When ashes of Arizona’s The Format were blown up north to a clear LAKE near Washington’s Puget Sound, Baby Island was born. They’re a power pop trio with a tinge of sadness and dreamy sincerity, and quite possibly the perfect party band for that party among good friends where denizens want to groove but also want to be introspective, having the lyrics ask them, “What’s your place in the world?” Fans of The Feelies, Chris Cohen or Cleaners from Venus will immediately understand Baby Island’s blending of well-crafted pop and soft mournful vocals, as well as their crystal clear, yet surrealist production.
You may not recognize Sam Means' name but chances are you're familiar with his work. From 2001 until 2008 Means was one half of the celebrated Arizona indie-pop act The Format alongside Nate Ruess (who later went on to form the Grammy Award-winning act, fun.). After The Format called it quits, Means put his focus on starting a family and creating a band merch company however he never stopped thinking about continuing to make his own music.. [READ MORE]
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The Special Goodness’ Land Air Sea has existed in many versions, from makeshift CD-R copies to a limited pressing on the small NOS label, and, eventually, an official release by Epitaph Records in 2004. But the power pop gem from Pat Wilson of Weezer and drummer Atom Willard (Rocket From the Crypt, Plosivs, Against Me!) has never existed on vinyl. Not until now. On July 15, Land Air Sea drops on high-quality red-colored wax from Hello Records in partnership with Epitaph, featuring all-new artwork and limited to only 1,000 copies.
that dog. was founded in Los Angeles by Anna Waronker (lead vox, guitar),Tony Maxwell (drums) and sisters Rachel Haden (bass, vox) and Petra Haden (violin, vox). Totally Crushed Outtakes were recorded in 1995 by Tom Grimley at Poop Alley in Los Angeles, CA. These were the first recordings of “Ms. Wrong,”
“Silently,” and “One Summer Night” and have never before been released. The band ended up re-recording these songs for the album Totally Crushed Out.
“Silently” was initially recorded as an acoustic song with banjo and pedal steel guitar. Label mate and frequent touring and recording buddy Beck played the banjo. Ironic intrigue alert: unbeknownst to Beck, Anna wrote this song about him! Childhood friend of Tony and Anna and frequent Beck guitarist Smokey Hormel played the pedal steel guitar. Also recorded during those sessions was the final track “Punk Rock Lobster,” which features a guest appearance by Benett Rogers and captures the behind-the-scenes fun that dog. had recording with Grimley at his studio/loft. Make sure to listen for added background ambience courtesy of the noisy car repair shop next door.
