Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Your 33 Black Angels - Lonely Street (LP, no label)



Your 33 Black Angels (or Y33BA for short, not to be confused with The Black Angels), are one of those bands that should be famous, but aren't. And that's a good thing.

I found out about these guys late last year. I ordered their self-released, limited-edition debut album online (only 250 pressed, mine's #152), and was hooked immediately. The hand printed, silk-screened cover (no two are alike) is a work of art as well.

Y33BA have brilliant wry lyrics coupled with lo-fi sound and a DIY garage rock recording. Y33BA's lead singer Josh Westfal sounds remarkably like Lou Reed. However, Y33BA are not about emulating the Velvet Underground. Their sound is distinctly unique, from the gorgeous, jangly "Town and Country" to the unbelieveably catchy "Psycho On Your Side". Not to forget a song about a girl named Sue.

Y33BA also caught the attention of Rolling Stone Senior Editor David Fricke, and he named them one of Fricke's Picks. These guys are going to be real big real soon, so get them while you still can.

Y33BA have also released their second album, Tales of My Pop Rock Love Life, which is sure to be as much of a stunner. Pick up your copy at the Y33BA website. I'm waiting for mine to arrive.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

pretty cover.