The Lawrence based band Mammoth Life self-released their debut Kaleidoscopic Art Pop back around Christmas time. Since then I've been listening to it relentlessly. Please give this a listen and then do yourself a favor and go out and get the album on iTunes or at CD Baby or better yet, get your local record store to order it for you. Its a spectacular piece of pop masterwork.

Their Myspace.

Mammoth Life - To Suffer For Passion

One of my favorite local acts, Ad Astra Per Aspera, has just released a new 7" on Love Garden Records. Its A-side is Danger Bird Blues and the flip is Rrrip-It-Up. Both tracks are absolutely tremendous. (Bet you thought I'd use the word "amazing")

I wish I could share with you a MP3, but I want you guys to buy this awesome little number. There is a digital copy with every vinyl copy too.

But you want to hear the music right now. So go over to AAPA's Myspace and listen to it.

And finally, you're asking "Who's Love Garden Records?"

Well hotshot, they are the local record store in downtown Lawrence, KS. That's right. The record store is the label. How tasty is that.

Thanks to Amanda for telling me about it.

Everyone rejoice! The Embarrassment anthology "Heyday" is back in print after being unavailable for far too long. Its back on its original label, Bar None Records.

Order it here from Insound or better yet, tell your local independent record store to get you a copy.

So its a slow Monday and I was going through a stack of ol' bootlegs and I started listening to Kid Koala live in 2003 at the Knitting Factory and it made my day. I'm in a really great mood now all b/c Koala. I have talked before about how distinctly unique Eric San, ie Kid Koala, is. Watching him live is a remarkable time. I can't recommend it enough.

This is Downward Spiral recorded live March 29, 2003 at the Knitting Factory. (MP3)

Its a bootleg, but LastFM hosts the bootleg for sale here. I assume Koala gets the profits. right?

It is very sad news that Bo Diddley has past away. He was an absolute treasure of a musician and without him music would be completely different.
My absolute favorite Diddley track

- We're Gonna Get Married (1966)

It'll get you dancing like nothing else. It's only downside is that you should hesitate before putting it on that mixtape you're giving to the cute girl you like at the coffee shop. She'll think you're moving a little too fast perhaps.