VHOL, "The Tomb"
The new band of guitar genius John Cobbett (Hammers of Misfortune and Ludicra, who we haven't hit yet), and featuring various other veterans of the underground metal scene, Vhol came storming out of the gates with their self-titled release in 2013, which might have been my favorite record that year (except whatever I'm forgetting about). Their follow-up, Deeper than Sky, came out a couple years later and didn't skip a beat. Usually sounding like something close to thrash, but with drums that sound a lot like hardcore punk, there's something really elemental about this music that just makes me want to break stuff. Anyway, both records are amazing, and it just now occurred to me that we're about due for a new one.
They Might Be Giants, "Rabid Child (Live)"
They Might Be Giants released a recording of them playing their entire first album live as a special bonus to members of their fan club one year. Some of this stuff has held up pretty well, and it's nice to have a good quality recording of it played with a full band.
(NB: This video isn't the same audio recording I have, but it IS the same show, judging from the banter.)
Silkworm, "Enough is Enough"
From In The West, the first album I heard from them. This song takes a bit to get going, but you can hear what got me excited about them. I'm a sucker for these kinds of slow burning songs.
Childish Gambino, "Terrified"
Donald Glover took his rap name from a Wu Tang Clan name generator. He's also someone who became famous as an actor before he was known as a musician. These would seem to indicate a novelty, someone who maybe isn't that good. But no, I really like his stuff a lot. Especially the album this comes from, "Awaken, My Love!". I mean, listen to this song.
They Might Be Giants, "Careful What You Pack"
From The Else, a full 21 years after the album above, which gives you a little bit of an idea of how their writing has changed. I like this album a fair bit, although it didn't seem to get much attention.