Witchcraft

A friend recently told me about Witchcraft, a relatively new (2000s) Swedish band that evokes the sound of early Black Sabbath. That wouldn't be very interesting by itself, but these guys are actually good musicians and churn out some mean riffs. If you like the early bluesier years of Black Sabbath, check 'em out.

Check Out the Noisettes

Singer Shingai Shoniwa alternates between smooth R&B and full punk screams on the Noisettes latest album, What's the Time Mr. Wolf? The band's overall sound mixes modern alternative rock with meaty classic rock riffs, and they attack the music with a punk energy. Shoniwa has been compared with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but she can also pull off a mean Grace Slick. My favorite song is Scratch Your Name.

Get down with Malkmus

I've been listening to a lot of Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks. They do sound a lot like Pavement, but Malkmus is a great songwriter. Also, I've been reading this on a daily basis: http://mustachesofthenineteenthcentury.blogspot.com/2007/10/astute-mustache-observation.html

Who has downloaded the new Radiohead album yet?

Juliette & the Licks

Just a short post to mention a band I’ve recently heard a few songs from that I like—Juliette and the Licks. The band is fronted by actress Juliette Lewis, but in this case the music is not upstaged by the personality. I would describe it as a mix of power pop and punk. Songs I’ve heard so far that I like include Hot Kiss, Sticky Honey, and Purgatory Blues.

Welcome to Cocktails and Banana Peels! Here Hermus and friends will blog about the music they've been listening to lately. Other topics will include kite flying, used fireworks, and tornado slides. Flop onto that hot pink chaise lounge over there and join us...