Convoluted reviews?! Not in this post! Abridged reviews, part deux. We’ll start it off with one of the best albums of the year so far.  

Chuck Ragan - Feast Or Famine (Side One Dummy)
I’ve listened to this album at least once a day since it’s release. Former Hot Water Music frontman Chuck Ragan’s first solo full-length is filled with ample amounts of grit and heart. From his Desire-era-Dylan influenced take on Rumbleseat’s “California Burritos” to the folky “Do You Pray,” the styles switch gracefully. Seriously people, this is some inspiring stuff. Tell me you don’t get goose bumps after listening to “The Grove,” and I’ll be convinced you have no blood pumping through your jaded veins.

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Tags: Album Review, Chuck Ragan, Fucked Up, News by Matthew
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Brooklyn-via-Boston-based Via Audio have posted a hilariously-awkward new music video for their song “Presents,” off their soon to be released album, “saysomethingsaysomethingsaysomething.” The group will also be playing one of the many “Revenge of the Book Eaters” benefit shows for 826, a non-profit foundation that encourages reading and education among children, founded by author David Eggers. The Boston benefit is next week on September 26th at the Berklee Center of Performing Arts and features Via Audio, Of Montreal (apparently playing an acoustic set), Dave Eggers, Mates of State, and Comedian Eugene Mirman. Catch the band in the coming weeks as they play a bunch of shows on the east coast, including some CMJ showcases. Follow after the jump for the tour dates as well as the video.

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Tags: News, via audio, video by Jason
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Philadelphia crazy-rockers Man Man are set to take over the world once again. In between tossing spoons and painting themselves with war paint, the band will be featured in the opening credits of the television show “Weeds” on October 1st, as well in a Nike commercial with, the one and only, Dwight K. Schrute from “The Office.” Since when did Nike become that cool indie-rock friend who gives you new music all the time? Anyway, Man Man will be hitting the road in the coming weeks, with a couple of smaller, lesser known bands they are taking under their wing, such as Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, The Wrens, and Modest Mouse. Here’s hoping they play some new tracks off their upcoming album, which currently has no title, release date, or any information what so ever come to think of it! Follow after the jump for the tour dates.

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Tags: Man Man, News, tour, tour dates by Jason
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Copper Lung Records have recently announced an upcoming Kid Dynamite tribute, featuring a bunch of great bands covering one of the 90’s best hardcore bands ever. The album will be called Carry The Torch: A Tribute To Kid Dynamite. There’s no release date yet as the tracklisting is still being finalized, but follow after the jump for a look at what you can expect.

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Tags: Kid Dynamite, News by Costa
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Out now on Jump Start Records, Quo Vadimus by Philadelphia’s Jena Berlin (who have taken their name from two cities where Karl Marx studied, interestingly) kinda smacks you across the face.  It’s a great post-hardcore record that, at least to me, brings to mind a great balance of the atmosphere and technicality of say, Renee Heartfelt, with raw energy you look for in young bands but only get jaded expectations instead.  I’ll admit that it took me more than one listen to fall in love with it, but I did.

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Tags: Album Review, Jena Berlin by Costa
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