DUG DUG'S Smog (Lion / Get On Down) cd 14.98
And as promised last list, when we made the reissue of seventies Mexican psych legends Los Dug Dug's 1971 self-titled debut a Record Of The Week, here's their equally Record Of The Week worthy second album, 1972's Smog, now also reissued on both cd and, for the first time, vinyl! And as we said then, we love this band! Why? 'Cause Los Dug Dug's kick out jams that are part garage rock grooviness, part Beatlesy bliss, part power pop, part proto-metal, and part prog (with flute!!). What's not to love? And we haven't even mentioned the heavy dosage of FUZZ they supply, either!
Unlike the debut, which was Mexico's first rock record sung all in English, Smog is sung in Spanish, and sees Los Dug Dug's stripped down to an amped up power trio format, led as always by guitarist/vocalist Armando Nava (he's on the right in the cover picture, with the dyed grey long hair and beard, looking like some pensive psychedelic wise man or wizard). Pretty sure he's also the one playing the flute here, pumping up the progginess in a hard rock context that could kinda be likened to Jethro Tull meets the MC5, yeah, and reminds us of Italian prog faves Osanna, too.
Smog is one smokin' album, it's hard to pick favorite tracks, as they're all so good, but we'd have to mention both the lovely ballad "Voy Hacia El Cielo (Voy Hacia El Sol)" and the motorcycle revving, ecological protest rocker "Smog". Yep, just like their self-titled debut, this one's got plenty of both the heavy rockers and the gentler, poppier stuff, but leans towards the former, and seems more '70s than their first album, which had more of a '60s feel to it.
Air pollution is certainly a '70s theme, also something that any band based in Mexico City would be concerned about, and the title Smog gives this a heavier vibe than if they'd called it something like Flowers & Incense, eh? In keeping with their new style and attitude, they do a Spanish-language remake / update of the debut's frantic garage beat number "Let's Make It Now", stretching it to almost 12 minutes, as a totally progged out, flute-fortified five part suite, now titled "Hagamasolo Ahora (2a. Parte)", while retaining all the energetic excitement of the original. The energy level of this entire album is exhilarating, there's a couple pleasant acoustic numbers but otherwise it's quite rough, rhythmic, and riffy.
As we said when we reviewed the reissue of the debut, we've listed this album (and several others by the band) before, but it was always tough to keep enough of 'em in stock, they were Mexican imports and never reliably available, seemingly going in and out of print in quite random fashion. Hopefully these new editions will be around longer, and remain easy to stock. Also, these reissues are the very first time we've seen any Dug Dug's reissued on VINYL, yay!!!
As with the self-titled debut, the new cd version of this comes packaged in a handsome plastic-protected miniature lp style sleeve, complete with obi strip. Other than the text on the obi, there's no liner notes for this reissue, which we're told is a result of the difficulties inherent in licensing a release like this from a major label (it's owned by Sony BMG). In any case, we're glad it got reissued again, at all, and it's nice enough! Sooo recommended, equally up there with the debut, maybe even better, especially for folks who dig the cowbell-knockin', fuzz rockin' action.
MPEG Stream: "Smog"
MPEG Stream: "Yo No Se"
MPEG Stream: "No Sosmos Malos"
MPEG Stream: "Voy Hacia El Cielo (Voy Hacia El Sol)"

DUG DUG'S Smog (Lion / Get On Down) lp 19.98
And as promised last list, when we made the reissue of seventies Mexican psych legends Los Dug Dug's 1971 self-titled debut a Record Of The Week, here's their equally Record Of The Week worthy second album, 1972's Smog, now also reissued on both cd and, for the first time, vinyl! And as we said then, we love this band! Why? 'Cause Los Dug Dug's kick out jams that are part garage rock grooviness, part Beatlesy bliss, part power pop, part proto-metal, and part prog (with flute!!). What's not to love? And we haven't even mentioned the heavy dosage of FUZZ they supply, either!
Unlike the debut, which was Mexico's first rock record sung all in English, Smog is sung in Spanish, and sees Los Dug Dug's stripped down to an amped up power trio format, led as always by guitarist/vocalist Armando Nava (he's on the right in the cover picture, with the dyed grey long hair and beard, looking like some pensive psychedelic wise man or wizard). Pretty sure he's also the one playing the flute here, pumping up the progginess in a hard rock context that could kinda be likened to Jethro Tull meets the MC5, yeah, and reminds us of Italian prog faves Osanna, too.
Smog is one smokin' album, it's hard to pick favorite tracks, as they're all so good, but we'd have to mention both the lovely ballad "Voy Hacia El Cielo (Voy Hacia El Sol)" and the motorcycle revving, ecological protest rocker "Smog". Yep, just like their self-titled debut, this one's got plenty of both the heavy rockers and the gentler, poppier stuff, but leans towards the former, and seems more '70s than their first album, which had more of a '60s feel to it.
Air pollution is certainly a '70s theme, also something that any band based in Mexico City would be concerned about, and the title Smog gives this a heavier vibe than if they'd called it something like Flowers & Incense, eh? In keeping with their new style and attitude, they do a Spanish-language remake / update of the debut's frantic garage beat number "Let's Make It Now", stretching it to almost 12 minutes, as a totally progged out, flute-fortified five part suite, now titled "Hagamasolo Ahora (2a. Parte)", while retaining all the energetic excitement of the original. The energy level of this entire album is exhilarating, there's a couple pleasant acoustic numbers but otherwise it's quite rough, rhythmic, and riffy.
As we said when we reviewed the reissue of the debut, we've listed this album (and several others by the band) before, but it was always tough to keep enough of 'em in stock, they were Mexican imports and never reliably available, seemingly going in and out of print in quite random fashion. Hopefully these new editions will be around longer, and remain easy to stock. Also, these reissues are the very first time we've seen any Dug Dug's reissued on VINYL, yay!!!
As with the self-titled debut, the new cd version of this comes packaged in a handsome plastic-protected miniature lp style sleeve, complete with obi strip. Other than the text on the obi, there's no liner notes for this reissue, which we're told is a result of the difficulties inherent in licensing a release like this from a major label (it's owned by Sony BMG). In any case, we're glad it got reissued again, at all, and it's nice enough! Sooo recommended, equally up there with the debut, maybe even better, especially for folks who dig the cowbell-knockin', fuzz rockin' action.
MPEG Stream: "Smog"
MPEG Stream: "Yo No Se"
MPEG Stream: "No Sosmos Malos"
MPEG Stream: "Voy Hacia El Cielo (Voy Hacia El Sol)"

DUG DUG'S, LOS El Loco (BMG Mexico) cd 16.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
'70s Mexican rockers Los Dug Dug's have been a big fave here at AQ for years and years, but for many of those years now we've had a hard time finding copies of the cd reissues of their albums to stock. Well, FINALLY just the other day we were lucky enough to get a batch of Dug Dug's discs back in, including (hopefully) enough of this one to list, which we'd never been able to do before! We also got a smaller handful of each of their other albums, already on our website.
El Loco originally came out in 1975, and was to be final Dug Dug's album. As you might guess from the cover, to an extent it emphasizes the power trio fuzzed out hard rock side of the band, but definitely not to the exclusion of the other elements that make Dug Dug's so great: the flutey prog, the funky grooves, the Beatlesy pop-psych... That cover photo, depicting the band jamming exuberantly amidst a cloud of dry ice fog, wearing glammy gear that in the case of the guitarist looks like it was borrowed from Ace Frehley's closet, is so cool though. How can you not dig the Dug Dug's looking like that? One thing you don't see in that picture though is the synthesizer, that makes its presence known in quite a trippy manner throughout the album, in particular on the appropriately crazy title track, all buzzing synth, choppy rhythms, and maniacal laughter!
There's a dozen tracks here in total, ranging from riffy rockers (like "Show Me", which might be what they're playing in that cover picture - or it could be "Stupid People" but where's the horn section?) to more gentle mellowness (such as "Quiero Verte"), some songs sung in English, others in Spanish. You get a flute-led instrumental, plenty of urgently uptempo acid rock grooviness, a bit of bubblegum pop, and dreamy psych... basically, like all Dug Dug's albums, El Loco is guaranteed to put a smile on your face one way or another!
Be warned, we don't really have a lot of these, and it might be a while before we can restock...
MPEG Stream: "Stupid People"
MPEG Stream: "I Got My Emotion"
MPEG Stream: "We Always Hate Your Manners"

DUKE, WILLIAM The Ghost That Would Not Be (self-released) cd 8.98
Man, with so much music coming through our doors every day... week... month... year, we try to stay on top of things as best we can, but it's inevitable that sometimes a wonderful release will slip under our radar and be sitting right under our noses. Case in point, William Duke's The Ghost That Would Not Be which we have carried in the store for the past couple years, but somehow never reviewed. 'Tis a fine folksy west coast pop album. Lush, earthy, sun-baked and just a little bit melancholic... just the way we love 'em! Better late than never though, right!? On this his solo debut, Mr. Duke certainly draws plenty of inspiration from pop greats The Beatles (he even does a rendition of "Baby's In Black"), The Beach Boys and The Byrds, as well as the classic rock of the '70s. For more recent touchstones, we can say that this is definitely for fans of Pernice Brothers, Grandaddy and Sloan. Y'know, bands who don't shy away from a clear-as-a-bell melody, an irresistible hook or a generous tug on the heartstring, but who also flesh out their songs into more elaborate arrangements. Actually, Mr. Duke's voice reminds us quite a lot of Sloan's Chris Murphy, New Pornographers' Carl Newman or a young Elvis Costello. It's got an earnest emotiveness and boyish charm that we dig. Sweet backing vocal harmonies and warm keyboards soothe and smile their way around the comparatively snarlin' gritty electric guitar and occasional quirky synth lines. Scattered throughout the album are a few brief instrumental, soundscape-y and collaged interludes, offering some nice pauses for reflection. Recommended!
Psst, letting the cat out of the bag... even though there's fifteen tracks listed on the digipak, there is actually a generous nineteen including the abovementioned Beatles cover, some demos, and alternate versions.
MPEG Stream: "Black Is The Color"
MPEG Stream: "Home To Nowhere"
MPEG Stream: "A Part Of Me "

DUKE, WILLIAM The Sunrise and the Night (Kool Kat) cd 8.98
Hurrah! William Duke has hand-delivered his latest album to our doorstep. You might recall our recent better-late-than-never review of his 2007 full length The Ghost That Would Not Be. Well, we're getting properly up to date now with this, his follow-up to that wonderful debut, and y'know what? It's just as delightful. Carrying on in similar fashion, The Sunrise and the Night is a pop lover's dream. Such a perfect soundtrack to these late summer eves... or really any time you're feeling in a particularly wistful, reflective mood. His songwriting has a luster that echoes the finely crafted west coast rock pop of the '70s. On the surface it initially seems all breezy and honey sweet, but there's a subtle darker melancholic core. The whole album is lovely and downright swoonsome, but standout track "The Canyon" is its crowning jewel, a solid yearning yank on your heartstrings. Duke sings with an earnest, drowsy delivery which fits nicely against the instrumental backdrop, a glistening balance of acoustic guitar and synths that brings to mind Sparklehorse or Grandaddy. Interspersed with the vocal numbers are a handful of plush instrumentals. Recommended!
MPEG Stream: "The Canyon"
MPEG Stream: "The Great Escape"

DUKES OF STRATOSPHEAR 25 O'Clock (Ape House) cd 21.00

DUKES OF STRATOSPHEAR Chips From The Chocolate Fireball: An Anthology (Caroline) cd 16.98

DUKES OF STRATOSPHEAR Psonic Psunspot (Ape House) cd 19.98

DUKES OF STRATOSPHEAR, THE 25 O'Clock (Ape House) lp 29.00

DUKES OF STRATOSPHEAR, THE Psionic Psunspot (Ape House) lp 29.00

DUKKHA Grim Disco (Frequency Thirteen) cd-r 7.98
One of two new blasts of "True Sheffield Black Psychedelia" from one of our favorite labels, UK weirdo sound stronghold Frequency 13, the True Sheffield Black Psychedelia descriptor covering a whole lot of sonic territory, from groups as varied as Black Vomit (whose new record is reviewed elsewhere on this week's list), Ice Bound Majesty, Rape Rack, Skultroll, not to mention these guys right here, Dukkha, whose latest, the awesomely titled Grim Disco, is a single, 70 minute sprawl, that merges Butthole Surfers like atonal guitar melodies, with thick swaths of churning low-end, and looped propulsive programmed rhythms, into something heavy, hypnotic and WAY tripped out.
A dirgey, murky, krauty groove, submerged in a sea of chug and buzz and crunch, wound up with all manner of spidery melodies, the 'riff's a sort of blurred black metal, tangled up with something much dirgier and noise rockier, the sound slipping from caustic distorted buzz to weirdly tranced out cyclical churn, but that's only the first 6 or so minutes, the rhythmic pound and chug fading out into a cloud of glitched out digital shimmer, a bit like Oval, hazy and hypnotic, before splintering into something much more ominous, a whirling cinematic stretch of buzzing epic synthscapery, all soaring low end buzz and haunting majestic melody, thick and lush and layered, seriously dark and creepy, before it too fades out, this time into a field of glitch and glimmer, which gives way to some Melvins-y detuned dirge-y pound, the guitars gradually growing more and more chaotic, streaks of feedback, shards of fragmented riffage, moaning melodies, jagged atonal crunch, swirling low end murk, all wound around some tribal rhythmic pound, a doomy, downtuned final sludgey, weirdly groovy coda.
Killer stuff, as always. CRAZY LIMITED too, ONLY 40 COPIES!! we got 20 of those, which are bound to go fast...
MPEG Stream: "Grim Disco (excerpt 1)"
MPEG Stream: "Grim Disco (excerpt 2)"

DUKKHA / BLACK VOMIT Be My Second (Frequency Thirteen / Night Angels Serve) cd-r 8.98
The return of TRUE SHEFFIELD BLACK PSYCHEDELIA!!!
A few lists back we listed two discs of mysterious blackened post rock ambient epic weirdness, one from a band called Skultroll, the other from a group called Ice Bound Majesty, both offering up tangled sounds not easily to pin down. The hypno krautrock of Circle, the dirgey black doom of Bunkur, mixed with epic space prog, damaged drones, and whatever the fuck else those weirdos could cram in.
So as we continue to fly through copies of both, it seemed like maybe it was time to dig deeper into this bizarre black scene of freaky fucked up musical madness, dubbed by these outfits True Sheffield Black Psychedelia, and needless to say, it is indeed black, most definitely psychedelic and oddly enough, also from Sheffield!
So this time around we picked up a split, two more mysterious Sheffield combos, Dukkha, and the appetizingly named Black Vomit.
The odd tracks are Black Vomit, three long ones, culminating with a nearly 20 minute closer. But what the heck does Black Vomit sound like? Not as black as you might think. The opening track is a gorgeous drum heavy krautjam, the drums plugging along, with little double kick drum flourishes, relentless and motorik, as a huge warm washed out black cloud of swirling fuzz and hissy shimmer drifts in, a bit like Tim Hecker, dense and layered and constantly shifting, thickening as the song progresses, shot through with streaks of feedback and speaker rattling low end pulses, little flurries of effects and grinding industrial whir, sounds like a dronemetal Necks or a way more blessed out and dreamy Pharaoh Overlord. The second Black Vomit track, clocking in at nearly eleven minutes, is a much blacker beats, the middle portion a chaotic psychedronemetal freakout, the drums a blurry blast, the guitars tangled and angular, all wrapped up in a throbbing low end buzz, eventually mellowing out and stretching out into a hissy buzz drenched static drone, beneath which the sounds of frogs and crickets, bits of TV or radio broadcasts, a drifting barely there bit of simple guitar strum, super intense and creepy and cinematic. The final track, The Black Vomit's closer, a bruising 19 minute jam is a long form ambient sprawl, beginning with some epic tribal drumming, some industrial clatter, and thick corrosive drones, before the drums drop out leaving just the low end to drift and throb, swell and shift, a gorgeous dreamy thrum, until the drums kick back in near the end, finishing off with a flurry of mathy chaos, the drones and buzz building in tandem, a corrosive final moments prog psych blowout.
Then there's Dukkha, who sound like Black Vomit's kissing cousins. Their opener is nearly 23 minutes long, and is a loping post rock dirge, the drums a simple pound, the bass looping and loping in the background, the guitar in thick sheets buzzing dronelike, and occasionally locking into weirdly groovy stoner jams and then unwinding again into static sheets, the vocals a demonic distant wail, the riffs surfacing and locking into endless loops and super hypnotic hypno metal jams, like a crusty black metal Gore. The second track sounds like the first one, with the drums pulled out, the whole thing dipped in a bucket of busted effects pedals, and dumped over a wall of feeding back amplifiers. Maybe the 'dub' version of the first track, a Dense cloud of fucked up electronics, jagged melodic fragments, freaked out FX, and massive groaning walls of crumbling ultra distorted slow motion riffing.
Fucking awesome. Black enough for the true grim kvlt, but rhythmic enough to appeal to folks who dig Circle, This Heat, Aluk Todolo and the like and who aren't averse to something equally rhythmic, but way more blackened and brutal.
MPEG Stream: BLACK VOMIT "Squalltomb"
MPEG Stream: DUKKHA "Clod"
MPEG Stream: BLACK VOMIT "Eblis, Laced On Herba Sacra"

DULLI, GREG Amber Headlights (Infernal) cd 11.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Although the aQ site doesn't necessarily reflect it, we were HUGE fans of Cincinnati rockers the Afghan Whigs. The unfortunate thing about the list and our site, is we started posting reviews about 11 years ago, so many of our favorite records that were released before then haven't made it on to the site, or have with barely any review, or sometimes with no review at all. We each have huge lists of records we want to get reviewed and up on the site, because while a record may have been one of -our- all time favorites, there's probably loads of people who haven't heard it and NEED to. BUT, there's so much goshdang new music all the time, that it makes it really tough to go back and start reviewing records that came out almost twenty years ago. Anyway, way near the top of that list are the early records from the Afghan Whigs. 1990's Up In it is a gorgeously ramshackle jangly grunge, shot through with all sorts of existential angst and sexual confusion. The follow up, 1992's Congregation was more of the same, but darker and a bit more moody and sultry. Finally, Gentlemen, released in 1993, one of the greatest and most disturbing slabs of dark and moody, sexed up mope rock EVER. The first hints of AW frontman Greg Dulli's newfound obsession with soul music found it's way into the Whigs' angular garage jangle on that disc, but it was subtle enough that it just managed to infuse the music with a sexiness not found in most indie rock. Two more records followed, both pretty lackluster until the band decided to hang it up.
Dulli resurfaced a few years back with his new band the Twilight Singers, a very Whigs sounding outfit, who sort of took up where Gentlemen left off, which needless to say was exactly what we were waiting for. Moody and melancholy, creepy and haunting, like an American indie rock version of Arab Strap, lots of guitar jangle, rhythmic shuffle and seriously fucked up tales of sexual conquest and sexual dysfunction laid bare. Those records were so good it had us re-listening to all our old Whigs records and wanting to review them more than ever, and then suddenly we received this Greg Dulli record, Amber Headlights. We thought it was a new solo record, when in fact what it was actually, was a shelved recording from way back in 2001, recorded right after the end of the Afghan Whigs and right before the birth of the Twilight Singers. Thankfully, while sonically it does sound a bit like those last two Whigs record, it mostly sounds like a new band channelling the spirit of Gentlemen with a heaping dose of Up In it. Hard to explain -that- sound, the sort of ineffable thing we liked so much about prime Whigs, and what we like so much about Amber Headlights, big drums that sometimes shift into jazzy shuffles, jangly brittle high end guitars, supported by thick washes of downtuned chords, huge dizzying swirls of melody and guitar freak out. Sometimes it sounds like there are 3 or 4 guitars all tangled up and wrestling, sweaty and naked and flushed, those burst of impassioned psych-swirl is balanced by lots of gorgeous background harmony vocals. And then there's Dulli's voice, a reedy, plaintive wail, that soars and croons, the perfect vessel for his inner turmoil, full of anguish and passion. And the songs are so weirdly emotional and dramatic. A certain something we only hear in Dulli's songs, specific melodies, certain hooks, that make you feel so sad, and so depressed, and just so creeped out. So strangely moving. It's like a musical Rear Window. The ultra personal becoming public. Watching other folks' lives implode, passions flaming out, new loves born, violence perpetrated, primal urges explored, love, hate, loneliness, all rendered in killer slabs of super emotional indie slash and scrawl. So good>
MPEG Stream: "So Tight"
MPEG Stream: "Cigarettes"

DUM DUM GIRLS Bhang Bhang, I'm A Burnout (Slumberland / Sub Pop) 7" 5.50
The Dum Dum Girls' amazing debut, I Will Be, is still getting lots of play around here and is certainly one of this year's favorites for sure. Now we have the second single to come from the record, the smokin' second track, "Bhang Bhang, I'm a Burnout", a Ramones-meets-The Ronettes feast of garage-y girl group energy. But folks might more be into the B-side, the oft-covered Misfits song, "Last Caress", a perfect sixties sounding pop song with some seriously fucked up lyrics: "I got something to say/ I killed your baby today/ And it doesn't matter much to me/ As long as it's dead", which seem totally at odds with the lilting fuzz drenched melodic garage pop they're buried in, but that's precisely why it works. Yeah!

DUM DUM GIRLS He Gets Me High (Sub Pop) cd ep 4.98
A quick four song follow up ep to the I Will Be full length that was a huge hit around here, and if anything, He Gets Me High is even better. The production is lush and polished, and the songs, best yet we think. "Wrong Feels Right" has a brooding bass heavy intro with dense tribal toms, that reminds us of Icicle Works actually, before launching into something more shimmery and reverby and jangly, hooks galore, and a lush, heavy, almost shoegazey chorus, not to mention some gorgeous hazy lead guitar. "He Gets Me High" then ups the ante, super crunchy distorted guitar, a groovy garagey stomp, all beneath lush multitracked vocals, everything still reverby, but here the guitars make it sounds like Spacemen 3 or something, a pretty bad ass combo or sure.
"Take Care Of My Baby" is a smoldering ballad, and sounds more like the DDG of old, the guitars wreathed in thick reverb, the vocals smokey and sultry, the sound like some sixties girl group B side, minor key and moody, and another to-die-for hook and an oh so classic chorus. And as if that wasn't enough, they cover the Smiths' "There is A Light That Never Goes Out", and they own it, sounding a bit like a meaner Best Coast, the song is obviously fantastic already, but the Dum Dum Girls makeover turns it into something even more intense, the verses so broody and dark, but then that chorus, soaring and catchy and so perfect.
We've been playing these songs to death, over and over, mix tape manna for sure, and most definitely has us chomping at the bit for a new full length!
MPEG Stream: "Wrong Feels Right"
MPEG Stream: "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"

DUM DUM GIRLS He Gets Me High (Sub Pop) 12" 10.98
A quick four song follow up ep to the I Will Be full length that was a huge hit around here, and if anything, He Gets Me High is even better. The production is lush and polished, and the songs, best yet we think. "Wrong Feels Right" has a brooding bass heavy intro with dense tribal toms, that reminds us of Icicle Works actually, before launching into something more shimmery and reverby and jangly, hooks galore, and a lush, heavy, almost shoegazey chorus, not to mention some gorgeous hazy lead guitar. "He Gets Me High" then ups the ante, super crunchy distorted guitar, a groovy garagey stomp, all beneath lush multitracked vocals, everything still reverby, but here the guitars make it sounds like Spacemen 3 or something, a pretty bad ass combo or sure.
"Take Care Of My Baby" is a smoldering ballad, and sounds more like the DDG of old, the guitars wreathed in thick reverb, the vocals smokey and sultry, the sound like some sixties girl group B side, minor key and moody, and another to-die-for hook and an oh so classic chorus. And as if that wasn't enough, they cover the Smiths' "There is A Light That Never Goes Out", and they own it, sounding a bit like a meaner Best Coast, the song is obviously fantastic already, but the Dum Dum Girls makeover turns it into something even more intense, the verses so broody and dark, but then that chorus, soaring and catchy and so perfect.
We've been playing these songs to death, over and over, mix tape manna for sure, and most definitely has us chomping at the bit for a new full length!
MPEG Stream: "Wrong Feels Right"
MPEG Stream: "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"

DUM DUM GIRLS I Will Be (Sub Pop) cd 13.98
We fell in love with the Dum Dum Girls at first listen, back when we heard their self titled 12" from a year ago, it was this awesome blown out girl group inspired garage pop that just totally satisfied. With their/her jump to Sub Pop they have cleaned up their sound a bit, but oh my god we think it's totally for the best. When it comes down to it, the songs have to stand up for themselves. You can pour all the reverb and lo-fi glory on top of your music but if that's all you got it's going to get old and tired pretty quick. Luckily that's not all Dum Dum Girls are about. I Will Be shows that what they are about is totally heartfelt, addictive and impactful songs. But don't worry, it's not like its gotten all slick or smoothed out, it's still totally immediate, rocking, punchy, sassy and also so sincere.
Dee Dee (who as it turns out is pretty much the fiery force behind Dum Dum Girls) recorded all these songs at home and then sent them to the legendary producer and hit maker Richard Gottehrer, whose resume is pretty damn drool worthy. In the '60s he wrote totally amazing songs that have become party of our cultural landscape like "I Want Candy" and "My Boyfriend's Back", and in the '70s he went on to produce the debut records by both Blondie and The Go-Go's as well as being a cofounder of Sire records (home of The Ramones, Talking Heads, The Dead Boys, etc.). So awesome to see how this collaboration turned out so damn perfect. Gottehrer knew it wasn't his job to sugarcoat or generically polish the Dum Dum Girls songs, but instead he did use his wisdom to help them jump out with so much vibrancy and color.
While his contribution can't be overlooked, it's still all about Dee Dee's songs and charisma. Whether she's totally rocking out, or melting hearts with her cover of Sonny & Cher's "Baby Don't Go", there's an authenticity and unhinged passion that can't be denied. She's also so smart and economic about her songs, no fat, no wasted notes, just the good stuff. The album is over before you know it but it works out just fine because all you're going to want to do is play it right over again. This one is going to be a strong candidate for record of the year!
MPEG Stream: "Jail La La"
MPEG Stream: "Baby Don't Go"
MPEG Stream: "It Only Takes One Night"

DUM DUM GIRLS I Will Be (Sub Pop) lp 14.98
We fell in love with the Dum Dum Girls at first listen, back when we heard their self titled 12" from a year ago, it was this awesome blown out girl group inspired garage pop that just totally satisfied. With their/her jump to Sub Pop they have cleaned up their sound a bit, but oh my god we think it's totally for the best. When it comes down to it, the songs have to stand up for themselves. You can pour all the reverb and lo-fi glory on top of your music but if that's all you got it's going to get old and tired pretty quick. Luckily that's not all Dum Dum Girls are about. I Will Be shows that what they are about is totally heartfelt, addictive and impactful songs. But don't worry, it's not like its gotten all slick or smoothed out, it's still totally immediate, rocking, punchy, sassy and also so sincere.
Dee Dee (who as it turns out is pretty much the fiery force behind Dum Dum Girls) recorded all these songs at home and then sent them to the legendary producer and hit maker Richard Gottehrer, whose resume is pretty damn drool worthy. In the '60s he wrote totally amazing songs that have become party of our cultural landscape like "I Want Candy" and "My Boyfriend's Back", and in the '70s he went on to produce the debut records by both Blondie and The Go-Go's as well as being a cofounder of Sire records (home of The Ramones, Talking Heads, The Dead Boys, etc.). So awesome to see how this collaboration turned out so damn perfect. Gottehrer knew it wasn't his job to sugarcoat or generically polish the Dum Dum Girls songs, but instead he did use his wisdom to help them jump out with so much vibrancy and color.
While his contribution can't be overlooked, it's still all about Dee Dee's songs and charisma. Whether she's totally rocking out, or melting hearts with her cover of Sonny & Cher's "Baby Don't Go", there's an authenticity and unhinged passion that can't be denied. She's also so smart and economic about her songs, no fat, no wasted notes, just the good stuff. The album is over before you know it but it works out just fine because all you're going to want to do is play it right over again. This one is going to be a strong candidate for record of the year!
MPEG Stream: "Jail La La"
MPEG Stream: "Baby Don't Go"
MPEG Stream: "It Only Takes One Night"

DUM DUM GIRLS Jail La La (Sub Pop) 7" 5.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
In anticipation of their Sub Pop debut, our current favorite fuzz-inflected girl group unleash this monster single. "Jail La La" sees the girls riffing on New Order's "Age of Consent" through a much lower-fi but still boisterous exotica a la Stereolab's "Cybele's Reverie". A pop stunner that we'll be playing repeatedly for sure! The B-side flips the coin in tempo and mood offering a slow-motion burn version of The Rolling Stones' "Play With Fire".
Sure, it's an oft-covered song, but in the Dum Dum Girls' capable hands, it's a girl group dirge that cuts so deep. Killer!

DUM DUM GIRLS Only In Dreams (Sub Pop) cd 14.98
It's amazing what a producer can do for a band. The first single on Captured Tracks found the Dum Dum Girls '60s girl-group pop tunes buried beneath an overblown spring-reverb fuzz that instantly offered comparisons to the Jesus & Mary Chain. In collaborating with the Blank Dogs as the Mayfair Set, Dee Dee of the Dum Dum Girls found herself swimming in that weird soup of off-kilter post-punk murk. Here and elsewhere, Dee Dee has always been an exceptional songwriter, penning great vocal melodies around simple jangles and garage-pop rhythms, but steadily the production of her work has been lifting the fuzz, the noise, and the distortion, allowing those pop-songs to shine through. As on the first record, Dee Dee worked with Richard Gottehrer on Only In Dreams, the man who produced Blondie and The Go-Gos back in the day. Only In Dreams finds the Dum Dum Girls embracing cleaner tones to pretty much everything, with Dee Dee's vocals striking more than a few similarities to Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, and the guitars being all bright in their jubilant jangliness and whose three-chord rock arrangements showcase plenty of influence from Johnny Marr's inventiveness back in The Smiths. No matter how you slice it, the Dum Dum Girls manage to always create fantastically catchy bubblegum pop - noisy or otherwise.
MPEG Stream: "Always Looking"
MPEG Stream: "Bedroom Eyes"
MPEG Stream: "Coming Down"

DUM DUM GIRLS Only In Dreams (Sub Pop) lp 16.98
It's amazing what a producer can do for a band. The first single on Captured Tracks found the Dum Dum Girls '60s girl-group pop tunes buried beneath an overblown spring-reverb fuzz that instantly offered comparisons to the Jesus & Mary Chain. In collaborating with the Blank Dogs as the Mayfair Set, Dee Dee of the Dum Dum Girls found herself swimming in that weird soup of off-kilter post-punk murk. Here and elsewhere, Dee Dee has always been an exceptional songwriter, penning great vocal melodies around simple jangles and garage-pop rhythms, but steadily the production of her work has been lifting the fuzz, the noise, and the distortion, allowing those pop-songs to shine through. As on the first record, Dee Dee worked with Richard Gottehrer on Only In Dreams, the man who produced Blondie and The Go-Gos back in the day. Only In Dreams finds the Dum Dum Girls embracing cleaner tones to pretty much everything, with Dee Dee's vocals striking more than a few similarities to Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, and the guitars being all bright in their jubilant jangliness and whose three-chord rock arrangements showcase plenty of influence from Johnny Marr's inventiveness back in The Smiths. No matter how you slice it, the Dum Dum Girls manage to always create fantastically catchy bubblegum pop - noisy or otherwise.
MPEG Stream: "Always Looking"
MPEG Stream: "Bedroom Eyes"
MPEG Stream: "Coming Down"

DUM DUM GIRLS s/t (Captured Traces) 12" 14.98
'Tis the season of fuzzed out greatness! We gotta say we love the recent movement of way lo-fi and blown out garage pop being pumped out by the likes of Wavves, Crystal Stilts, Blank Dogs, Vivian Girls, etc. Now we can add Dum Dum Girls to that rad list of bands, as this 12" has become permanently affixed to our turntable. With pop chops that rival the great Pains Of Being Pure At Heart but with a much more fuzzed out and dirty disposition this is totally hitting the spot! Like someone locked The Aislers Set in a garage and ruined all their equipment and thus they were forced to record on the shittiest gear possible but ended up with the most amazing results. We're also reminded of a much underrated Slumberland band of the past, Black Tambourine. With such a keen sense of melody underneath the fuzz, and a seriously in-the-red production also brings to mind some of the more raw and rocking moments of Yo La Tengo. As the musical world around us seems to get more slick and savvy it's kind of nice to be reminded that sometimes sounds that are raw and primitive and rudimentary are the ones capable of making the biggest impact.
MPEG Stream: "Catholicked"
MPEG Stream: "Yours Alone"

DUM DUM GIRLS / MALE BONDING Pay For Me (Sub Pop) 7" 5.50
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

DUMP A Grown Ass Man (Shrimper) cd 13.98
Dump is, as he so clearly tongue in cheekly states in the first song, a One Man Band. Namely James McNew who also holds down bass duties in Yo La Tengo. McNew has been making solo records and singles as Dump for years now. This is basic bedroom indie rock, with McNew's bright tenor, just a bit fragile, just a bit steel, hovering over the sweet guitars and hummable melodies. As with most bedroom projects, there's drum machine, but it's thankfully not annoying. It's used in a deliberately lo-fi way similar to Tall Dwarfs' cobbled together appeal. A possible drawback of the album is that his choice of covers is so good! That's not a bad thing, in fact it makes for a much more interesting album as a whole, but I have to admit found myself listening to the Thin Lizzy and Gerald Levert covers over and over, which takes away just a bit from the pretty originals.
Cover art by the Sea and Cake's Archer Prewitt!!!
MPEG Stream: "Sisters"
MPEG Stream: "Mr. Too Damn Good"

DUMP A Plea For Tenderness (Brinkman) cd 13.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Eagerly-awaited new cd from Yo La Tengo bass player James McNew. Thoughtfully-written pop songs, not nearly as dense as YLT.

DUMP That Skinny Motherfucker with the High Voice (Shrimper) cassette 4.50
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
In which James McNew, bassist for Yo La Tengo and a fantastic songwriter in his own right, makes sloppy lo-fi pop variants of your favorite Prince songs. All hail the return of the Shrimper Casssette format. And now it's time to party like I've heard it for the thousandth time...

DUMP That Skinny Motherfucker With the High Voice? (Shrimper) cd 13.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Dump is the longtime solo project of James McNew (bassist w/Yo La Tengo). Tackling a heap of Prince songs in his own special way means loading them all into his super-sweet lo-fi machine and setting it to "stun." This cd is a reissue of a cassette (released a while back by Shrimper). Morgane of Stereolab plays farfisa on "1999". For fans of Lou Barlow and Casiotone For The Painfully Alone.
RealAudio clip: "1999"
RealAudio clip: "Raspberry Beret"

DUMP Women in Rock (Shrimper) cd 6.98
The latest collection of naive lo-fi pop experimentation from James McNew who also spends his time as the bassist for Yo La Tengo.

DUNE, DAVID IVAR HERMAN + EL BOY DIE Di-Die Live (Shrimper) cd 7.98
...not to be confused with the band called Herman Dune (which of course gets filed under 'H'). That group also happens to feature this fellow Mr. David Ivar Herman Dune (who gets filed under 'D'). Have I just confused things more???

DUNES Old Souls (Art Fag) 7" 8.98
Latest chunk of gloriously murky reverbed dark pop jangle from this LA trio, this one produced by Bobb Bruno of Best Coast, who knows a thing or two about reverb and echo, and helps Dunes swath their sound in as much as possible. A somewhat misleadingly dark and brooding intro gives way to something much more sunshiney and jangly, although that initial vibe runs throughout, with low slung Joy Division-y basslines, and washed out minor key guitars, that drift hauntingly but always eventually blossom into lush reverbed swirls of jangle pop.
The second track offers up more of that new wave-y bass, underpinning spidery echo drenched guitars and angelic vocal harmonies, like a more slowed down broody version of the opening track. The flipside, "Dream House" is in fact dreamy, but also dirgey and murky, the guitars muted, the rhythm softly propulsive, a little tribal, the bass fuzzy and distorted. The second half of the track shifts gears, and the sound transforms into something that sounds almost like African high life, with syncopated percussion and rhythmic vocal counterpoint, really cool.
Definitely for fans of Grass Widow, Best Coast, Brilliant Colors, Pens, Dum Dum Girls, and similarly reveby pop outfits...
LIMITED TO 500 COPIES!!

DUNES s/t (Mexican Summer) lp 26.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Another batch of new releases from perpetually hyped vinyl label Mexican Summer, this one, the debut (?) from a band called Dunes, definitely travels a sonic path similar to many of their labelmates, but they do manage to twist the sound up into something a bit more their own. That said, if you dug all or most of the Mexican Summer releases so far: Kurt Vile, Pearl Harbor, Valet, Campfires, Woodsman, Washed Out, Weekend, Wooden Shjips, then this will most definitely be right up your alley.
It only takes a few seconds before your swept away by Dunes' murky retro pop, the first track super lo-fi, washed out and hazy, gloomy and haunting, liquid guitars shimmering in blacks and greys, heavily reverbed and distorted vocals, even at 45, this still sounds almost like it's at the wrong speed, ghostly and warped and warbly. The rest of the record though is not so dark and mysterious, in fact much of it sounds a bit like a more post punk Cocteau Twins, simple drumming, Joy Division-y basslines, guitars wreathed in effects, the vibe ethereal and atmospheric, the vocals slipping from abstract croon, to yelped and distorted. There's definitely a heavy sixties girl group feel, as is all the rave these days, but Dunes makes it more skeletal and spectral, occasionally transforming into something more dense and noisy and ramshackle, although it always seems to slip back into the glorious gloom.
The vocals are also quite reminiscent of Siouxsie, which then makes the Dunes sounds bit like a more jangly lo-fi garage rock post punk Zola Jesus, which is not a bad thing at all. The record finishes off much how it started, with another sprawl of muddy, blurred, ghostly low fidelity drift, a soft sonic crawl laced with scraped guitars and abstract percussion, distant barely there vocals, clouds of crystalline shimmer, and a gorgeous slow motion drone out ending.
LIMITED TO 500 COPIES. Each one hand numbered. Comes with a download card too...

DUNGEN 4 (Kemado) cd 13.98
In the last few years Dungen have gone from being a mysterious underground Swedish psych sensation to one of the most beloved bands in the indie music landscape. With 4 they prove they deserve all the acclaim and recognition that's come their way as they continue to evolve and expand their sonic horizons in such pleasing ways. It's not always how hard you hit but instead what kind of magic you can create with sound, thus this is probably the least rock sounding record Dungen have made, and we think the lush arrangements and warm texture suits them perfectly. While this could still pass for some lost gem from the Scandinavian psych underground of the early '70s there is something so unique and distinctive about their sound. They are one of those bands that after hearing only several seconds, their signature sound is already evident. But unlike folks such as Clinic who also have a sound we like but continue to make the same record over and over, Dungen have proven to be imaginative and skilled songwriters who move forward with each release, while remaining the Dungen we know and love. It's almost like they've been listening intently to the more nuanced and atmospheric psychedelic reissues from Ennio Morricone we've seen lately. Along with the new record by The Alps reviewed last list, this Dungen is more exciting evidence that that folks are still finding fresh (also lush and gorgeous) ways to enter a psychedelic state of mind. So great!
MPEG Stream: "Det Tar Tid"
MPEG Stream: "Fredag"
MPEG Stream: "Satt Att Se"

DUNGEN 4 (Subliminal Sounds) lp 28.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
In the last few years Dungen have gone from being a mysterious underground Swedish psych sensation to one of the most beloved bands in the indie music landscape. With 4 they prove they deserve all the acclaim and recognition that's come their way as they continue to evolve and expand their sonic horizons in such pleasing ways. It's not always how hard you hit but instead what kind of magic you can create with sound, thus this is probably the least rock sounding record Dungen have made, and we think the lush arrangements and warm texture suits them perfectly. While this could still pass for some lost gem from the Scandinavian psych underground of the early '70s there is something so unique and distinctive about their sound. They are one of those bands that after hearing only several seconds, their signature sound is already evident. But unlike folks such as Clinic who also have a sound we like but continue to make the same record over and over, Dungen have proven to be imaginative and skilled songwriters who move forward with each release, while remaining the Dungen we know and love. It's almost like they've been listening intently to the more nuanced and atmospheric psychedelic reissues from Ennio Morricone we've seen lately. Along with the new record by The Alps reviewed last list, this Dungen is more exciting evidence that that folks are still finding fresh (also lush and gorgeous) ways to enter a psychedelic state of mind. So great!
Please note: right now we just have this fancy, import clear-vinyl version of the Dungen 4 lp. But there will be a cheaper domestic LP alternative we'll have sometime soon, too.
MPEG Stream: "Det Tar Tid"
MPEG Stream: "Fredag"
MPEG Stream: "Satt Att Se"

DUNGEN 4 (Kemado) lp 14.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Now on cheaper, plain black, domestic vinyl too...
In the last few years Dungen have gone from being a mysterious underground Swedish psych sensation to one of the most beloved bands in the indie music landscape. With 4 they prove they deserve all the acclaim and recognition that's come their way as they continue to evolve and expand their sonic horizons in such pleasing ways. It's not always how hard you hit but instead what kind of magic you can create with sound, thus this is probably the least rock sounding record Dungen have made, and we think the lush arrangements and warm texture suits them perfectly. While this could still pass for some lost gem from the Scandinavian psych underground of the early '70s there is something so unique and distinctive about their sound. They are one of those bands that after hearing only several seconds, their signature sound is already evident. But unlike folks such as Clinic who also have a sound we like but continue to make the same record over and over, Dungen have proven to be imaginative and skilled songwriters who move forward with each release, while remaining the Dungen we know and love. It's almost like they've been listening intently to the more nuanced and atmospheric psychedelic reissues from Ennio Morricone we've seen lately. Along with the new record by The Alps reviewed last list, this Dungen is more exciting evidence that that folks are still finding fresh (also lush and gorgeous) ways to enter a psychedelic state of mind. So great!
MPEG Stream: "Det Tar Tid"
MPEG Stream: "Fredag"
MPEG Stream: "Satt Att Se"

DUNGEN s/t (Subliminal Sounds) cd 16.98
Originally issued as a super limited -- 500 copies -- LP only pressing, the debut 2001 release from AQ (and everyone else's) Swedish retro psych pop faves Dungen has at last been reissued on compact disc in an expanded form by Subliminal Sounds! Containing only three very long tracks, each broken into 4-6 parts, their self-titled album might seem a bit of a disappointment to those who got turned on to them through their very popular third album Ta Det Lugnt, with its shorter, catchy pop and hard rock tunes. But we encourage you to give this disc a closer listen anyhow, as it's quickly grown on us. Each of the three tracks here meander in and out of song in an LSD trip-like whirl of whimsy. During one long improvised section you could swear you'd just plopped on Pink Floyd's Ummagumma to listen to "A Group Of Small Furry Animals..." (complete with animal sounds), at another moment the group sound like they're playing bossanovas at a 4 star hotel lounge (probably the low point on the record, it also lasts only briefly), at another point they're striking up a funky sitar led jam. Near the end of the second track the band all but drops out, leaving a reverb laden piano tinkling minor key Satie-esque melodies with sighing accompaniment from electric guitar. Super lovely. As alluded to above, we know that Dungen's Gustav Ejstes added material to the original LP tracks to fill out this cd reish, and he certainly made the old and new tracks flow together seamlessly. Those of you have have the second Dungen album Stadsvandringar will also experience a wee bit of deja vu, as some themes here were reprised for that album (which, Dungen fans who don't have that disc will be happy to hear is also slated for reissue this year sometime).
MPEG Stream: "Stadsvandringar: Nedfor, Slapper du Taget?"
MPEG Stream: "Midsommarbongen: Samling"
MPEG Stream: "Lilla Vannen: Dock Allere'n"

DUNGEN Satt Att Se (Subliminal Sounds) 12" 16.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

DUNGEN Skit I Allt (Mexican Summer) cd 13.98
Ready to space out and drift off into a Swedish psychedelic never-never land?? Well if you are, Dungen is back and will take you there. The sixth album from these Scandinavian faves delivers the usual Dungen goodies. 10 new tracks, some proggier, some soft-rockier, some straight-up poppier than others, all quite nice! Oh and let's not forget the searing psych guitar freakouts like the one that erupts in track 5, "Hogdalstoppen". So fans of Dungen will be pleased - and at this point we'd like to assume you all are already familiar with Dungen, and thus most likely fans... which means we can reduce redundancy review-wise by simply saying, yeah, get this, you'd like it! Dungen don't go in any strange new directions here, it's just more of what we dig about 'em, though perhaps compared to their previous album 4 (which was their fifth, oddly enough) they return a bit to "the rock" from where they were on that one. Certainly Dungen can make the loveliest of lovely music when they wanna, or indulge in urgent rhythms and bursts of distorted guitar jangle. And all of it is carefully arranged, everything in its place, even when they're doing the freakout thing. Somehow they have the ability, in the all-instrumental first track for example, to be both blissed out and kick up a garagey ruckus at the same time. Elsewhere, the bliss out is nothin' but, with gentle female vocals, strings, and handclaps keeping the beat.
Listening to this, for the first time we realized that Dungen reminds us a bit of XTC side project The Dukes Of Stratosphear; it's partly mainman Gustav Ejstes' voice (even in Swedish), partly his pop smarts, and of course partly Dungen's fantastical, effortless retroishness... but at this point maybe we can say that Dungen have moved from "retro" category into the one designated "timeless"!
NB. domestic vinyl out 10.5.10, cheaper than the import vinyl on Subliminal Sounds...
MPEG Stream: "Brallor"
MPEG Stream: "Min Enda Van"
MPEG Stream: "Hogdalstoppen"

DUNGEN Skit I Altt (Mexican Summer) lp 16.98
Now on vinyl!!!
Ready to space out and drift off into a Swedish psychedelic never-never land?? Well if you are, Dungen is back and will take you there. The sixth album from these Scandinavian faves delivers the usual Dungen goodies. 10 new tracks, some proggier, some soft-rockier, some straight-up poppier than others, all quite nice! Oh and let's not forget the searing psych guitar freakouts like the one that erupts in track 5, "Hogdalstoppen". So fans of Dungen will be pleased - and at this point we'd like to assume you all are already familiar with Dungen, and thus most likely fans... which means we can reduce redundancy review-wise by simply saying, yeah, get this, you'd like it! Dungen don't go in any strange new directions here, it's just more of what we dig about 'em, though perhaps compared to their previous album 4 (which was their fifth, oddly enough) they return a bit to "the rock" from where they were on that one. Certainly Dungen can make the loveliest of lovely music when they wanna, or indulge in urgent rhythms and bursts of distorted guitar jangle. And all of it is carefully arranged, everything in its place, even when they're doing the freakout thing. Somehow they have the ability, in the all-instrumental first track for example, to be both blissed out and kick up a garagey ruckus at the same time. Elsewhere, the bliss out is nothin' but, with gentle female vocals, strings, and handclaps keeping the beat.
Listening to this, for the first time we realized that Dungen reminds us a bit of XTC side project The Dukes Of Stratosphear; it's partly mainman Gustav Ejstes' voice (even in Swedish), partly his pop smarts, and of course partly Dungen's fantastical, effortless retroishness... but at this point maybe we can say that Dungen have moved from "retro" category into the one designated "timeless"!
MPEG Stream: "Brallor"
MPEG Stream: "Min Enda Van"
MPEG Stream: "Hogdalstoppen"

DUNGEN Stadsvandringar (Dolores) cd 24.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Back in stock -- momentarily anyway -- the last copies, we're told! So if you're already digging the new Dungen cd (the recently-much-hyped Ta Det Lugnt) you ought to seriously consider picking up this one too, we think it's as good or even better. Here's what we said about it two years ago when we first listed it: Dungen's "Stadsvandringar" is Allan's new favorite cd (favorite new cd?). After a couple listens, he was well and truly hooked. Dungen is a Swedish band and what they play is Swedish retro psych-pop. Really really good Swedish retro psych-pop! This disc is, apparently, Dungen's second album after a vinyl-only effort that started a buzz. It looks and sounds perfectly '60s (or early '70s) with a front cover photo-collage in which wunderkind bandleader/singer/guitarist/songwriter Gustav Ejstes could be a dead ringer for a long-haired Owen Wilson. Musically, it sure casts a spell that that's definitely not-of-our-era... with sugary vocal refrains, wild fuzz guitars, Hammond B-3 organ riffing, lush arrangements, and some quite lovely flute bits (gettin' a bit proggy there, nothing wrong with that). Hints of trad Swedish folk music show up as well, not unlike that Arbete Och Fritid reissue we reviewed not long ago, one of Dungen's Svenska psych-prog-folk forefathers. The vocals are all in Swedish, and are sorta nasal, but good. Overall, this disc is just magical, convincingly retro yet standing on its own songwriting-wise. Melodically it's just as irresistable as the latest from Dungen's pal Bjorn Olsson, also reviewed here recently, but of course Dungen is more of a psychedelic rock thing. Imagine, maybe, if you can, something somewhere between the Kinks and Caravan, circa '69, with Swedish singing... Or just take Allan's word for it, this is great! We can only wonder why Dungen's retro-inclined Swedish labelmates like the Caesars and the Soundtrack Of Our Lives have gotten domestic US release and lots of attention, while this even better band is still only an import. Ah well, at least it's worth the higher import price!
NB. we should warn you that there's that annoying copy control technology on this cd (which means that 2 of the 11 songs aren't on Allan's iPod, boo hoo).
MPEG Stream: "Stadsvandringar"
MPEG Stream: "Solen Stiger Upp Del 1 & Del 2"

DUNGEN Stadsvandringar ( Astralwerks) cd 15.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Huzzah! This is not only finally available again, but it is now also a much more economically priced domestic release! We used to stock the Swedish import, back before Dungen got popular enough to have US releases, but it went out of print pretty much exactly just before most people over here realized they wanted one. For all of you who have been digging Dungen's much-hyped third album Ta Det Lugnt or the recent cd reissue/expansion of their self-titled debut, but haven't yet had the opportunity to delve into the psych-pop wonders found on Dungen's second album Stadsvandringar, well here it is at long last!! It's probably our favorite Dungen release, at least as good or better than those other records. Here's what we said about it back in 2003 when we first listed it as an import:
Dungen's Stadsvandringar is Allan's new favorite cd (favorite new cd?). After a couple listens, he was well and truly hooked. Dungen is a Swedish band and what they play is Swedish retro psych-pop. Really really good Swedish retro psych-pop! This disc is, apparently, Dungen's second album after a vinyl-only effort that started a buzz. It looks and sounds perfectly '60s (or early '70s) with a front cover photo-collage in which wunderkind bandleader/singer/guitarist/songwriter Gustav Ejstes could be a dead ringer for a long-haired Owen Wilson. Musically, it sure casts a spell that that's definitely not-of-our-era... with sugary vocal refrains, wild fuzz guitars, Hammond B-3 organ riffing, lush arrangements, and some quite lovely flute bits (gettin' a bit proggy there, nothing wrong with that). Hints of trad Swedish folk music show up as well, not unlike that Arbete Och Fritid, one of Dungen's Svenska psych-prog-folk forefathers. The vocals are all in Swedish, and are sorta nasal, but good. Overall, this disc is just magical, convincingly retro yet standing on its own songwriting-wise. Melodically it's just as irresistable as the latest from Dungen's pal Bjorn Olsson, also reviewed here recently, but of course Dungen is more of a psychedelic rock thing. Imagine, maybe, if you can, something somewhere between the Kinks and Caravan, circa '69, with Swedish singing... Or just take Allan's word for it, this is great!
MPEG Stream: "Stadsvandringar"
MPEG Stream: "Solen Stiger Upp Del 1 & Del 2"

DUNGEN Ta Det Lugnt (Subliminal Sounds) cd 16.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Back in stock! There was quite a run on these recently after Pitchfork gave this a rave review...hey didn't anyone read *our* review of this some months before? Anyway, we've got a few more (at a slightly better price, the label repressed 'em and made 'em cheaper too) and here's what we said about it before: Like fellow Swede and AQ-fave Bjorn Olsson, Gustav Ejstes is a brillant timewarped melody-maker. Though, his "solo" project Dungen sounds more like a band than Olsson's albums do. Wunderkind Ejstes is certainly enamored of '60s/'70s psych-pop and his obsession has borne some fabulous fruit. This is his third album to date (the first being a vinyl-only affair we have yet to hear, the second being the now-hard-to-find Stadsvandringar cd that Allan raved about on our list two years ago). So we were pleased to hear about the release of Ta Det Lugnt. It rocks more than the last one, being brasher, with more in the way of electric guitar frenzies in a Hendrix kinda style. But otherwise it's pretty similar, with Ejstes singing his hook-filled songs in the same somewhat nasal, Swedish langage voice as before. There's jazz jamming, folk frolics, and plenty of fuzz. A retro trip indeed from searing electric rippage to spaced-out, sentimental melodicism.
MPEG Stream: "Panda"
MPEG Stream: "Ta Det Lugnt"
MPEG Stream: "Sluta Folja Efter"

DUNGEN Ta Det Lugnt (Kemado) 2cd 15.98
The Dungen frenzy continues. The Swedish psych-pop sensations just played some shows on our shores (to mixed reviews -- they might not be an accomplished live act quite yet) and now their much hyped Ta Det Lugnt album from a year or so ago makes the transition from import item to domestic release. We were like, big deal, we have this already and the import's not that expensive -- until we discovered that this digipack US version on Kemado is a DOUBLE cd. That's right, this comes with an extra disc of otherwise unavailable Dungen tunes. Argh. But a good argh I guess, if you're a Dungen fan willing to buy this again 'cause you love 'em so much and want the extra songs. And no argh at all if you've slept on 'em this long -- get it now and then all your already into Dungen friends can burn the bonus disc off of you...
The album proper got this review from us before, let's revisit that review with some updates:
Like fellow Swede and AQ-fave Bjorn Olsson, Gustav Ejstes is a brillant timewarped melody-maker. Though, his "solo" project Dungen sounds more like a band than Olsson's albums do. Wunderkind Ejstes is certainly enamored of '60s/'70s psych-pop and his obsession has borne some fabulous fruit. This is his third album to date (the first being a self-titled LP since reissued on cd in expanded form, the second being the now-hard-to-find Stadsvandringar cd that Allan raved about on our list three years ago, soon to be reissued too we're told). Ta Det Lugnt rocks more than the last one, being brasher, with more in the way of electric guitar frenzies in a Hendrix kinda style. But otherwise it's pretty similar, with Ejstes singing his hook-filled songs in the same somewhat nasal, Swedish langage voice as before. There's jazz jamming, folk frolics, and plenty of fuzz. A retro trip indeed from searing electric rippage to spaced-out, sentimental melodicism. Hard not to love, we've found.
Now, there's the matter of that extra disc, which is fourteen minutes in length. The five previously unreleased songs on there are AWESOME. So basically, if you really like Dungen you've got to buy this (again). Sorry but that's the way it is. 'Nuff said.
MPEG Stream: "Panda"
MPEG Stream: "Ta Det Lugnt"
MPEG Stream: "Sluta Folja Efter"

DUNGEN Ta Det Lugnt (Subliminal Sounds) 2lp 27.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
NOW ON VINYL! And about time, since a) Dungen is so hugely popular and b) they're so wonderfully retro that their music sure does belong on that "vintage" format. Here's some of what we said when this came out on cd originally:
The album proper got this review from us before, let's revisit that review with some updates:
Like fellow Swede and AQ-fave Bjorn Olsson, Gustav Ejstes is a brillant timewarped melody-maker. Though, his "solo" project Dungen sounds more like a band than Olsson's albums do. Wunderkind Ejstes is certainly enamored of '60s/'70s psych-pop and his obsession has borne some fabulous fruit. This is his third album to date (the first being a self-titled LP since reissued on cd in expanded form, the second being the now-hard-to-find Stadsvandringar cd that Allan raved about on our list three years ago, soon to be reissued too we're told). Ta Det Lugnt rocks more than the last one, being brasher, with more in the way of electric guitar frenzies in a Hendrix kinda style. But otherwise it's pretty similar, with Ejstes singing his hook-filled songs in the same somewhat nasal, Swedish langage voice as before. There's jazz jamming, folk frolics, and plenty of fuzz. A retro trip indeed from searing electric rippage to spaced-out, sentimental melodicism. Hard not to love, we've found.
Now, you may know that the domestic version of Ta Det Lugnt came on cd with an extra, bonus disc. That material is not to be found on this vinyl edition. BUT, Subliminal Sounds has also just released a 12" entitled Tyst Minut, listed nearby, that features those tracks.
MPEG Stream: "Panda"
MPEG Stream: "Ta Det Lugnt"
MPEG Stream: "Sluta Folja Efter"

DUNGEN Tio Bitar (Kemado) cd 14.98
Dungen have done it once again. Gustav Ejstes' obsession with the sunshiney trippiness of '60s/'70s psychedelia is captured perfectly on Tio Bitar. Fuzzed to death Hagstrom guitar wails, delayed and reverbed Fender Rhodes, and beautiful lilting flute melodies...all the things we've come to expect from Dungen. The song writing is just as good as on Ta Det Lugnt, with maybe a slightly harder edge.
On the track "Ett Skal Att Trivas", the guitar line sounds almost Sabbathy, yet with such a keen pop sensibility that even those of us with cuddlier dispositions can't stop listening! The lead guitar work by Reine Fiske adds incredible energy to many of the tracks, a series of wonderful psych-pop gems, rife with extended jamming, TONS of instruments, and amazing little interludes. One of the highlights of this record is the textured and super lush production. You can almost imagine David Axelrod sneaking into the studio and laying his magic hands on the board giving it that unique warm and organic glow. All the instruments nestled in the mix just exactly where they should be with an overall sound both enticing and whimsical. For anyone who loves the Dungen sound, as we do, Tio Bitar is essential and we have a feeling this will win them a big batch of new fans as well.
MPEG Stream: "Familj"
MPEG Stream: "Gšr Det Nu"
MPEG Stream: "Svart €r Himlen"

DUNGEN Tio Bitar lp 15.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

DUNGEN Tyst Minut 12" (Subliminal Sounds) 12" 14.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
The extra tracks from the extra disc that came with the domestic cd version of Dungen's Ta Det Lugnt now makes it to vinyl, in addition to the album itself (the double LP version of which is listed nearby). Five songs here, all of 'em awesome. Sorry it's a not-cheap import but if you're dedicated to your turntable then here you go.

DUNGER, NICOLAI This Cloud Is Learning (Overcoat) cd 14.98
Sometimes it can take a while for word to get around (or for a record to become available here in the States)... Nicolai Dunger is a gentle Swedish singer-songwriter, and a personal fave of those fine Calexico fellows (in fact you might've seen him performing on tour with them). As you may or may not have noticed from the artists they've chosen to collaborate with and take on the road (Howe Gelb, Neko Case, Amor Belhom Duo, Lambchop, Richard Buckner, Lisa Germano, Francoize Breut and Nancy Sinatra) those Arizonan gents have mighty good taste! Anyways, this is a domestic reissue of Dunger's third album which originally came out on Dolores Recordings in 1999. He actually has seven full lengths which were released on almost as many labels (the first was back in 1996!). Sir Nicolai crafts wonderful, lilting folk pop songs perfect for drifting off to catnap-land in the shade of a big ol' weeping willow tree. You might think of him as the Swedish counterpart to Canadian troubadour Ron Sexsmith or perhaps a gutsier Kings Of Convenience. Each song beckons you to lean in close as he sings his thoughtful lyrics atop the wistful arrangements which on this album were played by fellow Swedes Soundtrack Of Our Lives and they lend a very subtle trippiness to the proceedings. So good!
MPEG Stream: "Father"
MPEG Stream: "While Birds Become Fishes"

DUOTANG The Bright Side (Mint) cd 14.98
Like a wonderful melding of Spoon (Girls Can Tell) and The Jam (but not Jam & Spoon!), this is the third full-length from this super-sharp Canadian pop duo (their first two were "Smash the Ships and Raise the Beams" and "The Cons and the Pros") with a penchant for fine wine and the '60s Brit sounds of The Who, The Kinks, the aforementioned Jam and oh, The Beatles too. Looking fab as always in their custom-made suits, these gents make a surprisingly big pop sound between (primarily) just the two of them. Sean supplies the bouncing drum beat, and Rod provides the wonderfully full bass guitar lead melodies (that's right there are no six-strings here) and the frequently Paul-Weller-deadringer vocals. Prior to the release of "The Bright Side", they both took some time off from the band, Sean to school and Rod to the lush Winnipeg pop group Novillero. The break seems to have done them a world of good, as this is their most confident and polished work to date. Much more edgy and driving than their previous poppier efforts. The addition of horns, keyboards, and a few female backing vocals help flesh out the Duotang landscape. Check out the lovely "Toast To The Life-long Friends". On Mint Records (home to the New Pornographers, I Am Spoonbender, Neko Case, and the Evaporators). Very recommended.
RealAudio clip: "Present Blind"
RealAudio clip: "Toast To The Life-Long Friends"
RealAudio clip: "The Witch Hunters"
RealAudio clip: "Words of Simon"

DUOTRON Vs. Tom Smith (Menlo Park) lp 10.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Side one: "Po' Po' Pee Poo" (17:34). Side two: "Po' Po' Pee Poo (version)" (17:43).

DUPLEX Ablum (Mint) cd 14.98
We've always had customers askin' for kids music, but there's also always been a dearth of suitably AQ-ilk releases... until now! The recent flood of children's music compilations arrivin' here (so many in fact that we've made a children's section in the store!) has spurred us to ask, "just what does it take to categorize something as 'child worthy'?" Okay, besides the obvious 'no swear words' rule, what other criteria is there? Lots of the recent stuff we've received that's been hailed as kinder-oriented has just been light, bubbly, electronic musicbox-y melodies. Pleasing enough to listen to, but not particularly attention-grabbing nor attention-keeping. What?! Don't the artists think the kids wanna rock too? Really, with the exception of They Might be Giants' Here Are The ABCs album which is both thoroughly educational and engaging, most of the releases seem to be offering sedation rather than stimulation. Hmm, maybe it's the musician-parents' sly way of seeking some respite from their kids' hyperactive behaviour? Well, unlike most of the current pre-school poseurs (wink!), this cd features honest to goodness kids! Duplex is a band whose members' ages range from 3 years old up to 37! Much like TMBG there's some pretty fine pop songwriters in the Duplex camp -- the elder members also play in a number of Vancouver bands (including A.C. Newman's). Ablum is filled with eighteen delightful story songs and singalongs (topics include salad, multiplication, camels, a character called Mr. Slim, and uhh, pooing and peeing). Apparently it's even been accepted for distribution to all of the elementary schools up in Vancouver. How's that for a stamp of approval?
MPEG Stream: "Yr Mama"
MPEG Stream: "Hanu"
MPEG Stream: "Multiplication Treehouse"