Pause.

Clearly there has been a bit of a flail regarding The Album Project, and to my two readers, I apologize. Olympics and work has taken over, and in light of that, TAP will be on pause until my return in April. Fare well, my friends.

Bad Brains: Rock for Light

(Caroline, 1991)

Discovery:  See previous BB post.

Result:  This album was originally released in 1983 on PVC Records, and re-issued in '91 on Caroline.  It was their second official full length and would be their last before the first of several breakups.  This album features a number of re-recorded songs off of their debut release, but also includes a bunch of new reggae and hardcore tracks.  It packs a mean punch and is the only Bad Brains I have on my computer/iPod as all others are vinyl, so I probably listen to this one the most by default.

Stand-out Tracks: "I and I Survive", "F.V.K.", "Rock for Light"

Bad Brains: (self titled)

(ROIR, 1982)

Discovery:  Bad Brains were such an influence to so many bands and styles of music, I could not escape hearing about, and paying proper respects to, them.

Result:  An inspiring debut release from the punk/hardcore/reggae musicians who fused so many musical styles and broke boundaries in what was formerly a white-male-dominated genre of music.  This record definitely needs to spin more on my player.

Stand-out Tracks: "Sailin' On", "Banned in D.C.", "Pay to Cum"

The B-52's: (self-titled)

(Warner Bros., 1979)

Discovery:  I have no idea how I came across The B-52s, but my guess is somewhere between my phase of new-wave obsession or my friends and I being really into "Rock Lobster" in school.  In any case, this is a really fun band to listen to.

Result:  This record always puts me in the best mood!  Sometimes I feel like I'm not high enough to listen to some of these songs, but they put a smile on my face and a bounce in my step nonetheless.  And how insane is the video for "Rock Lobster"?

Stand-out Tracks: "Dance This Mess Around", "Rock Lobster", "Hero Worship"

Avengers: We Are the One

(CD Presents, 1983)

Discovery:  My discovery of the Avengers came during the phase in my life when I was obsessed with old school punk rock, including a brief study into the variety of female musicians in the scene.  Singer Penelope Houston became a bit of an icon to me, as I'm sure she inspired a host of other girls both in those formative punk rock years (1977-78) and long after.

Result:  This is a compilation of sorts, compiled by the band from recordings done over the three years of their existence.  It gives a good overview of the Avengers music, and is probably the only vinyl you'd be able to find given the rarity of any original recordings.  While there is nothing spectacular about this record, I always find it inspiring to listen to music from a time when punk rock WAS punk rock, and to pay respects where they are due to bands that influenced a movement.

Stand-out Tracks: "We Are the One", "I Believe in Me", "Corpus Christie"

Authority Zero: Andiamo

(Lava, 2004)

Discovery:  I believe I first saw this band play with Pepper when I was really into my ska/punk phase.  

Result:  I remember seeing these guys live a bunch in a short period of time, being really into this record, and then sort of leaving it/them.  I have a few friends who this time period and this type of music really resonates with, so I find myself re-visiting AZ in those situations.  It is a good album and will have a special time and place for me, just not really the kind of music I'm devoted to these days.

Stand-out Tracks: "Revolution", "Find Your Way", "Retreat"

Austin Lucas: Somebody Loves You

(Suburban Home, 2009)

Discovery: I had heard his name before, but my first true listen to Austin Lucas came from the album he did with Chuck Ragan entitled "Bristle Ridge". I enjoyed the energetic folk-punk on that release, so I picked up this latest offering from Austin Lucas.

Result: This is a good chill-out/cleaning the house record, or an excellent background to a lazy summer day or a country drive. I am not particularly committed to this album because it's a little too country for me but it is a nice change from the usual "guitar-driven alternative rock/punk" I listen to frequently.

Stand-out Tracks: "Singing Man", "Wash My Sins Away", "Go West"