Melvins, "Holy Barbarian"
This all has gone on long enough that I can't really be certain any more which albums and songs I've talked about, so I'm just going to assume y'all can't remember either. This comes from the great Freak Puke album, where the Melvins (calling themselves "Melvins Lite") made an album with Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle) on bass. Upright bass. The texture that he provides with all the variety of sounds he cranks out makes for one of the most unique albums in the Melvins' very long discography, and I highly, highly recommend it.
Quicksand, "Fazer"
Maybe the most Dischord-y band to never record for Dischord, Quicksand played post-hardcore very much in the Fugazi vein, or maybe more accurately in the At The Drive In vein. It's good stuff. They put out two excellent records, then disappeared, and then reappeared 22 years later to put out an album I haven't listened to yet.
Hammers of Misfortune, "Days of '49"
Sounding like what a van mural would if you could play it on a turntable, Hammers of Misfortune are an over-the-top metal band who decided to triple down on the theatrics and fantasy nonsense. Since they're led by the amazing John Cobbett (Vhol, Ludicra), they execute their ridiculous plan with panache. I don't always want to listen to this stuff, but when I do, they hit the spot.
Farside, "Search For Ourselves"
Farside are, of course, from California. Listen to them! You knew that. Anyway, I have a soft spot for this kind of melodic punk, and it helps when the singer can really sing. This comes from their debut album, Rochambeau.
The Pogues, "Sally MacLennane"
I don't know for certain if Rum Sodomy & The Lash is the best album name ever, but I also can't immediately think of one better. The Pogues' second album was the one where they broke through, capturing their hybrid of Irish folk and punk attitude in all its majestic, ramshackle glory. With a mix of originals and traditional songs, the Pogues were a band with a clear plan, and they nailed it.