Tyla & the Dogs – Bloody Hell Fire (House of 111) by Michael Toland

Bloody Hell Fire is a work of pure spirit, unpolished talent and raw heart.

The DomNicks – Hey Rock ‘N’ Roller (Off the Hip) by Michael Toland

Australian underground rock legend DOM MARIANI teams up with British punk & roll journeyman NICK SHEPPARD to form the DOMNICKS.

Ketchup Pt. 4 by Michael Toland

More quick takes on albums worthy of being more than just units in a discard pile.

Ketchup Pt. 3 by Michael Toland

Here are some quick takes on albums worthy of being more than just units in a discard pile.

Makajodama – s/t (The Laser’s Edge) by Michael Toland

There’s a pastoral atmosphere to these eight tunes, a certain deliberate pace that belies any need for frenzied musicianship.

All Time High – Friends in High Places (Small Stone) by Michael Toland

Not as pop-minded as NIRVANA, as psychedelic as SCREAMING TREES or as weird as SOUNDGARDEN, ATH nonetheless bears echoes of all three.

Priestess – Prior To the Fire (Tee Pee) by Michael Toland

On Prior To the Fire, the follow-up to its debut album Hello Master, Priestess worships the almighty riff.

Eloy – Visionary (The Laser’s Edge) by Michael Toland

One of Europe’s longest running progressive rock bands, Germany’s ELOY return after a decade-long absence with Visionary.

The Gilded Palace of Sin – You break our hearts, we’ll tear yours out (Central Control) by Michael Toland

Love TOM WAITS, NICK CAVE and JIM WHITE? Then THE GILDED PALACE OF SIN is your new favorite band.

Michael Toland’s Top Ten — January 10 by Michael Toland

10 Albums From the ‘Aughts

Rather than attempting to compile a list of the best albums of the past decade (who am I to decide such things, especially when I eschew so many of the artists, from ANIMAL COLLECTIVE to M.I.A., I’m “supposed’ to appreciate?), I decided to put together a list of albums released between 2000 and 2009 that had the most impact on me personally. This is by no means a list of every artist I discovered and fell in love with), nor is it a list of every artist who made an album that’s become a favorite. Instead these are the albums, listed alpha by artist, released in the last decade that opened my ears and my mind to new sounds, or previously undiscovered talents, or in some way have continued to influence my listening. Maybe they’ll affect readers the same way. In that spirit, I’d love to hear what aughties albums had a similar impact on you.

Kevin Barker – You & Me (Gnomonsong) by Michael Toland

Obviously enamored of the early 70s Laurel Canyon sound, Barker amiably meanders through eight easygoing melodies that will neither set your teeth on edge nor induce eargasms

Thee American Revolution – Buddha Electrostorm (Garden Gate/Elephant 6) by Michael Toland

You don’t have to look much further than the title of both band and album to assume that what THEE AMERICAN REVOLUTION offers is trippy psychedelic rock.

Michael Toland’s Top Ten — January 3 by Michael Toland

Top 10 Albums of 2009

Holy crap, was this hard. Despite the constant whining and bitching about the decline of rock and pop music, when it comes time to compose a top 10 list, it’s a struggle to keep the number down. The records making up the top half usually speak loudly enough to be obvious choices, but once I get into the nitty-gritty of the second half, I start to feel guilty about leaving off so many worthy albums. I could make a list of runners-up, but it would be a damned long document, so I’ll spare you. Just remember that the ten records listed here are by no means the only great records released this year. Ignore Billboard, American Idol and the radio and you’d be surprised how much excellent music is out there. This is some of it.

Interview: The Music Lovers Part 2 by Michael Toland

I had a tight vision of the record – despairing people in tight corners who can still find some hope. If this makes me sound naive or overly precious, I’m sorry.

Interview: The Music Lovers Part 1 by Michael Toland

My deal is that I never force anything. I might go months and not write anything, then write four or five songs in a couple of weeks. Often, melodies and words appear while I’m out walking. I never sit down and say “I’m going to write a song.”