I am going to post a quick “album of the month” blurb about albums that I think are worth checking out. I imagine that I will usually do it later in the month, to give other albums a chance… but since I can’t see liking anything more than this, I am posting it now. It is Interpol’s “Our Love to Admire.” It is my favorite Interpol album and what I like is the atmosphere and energy they create. There are many layers to the sound.

I also want to mention one I would have picked last month, which is Tomahawk’s “Anonymous.” These are Native American songs by unnamed composers that are reinterpreted. There are chants and spooky parts (thanks to Mike Patton) and a tribal feel throughout. This is a lot different than their previous heavy-rock albums.

Small Brown Bike is playing a couple benefit shows in September for our friend who has been battling Leukemia since February. So now after months in the hospital, intensive chemotherapy, and a bone marrow transplant, he’s ready to get back on his feet and we want to do what we can to help. I will be playing drums along with Jeff and we are very excited. So please visit smallbrownbike.com and jimlough.com for more details and donations!

It’s been a year already since my last post. I want to start doing this more, like a couple times a month… so here it goes. LaSalle had a show on both Friday and Saturday and we had a good time. The first was at the Albion College coffee house. There wasn’t many people, but it is refreshing playing our new songs anyways. Saturday had a fair amount of people and it was really nice to see the Great Sea Serpents (pictured) and their new songs. Sometimes they sound like sailor-viking-pirate sing-a-longs and I love it. Wildcatting was the other band who can really rip it up with some interesting instrumental timing — especially the drums.

We have a couple shows this week too. We are trying to make a little money to record a bunch of new songs in June… can’t wait.

Besides band stuff, I’m looking forward to warm weather and wrapping up this school semester. I should have my BFA next year!

LaSalle’s new album is officially out on Oct. 25 from Thick Records. We’re super proud of this and can’t wait for people to hear it. You can listen to a track on my music page.