Tim Armstrong -

Five Songs, 10/3/2021

Posted on October 3, 2021 | Joshua Buergel

Destroyer, “The Way of Perpetual Roads”

This is from Thief, a pretty early album from Destroyer before they became really big. Well, by indie standards. But even from this relatively early date, the ambitious melodies and elaborate pop were certainly present. The most frequent comparison I see people make with Destroyer is Bowie, and you can certainly hear why on this tune.

Tim Armstrong, “Translator”

Tim Armstrong is of course the man behind Operation Ivy and Rancid, but on his one solo record (A Poet’s Life), he lets a different side of his music shine. Backed by the Aggrolites, he put together a very straighforward ska record that embraces his influences and goes for it. It’s a fun record, and honestly, I wish he would do more like this.

Five Songs, 12/14/2019

Posted on December 14, 2019 | Joshua Buergel

WIFE, “Salvage”

WIFE is the new band started by James Kelly, after the sublime black metal band Altar of Plagues disbanded. He clearly wanted to pursue a different direction, focusing on electronics to make his noise. It does share some of the same oppresive atmosphere of Altar of Plagues at times, and What’s Between (the only album so far) is a very interesting record.

Fountains of Wayne, “Michael and Heather At The Baggage Claim”

After three great records in a row, Fountains of Wayne put out Traffic and Weather, which on the surface seems similar, but it’s just not in the same league. The songs are shallower, they’re not as catchy, they’re not as sly. It’s just a big step down, which is a shame. The record is OK, and I do listen to it occasionally. But mostly, I do that just to check and see if my opinion has changed. It has not yet.