Merry Christmas and other rants.

The older I get, the less excited I get over Christmas and the more excited for New Years I become. This is due to a bunch of stuff I'd rather not get into right now, but there are a few I want to tackle head on. I moonlight as a salesman in a chain store in a mall. I know what you're thinking, "Hey Divo, I thought you got a briefcase full of cash to continue with It Came from the Desert", while this may be true, I'd like to stay on my toes and keep my fingers on the pulse of society, so what better place than a mall during "The Holiday Season"?

Since this is primarily a music blog, let's start there. Retail stores and gas stations across America have reached a consensus that listening to satellite radio would be the most bland, generic, and most of all inoffensive alternative than local radio, which is supported by local businesses, and for the most part is employed by locals. I guess local radio isn't repetitive enough or maybe it's those damn commercials. Anyway, around the middle November, everyone changed their channel to SiriusXM Holly, it's the hip holiday music channel, not to be confused with the one that plays more traditional songs or Hanuka music (I know right).

Anyway, Holly may boast a large play list at first glance, but until you see that there are only 89 songs performed by many different artists, it starts to feel like the same 30 songs are on a loop. I don't know what Holly is trying to do here? Is their goal to make people who work in retail have a jolly mental breakdown or make sure that people don't tune into their station for more than 30 minutes. In contrast, Holiday 91.7 has a library of thousands upon thousands of Christmas songs spanning all eras and is commercial free. Hearing Judy Garland's version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas actually got my in the spirit to give and love and be merry rather than to kill.

Honestly SiriusXM program directors, how long did it take you guys to whip this up? You're getting paid to do this? The reason why people subscribe to satellite is that there should be better options along with excellent reception and no commercials. What happened? How come a 2000 watt college radio station in Scranton, Pennsylvania can do your job, but better? And no one is getting paid. Step it up. I don't think that anyone thinks "Oh great, Holly is back, Hell Yes." and doesn't touch their satellite receiver until December 26th. If there is that person, I would never want to hang out with them. On a side note, the Holly DJ, "Mrs. Clause" has a grand total of 6 bumpers/talk breaks. Did you know that a man in Cleveland left accidentally left a duffel bag of his years salary on a bus and some dude for the coalition for a better Cleveland found it and gave it back? I did, I heard the story twice a day for 40 days.

One more thing, I'm not the most religious guy in the world, but to me, nothing diminishes these songs more than hearing them in a store. I'm not talking about a mom and pop grocery store, I mean Wal Mart or something like that. When you're covered in a blanket of fluorescent lights pushing a germ infested cart around looking the perfect last minute gift and a Christmas song is blaring through the sound system in hopes of getting you in the spirit of the holidays and buy buy buy. Using Christmas music to make people want to buy is kinda... meh, I don't know, sacrilegious? I'm not complaining about capitalism or anything, I just think that some of that stuff is in poor taste, you're going to sell the same amount of stuff if your regular musak play list is running. And when you're finally ready to site down and listen to it at home, you;re burnt out on it, but what do they care.

Anyway, it's all over for another year so I should quit my bitching. Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all wrote Santa and wished for another exciting season of It Came from the Desert, I sure did.

Buying Guide: The gift of music (because you forgot to shop)

Like most dirtbags, you haven't gotten gifts yet. Fear not, I have your complete buying guide for those hard to please relatives that are "So hard to shop for". So tonight or tomorrow, walk into your local record store and I am certain they will have at least 10% of these titles. I like gifting music that is new and exciting for those receiving it. I'm sure your mom would love the Best of (insert 70's rock band here), but that lacks thought and discovering new music is always better than a digitally remastered singles box set of 18 songs you already know all the words to.

Since you're reading this blog, I assume you have good taste in music and you can use these at your own discretion. Otherwise, welcome to the blog and you should buy all of these albums for yourself.

Mom

There are a few types of moms out there. The ones who grew up listening to Zeppelin, Floyd, and Cream (and may have gotten backstage at one of their shows and subsequently made you). The mom who ripped a few bongloads and listened to Donovan and Jefferson Airplane. There's Soft Rock mom. Then the mom who was into Disco. Then there is the musically devoid mother. While the last two are pretty much the same, the taste among the first three are vast, but most of these albums can encompass all of the above.

The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

Masters of Reality  - Sunrise on the Sufferbus

Mark Lanegan  - Bubblegum

Beck - Sea Change

Black Mountain - Wilderness Heart

The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

Ween - White Pepper

A short list of generally unoffensive music for mom. A lot of mellow low key stuff in there, everything for Beatles-esque acoustic laid back ballads to some psych rock thumpers.

Dad

Dad needs something that he rock out to.  Classic rock radio sucks so hard that NPR has become a viable option for something to listen to while driving around. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but NPR doesn't have balls. Your Dad has balls. Whether his rock and roll was "Balls out", "Balls to the Wall", or "Free Balls", you won't go wrong with my selection for pops.

Wolfmother - Wolfmother (I suggest getting the Australian Import, the tracklist flows a lot better than the U.S. version)

Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures

Earthless - Live at Roadburn

Fatso Jetson - Cruel and Delicious

Hater - Hater

Ween - Quebec

Assuming that your Dad isn't a pussy, he'll be sure to like on of these fine selections. From solid riff rock to extended jams and some garage, giving him one of these albums will surprise and delight him.

Hipster Relative

Trevor knows all about music, what can you possibly get him? Just this past week he picked up all the rare picture disc pressings of the new No Age record and has Joanna Newsom's triple disc on a loop... somehow. But guess what? He might be into Animal Collective and think that's as trippy as it gets and there's nothing more underground than being the first person to blog about the Sleigh Bells demo, but guess what? There is more underground than underground, there's the core of the earth.

earthlings? - earthlings?

Goon Moon - Licker's Last Leg

Gorillaz - D-Sides (a B-side album which is better than all of their normal releases)

Brad Laner - Neighbor's Singing

Wellwater Conspiracy - Brotherhood of Electric: Operational Directives

Ween - Chocolate and Cheese

Show him that there's more to music than Pitchfork. Any one of those will hopefully make him see that there is a wide range of underground, independent music out there that doesn't need the acceptance of the blogosphere to be considered good.

Cool Uncle

This dude knows what's up and is open to some far out stuff. Is he into metal? Give him something that hasn't gone through the corporate meat grinder of focus groups and old guys trying to figure out what will sell. Give him something that isn't being blasted on the local loud rock station. Give him something that isn't boring.

The Atomic Bitchwax  - II

Egypt - Egypt

Colour Haze - Tempel

Gallery of Mites - Bugs on a Bluefish

Eagles of Death Metal - Death By Sexy

Kyuss - Welcome to Sky Valley

Ween -  La Cucaracha 

Any one of these great rock albums will have him thanking you well into the new year.

You

Treat yourself to something new and fresh. Since you read this blog and listen to the show, you're probably familiar with most, if not all, of the artists I suggested for your family. But now it's time to indulge and you want to check out some other cool music from bands you may not have heard of. Well you're in luck, the radio station It Came from the Desert is on is an all alternative leader in college radio. After spending 3 years there, I have been indoctrinated by music directors to absolutely love some stuff that's out there. Open up to some new tunes guys, it's not that bad.

Caribou - The Milk of Human Kindness  & Andorra

My Bloody Valentine - Loveless

Wye Oak - The Knot

Sleigh Bells - Treats

Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

Gary Wilson - You Think You Really Know Me?

Ween - The Mollusk

There you have it. If there's anything you got from this is, it's that everyone needs some Ween. Happy Holidays!

New Kyuss album... sort of.

As some of you know, Kyuss Lives (John Garcia, Brant Bjork, Nick Oliveri, and Bruno Fevery)  has been touring Europe and busting out old tunes, but there might be some new ones down the hash pipe. According to some super secret insider information I have from the WikiLeaks people, an album (or should it be called a 'new album') is in the works. Recording will start ones all the proverbial ducks are in a row with previous engagements with solo projects. Don't believe me? Believe this e-mail I received.

"The info. was leaked so I'm now allowed to announce that" Kyuss Lives" will be recording a new studio album once they've finished touring and recording their solo projects.

"Our rehearsals are going so well that we're thinking of doing another record," said John Garcia. Brant, Nick and myself have have collectively agreed that once everything is done live and we're done with our solo projects, we're going to do another record."

Props to this dude for the information. Subscribe to his channel and show love.

Episode 71 Recap: Season Finale - Top 10 Albums of 2010

Where does the time go. It was only 13 weeks ago that I weaseled my way back on to the airwaves and now it is time to take an extended break. This was a hell of a season though! A big thanks to Chris Goss and Pete Stahl for coming on the show. But the biggest thanks goes out to you guys who keep clicking on the links, watching the videos, and most of all, tuning in Sunday nights. The support I get from you guys makes every blog post, review, and interview worth it. Some people go to church on Sunday, I spend two hours closing out the weekend to the best music no one has heard of.

2010 was a decent year for music. A lot of the "old guard" posted new releases as well as new bands trying to break through into an over populated niche genre where everyone either puts their own spin on the music or tunes down 3 steps in hopes of being the heaviest band in the planet while sacrificing originality, melody, and soul.

With the death of Stonerrock.com, the community spin further into the spiral of being a web ring of dozens of blogs (mine included) and enthusiastic Europeans who get to enjoy what many people in the States cannot. With reverby, echoey, folky pretentious music over saturating music sites and alternative radio (VMFM included) It seems that heavy music won't break out anytime soon. As a matter of fact, that is ideal for those who believe that this music is "theirs" because there is nothing worse than your secret getting out. However, the hard working bands out there who need to feed babies and stuff might have a different opinon. So get the word out on your favorite bands, they'll appreciate it.

Here are my top 10 albums of 2010.

10: Brant Bjork - Gods and Goddesses

Brant Bjork returns with probably his best solo outing since Jalamanta. Super laid back and a little less monotonous and forced. This is a little breath of fresh air for those who have wanted something different from Brant. If you haven't heard this yet, give it a listen.

9: Kylesa - Spiral Shadow

If you're piss off and want to beat shit up, this is for you. Kylesa screams their way into the count down with a new sound that fans are split on. More "Hardcore" than, well, anything I've featured on the show, those who are used to growling vocals might be thrown for a loop. Great tones and production but the vocals are sooo 2003. 

8: Yawning Man - Nomadic Pursuits

The gang is back together for another trip down trippy lane. Yawning Man seems to lose itself in jam sections and thunderous reverb. Mario Lalli's bass chords are so warm you can heat your house with them. It's no Rock Formations but it'll do.

7: Masters of Reality - Pine/Cross Dover

Released in October in the states, Pine/Cross Dover is nothing new to the hardcore fans who bought the import last year, but it hit U.S. store shelves and the list this year. Not a starter Masters album but a solid release none the less. If you were a fan of Goss' acoustic tracks, adjust your eardrums and expect nothing but heavy rock and floating melodies.

6: Fatso Jetson - Archaic Volumes

It's been 8 years since the release of Cruel and Delicious but it seems that Fatso Jetson didn't take a day off. With the addition of Vince Meghrouni, Fatso Jetson is a little more Saxy but not overpoweringly jazzy. Songs like Play Dead will take you back to when heard your first Fatso album. Precision riffage never sounded so good.

5: The Sword - Warp Riders

A concept album about space and... The Elders, The Sword cleans up their tone and goes more metal than their previous releases. It's all good because the album encompasses all the facets of the band while making for a killer pump up album. Look out for The Sword, you'll be seeing a lot of them soon.

4: Valkyrie - Man of Two Visions

Or better yet "Two Men with a guitar each". The guitar harmonization is the focal point of this riff-fest. After a few listens this album stealthy made its way into my regular listening rotation. With fantastic guitar work and catchy songs, this is the dark horse of the countdown.

3: Alain Johannes - Spark

A beautiful ode to Natasha Shneider, Spark is a proverbial "Yeah... but I can do this" message from Alain to every guitarist out there today. While being a total bummer album, it sets to mood for a dreary Autumn day or when you're in depression mode. Albums don't get more personal than this, if you want to look inside Alain's soul, throw this on.

2: Black Mountain - Wilderness Heart

#2 on the countdown but #1 for best album cover, Black Mountain strays from their familiar Floydian jams to a focus on rock/blues. The harmonies and keys are all still there but the music goes in a different direction. It's all in there; from introspective acoustic bummer beats to 80's power rock, your mom, hipster cousin, and cool uncle will enjoy this album, all for different reasons.

Honorable Mentions

Slut Machine - If they get away from the Buck Cherry style vocals, you'll be hearing them quite a bit on the show.

Megachurch -  I have a soft spot in my heart for any band that has the word "Mega" in them, especially when they're a heavy trio consisting of 2 bass players. The Megachurch of Cleveland will be spreading the good word on shows to come.

Heliotropes - Out of Brooklyn, this psyche trio will be receiving more airtime next season if I can find more than three songs. Check out their EP III consisting of the 3 songs I have. Fresh psyche is always a blessing.

Olde Growth - Boston 2 piece that's so dirty and pissed you can't help but love 'em. Perfect soundtrack to a fat truck driver smoking meth on the freeway.

Porch Castle - My radio show is also a stage for shameless self promotion. Watch the video on this blog, it's the awesome looking one.

1: Torche - Songs for Singles

I love me some Torche and Songs for Singles is no exception. Expanding on their signature sludge/doom/pop formula while adding in some bits of expansive heavy jams excellent for zoning out, Songs for Singles has been played to death on my show and on my mp3 player. Torche is like an ice cream cone filled with mud and gravel and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. After taking a bite, you'll want to spit it out but the sweetness makes you want more. Torche will hopefully lead heavy music into the next decade.

Well that's it. Keep up with the blog, I'll be posting some stuff over the holiday season and early next year and stay tuned for the next season of It Came from the Desert starting Janurary 16th on VMFM 91.7.

Season Finale Tonight!

Another rip roaring season of It Came from the Desert has come to an end and what a season it has been! Not only did I get some sweet new music, but I had the amazing chance to talk to Chris Goss and Pete Stahl. I'm going to end this season with a year end count down of the best albums of 2010 along with some other house cleaning in preparation of next season (assuming there is a next season, fingers crossed [it's not like the show is doing bad, I mean c'mon this show rocks])

So I'm in the middle of setting up the count down right now. What was your favorite album this year? I'm scanning my collection for my years favorites and cracking open things I haven't gotten a chance to listen to. Will they be getting a fair shake? No. But it's my show so whatever.

Here's an internet clip.

Music Video: Porch Castle - I Hate When People Drive Down These Back Ass Roads We Walk On

Warning: Shameless self promotion. If you heard the big 12 hour show I did in May, you may have heard this song (and others). This track was a part of my solo-ish album I wrote and recorded this Spring with the help of my good buddy Mike (the dude in the video with the hat). I finally put a video together for my favorite song off of that project. So here is a little taste of what I do on my spare time besides hosting a goofy radio show. Enjoy!

Episode 70 Recap

Well folks it's the second to last show before the end of the year. I'm going to save all my thanks and what not for next week. In preparation for the last episode of 2010, I'd like to ask you what your favorite album was this year? I have some ideas on what the top albums were but nothing really came out and slapped me in the face and made me pay attention. After taking a quick glance over at my other computer screen and looking at the albums I've ripped from this year, it seems to me that Torche is an early front runner. 

But there could be that one album I haven't heard yet that will blow me away. Don't you want to blow me away? That's what I thought. So if there is anything I've missed or anything that came out early in the year that I may have straight up forgotten about, comment it.

Here's this week's playlist. Oh, and holy shit, 70 episodes!

1. The Freeks - Lost and Never Found
2. Masters Of Reality - Magical Spell
3. Colour Haze - Roses
4. Eagles Of Death Metal - Secret Plans
5. Egypt - Queen of All Time (Red Giant)
6. Yawning Man - Sand Whip *
7. Yawning Man - Blue Foam *
8. Nebula - Carpe Diem
9. Torche - Triumph Of Venus
10. Death From Above 1979 - Too Much Love
11. Wellwater Conspiracy - Sea Miner
12. Kyuss - The Law
13. Let The Night Roar - Holy War
14. Turbo Fruits - I'm Not A Lady
15. Burning Red Sun - What She Said
16. Melvins - Joan Of Arc
17. Fatso Jetson - Phil The Hole
18. Queens of the Stone Age - Everybody's Gonna Be Happy #
19. Gay Witch Abortion - Third World Limbo
20. earthlings? - Vegan Meth
21. Desert Sessions - Cowards Way Out
22. Fu Manchu - Thinkin' Out Loud

* - Artist Focus

# - Cover of the Week

The only thing that rolls harder that tonight's show...

We're getting close to wrapping up the year so there will be some house cleaning I have to do with the artist focus this week and next. This week we'll hear some new Yawning Man, apparently the album dropped sometime in the summer but no one told me, so I'll play some tracks. Next week I'll probably grab the new Whores of Tijuana and a grab bag of stuff I missed along with the top albums of the year?

Am I making some sort of list? Checking it twice? Haven't figured it out yet, but I will be taking suggestions on your favorite albums of the year! Just comment or hit me up some other way, you know the deal.

And this is great...

Roll hard my ducky friends, see you tonight!