Various Artists, Slick Black and Friends, Acoustic, 2014

Strumming for a Cause

Slick Black Records is a DIY cassette label from NYC run by Ian Pritchard of the band Poison Oak. They've got a few releases under their belt, have made some friends along the way, and have just released the Slick Black and Friends, Acoustic compilation. All donations from this compilation will be going to S.N.O.R.T. Rescue, an all-volunteer registered 501(c)3 non-profit rescue based in the Northeast. S.N.O.R.T.'s purpose is to rescue brachycephalic dogs (mostly French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, and English Bulldogs) from shelters and owners who can no longer keep them and place them into loving homes. They believe all dogs should be given a chance and a fair evaluation. Through education, training and matching dogs to the right homes, S.N.O.R.T. hope to reduce the number of brachycephalic dogs that are euthanized unnecessarily.

Slick Black and Friends, Acoustic is a great way to help a worthy cause and to support some DIYers trying to make a difference. CoolDog endorses this with a hearty WOOF!

As I dig through this comp, I can't help but hear the influence of such great lo-fi, 4 track legends such as Elliott Smith, Lou Barlow (Sebadoh), Jason Lytle (Grandaddy), and Doug Martsch (Built To Spill) mixed with raw, youthful emotion and energy. We are deep in wear it on your sleeve territory here. Young, earnest and building on their craft, these bands offer sketches and glimpses into their larger, electric selves.

Be Still Cody treads in Jason Lytle/Doug Martsch territory with "Whistle Past the Graveyard." Their name is a Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou reference, perfect for a dog rescue comp. Label head Ian Pritchard contributes a dreamy, haunting ballad in "New Jersey Turnpike." My favorite track is "Pipe Dreams" from Pull Strings who "all hate each other, we have no common interests." (their words) It reminds me of Taking Back Sunday (my words). Shout along chorus! Philly folk duo, The Elmira Branch bring me back to Elliott Smith with an inspired "Shop Rd. East," and McCalister just blast through some serious pop punked fun on "Something to Believe In."

Slick Black and Friends, Acoustic is available over at Slick Black Records' Bandcamp page as a "Name Your Price" download. But as you're deciding what number to type into that little box, remember that the compilation is raising awareness and money for a good cause.

CoolDog's Birthday Edition

Furry Friend Friday

According to the family that fostered them, CoolDog and all of his brothers and sisters came into the world on September 6th, 2012. We brought him home on November 14th.

Over the last 10 months,... ...the cooldaughters... ...have really fallen in love with him. As a matter of fact,... ...the cooldaughters... ...can't understand how we ever got by without him. He's really become... ...the cooldaughters'... ...best friend.

Happy birthday, buddy.

Big Day for Asbury Park

Dogs, Derby, Droning

The weather may not be cooperating temperature-wise, but spring is here. It's a big day (by my standards, anyway) for everyone's favorite urban outpost by the sea.

Ever since adding CoolDog to the fold, I've been waiting to take him drinking with me in Asbury Park for the Wonder Bar's "Yappy Hour." That goes from 1-7 today. At 6, the doors open at Convention Hall for the Jersey Shore Roller Girls' season opener (and season finale?); and tonight, the Saint is hosting Black Sabbath tribute band, Black Reign. I hope to head over there in time to catch openers and Little Dickman Records artists, Wreaths, and their droning, psychedelic, "dream punk."

All of this depends, of course, on what CoolMom has planned for us this evening; but I'm gonna do my best to work in some of it.

For one day, at least, we can all try to forget about the Madison Marquette / City of Asbury silliness and just look forward to a great comeback summer for the Shore.

Playlist for the Dog

We Got a Dog

I finally relented.  Now, I guess, our family is complete.  We've added CoolDog to the fold.  He's a lab / beagle mix.  The kids love him.

I think he's pretty okay, too.

Here's a short playlist to welcome the little guy.