theoretically.

1. Richard Laviolette. Do yourself a favour and go to the Zunior page for his solo album, and click on “Silhouettes” to hear a snippet. I can’t find this song on the internet, so this is the best I can give you, friends. I could lock myself in a small room and listen to that song all day on repeat and come out of it alive and not needing professional help. That’s saying a lot for someone with a touch of the ADD. Richard, play more shows in Toronto. Please.

His voice gives me goosebumps everywhere.

Holy. Shit.

And then on the…. crustier side of things:

2. I Object!: straight edge band from NY. I’ve been listening to so, so many yelly thrashy hardcore bands with female vocals. Can’t get enough of that sound these days.

This really speaks to me. My inner monologue says, let’s party and talk about politics together. You can drink juice if you want, I don’t mind. I’ll do whiskey shots and gesture wildly. [Sorry straight edge band.]

Here’s an interview with the singer, Barb, on um… About.com. Okay.

A sampling of other bands in a similar vein, old and new: Anti-Product, Submission Hold, White Lung, Vapid, Human Touch, Contravene

Thanks bands, you’ve really been that boost I needed to feel inspired about music and all of its cultural and political underpinnings again, i.e. ready to go to shows and bounce my foot while earnestly staring wide-eyed at bands, nodding my head at their lyrics because they GET IT, man, they are so sharp, and then afterwards going home to write caps-locked filled blog posts about HOW IMPORTANT SHIT IS that will be read by five people.

But seriously, thanks.