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archives cd archives I cd archives II cd archives III cd archives IV cd archives V cd archives VI

Miss Derringer Lullabies $$$$$$ Oh how I love you. Remember what you felt when you listened to Hole's "Live Through This"? This is how I feel listening to this record. It's moody and dark, kinda Nick Cave like. I also get a bit of Angelfish in there too (remember Shirley Manson's previous band before Garbage?). It's almost as if you are in the same room. The group consists of Liz McGrath, Morgan Slade and Sylvain de Muizon. According to their band bio, "longtime collaborators Liz McGrath and Morgan Slade became husband and wife; but on Lullabies, the lovelorn heroine once again finds herself knee-deep in misfortune. The 13 songs document her love on the run, her passionate yet cruel man, his murder, and the longing for atonement that she can only express in song." Besides being a musican, Liz lended her creativity to the artwork too. I always love a band who care about what their album work looks like. It's very odd and I've never seen anything like it. Check them out ASAP. -Laura Encarnado www.missderringer.com

New Skin New Skin EP Cleopatra Records $$$$$$ Even though this is just a 3 song sampler from their forthcoming debut, they have my attention. It's a mix of Electro, rock and pop. It's almost trashy (in a good way!). I just want to get up and dance and sing alon and I don't even know the words to the songs yet. Produced by Dave Allen, everything is set to  perfection from the songs to the artwork. I can't wait to hear more from this group. -Laura Encarnado www.new-skin.co.uk

Stefy The Orange Album Wind-Up Records $$$$$ If the Horrorpops went all electro, this is what you would get. It's fun and something you can dance too. I really dont know what else to say. I've been left speechless by what I'm listening too. They get extra kudos too for the Gwen Stefani reference in "Orange County"!! -Laura Encarnado stefytheband.com

Hell Promise Aim For Hell RocketStars Recording $$$$$ YESSSSSS. FINALLY A CD TO REVIEW WHERE THERE'S SCREAMING! I just want to throw down and I don't even do that. Anyone who is into bands like Norma Jean, Throwdown, Hatebreed and Pantera should really check this band out. I have yet to skip a track yet on "Aim For Hell". Who doesn't love some angry music, fistpumping music?!?!?!? "Venom, Vice, And Valor" and "Brass Knuckle Nightmare" have got to be my favorites so far.  -Laura Encarnado www.hellpromise.com

Bullets and Octane In The Mouth Of The Young RCA $$$ It's rough and loud, just how I love my music. The songs are fast and the lead singer's voice reminds me of a mix between Avenged Sevenfold (sorry) and Chris Cornell. If you are a fan of both, you'll like these guys. I'm sure all the scene gals will. It's like anything else out there right now. Although nothing new, I still like them. -Laura Encarnado bullets-and-octane.com

Joe Strummer DVD "Let's Rock Again" Joe Strummer Documentary Directed by Dick Rude Release date June 27, 2006 $$$$ “Let’s Rock Again” is a documentary about Joe Strummer, directed by his friend Dick Rude, which was shot in the 18 months before Strummer passed away very unexpectedly in 2002. The film consists mostly of tour footage; providing daily glimpses of Strummer having conversations with friends, journalists, fans, and his band mates. For a Strummer fan like myself, it was a real honor, to not only watch the film, but also to get an extra glimpse into what he was really like as a person, as well as a musician. It’s very cool that a friend of his made this possible for his fans. “Let’s Rock Again” shows us what a humble, gracious, generous person Joe Strummer was to those around him. He seemed fully without ego, yet with a faint knowledge of his importance to others. He spent time with fans talking to them about just about anything, and he does and says things throughout the film, that show us his style of humor was intellectually amusing. All of my favorite parts of this film are things that I don’t want to write out for you to read, because I feel it will spoil the surprises. If you are a fan of his, you need to see this film for yourself, as it is much more of an inside view into who this man really was, than what has been conveyed in all the other films about him that I’ve seen. Since I don’t want to spoil the surprises, I will be as vague as possible, because I know you’ll want to see this film. Two of my favorite scenes in the film are of Strummer doing very unexpected things that one would never think a musician of his fame and standing would do. He did radio and street promotions for his shows at a grass roots level, which was a bit astonishing to me. It would have been amazing to be in the right place at the right time to witness this firsthand. Seeing this in the film made me only admire him more. Two other favorite scenes were of Strummer having candid conversations. His off-the-cuff observations about “being a hack” and about the people who ‘compile crossword puzzles’ were charming and entertaining. Being able to view these conversations and get a closer view into the way he thought about things felt really special to me as a fan. The personal moments in the film are broken up with live music footage of he and his band, The Mescaleros. They were very talented, although they never managed to excite me to the level that The Clash had… but that was an enormously tough act to follow. That may be why Strummer took an 11-year break from music, which he mentioned in the film. (I did go see 2 tours with The Mescaleros, and both times, they were great, and I was glad I went.)  The rest of my favorite parts of the movie were in seeing how much time he was willing to spend with the fans. He really didn’t seem to find it redundant (which anyone in his position should have), to stay after a show as long as it took to make sure that everyone got a minute with him who desired to. Seeing this part of his personality made me feel good, as I was one of those fans who met him on his tour in 2001. He was gracious enough to take the time to take 2 photos with me. Acts like these, I find a bit embarrassing as a fan, but I’m glad I put the embarrassment aside to save that moment in time on film. Seeing this documentary solidified to me that Joe Strummer didn’t mind. He was glad to do it. I always had the feeling he was a good guy that we all would have liked. Seeing the film was all the proof I ever needed.  -Alisha Amnesia “Let’s Rock Again” will be released on DVD on June 27, 2006… Check it out!

Anti-Hero Unpretty Her Records $$$ Anti-Hero hail from London, Ontario and aren't just some pretty faces. Unpretty is gritty like Hole's "Live Through This". The vocals aren't my cup of coffee at all, but I'm liking the music. It's not the typical polished stuff you hear nowadays which is nice. If you're into stuff like Tuuli, L7, Hole, and Babes in Toyland, I would definitely check this group out. -Laura Encarnado www.anti-hero.ca

The Checkers Running with Scissors Teenacide Records $$$$ Running with Scissors could possibly be the must-have album of 2006.  The Checkers’ second full-length album is a welcome addition to lovers of Joan Jett, Blondie, even the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.  The lyrics, the riffs, the girly persuasive voice of singer Julie Vox will make you clap your hands, stamp your feet, what have you.  After listening to the opening “The Invitation,” it’s hard to take a break from this stunning album, and honestly, you won’t be scouring the aisles at your record store to find another album, except maybe another copy of Running with Scissors when your own copy runs out.   Megan Knell    www.teenaciderecords.com

Khoiba Nice Traps Streetbeat Records $$$$ I'm in lust with this group. Khoiba hail from the Czech Republic and if you like Fiona Apple, Radiohead, Bjork, Massive Attack, Lisa Loeb or Mazzy Star; they're the ones for you. The vocals and music are beyond sweet. This will be one of the very few bands I have reviewed for GlitterGrrrls/CoolGrrrls that I will listen too more than once. I'm truly captivated by this lovely bunch. -Laura Encarnado khoiba.org

Mon Frere Real Vampires EP Cake Records $$$ pires made me want to get up and dance. If Death From Above 1979 were to have a raunchy affair with Queens of the Stone Age, I think Mon Frere would be the outcome. There's a disco punk twist to this electronica band. I wish this were more than 5 songs. I'm a new fan!  -Laura Encarnado www.monfrere.net

Rocket Girls With Candy Hearts Teenacide Records $$$$ On their follow-up to 2004’s Too Hot to Be Bothered, Rocket comes back to audiences with a glittery glam sound that reminds one of The Shangri-La’s and Blondie thrown into a candy machine.  This new seven-track EP is filled with cutesy badass songs performed by Rocket’s lineup:  Lauren W., Chief, Lauren G., and Kelly.  These ladies know how to pull a listener in with fun covers such as Iggy Pop’s “Funtime” and “I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend,” a delicious cover of The Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.”   A brand new dish for Rocket is “Guitar Center Love Song,” where singer Lauren W.’s voice will have you screaming for more Rocket.  Don’t miss out on this one, ladies and gents, because this is a keeper. Megan Knell   www.teenaciderecords.com

The Twats Hell In My Pants Overdose on Records $$$$$ The Twats own my twat. They're fast and something I've had alot lately: attitude. It's nice to hear something among the cds I got that tickles my fancy. The songs are very catchy, but not in a pop punk sense. This is pretty far from pop punk. There's not stupid songs about heartbreak or the girl of their dreams. And yea, the band gets a milllllllllion brownie points for having a song called "Brotherly Love"....Philly represent!!!!!! -Laura Encarnado thetwats.org

The Best of Taste of Chaos Waron Records $$$$ This is a two disc set of various bands from Avenged Sevenfold, Norma Jean, The Used, Thrice, Every Time I Die, Armor For Sleep, Dir En Grey, AlexIsOnFire, The Bled, and so on. It's a nice mixture of bands and even though I do not like the majority of the groups on here, it's still a good buy. HotTopic lovers will/should eat this up. Every Time I Die, Norma Jean, the Bled, Thrice, Emery are what did it for me, although I already had alot of the songs featured on the cd from the bands I listed above. -Laura Encarnado www.warconrecords.com

Scarling. So Long, Scarecrow Sympathy for the Record Industry $$$$$ When the first time I listened to the record, all I could say was "WOW" for the next few days. They have really outdone themselves this time. Welcome new members Beth Gordon and Derik Snell to the lineup consisting of Rickey Lime, Jessicka, and Christian. The record is very moody. I sat and thought, "This is the perfect record to listen to during a cold night or during a thunderstorm". And what do ya know, a thunderstorm swept through my area as I listened for the hundredth time in those few hours of receiving it. There's no comparing to "Sweet Heart Dealer" because I feel they are two completely different things. This is yet another album where I like, no, LOVE every track. Did I mention the album artwork? I thought I was going to perhaps see more artwork by Mark Ryden. Instead, the band switched directions and have photos done by Piper Ferguson (with a tint of Mark in there on the back photo?!). It sets the records mood just looking at the photos. They're very dreamy. Kudos to Piper for the great job! As for lyrics, I feel there's more hate and "I don't care what happens to you" throughout the album. At least that's what I got from it as I related the songs to my personal life. -Laura Encarnado www.scarling.net

Suicide Girls the DVD Suicide Girls: The First Tour: "One Day You Will Be Nostalgic For Now" $$$$$ Where oh where do I begin with this DVD? One thing I always want with a performance artist who puts out a live dvd is alot of backstage footage. You know, behind the scenes stuff. This DVD provides that. An equal amount of live performance and backstage footage of the girls at the venues and at photoshoots. Not only was it shot very well, but the music accompanying it was very fitting. The women are beautiful. Watching the segments, it's hard to pick a favorite. There's quite a few girls who stood out though. And big brownie points for showing Philly!!!! I wish I caught these gals when they came to my hometown. This dvd is def a must buy!!! -Laura Encarnado www.suicidegirls.com

The Horrorpops Bring it On! Hellcat Records $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ I was so excited to hear that the Horrorpops sent us a CD to review. I jumped at the chance to review the album. I liked their first album a lot, but I LOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEE this album. Like I said on my myspace page, I cannot find a track on this album that I don't like. This album is like crack. I find myself needing another hit after hit after hit. I can't stop listening to it. "Bring it On!" features Patricia on vocals and standup bass, Kim Nekroman and Geoff Kresge on guitar and Niedermeir on drums. You can't forget the lovely go-go dancers Kamilla and No-No. From start to finish, the album is on CD full of fun. You'll find yourself dancing along to each track. As of right now, "Trapped" is my favorite track. Horrorpop fans have plenty to look forward too on September 13, 2005 when the album is set to hit the streets and they sure won't be disappointed. The track list is as follows: 1. Freaks in Uniforms 2. Hit 'N Run 3. Bring it On! 4. It's Been So Long 5. Undefeated 6. You VS. Me 7. Crawl Straight Home 8. Trapped 9. Walk Like A Zombie 10. Where You Can't Follow 11. Caught in a Blonde 12. S.O.B. 13. Who's Leading You Now -Laura Encarnado www.horrorpops.com

The Holograms Night of 1,0000 Ex-Boyfriends Teenacide Records $$$$$ This record makes me want to embrace my inner girlieness. The Holograms are and trio of rocker chicks that scream fun through your earphones. "An overdose of pilled-up pop and toxic teenbeat". Couldn’t have said it better myself. Think Josie and the Pussycats music (from the movie with Rachel Leigh Cook) only way better! This is some feel good music that I know I will definitely be listening to over and over again. Girls, I love you. -Laura Encarnado www.teenaciderecords.com

The Turbo A.C.’s Avenue X Gearhead Records $$$$$ The lyrics for "Anthem of United Humanity" is "FUCK YOU". That’s what the CD is full of and I’m loving it. Punk rock like it should be and has been: fast and hard. This is one of the few albums that I review that will still be on rotation on my iTunes playlists. Every song is just that damn good. -Laura Encarnado www.turboacs.com

One of the Loudest Tragedies Ever Heard... Situation Nowhere Wedgie / Ameroo Records $$$$$ One of the Loudest Tragedies Ever Heard is a production team who transformed into a group a few years ago. All four members come from various musical backgrounds. You may know Johnny Fisher aka Loudest Tragedy from his work with the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s (Yes New York / Vice Records) to his remixing for artists such as the Velvet Underground. Guitarist Mark Zarnow is also a fashion photographer. Bassist Natalia (love the name!) Bolanos has been with the Halo Friendlies and drummer Claudia is the former drummer for the bands: Jack off Jill, The Shocker and Lo-Ball. Together, they put forth a wonderful CD. It’s a musical orgy of new wave, rock and industrial. -Laura Encarnado www.loudesttragedy.com

Useless I.D. Redemption Kung Fu Records $$$$$ Ah, my second time reviewing these lovely guys from Israel. This is one pop/punk band I like. This record isn’t just your typical pop/punk record where it’s all about love and girls. There’s some darker song subjects and dark, moody melodies. So far, "It’s Alright", "State of Fear" and "Redemption" rank as my favorites from this album. -Laura Encarnado www.useless-id.com

Daphne Loves Derby On the Strength of all Convinced Outlook Music CO. $$$$ Wow. This is a really nice record to listen too. The music and vocals go well together. This is an album that makes me feel like moving. "Sundays" is the opening track. It starts out slow and gets a pep to its step. The music is soft to the ears, yet it’s hard at times. -Laura Encarnado www.daphnelovesderby.com

Rufio The Comfort of Home Nitro Records $$$$ This is the follow up to their 2003 debut. Although I have not heard their previous work, I really like what I'm hearing. This is the kind of album I would put on if I were having a bad day although some of the stuff on the record is about anything but. Songs like "Out Of Control" and "Bitter Season" are about jacked up relationships while the others are about Scott Sellers' (vocals, guitar) relationship with his father and how much he is proud of him. Awwww -Laura Encarnado www.rufiomusic.com

INNAWAY s/t Some Records $$$$$ Wow, this is a change of pace. I feel like I'm back in the 70's rocking out at a show. Described as "a new reading of Pink Floyd's psychedelia, Tortoise's spatiality and Led Zeppelin's hippie boogie". I think the nail was hit on the head. If you have no idea who those bands are or what they sound like, imagine watching the Virgin Suicides. For some reason, I feel the music would fit perfectly with that movie. Especially "The Strings of North Egg". Listening to this has kind of left me speechless. Usually, I get an album to review, don't like it and find myself sitting there for 20 minutes trying to think of something to say. And usually, I get a CD, like it and fear my reviews don't capture what I'm really trying to says. This album, I love, and I do not know really what to say. -Laura Encarnado www.some.com

The Myriad You Can't Trust a Ladder Floodgate Records $$$ I'm not really/usually a fan of this type of singing, but Jeremy Edwardson's vocals are pretty sweet. All the members of the band have a say in the writing process. There are your typical songs about heartache, love, doubt and faith. If you're a fan of Muse, the Killers or Radiohead, this band might interest you. So far, a few tracks stand out to me: "When Fire Falls", "Tethered", "Nothing is Safe" and "10,000 X 10,000". Actually, the more and more I listen to each track, I'm starting to dig these guys. -Laura Encarnado www.themyriad.net - www.myspace.com/themyriad

Dimension Mix: The Music of Bruce Haack and Esther Nelson A Tribute to Dimension 5 Records Eenie Meenie Records $$$$$ This mix album is so funny to listen to. It feels like you are playing a video game or something. From Beck to Moby to Fantastic Plastic Machine, this CD is full of fun. You'll want to bop around or just giggle the whole time. But in all seriousness, it is a good CD. -Laura Encarnado www.eeniemeenie.com

Tracy Bonham Blink the Brightest Zoe Records $$$$ Is this the same Tracy Bonham "EVVVVVVVVVVVVVVERRRRRRRRYTHING’S FINE!!!!!!!!!!!"? Though I have only heard "Mother, Mother" by her, I love what this record puts out. The opening track, "Something Beautiful" is soft and beyond sweet. This may be a hard one to top with the rest of the record. The second track brings out the attitude in Tracy. "Eyes" is another favorite of mine. I love the ah’s!!! This Tracy, I love. -Laura Encarnado www.tracybonham.com

Scary Kids Scaring Kids The City Sleeps in Flames Immortal Records $$$$$ I’m becoming so emo. I’m falling for this band. From the first note I felt this was going to be a pretty emotional record. It feels like something I can draw from. A breath of fresh air. A voice for my anger, a sound for my hate. I’m babbling, but I really like this album. I don’t know what can really be said. It has a little bit of everything (I’m not even going there because I want you guys to check these guys out). It’s not fun to spoil everything now is it? -Laura Encarnado www.scarykids.com - www.myspace.com/scarykids

The Aquabats Charge!! Nitro Records $$ This band doesn’t float my boat. I’m not into this kind of rock. But I know a lot of people will no doubt like this album. I’m pretty sure they have a huge following. So check out the links I’ve listed below and develop your own opinion if you’re not a fan already. Though, I will say, if Chainsaw got his name from SummerSchool, they get a million trillion brownie points. -Laura Encarnado www.theaquabats.com - www.myspace.com/theaquabats

Full "Desperandum" MadPeeps Music $$$ This band is pretty interesting. They kind of remind of Kidney Thieves with a softer sound and more guitar. They’re a nice change from what I usually listen too and didn’t bore me right away. For being someone who’s mainly into hard music, I’d have to be in the right mood to listen to this. Definitely isn’t bad and worth checking out. -Laura Encarnado www.rememberfull.com

Zombina and the Skeletones "I Was A Human Bomb For the F.B.I." $$$$$ This band is so much fun! They were the first band I noticed in my box full of cds. It's refreshing to hear something that I really like. Alot of the cds, I like but after listening once or twice, I never listen again. I don't think this will be the case with this band. I can't wait to find out more info on them as all I got was a CD with a sticker. This band is a must see! -Laura Encarnado www.zombina.com

Charmed "Book of Shadows" Soundtrack Treadstone Records $$$$ Book of Shadows is the new soundtrack from the TV show "Charmed". The album has a wide variety of music from Dido to Liz Phair to the Donnas to Ashlee Simpson to Vanessa Carlton. It's a nice mix and fits the show perfectly. -Laura Encarnado

Feersum Ennjin Silent Uproar Records $$$$ Love Tool? Check Feersum Ennjin out. Who's the mastermind behind it? Paul D'Mour. Love Tool? You should know who this is. This 5 track EP is very melodic yet dark and hard. You can hear Tool's influence on here but I also get a tad bit feel of QOTSA. This EP definitely sets the mood. "Solid Gold" is what stands out most to me. -Laura Encarnado www.feersumennjin.com

The Letters Organize "Dead Rhythm Machine" Nitro Records $$$$$ FINALLY SOMETHING OF MY TASTE!!!! I usually get something I completely don't like or something that is softer then what I usually listen too. Dead Rhythm Machine is a breath of fresh air! It's a nice mix of hardcore, metal, punk and garage. 3 songs in and I'm in love. I love the screaming and the rawness of it. -Laura Encarnado www.thelettersorganize.com

Jamie Rattner "Within" $$$$ Jamie Rattner is back! With a brand new album, a fresh sound and powerful lyrics, you're sure to be wowed with her new 8 track disc. Within is an incredible second album for such a young artist. Each song is full of emotions and lyrics you might think were written for you. My favorite song on the CD, "Retrospect" has a raw feeling to it, a slow beat and the potential to be your favorite as well. Jamie sounds just as phenomenal as on her first CD, if not better. She showcases her classical-sounding voice that makes you want to sing along, cry, and tell her you want more! Side note(s): This album also comes with an awesome booklet full of Jamie's own poetry and beautiful photographs by Shaun O'Boyle. -Megan Knell www.jamierattner.com

The Snaggs "Hot Tomato" Dragonfly Entertainment $$$ This is a fun band to listen too. They remind me of Josie and the Pussycats (the movie) and Tuuli. Fun pop/rock. They're a 5 piece band from Rockford, IL. The lead singer, Holland Zander just happens to be the daughter of Cheap Tricks Robin Zander. Talent sure runs in the family! The Snaggs have been featured on shows like Dawson's Creek and are quickly growing a fanbase. Holland's vocals are so innocent and angelic. "Letting Go" would have to be the stand out track so far for me! -Laura Encarnado www.thesnaggs.com

Smoke or Fire "Above the City" Fat Wreck Chords $$$$$ Looking at the CD booklet, I thought the band was going to be a bit harder than what they sound, but I'm still loving it. My only problem with the cd is that some of the songs aren't long enough! -Laura Encarnado www.fatwreck.com

The Rumours "The Mighty Can Fall" Switchblade Records $$$ Mmmmmmmmmmm is all I gotta say. This is some delish rock and roll from Canada. The vocals are intense and sexy and the music is raw. I can just imagine what their live shows are like! I like how they've thrown in some 80's metal into the mix. If you're into bands like Hole or the Distillers, I think the Rumours would be your cup of Jager! -Laura Encarnado www.therumoursonline.com

Summerland Original Television Soundtrack $$$ This is another soundtrack to the TV show "Summerland". It's a good mix of different music genres. I think fans of the show would like this album. Bowling For Soup, Collective Soul, New Found Glory, Jesse McCartney, the All American Rejects and Lisa Loeb are just some of the musicians appearing on this disc. What's weird is the last song by Steve Plunkett is only :41 seconds long...and its a good song! It should have been longer. -Laura Encarnado

Righteous Jams "Rage of Discipline" $$ This cd would be ten times better if the majority of the songs weren't under a minute long. Who wants to pay money for a disc that has 3 songs that are under a minute? The rest of the songs range from 1:06 to 2:02. Again, it's a good cd but the length of the songs irk me. Please come back when you actually have songs and not blurbs. -Laura Encarnado www.righteousjams.com

Garbage Bleed Like Me Geffen Records $$$$$ The day has come. I have been waiting for this day for god knows how long. As soon as the FedEx truck pull up across the street, I was already outside. The FedEx man was laughing that I must have been waiting because I was already waiting outside for him. Yes, I AM THAT EXCITED. I'm very honored that the people who work for Garbage granted this website the privilege to review Garbage's new album as I have been a fan since their first album came out, been to 3 of their shows and I just adore them and how talented they are. Their live show is just amazing. Each and every time I have seen them, they just get better and better. They are all over the stage like nobodies business. Not only that, but the band is popular among the writers on this site as well as the readers. Onto the album: Garbage has said this album is the closest to their live sound as they can get. I think they hit the nail on the head. Listening to these songs, I can picture them onstage performing these songs. The first time I put this CD in, I previewed each song just because it was killing me as I was sitting there looking at the disc. I hear bits of Angelfish, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Queens of the Stone Age, Hole (Celebrity Skin era), The Distillers (Coral Fang era minus any screaming) and there is one more band but I just cannot think of who. But who cares, it's Garbage. They are their own. I remember reading on a few posts (either on the Livejournal Garbage community or on Garbage's messageboard) that people who had heard the album said some of the songs seemed like continuations of songs from their past records. Actually, it is kind of true. I hear some songs and think, "This seems like this is the outcome of 'Special'" (just as an example). I'm not going to totally spoil the album for my fellow G fans! Now, the whole album isn't a total rock album. Although it is rough, there are a few tracks where there are some dance/techno(?) beats. I can't find the right term to describe it because I am just in awe of the album. For hardcore Garbage fans who have some of the B-sides, "Can't Seem to Make You Mine" could have definitely fit in on this album. Songs like "Bad Boyfriend" and "Boys Wanna Fight" draw me back into the Norma Jean/Atreyu show I attended last night. Each and every song is spinning different memories into my head. My favorite tracks as of right now: Bad Boyfriend, Run Baby Run, Bleed Like Me, Metal Heart, It's All Over but the Crying, Boys Wanna Fight, Happy Home. Listening to this makes me even more excited for when the album comes out and April 16th, when I see the band perform to a sold out TLA in Philly. Philly sure loves this band. -Laura Encarnado www.garbage.com

Ballistic Edna Minefield Tapdance Milay Records $$$ Usually when I pop a cd in to review, I start from the beginning. As I was listening to the first track, "You're the Man", I leafed through the cd booklet and came across the lyrics for "Headaches" which features bits on Cobain, Hemingway and Burroughs. I love the line, "As for me, it could never rain down on me, it's as hopeless as fantasy, cuz the gun and the booze are kept in seperate cases, just in case....". This album didn't really float my boat, but "Headaches" was a highlight. -Laura Encarnado www.ballisticedna.com

Narcoleptic Youth Chronological Disorder $$$$ Mid-Fi Recordings This is more my style. It got me hype and made me want to destroy shit. The cd is packed with 22 songs (most of which range from 54 seconds to over 3 minutes), but it doesn't really matter how long the songs are, I like them and I think you'd enjoy them too. I didn't a bio so there's nothing really else to say. Check out their site and see what mp3's you can download to hear em. -Laura Encarnado www.narcolepticyouth.com

Norma Jean O'God, the Aftermath Solid State Records $$$$$ I saw this band last night along with Atreyu at the Troc in my hometown of Philly. Their set was like a nightmare at the end of a rainbow (their lighting was crazy rainbow colors). It was one of the best performances I have ever seen by a band. Even more interested in the band then I was before, I picked up the new CD and cannot stop playing it. What's my favorite track(s)? Don't ask me because I CAN'T PICK ONE YET. You must see these guys out on tour with Atreyu. They will not disappoint. I'm not sure if this is happening at all venues, but if you by the cd (and you better!) at the show, you can meet the band. -Laura Encarnado www.normajeannoise.com

The Supersuckers Live at the Magic Bag $$$$ Mid-Fi Recordings This is like a best of – best of CD, the best of the Supersuckers which is probably one of the best of all rock’n’roll punkbands. Eddie Spaghetti has the best lyrics ever and these guys just kick ass live! I interviewed them in Encinitas and the show afterwards was simply amazing! The Supersuckers are fast, funny and furious. What can I say: cash your pay cheque and buy that CD! Here’s the track list: 1. Intro: Play Some Rock’n’Roll 2. Rock’n’Roll Records Ain’t Selling This Year 3. Rock Your Ass 4. Bad, Bad, Bad 5. The Evil Powers Of Rock’n’Roll 6. Creepy Jackalope Eye 7. Bruises To Prove It 8. Supersuckers Drive By Blues 9. I Want The Drugs 10. Bubblegum&Beer 11. My Victim 12. Luck 13. Dirt Roads, Dead Ends & Dust 14. Fisticuffs 15. Gone Gamblin‘ 16. How To Maximize Your Kill Count 17. Goodbye 18. fake encore 19. Pretty Fucked Up 20. That Is Rock’n’Roll 21. Jailbreak 22. Born With A Tail The setlist is extremly cool because it combines both sides of the Supersuckers the rock and the country side. I already said it: The Best Of the best of! Nuff said! -Sabine www.supersuckers.com

The Donnas Gold Medal $$$ Atlantic What can I say?? Maybe.. I expected something different? On the other hand: the Donnas evolve with every record and again they changed their music style a lot. They sound more harmonic, somewhat fluffy but the great ACDC style riffs are still there. I think maybe the Donnas matured in their songwriting but I miss a little bit the young and angry rock sound. This is too much adult rock orientated for my taste (but hey, this CD is reviewed by a girl who likes Nashville Pussy... I think it’s still rocky enough to call Gold Medal a rock CD). Still, one of the best girl bands ever! -Sabine

Million Dollar Marxists Give It a Name $$$ Gearhead Records I LOVE GEARHEAD! Another great record from my favourite record label. The MDM are from Ottawa and produce punkrock sound somewhere between Rockets From The Crypt, New Bomb Turks and Pagans. I hope Gearhead sends those guys to Europe soon because it’s the perfect soundtrack for a Saturday night out. Fun Stuff!!! -Sabine

Throw Rag Live at the House of Blues DVD $$$ Kung Fu Throw Rag: the self-proclaimed undispurted leaders of sailor rock (hey guys, what about Turbonegro??) are a grrreat live band! This is episode 15 of The Show Must Go Off series from Kung Fu and the quality is absolutely outstanding (as usual). Throw Rag show once again that they are so much fun to watch. They balst through every song with high speed and the wonderful production allows the listener to hear every nuance. 15 songs of sailor rock’n’roll! Both thumbs up! -Sabine

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Ruin Johnny’s Bar Mizvah $$$ Fat Wreck Chords This is a new type of live album. No club, no big theatre but the Bar Mizvah of a little boy called Johnny. I heard that a DVD also exists and I guess the DVD is probably even funnier than the CD. But the CD is already pretty hilarious. I mean, who covers Blondie, Led Zeppelin and Hava Nagila in one set?! Other real great cover songs are: Strawberry Fields Forever and O Sole Mio. Just great! -Sabine www.fatwreck.com

The Chase Theory Scrapbook 1998-2001 $$ Mile Wide Flavor Chase Car Theory were on Deep Elm before and that record label always stands for quality so it was no real surprise to me that this was quite a good record. These guys combine all sorts of genres such as punk, indie and rock. The unique sound is full of catchy hooks. I like it, I like it. -Sabine

Against Me! We’re never going home DVD $$$ Fat Wreck Chords I really like Against Me! since I saw them perform as opening act at the Social D show in Ventura. This DVD is part live show, part interviews and part fun stuff. It gives you a great overview of what it is like to be in a punkband and after watching it you just have to like the Againt Me! guys. The additional extrs are short but worth checking out: you can take a tour of the Fat Wreck offices, check out a photo gallery, play a drinking game and Raw Dog. - Sabine

Sick Of It All Outtakes for the Outcast $$ Fat Wreck Chords This an album full of B-side tracks by SOIA. So I would say it is something for true SOIA fans otherwise I would recommend their regular records. But Outtakes for the Outcast also has some great songs on it which were formery only available on vinyl, live tracks and lots of cover versions (such as a House Of Pain Remix, All Hell Breaks Loose (Misfits) and Target (Hüsker Dü)). But the whole album only lasts 27min... -Sabine