This week we're discussing every album by Dazzling Killmen. While they were peers of bands like Scratch Acid and the Jesus Lizard, and worked with Steve Albini numerous times, the Killmen were impossible to compare. Equal parts noise rock, punk, and math rock, their music is ferocious, complex, and unmeasurably tight. If you're into noisy aggressive music at all, you simply must hear them. They are legends who don't get nearly enough credit.
Read MoreRemembering Steve Albini
This week we're taking some time to honor the great Steve Albini. Having already done full episodes on Big Black, Rapeman, and most recently Shellac, this time we're talking about everything Albini has worked on that's affected us over the years. Mike speaks with Alex, their history guy, Tom, as well as his brother Robert about everything Steve Albini and his incredible legacy.
Read MoreEpisode 197: Shellac
This week we're discussing every album by Shellac. After covering Big Black and Rapeman in past episodes, it was only a matter of time before we eventually got to Shellac. However, due to the unexpected and tragic loss of Steve Albini this year, this episode is bittersweet. They were a fantastic band that we're happy to dissect in detail here.
Read MoreEpisode 163: Silkworm
This week we’re discussing every album by Silkworm. Made up of core members Tim Midyett, Andy Cohen, and Michael Dahlquist, Silkworm is a band that put in the time, effort, and heart, but never quite got their due. While in the same circles as bands like Pavement in the 90s and were longtime collaborators with Steve Albini, Silkworm had a style that was entirely their own, which didn’t exactly have mainstream appeal, to say the least. However, their fan base is rabid and dedicated. Plus, Tim and Andy were kind enough to give us their insights personally.
Read MoreEpisode 142: The Jesus Lizard
This week we’re discussing every album by The Jesus Lizard. These guys are one of the wildest, most talented, and most beloved noise rock bands to ever exist. Made up of David Yow and David Wm. Sims (Scratch Acid), Duane Denison (later of Tomahawk), and Mac McNeilly, The Jesus Lizard were special, plain and simple. Tight and punishing rhythm section, strange and haunting guitar lines, and David Yow screaming, slobbering, and breathing all over the mic. Listen to them now, please.
Read MoreEpisode 121: Rapeman
This week we’re discussing every album by Rapeman. These guys were a noise rock supergroup made up of Steve Albini on guitar/vocals (Big Black, Shellac), David Wm. Sims on bass (Scratch Acid, Jesus Lizard), and Rey Washam on drums (Big Boys, Scratch Acid, Ministry). Rapeman took the buzz saw noisiness of Big Black and coupled it with one of the most incredible rhythm sections in all of rock. A power trio that sounded ten times bigger than they actually were. While they are the most obscure out of all of Steve Albini’s projects, their brutal lyrics and provocative band name landed them in trouble just as much as you’d expect.
Read MoreEpisode 93: Slint
This week we’re discussing every album by Slint. To say this band holds a place in Mike’s heart is a dangerous understatement, as you can tell by the length of this episode. Slint, from Louisville, KY, became the stuff of legend after their second and final album, Spiderland, singlehandedly invented post rock. These guys were brilliant, devastatingly talented, and one of a kind. Dig it.
Read MoreEpisode 47: Big Black
This week we discuss legendary recording engineer Steve Albini’s first band, Big Black. If you aren’t familiar with Steve Albini, let’s just say the man is as real as it comes with independent music and has recorded damn near everyone for about 20 bucks per album. Big Black paved the way for noise rock, industrial, and grunge with their ear-piercing, buzz saw guitars, drum machines, and highly controversial lyrical themes. These guys were truly special and hold up well after all these years. However, they might destroy your speakers if you play them too loud, so be careful.
Closing track: “Passing Complexion” from Atomizer (1986)
Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc
Mike’s Picks:
Songs About Fucking (1987) — Best Album
Racer X EP (1984) — Personal Favorite
Headache EP (1987) — Worst Record
Alex’s Picks:
Atomizer (1986) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Headache EP (1987) — Worst Record
Albums we discussed this episode…
Lungs EP (1982)
Bulldozer EP (1983)
Racer X EP (1984)
Atomizer (1986)
Headache EP (1987)
Songs About Fucking (1987)
Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music
Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher