Circus Lupus

DZ Deathrays, “Reflective Skull”

I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating - make some friends in Australia and hit ’em up for music recommendations. You can’t miss! This is from a different friend than the last time I mentioned this particular life hack, that’s how I know that it just works generally.

Circus Lupus, “Cyclone Billy”

Delightful post-hardcore here from the first Circus Lupus record. They would only get better on their second album, but both are excellent if you’re into the sound.

Circus Lupus, “Pop Man”

Post hardcore band Circus Lupus put out two albums in the early nineties, and I probably don’t have to mention that this is a Discord album. The most obvious feature is Chris Thomson’s rambling, half-shouted/half-sung lyrics, but looking past him, Arika Casebolt on the drums is the real highlight. Of the two albums, my favorite is this one, Solid Brass.

The Austerity Program, “Song 17B”

I’ll say, it’s a very good bit to have all the tracks on your album named either “Song N” or “Untitled”.

Good stuff today!

Devo, “Uncontrollable Urge”

The first track from the first album, here’s how Devo first planted their flag. And listen to how sharp they sounded right out of the gate! My god, this is such a tight song. For people of my age, who really only knew Devo as the weirdos who did “Whip It”, discovering that they had such great songs in their past was a real shock.

Happy birthday to my oldest! 10 years! Mind blowing. Let’s see what shuffle pulls up to celebrate!

Arsonists, “Backdraft”

One of the things to like about the Arsonists is the way MCs are coming into and out of this song, weaving their verses. I love that kind of thing.

The Adjusters, “It’s Like That”

A soul/ska act out of Chicago, the Adjusters were lumped in with the rest of the third-wave, which was a little bit of a mischaracterization. They were probably more reggae than ska, for starters. For second, the soul side of the band was substantial, and probably more of their songs would be soul songs than ska or reggae. When they were on, they were amazing, particularly when Joan Axthelm and Jessica Basta were doing the lead vocals. They also stood out for having an explicit political view for their music, as avowed socialists. This song comes from their third album, Otis Redding Will Save America, but I think their second album (Before the Revolution) is their best.