Honky - "421" CD

Featuring longtime Butthole Surfers bassist Jeff Pinkus and mixed by that same band's Paul Leary, one would assume this shares something with Texas' legendary psychedelic-drug-punk act. But Honky (this is their 5th album) brings the heavy, dirty, sludgy, stoner rock & roll, more in line with their brethren/forefathers in ZZ Top or Kyuss.

"Just A Man" should be a rock radio staple, with deep-fried, down-tuned guitar riffs and a catchy melody. It's all balls-out from there, as these guys attach thick guitars, lava lamp proto-metal grooves, and bluesy rock (as in the Southern boogie of "Handful of Nails"). Well-done sludgy, bluesy rock for the bad boys (and girls). (MVD Audio)

Honky net

Honkybook

East Bay Ray And The Killer Smiles - "self-titled" CD

Former Dead Kennedys guitarist and band (fronted by current DKs vocalist Skip Mcskipster) here team up with Butthole Surfers guitarist Paul Leary, who acts as producer. The results are strong and heavy on the punk tip, not surprisingly.

"You're Such A Fake", for example, is a punk song at heart, with hints of rockabilly and surf, courtesy of Ray's distinctive riffage. "Area 51" is a driving, up-tempo heavy attack, while "The Heart Is Something" is melodic, downtempo, and almost balladic, reminding me of Green Day. The boys will hate me for saying that, but it's true. "It's Broken" runs back to the more aggressive side, while "I'm A User" is classic-style melodic punk. This is a completely solid album, with superb production and plenty to offer for fans of classic punk rock. (MVD Audio)

East Bay Rayspace

Soulsavers - "Unbalanced Pieces" video

The latest Soulsavers album, "Broken", which features Mark Lanegan on vocals, is perhaps one of my favorite releases of the year. But it has yet to get an official, physical CD release in the United States, shamefully. Here's a vote for a real CD release here, as it would be considered a "must" for me. Anyone? Please?
Meanwhile, here's the brand new promo video, for "Unbalanced Pieces". Note that the album itself includes the participation of Dustin O'Halloran of Devics, Jason Pierce of Spiritualized, Gibby Haynes of the Butthole Surfers, Mike Patton (of too many bands and projects to list), Martyn LeNoble (Jane's Addiction, Porno For Pyros), and, of course, the inimitable Mark Lanegan. Oh, and there's a stark and haunting take on Will Oldham's classic Palace gem, "You Will Miss Me When I Burn". If that doesn't sell you, well, you're just missing out or something...