D. Smith Sucks - The End of Everything

I was in the midst of telling some god forsaken Jehovah's Witness to get the fuck out of my building when a message came across my Facebook page. It was an old friend asking that I call him as soon as I got the chance.

As I began dialing the numbers I imagined what awaited me on the other end of the line. Perhaps payback for my review of his bands performance at Camelfest II. Calling them out for being "not that pretty" without the presence of former bassist Cindie Merklee.
Or referring to the bands singer as an "arrogant prick". Regardless of any punishment
I was about to receive, a friend had asked a favor and I was going to do my best to help.
As Dan picked up the phone
I immediately felt as if I was talking to an old and trusted friend. He began to tell me about his new record, the band and if I'd help get the word out about how all proceeds from the recording would be going towards supporting  a local dog rescue. A cause that is near and dear to our collective hearts. I wholeheartedly agreed to spread the word, listen and give the songs on
'The end of everything' a thorough listen.

'The End of Everything' features seven songs of brilliantly raw and honest songs.
Each with a sense of quick wit. D. Smith has always delivered a dark sense of humor that can often be taken out of context as something that it truly isn't intended to be. Parts Punk, parts  soulful Folk with apocalyptic results. This is so real, so authentic. It makes me want to gather the friends and family for a full on intervention. It's as if I met my own dirty little secret. Though this might garnish a whole lot of attention in the long run. It's these little under the radar gems that stick with you the longest. Leaving permanent scars on the listener. Promising to visit you in your nightmares much further down the road.
Drop some serious cash on this one. If not for the music or the fact that your contributing to a more than worthy cause. Do it for the simple fact that the cover art depicts God's greatest creation. 
James Damion

The end of everything Buy it Here

Kevin Egan - Kevin Egan is a Jerk

"Kevin Egan is a Jerk"
the latest musical endeavor by singer/author Kevin Egan. Though you may know Kevin best from his late 80's / early 90's work with NYHC's Beyond and 1.6 Band. His newest release is reflects more on his later recordings as
Rules of the Fort and most recently, his work with the Country act
Twenty Four Thousand Dollars.

"Kevin Egan is a Jerk" features nine tracks of folky acoustic storytelling that is both laid back and heart warming.
The stripped down approach highlights the fact that life and at times music, is about the simple things. "High over Queens" and the somewhat airy
"A Shitload of Songs" were standouts for me. In listening to "Kevin Egan is a Jerk". I felt that each song built on the previous one. It just felt as if this EP got better with each song. Though I think Mr. Egan's voice will never get him to the lightning round of American Idol or The Voice. It's good to see the evolution his music and sound have gone through over the years. James Damion


Kevin Egan is a Jerk  Bandcamp

Tim Barry - 40 Miler LP

Imagine for a moment that it's 1992.
You're standing outside of downtown NYC's Wetlands with a bunch of your closest buddies about to see Avail perform with several of your favorite local bands. A stranger turns to you and says, "Have you heard Tim's acoustic demos?"
"He's doing a whole country-folk thing now." "You've gotta hear it." I don't know about you but I'd probably cock my head to the side with an inquisitive look, go into some speech about the effects of drug abuse on the mind and laugh my ass off. Lucky for us all twenty years is a long time. Time that allows us to grow and explore new ideas, sounds and ways to express our emotions.

Listening to "40 Miler" I can't help but think how much this mans music has moved me and for how long. From my first Avail 7 inch in 1991 to his first acoustic offerings on
"Laurel St. Demo" in 2005. His music and words have always inspired me and given me a sense of consciousness  that goes beyond music.

On "40 Miler" Tim Barry continues to establish himself as a great American troubadour.
The record has a more positive, uplifting vibe than past releases. There's a aura of strength and resilience  in the songs that wasn't present in past releases. The record is highlighted by his signature acoustic and steel guitar. Add some moving harmonics and his unique brand of storytelling and you've got a record you'll be going back to countless times. "Shed Song" is crushingly beautiful, a tear jerker to say the very least. "Bankers Dilemma" on the other hand, will have you shedding tears of laughter. The work of Tim Barry and artists such as Frank Turner are no longer guilty pleasures for me. When music is this good, there's no reason to feel guilty. James Damion


Buy it Here

The 65's - "Walk on Selfishly" Video

Here's the video for the first single off The 65's Debut album "Strike Hard". The album ranks pretty high on my list of 2011's best albums. Check out the video and go over to Dromedary records to purchase a copy.  James Damion

Dromedary Records
The 65's

The Nico Blues - Living Proof Video

As long as I'm listening to The Nico Blues new album 

"Blame the Boredom, Blame the Basements". I thought I'd go ahead and post the video for one of my favorite tracks from the album. Look for a review later this week. James Damion

The Nico Blues  Official
The Nico Blues  Facebook