The Pixies -- Doolittle

  Monolithic classic sophomore release by Indie Rock royalties The Pixies.  Their sound mixes light minimalism with total banal insanity, their soft/ loud formula, they make me think of Pere Ubu meets Sonic Youth.  But there are radio friendly hit tracks on the record as well, reminiscent of when REM was cool.  Lyrically Black Francis, better known as Frank Black, has a surreal biblical cynicism, which can hardly be outdone ...

Arthur Conley -- More Sweet Soul

  Otis Redding protege Arthur Conley, whom is primarily know for mega hit Sweet Soul Music, which is not featured on More Sweet Soul, obviously he's trying to garner attention from his only chart topper.  The album is very good, but is it up there with my prize Soul collection, not really, it has it's moments like rocksteadied Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da and bass sensation Aunt Dora's Love Soul Shack, otherwise I file it under passably OK ...

Up The Academy

  Mad magazine's soundtrack to their cult flop film Up The Academy.  The album does feature some pretty cool Punk/ New Wave hits, primarily Roadrunner by The Modern Lovers and X Offender by Blondie, but the rest of the soundtrack is a bit of a write off.

The Scientists -- Blood Red River

  Swamp Sludge luminary weirdos The Scientists.  Blood Red River is the band's first incantation of singles.  If you ever wanted to hear something that sounds like the Cramps mixed with Mudhoney, this is the album for you!  Word is once these guys hit the road, they'd get to their destination, all four member would split up for the day, and then it's left up to the club to track em' all down to play the gig.  Killer hit track Swampland should be heard by every Punk lovin' nerdo out there ... just sayin'!

Pavement -- Slanted and Enchanted

  Abstract, nerdy, noisy, catchy debut release by monolithic Indie Rock band Pavement.  These guys totally leveled the playing field.  This album solidified the meaning and sound as to what American Indie Rock actually is/ was.  There had been some records that came close but they were always too loud or too arty, Slanted and Enchanted was able to mix all the previous Indie elements into one solid sound ... that still lives on today like an archetype.

Footnote: This opinion is a toss-up between Sebadoh III ... but that might be too arty?

George Harrison -- All Things Must Pass

  I really really tried to like this one, not only because it's an ex-Beatle, but this brand of 70's style Americana is usually my bag.  All I found, on these six sides, was over the top pretentious post-hippy garbage.  Sorry George!

The Standells -- Dirty Water

  1960's Garage Punk Classic The Standells's Dirty Water.  If you're a 60's freak, you know this one, and if you wanna be a 60's freak, you've got to get this one ASAP!  These guys are mostly known for their Stones style Dirty Water, but their greatness doesn't end there, this album is filled bitchin' Psychedelic Garage Punk masterpieces ...  with a couple of cheesy covers!

Hey is that Bud Cort in the corner????