Arthur Loves Plastic: "Lover"

Who doesn't love plastic? And who doesn't love Bev Stanton, the ace audio manipulator behind the magic of ALP. On this hypnotic track from the CD Love or Perish, vocals are added by Francine Machetto. Enjoy.


"Lover"

Arthur Loves Plastic Pop Quiz

Bicycle Thieves: "Loser of the Year"

Probably should have posted this last year, but it's never far from fitting the moment. Met BT leader Jonathan Kaplan at Tryst for a lovely chat and instantly became a fan. The band's current lineup includes Mark Lewis (guitars), Scott Aronson (bass), and Dan Perriello (drums). From The Second Place Confession, please don't take this personally.


"Loser of the Year"

Bicycle Thieves Pop Quiz

Michael Fath: "Enchanted Castle Magic"

What is it with D.C. and great guitarists? We've got boatloads, and while some come to sad ends, fortunately, Michael Fath is still with us and playing as fabulously as ever. And Fath rates right up there with D.C.'s finest. Indeed, watching him calls to mind the phrase most associated with another D.C. musician, Duke Ellington: beyond category. All the big guitar and jazz magazines sing his praises, the Hard Rock Cafe has not one but three of his axes hanging on its walls, but the best thing is that Michael's just a cool guy to hang with. He's been playing with D.C. stalwarts the Cherry People lately and we know they've been in the studio, so here's hoping a new disc will arrive soon.

From one of Michael's 22 albums, Yesterday's Child, this tune features Andy Hamburger on drums and Chris Neubauer on bass. I think it's a great way to start the new year. Enjoy.

"Enchanted Castle Magic"

Assrockers: "Tonight We Came to Rock"

Assrockers for Xmas! These clown princes of rock provided one of the utterly transcendent Pop Quizzes. Yes, there was alcohol involved. Quite a bit, in fact, at the fabled Brickskeller.

The lineup has changed over the years, but the ass-rocking mission statement remains inviolate. On the night we found them, the pseudonymous crew included Bison Roughbottom (lead singer), Buck Longjohn (keyboards), Durt Sizemore (drums), Killer-T Roxx (guitar), Riff Rokkwell (guitar), Misty Stainz (bass). From the All Inputs CD, here's a holiday treat. Enjoy.


"Tonight We Came to Rock"


A-rockin' Pop Quiz

The Carlsonics: "Tonight We Dine On Fumes"

Where have you gone, oh, Carlsonics? The superfine quintet of Aaron Carlson (vocals), Ed Donohue (guitar), John Passmore (guitar), Mike Scutari (drums), and Nikki West (bass) left us some memorable music and performances. Here is one of them. Enjoy.


"Tonight We Dine On Fumes"

Carlsonics Pop Quiz

(The Sounds of) Kaleidoscope: "Sun Set"

I confess I didn't initially get the parenthesis thing with (The Sounds of) Kaleidoscope. But the music, boy I got that right away. Huge sound, fab sound, fun sound. Simply Damien Taylor on guitar, Douglas Baker on bass, and Alex Hacker on drums. The group has since added Mike Hirst on guitars. Enjoy.


"Sun Set"

(TSo)K Pop Quiz

Laura Burhenn: "Helicopters"

Before she made a splash as half of Georgie James, Laura Burhenn made a splash as herself, with Wanderlust, a wonderful CD of lush atmospheric pop songs. This track fits in the ear in especially comfortable fashion.

"Helicopters"