Bush League All Stars

I thought instead of the traditional links page, I would present a not-too-organized list of some things I like and provide links where they are available. My inspiration for this list comes from the fanzine, Beer Frame and this is my little tribute to its founder, genius, Paul Lukas.

The obvious starting point for me is bands, record labels, music related sites.

It kind of goes without saying that I like The Peachbones. But I'll say it anyway. They've got a great new record out on their own label and the disc is called Big, Ohio. Personal favourite: "Green." You can email me for information on how to obtain a copy or contact the band directly.

Another band I can recommend, though I've only seen them once, is Real California. They are a Peachbones offshoot, this time featuring the songs, singing and guitar work of Ron Copenhaver. I expect to hear more from them soon.

I'm also a big fan of The Bygones, a Columbus, Ohio rok quartet who really knock it down. When I first saw them they reminded me of Let It Bleed-era Stones but now they've added to that a little Elvis Costello and the Attractions-type sound to keep things bopping. Their initial full-length release, Circles, tastes like mashed potatoes on Sunday.

Grafton is another band I've seen and liked, also from Columbus. I don't know what it is about drummers but for me, they make or break a band. Jason is an amazing drummer (who used to play for the Bygones) and reminds me of two of my favorites, Bonham mixed in with a little chaos ala Keith Moon. Although I have not yet obtained a copy of their CD, available on Derailleur Records, I have no doubt it roks. Hard.

I just listened to Sean Woosley's new disc, Marveling At the Rings, now available on Gone + Shabby Records, and it was great. It might be The Woosley Band's finest offering to date, though it's hard to say on one listen. "Short Arm" is an instant classic though.

I'm also a fan of anything that Dave Holm does and this time around it's The Townsmen. Personnel-wise, it's the result of some cross-pollination between Ugly Stick and Bigfoot. So that can't be bad. We recently did a show together in Columbus and it feels like Dave, Jeff and Brad all have more equal influences in the direction of the band. And Ed Mann plays the bass. How can you not like them?

They aren't from around here but I still love the Assponys who seem to have hit stride the last couple of years. You can get fairly up-to-date information about them through their record label, Checkered Past.

There will be more forthcoming...still under construction.