Hey, here’s a 7″ that I did with one of my previous projects.  Monsters From Mars is a surf/garage band that I started with my friend Scott in San Diego, CA way back in 2001.  Lots of tremolo picking and reverb.  On the B side we cover the Britney Spear song, Toxic, and the Joe Meek classic, Telstar.  We recorded this all analog on Scott’s Fostex reel-to-reel, but then I ended up mixing it digitally.  Still, straight to tape has a nice sound, especially what it does the to cymbals.

1. Escape From Castle Wolfenstein
2. Driving the Monkey to the Airport
3. Toxic
4. Telstar

Download: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?stsblrblz5nb9ot

If you want to own a vinyl copy, or simply believe in supporting music that you appreciate, then email scott william jones at gmail dot com and he’ll send you a copy for $4 + shipping.

I’m posting a series about my favorite albums that have come out since 2005.

Cryptacize – Mythomania (2009)

Minimalist experimental pop. Very adorable. The guitarist was in Deerhoof. I’m enjoying how developed their musical vision is. Saw them play in Austin and they were absolutely phenominal. Their songwriting doesn’t rely on studio trickery for its interestingness. At moments the singing reminds me of April March’s Triggers album. Anyways, this is one of the most interesting albums of the last five years.

I’m posting a series about my favorite albums that have come out since 2005.

Chad VanGaalen – Soft Airplane (2008)

On first listen he’s a Neil Young protege. But the more you listen the more you hear his character stand out — the bizarre and creepy lyrics, the experimentation and production, and his lo-fi pop sensibility. Some moments even feel like they could belong on the Women self-titled (which he produced, and who are his backing live band).

I’m posting a series about my favorite albums that have come out since 2005.

Women self-titled (2008)

Noisey. Experimental. Varied. The stand-out track, Black Rice, is reminescent of a lo-fi Pet Sounds. Some of the tracks are amient, some mathy, some acoustic. The whole listening experience is pleasurable. This is one of my favorite albums of the last five years.

I’m posting a series about my favorite albums that have come out since 2005.

Pangea – OUTTA YER SHELL into my mouth (2008)

DIY pop group from Los Angeles. This is a homemade EP of lo-fi pop gems. Casio, guitar, bass, drums, vocals. Catchy choruses. I love this band.

I’m posting a series about my favorite albums that have come out since 2005.

Da Bears – Classics Never Die (2008)

In James Rabbit we went on tour with these guys. It was a really good time. Upbeat indie pop. Amazed by the writing and musicianship on this album. Ryan recorded it on his computer, but you’d never know it wasn’t a studio from listening to it.

I’m posting a series about my favorite albums that have come out since 2005.

Paavoharju – Laulu Laakson Kukista (2008)

Ascetic christian collective from Finland (can you believe that exists?) makes some really pretty ambient electronic / folk music.

I’m posting a series about my favorite albums that have come out since 2005.

Lake – Oh, The Places We’ll Go (2008)

They started out as a Fleetwood Mac cover band, which shows through on their own material. The rock is soft and smooth.

I’m regretting posting a series about my favorite albums that have come out since 2005, as this takes way too much effort.

The Pharmacy – Choose Yr Own Adventure (2008)

Hands down one of the best albums of the last five years. Epic psychedelic pop punk. Piano, harpsichord, violas, cellos, ooo ooo’s, synths, wailing guitar solos, catchy sing-a-long choruses. They’ve been on nearly non-stop DIY tours since they started, which was maybe in 2004 or 2005, I’m not sure. The same label that put out the Monsters From Mars Toxic 7″ put out their first 7″ as well and I’ve been the hugest fan since. They put on an amazingly intense show as a three-piece — some of the best shows I’ve been to.