My friend recently turned me on to a cool band…Between the Buried and Me. The CD is called Alaska. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

I was blown away at first listen, which is really hard to do nowadays. I have not been this excited about a band since first hearing Dillinger Escape Plan, Mars Volta or Mr. Bungle. Between the Buried and Me are all over the board stylistically.

They go from cookie monster death metal to dreamy sounding rock. The guy can actually sing. The riffs are not the usual metal riffs either. Very refreshing. The tempo is sometimes mindboggling. It almost sounds a bit like jazz metal to me. Almost as if it’s being improvised.

I’ve only listened to the disc a few times, but I already love it. If you like your metal aggresssive at all, do yourself a favor and check out Between the Buried and Me’s Alaska disc.
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Yesterday I was driving home and Liz Phair - Exile in Guyville started playing on the ipod. It’s been so long since I listened to this record. It is great. Matter of fact it’s the only Liz Phair you’ll ever need. Don’t even bother with the others.

Lately, she sounds like Britney or Jessica. Trying to cash in on the hit machine. But, not in the past…Exile sounds like some quirky, rough demos recorded on a four track sung by a beatiful, stoned out, matter-of-factly angel.

The songs are finely crafted, great lyrics with incredible hooks. Not to mention it doesn’t hurt that she’s hot and sings bout being my “queen.” I love the falsetto.

Exile in Guyville has a really great feel to the production and the sound of the guitar is very distinct. I remember how exciting it was the first time thru. You never new what was coming next. Not to mention it was on Matador, and at that time they were doing some really great stuff.

Liz Phair - Exile in Guyville should be on any indie’s “must have” list. Start here first.
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