BABYSHAMBLES - "SHOTTER'S NATION"

Babyshambles is the current project of UK tabloid fodder Pete Doherty. When his breakthrough band, The Libertines, began to dissolve in 2004 (thanks in large part to Pete's erratic antics and increased drug use) he turned his focus to his new project Babyshambles. Since Doherty was 1/2 of the creative force behind The Libs, it's not a stretch that this music carries the same dirty rock n roll swagger that his old band did. This record is still ramshackle, but a lot more focused than the band's 2005 debut.

FREEZEPOP - "FUTUREFUTUREFUTUREPERFECT"

Freezepop is a Boston electro-pop band with their 3rd record out. With the female vocals, you might think of Ladytron or Chicks On Speed, but this stuff is definitely more minimalist and 80's influenced than those two groups. You might recognize the first track "Less Talk More Rokk" as the "keytar" song featured on "Guitar Hero II", and I get a kick out of the tune "Pop Music Is Not A Crime"...in which the words in the hook go "Pop music, is not a crime..pop music, dancing to my stupid rhymes".

THE BLAKES - "THE BLAKES"

Ok, here's one that I literally just pulled out of my pile of new music mail and listened to this afternoon, and I really dig it. They're a Seattle 3-piece, churning out 60's Brit/garage/punk. I can really hear similarities to early Stones, or Johnathan Richman, and perhaps even the Kinks. I'm liking this one. Check them out this Thursday (Nov. 29th) at Darkroom! I'll be there.