Don't Worry. Valley Lodge Won't Stop the Rock

Due to popular response, and Dave Hill, being such a gracious rocker, there's more available for download from Valley Lodge at http://www.valleylodgemusic.com from their debut cd. Valley Lodge - Every Little Thing.mp3 Valley Lodge - Hey.mp3 If you're unfamiliar with Valley Lodge, I suggest you familiarize. Valley Lodge are currently playing some of the best power pop and rock around. Previous Posts: The Rock of Uptown Sinclair Lives in Valley Lodge And in case you're wondering, that picture at the top, is what the band would call a guitar arsenal. I'm not sure how a guitar arsenal is used or how it works exactly, but I suspect it has something to do with the power of rock. I Rock Cleveland

The Raconteurs Plug Into the Rockometer

The Raconteurs are one part Jack White, one part Brendan Benson and two parts Greenhornes. I was very skeptical of this project when it was first announced. "Steady, As She Goes" is the first single off the album Broken Boy Soldiers which is due out sometime in May. Why was I skeptical? The last White Stripes album was terribly disappointing. In fact, I'll go beyond disappointing and say Jack and Meg released an album that sucked incredibly. Brendan Benson can be equal parts brilliant and equal parts blase on the same album. Finally, I've had a personal vendetta against the Greenhornes ever since I saw them open for the Yeah Yeah Yeah's at the Beachland Ballroom and witnessed a member of said band toss empty beer cans at the YYY's during their set. So, the question on my mind, and maybe on your mind, too, is whether the Raconteurs are a super group or a supersuck group? From the opening drum beat, "Steady, As She Goes," immediately made me recall the 60's British invasion and bands like the Zombies or the Troggs. All of the instrumentation is very sparse during the opening verse. It's a very simple drumbeat, the guitar and bass are succinct as well. The vocals back up the simple rock and roll approach when Jack instructs, "Find yourself a girl and settle down/Live a simple life in a quiet town/Steady as she goes." It all leads to a chorus with a vintage Jack White guitar attack backed by some sweet vintage keys. When Jack starts the second verse and says, "You're friends have shown a kink in the single life," you get that a-ha moment, yes the Kinks, this song reminds me of the Kinks, too. Steadily, the song gets little louder, Jack's vocals begin to question his own simple life decisions, and it builds to a good old fashioned freak out. When reviewing this track, I had to remind myself that Jack White did not invent the blues, he just made the blues likeable to another generation. With the Raconteurs, a similar comparison can be made, he is not inventing or reinventing the First British Invasion, he's just reintroducing listeners to another part of our rock and roll legacy. The Raconteurs - Steady, As She Goes - 7 out of 10 on the Rockometer. The Raconteurs have a website that will either frustrate you or make you laugh. Either way, you should visit at least once. If you're patient enough to make it through the apple 2e interface, you can stream "Steady, As She Goes," as well as the b-side, "Store Bought Bone." The Raconteurs Band Website iRock Cleveland I Rock Cleveland Rockometer

Welcome to Quirky Indie Rock and Pop Monday

For Monday, I have a set of three songs that can be described with any combination of the words quirky, indie, rock, or pop. I don't foresee Quirky Indie Rock and Pop Monday being a regular feature of I Rock Cleveland. I can't be bound by such constraints. However, I won't rule out another theme for next Monday. Maybe I'll do something like Scandanavian Black Death Metal Monday, or Artless New York No Wave Monday, or Wear No Pants to Work Monday. Who knows what the future will hold? I don't. I Rock Cleveland

Karl Blau

First up is Washington singer and artist, Karl Blau with "Slow Down Joe" from his first full length for K Records, Beneath Waves. I will be the first to admit that I don't know a whole lot about Karl Blau. I first heard this track on the John in the Morning Show on KEXP. I did a little research before this post and I still don't know much. Besides his debut for K Records, Karl also has a monthly music/art magazine called KELP! It has included, but is not limited to full length albums, field recordings, and ambient music. What I do know about Karl Blau, is that Slow Down Joe is a near perfect three minute indie pop gem. Karl Blau - Slow Down Joe.mp3 (link expired) KELP! I Rock Cleveland

Rogue Wave

Next up is "10:1" by the Oakland, California band Rogue Wave, fronted by Zach Rogue. Their latest album, Descended Like Vultures was released last October on Sub Pop Records. While technically their second release, this is the first cd recorded with the backing of a whole band. Rogue Wave's debut was mainly a solo effort by the forementioned songwriter. Reading press for the band you encounter such words as dreams, landscapes, and soaring skyscrapers. It's a music born of idealism and endless possibilities. Rogue Wave - 10:1.mp3 (courtesy of Sub Pop) Rogue Wave Official Band Website Rogue Wave on Sub Pop Records If you live in a city that isn't Cleveland, chances are that you'll be able to see them on tour. They have an extensive set of dates from February through March with Nada Surf. I Rock Cleveland

Machine Go Boom

Rounding out the set is "Captain Obvious" by Cleveland band Machine Go Boom. Machine Go Boom is fronted by singer/songwriter Mikey Machine. The songs range from quirky Ween-like numbers to folksy Oberstian strumming to the obscure arrangements of Modest Mouse. Captain Obvious is a sweet, quick and quirky pop number that sounds as if it was recorded on a steady diet of Mountain Dew and Pixie Stix. If that doesn't sound like a complement, I don't know what is. Machine Go Boom - Captain Obvious.mp3 You can be a friend of Machine Go Boom Machine Go Boom on Cellectible Escaltors You can see Machine Go Boom February 11th at the $2 Holler at the Beachland Ballroom along with the Homo Stupids and the Helper T-Cells. Let me do the math for you. $2 at the door means lots of extra cash for Pabst. I Rock Cleveland

Coffinberry

Local band Coffinberry have been nominated for a Cleveland Free Times Music Award in the Indie Category. I would have a hard time finding a more fitting winner. Last year, Coffinberry released the stellar e.p., From Now On Now. It was 20 minutes chock full of rock that evoked the sounds of New York luminaries such as the Strokes and Interpol. The closing track, "Seven Months Gone By," is the type of song the Strokes wish they could write. It's four minutes of fury punctuated by fierce snares and jagged guitar work that threatens to teeter out of control at any moment. Coffinberry - Seven Months Gone By.mp3 The full e.p can be downloaded at iTunes for the amazing low price of only $6.93. Coffinberry Band Website You can be Coffinberry's Friend I Rock Cleveland

The Rock of Uptown Sinclair Lives in Valley Lodge

A funny thing happened yesterday. I was writing about The Beatings, and decided to check out their links. I found a link to the Cleveland band Uptown Sinclair. I had not heard a thing from them in a long time. There was a time, earlier in this decade, when Uptown Sinclair were The Band in Cleveland. Their brand of power pop was heavy on hooks and full of energy. They had debut Cd released in 2001 that was getting great reviews (Including a flattering write up in Entertainment Weekly) and they were playing to good crowds in local clubs like the old Grog Shop. Disaapointingly, the only news on the Uptown Sinclair website was a short message stating, "Due to geographic restraints and individual personal achievements - Uptown Sinclair hasn't been playing much as a collective of late. You can still keep tabs on your favorite Uptown member with the following links below:" I used my amazing powers of deduction and saw that guitartist/vocalist Dave Hill and drummer Rob Pfeiffer were both now in a band called Valley Lodge based in NYC. Musically, Valley Lodge sound a lot like Uptown Sinclair (Which I must note is an awesome thing). It's the same irrestible rockin' power pop. I sampled the mp3's at their website and downloaded their debut CD from iTunes. Neil Young was right, "Rock and roll will never die." If you're in NYC be sure to go see the Rock and Roll Machine that is Valley Lodge and bring an extra pair of socks. They will rock your socks off and you don't want to be without socks in the middle of winter. Uptown Sinclair Band Website Valley Lodge Band Website Uptown Sinclair - Girlfriend.mp3 Uptown Sinclair - Face Down.mp3 Valley Lodge - Hanging On.mp3 Valley Lodge - All of My Loving.mp3 The music of Uptown Sinclair and Valley Lodge can be downloaded at iTunes. Related Posts: Don't Worry. Valley Lodge Won't Stop the Rock. I Rock Cleveland

You Will Be Rewarded With Beatings

Some days it seems like a thankless quest, scouring the Internet, magazines, and papers looking for a little rock. Then, there are days like today, where I found The Beatings, a band out of Boston, whose sound gets comparisons to the Pixies and Husker Du. There's not much I can say about this tune, "Brighter than Bright." When something rocks this hard, words become useless. Download this tune and you will be rewarded. The Beatings - Brighter than Bright.mp3 Official Band Website The Beatings will be touring through February and have a Cleveland date scheduled for the Beachland Ballroom on the 5th. See the bands website for other dates. Their new album Holding On To Hand Grenades is out now and avialable at Insound. I Rock Cleveland

Love is All Make Out

Don't let the name mislead you into thinking that this is a band of dirty hippies living out their 60's dreams. Love is All is an indie rock outfit out of Sweden whose debut album, Nine Times the Same Song, was annointed one of the best of 2006 before 2006 even started. I've yet to send Love is All through the Rockometer Review Machine, so I can't give a definite opinion yet. I've heard some songs that rock, and some that don't rock so much. "Make Out Fall Out Make Up" is a quick catchy pop song with layered instrumentation and just rough enough around the edges to give it some bite. It sounds a bit like a song Broken Social Scene could record if BSS were more interested in melodies and traditional song structures. Love is All - Make Out Fall Out Make Up.mp3 I Rock Cleveland

Indie Rockers in Cars

As a tribute to that sweet ride I decided to post at the top of the blog I have four songs from indie rockers that have been featured in car commercials and one song from the dead milkmen that, inexplainably, never was in a car commercial. The Polyphonic Spree - Light and Day.mp3 (link expired) Aqueduct - Hardcode Nights and Softcore Days.mp3 Pas/Cal - The Bronze Beach Boys.mp3 Brendan Benson - Tiny Spark.mp3 Dead Milkmen - Bitchin Camaro.mp3 And Brendan, I'm sorry for being that dude in the Cleveland audience who kept asking for the Saturn song. It was the Pabst talking, not me. I Rock Cleveland

The Drones - Sharkfin Blues

Way back in December, Pitchfork ran a review of the Drones cd, Wait Long by the River and Your Enemies Will Float By. I was intrigued by these Australian rockers but had the damnedest time finding any of their music anywhere on the internet or in the real world. "Sharkfin Blues," was called one of 2005's best rockers and it's impossible to argue that point. With visions of Jaws haunting my dreams, guitars bleeding into my veins, and vocals shattering my mind -- this one flat out rocks. The Drones - Sharkfin Blues.mp3 (mp3 link removed) Pitchfork CD Review I Rock Cleveland

Smashing Pumpkins Reunion Imminent?

Rumors are flying over the internet that the Smashing Pumpkins will headline day two of the Coachella festival this year. I've yet to see anything official. The Coachella website does not yet have a lineup posted. I've learned my lesson as to believing everything I see on the internet. I'll treat the Smashing Pumpkins reunion as official when I hear it from Billy's mouth, or see it at coachella.com. Until then, it's nothing more than a rumor. Coachella Festival Website I Rock Cleveland Update: The Coachella poster I saw yesterday was indeed a fake, however, I don't think these rumors will die soon.

Black Angels

I have long witnessed this phenomena within my own ears. Sometimes, I'm just not ready to hear and embrace a new band. For whatever reason, a song, band, or cd, may not grab me the first few times I hear them. I had been hearing the Black Angels on KEXP for months now. I hadn't really given them much thought. Then, just yesterday, I heard the song "Black Grease," and immediately my internal Rockometer shot off the charts. A little background on the Black Angels: They're a seven piece band that formed in Austin, TX, in 2004. One member plays what is referred to as a Drone Machine. They take their name from the Velvet Underground song, "Black Angel's Death Song," and you can hear some definite VU influences lurking in their music. In their own bio, they channel the ghosts of Timothy Leary and Nico. Black Grease is a burner of a track. It has a deep heavy riff that would make Black Rebel Motorcycle Club jealous and it's accompanied by the forementioned Drone Machine. Vocally, lead singer, Alex Maas is more akin to Frank Black than Lou Reed. This is a definite recommendation for readers who are fans of VU, BRMC, The Warlocks, or similar artists. Black Angels - Black Grease.mp3 (courtesy of Filter Magazine) The Black Angels will be appearing at SXSW this year. They also have a series of West Coast and Midwest dates following SXSW. They have a debut e.p. out now available at iTunes and Insound. A full length cd is due on April 11th. iRock Cleveland

Correction: That's the Breaks

An intrepid reader informed me this morning that I had misquoted Kurtis Blow. The corrected quote follows: "Ma bell sends you a whopping bill-that's the breaks,that's the breaks. With 18 phone calls to brazil-that's the breaks, that's the breaks." iRock Cleveland

Chinese Democrary, Or Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before

Guns N Roses will release the album Chinese Democracy in 2006. This is a new story. It is not from 2001, or 2002, or 2003, or 2004, or 2005. We will see a new G'N'R album. Axl Rose Breaks His Silence from RollingStone.com Keepin' on the Democracy kick, we can also expect in 2006: Iraqi Democracy: A fully functional democracy will be operating in Iraq without the aid of the US Government. Cuban Democracy: Citing increased pressure from the United States, Fidel Castro will introduce democratic reforms in Cuba. New Orleans Deomocracy: Mike Brown, aka Heckuva a Job Brownie, will be elected to the House of Representatives in a congressional district that includes the lower 9th ward of New Orleans. Venezuelan Democracy: Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela, will deliver a nationally televised speech, in which he will praise president George Bush as the Protector of Democracy world wide. Zimbabwean Democracy: Charles Mugabe will abdicate his position as president of Zimbabwe after admitting that reports of widespread voter fraud in the last presidential election were indeed true. A Real Chinese Democracy: A popular movement will gain momentum in China and a democratic government will overthrow the rule of Communism establishing a real Chinese Democracy. iRock Cleveland

Art Brut Formed a Band

Then I suppose they practiced a bit, recorded an album, and hit the road. They'll be in Cleveland on March 31st at the Beachland Ballroom. March: 15 - Austin, TX - The Parish (SXSW) 16 - Austin, TX 17 - Austin, TX - Emo's Annex (SXSW) 19 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour 20 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill 21 - San Francisco, CA - The Independent (Popscene) 23 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir 24 - Vancouver, BC - Richards on Richards 25 - Seattle, WA - Neumos 28 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th St Entry (early) 30 - Chicago, IL - Metro 31 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom April: 1 - Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern 2 - Montreal QC La Sala Rossa 3 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs 4 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom 5 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom 7 - Philidelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church 8 - Haverford, PA - Haverford College 9 - Washington, DC - Black Cat 10 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar 11 - Brooklyn, NY - TBA Art Brut - Formed a Band.mp3 (link expired) iRock Cleveland

These Are the Breaks. These are Brakes.

Kurtis Blow once said, "Did you get a phone bill from Ma Bell with 18 phone calls from Brazil? That's the breaks. That's the breaks." He wasn't rapping about an english band featuring a one time member from British Sea Power (Eamon Hamilton), but as I sat down to start writing about the English Brakes, I couldn't stop rapping Kurtis Blow. The pre-release news about Brakes claimed that their debut, Give Blood, was a country album. After listening to it, that was a bit of a stretch. There are a couple country tinged songs, but the rest of the album is infused with short bursts of punk rock energy. Take the song, "Cheney," for example. It's no more than 10 seconds long and goes something like, "Cheney, Cheney, Cheney don't be a d*ck." The song I've included here is "Heard About Your Band," a catchy minute and a half anti hipster anthem. Brakes - Heard About Your Band.mp3 (link expired) And since I spent so much time talking about Kurtis Blow, here's a bonus. Kurtis Blow - The Breaks (link expired) iRock Cleveland

Spoon - Sunday Morning Wednesday Night

A certain music publication, whose name shall remain nameless, but whose name rhymes with snitch pork, considers this b-side from the Sister Jack single to be nothing more that a toss away track. I tend to disagree. Disagreement is vital to democracy, especially, in the world of the rock literati. I listen to this track with its slow, droning guitar work and hushed vocals, and hear something that deserved a place on their last cd, Gimme Fiction. Spoon - Sunday Morning Wednesday Night (mp3 link expired) iRock Cleveland

New Release Schedule With Built to Spill and Mogwai Preview Tracks

Two Gallants - 2.21.06 - What the Toll Tells Arctic Monkeys - 2.21.06 - Whatever People Say I am, I'm Not Mogwai - 3.07.06 - Mr.Beast Yeah Yeah Yeahs - 3.28.06 - Show Your Bones Morrissey - 4.4.06 - Ringleader of the Tormentors Flaming Lips 4.7.06 - At War with the Mystics Built to Spill - 4.11.06 - You in Reverse Secret Machines 4.18.06 - Ten Silver Drops Mogwai - Friend of the Night (from Mr. Beast) Built to Spill - Going Against Your Mind (from You in Reverse) Related Posts: Mogwai Folk Death 95 from Mr Beast iRock Cleveland

The Teenage Prayers Are Better Than Church

I hope god doesn't carry grudges. It's been years since I've been to church on a Sunday. Perhaps I was feeling a little guilty this morning, so instead of actually going to church, I decided to give the Teenage Prayers, a rock and soul combo out of Brooklyn, a good listen. The band cites their influences as The Band, The Kinks, and Otis Redding. I also hear a little bit of the king of white soul, Jeff Buckley, in their music. After having these two tracks on repeat for a while, I now feel confident that I fulfilled my Sunday obligation. These mp3's are from the bands myspace page and can also be found on their debut full length, Ten Songs. Teenage Prayers - Annhilation.mp3 Teenage Prayers - Brown Bottle.mp3 Teenage Prayers Offical Band Website iRock Cleveland

The Constantines

I've never been able to understand why the Constantines don't get the same attention as other Canadian bands. How many bands get compared to Springsteen and the Clash in the same sentence? I can think of only one. The Constantines combine the literary working man stories of Springsteen with the aggression and attitude of the Clash. I couldn't find a better quote to describe the Constantines than this one from Magnet Magazine, ""[The Constantines] work the great miracle of rock 'n' roll: Kill it, then bring it back to life. This is important." Maybe their problem is that they're too Canadian. After all, their last album, Tournament of Hearts, was named after a women's curling competition. Sub Pop has been kind enough to provide several mp3's spanning their entire discopgrahy. The Constantines - Arizona.mp3 The Constantines - On To You.mp3 The Constantines - Soon Enough.mp3 The Constantines on Sub Pop iRock Cleveland

Okkervil River

Continuing the rootsy vibe of the last two posts, I present to you Okkervil River, fronted by Will Shelf. If you're unfamiliar with the band, the best comparison I can come up with is Wilco. Like Wilco, their sound starts with alt-country, and expands outward from there. There's an emotional and musical intensity in this music that is uncommon to most things one would try to label alt-country. In the past year they've released a cd, Black Sheep Boy, and an ep, Black Sheep Boy Appendix. These two releases follow an allegorical story arc of the black sheep boy - a twisted take on the prodigal son. I've included two of my favorites from BSB and BSB Appendix. Okkervil River - Black.mp3 Okkervil River - No Key No Plan.mp3 Okkervil River Official Band Website iRock Cleveland

Three Ohio dates for the Black Keys

Even though the Rockometer may rate the Two Gallants higher than the Black Keys, don't get the wrong impression, the Black Keys do Rock. They've announced three Ohio tour dates in February, and if you've looked at the local concert calendar lately, this is one of your few opportunities to get the rock out in the coming weeks. 2/23/06 (Thu) Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall 2/24/06 (Fri) Cincinnati, OH Bogart's 2/25/06 (Sat) Cleveland, OH Agora Theatre Black Keys - Have Love Will Travel.mp3 from Fat Possum Records Black Keys Official Band Website Fat Possum Records iRock Cleveland

Rockometer: Two Gallants - Las Cruces Jail

The Rockometer: it's mystery is only exceeded by its power. Last year I had the misfortune of buying The Throes by Two Gallants on the same day I purchased Get Behind Me Satan, by the White Stripes. I say misforune, because I ended up listening exclusively to The Throes and barely gave the White Stripes a second thought. The Two Gallants often get compared to bands like the White Stripes or the Black Keys since they are also a two-piece blues influenced band. The comparisons should stop there. This is the first single from their upcoming full length due on on Saddle Creek. The song starts off with what sounds like background music for an old western and The Two Gallants are transported to the old west for a rock and roll duel at ten paces. Without warning, they turn around, look their rivals in the eyes, and unleash an onslaught of rock and blues as no other band could. You're taken on a wild four minute ride shifting recklessly between different tempos, volumes, and intensities. Bullets fly, women cry, we witness scenes of anguish and pain. The western theme is echoed in the outro and you know there is only one band standing. A man called Jack, dressed in red, slumps to the ground. The sun sets. Las Cruces Jail registers an 8 out of 10 on the Rockometer. Many of the tracks from their next long player can be found at the Internet Archive from a live show recorded in San Francisco last February. The Two Gallants - Las Cruces Jail.mp3 The Two Gallants - Live at the Independent. iRock Cleveland I Rock Cleveland Rockometer

Loser Crew

I've heard that one a few times before. If I had a dollar for every time I walked into a bar with my mates and someone referred to us as the loser crew, I'd have a big bunch of dollars. Loser Crew, is also a new track from a band called Pablo out of Nyc. When I started this blog, I said to myself, "I'm not going to be one of those bloggers who raves about every band out of new york." I'm still not that new york hipster blogger type, but I can't avoid heaping praise on this one. This one starts with some slow accoustic strummings and eventually builds to a crescendo reminiscent of the Verve in their hey day. Pablo are currently doing have a residency at Martini Red the next two Saturdays in New York City. Offical Band Website Pablo - Loser Crew.mp3 iRock Cleveland

Proof that the Terrorists are Winning

As proof that the terrorists are winning, I give you the Cleveland concert calendar. 1.22.06 at House of Blues - Constantine, an American Idol loser 2.12.06 at House of Blues - Bo Bice, a second American Idol loser 2.22.06 at Peabody's - Jordan Knight from New Kids on the Block 3.08.06 at House of Blues - Scott Stapp of Creed iRock Cleveland

Silversun Pickups

Is it too early for a 90's revival? If I didn't know better, I would think that those are grunge influences creeping out of the Silversun Pickups. I'm not talking about the bad second or third generation grunge garbage that lingered around the mid to late 90's. This is good grungey if there's such a thing anymore. There's feeback, noise, loud/soft/loud dynamics. Whether you think it's grungy or not, it still rocks to me. Silversun Pickups - Official Band Website Silversun Pickups - Kissing Families.mp3 e.p. piekul available on iTunes. iRock Cleveland

The Flaming Lips Battle the Rockometer

The Rockometer takes on the iTunes exclusive single, "The Wand," by the Flaming Lips from their forthcoming album, At War With the Mystics, due out April 4th. It had been long rumored that At War With the Mystics was going to be different than recent Lips releases in that it was going to be a loud guitar album. Seconds into, "The Wand," you know they weren't kidding. The riff is big. The riff is monstrous. The riff is loud, fuzzy, and powerful, and if I was reviewing a riff, it would be off the Rockometer. However, I have to review the entire track, and after repeated listens, I'm still not hooked on the big riff Lips. It has this weird disco vibe and hand clap thing going on, ooh and aah backing vocals that don't really add anything, and then their trademark atmospherics buried deep in the mix. Taken as a whole, I'm a little disappointed. Maybe this one will grow on me. Maybe not. Flaming Lips - The Wand - 5 out of 10 on the Rockometer I Rock Cleveland I Rock Cleveland Rockometer

The National in 2006

2005 five was a big year for the band. There was the indie dream tour with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and the band's album, Alligator, ended up on many best of the year lists. Billboard.com had an update on the band yesterday. The National Jams with the Boss from Billboard.com 2006 promises us some east coast tour dates as well as some studio time for their next release. "All the Wine" was one of my favorite tracks from Alligator. If you're unfamiliar with the band, this is your second chance. The National - All the Wine.mp3 The National Official Band Website iRock Cleveland

Houseguest

Time for another local post. Houseguest is a five-piece band out of Akron. The band describes themselves on their website as playing "progressive pop songs engineered to provoke intense feelings of wanderlust and nautical nostalgia." Sound good? It gets better, "(Their) live performances tend to incite wholesale shirt removal among audience members." This is a band who obviously don't take themselves too seriously. I fell for the corporate sponsor trick. That link from their website took me to combos.com. However, there is nothing funny about the pop hooks in "Muted Mesa." It's the perfect song to perk you up from a cleveland winter. Houseguest - Muted Mesa.mp3 You can catch them live 2.11.05 at the Lime Spider in Akron. iRock Cleveland