Perhaps my favorite unknown band is Dream City Film Club, a group from London who existed during the mid to late 1990s. Fronted by Michael J. Sheehy, a man bestowed with a beautiful voice and a penchant for black humor, the band was picked up by legendary UK independent label Beggars Banquet in 1996, and released three marvelous LPs (and some singles) within the span of just over two years -- before dissolving into obscurity. Sheehy has great admiration for both Elvis and The Stooges, and this comes across in his songwriting. Other notable characteristics of his include his interest in penning songs that often deal with the underside of society, and creating songs that makes you uncertain if you want to laugh or cry when you hear them.

The sound of the band falls somewhere in between Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Bauhaus, and includes folk elements as well, particularly with the guitar performances. All three of their records are lost classics that probably sold few copies upon release. Their first eponymous album was released in 1997, and at this point the group was a four piece. “If I Die, I Die” is a highlight from the record that was also released as a single. With its somber melody and sharp, jazzy drumming, it is a good introductory song. Listen to the track and watch the macabre video here.

“Night of Nights” is a low-key number that features some folky guitar playing in addition to Sheehy’s unique voice. Lyrically, the song takes place in a car with love and death looming ever so near: “Familiar sensations in an unfamiliar place/Should be watching the road, but I’m watching your face/As you sit across my hips with your dress hitched high/Everything’s so close, I don’t care if we die/Look out world cause here we come…Just me and my girl on this night of nights.”

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A perfect example of a record that I just don't quite know what to do with

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As the Super Furry Animals tour the US for their album Hey Venus!, they've created a gem of a plan that should prevent the annoying random shouts requesting rare SFA songs throughout the set.

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On their third album, Hideout, Film School clothes their pop compositions in the same heady atmospherics and post-punk sensibilities that they’re known for, but this time out, they manage to achieve a high level of consistency.They’ve been threatening to craft an album of great psych anthems since the early 2000s, and this is it.

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Some bands just know how to rock from birth, and the Long Blondes are just such a gifted child.

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It's like a Robert Smith collaboration project with either Mogwai or Kevin Shields...

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TIG: What's better in the tour van: twinkies or trail mix?
SWELL: Twinkies — they last longer — they look fragile, but are surprisingly hearty.

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On this, his first full-length in three years, Lanegan contradicts any thought of sugary confections by combining equal parts restrained introspection, gritty blues, and reverb-laden rock.

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