It’s not breaking any new ground, but The Thermals new record is pretty damn catchy pop-punk fun. This sub-pop trio (mostly a duo for the recording) recorded this latest album in the comfort of their home with Brenden Canty (of Fugazi). The theme involves envisioning a fascist christian state…and the dream of escaping while you can. Not so hard to imagine eh?

MP3 Sample: : “Download”

iTunes: The Thermals: The Body, The Blood, The Machine

Rhino UK is releasing a two-disc CD combining two of Nico’s releases, and adding a bunch of addional outtakes demos etc. which will mostly entice collectors. Both the Marble Index and Desert Shore include music by John Cale…who is simply one of the finest musicians of our time. 1969 must have been a really interesting time to be a crazy hippy in NY. Check out this video for Nico’s haunting beautiful song “Frozen Warnings” featuring Andy and most of the fun bunch from the Factory. If you have never read Nico The End it’s a great book about the demise of a rock icon by James Young who was her keyboard player on some of her final tours.

Via Pitchfork: Nico

The name DOES beckon for attention, I mean c’mon they didn’t say “Humble Earthly Fuck”. Holy Fuck are a five piece ensemble “creating a legacy based on near stupidity”. They strive to make music that sounds like computers…without computers! Ok then, we just think they rock and are loads of fun…and they are on tour now.

MP3 Sample: : “Download”

Get yourself Holy Fucked: Holy Fuck CD

itunes: Holy Fuck