Music » Alternative Rock Indie Music

Release Date: 1998-02-10, Audio CD, Merge Records

While the cocktail lounge fad has seen more than a few musicians climb aboard as a career move, the members of Pink Martini are no bandwagon-riding aficionados. Fronted by pianist Thomas Lauderdale, Pink Martini is the real article--a band that approaches the music with unwavering seriousness yet never forgets the fun at the heart of it. Sympathique, the band's debut album reveals an incredibly diverse musical vocabulary on the part of frontman Lauderdale. And what singer China Forbes lacks in range and dynamics, she more than compensates for in attack, approach, and a clear understanding of the material. While most of the songs are upbeat, in the hands of Lauderdale and Forbes, "Qué será será," with its dark atmospherics should be rechristened "Qué será noir." --Wayne Pernu

Given total creative control by producer and friend Frank Zappa, Beefheart and his Magic Band rehearsed the material for this 1969 album for over a year, wedding minimalistic R&B, blues, and garage rock to free jazz and avant-garde experimentalism. Warner Brothers Records.

Grammy-nominated artist Gillian Welch has created some of her most passionate works on her 3rd release. This 10 song CD was produced by songwriting partner David Rawlings and was recorded in the historic RCA Studio B in Nashville, features the hauntingly ethereal 'Revelator'as it's lead track as well as a live performance of 'I Want To Sing That Rock And Roll.' 10 tracks. Acony Records. 2001.

2008 digitally remastered two CD set from the infamous underground rockers prepared and mastered by founder member, Wayne Kramer. Featured tracks include the original, uncensored version of 'Kick Out The Jams' recorded in 1968, the original 'A Square', the single version of 'Looking At You' and a previously unreleased version of 'Sister Anne' featuring Lemmy, recorded at the 100 Club, London in 2003. Liner notes provided by founder members Michael Davis and Dennis Thompson. 25 tracks in all. Landmark

Fugazi fans already know that this is the original gospel according to Ian MacKaye. This Washington, D.C., quartet hit harder, faster, and franker than just about anybody--and were willing to see through their own bull as quickly as anyone else's. MacKaye manages to be charismatic and confrontational at the same time: tossing brilliant, genuinely funny asides into his serious-as-a- heart-attack lyrics. Meanwhile, the band, led by Lyle Preslar's staggering guitar attack, pushes MacKaye on with the tightest, most razor-sharp sound in all of hardcore. Nothing in the punk pantheon can come close to "In My Eyes," "Out of Step," or "Salad Days." Absolutely essential. --Michael Ruby

Australian version of the absolutely stunning full-length debut from New York's Interpol. Think Joy Division meets Psychedelic Furs, Echo & the Bunnymen and the Smiths. Includes the bonus track, 'Specialist'. Matador. 2002.

Release Date: 1992-09-04, Audio CD, Rykodisc

Release Date: 1998-07-07, Audio CD, Beggars UK - Ada

Totally remastered, featuring 19 of your favorite Cult tracks including 'She Sells Sanctuary', 'Edie (Ciao Baby) ' & 'Sweet Soul Sister', with new artwork. Beggars Banquet.