sutton shifted gears from his group efforts towards Love, Burns, his first-ever solo project. After releasing two 7-inch singles in 2020 and 2021, Sutton shared his debut full length as Love, Burns, It Should Have Been Tomorrow, in February of this year. The record is filled to the brim with the kind of gooey, ramshackle guitar jangle that Sutton has spent decades perfecting, and includes standout tracks like “Wired Eyes,” his first stab at an affecting political tune with a guitar pop twist. During the interview, Sutton and Tom chatted all about the record, including why he decided to go solo, the process behind piecing together the songs, his creative relationship with Kyle Forrester, and much more. Plus, Sutton shared stories about his DIY pop origins in Comet Gain, including what he remembers about the group’s first Peel Sessions, playing with Bikini Kill in the mid-90s, and how the band powered through adversity to reach mythical status in indie-rock circles. He also picked some awesome records, including a handful of choice cuts from Nicole Yun, The Byrds, and Look Blue Go Purple. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 214.
Sutton and his backing band, which includes Alex Curtain on bass, Kenny Wachtel on lead guitar, Kyle Forrester on keys, and Hampus Öhman Frölund on drums, recorded a special live session at Gary Olson’s Marlborough Farm Studios for Look At My Records! Tune in to hear four cuts from It Should Have Been Tomorrow and an incredible, never before heard song!
You can purchase It Should Have Been Tomorrow on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. It’s also available to stream on Spotify. Keep up Love, Burns by following them on Instagram.
David Algrim of Chicago noise-pop outfit Gentle Heat is our guest for Episode 213 of Look At My Records! The project just released their second full-length, Sheer, a towering record that sits sweetly between the distorted haze of shoegaze and the saccharine melodies of noise-leaning indie pop. With new member Sarah Clausen on keys, the group’s songwriting features poppier elements to counteract their guitar fuzz, including gorgeous vocal harmonies that remain constant across the album’s nine tracks. Algrim and Tom chatted all about the album’s pop influences and more, including how Gentle Heat has persisted through several lineup changes since forming in the late 2010s, Algrim’s background playing in a Milwaukee-based hardcore band, the dynamics of Gentle Heat’s live shows. Plus, David picked some awesome records from Tom’s collection, including choice cuts from Poppies, My Bloody Valentine, and En Attendant Ana You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 213.
Sheer is out now via Flesh & Bone Records. You can purchase it on Bandcamp or on vinyl via the Flesh & Bone website. It’s also available on Spotify.
Gentle Heat will be celebrating the release of Sheer tonight at The Hideout in Chicago with Smut and Discus. Then they’ll be hitting the road for the rest of May. Don’t miss them here in New York at The Broadway on May 28th. For a full list of dates, check out the band’s Instagram.
Episode 212 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Stella, Helena, and Mikaela of New York City up and comers Hello Mary. We last spoke with the trio for a piece on the site back in December of 2020, and since then, they’ve been through some changes. They’ve graduated from the DIY recording setting to a proper studio, enlisting the services of veteran indie rock producer Bryce Goggin for their recent string of releases, which includes the captivating double single, “Stinge” b/w “Sink In.” They also embarked on their first West Coast tour, played some pretty big gigs, and added a bit of polish to their signature sound. During the interview, the band dished on all of this and more, including the circumstances that inspired one of their recent singles, “Evicted,” how Julia Cumming of Sunflower Bean has acted as a mentor to the band, and of course, what’s next for the trio. They also picked some awesome records, including some great cuts from Echo & The Bunnymen, Big Thief, and more. You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 212.
Hello Mary is playing a bunch of gigs in the Northeast this month. They’ll be supporting Sunflower Bean on May 12th at Webster Hall. On May 29th, they’ll be playing at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City with Les Savvy Fav. For a full list of tour dates, follow the band on Instagram.
You can purchase Hello Mary’s music via Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify.
Episode 211 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Zack Nestel-Patt and Tasha Abbot of the Los Angeles-based dreamgaze band No Swoon. We’re quite familiar with this talented duo from their days as a Brooklyn outfit, but last year, Nestel-Patt and Abbot made the trek westward, but not before hanging in a bit of pandemic-induced limbo. After COVID-19 canceled their March 2020 tour, the two bounced around a bit, ultimately settling in western Massachusetts to write and record their new record, Take Your Time. As an album, Take Your Time sees the band exploring more ethereal and serene sounding textures while shifting their lyrical focus to more introspective themes. Tune in to the interview to hear all about the new record, including the dream that inspired the song “Beside,” how their songwriting process has evolved since their debut, what inspired the change in their lyrical themes and sound, and much more. Plus, Zack and Tasha picked some awesome records, including choice cuts from Angel Olsen, Broadcast, and Sharon Van Etten. They also swapped stories with Tom about some real-life encounters with their indie rock heroes! You can follow along with their record picks via the official playlist for Episode 211.
Take Your Time is out now via The Nothing Song. You can purchase a copy on limited edition cassette via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.
No Swoon will be playing a month-long residency at Silver Lake Lounge every Wednesday in May. Stay tuned for more info soon!
For Episode 210 of Look At My Records!, Tom spoke with Nils, James, and Connor of Manhattan synth-pop extraordinaires VHS Collection. The veteran act has been bringing their infectious sound to rooms across the country for the better part of the last half-decade, and in February, they shared their highly anticipated second full-length, Night Drive. After finding a ton of success as an independent band, the trio signed with the Tiger Tone imprint for the release of Night Drive, teaming up with renowned producer Tony Hoffer. During the interview, the band dished on all things Night Drive, including what it was like working with Hoffer and the challenges that came with putting the record during the pandemic. Plus, they shared a bit about their origins as Phish-heads at boarding school, the concept that inspired the sound and vibe of Night Drive, what went into their decision to work with a label after being a successful independent band for so long, and much more. Plus, the trio picked some awesome records from Tom’s collection, including some choice cuts from The Police, Nas, and LCD Soundsystem. You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 210.
You can stream Night Drive on your platform of choice. Keep up with VHS Collection by following them on Instagram.
Episode 209 of Look At My Records! features an interview with New Jersey songwriter Max Feinstein. We last spoke with Feinstein on the podcast back in February of 2020, and since then, obviously, a lot has happened. In addition to a global pandemic that had profound ramifications on the day-to-day workings of his Hoboken-based studio Silverhorse Sound, a building fire in December of 2021 has left the future of the studio in its current space in question. Nevertheless, Feinstein is pushing forward. He just released his latest album, Redefine, a record that primarily explores his experiences living and coping with hemophilia and sees him expanding his already eclectic sonic palette. During the interview, Feinstein elaborated on the current situation with Silverhorse Sound, his advocacy work in the hemophilia community, the inspiration behind some of Redefine’s stand-out tracks like “Dear Anxious” and “Borderlines,” and much more. Plus, Max picked some excellent records, including some great cuts from XTC, Beulah, and Jawbox. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 209.
Redefine is out now! You can check it out on Bandcamp or your streaming platform of choice. For more information on Feinstein, including his hemophilia work, you can check out his website. Keep up with him on Instagram and Facebook.
Feinstein will be celebrating the release of Redefine on April 1st at Finnegan’s in Hoboken. Emergencies and Jaime Rosey will also be performing. You can help Silverhorse Sound recover from their fire by contributing to their Gofundme.
Episode 208 of Look At My Records! features an interview with rising songwriter Jonah Kagen. Though Kagen first picked up a guitar at the age of six, he started shifting his primary focus to music during the pandemic when his song “Broken” blew up on TikTok. That song’s success led to several other social media and streaming hits, including “Wishing You Did,” “Catching A Dream,” and “Summer Feeling,” a collaborative track with Norwegian DJ Matoma. Fast forward to 2022 and Kagen is embarking on his first-ever tour in support of English artist Masie Peters, where he’s been playing to sold-out crowds at legendary venues like Webster Hall. It’s been a wild ride for Kagen, who prior to 2020, was a dedicated Division-1 soccer player at Cornell University, with hopes of eventually going pro. Tune in to the interview to hear about how all of that changed for Kagen, including how and why he first decided to share his music via social media, how his career as an athlete has helped him as a musician, the guitar players that have influenced his distinct fingerpicking style, what it’s been like playing big rooms for his first-ever gigs, and more. Plus, Kagen picked some awesome records from my collection, including choice cuts from Michael Jackson and the Go-Go’s. You can follow along with Jonah’s picks via the official playlist for Episode 208.
Kagen is on tour with Masie Peters for the rest of March! For a full list of dates, check out his website. Keep up with Kagen by following him on Instagram and TikTok. You can stream his music on your platform of choice.
Episode 207 of Look At My Records! features an interview with T.J. Strohmer of Knifeplay. The Philadelphia-based shoegaze outfit is in the early stages of their next phase as a band, which began late last with the release of two Jeff Ziegler produced singles, “Hurt Someone” and “Ornament.” The pair of tracks are Strohmer’s first releases with a new backing band and his first working with an outside producer, and thus, offer a glimpse into the project’s huge, fully fleshed-out sound, which will be front and center on their forthcoming second full length. Listen to the interview to hear all about Strohmer’s experiences working with Ziegler, including what it was like collaborating with the renowned engineer over the course of the last year, what it was like transitioning out of the bedroom recording setting, how the band’s first live shows in two years went, and much more. Plus, Strohmer picked some awesome records, including choice cuts from Yo La Tengo, Alex G, and Lou Reed. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 207.
You can purchase Knifeplay’s music via Bandcamp. Their tunes are also available to stream on all platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.
Episode 206 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Michael Imperioli of the New York City band Zopa. We’re all familiar with Imperioli from his Emmy award-winning role as Christopher Moltesanti on HBO’s The Sopranos, but in addition to acting, Michael has a long history of playing music in New York City. His current band, Zopa, released their long-awaited debut album La Dolce Vita in 2020, but Imperioli’s roots in music reach all the way back to New York City’s bustling downtown arts scene in the 1980s. He got his start playing in a no wave band called Black Angus and after answering an ad in the Village Voice, joined an early incarnation of Feelies offshoot Wild Carnation in the early 1990s. Along the way, he’s also put on gigs at Maxwell’s in Hoboken (including one featuring Miracle Legion and Yung Wu), befriended the late Lou Reed, and played shows with Zopa in places like Portugal. Tune in to the interview to hear all about Imperioli’s fascinating music background, the circumstances surrounding Zopa’s original formation and eventual reunion, the band’s recent experiences recording with notable indie rock producer John Angello, his long collaborative relationship with director Tom Gilroy, what inspired him to incorporate Lou Reed as a character in his novel The Perfume Burned His Eyes, and way more. Plus, Imperioli picked some awesome records, including some choice cuts from L.A. Witch, My Bloody Valentine, and Pylon. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 206.
Zopa will be performing at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn next Thursday, February 17th with 2C-B. Get your tickets now! Tonight, the band is playing in Los Angeles at Zebulon with Crush and they’ll be at Kung Fu Necktie in Philly with Gladie next Friday, February 18th.
La Dolce Vita is available on vinyl via Mt. Crushmore Records and digitally via Bandcamp.
Joey Degroot and Kyle Wilkerson of Joy Cleaner returned to the podcast for Episode 205. A lot has happened for this Bloomfield-based power-pop outfit since they last appeared on the show back in 2018. They scaled down from a trio to a duo, released their second album, You’re So Jaded, back in 2019, and oh yeah, they rocked Pet Shop for the Look At My Records! 200th Episode bash back in November. More recently, the band shared a compilation entitled Spent Flowers, which collects assorted B-sides, compilation tracks, and a couple of never-before-released tunes from the band’s first five years. During the interview, Degroot and Wilkerson talked all about the new compilation, what they’ve been up to over the last two years, what’s next for Joy Cleaner, and more. Plus, they picked some awesome records from R.E.M., David Bowie, and Charly Bliss. Follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 205.
Spent Flowers is out now via Jigsaw Records. You can purchase the compilation on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. Keep up with Joy Cleaner by following them on Instagram.
2021 is done! So, Zach Romano and Tom got together to do their annual countdown of their favorite records. It was a bit of a rollercoaster year for music. We all got vaccinated, so venues opened back up and shows resumed, but things got a little complicated towards the end of the year with the Omicron variant. Nevertheless, bands and artists persisted, and released some awesome records. Tune in to hear about Zach and Tom’s favorites from Turnstile, Triptides, LAPÊCHE, Kalbells, Mannequin Pussy, and more!
Episode 203 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Duncan Troast and Nick Corso of New Orleans indie-pop duo The Convenience. The two friends and collaborators have been playing music together for the better part of the last half-decade, but The Convenience has really picked up steam over the last year with the release of their fantastic debut full-length, Accelerator, on Winspear. Originally meeting while studying music at Loyola University in New Orleans, Troast and Corso would eventually join their friend Grady Bell in his project Fishplate before meeting Ross Fabre of Video Age, joining that up and coming group during the recording of their second album, Pop Therapy. During downtime in between tours with Video Age, the two began cultivating ideas and songs for The Convenience, culminating in their groove-laced debut full length. Tune in to the interview to hear all about Troast and Corso’s first meetings during their university years, how playing in Video Age and working with Fabre has influenced The Convenience, what songs from Accelerator they’re most looking forward to playing live, and much more. Plus, Troast and Corso picked some awesome records, including some cuts from Prince, Marvin Gaye, The dB’s, and more. You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 203.
Accelerator is out now via Winspear. You can listen to it on your streaming platform of choice. You can order a copy of Accelerator on vinyl via Bandcamp. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.
Episode 202 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Brooklyn songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jordyn Blakely. Known across the city for her drumming prowess and her contributions to a number of great bands like Maneka, Sharkmuffin, and Jackal Onasis, Blakely stepped out from behind the kit this past year and went solo with the release of her debut EP as Smile Machine. The five-song collection, which is titled Bye For Now, showcases her intriguing first foray into songwriting, incorporating a decent amount of fuzz and a whole lot of feeling. Tune in to the interview to hear all about the EP, including insights from Blakely on some of its stand-out tracks. Plus, she dished on some of her recent experiences touring in Bartees Strange, the importance of Shea Stadium in fostering community in North Brooklyn, how she learned more about herself after writing her first batch of songs, and of course, what inspired her to begin writing her own songs after solely playing drums for so long. Blakely also picked some great records from my collection, including choice cuts from Cat Power, Elliot Smith, and Sonic Youth. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 202!
You can purchase Bye For Now on limited edition cassette via Exploding In Sound. The album is also available on Bandcamp and Spotify. Keep up with Smile Machine by following them on Instagram.
Episode 201 features an interview with Nick Flessa of Dayton Swim Club. The Los Angeles-based band, which is the project of Flessa, guitarist Mario Luna, and vocalist Dominique Matelson, released their debut EP Hangman in September. Drawing on themes of suburban American discontent and what Flessa describes as the “American Death Cult,” the seven songs on Hangman are devastatingly eerie and rich with dark synth textures. His lyrics tell stories of the seedier side of Americana, touching on the sinister inclinations of seemingly everyday people. Tune in to to the interview to hear how Flessa found inspiration for these songs while living next to a golf course in Palm Springs during quarantine, how Dayton Swim Club evolved into a more collaborative project, what it was like meeting John Doe of Los Angeles punk legends X, and more. Flessa also shared a bit of background about his work with Jerome Henderson, a death row inmate in Ohio that he’s corresponded with extensively. Plus, Flessa picked some awesome records, including some great ones from Pylon, John Cale, and Mary Lattimore. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 201.
Hangman is out now via Perpetual Doom. You can purchase it on limited edition cassette via Bandcamp. The album is also available to stream on Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.
Don’t miss Dayton Swim Club performing live on December 10th with Thief and Agriculture at The Goldfish in Los Angeles!
We flipped the script for Episode 200 of Look At My Records! For this edition of the podcast, Look At My Records! contributor Zach Romano hosts and goes deep with founder and host Tom Gallo. The two talked all about Look At My Records! humble beginnings, how its evolved since its inception, some of Tom’s favorite interviews over the last four years, how he started collecting records, and much more. Plus, Tom curated a playlist of the records that have shaped his life. You’ll hear some cuts from The Zombies, Pavement, Yo La Tengo, the Minutemen, and more. You can follow along with Tom’s picks via the official playlist for Episode 200! Happy 200th to Look At My Records! and a big thank you to Zach for steering the ship for this episode.
Episode 199 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Berlin-based artist, Thala. Back in September, Thala released her debut album, adolescence, on Philadelphia’s Born Losers Records. Thala’s path to releasing her debut record was relatively short, as she only started playing guitar and performing at open mics in Berlin back in 2019. However, she quickly hit her stride, garnering positive feedback from those in her community almost immediately. By allowing intuition to guide her songwriting (and with an abundance of free time during the pandemic-induced lockdown), Thala was able to write and record the ten songs on adolescence in 2020 over a short period of time, developing a gorgeous and dreamy sound that draws influence from bands like Mazzy Star and Beach House. Tune in to the interview to hear about how Thala’s experiences living in the Canary Islands inspired some of the lyrical themes on the record, how she was able to transform the singer-songwriter-esque compositions that she performed at open mics into the densely arranged songs on adolescence, what her recent first shows with a full band were like, and much more. Plus, Thala picked some awesome records from Phoebe Bridgers, Soccer Mommy, The Allah-Las, and more. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 199.
You can purchase adolescent on limited edition vinyl via Born Losers Records. You can also check out Thala’s music on both Bandcamp and Spotify. Keep up with her by following her on Instagram.
Episode 198 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Josh Malerman of Detroit power-pop band The High Strung. These prolific indie rock veterans have been active for two decades, and over the course of their storied career, they’ve released a ton of great music and toured at a frenetic pace, at times playing a whopping 250 gigs a year. Their most recent release, HannaH, takes listeners back to where it all started for the quintet, as it was originally recorded in 2002, just weeks prior to the studio sessions for their debut, These Are The Good Times. In the intervening decades, Malerman and his bandmates shelved the tapes for HannaH, but during the pandemic, a chance connection with producer Zach Shipps inspired them to dig them up and put the finishing touches on the tracks. The end product provides a glimpse of the band in its infancy and gives greater context to the work that followed it. During the interview, Malerman reflected on the recording sessions for HannaH, what exactly inspired the band to resurrect the album from their archives, what he learned about songwriting from Bob Pollard of Guided By Voices while on tour, and more. Malerman is also an accomplished horror novelist. His most notable work, Birdbox, was adapted into a Netflix film starring Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock. So, Josh dished on his writing as well, particularly, how he reconciles crafting sunny, power pop tunes as a musician with the gory, scary narratives in his books. Malerman also curated a stacked playlist of records, including choice cuts from Guided By Voices, Stereolab, and The Soft Machine. Follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 198.
HannaH is out now via Park The Van. You can order a copy on vinyl via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Dan Molad of Coco joins Tom for Episode 197 of Look At My Records! If you’re not familiar yet with Coco, get acquainted, as they just dropped one of our favorite records of the year in their self-titled debut. The project originally formed somewhat casually in 2019, when Molad met for some brief songwriting sessions with friends Maia Friedman (Dirty Projectors, Uni Ika Ai) and Oliver Hill (Pavo Pavo, Dustrider). These sessions, though short, proved to be quite fruitful, as the trio emerged with their first two songs. Over the course of the next year and a half, the band met sporadically to write and record, releasing a string of singles anonymously before revealing their identities this past summer in conjunction with their fourth single, “Knots.” Their efforts culminated with the release of their magnificent 10 song debut last week. Tune in to the interview to hear how the trio was inspired by their friend Bob Moses to initially release their music anonymously, how they developed their democratized, organic songwriting process, what you can expect from their upcoming live shows, and much more. Plus, Molad picked some awesome records from Brittany Howard, Panda Bear, and Sonny & The Sunsets. You can follow along with his pics via the official playlist for Episode 197.
You can purchase Coco’s new record via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Keep up with Coco by following them on Instagram.
Coco will be performing twice in November! Their first show is on November 12th at Zebulon in Los Angeles, followed by a date at Union Pool in Brooklyn on November 16th. Don’t miss them!
For Episode 196, Tom chatted with Joy Deyo and Brian Dishon of Long Beach, California quartet Sweet Nobody. This indie-pop outfit just released their second full-length, We’re Trying Our Best, last month. Recorded prior to the pandemic and shelved for almost two years, the album’s bright and jangly tunes are finally seeing the light of day. Though they may sound sonically pleasing in the vein of bands like Alvvays and the Go-Betweens, the album’s thematic content focuses on the struggles and challenges of life, including Deyo’s own experiences dealing with undiagnosed chronic pain. Listen to the interview to hear some insights from the band on the record’s standout tracks like “Not A Good Judge” and “Other Humans,” how Deyo balances her role as principal songwriter and producer, how Dishon and Deyo met, started collaborating, and get married, what inspired a shift to a cleaner, poppier sound when compared with their first album, and more. Plus, Dishon and Deyo picked some awesome records from The Primitives, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Yo La Tengo. Follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 196!
You can purchase We’re Trying Our Best via Bandcamp. The album is also available on Spotify. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
Episode 195 features an interview with Warren LaSota and Nick Louis of Brooklyn’s Almost Sex. Born during the early stages of the pandemic, this duo, who met on Hinge, initially began collaborating and dating remotely, before finally meeting up in person to conclude work on their first few singles. In September of 2020, LaSota and Louis released their first single, “Knockoff,” and subsequently shared another seven tracks over the course of the last year, including the groove-laced “Lie Heartfelt” and the more folk-leaning “Rest Up.” Tune in to the interview to hear all about what it was like for LaSota and Lewis to simultaneously develop a creative and romantic relationship, the inspiration behind their track “Eye To Eye,” what they remember about their first-ever meeting, and more. Plus, they picked some awesome records from Big Star, Leonard Cohen, and The Promise Ring. You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 195.
Almost Sex is performing tonight at Arlene’s Grocery! Snag your tickets here. You can stream their music on Spotify and grab some merch via their website. Keep up with Almost Sex by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 194 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Kasey Heisler, Patrick Porter, and Chayse Schutter of Brooklyn noise trio A Very Special Episode. The band just released their long-awaited first full-length, Fix Your Hearts Or Die, on Tuesday via Hidden Home Records and EWEL Records. Described by the band as a record centered on self-reflection and introspection, Fix Your Hearts Or Die sees the trio unleashing their adventurous sound with little restraint, piecing together a series of songs with noise vignettes and sonic interludes shaped by feeling. Though the band had written and performed these songs live many times prior to the pandemic, the halt in production stemming from COVID lockdown allowed them to make further tweaks to the finished product. The resulting 11 songs are a journey that ebbs and flows in intensity and morphs stylistically. Tune in to our interview to hear about how the David Lynch-inspired track “Fire Walk With Me,” was recorded last in their practice space, how they pieced together the album’s distinct sounding songs, the story behind the voicemail at the end of their song “Cowboy,” and more. The band also picked some awesome records from Jay Som, Ringo Deathstarr, and Arcade Fire. Follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 194.
You can purchase Fix Your Hearts Or Die on vinyl via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Don’t miss the Fix Your Hearts Or Die release show this Saturday, October 16th at Our Wicked Lady! Kissed By An Animal and Sorry Darling are also on the bill. Doors are at 7 pm and advance tickets are available via Eventbrite. A Very Special Episode is also playing at Berlin on November 6th with Ceremony East Coast and Cigarettes for Breakfast.
Episode 193 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Alex Dezen and Amber Bollinger of Los Angeles’ Broken Baby. The duo entered the tail end of 2021 by sharing their great sophomore full-length, Late Stage Optimism, a fiery and hard-charging record that unleashes a torrent of biting hooks and an in-your-face attitude across its 11 tracks. The band released the album on their own imprint, Poor Man Records, which is also home to some of our favorite Los Angeles bands, including Young Winona and Human Barbie. Tune in to the interview to hear how the project formed after both Dezen and Bollinger grew tired of playing music that just didn’t excite them anymore, how they decided to scrap five tracks from Late Stage Optimism during the pandemic and record new ones in their place, what you can expect from their already legendary live performances, and much more. The band also picked some awesome records from The Smiths, Polvo, and Nico. You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 193.
Late Stage Optimism is out now via Poor Man Records. You can purchase the album on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 192 of Look At My Records! features an interview with musician, actor, and podcaster Parker Wierling. The Atlanta-based multidisciplinary artist has an eclectic background, as in addition to writing his own music, he’s dabbled in acting, and last year, he launched a podcast called On That Note, where he interviews other musicians about their creative processes. Today, he dropped a brand new single called “With A Little Love,” which marks a shift in sound for Wierling from more synth-driven compositions to Beatles-esque guitar numbers. Over the summer, Wierling also traveled to Philadelphia to record a set of songs with Kevin Basko (Foxygen, Ribber Band Gun), which is scheduled for release in 2022. Listen to the interview to hear all about Wierling’s sonic evolution, how he uses his acting background and skills to create gorgeous and cinematic music videos, what he’s applied to his own songwriting processes after interviewing so many of his peers through his podcast, what he learned from recording with Basko, and much more. Plus, Parker picked some awesome records from Her’s, Toro Y Moi, and more. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 192.
“With A Little Love” is available to stream on all platforms. You can also purchase Wierling’s music via Bandcamp. Check out his website to listen to episodes of the On That Note podcast. Keep up with him by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook.
Episode 191 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Lowell Hobbs of Asheville, North Carolina-based post-punk band Tongues of Fire. The four-piece just released an ambitious EP entitled Burn My Body Clean, which takes listeners through Hobbs’ mourning process following the tragic death of his mother. As a concept EP of sorts, each of the five tracks represents a different stage of his grieving process, from the initial shock to the attempts to move forward. The music is energetic and pummeling, drawing influence from the sounds of both Steve Albini and David Yow. Listen to the interview to hear all about how the overarching concept of the EP came together for Hobbs, what the band’s first live shows since 2020 have been like, what it was like recording with Dan Dixon in his Atlanta studio, and more. Plus, Lowell picked some awesome records, including some great ones from the Pixies, Q and not U, and Mission of Burma. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 191.
Burn My Body Clean is out now via Godless America Records. You can purchase it on limited edition cassette via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 190 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Ben Hoffman and Caroline Davis of Brooklyn neo-soul outfit My Tree. The duo, who just recently rebranded from “Maitri,” released their second full-length album, Where The Grace Is, in late July. The expansive and densely textured record explores the more experimental side of R&B, soul, jazz, and funk, while simultaneously tackling a variety of social issues, including the Pulse nightclub tragedy and the murder of Ahmad Arbury. It also features some dynamite collaborations from artists like Rico Sisney. Listen to our interview to hear about how Prince influenced them to change the spelling of their name, what influenced their decision to scale down from a quartet to a duo, the sonic contrasts between their first album, After Glow, and Where The Grace Is, and much more. Plus, Ben and Caroline picked some dynamite records, including some stellar ones from Hole, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and more. You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 190.
You can purchase Where The Grace Is on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with My Tree by following them on Instagram and Twitter, and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 189 of Look At My Records features an interview with Mark Anderson and Gabe Perry of Jersey City indie rock group Sleepers Union. The quartet just released a brand new record called Numbers Station and their backstory is definitely an interesting one. Sleepers Union was originally formed by Anderson in his home country of New Zealand, but the group took on a new form when he relocated to the states a few years ago. With the permission of his Kiwi bandmates, Anderson recruited Perry (guitar, vocals), Matt Poppe (bass, vocals), and Todd Campisi (drums) for an American version of the lineup, and the quartet has been gigging steadily around New York City ever since. Listen to our interview to hear all about how the group came together, what it was like recording Numbers Station at JC Studios here in Jersey City, the story behind some of the record’s stand-out tracks like “Polish Shoes,” and more. Plus, Mark and Gabe picked some awesome records, including some choice cuts from Buddy Holly, Built to Spill, and Roxy Music. Follow along with their record picks via the official playlist for Episode 189.
Numbers Station is out now! You can purchase it on Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 188 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Matt Sklar and Federica Tassano of Brooklyn indie-pop outfit Phantom Handshakes. The story of this relatively new band is quite unique to our times. After serving as a reliable supporting cast member of several great New York City bands like The Planes and Parrot Dream, Sklar found himself with a significant amount of time on his hands during the early days of the pandemic. He began revisiting some of his own old song ideas and experimenting with new ones, recording demos at home while in isolation. In need of a vocalist, he reached out to Tassano, who is the front person of Brooklyn shoegaze outfit Sooner. She laid down some vocals immediately, and the project released their debut EP, Be Estranged, in July of last year. Sklar and Tassano kept plugging away in 2020 and early 2021, and they followed up their debut EP with their first full-length, No More Summer Songs, in April. Tune in to our interview to hear about how the two first connected, what it was like playing these songs together for the first time in person after already releasing an EP’s worth of material, Tassano’s process behind writing her darker lyrics, and much more. Plus, the duo picked some awesome records from my collection, including choice cuts from Bachelor, The Cranberries, Kyle Forester, and more! You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 188.
You can purchase No More Summer Songs on vinyl or cassette via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
For Episode 187 of Look At My Records!, Tom spoke with the prolific California-based songwriter Austin Leonard Jones. For the last decade-plus, Jones has released a string of great albums and EPs, exploring lo-fi pop, psychedelia, surf rock, and country. His songwriting journey is chronicled through his most recent release, The Wonder Years of Austin Leonard Jones Vol. 1 & 2, a double cassette retrospective that compiles some of his standout tracks from 2010 to 2018. Released via the Perpetual Doom label, the compilation showcases Jones’ evolution as a lyricist and musician, as the characters in his songs gradually take on greater depth, while his music becomes more textured and varied in style as it progresses. Tune in to our interview to hear how Jones made the move from Texas to California a few years ago, how his creative relationship with engineer/musician Will Patterson had shaped the sound of his music, what it was like recording his next album digitally after working with tape exclusively, the process behind curating a retrospective compilation, and more. Plus, Jones picked some awesome records from Tom’s collection, including choice cuts from Kevin Ayers, Bob Dylan, The Bats, and more. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 187.
You can purchase a copy of The Wonder Years of Austin Leonard Jones Vol. 1 & 2 on limited edition cassette via Perpetual Doom. You can also check out Jones’ back catalog via Bandcamp or your streaming platform of choice. Keep up with Jones by following him on Instagram, liking him on Facebook, and checking out his website.
Episode 186 marks the first in-person interview in over a year on Look At My Records! That’s right, Chris Fox of New Jersey’s Ruby Bones stopped by Tom’s apartment for a stimulating conversation over some adult beverages and Chris got to physically LOOK AT TOM’S RECORDS. Ruby Bones released their excellent second full-length, Laser Tooth Tiger, back in April on Mint 400 Records, and the two chatted about this slick and solid indie rock record. Their conversation also touched on a variety of topics, including Bruce Springsteen’s butt, the band’s change in sonic direction since their debut, Fox’s experiences coming of age as a young songwriter in the great state of New Jersey, and more. Plus, Fox picked some great records from Tom’s collection, including choice cuts from Nanami Ozone, Wilco, and Ought. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 186!
You can purchase Laser Tooth Tiger on limited edition compact disc via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
Episode 185 of Look At My Records! features an interview with multidisciplinary artist Jon Bernson. The San Francisco-based songwriter has a long and fascinating history of writing eclectic, narrative-driven songs that incorporate several other means of expression, including sound design, dance, and tableau vivant, to name a few. Berson began experimenting beyond the traditional confines of songwriting in the late 1990s as the frontman of Ray's Vast Basement, developing a multimedia approach that is frequently referred to as 'musical fiction'. He’s continued his expansive and interdisciplinary approach through other musical projects, including Exray’s and Window Twins. He’s also written plays, such as When Lighting The Voids, and is a founding member of the Howells Transmitter arts collaborative and record label. Most recently, Bernson shared a new album called Higher Lows, which was heavily inspired by Leonard Cohen's 1984 album, Various Positions. Like Cohen, Bernson recorded the album using a variety of Casio synthesizers that he accumulated over the years from thrift stores and juxtaposed darker lyrics with bright sonics. Tune in to our interview to hear about how Bernson started his first project, Ray’s Vast Basement, while living in a storage shed on the edge of the Point Reyes National Forest, how he’s transitioned between projects, what it was like recording Higher Lows while an artist in residency at The Space Program in San Francisco, and much more. Plus, Bernson picked some awesome records from my collection, including choice cuts from Purple Mountains, Public Image LTD., and The Cars. You can follow along with Jon’s picks via the official playlist for Episode 185.
You can purchase a copy of Higher Lows via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Jon by checking out his website and following him on Instagram.
For Episode 184, Zach Romano joins Tom as co-host for an interview with Brooklyn-based author Mandy Brownholtz. Brownholtz just released her debut novel, Rotten, which tells the story of a young twenty-something named Viv Taylor as she navigates the seedy underbelly of the DIY scene in Washington D.C. The plot sees Viv confronting past traumas experienced through the scene and reckons with issues of consent and millennial sexual politics, particularly in the context of tight-knit music communities.Tune in to the interview to hear about Brownholtz’s decision to self-publish the novel and what went into that process, the “Ooze” motif that follows Viv throughout the book, how her own experiences in the DIY community helped her develop the characters in Rotten, and more. Plus, Mandy picked some awesome records from Tom’s record collection from Times New Viking, Parquet Courts, Fiona Apple, and more. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 184!
The first print edition of Rotten is sold out, but you can sign up for the waitlist for the second edition. You can purchase a digital copy of the book via Brownholtz’s website. Keep up with her via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Episode 183 of Look At My Records! features an interview with John Russell of Richmond, Virginia power trio Gnawing! We chatted with the band on paper earlier this year, but since then, they’ve released their debut full-length, You Freak Me Out. It dropped last week via Refresh Records and it’s an eclectic mix of big riffs, power-pop hooks, and a bit of far-out cosmic country twang. Tune in to our interview to hear about how Russell shifted his focus from playing in heavier bands to writing the more pop-oriented music of Gnawing, what it was like recording this album with COVID restrictions in place, how Gnawing originally started as a side solo project, and eventually evolved into a full-fledged band, and much more. Plus, John picked some awesome records from my collection, including choice cuts from Fountains of Wayne, Liz Phair, and The Beths. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 183.
You Freak Me Out is out now on Refresh Records. You can purchase the album on vinyl via Bandcamp. “It’s also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and Twitter, and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 182 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Rafferty Swink of Evolfo. The band just released their long-awaited second album, Site out of Mind, on Royal Potato Family. It’s an epic 12 song collection of colorful, noodly psych-rock gems that touches on themes of spirituality and the afterlife, and was partially inspired by science-fiction concepts and one group psychedelic drug trip. This album saw Swink assume a larger role in producing the record and unlike their last record, Last of the Acid Cowboys, most of the tracking occurred in a more intimate setting, guitarist Matt Gibb’s Ditmas Park home studio. During our interview, Swink and I chatted about the band’s decade-plus history, including their shifting sonic influences and move from Boston to New York, the thematic connections between Last of the Acid Cowboys and Site out of Mind, his mindset when creating the trippy video for their song “Let Go,” and more. Plus, Swink picked some awesome records from my record collection and dropped some knowledge on John Coltrane, The Wailers, and more. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 182.
Site out of Mind is out now via Royal Potato Family. You can purchase a copy on vinyl via Bandcamp. The record is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Don’t miss the official Site out of Mind release party at TV Eye in Ridgewood, Queens on July 24th! Tickets are available now via Eventbrite!
Johnny Dynamite joins Tom for Episode 181 of Look At My Records! The Brooklyn synth-pop king just released his second solo album, Sleeveless, on Born Losers Records, and it builds off of the dark and dreamy sound of his 2020 debut, Heartbroken. Like that record, Sleeveless sees Dynamite leaning heavily into synth-driven arrangements and electronic production to create songs that tell vivid stories, both based in reality and fiction. Listen to our interview to hear about how Johnny got his stage name, Johnny Dynamite, from a comic book character that his late grandfather Pete Morisi created, the lyrical inspiration behind the album’s dramatic and theatrical first single, “Triflin’ Kids,” the recording process behind Sleeveless, and more. Plus, Johnny picked some great records from Nirvana, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and more. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 181.
You can purchase Sleeveless on limited edition red blob vinyl via Born Losers Records. You can stream the record on your platform of choice. Keep up with Dynamite by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook.
Episode 180 of Look At My Records! Features an interview with Aaron Martin and Jeremy Clark of Nashville’s Okey Dokey. Since the project’s inception back in the mid-2010s, Okey Dokey has released a string of great albums and developed a creative ethos that builds off of the principle tenet of collaboration. Over the years, their records have featured contributions from Ron Gallo, Caleb Hickman, and Desert Noises, among others. For their latest album, Once Upon One Time, they took this collaborative-centric approach even further, enlisting an array of different artists, like Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor, Dave Harrington, and members of The Shins and My Morning Jacket, to independently mix individual tracks. More recently, the band released a new EP called Leaky Sealing, which includes a remix of their song “Delicious” by the band Generationals, a raw cover of the Roger Miller classic, “Where Have All The Average People Gone,” a stripped-down version of “Wine Friends,” and two new original tracks. Tune in to our interview to hear how the band approached piecing together the tracks on Once Upon One Time and how they were able to make the record sound cohesive with so many different mixers, how their approach to songwriting has changed over time as more collaborators have gotten involved with the project, what the band has on deck for the rest of the year, and more. Plus Jeremy and Aaron picked some great records, including some bangers from Angel Olsen, Britney, Melody’s Echo Chamber, and more. You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 180.
Leaky Sealing and Once Upon One Time are both out now via Park The Van. You can purchase them via Bandcamp and stream them on your platform of choice. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Kris Anaya, Joseph Davancens, and Fernando Oliva of Sacramento California’s Best Move are my guests for Episode 179 of Look At My Records! This new Northern California trio came together in 2019 seeking a new outlet to explore different creative inclinations and inspirations. On their debut EP, Mirror Image Twins, their songs take direction from the stylings of 1960s and ’70s troubadours like Randy Newman, Van Dyke Parks, Brian Wilson, and Harry Nilsson and the “visual scoring” of indie-pop song placement in 21st-century TV shows and films. Tune in to the interview to hear all about the band’s formation, some insight on the variety of styles heard on Mirror Image Twins, how film scores have inspired their music, and more. Plus, the band picked some awesome records from my collection from Television, Prefab Sprout, Weyes Blood, and more. You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 179!
Mirror Image Twins is out now via Park The Van. You can purchase a copy via Bandcamp. The EP is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 178 of Look At My Records! features an interview with songwriter and composer Michael Zapruder. The Austin-based musician released his fourth full-length, Latecomers, in October of last year, a collection of sonically vivid tracks that delve both inward to dissect domestic intimacy and outward to examine the wasteland of modern American life. The album was a decade in the making and follows the 2010 release of Pink Thunder, a collection of free verse pop art-songs made from the poems of more than twenty contemporary American poets, including Noelle Kocot, James Tate, Bob Hicok, David Berman, D. A. Powell, and Valzhyna Mort. We talked at length about both Latecomers and Pink Thunder, plus we touched on Michael’s background, including his relationship with his two creative siblings, his time he spent in Nepal during his teenage years, why he was drawn to study music composition at a high level, his memories of recording at Tiny Telephone studios in San Francisco during the mid-to-late aughts, and more. Zapruder also gives us a little insight into what it’s like to score an opera and he picked some great records from Silver Jews, Elvis Costello, and more. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 178.
You can purchase Latecomers via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Keep up with Zapruder by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook.
Episode 177 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Chaz Costello of Salt Lake City goth-punk outfit Sculpture Club. The band just released their long-awaited sophomore full-length, Worth, last month on Funeral Party Records. The songs of the album largely came together last year, when like many of us, Costello found himself with a lot of extra time on his hands. He began revisiting demos that he put to the side and started recording new ones, eventually entering the studio with Wes Johnson at Archive Studios in Salt Lake City. Tune in to our interview to hear all about the recording experience behind Worth, which Costello describes as a bit more free-form when compared with their debut, the inspiration behind the band’s more guitar-driven sound, what the music scene is like in Salt Lake City, and more. Costello also shared some insights on his lyric writing process and hand-selected some awesome records from my collection, including choice cuts from The Cranberries, Saves The Day, The Exploding Hearts, and more! You can follow along with Chaz’s picks via the official playlist for Episode 177.
You can purchase Worth on vinyl via Bandcamp or Funeral Party Records. The album is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.
Episode 176 of Look At My Records! features an in-depth conversation with Los Angeles-based songwriter Johanna Samuels. Samuels just released her debut full-length, Excelsior!, earlier this month on Mama Bird Recording Company. The songs on the album explore many of Samuels’ personal relationships, with many tracks like “Julie” and “Sonny” named after particular people in her life, and places an emphasis on personal growth through learning from others. Recorded live to tape at Sam Evian’s Flying Cloud studio in upstate New York, the record has a very warm and intimate feel, driven by Samuel’s earnest lyricism and irresistible melodies. Tune in to our interview to hear all about how her late Grandfather inspired the title “Excelsior,” how Christine Blassey Ford’s testimony before Congress inspired the album’s excellent second single, “Nature’s Way,” what inspired her to launch a series of benefit live streams called Abolition, and much more. Plus, Johanna picked some awesome records from Yo La Tengo, Courtney Marie Andrews, Television, and more. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 176.
Excelsior is out now via Mama Bird Recording Co. You can purchase a copy on limited edition red vinyl via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Johanna by following her on Instagram and liking her on Facebook.
For Episode 175 of Look At My Records! Tom chatted with Max, Colin, River, and Trey of the Bay Area post-punk outfit Pardoner. The band just released their ferocious third full-length, Came Down Different, on one of our favorite labels, Hoboken’s Bar None Records. This interview touches on an array of topics, including the band’s proclivity for writing wry and clever lyrics, their love of Polvo and Yo La Tengo, the condensed recording sessions with Jack Shirley at Atomic Garden Studios, and much more. Plus, the band picked some awesome records from my record collection, including great ones from Bob Pollard, Meat Puppets, The Feelies, and Bay Area music legends Grass Widow! You can follow along with their picks via the official playlist for Episode 175.
Came Down Different is out now via Bar None Records. You can get it on vinyl via Bandcamp. You can also stream it on Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 174 of Look At My Records! features an interview with New York City bedroom pop artist Chloe Berry. As a songwriter, Berry has been writing music since she was seven years old, and last month, she released her long-awaited debut EP, Blueberry Jams, via Spirit Goth. It features several great previously released singles like “Breakfast” and “Something New,” and new tunes like “On My Own” and “ Most My Days.” Tune in to our interview to hear about the inspiration behind some of the EP’s standout tracks, her creative relationship with her partner Spoonuel, her insights on the direction she’s headed in with her sound, and more. Plus, Chloe picked some awesome records from the likes of Alex G, Mitski, and more! You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 174.
You can purchase Blueberry Jams on limited edition cassette via Bandcamp. The EP is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Berry by following her on Instagram and liking her on Facebook.
Episode 173 of Look At My Records features an interview with Gini Jungi of the Switzerland garage-psych outfit Annie Taylor. In the fall of last year, the band released their debut full-length, Sweet Mortality, and followed it up recently with an excellent double single “The Fool” b/w “Unspoken,” which showcases their ever-expanding experimentations with psychedelia. They’re one of my favorite recent discoveries, and if you’re a fan of bands like Bleached, L.A. Witch, and Death Valley Girls, then you’ll love their washed-out-sounding tunes. Tune in to our interview to hear about the recording process behind Sweet Mortality and how having additional time to record in a legit studio helped improve certain aspects of their sound. You’ll also hear about how Gini revisited one of the first songs she had ever written and molded it into the band’s most recent single, “Unspoken,” the inspiration behind my personal favorite song of theirs, “A Thousand Times,” what they’re most looking forward to in 2021, and much more. Plus, Gini picked some awesome records from my collection, including rippers from Death Valley Girls and MC5. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 173.
Sweet Mortality is out now via Taxi Gauche Records. You can purchase it on vinyl Bandcamp. The album, and the rest of the band’s discography, are also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook. You can also check out our review of their most recent release, “The Fool” b/w “Unspoken,” here on the site.
Episode 172 of Look At My Records features an interview with Adam Schatz of Brooklyn indie rock outfit Landlady. For this episode, Zach Romano joins Tom as co-host to catch up with the Landlady frontman, and the three chatted about the band’s awesome new record, Adam’s recent move to Vermont, and a whole lot more. During the pandemic, Schatz found several other creative outlets to fill the void that live music left. In addition to preparing for the release of the band’s new self-titled record, he also penned several essays for publications like the New York Times and Talkhouse, and created a Halloween radio play called Pumpkin. Tune in to our interview to hear about how Schatz thinks making a record compares to putting together a radio play, his future plans for Landlady’s popular annual Holiday spectacular, how he found creative outlets outside of music during quarantine, and much more. Plus, Adam picked some awesome records, including some great tunes from Renata Zeiguer and Yo La Tengo! You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 172.
You can purchase Landlady on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and Twitter and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 171 of Look At My Records! features an interview with indie folk artist Jack Symes. Symes just released his second full-length, Tompkins Park, in late March and the deeply personal record expounds on his move to New York after spending most of his life on the west coast. His story is an intriguing one, as while playing a series of gigs here in the city a couple of years ago, he met and fell in love with his partner, and thus, made the cross-country move last year. Many of the songs on the album detail his challenging early experiences in the city, but he also displays his knack for telling other kinds of stories at various points. He dissects the nuance of cult figures on “The Story of Jim Jones,” the fakeness that’s sometimes involved in party-going on “What A Wonderful Party,” and reflects on a glorious weekend away on “Illinois.” Tune in to our interview to hear some insights from Jack on his narrative-driven approach to lyric writing, what it was like collaborating with Eva. B Ross on one of the record’s standout tracks, “Wait,” the process of recording Tompkins Park early in quarantine, why the record includes a full band version of “Why, Why Not” and an acoustic version, and much more. Jack also picked some awesome records from my record collection, including some recent favorites of mine from Cut Worms and Kate Bollinger. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 171.
Tompkins Park is out now! You can stream it on your platform of choice or purchase a copy on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. Keep up with Symes by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook.
Episode 170 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Kip Berman of The Natvral. You likely know Berman as the longtime frontman of Brooklyn indie-pop sensations the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, but over the course of the last few years, Berman underwent both a personal and musical evolution, as he officially ended Pains, moved to New Jersey and started a family, and reemerged with a new musical identity in The Natvral. The songs on the project’s debut record, Tethers, represent a change in style to a more folk-oriented sound and a shift in thematic focus, as Berman gets more reflective on how the passage of time has impacted himself and those around him. Tune in to our interview to hear all about our shared love for Princeton Record Exchange and WPRB, what it was like recording the record with Andy Savours, how the changes in his life over the last half-decade have shaped his music, and much more! Plus, Kip picked some great records from my collection, including some from friends like Jeanines and Crystal Stilts. You can follow along with Kip’s picks via the official playlist for Episode 170!
Tethers is out now via Kanine Records. The album is available to stream on all platforms. You can purchase a copy on vinyl via The Natvral’s website or a digital copy via Bandcamp. If you’re based in Europe, you can order the record on limited edition pink vinyl via Dirty Bingo Records. Keep up with the project by following them on Instagram and Twitter and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 169 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Diane Jean, the front person of Burlington, Vermont indie rock outfit Clever Girls. After a whirlwind 2020 that started with the theft of a significant amount of the band’s gear and the cancellation of several tour dates due to the pandemic, the quartet is looking to move forward in a big way in 2021 with the release of their incredible sophomore album, Constellations, which is out now via Egghunt Records. The follow up to their strong debut, “Luck,” sees Jean dissecting the myriad of feelings that accompany the process of coming out as nonbinary while simultaneously forging a new, amorphous sonic identity. Tune in to our interview to hear how the band rebounded after the challenging circumstances of early 2020, their special relationship with recording engineer Chaimes Parker, the inspiration behind several of the standout tracks on Constellations like “Stonewall” and Saturn,” and more. Plus, you’ll hear us talk about some awesome records from Beck, The Cranberries, Britney, and more. You can follow along with DJ’s record picks via the official playlist for Episode 169.
You can purchase Constellations on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 168 features an interview with Glenn Brigman of Los Angeles-based psych-pop outfit Triptides. The veteran group just dropped their latest record late last month, a shimmering and trippy psych-pop masterpiece called Alter Echoes. As their eight full length, the album represents a bit of a turning point for the band, as it’s their first since scaling down from a four-piece to a power trio. The band also tracked it at Hollywood’s Boulevard Studios, a different setting when compared with their previous releases, which were mostly recorded at home on Tascam tape machines. Tune into our interview to hear Glenn talk about the experience recording Alter Echoes at Boulevard Studios, his memories of the band’s early days in Bloomington, Indiana, how he’s constantly writing new songs, and much more. Glenn also picked some awesome records from my collection, and we chatted about our mutual love of bands like Stereolab, Guided By Voices, and The Cleaners From Venus! You can follow along with Glenn’s record picks via the official playlist for Episode 168.
You can purchase Alter Echoes on limited edition vinyl via Alive Records. The album is also available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook. Check out our review of Alter Echoes in this week’s Album Spotlight.
Episode 167 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Max Bien-Kahn of Max and the Martians. The New Orleans-based project just released their sophomore full-length, All The Same, on Perpetual Doom. The incredible album sees Bien-Kahn sharpening his sound and colorfully blending folk and country with nice touches of 60s rock and psychedelic jangle. Tune in to our interview to hear about how he worked his way to New Orleans from the west coast, his work performing with traditional jazz street band Tuba Skinny, how his collaborative relationship with Ross Farbe shaped the sound of All The Same, and much more. Plus, we talked about our late discovery of Neil Young’s On The Beach, our mutual love for Video Age’s first record, and that time his band opened up for King Khan in Oregon! You can follow along with all of Max’s record picks via the official playlist for Episode 167!
All The Same is out now via Perpetual Doom. You can purchase a copy on limited edition white vinyl via Bandcamp. It’s also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Max by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook.
Episode 166 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Brooklyn indie-folk artist Juliet Quick. Earlier this month, she released her latest EP, Glass Years on Substitute Scene Records. Across its five songs, Quick strings together dense arrangements and peers both inward and gazes outward to analyze impending global catastrophe, self-doubt, the impact of gendered emotional labor in relationships, and more. Tune in to hear all about Glass Years, including how it compares to her last release, the more conceptual Changelings, what it was like working with producer Rick Spataro, the inspiration behind several of the tracks, the relationship between glass and time that she explores at several points on the EP, and more. Plus, Juliet tells us about her background as an opera singer and how she originally started writing songs on a ukulele. She also picked some excellent records, including one from her friends and label mates, Verdigrls, Kate Bush, and Lomelda. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 166!
You can purchase Glass Years via Bandcamp. The EP is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Keep up with Juliet by liking her on Facebook and following her on Instagram.
Episode 165 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Philadelphia-based musician Ron Gallo. The songwriter has had quite a crazy few years. He navigated the complicated spousal visa process to get his now wife and musical collaborator, Chiara D’Anzieri, over to the states from Italy, and the two finally married in early 2020. Subsequently, a massive tornado plowed through Nashville, where he was living at the time, and of course, the pandemic turned the music world upside down. During this time, Gallo launched Really Nice, which acts as an umbrella for several projects, including live-streamed gigs and a clothing line. Additionally, he finished work on his most recent LP, PEACEMEAL, which dropped last week via New West Records. During our interview, we touched on all of this and more. Give it a listen to hear how Gallo’s creative relationship with his wife Chiara blossomed, his mindset when writing and recording PEACEMEAL during a period of self-isolation, why he decided to re-record and re-release “All The Punks Are Domesticated” as the album’s final track, how his sound and outlook has progressed since to release of 2017’s Heavy Meta, and much more. Oh, and of course, we got into our shared surname and our strikingly similar Italian-American backgrounds. Maybe we’re related?!? The jury is still out. You can follow along with Gallo’s record picks via the official playlist for Episode 165.
You can order PEACEMEAL on limited edition green vinyl via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Gallo by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook. You can also check out our review of PEACEMEAL here on the site.
Episode 164 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Brooklyn-based songwriter Cassandra Jenkins. Last month, Jenkins released her latest full-length, An Overview On Phenomenal Nature, a gorgeous, diaristic record that’s sure to land at or near the top of many year-end lists. For the album, Jenkins embraced a new approach to writing and recording, entering the studio with “ideas rather than full songs,” for a fruitful week-long session with producer Josh Kaufman. The record documents many of her experiences during the last few months of 2019, after the unfortunate passing of David Berman led to the cancellation of his Purple Mountains tour. That summer, Jenkins was tapped at the last minute to be a part of Berman’s backing band, and she spent several days rehearsing with him in preparation for the tour. She expounds on the process of grieving that loss at several points on the record and during our interview, we talk about the impact that her interactions with Berman had on her as a person and a songwriter. Plus, we chatted about how a baby was born to her song “Hard Drive,” how Craig Finn of the Hold Steady has served as her mentor, the experiences that inspired the instrumental track, “The Ramble,” her collage-like process to lyric writing, and much more. Cassandra even goes through some of her iPhone notes from 2019 to give us a glimpse into her lyric writing process and tells us a few great stories about touring with Eleanor Friedberger. You can follow along with Cassandra’s record picks via the official playlist for Episode 164!
An Overview on Phenomenal Nature is out now via Ba Da Bing. You can purchase it on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. Keep up with Cassandra via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Episode 163 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Brooklyn electronic pop outfit Psymon Spine. Deanna Dilandro joins Tom as co-host to chat with the band about their colorful and vibrant new record, Charismatic Megafauna, which dropped last week via Northern Spy Records. The fiercely danceable album centers on themes of change and separation, and can even be characterized as a breakup album, as the lyrics delve into both the personal and musical new beginnings that all members faced over the last few years. Tune in to hear how members Sabine Holler and Noah Prebish met while playing in Barrie, how Charismatic Megafauna accidentally became a breakup record, what it was like working with Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT, and much more. Plus, the band picked some great records from my collection, including a rare Bjork 12-inch single and the recently re-discovered Disco Jazz by Rupa. Follow along with the band’s record picks with the official playlist for Episode 163!
Charismatic Megafauna is out now via Northern Spy Records! You can purchase it on limited edition pink vinyl via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Twitter and Instagram, and liking them on Facebook.
Psymon Spine will be performing a special live stream set tonight (2/25) at 8 pm EST on Baby TV. Don’t miss it! Hypoluxo and Dream Chamber are also on the bill.
For Episode 162 of Look At My Records!, Deanna Dilandro joins Tom as co-host for a chat with Philadelphia musician Dante Robinson. Robinson, who is a member of the group Vague Advice, got his solo career underway in 2020 with the release of two singles and an EP entitled On A Hotel Bed You Paid For.The EP hones in on a dense indie-folk sound with contemplative lyrics that blend Robinson’s real-life experiences and emotions with elements of fiction. Tune in to our interview to hear about the recording process of the EP, what it was like working with his backing back, the It’s Lit Band,” what inspired all of the tracks lyrically, and how Dante’s been spending his time recently. Plus, Dante picked some great records, and we really had a great discussion about what a great lyricist Courtney Barnett is and the influence that Bright Eyes has had on his work. Follow along with Dante’s record picks with the official playlist for Episode 162!
You can purchase On A Hotel Bed You Paid For via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Dante by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook.
Episode 161 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Ashley and Johanna of Brooklyn’s Groupie. The band has made waves over the last few years thanks to their high energy live performances and tireless work ethic, and late last month, they released their excellent debut album, Ephemeral. The record showcases the group’s evolution in both sound and themes, as the songs turn inward to dissect personal experiences and lean into more shoegaze and post-punk textures. Listen to our interview to hear all about the band’s beginnings (which started with a Craig’s List ad), the reckoning with their rock idols that they undertake on “Thick As Glue,” how Ashley came up with the idea to incorporate lyrics written by her mom on “Daleko,” the fate-like way that the final track “No Hands” came together, and much more. This episode features records from Hole, Sleater Kinney, Parquet Courts, Buzzcocks, Priests, Cocteau Twins, and Death Valley Girls! Follow along with their record picks with the official playlist for Episode 161!
Ephemeral is out now! You can order a copy on limited edition purple fruit punch vinyl or cassette via Bandcamp. You can also stream the record on Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
For Episode 160 of Look At My Records!, Los Angeles based musician Kaz Mirblouk joins Tom for an extensive conversation about his brand new album, Carless By Contrast. Coming almost five years after his debut solo effort, the record represents a big coming of age moment for Mirblouk, both personally and musically. On the record, he explores several different genres, like psychedelia, shoegaze, and post-punk, while simultaneously confronting issues of identity and personal growth in the lyrics. During the interview, the two chatted about the identity-centric themes on Carless By Contrast, the more relaxed approach to recording it that allowed Mirblouk more freedom to experiment, what his experiences touring with bands like Numb.er and Hoveriii taught him about being a musician, and much more. This episode features records from Jay Som, Sonic Youth, Fontaines D.C., Deerhunter, and Weyes Blood. Follow along with Kaz’s record picks with the official playlist for Episode 160!
Careless by Contrast is available on limited edition Golden Daze vinyl via Mock Records. You can purchase a copy via Bandcamp. Stream it on Spotify or Apple Music. Keep up with Mirclouk by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook.
Brooklyn’s The Big Net joins Tom for Episode 159 of Look At My Records! Their brand new record, In The Service of Song, dropped earlier this month via Marbled Arm. The album’s title serves as a guiding principle for the writing and recording process behind the songs on the record, as the trio of Kevin Copeland, Andrew Emge, and Logan Miley, focused on “not adding any instruments or sounds that were unnecessary,” instead providing only what the songs absolutely needed. Recorded live to tape over the course of two days with minimal overdubs at Copeland’s childhood home, the deeply personal record resonates through its diaristic lyrics and hauntingly sparse instrumentation. During our interview, we chatted about the project’s origins, the experience of recording in Copeland’s childhood home in Connecticut, the meaning behind the phrase “In The Service of Song” and much more. This episode features records from Broken Social Scene, The Everly Brothers, Eric B. & Rakim, Adrianne Lenker, and The Beach Boys. Follow along with the band’s record picks via the official Spotify playlist for Episode 159!
In The Service of Song is out now via Marbled Arm. You can purchase a copy on limited edition Cyan Blue Marbled vinyl via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 158 of Look At My Records features an interview with Philadelphia indie-rock quintet Goings. This emo and math rock-influenced group got their start in drummer Chris Kearney’s grandmother’s dance studio while it was vacant in the winter of 2017, and they emerged with a batch of rhythmic, toe-tapping tunes that make up their debut, “It’s For You.” Released this past November on Know Hope Records, the album mixes vibrant synths with quirky beats and flowing rhythms for a sound that recalls bands like Motion City Soundtrack and The Dismemberment Plan. Tune in to hear all about the band’s early practices in the aforementioned dance studio, their highly collaborative songwriting process, how they’ve been spending their time lately, and a whole lot more. This episode features records from Donovan, The Zombies, Destroyer, The Dismemberment Plan, Crumb, and Cymbals Eat Guitar. Follow along with the band’s record pick through the official playlist for Episode 158!
You can purchase a copy of It’s For You on vinyl via Know Hope Records. The album is also available on Bandcamp and Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
You can purchase a copy of It’s For You on vinyl via Know Hope Records. The album is also available on Bandcamp and Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 157 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Chris Rosi of the Los Angeles-based indie pop outfit Smokescreens. In 2020, the band released their third album, A Strange Dream, and it impressed many, including Tom, who named it his favorite record of the year. Like their first two full-lengths, the band continues to wear their Kiwi influences on their sleeve, but on A Strange Dream, they focused on sharpening their sound and expanding their dynamic guitar interplay. The band also recruited New Zealand music legend David Kilgour to produce the album, recording it over the course of a week just outside of Los Angeles in picturesque Topanga Canyon. Tune in to hear all about the recording process behind A Strange Dream, what it was like hanging out and working with Kilgour, Rosi’s background playing music in Southern California, and more! This episode features records from Pylon, The Go-Betweens, The Feelies, and David Kilgour. You can follow along with Chris’ record picks via the Spotify playlist for Episode 157!
Episode 156 of Look At My Records! Features an interview with Los Angeles-based songwriter Ryan Pollie. Well known for the warm Laurel Canyon inspired folk music heard on his 2019 self-titled album and his two releases under the moniker Los Angeles Police Department, Pollie ended 2020 by dipping his toes into ambient music. In late December, he released an enchanting, meditative audiovisual album called Museum At The End Of Time via Perpetual Doom. The project was developed by Pollie in conjunction with video synthesis artists Nichole & Paul Pichon with the intention of alleviating anxiety through an audiovisual trance state, and was originally conceived by Pollie while toying with concepts of unguided, self-induced audial and visual hypnosis. Tune in to hear all about how Ryan first got into meditation, what drove him to shift gears and write an ambient record, the collaborative process behind making an audio-visual work, and much more. We even chatted about hockey and Ryan filled us in on the first-ever Highland Park Folk Festival, which happened right before the pandemic hit! Here’s to hoping the second edition happens in 2021! This episode features records from the Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Animal Collective, and more! Follow along with the Spotify playlist for Episode 156!
You can purchase Museum At The End Of Time on limited edition cassette via Perpetual Doom. You can also check out the rest of Ryan’s excellent discography on Bandcamp or Spotify. Keep up with Ryan by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook. Stream the accompanying visual piece to Museum At The End Of Time below!
2020 is just about done! So, as is tradition on the Look At My Records! podcast, Zach Romano and Tom had an in-depth chat about their favorite records of the year. 2020 was a hellish year for musicians and non-musicians alike, but in spite of the challenging circumstances, artists from all over the world released some absolutely incredible records! In this episode, you’ll hear tunes from Laveda, Alex Nicol, Worthitpurchase, Hypoluxo, Nation of Language, Winter, Fleet Foxes, Smokescreens, Empty Country, Harry The Nightgown, Drew Citron, Destroyer, Adrianne Lenker, Protomartyr, Holy Wave, Fontaines D.C., En Attendant Ana, Phoebe Bridgers, and Habibi! Who landed where? Tune in to find out!
Episode 154 of Look At My Records features an interview with Brooklyn musician Drew Citron! For this episode, Deanna Dilandro joins Tom as co-host for an extensive chat with Drew on the heels of the release of her debut solo effort, Free Now. Over the last decade and change, Drew has remained a constant force in the New York City music scene, fronting the critically acclaimed Beverly, playing bass in the post-punk quartet Public Practice, and as a touring member of both The Pains of Being Pure At Heart and Frankie Rose & The Outs. On Free Now, Citron begins a new chapter in her musical story, as she turns the page on Beverly and plots a new course forward by experimenting with a more intimate, folk-pop inspired sound. During our interview, we chatted about her formative musical experiences in both her hometown of San Francisco and her adopted home of New York City, what it was like writing Free Now on the Northern Coast of California, how she adapted to life under quarantine, and a whole lot more.
Free Now is available on limited edition vinyl via Park The Van. You can purchase a copy on Bandcamp. You can also stream the record on your platform of choice. Keep up with Drew by following her on Instagram and liking her on Facebook.
Episode 153 features an interview with Gray Tolhurst and Jérémie Rüest of the San Francisco post-punk trio, Topographies. Zach Romano joins Tom as co-host for this edition of the podcast, and the two chatted with Gray and Jérémie about the band’s powerful brand new record, Ideal Form, which dropped earlier this month on Funeral Party Records. They’ve also had a pretty productive 2020 despite the circumstances, releasing two EPs earlier this year. Tune in to hear all about how the band adapted and modified their sound after losing their drummer, Tolhurst’s approach to lyric writing, what it was like collaborating remotely to write and record their quarantine EP, Not My Loneliness, But Ours, and much more. This episode features records from Ovlov, Galaxie 500, Fripp & Eno, DIIV, and Cocteau Twins.
You can purchase Ideal Form, along with the rest of the band’s discography, via Bandcamp. Vinyl copies of Ideal Form are currently sold out, but a repress is in the works. You can also stream their music on all platforms, including Spotify. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
Episode 152 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Los Angeles based musician Kacey Johansing. Kacey just released her absolutely stunning fourth record, No Better Time, late last month. It’s a gorgeously lush collection folk songs that explore learning to accept love in your life.
Tune in to hear Kacey’s take on some of the record’s stand out tracks like “Even A Lot Feels Like Nothing” and “Let Me Walk Right In.” Plus, we chatted about how the experience making her 2017 album The Hiding compared to No Better Time, her early experiences playing music, how her surroundings have shaped her songwriting, working with her partner Tim Ramsey, her label Night Bloom Records, and much more. This episode features records from Chris Cohen, Prefab Sprout, Big Star, Pure Bathing Culture, and Jessica Pratt.
You can purchase No Better Time on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. It’s also available on all streaming platforms.
Keep up with Kacey by following her on Instagram and liking her on Facebook.
Tune in to hear Kacey’s take on some of the record’s stand out tracks like “Even A Lot Feels Like Nothing” and “Let Me Walk Right In.” Plus, we chatted about how the experience making her 2017 album The Hiding compared to No Better Time, her early experiences playing music, how her surroundings have shaped her songwriting, working with her partner Tim Ramsey, her label Night Bloom Records, and much more. This episode features records from Chris Cohen, Prefab Sprout, Big Star, Pure Bathing Culture, and Jessica Pratt.
You can purchase No Better Time on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. It’s also available on all streaming platforms.
Keep up with Kacey by following her on Instagram and liking her on Facebook.
Episode 151 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Will Marsh of the Richmond, Virginia-based indie rock outfit Gold Connections. Earlier this month, Marsh released Ammunition, his third EP as Gold Connections. The five-song collection channels a ton of classic indie rock influences such as Pavement and Yo La Tengo for a sound that Marsh describes as “arena rock for the underground.” Tune in to hear about Marsh’s college years at William & Mary, his early collaborations with Will Toledo of Car Seat Headrest, his thought process behind the sequencing of the EP, the EP’s coming of age themes, and much more.
You can purchase Ammunition on limited edition cassette via Bandcamp. You can also listen to the EP on your streaming platform of choice, including Spotify.
Keep up with Gold Connections by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 150 of Look At My Records! features an interview with New Zealand indie rock legends The Bats. As the band nears their 40th anniversary, they show no signs of slowing down. They just released their tenth full length, Foothills, on Flying Nun Records. The album, which was recorded entirely in the Canterbury foothills of the Southern Alps of Aotearoa, continues the band’s trend of songs that are reflective and tranquil while still maintaining their signature jangly guitar-driven sound. Tune in to hear all about their early days flatting together in Christchurch, memories of their first gigs in the States, the evolution of their sound throughout the years, and what it was like recording Foothills in a small cabin in the countryside.
You can purchase Foothills on vinyl or compact disc via Bandcamp. You can also purchase it via the Flying Nun website or via Omnian Music Group here in the States. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
Episode 149 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Los Angeles-based songwriter Leila Sunier. Sunier has kept busy during this pandemic-stricken year, releasing two EPs, If Only to Bleed Out the White Noise and Where Everything Is Perfect, the latter of which dropped last month. Listen to the interview to hear all about how she settled out west, the overarching themes of each EP, how her work as a visual artist influences her songwriting, what it was like working with producer Alex Newport, and more. This episode features records from Fiona Apple, Angel Olsen, The Decemberists, and Lucy Dacus.
You can purchase Leila’s music via Bandcamp! It’s also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with her by liking her on Facebook and following her on Instagram.
Episode 148 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Lina and Richey of Songs For Sabotage. The goth-pop duo recently fled NYC for sunny Los Angeles AND they released their debut album, Night of Joy, last month. Tune in to hear how the duo met at the Williamsburg bar Night of Joy, the recording of their debut, how they approach songwriting, and more. This episode features records from Prince, Lykke Li, New Radicals, XTC, and The Cranberries.
You can purchase Night of Joy via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Songs For Sabotage by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
Episode 147 features an interview with Quebec songwriter Gus Englehorn and his partner/drummer Estée Preda. Earlier this year, Gus released his debut album, Death & Transfiguration, a captivating record that’s characterized by Engelhorn’s surreal lyrical style and off-kilter vocal delivery. During our interview, we talked about some of the experiences that informed the songs on the record, how Gus transitioned from being a professional snowboarder to a musician, the process behind making the video for his song “Collbarbone,” and more. This episode features records from Elvis Costello, Buddy Holly, Beat Happening, Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, and The Velvet Underground & Nico!
You can purchase Death & Transfiguration on vinyl via Bandcamp. It’s also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Check out Gus on Instagram and Facebook!
Episode 146 of Look At My Records! features an interview with the Bay Area alt-country quintet Half Stack. The band just released their second full length, Wings of Love, late last month on Forged Artifacts. The record was primarily written by frontperson Peter Kegler on a sprawling ranch outside the Half Moon Bay and recorded down in Los Angeles with Greg Hartunian. Tune in to hear about the band’s origins at UC-Santa Cruz, how the new record came together, their affinity for the great David Berman, and much more! This episode features records from Heavenly, Silver Jews, Bob Dylan, the Beach Boys, and Jay Som.
You can purchase Wings of Love on vinyl via Bandcamp. The record is out now via Forged Artifacts and Breakfast Records. Keep up with Half Stack by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Episode 145 of Look At My Records! features a chat with Josh and Matt of New Jersey’s Where Is My Spaceship? The duo just dropped a brand new record called Can’t Lose, a thrashing and intense 14-song collection. Tune in to hear all about the origins of this project back in the late aughts, the recording process behind Can’t Lose, and much more. This episode features records from Purple Mountains, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello, Big Thief, Julien Baker, and The Flaming Lips.
You can purchase Can’t Lose via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
Episode 144 features an interview with Omar and Nicole of Worthitpurchase. The Bay Area duo just released their debut album, Dizzy Age, last week, and if you’re a fan of warm, arresting analog pop, then you’ll love their expansive sound. During the interview, we talked about how the two met on SoundCloud back in 2015, recording Dizzy Age during the twilight hours at Tiny Telephone Studio in San Francisco, and the lyrical inspiration behind some of the record’s stand out tracks, including the second single “Prospect Heights.” This episode features records from Spirit of the Beehive, Animal Collective, Silver Jews, and Aldous Harding.
You can purchase a special limited edition 7-inch lathe cut vinyl of Dizzy Age via Bandcamp. The disc contains four songs from the record. You can also stream the album on your platform of choice, including Spotify. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
Tom welcomed Shred Flintstone back to the program for Episode 143 of Look At My Records! A lot has changed for this trio since their first appearance in Episode 42. Since that time, they’ve released two albums, and just last month, they dropped their latest EP, Shred’s Dead. The new EP represents a step in a new, more psychedelic direction for the band, as it features a ton of face-melting riffs. Tune in to hear about how the band recorded the EP live in Joey’s basement, how the break from touring helped them focus on writing new songs, how their sound has evolved over the last few years, and more. This episode features records from The Gories, Buzzcocks, The Bats, Ramones, and Thee Oh Sees.
You can purchase Shred’s Dead on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. Stream the EP on Spotify. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
In Episode 142 of Look At My Records!, Tom chatted with Patrick and Chase of Austin power trio Chill Russell. The band just dropped a new EP late last month called Soak Up The Sound and it bottles up a ton of furious energy and mammoth riffs. Tune in to hear about their experience working with veteran producer Chris “Frenchie” Smith at his Austin studio The Bubble, the inspiration behind the title, their involvement with the NYC label Green Witch Recordings, and a whole lot more! This episode features records by New Radicals, Bon Dylan, Father John Misty, Spoon, and Tame Impala.
Soak Up The Sound is available on Bandcamp and all streaming platforms. You can pre-order the album on vinyl via Green Witch Recordings. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
Tom chatted with Alex Nicol for Episode 141 of Look At My Records! The Montreal-based folk songwriter released his debut album, All For Nada, back in March and had plans to hit the road with The House of Love, but we all know how that story ended. Instead, Alex has been keeping busy writing new songs and spending time in the studio recording his next record. While you wait for his next batch of tunes, listen to our interview to hear all about the inspiration behind All For Nada, the story behind the recording process, his special creative relationship with his partner Nada, and a whole lot more. This episode features records from U.S. Girls, Neil Young, Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson, and his fellow Quebecers Corridor.
Alex is playing a gig on September 24th at Le Clubhouse Rialto as part of the Pop Montreal Internationals Festival! Doors at 1:15 pm and Alex performs at 1:30 pm. Tickets are available via the Pop Montreal website!
You can purchase All For Nada via Bandcamp. The album is also available to stream on Spotify. Keep up with Alex by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook.
Episode 140 features an interview with central New Jersey garage-punk quartet Cheyenne Dan. The band just dropped their latest single, “Butterflies,” last month, and have plans to release a full EP before this horrible year comes to its merciful end. Tune in to hear about their formation at The College of New Jersey, the writer’s block that frontman Jonah faced before writing their song “Happy Days,” the state of their scene in central NJ, and what they miss most about playing live. This episode features records from Spirit of the Beehive, Gang of Four, and The Rolling Stones!
You can purchase all of Cheyenne Dan’s music via Bandcamp. You can also listen to it on your streaming platform of choice. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram!
In Episode 139 of Look At My Records! Tom and co-host Zach Romano chatted with Wesley Bunch of the Philadelphia dream-pop band Suburban Living. The band just released their excellent third album, How To Be Human, on Egghunt Records, but the road to get there was full of challenges. In 2018, Bunch’s home caught fire on New Year’s Eve, leaving their third album in a bit of a limbo period. The band rebounded and were about to hit the road in 2020, until COVID-19 hit, canceling their tour and delaying the release of the record until August. The record was well worth the wait, though, as the songs are gorgeous and dreamy with towering synths, celestial guitars, and an awesome sax solo on “Indigo Kids.”
In our interview, we talked about the challenges Suburban Living faced leading up to the release of How To Be Human, Wesley’s experiences touring with the legendary shoegaze band Swirlies, their new approach to recording, and a whole lot more. This episode features records from Hole, Buzzcocks, La Sera, Swirlies, and No Joy.
How to Be Human is available on limited edition green vinyl at select independent record stores and on standard black vinyl via Egghunt Records. You can also stream it on your favorite platform. Keep up with Suburban Living by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
Episode 138 of Look At My Records! features an interview with indie music legend John Vanderslice. John is well known for his work engineering records for bands like Spoon, Death Cab For Cutie, and Sleater-Kinney at his all-analog studio Tiny Telephone in San Francisco. After almost two decades, the studio closed its San Francisco location and John moved south to Los Angeles, where he opened his own backyard studio called Grandma’s Couch.
In addition to his engineering work, John has recorded and released about a dozen records of his own material - all on analog equipment. The pandemic imposed lockdown finally forced John to experiment with digital recording software like Ableton. The end result is his latest release, eeeeeeep, his first batch of songs recorded entirely through digital means. It’s an excellent EP! Tune in to hear about John’s experience recording the EP on a computer, how he uses his digital studio as an instrument, his favorite memories from Tiny Telephone San Francisco, his relationship with David Berman, and a whole lot more! This episode features records from Spirit of the Beehive, Porches, Lomelda, Robyn Hitchcock, and Eleanor Friedberger!
Stream eeeeeeep on your platform of choice. You can also purchase it via Bandcamp. Check out John’s website and keep up with him by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook.
Episode 137 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Theo and Heather of Michigan trip-hop outfit Monroe Moon. The band recently released their second EP Joy, a three-song trip packed with hammering beats and spacious synths. Tune in to hear how the project started, the process behind writing and recording their latest EP Joy, their usage of deep cannabis meditation for creative inspiration, and their plans for the rest of 2020. This episode features records from The Smiths, Primal Scream, Widowspeak, Cocteau Twins, and Kate Bush!
You can purchase Joy on limited edition vinyl via Green Witch Recordings. Monroe Moon’s music is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
For Episode 136 of Look At My Records!, I was very excited to chat with the Bay Area duo Harry The Nightgown. The duo of Sami Perez (The She’s, Cherry Glazer) and Spencer Hartling just released their self-titled debut last week, and it’s a beautiful amalgamation of art-rock and maximalist experimental pop. Hartling and Perez recorded the album over the last year and a half at Tiny Telephone Studios in San Francisco, where they both also work as recording engineers. Tune in to hear how most of the songs came together while they were tinkering around in the studio, the lessons they learned from working at Tiny Telephone, the pros and cons of recording the album in a setting that they’re very familiar with, how their creative styles complement each other, and a whole lot more! We also geeked out over XTC and spun some additional records from Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Mantles, and Palberta.
You can purchase Harry The Nightgown’s debut album on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. A cassette edition of the record is also available via Topshelf Records. Stream the album on your platform of choice! Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.
Episode 135 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Sam Radseresht of Glassio. The Queens-based electronic-pop project has been releasing infectious tunes for the last half-decade, and scaled down from a two-piece to a solo project a few years back. Late last month, Glassio released their first-ever full-length, For The Very Last Time, a concept record based around “growth and rebirth of someone’s character out of a dark space.” Tune in to our interview to hear all about how folk music influenced Sam’s storytelling-focused lyrical style, the introspective and personal themes on For The Very Last Time, the evolution of Glassio’s sound, and more! This episode features some excellent records from XTC, Lou Reed, Camera Obscura, and pronoun.
You can purchase For The Very Last Time via Bandcamp. All proceeds from sales of the album benefit the Black Mental Health Alliance.
Keep up with Glassio on Facebook and Instagram.
I was super stoked to chat with the wonderful Radical Dads for Episode 134 of Look At My Records! This trio tore up Brooklyn in the 2010s - releasing three great albums and melting faces all over the place! Since the release of their 2015 album, Universal Coolers, they did some adult things like having kids (making them actual Radical Dads) and moving to different parts of the world. Guitarists Chris and Lindsay now live in Sweden and drummer Robbie lives in Santa Cruz, California, but they didn’t let the distance stop them from putting out their fourth album, Paved Mountain, last month! In our interview, we talked about how the band pieced together the songs on Paved Mountain, Lindsay’s obsession with Herman Melville, Chris’ NJ power-pop pedigree, and a whole lot more! This episode features records from The Stroppies, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Silver Jews, Eleanor Friedberger, Times New Viking, and The Smithereens!
Get your copy of Paved Mountain on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. There, you’ll also find a TON of awesome merch! You can also stream it on your favorite streaming platform, including Spotify. Keep up with Radical Dads by liking them on Facebook and following them on both Instagram and Twitter.
Episode 133 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Marc LeFebvre of the New York City-based label Green Witch Recordings! The label has been active in 2020 despite the pandemic, releasing two compilations, the excellent debut EP from Teen Idle, an EP from Marc’s project Mothra Stewart, and more. In addition, Green Witch has several more releases scheduled for later this year from Lauren Lakis, Monroe Moon, and more! Tune in to hear Marc dish on his background playing music in bands like Chill Russell in Austin, TX, his experiences working in the music industry, and the story behind the formation of Green Witch Recordings. Plus, you’ll hear tunes from a slew of great artists from the label, including Teen Idle, Lauren Lakis, Mothra Stewart, Holsky, These People, and Chill Russell. This episode features records from Soccer Mommy, The Beach Boys, Mac Demarco, King Crimson, and Japandroids.
Check out the Green Witch website to order and/or pre-order releases from their catalog. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram.
Episode 132 of Look At My Records features an interview with Jenn and Dan of the Los Angeles-based dream pop duo, The Know! The real-life married couple started the project after recording an ethereal sounding version of “Jingle Bell Rock.” After their rendition of the holiday classic received a warm reception, they started writing their own tunes and recently released their debut EP, Wearetheknow. Tune in to hear about how the couple met in the Los Angeles music scene back in 2009, their writing and recording process, and the inspiration behind their personal, narrative-driven lyrics. Plus, we delve into the EP track by track and the process behind making their awesome music videos. And of course, you’ll hear their great record selections!
You can purchase Wearetheknow via Bandcamp. The EP is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. You can also purchase it on limited edition compact disc via Shoredive Records. Keep up with The Know by following them on Twitter and Instagram. Like them on Facebook!
Episode 131 features an interview with Jake Brooks and Ali Genevich of the super talented shoegaze duo, Laveda. Their incredible new record, What Happens After, dropped in late May and it’s a sonic rollercoaster of swirling guitar fuzz, serene melodies, and lyrics that confront our uncertain future. Tune in to hear all about the duo’s origins in their hometown of Saratoga Springs, the inspiration behind the album’s apocalyptic themes, and how they developed their signature sprawling sound. You’ll also hear about their backgrounds as classical musicians and how that has influenced their approach to songwriting. This episode features records from Beach House, Shady Bug, King Krule, Thee Oh Sees, Alex G, and Sonic Youth! Zach Romano, who wrote a great in-depth review of What Happens After, also joined in with some questions for the band in this episode!
You can purchase What Happens After on limited edition vinyl on Bandcamp via Color Station. You can also listen to the album on your streaming platform of choice. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram. They’ll be releasing a music video for their song “Better Now” in the near future.
Episode 130 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Zach Koenig of Gawn. The project, which started in 2018, will be releasing their debut album Thee Essence Ov Everything this August. Tune in to hear all about the forthcoming record, Zach’s experiences playing in a variety of different bands during his youth in New Jersey, the evolution of his songwriting from the fuzz-out psych of his previous band Sun Abduction to the mellower sound of Gawn, and more! Plus, you’ll hear about how Bob Dylan inspired him to re-write several tracks on the Thee Essence Ov Everything and the collaborative songwriting process amongst the various members of Gawn. This episode features records from Neutral Milk Hotel, Chris Cohen, Bob Dylan, Navy Gangs, and John Cale!
Follow Gawn on Instagram and Spotify. Thee Essence Ov Everything is set for release on August 14th!
Episode 129 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Teen Idle, the project of Asbury Park songwriter Sara Barry. Teen Idle just released their debut EP, Insomniac Dreams, last week. We were stoked to premiere it here on the site! So, naturally, we chatted all about the EP’s coming of age themes and its massive shoegaze influenced sound. Plus, you’ll hear all about Sara’s beginnings playing music at Lakehouse Music Academy in Asbury Park, and the formation of Teen Idle towards the waning days of her college years in New York City. We also chatted about and played some great records from Sasami, Dentist, Yo La Tengo, and St. Vincent!
You can purchase Insomniac Dreams via Bandcamp. The EP is also available to stream on your platform of choice, including Spotify. Stay tuned, as cassettes will be available soon via Green Witch Recordings.
The Songs For Quarantine Compilation, which features music from Teen Idle, Deal Casino, and more, is available for purchase on cassette and digital download via Bandcamp.
Follow Teen Idle on Instagram and Twitter.
I had a blast chatting with the incredible Winter for Episode 128 of Look At My Records! I’ve been closely following her music since the release of her amazing collaborative album with Triptides, Estrela Mágica, back in 2018. Next month, she’ll be releasing her third album, Endless Space (Between You & I) on Bar None Records. We chatted all about it! Plus, you’ll hear about making the new record with Ian Gibbs of Vinyl Williams, the aforementioned collaborative album with Glenn Brigman of Triptides, and how the pop-music of her native Brazil has influenced her sound. We also played some records from Twin Sister, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Yo La Tengo, and Teenage Fanclub! The episode wraps up with “Staying In,” one of my favorite songs from her 2019 EP “Hazy,” - it features Justus Proffit!
You can pre-order Endless Space (Between You & I) on limited edition purple vinyl, cassette, or compact disc via Bar None Records. You can also peruse Winter’s incredible back catalog via Bandcamp or stream it on your platform of choice, including Spotify. Follow Winter on Instagram!
New York folk artist Evan Alexander Moore is my guest for Episode 127 of Look At My Records! Evan just released his latest record, The Perennial Millennial, in May. It’s a concept album of protest songs that dissects the millennial experience. We had a rousing conversation about his thoughts on an array of issues affecting our generation, his personal experiences as a millennial, his love of the great Bob Dylan, and his thoughts on the role that musicians play in political discourse. We played some choice cuts from the “Perennial Millennial,” including “Church Lawns, and “Hey! Mr. Zimmerman,” plus records from Neko, Bob Dylan, Weyes Blood, The Rolling Stones, and The Pretty Things!
You can purchase The Perennial Millennial via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming services, including Spotify. Follow Evan on Instagram!
You can purchase the Perennial Millennial via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming services, including Spotify. Follow Evan on Instagram!
Episode 126 features an interview with Shrenik, Liam, and Steve of Brooklyn’s Minaxi. The band just released their debut album, Khwab, back in March and have plans to release a series of three EPs over the next few months. Tune in to hear all about it! Plus, the band performed a special live set that includes two soon to be released songs, “It’s Got Me,” and “Smile.” We also chatted about frontman Shrenik’s origins in Mumbai and how the band incorporates an array of influences, including shoegaze, dream pop, sufi music, and Hindustani pop into their eclectic sound.
You can purchase Khwab via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming services, including Spotify.
Episode 125 features an interview with Paul Whitacre and Mark Cunningham of the Denver, Colorado-based band Whitacre. The four-piece just released their debut LP, Seasons, in April, and it’s an invigorating mix of Americana, Folk, Rock n’ Roll, and a whole lot more. Tune in to hear all about the band’s beginnings in Colorado, the concept behind Seasons, and how they’re adapting to the current pandemic. Paul and Mark also performed two songs from their new record via Zoom! Plus, you’ll hear records from Buffalo Springfield, John Lennon, Big Thief, and The Beach Boys.
You can purchase Seasons on compact disc via the band’s website. There, you can also find a variety of awesome merch! The album is also available on all streaming services, including Spotify.
Episode 124 of Look At My Records features some lightly edited audio from the recent live stream with Scout Gillett. Tune in to hear all about her new single, “One To Ten.” You’ll also hear a special live performance from Scout with special guest Matthew Danger Lippman on the last tune. Listen on your streaming platform of choice or watch the live stream below! This episode also features the great song “Joel Tudor” by Scout’s band Shadow Year.
You can purchase “One To Ten” via Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify.
Episode 123 of Look At My Records! features some lightly edited audio of the recent live stream with Anya Baghina! Tune in to hear all about her great new single, “To Be Alone,” and the powerful video for the song, which was directed by her roommate Katie Colosimo. We also chatted about her time playing in the Detroit music scene with her band Soviet Girls and Fred Thomas, and her move to Brooklyn last year. Anya also performed a wonderful extended set featuring several unreleased songs. This episode also features music from Soviet Girls, Fred Thomas, Deadbeat Beat, and HNRY FLWR.
Stream Anya’s music on Spotify. It’s also available to purchase on Bandcamp.
Stay tuned, as Soviet Girls will be releasing a new single on May 20th. In the interim, you can check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp.
Episode 122 of Look At My Records features an interview with Brooklyn alternative-pop outfit Brother Moses. The quartet, who formed about six years ago in Arkansas, just released their second full-length, Desperation Pop, back in March. In this episode, you’ll hear all about the process behind writing and recording the album, plus some choice cuts from the record, including the singles “Sam & Diane” and “Bathroom Floor.” You’ll also hear about the band’s origins in Arkansas and their collective move to New York City back in 2018. Oh, and the band gives us the low down on their chance meeting with the legendary Jeff Goldblum and their .ORG domain name. We also spun some records from Wild Pink, Wilco, Talking Heads, and Simon & Garfunkel.
You can pre-order Desperation Pop on limited edition red vinyl via the band’s website or Bandcamp. Their music is also available on all streaming platforms!
Stewart Heigold of Costa Rica’s Sportdad joined me for a very special live-streamed episode of Look At My Records! You can stream a lightly edited audio-only podcast edition above or on your streaming service of choice. Below, you can find the full, un-cut live stream of our conversation and Stewart’s live performance. Tune in, as we chatted about Sportdad’s recording sessions with Belgium engineer Jeff Clayes (Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Van Jets, Millionaire), their influences, and their recording plans for once the pandemic is over! Plus, we played several Sportdad videos/tunes, and also played videos/tunes from fellow Costa Ricans Voodoo, and a pair from Brooklyn artists JW Francis and Top Nachos.
You can purchase Sportdad’s music via Bandcamp. Their tunes are also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify.
Back in February, I had the chance to chat at length with DIY legend Unkle Funkle. Since the original episode aired on Radio Free Brooklyn, I had to cut it down to 59 minutes, but we had such a great, extensive chat that I wanted to share our whole conversation for all to enjoy. The episode kicks off with some prime cuts from Unkle Funkle’s brand new album, Fuji, and a brand new song from The Memories that’ll appear on their forthcoming album, Pickles & Pie.
Our interview delves into the writing and recording process behind Fuji. We also talked at length about his long history playing and touring the world with several different projects, including The Memories and White Fang. You'll also hear all about his recent move from Los Angeles to New York and the work he's doing at Axis Mundi Records Beach Hut in Rockaway. Plus, we delved into the history of the awesome Gnar Tapes label. We also spun some records from The Everly Brothers, Nas, John Coltrane, and Bruce!
You can purchase Fuji via Bandcamp. His tunes are also available on all streaming services, including Spotify.
The second live-streamed episode of Look At My Records!, featuring Satin Nickel, was a blast! You can check out the video below, but now, it’s officially Episode 119 of Look At My Records! You can listen to the full audio of the show on your streaming platform of choice. Tune in to hear all about Satin Nickel’s brand new album, Shadow of Doubt, which is out this Friday, April 10th. Plus, the band played an excellent live set that includes new songs that’ll appear on the record. You can pre-save it now on your favorite streaming platform.
The episode also features music videos from Joy Cleaner, Desert Sharks, High Waisted, and JW Francis.
The first-ever live-streamed episode of Look At My Records!, featuring Bandits On The Run, was a ton of fun! You can check out the video below, but now, it’s officially Episode 118 of Look At My Records! Listen to the audio on your streaming platform of choice, if you wish. You can check out the video below, but now, it’s officially Episode 118 of Look At My Records! Listen to the audio on your streaming platform of choice, if you wish.
Thanks to Bandits On The Run for the great chat and incredible live performance. Major kudos to Left Bank Magazine for planning and executing an incredible Virtual Music Festival! The episode also features music from Miracle Sweepstakes, Atlas Engine, Holy Tunics, and Forever Honey! You can purchase Bandits On The Run music via Bandcamp. They also have some awesome merch, including a super comfy RINGER shirt, available via their website.
I had a wonderful time chatting with Hoboken musician and recording engineer, Max Feinstein for Episode 117 of Look At My Records! Max had a lot of incredible stories about his time working at the legendary Hoboken recording studio Water Music (stories include Joe Piscopo, Cyndi Lauper, The Feelies, and The Thermals), which eventually led to him opening his own space in the Mile Square City called Silver Horse Sound. You’ll also hear songs from his latest solo EP, Betamax , some insights on his writing process, and a live performance of a yet to be released tune! Plus, records from The Feelies, The Thermals, David Bowie, Camper Van Beethoven, and Prince! This episode was recorded at Silver Horse Sound, so big thanks to Max for having me over at his awesome space.
You can purchase Max’s music via Bandcamp. Check out his website and the Silver Horse Sound site for more information.
You can purchase Max’s music via Bandcamp. Check out his website and the Silverhorse Sound Studio site for more information.
Episode 116 features an interview with Brooklyn post-punk trio Patti. The band is playing at Arlene’s Grocery tonight for the New Colossus Festival! Listen to this episode and then go see them!
Tune in to hear all about their latest record, “Good Big,” their origins in the Bay Area, their move to New York, and their intense tour schedule. Plus, you’ll hear about their adventures on the treacherous roads of Montana with a jar of pickles, their love of the Minutemen, and their upcoming European tour!
You can purchase “Good Big” on vinyl via Patti’s Bandcamp. You can also find a full list of all of their upcoming tour dates there.
Episode 115 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Sweden’s Tribe Friday! During their time in New York, the quartet stopped by to chat about their latest singles, “Talk So Loud,” and “Freaky.” Plus, you’ll hear their thoughts on New York pizza, the interesting way they discovered The Strokes, and how it felt to play the Mercury Lounge twice! You’ll also hear about the development of their sound from their debut EP, Trying Your Luck, to their next EP, Chasing Pictures, which is set for release on March 27th.
You can listen to all of Tribe Friday’s music via your streaming service of choice, including Spotify.
The band just released an awesome new video for their song, “Freaky,” which you can watch below.
Stay tuned, as the band will be announcing some European tour dates for later this year!
Episode 114 features an interview with Asbury Park’s The Vansaders! The Jersey Shore quartet just released a brand new single, “Siren’s Song,” which is part of split 7-inch with their friends Late Waves. Tune in to hear all about this latest tune, plus the scoop on their 2019 album, Standstill. The band also talked about working with Pete Steinkopf of the Bouncing Souls, coming of age as a band in New Jersey, and their epic Halloween Clash covers set at the Asbury Park Convention Center. Stay tuned, as the band has plans to release their next full length later this year.
You can stream all of The Vansaders music via your platform of choice. Their music is also available for purchase via Bandcamp.
The Vansaders are celebrating the release of their split 7-inch on Saturday, February 29th at Wonder Bar with Late Waves. You can pre-order the record via Gruesome Twosome Records.
There’s also an extremely high-quality video of the band’s entire Halloween performance as The Clash, which you can stream via Youtube.
Episode 113 features an interview and live performance from Bloomfield, New Jersey’s Pioneer The Eel. This is the first ever Look At My Records! live session, affectionately dubbed “Music In A Room In The Cocoon” recorded at Corey Zack’s Cocoon Studio in beautiful Jersey City, NJ. Tune in to hear all about the band’s latest release, Bunkers, which is out now on Mint 400 Records. The band performed three songs from the record: “Pereo,” “The Riverboat Hands Tattoo,” and “Beach House Bunker.” Plus, records from Barrie, Bob Dylan, The Smiths, and more!
You can purchase Bunkers via Mint 400 Records. The record is also available on all streaming sites, including Spotify.
Episode 112 of Look At My Records! previews a great winter of upcoming Mckenzie Tapes. Before diving into the tapes on deck for February and March, the episode starts with two tracks from two North Carolina legends: Polvo and Superchunk. This tape from January 1992 is already on the site, but Tom sliced out two prime tracks to give you a taste. After “My Heroine” by Rage To Live, the episode samples tracks from a slew of killer gigs from February 1992. This month alone saw Gumball, Teenage Fanclub, Velvet Crush, Smashing Pumpkins, and Velvet Crush at both CBGBs and Maxwell’s. Thereafter, you’ll hear some late 80s Dinosaur Jr. at The Ritz. The end of the episode is all about the dB’s, including a 1983 performance by the band at The Ritz and a live set by Peter Holsapple on WFMU from the same year. There’s also a Beatles cover towards the end!
Episode 111 of Look At My Records! features an interview and live performance from New Jersey’s The Down & Outs! Tune in to hear all about this up and coming trio’s debut self-titled EP, which dropped late last year. As it turns out, these three have known each other since they were little dudes, so you’ll get the scoop on their interesting origin story in the NJ town of Atlantic Highlands. Plus, the band stopped by Lake Nipmuc Studio in East Williamsburg for a special live session. The band played three songs: “Harry Houdini,” “Sketchy Connect,” and “LANDLORD.” Special thanks to Nick Lafalce of Atlas Engine for engineering and mixing the session and to Justin Mayfield for providing some equipment! Plus, we spun some records
You can stream The Down & Outs debut self-titled EP on your streaming platform of choice, including Spotify. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Catch them live at the following shows:
March 13th at Asbury Brewery with Courier Club and Parrotfish.
March 27th at Rubulad with Let Me Ask My Mother, Flycatcher, and Tim Mountain.
Episode 110 of Look At My Records! features a chat with Mike Tarnofsky of Edna!
2020 is set to be an eventful year for this project, as Edna plans to release a series of digital 7-inch singles over the course of the next year. The first is set for release next week and features “Dead Languages” and “Surrender”. In this episode, you’ll hear Mike perform a stripped-down version of “Dead Languages.” You’ll also get an exclusive first listen of “Surrender” and a special live performance of “Lover Boys Rock (Slow)”, which is scheduled for release later this year!
Tune in to hear all about Edna and the band’s plans for 2020. You’ll also hear some records from Carole King, Built To Spill, Wilco, and Yo La Tengo!
Edna’s is celebrating the release of their first single next Wednesday, January 29th at Baby’s All Right with Drug Couple and Cory Sterling. Don’t miss it!!
Episode 109 features Dan Cervantes of the San Diego band, Mrs. Henry.
Mrs. Henry and Dan just wrapped up a jam-packed 2019. Last August, the band released Mrs. Henry Presents The Last Waltz, a three-LP recording of their performance of The Last Waltz at The Belly Up in November of 2017. The performance features some of San Diego’s most notable musicians, (members of The Schizophonics, Sacri Monti and Louise XIV), and took months of both planning and preparation. The band also documented the entire event through a documentary showing the preparation involved and the entire concert. Tune in to hear all about the events leading up to the concert, their decision to record and document it, and the delicate balance between mimicking the original event and putting Mrs. Henry’s own spin on it.
Mrs. Henry is also about to release Live At The Cashbah, a recording of their performance at the legendary San Diego venue on the night of its 30th anniversary. Dan also just released a brand new solo single called “Keep On Walking,” under his solo moniker, Dude Cervantes. The episode kicks off with “Keep On Walking” and features tunes from both The Last Waltz , Live At The Cashbah, and Mrs. Henry’s 2019 single “The River.”
You can purchase all of these recordings and more via Dan’s label, Blind Owl.
Zach Romano is back again for a very special Favorite Records of the Decade episode! The 2010s are over and done with, but here’s one last hurrah of tunes from this long and winding 10-year span. You’ll hear bonafide classics from the aught-10s with music from Real Estate, Deerhunter, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, The Courtneys, Slowdive, Alvvays, Parquet Courts, Girls, The Beths, Destroyer, The Feelies, Triptides, The Hotelier, Kurt Vile, Phoebe Bridgers, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Protomartyr, Twerps, and Mark Kozelek & Jimmy LaValle!! Find out who picked who and where they land!!!
Photo taken at a Bernie Sanders rally in the Spring of 2016. What a decade it was!!
Tom had a wonderful time chatting with Lorraine Lelis of Lexica for Episode 107 of Look At My Records! Late last year, Lexica finally released their long lost album, Lost & Left To Be Imagined. Completed between 2002-2004, the album literally became “Lost & Left To Be Imagined,” but this great record is now finally seeing the light of day!
Tune in to hear the story behind this New York City-based electronic trip-hop trio and how Lorraine started collaborating with keyboardist Stephen Krieger and guitarist Erik Laroi. Plus, you’ll hear about her time playing in other great New York City dream pop acts such as Closer. They also shared some great stories about seeing Slowdive and Swirlies at Maxwell’s, exchanging mixtapes with penpals, and more!
You can purchase Lost & Left To Be Imagined on limited edition compact disc via Mother West Records. The record is also available on all streaming services, including Spotify.
Tune in to hear the story behind this New York City-based electronic trip-hop trio and how Lorraine started collaborating with keyboardist Stephen Krieger and guitarist Erik Laroi. Plus, you’ll hear about her time playing in other great New York City dream pop acts such as Closer. They also shared some great stories about seeing Slowdive and Swirlies at Maxwell’s, exchanging mixtapes with penpals, and more!
You can purchase Lost & Left To Be Imagined on limited edition compact disc via Mother West Records. The record is also available on all streaming services, including Spotify.
Episode 106 of Look At My Records! countdowns Tom’s favorite records of 2019. As is tradition on the program, he brought along his BFF Zach Romano to share his favorites of the year. Tune in to hear 20 hot records from 2019 with no overlap! Their picks feature artists from New York City and beyond.
Tom had a lovely time with the ultra charming Fascinations Grand Chorus for Episode 105 of Look At My Records! Tune in to hear all about these two self-described “rival songwriters” as they chat about their wonderful new record, “Presentations of Electrical Confectionary.” You’ll hear five songs from the record, including Tom’s favorite track, "Echoes.” Plus, they talked a lot about the Beach Boys, including some hot takes on Brian Wilson’s 2004 version of SMiLE!!!! Oh, and the band gifted Tom a really great Space Jam Happy Meal toy!
You can purchase “Presentations of Electrical Confectionary” on compact disc via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify.
Don’t miss Fascinations Grand Chorus performing live Joe Belock’s Three Chord Monte program on Monday, December 16th at 12 p.m. They’ll be performing songs from their new record and some holiday tunes as well!
Episode 104 features a conversation with Jersey City’s 50 ft. Furies! These politically charged punks stopped by to chat all about their raw, super energetic, and socially conscious tunes. This episode is not for Republicans!! You hear about their formation as a Bikini Kill cover band for the Ghost of Uncle Joe’s in 2016 and their thoughts on a certain orange-hued POTUS. Plus, records from Bikini Kill, Billy Bragg, Shellshag, Black Flag, and Carole King!
50 ft. Furies are playing the Look At My Records! 100th episode bash next Thursday, December 12th at Pet Shop! The show also features performances from Pynkie, Queue, and Shred Flintstone!! Don’t miss it!!!
Episode 103 features an interview and live performance with Mike and Brandon of Crooked Lake. Tune in to hear how this new Jersey City-based project sprouted out of veteran indie-rock act, Cicada Radio. Lots of great talk about the creative process and working with Max Rauch on Crooked Lake’s debut self-titled EP. Plus, Mike played two unreleased songs that you can only hear RIGHT HERE!!
You can purchase the EP on compact disc via Killing Horse Records.
It’s also available via Bandcamp. You can also listen to it on all streaming services, including Spotify.
Episode 102 features an interview and performance from a wonderful musician and friend, Sam Sodomsky!
Sam has been releasing music for many years as The Bird Calls, and he just released his latest and greatest full length, Moments In Doubt, last month. Tune in to hear all about the record, Sam’s DIY recording philosophy, and the inspiration behind the songs. Plus, you’ll hear a special performance of several songs from Moments In Doubt!
You can purchase Moments In Doubt, and other great releases from Sam’s discography, via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming services, including Spotify.
Tom is entering the 100s of Look At My Records! in dramatic fashion.
Episode 100 featured one of Tom’s all-time faves, Colin Moulding of XTC, and Episode 101 features one of his favorite bands of the last few years, Corridor. The Montreal-based band just released their third album, Junior, on Sub Pop, and its definitely one of the best of the year!
Tune in as they chat about the process behind writing and recording Junior, signing with Sub Pop, the Montreal music scene, and more!
You can purchase Junior on limited edition “Loser” vinyl via Bandcamp or the Sub Pop megastore.
Corridor is currently on tour in Europe! West coast friends, they’re heading your way in December. Be sure to check them out when they come through your neck of the woods:
FRI, Nov 8 - Hafenklang, Hamburg, Germany Tickets
SAT, Nov 9 - West Germany, Berlin, Germany Tickets
SUN, Nov 10 - Sonic City Festival, Kortrijk, Belgium Tickets
WED, Nov 20 - Garrison, Toronto, Canada Tickets
FRI, Nov 22 - M for Montreal Festival (Le National), Montreal, Canada Tickets
THU, Nov 28 - L'Anti Bar & Spectacles, Quebec, Canada Tickets
WED, Dec 4 - Milk Bar, San Francisco, CA Tickets
SAT, Dec 7 - Bunk Bar, Portland, OR Tickets
SUN, Dec 8 - Astoria BC, Vancouver, Canada (w/ N0V3L) Tickets
TUE, Dec 10 - Barboza, Seattle, WA Tickets
FRI, Dec 13 - Moroccan Lounge, Los Angeles, CA Tickets
SUN, Jan 19 - Lincoln Hall (IL), Chicago, IL (Tomorrow Never Knows with Deeper) Tickets
The 100th episode of Look At My Records! is here!
For this milestone, I wanted to interview a special guest. I aimed high and was lucky enough to chat with Colin Moulding of my all-time favorite band, XTC.
In 2017, Colin reunited with former XTC drummer Terry Chambers to form TC&I. The duo released an EP, Great Aspirations, in late 2017 and subsequently played a string of live dates at the Swindon Arts Center in October and November of 2018. These special performances attracted fans from all over the globe and were recently released as a live album, Naked Flames.
Tune in to hear about Naked Flames, plus writing XTC’s first hit “Making Plans For Nigel,” his impressions of CBGB’s during the band’s string of shows at the storied New York City venue in January 1979, and much more including some insights into some of Colin’s best songs.
You can purchase "Naked Flames” and “Great Aspirations” via Burning Shed. You can also purchase a wide array of XTC records and merch via Ape House.
A massive thanks to Colin for taking the time to chat with me! An enormous THANK YOU to everyone who listened and the great guests I had the privilege of interviewing over the first hundred!
Episode 99 previews a great annual event in Jersey City, Ghost of Uncle Joe’s! Each year in October, Rock-It Docket puts on an all covers show in Harsimus Cemetery on Newark Ave. To get the low-down, Tom chatted with the co-founder of the event (and Jersey City runner of fun) Dancing Tony Susco. You’ll also hear from Evan Moore and Pete Egan, who you can catch performing as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at the cemetery, and The Nah Nah Nahs (Lindsay Sanchez, Bram Teitleman, Corey Zack, and Brenda) who will be performing as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at the cemetery. Plus, a run down of all the after parties happening at FM Bar, Pet Shop, Lo-Fi, Porta, and LITM.
You can purchase advance tickets to the Ghost of Uncle Joe’s via Facebook. For more information including set times and after-party information, check out the Ghost of Uncle Joe’s Facebook event.
Episode 98 of Look At My Records! previews the upcoming Double Parked Festival! The inaugural edition of the festival, which was organized by two Jersey City businesses, Pet Shop and The Archer, is happening on Saturday, October 12th at the intersection of Jersey Ave and Newark Ave. in downtown Jersey City.
To get the scoop, Tom chatted with festival organizer and Pet Shop co-owner, Eric Speck. Tune in as they talk about the festival, including all the great bands playing, what you can expect, and all the planning that went into it! If you’re not familiar with some of the bands on the bill, then you’ll want to listen in, as we play some great tracks from all eight artists!
Plus, some Real Estate and The Modern Lovers, selected by Eric, to wrap up the program.
The Double Parked Fest kicks off promptly at noon on October 12th. Attendees will be treated to performances from Ex Hex, Crazy & The Brains, Ice Balloons, Barrie, Baby Shakes, Glazer, The Lo-Fi’s, and Sean Kiely. Portions of the program will also be broadcast live on the Todd-O-Phonic Todd program on WFMU. Todd will also be DJing throughout the day, along with Sound And Color. ADMISSION IS FREE!
For Episode 97, Tom chatted with Ryan Yu of the Los Angeles based band, mmmonika! This new project just released their awesome first single, “See Me On The Outside,” back in May and followed it up with two more sun-soaked and catchy tunes, “Unwind Me” and “Swamp Time.” Tune in to hear Ryan dish on mmmonika and his other projects (including Common Souls), his approach to songwriting, and the band’s plans for the rest of the year, including west coast gigs and an EP. He also played two rousing cover songs live in-studio and picked some excellent Prince records!
You can stream mmmonika’s tunes via Spotify and all other streaming services. Their music is also available on Bandcamp.
Episode 96 features an extensive chat with Paul Casanova of Supercel! Though Supercel is his latest project, Paul is a music veteran with a ton of interesting experiences playing in bands in both Boston and New York. Most notably, he fronted the band Please, who had an uber-catchy track called “Here It Comes Again” featured on the soundtrack for Empire Records. Tune in to hear us chat about his background in music, including his experiences in both the Boston and New York music scenes. Plus, the origin story and future plans for his great new band, Supercel, who just released their debut self-titled record on Mother West Records.
Catch Supercel performing in Bellmore, Long Island this weekend. For more information on this gig, check out the band’s Facebook page.
Supercel is also performing at Arlene’s Grocery on October 17th as part of Mondo Fest.
You can stream the band’s self-titled debut on Spotify and all other streaming services.
Episode 95 previews a great upcoming month of gigs in Jersey City. Tune in as Tom gives you a run down of some of the best with songs from: The 65’s, The Extensions, Miss Ohio, Yawn Mower, Blue Vervain, Fiona Silver, Mr. Payday, stillhungry, Brewster, ManDancing, The Appleseed Cast, The Long Ryders, The Campfire Flies, Fond Farewells, Sister Sparrow, Danny Laj & The Looks, Low Doses, Jacques Le Coque and Boris!
See you out there in Jersey City the following GIGS:
September 6th: Pyrrhic Victory and Mint 400 Present at FM Bar
September 8th: Boris at White Eagle Hall
September 12th: Fiona Silver, Randy Haze Trio, Mr. Payday at FM Bar
September 13th: The Appleseed Cast at Monty Hall
September 13th: Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds
September 14th: The Campfire Flies at Fox & Crow
September 14th: A Tribute To Ryan Masterson at Monty Hall
September 15th: stillhungry, Brewster, mandancing at FM Bar
September 18th: The Long Ryders at Monty Hall
September 26th: Fond Farewells at Fox & Crow
Episode 94 features a chat with Nicole Yun! After releasing five incredible records with her band Eternal Summers, Nicole released her first solo record, Paper Suit, earlier this year on Kanine Records. Tune in to hear all about this excellent record, including its Britpop influences, working with Doug Gillard of Guided By Voices, and more. Plus, a selection of great tunes from R.E.M., The Cleaners From Venus, They Might Be Giants, Prefab Sprout, Pretenders, and Tom’s all-time favorites, XTC!
You can purchase Paper Suit on vinyl and limited edition cassette via Bandcamp.
Nicole will be performing at Our Wicked Lady on August 29th with The Natvral, Honey Cutt, and Bloom.
Episode 93 of Look At My Records! counts down the summertime hits of 2019! Well, actually, there’s no counting at all and these are the hits as determined by your host, Tom. Tune in to hear some sun-soaked jams from Seablite, Jay Som, The Stroppies, Holy Tunics, Possible Humans, Teen Angst, Julia Shapiro, Triptides, The Berries, Jonny Couch, Petite League, Desert Sharks, UV Rays, and Parrot Dream! Grab yourself a frosty beer and kick back to these certifiably great summertime tunes.
For Episode 92 of Look At My Records!, Tom welcomed back Morus Alba to the program. This time, the band played a raucous full band live set in the Look At My Records! studio, belting out some excellent songs from their latest album, Nightmare/Miracle. The band then sat down for an extensive interview that covered a wide range of topics, including the making of Nightmare/Miracle, their new (to me) bassist Micah Prussack, and their plans for the rest of the year. Plus, we played some great records. Tune in to find out which member of Guided By Voices taught Rizzo guitar while he was a youth!
You can purchase Nightmare/Miracle via the band’s Bandcamp. While you’re there, I’d also highly advise that you act quickly and snag a cassette of their debut record, “Stay Asleep,” as only a few copies remain! Their music is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify
A big thank you to Corey Zack of Cocoon Recording Studio for engineering the live set! It sounds awesome!
Episode 91 previews a great upcoming month of gigs in Jersey City. Tune in as Tom gives you a run down of some of the best with songs from Sean Kiely, Mike Krol, Swearin’, Wyldlife, Ted Leo, Jean Pool, Sam Kogon, The Holy Smokes, White Rope, Neon Funeral, Naomi Vernon, The Lo-Fi’s, Surfer Blood, and more!
See you out there at these upcoming gigs:
August 1st: Sean Kiely Acoustic Trio at Fox & Crow
August 3rd: Mike Krol, Swearin’, and Wyldlyfe at White Eagle Hall
August 8th: Holy Smokes, Sam Kogon, Dominy, Jean Pool at FM Bar
August 9th: Fancy Colors at FM Bar
August 11th: Purple Mountains at White Eagle Hall
August 15th: Neon Funeral, Tidal Gloom, Losing Language at FM Bar
August 16th: Bunny X, White Rope Presented by Happy House at FM Bar
August 17th: Humble Beginnings, Digger, Jettison, Avery at FM Bar
August 24th: Ted Leo at White Eagle Hall
August 29th: Naomi Vernon at Fox & Crow
August 29th: The Lo-Fi’s at Pet Shop
August 29th: Surfer Blood at Monty Hall
August 31st: Future Island at White Eagle Hall
Episode 90 celebrates the 30th birthday of one of the best independent labels in the biz, Merge Records! The label is in the midst of a weekend long celebration down in North Carolina to commemorate its founding by Superchunk members Mac MaCaughan and Laura Ballance back in 1989, so I decided to have my own little celebration by compiling my favorite songs by Merge artists. The episode starts in the early years of the label with some great 7-inch releases from Superchunk and Archers of Loaf, then travels into the mid-to-late 90s with some classics by East River Pipe, The Ladybug Transistor, and more. Then, the playlist touches on some early aughts indie pop, and enters the 2010s with some great releases from Hospitality and Times New Viking from the 2010s. The episode concludes with a song from 2019 by the inimitable Mountain Goats.
30 looks good on you, Merge! Here’s to many more!
Tom was delighted to welcome Queue to the Look At My Records! program for Episode 89! Tune in to this extra long episode to hear all about the trio’s beginnings at Penn State, their influences and creative process, and a whole lot more. This episode also includes an extensive discussion of the British/Irish film Sing Street, including an ear-worm from the soundtrack, “Drive It Like You Stole It.”
Keep your eye on Queue, as the band just finished recording new material. It’ll be dropping sometime in the near future! Their current releases are available on all streaming platforms and can be purchased via Bandcamp.
You can also see the band performing live at the following shows:
July 17th - Our Wicked Lady with Desert Sharks, Treads, and The Warhawks
July 20th - Pete’s Candy Store for the Left Bank Summer Fête
Jersey City musician Tom Barrett stopped by the Look At My Records! studio for Episode 88 to chat about his brand new solo EP. Tune in to hear all about the new EP, Three Songs, including a live performance of the EP’s third track, “I Once Believed We Were Free.” Plus, you’ll enjoy additional tunes from Mission of Burma, Sebadoh, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Neil Young, and Kurt Vile!
Tom will be performing with his newly assembled backing band, The Cuts, on July 9th at Pet Shop. Sean Kiely (who produced Tom’s new EP) and Christopher Landry’s project, College Radio, are also performing.
You can also catch Tom performing on August 3rd in a backyard in Ringwood, NJ. Ask a punk for the address!
You can purchase Three Songs via Bandcamp. The EP will also available on CD at Tom’s upcoming shows. Three Songs is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify.
Episode 87 of Look At My Records! previews a HOT summer of upcoming Mckenzie Tapes! Tune in to get a sneak peek of some legendary shows from the 80s and 90s by Pavement, 10,000 Maniacs, Naked Raygun, The Donnas, Tiny Lights, The Jesus Lizard, The Saints, and more! These bands played at a cool variety of local venues, including Maxwell’s, The Ritz, Tramps, Irving Plaza, and more. Keep your eyes glued to The Mckenzie Tapes site for updates, as all of these shows are due to drop in the coming months.
Episode 86 of Look At My Records! celebrates the 25th anniversary of the New York Rangers historic Stanley Cup Championship with an episode full of songs from 1994. Back in 1994, the Rangers exorcised the demons of 1940 to capture their first Cup in 54 years.
In reflecting on this important moment in my sports life, I also revisited MANY of my favorite records that were released in 1994. Several bands, including Pavement, Guided By Voices, Jawbox, and Built To Spill, arguably released some of the best albums of their respective careers. Check out some of my favorite songs from 1994, as sports and music intersect!
In reflecting on this important moment in my sports life, I also revisited MANY of my favorite records that were released in 1994. Several bands, including Pavement, Guided By Voices, Jawbox, and Built To Spill, arguably released some of the best albums of their respective careers. Check out some of my favorite songs from 1994, as sports and music intersect!
Episode 85 previews an incredible month of gigs going down this month in Jersey City. Tune in as Tom gives you a run down of some of the best with songs from Red Baraat, A Deer A Horse, The Whiffs, Trü, The Jayhawks, Cicada Radio, Young House, Long Neck, Sonic Blume, Cliff Westfall, The Minus 5, and Juliana Hatfield!
See you at the gigs:
June 7th: Red Baraat at White Eagle Hall
June 7th: A Deer A Horse, The Whiffs, Mama Shogun, Baberham Lincoln at FM Bar
June 14th: Crazy & the Brains, TRÜ, Real Dominic - Presented by Happy House at Monty Hall
June 14th: The Jayhawks at White Eagle Hall
June 21st: Red Hymns, Cicada Radio, Young House, Concrete Dream at FM Bar
June 23rd: Long Neck, Mike Daly and the Planets, Face For Radio at FM Bar
June 27th: Sonic Blume, Seaside Caves and DJ Shawn Francis at FM Bar
June 27th: The Minus 5, Cliff Westfall at White Eagle Hall
June 28th: Juliana Hatfield at Monty Hall
Episode 84 is a milestone in the history of the Look At My Records! podcast, as it’s the first ever episode RECORDED LIVE! New Jersey rock and rollers Winnebego stopped by and played a killer live set in my apartment that shook the foundation of my building! Tune in to hear four songs from their live performance, plus as in-depth interview that touches on topics ranging from the band Slightly Stoopid, Winnebego’s history, and their plans for the summer, which include heading back into the studio.
You can purchase Winnebego’s latest release, Human Cig, via Bandcamp. It’s also available on all streaming platforms.
A big thank you to Winnebego for stopping by and playing for us. A huge thank you to Dina Hashem, who did some comedy to open the festivities.
A huge thank you is also in order for Corey Zack, who engineered Winnebego’s performance. He did an amazing job behind the board! Check out his full-service Jersey City-based studio, Cocoon Recording, for all your recording needs, and of course, say hi to him at FM, where he does sound on the regular!!!
Episode 83 features a chat with New Jersey-based musician, Otis Ball! Otis has an extensive and fascinating history in the music industry that started when he sent a demo tape of his music to John Linell and John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants in the late 1980s! His tunes caught their attention, and Otis eventually moved from his hometown of Dekalb, IL to Hoboken, NJ. Once he arrived in Hoboken, Otis spent time touring with They Might Be Giants as a musician and a personal handler/driver/merch guy and also worked at the legendary Hoboken record store, Pier Platters. Tune in to hear a whole host of great stories, Maxwell’s memories, touring experiences with They Might Be Giants, and much more! This episode features some songs from Otis’ unreleased album, plus a cool live version of “Enough Is Never Enough” by Rage To Life with Otis on drums, and live tracks from Superchunk and Bob Mould at Maxwell’s.
Episode 82 features New Jersey singer-songwriter, Mark Bucci of Brewster! Brewster just released their debut album, Forever Better Kissers, on the Austin, Texas based label Good Relation Records. Tune in to hear all about the inspirations behind the album and the writing process behind it. You’ll hear four infectious tracks from Forever Better Kissers, including two of Tom’s favorites, “Being Clever” and “T-Shirt From A Tour.” Plus, lots of music talk and records from Bruce Springsteen, Julia Jacklin, Sharon Van Etten, Teenage Fanclub, and more!
Like and follow Brewster on Facebook, as they’ll be announcing some June gigs in the near future.
You can purchase Forever Better Kissers on cassette via Bandcamp. Do that right now, as it’s an incredible record. The album is also available on all streaming services, including Spotify.
On Episode 81, Tom welcomed Andy Waldron of Jersey City dance-punk group Sailor Boyfriend to the Look At My Records! studio! The duo of Andy Waldron and Alex Mercuri recently released a brand new, incredible record entitled “Shapes and Colors.” Tune in to hear all about “Shapes and Colors,” including the making of the record and its themes. You'll also hear several great tracks from the album, including "Tracy," and "The Battle Of Sugar Hill." Andy even performed two tracks LIVE!!! Plus, wax from De La Soul, Savages, Ought, and more!
You can purchase “Shapes and Colors” on limited edition cassette via Bandcamp. There’s also a “Shapes and Colors” zine with illustrations of each song by Kat Schneider (www.katschneider.com) and Laura Marciniak (lauramarciniak.com): https://sailorboyfriend.bandcamp.com/album/shapes-colors
You can catch Sailor Boyfriend live at following gigs:
April 20th, 2019: WPIR Spring Fling at Pratt: WPIR Spring Fling Music Festival
June 4th, 2019: Pale Moon Tuesday at Muchmore’s: Dahl Haus « High Fashion Normalize « Urges « Sailor Boyfriend
Episode 80 features New Jersey’s Whiner! You’ve waited almost three years for new tunes from this band, but don’t worry, you won’t have to wait any longer. Tune in to hear all four songs from their upcoming EP, You Never Have To Feel This Way Ever Again.
To celebrate, the band is throwing two release shows. The first is on April 20th at The Meatlocker in Montclair with EU1LOGY, Tiers, and Johnny Dynamite. Then, the band is performing at Sunnyvale in Brooklyn on April 27th with Dead Leaf Echo, Weeknight, and Tiers. Whiner is also heading to Baltimore this weekend to perform at Future Fest. IT DOESN’T STOP THERE, as they’ll be performing alongside the legendary Martin Rev on June 7th at Sunnyvale! Oh, we played some great records, had a mini-goth rave, and discussed the band’s plans for the rest of 2019.
Big thanks to Whiner for stopping by! You Never Have To Feel This Way Ever Again is dropping on April 20th!
My travels out West brought me to Austin, Texas, where I caught up with the wonderful Jackie Venson! The two of us were supposed to chat back in March during the inaugural New Colossus Festival, but illness got the best of me. Luckily, we reschedule our chat while I was in Texas.
Jackie currently has a whole lot going on. She’s about to drop a brand new record, Joy, and announced a massive tour in support of it. Tune in to hear all about it, plus four spankin’ new fantastic tracks from Joy!
Jackie is hosting a Joy listening party on Thursday, April 4th at Native Hostel. She’ll be raffling off a prize pack that includes tickets to her album release show at the Paramount Theatre on April 12th and a signed guitar! All proceeds go to benefit Kids In A New Groove!
You can preorder Joy via Bandcamp. It’s available via digital download and limited multi-colored vinyl! The record drops on Friday, April 5th!
You can find a full list of tour dates here.
Is this meme still relevant? Episode 78 of Look At My Records! features nine of Tom’s favorite songs from a decade ago and nine of his favorite songs from the first three months of 2019. Take a trip down memory lane as we revisit some classic tunes by Real Estate, Times New Viking, Yo La Tengo, Girls, Vivian Girls, and more. Plus, Tom shares some brand new tunes from Tallies, THICK, The Stoppies, Julia Jacklin, and more!
Johnny Leitera of Tuff Sunshine joined Tom for the 77th episode of Look At My Records! The Brooklyn based Tuff Sunshine are set to release the follow up to their excellent 2015 record, Fire In The Hero Building later this year, and Look At My Records! is pumped to prior the first track from the record, “We Seal Every Deal With A Kiss.” Tune in to hear this awesome brand new track, plus two tracks from Johnny’s “Untreated” project, which is a collection of stripped down, powerful acoustic songs. We wrapped up the show with a slew of great records from XTC, Billy Bragg, and The Pretenders!
You can purchase Fire In the Hero Building on vinyl via Brooklyn Arts Press. A cassette version is also available via the recently relaunched Shorewave Records. Johnny’s “Untreated” project, as well as all other Tuff Sunshine releases, are available for download via Bandcamp.
Johnny is headed to the United Kingdom at the end of March, so if you’re gonna be on the other side of the pond, catch him performing solo on the following dates:
March 21st: London, Biddle Brothers
March 26th: Birmingham, Rock & Roll Brewhouse
March 28th: Manchester, White Lion
April 1st: Leeds, Oporto
April 6th: Edinburgh, Wee Red Bar
April 8th: Bristol, Mr. Wolf’s
April 10th: Bristol, Golden Lion
CARDIFF TBD
Episode 76 features an in depth conversation with New York City music producer and engineer, Charles Newman. Tune in to hear all about Charles’ long history in music, which includes working with Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields, playing in various bands, and starting The Deli Magazine, which remains an important music publication in New York City. Charles also discussed his role as music supervisor on the independent film, All These Small Moments, which involved working with the composer of the film’s score, Dan Lipton and the film’s creator/director, Melissa Miller Costanzo. Charles hand-selected the tracks on the soundtrack, which is an indie pop rock retro-americana mashup, with a dash of 80’s and shoegaze thrown in for good measure. The episode features some of the standout tracks from the soundtrack, including songs by Kris Gruen, Slowrunner, Echo Courts, Aloud, and Tom Shaner.
You can purchase the soundtrack to All These Small Moments via Amazon. The soundtrack is also available to stream on Spotify.
Episode 75 of Look At My Records! features a chat with fellow XTC fanatic, Mark Fisher! Mark is the founder of the original XTC fanzine “Limelight” and has authored two books on the band, “The XTC Bumper Book Of Fun,” and the forthcoming “What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book.” Tune in to hear all about Mark’s background covering the band, his foray into publishing two books, and details about “What Do You Can That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book,” which is scheduled for release on March 5th! We even swapped some of our favorite songs, and threw in Fassine’s wonderful cover of “That Wave” for good measure! Tune in to hear which songs we picked and much more!
You can purchase “What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discover Book” via Mark’s website, Limelight! While you’re there, you can also purchase Mark’s first book, “The XTC Bumper Book Of Fun,” which is an anthology of the Limelight zine and also features interviews with Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding, Terry Chambers, and Dave Gregory!
Episode 74 features the awesome Tula Vera! The Montclair-based four-piece is about a year removed from their debut self-titled record, which features some real rippers! Tune in to hear some of those rippers, including “Sunspot,” “Signs,” and “With God On Her Side.” Plus, here all about their recent tour and their plans for 2019! As always, the band made some great record picks.
You can purchase Tula Vera’s self-titled debut album via Bandcamp.
Catch Tula Vera at their next gig on February 8th at BoonTunes with Skylar Pocket, Junkanoo, and Shred Flintstone.
March 30th at The Music Ward in Philly with Full Bush, Bernie & The Wolf, and Dweller.
On Episode 73 of Look At My Records!, Tom chatted with Montclair, New Jersey math-rockers The Planet You! This work horse group has been consistently releasing music over the last three years, including two remarkable full-length albums, I Too (Me Also) in 2017 and their self-titled 2018 sophomore release. Tune in to hear all about the band’s complex math rock inclinations, their progressive rock influences, and their plans for 2019.
You can purchase The Planet You’s self-titled second record via Bandcamp.
Catch them live at the following gigs:
Saturday, January 18th in Highstown, NJ with Splundr, Deeply Woven, Ishmael, and Winter Ring
Friday, January 25th in New Brunswick, NJ for The Winter Wonder Jawn at The Evil Lair.
Episode 72 of Look At My Records! features the incomparable John Cozz! This guy wears his New Jersey pride on his sleeve and isn’t shy about his love for our state’s treasured meat, TAYLOR HAM (not pork roll). Tune in to hear all about John’s tunes, his art, the process behind filming his epic music video for “Braincation” and his great record picks!
Oh, and this episode features a brand new song by John called “Catskills!”
You can check out John’s tunes via bandcamp.
His next gig is at The Meatlocker on January 17th with Dizzy Bats, Pheller, and Wyndup Kid.
2018 is coming to close! To commemorate a great year in music, I invited my BFF Zach Romano back to the program to count town our 10 favorite records of the year. Unlike last year, we had some overlap in 2018! Which records made both of our lists?? Tune in to find out!!
Connor Frost of Dizzy Bats is Tom's guest for Episode 70 of Look At My Records! Based in Northern New Jersey, Dizzy Bats is heading heading out on tour to start off 2019. Tune in to hear all about the band’s tour plans for January, their most recent EP I Don’t Live Here Anymore, and their plans for 2019. Plus, Connor picks, which include some classics! Check out the dates in the above flyer and catch Dizzy Bats in your city this January!
You can get more information about the tour via Facebook.
You can also purchase all of Dizzy Bats’ music via Bandcamp.
In Episode 69, Tom welcomed the Brooklyn band New Myths to the program! The trio hung out and chatted at length about their origins, their awesome debut album "Give Me Noise,” and their plans for 2019. Plus, listen in to hear tons of New Myths specific facts, like how one member is a Beatles’ expert!
Keep you eye on New Myths, as the group is planning to release their second album next year!
Oh, and don’t ring in the New Year without seeing them perform live. Catch them at one of their final gigs of the year:
December 14th at The Music Ward in Philadelphia, PA with Port Arthur, Tara Dente & The Blind Pilots, and Elaine Rasnake.
December 18th at Pianos in New York, NY with Powersnap, Eleanor Kaufman, and Pablo Workman.
You can purchase the band’s debut album Give Me Noise on vinyl via Bandcamp.
In Episode 68, Tom chatted with New Jersey musician Derek Kroemmelbein. Listen in to hear all about Derek’s latest releases, including the great singles “Give It Up,” “Mark My Words,” “All The Kids Say,” and “You Can Learn.” The two also chatted about Derek’s philosophy behind writing and recording music, and of course, combed through Tom’s collection for some wax gems!
In Episode 67, Tom chatted with Jersey City artist Evan Moore! Evan is the creative brains behind SSWWANN STUDIOS, which has produced some incredibly clever designs for pins, t-shirts, and patches. Some of Evan’s noteworthy designs include the beloved Fraiserhead mashup (pictured to the right), the John Lennon inspired “Jersey City” ringer shirt (pictured above), and the Sid Vicious and Nancy comic mashup (pictured below). In addition to his work as a graphic artist, Evan has played bass guitar in a variety of bands over the years, including a Sade cover band! Tune in to hear all about the history of SSWWANN STUDIOS and Eric’s musical endeavors. Plus, Tom and Eric chatted at length about some of their favorite records by Jonathan Richman, Guided By Voices, and Prefab Sprout.
You can purchase all of Evan’s awesome designs through SWWANN STUDIOS!
New Jersey indie folk duo Seamstress stopped by for Episode 66 of Look At My Records! Boy, what a treat it was to have Seamstress on the program! Tom chatted at length with Gabi and Charlie about the origins of the project, their ever-rotating live lineup, and their plans for 2019. Seamstress plans to release three new songs in early 2019 and they were kind enough to play those three tracks, “Everything,” “Wrong Of Me” and “Untitled” live in the Look At My Records studio. That’s right, listen to this episode to hear three new Seamstress songs! Plus, their awesome record picks!
Their next gig is at Rockwood Music Hall on Monday, November 12th.
In Episode 65, Tom had the pleasure of chatting with New Jersey bedroom pop artist, PYNKIE! After picking up a guitar in her late teens, PYNKIE immediately began writing and self-producing her own songs by using Audacity and other free recording software. In recent years, she's gained notoriety for her heartfelt, personal home style recordings on platforms such as Soundcloud. Earlier this year, PYNKIE released her debut album, Neoteny, which you can download via Bandcamp, or purchase on cassette via Gnar Tapes or Plastic Response Records! Tune in to hear PYNKIE perform three songs from Neoteny, “Looney Tune,” “Warm,” and “Dew,” live in the Look At My Records! studio! Plus, hear all about her origins, her first time recording in a studio, and her great album picks!
PYNKIE’s next gig is on December 11th at Elsewhere with Toast and Silver!
Thank you so much to Lindsay for stopping by the LAMR studio! We had a blast!!
Episode 64 of Look At My Records! is the fourth in a series of episodes previewing the upcoming North Jersey Indie Rock Festival. The annual festival is now in its third year and is happening at White Eagle Hall on Saturday October 6th.
For the fourth and final installment, I chatted with the wonderful Glenn Morrow. I can't think of a more fitting way to wrap up this series of preview episodes, as who knows where music in Hudson County would be without Glenn? Would we even be having this festival on Saturday?!
Glenn got his start in the late 70s, when he moved to Hoboken and formed The A Band with Rob Norris, Richard Barone, and Frank Giannini. They would be the very first group to ever play at Maxwell’s, paving the way for countless other bands and musicians to grace its stage. From there, Glenn fronted other bands including The Individuals and a solo project, Rage To Live, in addition to his work as President of Bar None Records.
Glenn currently fronts Glenn Morrow’s Cry For Help, who released their debut self-titled album in 2017 on Rhyme or Reason Records. They just released a brand new song, “Yellowed Pages,” and have a slew of other new songs up their sleeves!
Lots of awesome stories in this episode, so tune in to hear all about how Glenn turned Michael Stipe on to the Replacements, his discovery of They Might Be Giants, some Alex Chilton stories, and much more!
Don’t miss Glenn Morrow’s Cry For Help tomorrow at the North Jersey Indie Rock Festival!
You can purchase the band’s debut album via Rhyme & Reason Records.
Episode 63 of Look At My Records! is the third in a series of episodes previewing the upcoming North Jersey Indie Rock Festival. The annual fest is now in it’s third year and is happening at White Eagle Hall on Saturday October 6th!
For the third installment, I chatted with New Brunswick's Glazer! These shredders are about a year removed from the release of their awesome debut LP, "On A Prairie, Live In Dirt." How's it hold up? We all agreed, it holds up PRETTY DAMN WELL!!! Tune in to hear all about the band's formation, the recording of their debut album, and their label State Champion Records! Plus, some fun and exciting record selections, including songs by X, The Scientists, and Sebadoh!
In addition to the North Jersey Indie Rock Festival, you can see Glazer live at the following gigs:
October 12th, 2018 - Kal Marks, The Royal They, Glazer, Resounding No At In The West 7:30pm
November 3rd, 2018 - Glazer, Mover Shaker, Teenage Halloween, Old Joy at The Roadhouse 7pm
Do yourself a favor and pick up Glazer’s awesome LP, “On A Prairie, Live In Dirt” via State Champion Records!
Episode 62 of Look At My Records! is the second in a series of episodes previewing the upcoming North Jersey Indie Rock Festival. The annual fest is now in its third year and is happening at White Eagle Hall on Saturday October 6th!
For the second installment, I chatted with Asbury Park's Dentist. The trio is fresh off of their first-ever national tour in support of their magnificent third album, "Night Swimming," which was released in late July on Cleopatra Records. Tune in to hear all about the group's transition from a four piece to a trio, some tour stories, the Asbury Park music scene, and their record picks! You'll also hear several awesome tracks off of "Night Swimming" and a pair of certified Dentist classics from their second LP, "Ceilings!"
You can purchase “Night Swimming” and all of Dentist’s other releases via bandcamp.
Dentist is performing at The North Jersey Indie Rock Fest on October 6th at White Eagle Hall, but you can also catch them at the following dates:
September 21st - Rowan Alt’s Back to School Jam at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ
September 22nd - 4th Annual Bond St. Block Party in Asbury Park, NJ
October 26th - Dentist w/ Acid Dad, Alpha Rabbit, The Tide Bends at Millhill Basement in Trenton, NJ
November 14th - Doc Martens Presents: Thick, Dinowalrus, Fruit & Flowers, Dentist at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, NY
December 14th - Dentist at The Red Wheelbarrow in Paterson, NJ
Again, do not miss Dentist the this year’s North Jersey Indie Rock Festival. Get your tickets now!
Episode 61 of Look At My Records! is the first in a series of episodes previewing the upcoming North Jersey Indie Rock Festival. The annual fest is now in it’s third year and is happening at White Eagle Hall on Saturday October 6th!
For the first installment, I chatted with The Royal Arctic Institute. Comprised of Lyle Hysen (Das Damen), Gerard Smith (Phantom Tollbooth), and John Leon (Rory Erickson), this highly pedigreed power-trio plays an eclectic blend of post-punk and cinematic jazz instrumentals. Tune in to hear about the group’s formation, their music, and upcoming gigs. Plus, the dudes made some awesome picks from my record collection including The Specials, Richard Hell, and The Psychedelic Furs!
The band’s second LP, “Accidental Achievement”, is scheduled for release on Friday October 19th via Rhyme & Reason Records. Tune in to hear two brand new songs from this forthcoming LP, “Northern Progress Exploration Company” and “Raymond Roussell.” The group is also releasing a cassette single, “Russian Twists,” for Cassette Store Day on October 13th. You can also hear that song in this episode!
In addition to playing the North Jersey Indie Rock Festival on October 6th, The Royal Arctic Institute has a busy gig schedule for September and October. You can catch them at the following shows:
October 18th at Pianos with Problem People, Yawn Mower, Ultra Major, A Bird, and This Bliss
October 19th at The Nest with Wharton Tiers Ensemble and The Wiremen
October 20th at Guitar Bar Jr.
November 9th at Quinn'sBeacon, NY, United States
November 11th at The Bowery Electric with Antietam, Sleepyhead
November 13th at Pet Shop with The Special Pillow
Get your tickets to the North Jersey Indie Rock Festival RIGHT NOW: https://www.ticketfly.com/event/1744675-north-jersey-indie-rock-jersey-city/
Episode 60 features a chat with Scott Klass of the Davenports. In early July, The Davenports released their fourth LP, “Don’t Be Mad At Me,” a fresh collection of beautifully crafted power-pop songs, and Scott was nice enough to drop by to chat all about it. Tune in to hear all about The Davenports’ two decades as a recording project, the evolution of the group, Scott’s collaborations with Chris Collingwood of Fountains of Wayne, and his beginnings in the New York City music scene. This episode includes some standout tracks from the Davenports’ latest release, including “Miranda In Her Room,” which features Shirley Simms of The Magnetic Fields on lead vocals. Scott made some excellent record picks from my collection and had some incredible stories to tell, including an exciting recent appearance with Dave Davies of the Kinks!
You can purchase the brand new Davenports album, “Don’t Be Mad At Me,” via the group's website. There, you can also purchase the entire Davenports discography, and learn more about upcoming tour dates.
Episode 59 of Look At My Records! features a chat with the great Al Crisafulli! As veteran of the New Jersey music scene, Al has truly done it all - from owning and operating his own record label, Dromedary Records, to his current gig as the host of his own four hour radio program on WFDU, Signal To Noise. Tune in to hear a fun Mommyheads story, some of Dromedary's finest tunes, and all about Signal To Noise! Plus, Al made some stellar picks from my record collection. Spoiler alert: this episode contains two versions of "From A Motel 6" - Yo La Tengo's original and the amazing cover version by our good pals Overlake!
You can listen to the excellent Signal To Noise radio program every Sunday night from 10am - 2am on the airwaves at 89.1FM or online at wfdu.fm!
Thanks to Al for stopping by!
Episode 58 features a fun and spirited chat with New Brunswick, New Jersey's Resounding No! The band just released their impressive debut cassette, "Gross Dominance" in June on State Champion Records, and they were kind enough to stop by the Look At My Records! studio to talk all about it! Tune in to hear all about the band's formation, the recording process behind "Gross Dominance," and the plans for the remainder of 2018. Plus, lots of interesting banter about records, the Pixies, and New Zealand. Oh, and I opened a Versing CD LIVE on the podcast. That one goes out to all y'all that love the sound of cellophane wrapping!!
You can purchase Gross Dominance on cassette via State Champion Records.
Resounding No is playing at WFMU's Monty Hall on Thursday August 16th with Vacation and Daddies! They'll also be performing at In The West in New Brunswick on October 12th with Kal Marks with The Royal They, and Glazer.
Thanks to Resounding No for hanging out!
Sean Kiely dropped by the Look At My Records! studios for a very special live session and interview! Sean treated us to two beautiful songs, "Winter Is Here," and "Water (or, The Wheel)," from his new EP, It Sure Was Good. Tom and Sean also discussed a wide range of fun topics, including Sean's musical beginnings, working with producer John Agnello on various projects, the stories behind the songs on It Sure Was Good, and his plans for the remainder of 2018. Plus, Sean made some great picks from Tom's collections, including classics from Animal Collective, Pavement, and Kurt Vile. The episode closes with two songs from Willow Texas, a split 7" that Sean released in 2017 with his frequent collaborator and friend, Jeff Taylor.
You can purchase It Sure Was Good via bandcamp.
You can see Sean live at the following gigs:
July 26th, 2018: Sean Kiely & The Royal Arctic Institute at Fox & Crow in Jersey City, NJ
July 28th, 2018: The Swiss Guard / Pyrenesia / Sourland / Sean Kiely at Lambertville Elks Lodge 1070 in Lambertsville, NJ
In Episode 56, Tom chatted extensively with one of New Jersey's finest power-pop outfits, Joy Cleaner! The trio is in the midst of an eventful 2018, as they recently wrapped up a June tour that brought them to several cities across the East Coast and the Midwest, and will be playing alongside Guided By Voices at Athens Popfest on Friday August 9th.
Joy Cleaner also recently celebrated the one year anniversary of their excellent debut album, Total Hell. If you're a fan of infectuous, jangly indie-pop, then you need to pick up this album! It's available via Jigsaw Records on pink vinyl, CD, and digital download.
Oh, and we had a blast talking about tunes. Tune in to hear Joy Cleaner's awesome picks from my record collection, their origin story, and their plans for balance of 2018 and beyond!
A huge thanks to the band for stopping by to chat with me. We had a heck of a time!
Episode 55 previews some of the great Mckenzie Tapes coming up for the month of July. Tune in to hear live tracks from Sonic Youth, Nirvana, Angry Samoans, Flaming Lips, Meat Puppets, Superchunk, The Replacements, and Boss Hog. These acts played some great gigs spanning from 1987-2000 at legendary venues including Maxwell's, The Stone Pony, Brownie's, and more! Plus, Tom has some interesting tidbits for each gig, so listen in to hear some of the stories behind these performances.
Episode 54 features an in-depth conversation with Angus Lord of one of Melbourne's best up and coming bands, The Stroppies! Featuring members of several notable area bands, including The Stevens, Dick Diver, and Twerps, this group has already amassed an impressive collection of tunes in the last two years. They released a 7" single entitled "Maddest Moment/Architectural Charades" last month on Tough Love Records, after releasing two critically acclaimed EPs in 2017 on the Hobbies Galore label. Tune in to hear all about the group's origins, recording with producer Alex Macfarlane, and their plans for 2018, which include recording their debut full-length. Plus, Angus and Tom had a lengthy discussion on the current Melbourne music scene. Angus curated a great playlist of some awesome Melbourne acts, including Alex Macfarlane, Parsnip, Blank Realm, and Civic! Tom threw in a live version of "Raised Eyebrows" by The Feelies from June 2nd, 1986 for good measure!
You can keep up with The Stroppies via Facebook and Instagram. You can purchase their latest 7" and their self-titled EP via the group's bandcamp. Their 2017 EP "It's A Hit" is available via Hobbies Galore.
Thanks so much to Angus of The Stroppies for a great chat!
Episode 53 features the first ever live in studio performance from Mel Glovin and Tam Geller of The Hums! This uber talented duo were joined by Allison Ercolani and Nicole Santana, who own and operate the non-profit organization Boonton Love. This wonderful entity organizes Food Truck Tuesdays, a weekly event from featuring live music and food trucks at Gracelord Park in Boonton, NJ. AND GUESS WHAT? The Hums are performing at the very next Food Truck Tuesday on June 19th!
The Hums treated us to an incredible 3 song set, including some of their best original songs, "Warrior Princess," "Waltz," and "Ghost Child." Listen in to hear all about these songs, the duo's 10+ year history of making music together, and their plans for future release. If you like what you hear (of course you do!), you can grab The Hum's debut LP via digital download or compact disc through Bandcamp. Allison and Nicole also filled us in on the future plans for Boonton Love and a sneak peak at future lineups. Plus, everyone had some stellar picks from my collection, ranging from Nas to Pure Pathing Culture!
Food Truck Tuesday happens every Tuesday from 6:30pm - 10:30pm at Gracelord Park in Boonton, NJ. A portion of the admission contributes to upkeep of this beautiful park!
In Episode 52, Tom welcomes Pat, Mike, and Brandon of Cicada Radio to the program. These veterans of the Hudson County music scene are about to release a brand new EP entitled Catch and Release on Friday June 15th. Listen in to hear all about the group's origins in Point Pleasant beach, the evolution of their sound over the course of five releases, the recording process for Catch and Release, and their tentative plans for their next record. Oh, and we did some reminiscing and got kinda emo over their picks from my collection. That's right - Club Krome and other Sayerville area venues of the early aughts were definitely mentioned!!!
Cicada Radio is celebrating the release of their new EP at Pet Shop on Thursday June 14th with support from Hot Blood and John Feuerback of Desir Decir. They'll be playing on the main floor and there's no cover charge!
You can purchase "Catch and Release" and the group's entire back catalogue via bandcamp and Killing Horse Records.
Thanks to Cicada Radio for stopping by!
Episode 51 of Look At My Record! features an in-depth conversation with the wonderful Emma Decorsey of I Am The Polish Army! In late 2017, I Am The Polish Army released their excellent debut album, “My Old Man,” which was named one of Rolling Stone’s “15 Great Albums You Probably Didn’t Hear in 2017.” Listen in to hear all about the origins of the project over a decade ago, the process behind recording “My Old Man,” the inspiration for several songs, including the beautiful “David Bowie,” and of course, Emma’s great picks! Did you know Emma also fronts a Siouxsie and the Banshees cover band? Hear all about it in Episode 51! Thank you for stopping by, Emma!
Look At My Records! has reached the 50th episode milestone! In this special episode, Tom shares some exclusive McKenzie Tapes from the vault, including the Pixies at Maxwell's in 1988 (their 2nd ever appearance at the venue) and R.E.M. at Maxwell's in 1982. He also reflects on some of the funniest moments over the course of the first 50, including that time on his 30th birthday when he had a little too much to drink! The show wraps up with tracks from Morus Alba, Milkmen, Atlas Engine, and Hard Nips - all who will be gracing the stage at the Footlight for the Look At My Records! 50th Episode Bash tonight!
In Episode 49, Tom chats with Japanese punk rockers, Hard Nips! Settling in Brooklyn by way of Japan, this foursome delivers a unique and eclectic sound that melds elements of post-punk, new wave, and straight up rock and roll! Listen in to hear all about the group's origins in Japan, their brand new EP "Bunny", and their insane live show! Plus, a special curated playlist featuring five wonderful Japanese bands: Green Milk From Planet Orange, Acid Mother's Gong, Pika (featuring Hard Nips very own Gooch on backing vocals, and The Yours!
Hard Nips are playing the Look At My Records! 50th Episode Bash this Friday May 18th at The Footlight in Ridgewood, Queens!
Episode 48 of Look At My Records! features an in depth conversation with the Montclair, NJ based band Trü. Blossoming out of a drunken conversation at a wedding in 2015, Keith Williams and Pat Defrancisci set out to collaborate on a poppier project with bassist Cindy Ward and drummer Steve Cerri joining in early 2016. What resulted is a collection of magical coming of age, power-pop anthems that would eventually appear on the band's their self-titled debut "7. Fast forward to 2018 and the group is already slated to release their second EP, "Growing Pains." It drops on June 22nd via Sniffling Indie Kids! Listen in to hear all about their origin story, the group's varied influences, and their plans for 2018! This band has excellent taste in tunes, so be sure to listen all the way through for their awesome selections from Tom's collection.
In Episode 47, Tom chats with the wonderful Chris Slusarenko of the Portland-based band Eyelids! Eyelids is coming off a big 2017 that saw the group embark on their first headlining tour of the east coast and release their second full length, “Or.” Tune in to hear all about Chris’s start as a young musician in the Portland scene, his various experiences working with Bob Pollard and Peter Buck, playing with the late, great Tommy Keene, and tons more great stories! Eyelids has some great projects in store for 2018 - including a new full length and a special project including some unpublished works of the late Tim Buckley, so keep your EYES glued to all things Eyelids because you don’t want to miss this incredible stuff!
Since Chris couldn’t physically be in my apartment to make some picks from my record collection, we instead talked at length about a letter that Pete Buck sent to Chris in the mid-1980s. In this letter, Peter provided Chris with several recommendations of bands to check out, including Mission of Burma, The Neats, The dB’s, and the Minutemen. The show closes with some tracks from those legendary acts!
Episode 46 of Look At My Records! is an audio companion piece to the recent article that Tom wrote for NJRacket.com on the five essential releases on Hoboken's Coyote Records. In this episode, Tom gets into some of the deeper cuts from the label, including tracks from The Clintons and Boston-bred four-piece, The Neats. Plus, some Speed The Plough, Yo La Tengo, more live Yung Wu at Maxwell's, The Trypes, and more! DON'T FORGET - "Shore Leave," the lone release by Yung Wu, is getting the reissue treatment for Record Store Day 2018 - complete with a flexi-disc 7" of two additional Dave Weckerman originals. So, make sure you pick it up at Tunes in Hoboken or Iris in Jersey City!
Episode 45 highlights some of the very best selections from The McKenzie Tapes! Featuring tracks from Yung Wu, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Superchunk, The Leaving Trains, Dinosaur Jr., and more! The episode wraps up with a clip of a Howard Stern interview with Joey Ramone from 1985. Enjoy these two look-a-likes talk about groupies and other road stories!
Episode 44 features an all female song selection in honor of the recent International Women's Day and Women's History Month! Tom starts off the episode with a sneak preview of a very special McKenzie Tape - Maureen Tucker at Maxwell's on March 27, 1987. Plus some more of Tom's favorites including Courtney Barnett, Hey Anna, La Luz, Nadia Reid, Beaches, Lina Tullgren, and more! A big THANK YOU to all the rocking women out there making amazing tunes!
I'm heading to Los Angeles via Phoenix, so Episode 43 highlights a few great shows in the LA area this weekend and also features songs by some of my favorite acts from the area. Hot jams from: Dent May, Jawbreaker, La Luz, No Vacation, The Gems, Guantanamo Baywatch, Prettiest Eyes, No Parents, Triptides, and the Beach Boys!
Jawbreaker begins a three night residency at the Hollywood Palladium on Thursday March 8th with support from Waxahatchee. San Francisco's No Vacation, who released the excellent "Intermission" last year, will be at the Hi Hat on Friday March 9th. Local act, The Gems, are featured on a bill at The Smell with a bunch of other LA rockers. You can catch Tom at The Hi Hat on March 10th, where he'll be enjoying Guantanamo Baywatch, Prettiest Eyes, and No Parents!
In Episode 42, Tom chatted with Dan and Joey of Montclair, New Jersey's Shred Flintstone! 2018 is shaping up to be a big year for this trio, as they're currently in the early stages of a southern U.S. tour that will take them all the way to SXSW! Listen in to hear all the details on thee group's dates at SXSW and their brand new album, which is slated for release this April. The Shred boys were nice enough to share an exclusive, never before heard track from this forthcoming release - "Scalps!" Plus, two of your favorite Shred Flintstone jams from their 2017 EP, "Cartoon Physics!"
Oh, and of course, Shred's picks! You're in for a treat, as drummer Joey selected a very intriguing MCKENZIE TAPE! Episode 42 contains a sneak peak of At The Drive-In's live performance at Bowery Ballroom on October 28, 2000. Savor this juicy track party people, as the rest won't be released until October 2018!
Thanks Shred Flintstone for stopping by!
Episode 41 highlights an amazing week of shows in Jersey City. There's no reason to cross the Hudson River this weekend, as Screaming Females will be gracing the Monty Hall stage for the third consecutive year. This time around, they're playing three shows with support from some wonderful acts: Teenage Halloween, Snakeskin, and Spowder.
On Friday February 23, Twin Peaks top an incredible bill with support from The Districts and local favorites, Trü. Plus, everybody's favorite Bar None Records recording artist, Freedy Johnston, will be throwing down on Thursday February 22 at the Fox and The Crow in the Heights.
If you're inclined to travel out of JC, NJ based label Mint 400 Records is showcasing some of their best talent at Pianos on Saturday February 24th. Sink Tapes, who just released an excellent new record entitled "Secret Club," are sharing the stage with Cyclone Static, The Components, Tony Saxon, and SHRB. Remember Sports are also at the Silent Barn on Thursday February 22nd!
In Episode 40, Tom chats with Anna (the Anna!), Erin, and Matt of New Jersey indie pop mainstays, Hey Anna! Boy, did these four have a blast talking about MUSIC!
Listen in to hear all about their brand new single "Garage Queen," which just became available on EVERY music platform you can imagine!! Plus, you'll learn all about the group's origins, sisterly songwriting, and a fun story behind one of my favorite Hey Anna songs, "Mt. Picchu." Of course (DUH!), Hey Anna has AMAZING taste in music, so you do not want to miss their picks from Tom's collection!
In Episode 39, Tom chats with Chris Gennone of C.R. & The Degenerates. The group just released their last album under the Degenerates moniker, "The World According To C.R," and boy is it a wonderful record that caps off a deep catalogue of alt-country goodness. Listen in to hear all about the project's origins, the next steps for Chris and his bandmates, and of course, lots of excellent picks ranging from the Mekons to Freedy Johnson!
In Episode 38, Tom chatted with Lorenzo Gillis Cook of Petite League. Petite League is fresh off a big 2017, which saw the release of their second full length, "Rips One Into The Night." Listen in to hear their plans for 2018! Plus songs from Hypoluxo, Gingerlys, Fruit & Flowers, Long Neck, and Adult Mom. Oh, and Tom also fills you in on the archiving project he's been working on, "The McKenzie Tapes." He wraps up Episode 38 with two exclusive live tracks from Superchunk and Dinosaur Jr. from 20+ years ago!
Episode 37 features a wide-variety of genre bending jams from great bands playing in your hood this weekend! There's a wonderful five band bill going down at White Eagle Hall on Friday January 19th and Royal Trux will be performing at Market Hotel for two nights! Plus, the debut of Mike Tarovsky's new project, Edna. Glazer is looking through that oracle with the song "Making This Shithole A Shithome." They'll be playing New Brunswick on the 20th. Check 'em out!
Happy new year, everyone! In formulating a playlist for the first episode of 2018, I realized that I acquired several excellent cassette releases from local artists in the last year. So, I wanted to share with everyone some of my favorite tracks from these great releases. Featuring tracks from Patio, No Honeymoon, Holy Tunics, Parrot Dream, The Royal Arctic Institute, Sheen Marina, Journalism, Grim Streaker, and more!
In Episode 35, Tom and Zach discuss in vivid detail their top five records of 2017. Which bands/artists made the final cut?? There's only one way to find out - listen to this episode!
Thanks to all the wonderful artists who made 2017 an extremely memorable year for music!
Remember Zach Romano from Episode 15? Well, it's almost 20 episodes later and he's back to share his favorite records of 2017. That's not all, though! You'll also hear all about Tom's favorite records of 2017! Let me tell ya, 2017 was quite the year for music - with so many amazing releases, it was extremely difficulty to pick a top 10.
In Part 1, Tom and Zach will guide you through picks 10 through 6. Stayed tuned for Part 2, which will drop later in the week!
In Episode 33, Tom chats with Sarah, James, and Laurie of the London based trio, Fassine! The band is coming off an eventful 2017, as they recently appeared in the highly anticipated XTC documentary, "This Is Pop," and released a critically acclaimed new record entitled "Gourami." Listen in to hear about their latest record, their plans for 2018 (they're in the process of writing a complete different sounding record), and four live tracks recorded at Battery Studios. Like what you hear? You can get your hands on these live tracks FOR FREE by signing up for Fassine's mailing list at http://www.fassine.com. Get that VIP treatment!
We also touched on a variety of XTC related topics, including Fassine's stellar contribution to the documentary, XTC's influence on the band's ethos and sound, and the band's legacy in the states and the U.K. Although we spoke via Skype, an episode of Look At My Records would not be complete without some picks! So, each of us picked our personal favorite XTC song for you to enjoy. I threw in a Colin Moulding jam for good measure - it can't all be about Andy!
Tom recently sat down with Cameron Carr of the Columbus, Ohio based band, Trying. Listen in to hear all about their origins in Ohio, two songs from Trying's recently released singles, touring experiences in rural Appalachia, and plans for their debut full length. Plus Cameron's eclectic picks! Tom threw in some Ohio based picks at the end for good measure.
Now based in Brooklyn, Trying is making their NYC debut this Sunday December 10th at Pianos. Don't miss them!
In Episode 31, Tom sits down with Monroe, NY indie rockers, The Racer, to talk about their string of luscious new singles. Listen in to hear two of their latest tracks, Apogee and Skeptic, plus lots of talk about their songwriting process, overall development as a group, and even a little bit of Linkin Park talk.
Plus their picks! Oh and my pick for feel good song of the century! If you know me well, you won't be shocked.
Episode 30 features a lovely and HILARIOUS conversation with the No Honeymoon. This Brooklyn based foursome recently dropped a brand spanking new EP entitled "It's Whatever," which is available via digital download and limited edition cassette on their bandcamp. IT'S SELLING LIKE HOTCAKES SO GRAB IT WHILE YOU CAN!
Listen in to hear their picks, some throat singing, and several hearty laughs. A big thank you to No Honeymoon for stopping by! You can check them out at St. Vitus and Bar Matchless in the super near future.
In Episode 29, Tom sits down with singer-songwriter Liv Lombardi as she celebrates the one month anniversary of her latest EP, Freedom Girl. Tune in to hear the eclectic back stories to all five songs on this excellent release. Plus, lots of music talk and Liv's picks!! You can catch her this Friday at Tierny's in Montclair and at the Secret Loft on Thursday November 30th!
In Episode 28, Tom sits down with Brooklyn-based dream pop band Parrot Dream! Hear members Kiki, Gonzalo, and Matt chat about their beginnings in Chile, songwriting process, and influences for their upcoming 2018 releases! Also, listen to Parrot Dream's picks from Savages, The Breeders, Alvvays, Hoops, The Raincoats and more! You can catch them at the Footlight on Saturday November 11th!
Episode 27 features some picks from one of Tom's recent crate digging excursion. Yeah, that's right - the surfy instrumental goodness of the Raybeats, plus some Paisley Underground jams from The Three O'Clock, and New Jersey favorites, The Silos.
Can you believe the Raincoats are in town? Ought also has two shows lined up, one with Waxahatchee at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City. In Episode 27, you can also hear additional hardcore excellent jams from L.A. Witch, Las Rosas, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Tall Juan, and the dynamic duo of Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile. Tickets are still available for their show at Loews Theater in Jersey City. I'm bringing my entire family - that's how great the show is gonna be! Don't miss out!
Episode 26 kicks off with an upbeat, jangly indie pop song of the Scottish persuasion from Close Lobsters. Plus our buddies from the great white north, Japandroids, are back in town with Cloud Nothings. Tom also serves up an XTC cover from the wonderful Fassine and some Shannon & The Clams to hold you over until they take over Monty Hall on Sunday October 29th! Tom rounds out the set with tracks from Parrot Dream, the Gories, and more. Listen up!
Episode 25 features tracks from two hot reissues from The Necessaries and the 6ths. Plus more from The Courtneys, Versing, and plenty of THE REPLACEMENTS LIVE AT MAXWELL'S 1986!
In Episode 24, Tom sits down with the dudes from Morus Alba. Their conversation encompassed a wide range of topics - including the group's origin story at Bard College in Annadale-on-Hudson, NY, their most recent cassette release "Stay Asleep," and the band's ever-evolving sound. Plus, their picks from my collection, including a 5 minute highlight reel of the Mets 1986 season! I'm not making that up. Marcel Rudin picked that one - and trust me, I honor all selections on this program! In addition to this fun recap of the Mets championship season over 30 years ago, this episode features songs from Patti Smith, Michael Jackson, John Coltrane, Nas, and the pride of the Elephant Six Collective, The Olivia Tremor Control!
Oh yeah, and a few tracks from Proper Ornaments, Kyle Forester, and Turnip King sprinkled in for good measure. You can see those hot acts this weekend!
Episode 23 previews a great week of shows - featuring the Wire residency at Baby's All Right, Mitski and Soccer Mommy in Jersey City, and the Rubblebucket Dream Picnic at Knockdown Center. Plus bonus footage from my interview with LKFFCT with some awesome picks from my collection, including Minutemen, Priests, and Husker Du! Don't forget, their new album drops on October 9th.
In Episode 22, Tom previews the second annual North Jersey Indie Rock Festival, which is happening on Saturday September 23rd from 11AM to 9PM at Cathedral Hall in Jersey City. The festival boasts 24 fantastic bands representing five New Jersey based labels for the BARGAIN PRICE OF ONLY 10 DOLLARS! Given the amount of awesomeness spread across this lineup, it's certainly a can't miss!
Tom chatted with two of his favorite bands slated to play the festival, Professor Caveman and LKFFCT. Both groups have brand new releases coming out SUPER SOON on Sniffling Indie Kids. Listen in to hear "Lemon Water" and "Vaseline" off of Professor Caveman's Volume 3, which has a planned physical release in late 2017. Plus, LKFFCT shares "Hatchling" and "Anesthesia" off of their latest full length, "Dawn Chorus." "Dawn Chorus" is dropping on October 9th, but you can hear it here first!
That's not all, though! Tom has plenty of lit AF tracks from bands playing the festival, including Spowder, Dentist, The Rock n' Roll Hi-Fives, Shred Flinstone, AND MORE!
You can see all of these great acts and more this Saturday September 23rd at Cathedral Hall in Jersey City! Hope to see you there!
Episode 21 starts off with a bang! That's right, the brand new album from Toronto natives Alvvays just dropped and Tom cannot stop spinning that wax! Catch them live at Brooklyn Steel on October 5th.
Then Tom plays some new tracks from Antietam, Teen Daze, Varsity, and Protomartyr. Plus jams from local favorites Yucky Duster, Cherubim, and Steve Gunn. As always, all of these highly talented artists are conveniently playing LIVE within the NYC area. Get out there and dance your butt off to their tunes this weekend!
Tom rounds out the program with a special track "Jeffrey, I Hear You." This song is dedicated to my friend and law school classmate, Jeff Eloy, who passed away on September 17, 2013. Jeff loved music and is missed by many!
In Episode 20, Tom sits down with Emmy Black, President and Founder of New Jersey based record label Rhyme and Reason Records. Listen as they talk about new releases from Rhyme and Reason artists, Sweet Crude, Pronoun, and of course, Glenn Morrow's Cry For Help! Plus lots of chatter about Emmy's background at Bar None Records, the Rhyme and Reason origin story, and of course, plenty of picks from Tom's collection. Spoiler alert: their picks are very Bar None/Hoboken heavy. Thanks to Emmy for stopping by and gifting me an amazing Bar None Records pin and R&R tote bag. LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE!
Episode 19 previews a fun weekend of shows, including the triumphant return of Twerps and Robyn Hitchcock. These two dudes with similar accents will be gracing the stage of Baby's All Right to fill your Labor Day Weekend with jangly bliss. Plus new tunes from Petite League and Navy Gangs! Check them all out at VENUE NEAR YOU!
Oh, and I take an impromptu stab at writing my own Guided By Voices song. It's not as easy as Bob Pollard makes it look.
On Episode 18, Tom preps you for a weekend of AMAZING shows with some NECESSARY LISTENING. We've got everything from garage rock legends The Sonics to Chicago duo, Ratboys - with a little Wylflife, Boytoy, Adult Mom, and more sprinkled right in the middle. The best part of all IS ALL OF THESE AWESOME ACTS are playing in NYC in the coming HOURS. So, if you like what you hear, get out there and see them in the FLESH!
Episode 17 features new songs from Frankie Rose, Robyn Hitchcock, and B Boys! Robyn Hitchcock and Frankie Rose embark on nationwide tours starting in September, so catch them in your town this fall!
Plus great tunes from tons of bands playing at all your favorite spots from Jersey City to Bushwick, including Bethlehem Steel, John Maus, Patio, Lina Tullgren, Gun Outfit, and NRBQ!
Ringo Deathstarr and the Dead Kennedys round out this episode with two musical public service announcements. This podcast hates fascists and would like to remind you to avoid direct eye contact with the sun during the lunar eclipse next week!
The beautiful boys of the New Brunswick trio, Living Tradition, stopped by the Look At My Records! studio to debut three new songs from their soon to be released record, "Habitual Creatures." These tracks are legit hot, fiery, and sound super slick! Plus lots of tour stories, BELCHING, and their picks from my collection - including Sandy (Alex G), Built To Spill, and Tame Impala!
Episode 15 just may be the most delightful installment of Look At My Records to date!
Here's the back story: Zach Romano and Tom Gallo are BFFs. They see a lot of live music together in the greater New York City area. So, when Zach Romano crashed at Tom's place earlier this month, this dynamic best fried duo curated a playlist of some of the best live acts they've seen over the course of the last few years.
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL
Zach and Tom also discuss their favorite records of the year at the halfway point.
THERE'S ACTUALLY MORE-
They also have a few stories from their college radio days at Lafayette up their sleeves that may or may not leave you in stitches! I think they're some funny stories. Shout out to WJRH at Lafayette College for putting up with my shenanigans.
Listen in for all the talk and tunes!
In Episode 14, Tom chats with Union City, NJ up and comers, The Lo-Fis! They're fresh off a sold out show opening for Wolf Alice at Rough Trade NYC, where they shredded and witnessed some interesting celebrity gossip FIRST HAND. TUNE IN TO HEAR THIS JUICY INFO PLUS SONGS FROM THEIR BRAND NEW SINGLE, "TRIPPED ON A CURB!" Oh and of course they made some very stellar selections from my collections, including a fantastic Lee Ranaldo bedroom demo of "Eric's Trip!"
Plus great james from Poppies, Palm, Jeffrey Lewis, Kalbells, Priests, The Rubinoos, and Baby Shakes! Get out to those shows and make Mr. Look At My Records proud!!!!
Tom sits down with Nick and Pat of Atlas Engine to talk about the recording process for the latest single, Shadow Dancer. Tune in to hear a preview of Shadow Dancer, along with their picks from Tom's record collection. Both dudes are pretty fond of the Dismemberment Plan. Atlas Engine will be playing with Loose Buttons on Thursday July 20th at Mercury Lounge.
As usual, Tom also has great tracks from Wild Maker, Wilsen, Dentist, Loose Button, Evolfo, and XTC!
Don't expect a fourth of July hangover this weekend in NYC. Tom supplies his picks for a jam packed weekend of excellent shows featuring, Paer, Boogarin, Hot Curl, Spowder, and more!
Tom introduces a brand new segment called RECENT PURCHASES! This week, Tom picked up the excellent new record from Triptides, the first EP from Australia's Beaches, and a single from UK indie pop legends Sea Urchins. Plus great tracks from Pink Mexico, Milky Wimpshake, Las Pinas, and MORE!
This week episode features music from Palm, Pinkwash, Julie Byrne, and Lazyeyes! Tom really can't wait to see Chicago natives, Clearance and local favorites EZTV at Union Pool this Saturday!
Tom has Milkmen from New Brunswick, NJ on this week's episode of Look At My Records! Tune in to hear songs from their self-titled debut record and their personal selections from Tom's record collection. Tom also plays tracks from Deerhoof, High Waisted, Sports, and the latest single from Hoboken's Glenn Morrow's Cry For Help! All four bands are playing shows in the NYC area this weekend, so if you like what you hear, check them out live!
Tom's got the playlist to guide you through an excellent week of shows in NYC. This week's episode features a brand new track from local favorites, Sheen Marina!
Tom's got some more good reco's for ya! The latest edition of Look At My Records! features songs from Pale Lights, Wilsen, Sharkmuffin, Alexander F, Rye Coalition, Sunshine & The Rain, Fern Mayo, Vagabon, How Sad, Salt Cathedral, and Sam Evian.
"Looks like we made it" ... to Episode 4! This week, Tom has some new tunes from all of the following cool bands: Babylon, EZTV, Wildhoney, L.A. WITCH, Las Rosas, Screaming Females, Future Punx, Joy Again, Psychic Ills, Cuddle Magic, White Lung, The Feelies and Baby Shakes!
It's Episode 3 of Look At My Records! This week, Tom's spinning dope tunes from artists like Gingerlys, Acid Dad, Honduras, The Gotobeds, Tobin Sprout, Sebadoh, Modern Diet, High Water, Fraidycat, Green and Glass, and Shop Talk!
In episode 2, hear some of Tom's new favorites from the following artists: Varsity, The Wedding Present, Girl Band, The Coathangers, Holy Tunics, Xiu Xiu, PJ Harvey, Palberta, Fletcher C Johnson, Colleen Green, and Julien Baker!