More Bands! And Three Call-Outs to Loyal BRP Readers

I told you I would be quickly back with more rock ‘n roll.  Here are two very different bands, but both are terrific.  I’m going to call out Ryan for turning me on to Ex Hex.  We were driving back to Pompano after seeing Phish in Miami (now that’s an interesting crowd), and he played Ex Hex on the drive home.  I was hooked after the first listen.  More on Ex Hex below.

Two more call outs to people who have said, hey, Bill, check out this band.  First to Pam from California and second to Carol from North Carolina.  Yes, BRP has amazing geographical reach!  I’ll be discussing Pam’s and Carol’s suggestions in an upcoming post, but wanted to recognize them for spreading the word.  You will need to simply wait on the edge of your seat in anticipation to hear what I have to say about their recommendations.  Until then, satisfy yourself with these two bands. 
 
Titus Andronicus
I know I’ve written about these guys before, but they’re worth hearing about one more time.  Led by Patrick Stickles, these New Jersey-based punkers bring it with a layered guitar sound brought on by three guitarists, a keyboardist (sort of unique for a punk band), and some musical licks that veer pretty much all over the punker’s handbook.  Patrick writes interesting and ambitious stuff:  The Monitor album has Civil War references, and The Most Lamentable Tragedy is a double album that is in the rock opera mode.  And the band’s name is taken from Shakespeare – google them, and see what else pops up, haha.  Somehow, it all works.  Oh, and they are a great live band – I saw them once this year at Union Transfer with Ryan, and will be seeing them again this fall at the TLA.  Listen to this amazing song, called “Fatal Flaw:”

Ex Hex
A better version of the Go Go’s.  Well, they only have one album out, so maybe.  Regardless, a damn good all-girl power trio from DC.  They have catchy songs, rock out in grrrrl group fashion, and have a snappy live show that is crowd pleasing (saw them at Union Transfer with Ryan, and we both agreed that they were worth the hefty admission charge of $10).  Seriously, I really like this band and think you will, too.  Here’s “Don’t Wanna Lose:”

I think I’m going to surprise you next time with the mellower side of BRP.  Sometimes, summer brings on the languid moods and you simply want to savor the slower side of life while enjoying long, warm days.  But you’ll have to wait until next time to read about my more recent finds.  I guarantee you that you will be impressed.

Be well, tell your friends to check out the site, enjoy the sweet summer, and continue to rock on!