Rocket Records

Mike Gordon (Phish) - Overstep (2014) {ATO Records}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 335 Mb
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© 2014 ATO Records / Megaplum | ATO0227
Rock / Roots Rock / Alternative Rock / Progressive Folk

Here's the thing. Mike Gordon is the bass player from Phish. Even though he is also a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, filmmaker, and a whole lot of other things, and has several solo albums and other projects under his belt, the frame of reference for Gordon is always going to be Phish, in the same way that whatever Ringo Starr does is always backlit by the fact that he was the drummer for the Beatles. Helping this perception along, though, is Gordon's penchant for mixing the same elements into his solo albums as Phish always did, crafting songs that ride on thick grooves, always shifting and expanding, full of space and turns, and lyrics as whimsical and fleeting as rainbow smoke.

Superchunk - I Hate Music (2013) {Merge Records MRG480}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 291 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 91 Mb
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© 2013 Merge Records | MRG480
Rock / Alternative / Indie Rock

After returning to the scene with the glorious Majesty Shredding album in 2010, Superchunk could have packed it in, again secure in the knowledge that they had made one last power punk noise classic. The album's focus may have been on thoughts and issues relevant to old-timers, but the music was ferocious enough to blow away even the most energetic young band of whippersnappers. Since they didn't give up and did indeed release another album in 2013, I Hate Music, the question is, did they need to? Did they have more to say? Could they maintain the high level of crackling energy and keep the intensity flowing? The answer is a resounding yes, yes, and yes.

Various Artists - Boppin' By The Bayou: Rock Me, Mama! (2015) {Ace Records CDCHD 1443}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 258 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 153 Mb
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© 2015 Ace Records | CDCHD 1443
Rock & Roll / Rockabilly / Cajun / North American Traditions / Zydeco

Time to roll up the carpet and put on your dancing shoes – 28 killer-diller Louisiana tracks. The eleventh CD in the “By The Bayou” contains some real skirt-swirlers, with a couple of slower numbers slipped in to break up the tempo. In keeping with the other “Boppin’” discs in this series, we have included some pure rockabilly and Cajun tracks alongside the swamp rockers.

The Monks - Black Monk Time (1966) {Light In The Attic Records LITA042 rel 2009} (Remastered & Expanded)
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 291 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 111 Mb
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© 1966, 2009 Polydor / Light In The Attic Records | LITA 042
Rock / Psychedelic Rock / Garage Rock / Proto-Punk / Experimental Rock

The one astounding studio album of proto punk/abrasive psych genius from the Monks – a true masterpiece if their ever was one, a record that's been ripped off by myriad more famous groups in both the mainstream and rock underground of the past 40 years! The group's status as discharged G.I.'s informs some of spewed vitriol, but beyond that there's little connection to any trends or scenes, the Monks are true originals in a world of imitators, and that adds a layer of excitement to an already mind blowing listen.

"Honky Château" is the fifth studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1972. In 2003, the album was ranked number 357 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

A very cool, very unusual set from late 70s Finland - a keyboard-heavy batch of electronic pop that feels much more like UK work from a few years later - which might make T.T. Oksala way ahead of his time! T.T. plays a range of keyboards and guitar on the record, augmented by bass and drums - and most numbers have this tight, tuneful approach - but one that still allows for plenty of experimental elements too - almost a fusing of earlier prog with an 80s electro pop mode - with all the best bits still left in the middle! Lyrics are in English, which furthers the appeal of the set - and the whole thing almost feels like some of those obscure 80s records reissued recently by Medical Records.