Your 33 Black Angels - Tales of My Pop-Rock Love Life (LP, no label)

I finally received both my copies of Y33BA's latest offering, Tales of My Pop-Rock Love Life (let's call it TMPRLL for short). In the tradition of their earlier offering, Lonely Street, TMPRLL is also a limited-edition album with hand-printed silk-screened cover. TMPRLL is, however, a double album. In my view, that's a bold move for a second album, but Y33BA make this record as organic and nonindulgent as their debut.

TMPRLL can best be described as an opus, filled with musings on love, death, memory, violence and politics. Adding to the theme of memory and retrospection, guitarist and original keyboard player, Tim Mumford’s 2006 death became both an undercurrent and an inspiration for the record. With Mumford having written "Modern Marvels" and the title track before passing, TMPRLL became a creative jumping off points and, in Josh’s words, the name of the album became homage to Mumford’s "magical song".

This album thrusts Y33BA to the next level, and I for one can't wait for their next album.

I received a poster reprint of the cover with my first copy (#5/500), but I think those are sold out as my second copy (#48/500) didn't have it.

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.